Gay street rome

All roads lead to Rome – the gay ones too!

Despite Italy’s reputation as a homophobic country which indeed is true in many ways, Rome does have something to present to LGBT visitors besides its museums and cultural venues. The local scene is relatively small when compared to other capital cities, but still very vibrant and most importantly – on the rise!

 

Although homosexuality was widely practiced and accepted in ancient Rome, with records of marriages between two men (no legal value but frequently celebrated) further emphasizing Roman views of homosexuality, today’s Italy does not seem to divide the same views. In fact, Italy remains one of the few countries within the European Union that do not legally recognize same-sex couples despite the fact that several bills on civil unions or the recognition of rights to unregistered couples have been introduced into the Parliament in the past twenty years – yet none have been approved.

Be it because of the local mentality, or because the Pope force is strong even outside the walls of the Vatican City, or for other reasons – Rome doesn’t quite come block to other European capitals wh

5 Hottest Gay Bars in Rome

Rome’s association with the Vatican and ultra-conservative governments (both past and present) may not endorse it as a gay-friendly destination. But the Permanent City has arrive on a drawn-out way in recent years. 

You’ll find a thriving queer scene with plenty of gay bars in Rome’s Via di San Giovanni in Laterano — the street leading to the city’s main cathedral — just a stone’s fling from the Colosseum. The conservative provincialism of older generations is gradually giving way to cosmopolitan city-dwellers. And plenty of Vatican token shops sell ‘Hot Priest Calendars’, so let’s take their religiosity with a generous pinch of salt.  

LGBTQIA+ travellers should have no obstacle expressing themselves in public and enjoying a hassle-free holiday in Rome. And to help you get the most out of the city, we possess published this mentor to the 5 hottest gay bars in Rome. 

Best Queer Bars in Rome

101 Club

Opening hours: Daily 11 pm – 4 am (until 5 am on Fridays and Saturdays)

Address: Via Panisperna 101

Website: 101romaclub

For a raucous night of delicious debauchery, 101 Club is the place to be. First opening its door

Rome Gay Travel Guide 2025

Upcoming Events in Rome

Accommodation Tip

iQ Hotel Roma

Hotel. ****, from 150 €

Reviews, Photos & Reservation

Modern hotel in contemporary approach, situated in the center of Rome, next to the opera. Well maintained and with gym room, sauna, washer/dryer and vending machines.

@ Via Firenze 8
Rome 00184

Metro: Repubblica, Termini

About Rome and its gay life

Rome is a controversial place for gay men. Remember your male lover fantasies when you watched those movies with Roman soldiers and gladiators? See the whole earth admiring the sculptures of gorgeous men by gay artists in Rome's museums? Capital of Italy, a big, free and democratic country? Don't expect too much from all that regarding the gay scene. Be it for reasons of mentality or because of the power of the Vatican, Rome has by far not the open and colourful queer life as other capitals in Europe.

But the situation has started to alter with new generations of more open and self-confident gay men and women. This is especially evident at the big annual Pride manifestation in June and at the LGBT festivals in the summer. And, of course, there are also some g

LGBTQ travel guide: Rome

When most people ponder of Rome, they think of the religious customs and traditions most closely related to the city rather than Gay Rome explore . Despite being more conservative than many other Italian cities, Rome comprises a rich and diverse culture that includes a thriving gay scene. There has been a broad variety of same-sex attracted bars, events, and clubs popping up in and around the city recently, some of which rival the foremost gay scenes in Europe.

Gay Rome neighbourhoods

Italy as a whole is rather steady when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms. Still, despite being the capital, Rome is lagging behind a little because of its conservative and religious background. With this in intellect, consider keeping common displays of love to the bare minimum when outside of the same-sex attracted spaces in the city.

Gay Street

The first stop for many gay tourists heading to Rome will be Gay Road (otherwise known as Via di San Giovanni in Laterano). You’ll find Queer Street directly reverse the Colosseum, and although it isn’t entirely geared towards the gay scene, as the label might suggest, there are numerous widespread gay bars along this street. The bar cro