London is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the world, offering a wide variety of activities and places to explore for gay travellers. Whether it is your first visit or seventh, the city holds amazing options for fun as a gay traveller. Whatever you’re interested in – culture, history, nightlife, or just enjoying the inclusive vibe – London offers something for every LGBTQ+ traveller.
Here are some fun things to do as a gay traveller in London:
1. Explore Soho (LGBTQ+ Hub)
This is usually top on everyone’s list. Soho is London’s main LGBTQ+ district, filled with vibrant bars, clubs, cafes, and cultural spots.
Some nice spots in Soho include:
- G-A-Y Bar: A popular bar known for its inclusive atmosphere and pop music.
- The Yard: A relaxed gay bar with a stunning courtyard and smooth music.
- Freedom Bar: A lively spot with cabaret performances and colour.
- Old Compton Street is the heart of the gay scene, perfect for people-watching, shopping, and enjoying a drink at outdoor cafes.
2. Catch a Drag Show or Cabaret
- The Glory: A queer pub with excellent drag shows and performances in East London.
- The RVT (Royal Vauxhall Tavern): One of London’s most iconic LGBTQ+ venues, known for its drag shows, cabaret, and themed nights.
- Admiral Duncan: An iconic gay bar in Soho known for its friendly vibe and drag entertainment.
3. Visit LGBTQ+ Landmarks
- Trafalgar Square: Home to various LGBTQ+ events, especially during Pride in London.
- Gay’s the Word: The UK’s first LGBTQ+ bookshop, located in Bloomsbury – a district in the West End of London, part of the London Borough of Camden. It has a rich history and is great for queer literature.
- Oscar Wilde’s Memorial: Pay tribute to the famed queer playwright and author with a visit to his statue at Adelaide Street.
4. Attend LGBTQ+ Events and Festivals
- Pride in London (happens in June/July): One of Europe’s biggest Pride parades, with festivities across the city, including concerts, parties, and marches.
- UK Black Pride (happens in August): Celebrating diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, this event is focused on people of colour within the queer community.
- Sink the Pink: A famous LGBTQ+ party collective known for its flamboyant events and diverse, fun atmosphere.
- Connections Party: A Black-friendly LGBTQ+ event in London, typically known for bringing together a diverse and vibrant crowd of queer individuals for a night of fun, music, and socializing. It is especially popular among the Black gay community for its inclusive atmosphere and a mix of music, including pop, house, and disco.
5. Enjoy LGBTQ+ Friendly Theatres
- London’s West End offers numerous inclusive shows:
- “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie”: A musical that explores themes of identity and LGBTQ+ culture.
- Shakespeare’s Globe: Often stages inclusive, gender-bending performances of classic plays.
6. Relax at LGBTQ+ Friendly Cafes and Restaurants
- Dalston Superstore: A trendy cafe/bar in East London known for its queer-friendly vibes, brunch, and eclectic parties.
- Balans Soho Society: A popular LGBTQ+ friendly cafe in Soho with delicious brunch and cocktails.
- Circa: A stylish gay bar near Embankment, perfect for drinks and people-watching.
7. Cruise on the Thames with LGBTQ+ Parties
- Some tour companies organize LGBTQ+-themed riverboat parties, complete with drag performances, music, and a beautiful view of London’s landmarks along the Thames.
8. Explore LGBTQ+ History
- Queer Britain Museum: Opened recently in King’s Cross, this museum is dedicated to celebrating the history and culture of LGBTQ+ people in the UK.
- LGBTQ+ Walking Tours: These tours take you around key historical spots in London and educate you on LGBTQ+ figures and milestones in the city’s past.
9. Visit LGBTQ+ Friendly Art Galleries
- Tate Modern and Tate Britain: Often showcase queer-themed exhibits and artists. These galleries are a fantastic way to explore LGBTQ+ expression through contemporary and historical art.
10. Enjoy the Nightlife in Vauxhall
- Fire: One of London’s most famous gay clubs located in Vauxhall, known for its vibrant and diverse club nights.
- Eagle London: Known for its LGBTQ+ night “Horse Meat Disco” on Sundays, a great night for dancing to disco and house music.
- Bootylicious: A well-known and iconic LGBTQ+ party in London, primarily catering to the Black and minority ethnic (BAME) LGBTQ+ community, but it’s open to everyone. It’s a long-running event celebrated for its diverse crowd, welcoming vibe, and fantastic music selection that spans R&B, hip-hop, dancehall, afrobeats, and more.
- DL Plug: A relatively new LGBTQ+ adult party in London, primarily catering to the Black and brown queer community, but it’s welcoming to everyone. It has quickly gained recognition as an inclusive, urban-focused adult-only event with a strong emphasis on music and creating a safe space for queer people of colour to express themselves.
