London has to be one of the most attractive cities in Europe for the gay visitor: a vast amount of bars, cafes, clubs, restaurants and theaters, all located in the historic centre.
The main gay area has to be Soho, just west of the West End, where all theaters are located and north of China Town. Main gay street is Old Compton Street, where many bars are located.
The gay bars with a dark touch. You can go for just a beer or cruise a little more.
Gay cruise clubs
Curious about the local gay sauna? Check here for places, their facilities and best hours to go.
Gay saunas
Best area to stay is Soho (map) , which is also the centre with many restaurants, shops, theaters and the gay bars.
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The main gay area is Soho in central London, between the main shopping streets on the one side, and the theaters at West End on the other.
The main gay street is Old Compton Street and the area surrounding it. This is a very lively area, with all sorts of bars, restaurants and coffee places.
A good place for end of afternoon or early evening drinks is Rupert Street, with a popular happy hour. Later at night young guys go to G-A-Y Bar, the masculine guys to Comptons of Soho, the fashionable to Circa.
In the past the UK had strict early closing times. That rule is gone for years, but still many places in Soho have to close early (around midnight) because of their permits.
London used to have a very large gay club scene. Property developers 'stole' a lot of the club buildings and transformed them into apartments. Fortunately there are still club nights left.
The most famous is G-A-Y at Heaven.
Museum in a former townhouse with a large collection of paintings. The museum was established in 1897. It is a national museum, so the entry is free of charge.
UK's collection of international modern and contemporary art in an enormous former power station.
London is one of the best cities in the world to get in the Christmas mood. Shops and streets are all decorated.
London is very well connected to the rest of Europe and the world. The city has 5 airports (some are quite far though). By the Eurostar train you can travel from central London to central Paris in just 2 hours. There are also direct high speed trains to Brussels and Amsterdam.
Brighton is Britain’s unapologetic seaside queen - equal parts pebble beach, political edge, and rainbow sparkle. Just an hour from London, it’s famous for its Pride, Kemptown’s buzzing gay bars, and drag that can outshine the pier lights. Rain or shine, Brighton proves camp doesn’t need perfect weather to flourish.
80 km from London
Brighton guide
The Manchester gay village makes this city a place to return to over and over again. It gets never boring.
260 km from London
Manchester guide
Brussels may be the EU’s buttoned-up capital by day, but after dark it swaps politics for parties. Around Rue du Marché au Charbon, gay bars spill onto cobbled streets, from cozy cafés to cruisey basements. Add Belgian beer, drag flair, and a Pride that punches above its weight—Brussels surprises.
320 km from London
Brussels guide
Paris is a great city for a city trip and a must see if you have never been. The city has so many beautiful old buildings, some of the most famous museums of the world and is just great to walk around.
The gay night life is concentrated in the area Le Marais, in the 3rd and 4th arrondisement. Here you find many gay bars, clubs and saunas.
340 km from London
Paris guide
Amsterdam is a beautiful historic city. The historic canals and canal houses are a must visit. Amsterdam has many world famous museums, the Red Light district and much more. The gay night-life is quite extensive for a small city as it is.
360 km from London
Amsterdam guide
