When most people think of Rome, they think of the religious customs and traditions most closely related to the city. Despite being more conservative than many other Italian cities, Rome comprises a rich and diverse culture that includes a thriving queer scene. There has been a wide variety of LGBTQ bars, events, and clubs popping up in and around the city recently, some of which rival the best LGBTQ scenes in Europe.
LGBTQ Rome neighbourhoods
Italy as a whole is rather progressive 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 mind, consider keeping public displays of affection to the bare minimum when outside of the LGBTQ spaces in the city.
Gay Street
The first stop for many LGBTQ tourists heading to Rome will be Gay Street (otherwise known as Via di San Giovanni in Laterano). You’ll find Gay Street directly opposite the Colosseum, and although it isn’t entirely geared towards the LGBTQ scene, as the name might suggest, there are numerous popular LGBTQ bars along this street. The bar crowds here tend to spill out into the streets during the festivities, giving you the added benefit of enjoying a drink in a LGBTQ-friendly environment with the beautiful backdrop of the Colosseum to make the night even better.
Trastevere
Another popular LGBTQ-friendly spot in the city is Trastevere. A hip, bohemian area, Trastevere is known for its artisan shops, innovative trattorias, and craft beer pubs. You’ll find the LGBTQ bars here are a little more upscale than the casual bars on Gay Street. The lounges here offer a cocktail bar atmosphere within walking distance from Capella Orsini, where you’ll find popular Bear Monday parties happening every week.
Ostiense
Ostiense is an up-and-coming neighbourhood in Rome that’s becoming increasingly popular with the LGBTQ community. It is best known for its architectural monuments and diverse artistic attractions but also hosts a couple of LGBTQ-friendly clubs, most notably Men2Men, a gay men-only bar. A couple of the other bars are LGBTQ-friendly but tend to draw in a mixed crowd.
Historical City Centre
Although most of the LGBTQ-friendly nightlife in Rome takes place outside of central Rome, if you’re looking to cruise the local saunas, you’ll want to hang around the historical centre. Apollion Sauna is a popular sauna located a short walk away from Gay Street. It offers an attractive Roman-style decor with the standard facilities you can expect from a bathhouse.
Europa Multiclub is another popular sauna located in the heart of the city centre. It’s currently the largest LGBTQ sauna in Italy and offers large steam rooms, a massage pool, Finnish saunas, and more. You’ll want to get an ARCO card to enter these establishments. The card will also give you added discounts at some of the cruise bars and LGBTQ venues throughout the city.
Top LGBTQ bars in Rome
Despite Rome’s conservative nature, there is no shortage of LGBTQ bars and clubs. Most of these can be found on Gay Street, but there are several other places in and around the city where you can find other queer-friendly spots. Here are some of the best choices.
Company Roma
Company Roma is possibly one of the best LGBTQ bars in Rome for travellers from the LGBTQ community. You’ll find it close to the Roma Termini Station, and it’s open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. The club is a well-known bear bar that offers upbeat dance and pop music and a friendly atmosphere.
Coming Out
How could you spend time frequenting LGBTQ bars in Rome without going to the aptly titled Coming Out bar? Coming Out has long been a popular bar for the LGBTQ community, and it’s clear from the get-go that the lads behind this bar mean business. They offer a range of well-priced cocktails and a playlist that boasts both retro and modern pop hits that’ll have you dancing late into the night. They’re open all day and offer an all-day menu, including some decadent breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes. As a starting spot, Coming Out is well worth considering.
101 Club
101 Club is a relatively new LGBTQ bar in Rome, having launched in 2021. Since its opening, it’s quickly become one of the most popular cruising spots in the city and offers a relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff providing top-tier service. 101 prides itself on being an LGBTQ-friendly environment where social and playful come together and where you can express your true self and relate to others around you. Located on Gay Street close to Termini Station, you’ll have the Colosseum as a backdrop and all-night music to keep you going.
La Conventicola degli Ultramoderni
For a truly unique experience any night of the week, you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity of the performance at La Conventicola degli Ultramoderni. Mirkaccio and Madam de Freitas offer an evening delight that includes piano and singing, as well as a wide variety of different performances by different artists. You’ll even be treated to the occasional burlesque show at La Conventicola degli Ultramoderni. Join Mirkaccio or De Freitas any night of the week for an experience you’ll never forget.
Planet Roma
Planet Roma comes alive every Saturday night for the G I AM evenings, which stands for Gorgeous I Am. Four main rooms cater to lesbian and LGBTQ crowds and include a variety of musical genres such as electro, reggae, techno, and more. Take the time out on a Saturday evening and join in on the all-night dancing affair that is GIAM at Planet Roma.
Frutta e Verdura
If you’re out and about and don’t want the night to end, there’s one place sure to keep going while most others have called it a night. Frutta e Verdura isn’t specifically LGBTQ, but it is LGBTQ-friendly and draws a crowd. The electronic sounds keep you going until almost midday, and you can spend some time in the cruise room or outside on the terrace.
LGBTQ Rome Saunas
As mentioned earlier, bars and clubs aren’t the only way to cruise Rome during the days and nights you’re there. There’s also a prolific sauna and bathhouse scene you’ll thoroughly enjoy.
Adam Sauna Roma
Adam Sauna Roma is one of the newest bathhouses in Rome. It opened towards the end of 2021 and has quickly become one of the most popular saunas in the city. There are massage rooms, Turkish baths, dark rooms, hydromassage pools, and a bar for you to enjoy.
Bananon Club
Bananon is another sought-after sauna in Rome and is both a bar/lounge and a sauna. Take time to socialize at the bar and move over to the sauna whenever you feel comfortable.
LGBTQ Rome events not to be missed
Rome Pride
If you’re planning on heading to Rome in June, make sure you get there early enough to experience Pride in Rome. Joining thousands in the march through the historical city of Rome during Pride week is an unforgettable experience. There is a wide range of parties and events during Pride Week, including concerts, film screenings, lectures, and much more. Every year during Pride in Rome, thousands of visitors line the streets to watch the parade, which passes some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Colosseum.
COX LGBTQ Party
The COX parties are well-known circuit parties that rotate between Florence, Rome and Milan throughout the year. In Rome, it takes place in a large LGBTQ club space and features thousands of LGBTQ people dancing the night away and enjoying each other’s company. The event is hailed as a must-do by many Italians.
Travel tips when in Rome
Carry cash with you to pay for your hotel city tax. This tax will be collected by the receptionist in your accommodation and often won’t be added to the hotel bill.
Save money on travel by renting a scooter or car while in the city. It’ll save you on taxis and other transport costs in the long run.
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