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Rome is one of those cities that has a place on nearly every traveler’s bucket list. Few cities in the world mesh modern with historical in the way that Rome can and it’s a destination that doesn’t disappoint. It's a major metropolitan city and with that comes a huge population of LGBT residents that live and work in the city plus countless travelers that come to behold the eternal city. Still we have to point out that Rome is hardly a “gay” destination and the Italian capital is still highly conservative (and homophobic) and influenced by the presence of the Catholic Church taking hold in Vatican City.

You can download the Gay Rome guide for free. Just provide your email address and we’ll email you a PDF.

No, you don't come to Rome for the gay scene but since you're coming anyways, you might as well check out a few of these gay specific and gay friendly venues and attractions. And for those really looking to explore a thriving Italian gay scene, you're better off heading to Milan which has the most developed gay scene in the country – though still small compared to other destinations like London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid or Barcelona.

Rome 1

Rome is one of those cities that has so much history and sites to visit that you can never see it all. There are many nice neighborhoods in Rome to stay including Trastevere, Monti and Celio. The area near Rome’s Termini station is a bit more grungy than some neighborhoods but it’s central and much less expensive than other areas. However, Rome is quite affordable in general. There is not really any gay neighborhood in Rome but there is a small gay street (literary called “Gay Street” which opened in 2007) just beside the Colosseum where you can find a few gay bars, restaurants and hotels.

Table of Contents

1. Transportation & Airport Transfer
2. Gay Hotels in Rome
3. Sightseeing & Activities in Rome
4. Rome Gay Tours
5. Restaurants and Cafes in Rome
6. Rome Gay Bars
7. Rome Gay Clubs and Parties
8. Rome Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
9. Gay Beaches in Rome
10. Gay Events in Rome
11. Day Trips from Rome

Transportation & Airport Transfer

Rome is fairly easy to get around and you’ll find public transport with the metro, regional trains and buses. Though given all the historic and archeological sites around the city, the metro is a bit limited in the routes offered, so you may find yourself using buses or taxis more than usual. There are a few bus routes that are particularly useful for tourists depending on where you’re staying including routes 40, 60, 64, 62, and 81.

Single tickets for bus and metro cost 1.50€. Taxis are moderately priced and you’ll probably pay between than 10-20€ per ride depending on where you’re going. You can also buy a 48 or 72 hour pass which gives you public transport access plus entrance and discounts to certain sites in the city.

Rome has two different airports named Fiumicino and Ciampino. For the budget savvy, you can travel to and from Rome city center by bus using a service like Terra Vision from both Fiumicino and Ciampino. The bus goes from the airport and arrives in Rome’s central train station (called Termini). A one way ticket costs 4€ and can be purchased online or on the bus. The ride takes about an hour and buses depart every 30 minutes. For a faster arrival into Rome from Fiumicino take the Leonardo Express train for 14€. A taxi ride is a fixed price of 40€ from Fiumicino and 30€ from Ciampino and can take 45 minutes to an hour. Private transfers booked in advance will run about the same. Book Transfer →

Vatican

Gay Hotels in Rome

Luxury

First Luxury Art Hotel – with a fashionable bar and Asian rooftop restaurant, plus hot tub equipped terraces, this boutique hotel is filled with contemporary art and set in a 19th century Palazzo. Close by: Piazza del Popolo.

G-Rough – with a stylish, street-level café bar, modern and vintage decor, exposed beam ceilings and parquet floors, this hotel offers suites equipped with balconies, kitchenettes and living rooms – all housed in an amazing 17th-century building. Close by: Colosseum (2.1 km) and the Piazza Navona.

Mid Range

The Independent Hotel – get ready for a wine bar, rooftop terrace and lots of amazing amenities. Some suites in this townhouse hotel include living rooms, sitting areas and balconies. Close by: The grand Teatro dell'Opera di Roma and Termini railway station.

iQ Hotel Roma – a guest laundry, children's play area, business center, sauna, fitness room, lobby bar and breakfast buffet are just some of the amenities here. The dining room features a beautiful view of the city from its terrace. Close by: Trevi Fountain.

Hotel Art By The Spanish Steps – happy hours with varied themes and complementary breakfast buffets, suites with whirlpool tubs, premium toiletries, mini bars and more await you at this colorful, upscale hotel. Close by: Spanish Steps.

Hotel Capo D'Africa – take advantage of the exercise room, outdoor bar, rooftop terrace, seasonal cuisine, free breakfast buffet, bike rental and numerous other amenities at this stately, city-center located hotel. Close by: The Colosseum.

Budget

2nd Floor – First Floor and Second Floor are two boutique hotels near the Colosseum and right in the heart of Rome’s gay life located on Gay Street. The style of the rooms is simple yet refined and every room is comfortable and unique. They’re located right in the center of Rome and steps away from the metro and ancient history the city is known for.

Photo via 2nd Floor
Photo via 2nd Floor

Generator Hostel – beautiful wooden floors, a restaurant and relaxing bar combined with a laid-back setting in this down-to-earth hostel offer ideal hospitality. The corner building dates back to the 1850’s and is conveniently located near St. Peter's Basilica, the Pantheon and the Colosseum.

The Beehive – for the budget minded and close to the Colosseum and the Roma Termini Station. Simple amenities include a garden and lounge with seating, dining room and simple café. Rooms are unpretentious with either shared bathrooms or upgraded rooms with private baths and balconies.

Guest Houses / B&B

Lisella B&B – small, gay-owned bed and breakfast. The Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, the Roman Walls and Monumento a San Francesco d'Assisi are all easily accessed from this no-frills, but peaceful and clean budget B&B. Prices start at 50€ per night.

Ares Rooms – another gay-owned bed and breakfast. This traditional, cozy guesthouse offers attentiveness and quiet surroundings in a relaxing, clean and safe environment. Interior courtyards, St. Peter's in the Vatican, Piazza Venezia and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore are just some of the panoramic glimpses available from this 19th century building.


Apartments - misterb&b

We’ve partnered with misterb&b to help curate the most LGBT+ friendly homestays. misterb&b is not a hotel or chain, but rather a booking platform for rooms, apartments and homes and it allows you to book from gay and gay-friendly hosts around the world. They have hosts in more than 200 countries and territories with more than 1 million total listings. Understanding the gay scene is much more easily done with the help of a local and home-sharing is one of the best ways to meet someone living in the city who knows how things work, where and when are the best nights to go out, and what places to eat at and which to avoid. misterb&b is our top choice if your priority is exploring the local gay scene.

Special Offer! Sign up with misterb&b and you will receive a free $10 credit to use on your first booking!


Sightseeing & Activities in Rome

You could spend weeks in Rome visiting the numerous historical sites, museums, churches, architectural wonders, plazas and parks. But we know most people will just spend a few days in the city so we’ve narrowed down our top must-see places on any visit to Rome.

Roman Forum – one of the world's most important archaeological sites. These ruins are a tribute to a once bustling 7th century B.C. city created from nothing but marshland. Back in the days of Caesar, it once housed restaurants, taverns, shops, markets and more. Book tour →

Roman Forum 1

Colosseum – only the largest amphitheater ever, this must-see attraction is perfect for photographers and history buffs alike. Advance booking is recommended as this attraction is one of the most popular in all of Rome. Buy tickets in advance and skip the line!  Book tour →

Piazza di Spagna – located at the bottom of the Spanish Steps and one of Rome's most famous squares. Built in 1723, with 12 different flights and 137 steps, this site is the epitome of elegance and is a particular favorite of tourists and professional photographers alike. Book tour →

Vatican City – Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica are the main attractions here. Afternoon tours tend to be less crowded. Located in the Vatican Museum, the sculpture of Laocoön is a favorite of many. Also be sure to check out the Gay Vatican Tour offered by Quiiky Travel. Book tour →

vatican museums2

Trevi Fountain – is it a sculpture or is it a fountain? The answer is YES – and a celebration of water's incredible power and ever mutating existence – typical of Rome. Said to embody “the soul of the world”, the fantasy creatures and soft natural lines of this attraction are magnificent examples of Baroque art. Book tour →

Pantheon – this attraction holds the record for most imitated (copied) ancient work, architectural history's biggest brick dome, best preserved and where modern places of worship are concerned, it is undoubtedly the forerunner. According to Michelangelo, this work is not one of man, but of the angels themselves. Book tour →

pantheon 3

The Maxxi – Roman architecture and art come together to display their contemporary and bold sides in this impressive collection of spacious galleries. From the awe-inspiring design of the building to the modern works contained within, if you enjoy contemporary art, this is a must-see.

Testaccio Food Market – this is one of Rome’s oldest markets with a variety of food including wine by the liter, panini, fish, cannoli and pasta, or knickknacks, clothing, shoes (or most anything a shop-till-you-drop fanatic can imagine) – all at amazing prices. And though vendors are helpful and friendly, you may want to brush up on your Italian. Beyond the market, you can even book a guided food tour of the best Roman neighborhoods. Book tour →

Rome Gay Tours

There are tons of different tours to choose from when visiting Rome so it’s best to decide what you’d like to see and what level of service you want. Some of our favorites are listed below.

Vatican Museums Untold (Gay) History Tour – Don’t freak out…but yes, there is actually a Gay Tour of the Vatican, or the Vatican Museums, that is – even the New York Times recently wrote a story about it. Quiiky Travel recently created this ground-breaking tour giving you all the gay (and hidden) insights into the gay culture of the Vatican and the famous artists whose paintings fill its walls. Usually, regular tours don’t tell the whole history and hide some parts to the gay and lesbian travelers. The Untold History Tours are inspired to give the LGBT community a view of gay and lesbian personalities from the past, stories part of our own history, that make us more aware that we’re not the first ones and surely will not be the last ones. Book tour →

Rainbow Tour: the Secret Gay History of Rome – Take a deep dive into Rome's secret gay history during this LGBT-friendly tour with guide. Exploring on your own, you may pass the top Rome highlights but not know the gay history behind them. Through guided commentary, you'll learn little-known facts and figures about Rome's gay history. Stops include the spot where Julius Caesar was killed, the Imperial Forum, the Basilica of Santa Maria, Opium Hill, and Rome's Gay street where you'll stop at a famous gay pub. Book tour →

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Gay Tour Rome: Colosseum and the Domus Aurea – The Domus Aurea is Emperor Nero's expression of luxury and power. It was originally composed of 200 rooms, on three floors, with many golden decorations and amazing frescoes. Book tour →

Roman street food with local gay-friendly guide – Few people know that Roman cuisine is much more than Carbonara or Amatriciana. Street food is very famous as well! You can stop at corner shops or along the historical streets to taste the ‘white pizza’ with mortadella, a supplì, or fried cod fillet with a good glass of wine. Book tour →

Roma Tour by Crazy4Art App – this app was created by the guys behind Coming Out – Gay Street’s popular bar. The app includes more than 130 monuments and places of interest in Rome with 12+ hours of audio to help you explore on a self guided tour. It’s available in English, Spanish, Italian and German and works offline even when not connected to wifi. You can choose from 10 pre-selected itineraries or build a personalized route based on your time, availability and location. The app costs 5€ to download.

Eating Italy Food Tours – choose from either daylight or twilight tours to experience delicious food and amazing wines in Italy’s capital. Finding good eats in Rome isn’t always easy but these guys are experts and will show you the best hotspots not to miss. They also offer hands-on courses that teach you to prepare a traditional meal using local ingredients or an Italian wine tasting experience where you’ll learn to pair 6 Italian wines with regional cuisine. Book tour →

Restaurants and Cafes in Rome

Depending on the time of day, there are several restaurants in and around Rome worth a visit.

Photo by Michael Thuemmler via Flickr / CC BY
Photo by Michael Thuemmler via Flickr / CC BY

Antico Arco – putting a gourmet twist on well-known Italian cuisine, it serves up generous portions of favorites such as pork tenderloin, kebab and risotto in a modern but simple, silver brick-walled and elegant little location. Both the service and the food (with great attention to presentation) are impressive.

Edoardo II – a hidden gem of a restaurant with friendly and helpful service, great food and menus in various languages, making this eatery a most desirable experience for those seeking fun and unique dining.  The real icing on the cake however, is the crazy pink appearance of the restaurant, enhancing your (gay) experience.

Pizzeria Formula 1 – for reliable, basic Italian cuisine, this place can't be beat. Recommended: pizza with ‘rocket', tomato and cheese, the mushroom bruschetta, a nice house wine, and/or olive ascolane and mozzareline fritte (appetizers). A casual, enjoyable evening of traditional Roman dining.

Ristorante da Dino – delicious, homemade (stress ‘homemade') food at affordable prices in a no-frills, casual setting. Recommended: bruschetta, carbonara, veal saltinbocca and an amazing tiramisu for dessert.

La Carbonara – make reservations! The Carbonara is highly recommended (go figure) as is the restaurant's very own make of beer. If you're looking for an appetizer, the deep-fried artichoke is another favorite.

Ditirambo – authentic as they come! Superior food and service, homemade sauce and fresh ingredients are just a small part of what goes into possibly the finest dining experience you can have in Rome.

Necci dal 1924 – highly recommended at this thematic, hip and charming bar: filled croissants and tiramisu. Dine indoors or enjoy their spacious garden. It can get busy here! Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wine is available by the glass as are some enjoyable beers.

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Photo by Tom Purves via Flickr / CC BY

Gelato

Gelateria San Crispino – Fresh and all-natural. Types and flavors include meringue, sorbets, cinnamon, ginger, chocolate and more. Maybe the best gelato in Italy. A tad tricky to locate.

Gelateria de Teatro – Favorite flavors of gelato featured here include raspberry, ricotta, hazelnut, strawberry, pistachio and chocolate. If you're in the mood for something a little more fancy, the tiramisu is reportedly to die for. This is considered one of Rome’s best gelatos.

Rome Gay Bars

The only centralized gay hangout in the city is Via San Giovanni in Laterano, also known as “Gay Street.” This small stretch of gay venues is just a stone’s throw away from the Colesseum and it’s a good place to start if you want to get a feel for the gay scene in Rome. Besides the few bars located on “Gay Street”, there is really no gayborhood in Rome. The bars are spread out across the city but there are still a decent amount of options to choose from even given the conservative nature of the city.

Coming Out – probably Rome’s most popular gay bar and it’s an institution in the city. It’s open for lunch, dinner and until late for drinks and fun. Many people crowd the streets in front of this and the other Gay Street bars during the weekends and on warm nights.

My Bar – a small bar and café also located on Gay Street near the Colesseum. It’s open during the day for breakfast, lunch and dinner and stays open late until 2am for drinks. There’s a small dance floor in the back with a DJ. Quite the variety of beers on tap, super friendly staff, cozy atmosphere and even a sing-along or two if you're in the mood.

Colosseum Bar – This is one of the several gay places located on Gay Street. It has more of a café style atmosphere rather than an actual bar. Open early morning until 2am. Don't be fooled by the low-key atmosphere during the day. It's simply the calm before the storm. And with drinks served in plastic cups, feel free to take them outside for some fresh air.

Freni e Frizioni – Vintage furniture, lovely atmosphere and the perfect place for either a late night or slightly earlier in the day aperitivo (which, by the way, comes highly recommended). The buffet and drinks are reasonably priced. It can get busy, so be prepared. You’ll find a young and alternative crowd, often frequently by students. The buffet goes from 7pm – 10pm.

101 Club – a new LGBT+ bar in the heart of Rome, just steps from the Colosseum. It has nice staff in a cozy atmosphere. A membership card is required which you can get upon entering for 7€.

Company Roma – Looking for bears in Rome, look no further. This bar caters to the hirsute and their allies. A large basement bar plays disco classics most nights, but they also run cabaret nights on some and more sexually oriented ones on others. A membership card is required for entrance but they´re easily bought at the door on the night.

Rome Gay Clubs and Parties

Clubs

Muccassassina – This is a mixed but very gay party held every Friday night at a club called Qube Disco. The atmosphere is very friendly and there are 3 large and separate dance floors with different music. You’ll also find drag performances and a large dark room.

Photo via Muccassassina
Photo via Muccassassina

G I AM – This is a Saturday night gay party located at a club called Planet Rome. It takes place from October – June and is open until 5:30am.

Gloss @ L’Alibi – This is one of the only Thursday night gay parties you’ll find in Rome. They offer drag shows, go-go dancers and great DJ’s. The party starts at 11:30pm and goes until 5am.

Frutta e Verdura – This is an afterhours gay dance party that starts at 4:30am located a place called Bunker Club – a large cruising club. They have a terrace, live DJs, dance floor and a darkroom / cruising area.

Rome Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

Like many places in Italy, you may be required to have a membership card in order to enter gay cruising bars and saunas. You can purchase the membership onsite at any of the bars which costs between 8€ to 15€ depending on if it’s a one-time pass or year-long membership.

Apollion – This is a small gay sauna open every day from 2pm -11pm. They also offer massages onsite.

Adam Sauna –  a typical sauna with facilities that include a bar, lounge zone, jacuzzi, spa, pool, steam room, cruising and dark room area with private cabins. There are also massages available and it’s open 7 days a week all year. 

Gay Beaches in Rome

Il Buco – If you have a bit of extra time, you can visit the gay beach which is near Ostia – about 29 kilometers from Rome. A nice option if you want to get out of the city but probably not ideal if you’re only in town for a few days. The popular gay beach is located between Settimo Cielo and Meterranea restaurants. The name means ‘the hole'…draw your own conclusions about that one.

Gay Events in Rome

Rome Gay Pride – the gay pride in Rome takes place each June and has been going strong for more than a decade. Tens of thousands join in the streets for the march, making a statement towards the Italian government in an effort to advance LGBT rights in the country. But don’t worry – the parade still has plenty of rainbow flags and bright colors and come nightfall, you’ll find great parties throughout the weekend.

Photo via Roma Pride
Photo via Roma Pride

Summer Gay Village – this summer long event takes place from June to September. You’ll find lots of great activities and events during the 10 weeks including a Bear’s Village, Concerts, dance performances, theater and free film screenings. The venue and contact details change each year so check the website for the most updated information. This is a popular summer event and perhaps a great reason to visit Rome during its hot season. The event attracts over 200,000 visitors both gay and straight alike.

Day Trips from Rome

Tivoli – If you have a day to spare, make the short trip out to Tivoli, which is located 25 km from Rome. The main sites in Tivoli include Villa Adriana (Hadrian's Villa) and Villa D’Este. Built between 118 and 134 A.D., this was originally constructed as an elaborate summer retreat filled with pools, statues, fountains, bath houses, libraries, theaters and more. Villa D'Este is full of charm, character and gorgeously maintained grounds and has possibly the most impressive display of fountains in the world. You can get to Tivoli by either bus or train, but bus is might be more convenient as the train station in Tivoli is not in the city center. To find the bus, take Metro Line B towards Rebibbia. Get off at Ponte Mammolo where you can buy your bus ticket and take the Rome-Tivoli bus, which stops in Tivoli just outside Hadrian's Villa. The ride takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Book tour →

Naples – just an hour away by train is  Naples -a city famous for its beautiful coastline, historical buildings and as being the birthplace of pizza; once you eat pizza in Naples, no pizza will ever taste the same again. If you can squeeze it into your day, a trip to the nearby ruins of the ill-fated city of Pompeii is well-worth the time. Book tour →

Florence – a little further away to the North, but still easily reachable by high-speed train for a day trip, is the capital city of the Tuscany region in Italy. The underrated city is full of renaissance art-filled galleries and museums, towering church domes, the best ice cream in the world and lots of naked statues! The culturally rich city is also home to such wonders as the red domed Duomo Cathedral, the tombs of Michelangelo and Ponte Vecchio – a scenic multi-layered bridge filled with shops. Book tour →

Photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra via Flickr / CC BY
Photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra via Flickr / CC BY

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