If you’re looking for the best gay bars in the world, it’s no secret that Europe is a great place to start. Inclusivity, unique events and the very best of times are what separate LGBTQ+ bars from the rest. Gay bars have been around for over 100 years in European hotspots; Germany, the UK and France in particular have a long history of gay bars and parties for the history books.
In no particular order, here are 10 recommended, infamous and popular gay bars in Europe that are worth exploring:
Panti Bar
7-8 Capel Street, Dublin, Ireland
It’s hard to find a bad bar in Dublin, but whether you’re talking regular bars or gay bars, it’s hard to deny the consistent love that everyone has for Panti Bar. As a staple in the LGBTQ+ community, Panti Bar is busy all year round, with crazy weekends and more chilled weekdays.
More than anything, Panti Bar is known for a really fun time and is infamous for a large variety of tasty and well-priced drinks. And it’s also owned by Panti Bliss, the Dublin queen of drag, so you know it’s the place to go for a great drag show or two.
Berghain
Am Wriezener Bahnhof, 10243 Berlin, Germany
Legendary, exclusive and infamous – we are hard-pressed to think of three better words to describe Berghain, and how better to describe one of the best nightclubs in the world. It’s absolutely gigantic, with a focus on great house music and endless possibilities. It’s hard enough to get in, and once you’re in, it’s hard not to get lost in the sauce and end up emerging a couple of days later.
Royal Vauxhall Tavern
372 Kennington, London, UK
Tons of events and theme nights, with enough to offer a little bit of something for everyone; RVT is an integral part of London LGBTQ+ history, and continues to provide the good times.
RAIDD Bar
23 Rue du Temple, 75004 Paris, France
You go to RAIDD for the show, stay for the music, and if you’re looking for the gay scene in Paris, you’re in the right place amongst the consistent crowds.
SchwuZ
Rollbergstraße 26, 12053 Berlin, Germany
The variety of music and the sheer size are probably why this bar is one of the most popular in the world and appeals to all types on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. If you like to dance, this is the place to go.
Club Church
Kerkstraat 52, 1017 GM, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Club Church is known for their great and crazy theme nights, with Underwear Night being a definite fan favourite.
Groupo Arena
Barcelona, Spain
Why choose one bar when you can have five? Arena Aire, Arena Madre, Arena Classic, Arena VIP and Punto are all in the same area of Barcelona and are all a part of the same Arena Group. All five of these bars have their own different flavour, and you can choose your favourite or bar hop around the area all night long.
The Molly House
26 Richmond Street, Manchester, UK
If you’re looking for something a bit different than the typical gay bar scene, this is the perfect place for great food and a cozy pub atmosphere.
Alterego
- Dessewffy u. 33, Budapest, Hungary
The best LGBTQ+ bar in Budapest is probably just what you’d expect, the gritty, trendy and industrial style of our favourite parts of Budapest with the glam, epic music and shows of our favourite gay bars anywhere.
King Kong
118 48, Mariatorget 1A, Stockholm, Sweden
There are few better places in all of Stockholm to spend a Saturday night than at King Kong. Two rooms make it easy to dabble in the Swedish tunes in between your favourite dance hits.
