Gay scene in rome
Rome is iconic, bustling, shrouded in history with grand monuments, has incredible sustenance and interestingly, has a long standing history when it comes to homosexuality…
It’s quite apt that our first visit to Rome was during Rome Queer Pride!
As a gay traveller coming to Rome, it has a fair amount to offer, perhaps not as much as other large cities, but it is sure to retain you entertained nevertheless.
We spent a week in ‘gay Rome’ investigating the homosexual bars, upcoming events, the best things to carry out, top travel tips, where to eat and everything in-between to put together our Travel Guide to Gay Rome. We expect you enjoy.
Let’s get started…
Gay Rome Travel Guide: Is Rome Gay Friendly?
Italy as a whole is considered to be gay kind with an increasingly liberal attitude from the public.
Of course, there are differences throughout the country and typically you will uncover that the more touristy an area, the more accepting they are.
It is fair to say that as a touristic and bustling city, we start Rome to be very gay friendly indeed.
We encountered no problems whatsoever and during our visit experienced Rome gay pride which was well received and
All roads lead to Rome – the gay ones too!
Despite Italy’s reputation as a homophobic country which indeed is true in many ways, Rome does have something to provide to LGBT visitors besides its museums and cultural venues. The local scene is relatively small when compared to other capital cities, but still very vibrant and most importantly – on the rise!
Although homosexuality was widely practiced and accepted in ancient Rome, with records of marriages between two men (no legal value but frequently celebrated) further emphasizing Roman views of homosexuality, today’s Italy does not seem to contribute the same views. In fact, Italy remains one of the few countries within the European Union that do not legally recognize same-sex couples despite the fact that several bills on civil unions or the recognition of rights to unregistered couples have been introduced into the Parliament in the past twenty years – yet none have been approved.
Be it because of the local mentality, or because the Pope might is strong even outside the walls of the Vatican City, or for other reasons – Rome doesn’t quite come shut to other European capitals wh
Rome Gay Travel Guide 2025
Upcoming Events in Rome
Accommodation Tip
iQ Hotel Roma
Hotel. ****, from 150 €
Reviews, Photos & Reservation
Modern hotel in contemporary manner, situated in the center of Rome, next to the opera. Well maintained and with gym room, sauna, washer/dryer and vending machines.
@ Via Firenze 8
Rome 00184
Metro: Repubblica, Termini
About Rome and its gay life
Rome is a controversial place for gay men. Remember your gay fantasies when you watched those movies with Roman soldiers and gladiators? See the whole earth admiring the sculptures of gorgeous men by homosexual artists in Rome's museums? Capital of Italy, a big, free and democratic country? Don't expect too much from all that regarding the gay scene. Be it for reasons of mentality or because of the power of the Vatican, Rome has by far not the open and colourful gay life as other capitals in Europe.
But the situation has started to change with unused generations of more unseal and self-confident gay men and women. This is especially evident at the big annual Pride manifestation in June and at the LGBT festivals in the summer. And, of course, there are also some g
LGBTQ travel guide: Rome
When most people think of Rome, they think of the religious customs and traditions most closely related to the city rather than Gay Rome travel. Despite being more conservative than many other Italian cities, Rome comprises a affluent and diverse culture that includes a thriving lgbtq+ scene. There has been a wide variety of gay bars, events, and clubs popping up in and around the urban area recently, some of which rival the best lgbtq+ scenes in Europe.
Gay Rome neighbourhoods
Italy as a whole is rather progressive when it comes to Queer 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 common displays of affection to the bare minimum when outside of the lgbtq+ spaces in the city.
Gay Street
The first stop for many gay tourists heading to Rome will be Gay Street (otherwise acknowledged 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 homosexual scene, as the identify might suggest, there are numerous popular gay bars along this street. The bar cro
.