gay travel guide boston

The LGBTIQ+ travel guide to Boston: the best gay bars, drag events and more

Aug 25, 2022 • 9 min read

Get to know Boston's queer community with our guide for gay travelers © iStock / Getty Images

Thanks to its cosmopolitan nature and outstanding learning institutions, such as Harvard and MIT,  Boston  has long been a hub for progressive thinkers and the LGBTIQ+ community. In fact, Massachusetts was the first US state to legalize gay marriage back in 2004.

To this day, Boston remains one of America’s most LGBTIQ+ friendly cities and has a large queer community actively shaping the city's future, ensuring it remains one of the world’s foremost gay destinations for generations to come.

The best LGBTIQ+ bars and clubs in Boston

Boston has a wide array of LGBTIQ+ bars and clubs, but the most notable is easily Jacques Cabaret . Located in a small neighborhood that’s smooshed between the Theater District and Chinatown, Jacques is Boston’s oldest operating gay bar and the city’s premier establishment for drag shows. In fact, drag superstar Katya Zamolodchikova got her start here before shooting to international fame on season 7 of RuPaul’s Drag Race . 

With a giant red neon "Jacques" sign behind the bar and an intimate stage that’s surrounded by tables, Jacques hosts drag events seven nights a week, from variety shows to comedy nights, karaoke, Drag Race watch parties, and more. 

For a more varied scene, head over to Club Café . Housed within a beautifully restored factory building in Boston’s busy Back Bay neighborhood, Club Café is actually composed of multiple spaces. The main area serves as a restaurant that dishes out New England fare like lobster mac 'n' cheese, crispy calamari, crab cakes, and more, while also doubling as the main space for nightly events like viewing parties and bar trivia. Also in Club Café is the Napoleon Room, which is Boston’s only true cabaret and sees nightly live piano performances and lounge singers. 

As evening turns to night, Moonshine, Club Café’s thumping DJ-fueled club, opens up and Boston’s young LGBTIQ+ crowd comes out to dance the night away at weekly parties like Club Café Fridays and the Fourth Saturday events.

My personal favorite LGBTIQ+ hangout is dbar . The space is a restaurant during the early evening hours and is popular amongst the locals, both gay and straight. But as the sun goes down, the restaurant transforms into “dbar After Dark”. After the restaurant finishes serving dinner, bright neons infuse with the purple glow of black lights and DJs turn dbar into a hardcore club. On certain nights, dbar After Dark even hosts events, like show tunes night, karaoke, and special parties.

As a fan of dbar’s weekend brunch (you must try their huevos rancheros), I can attest that even during the day and evening hours, dbar's clientele is mostly LGBTIQ+. Also, it’s located just a few blocks away from the Savin Hill T station and the beach, making it a great way to spend an afternoon (and night if you feel like dancing!).

Excellent LGBTIQ+ spaces beyond the clubs

One of the city’s most inclusive spaces is Trident Booksellers & Cafe . Located on Newbury Street, Boston’s famous shopping street where all the stores are built into historic brownstone homes, Trident walks a tightrope somewhere between hippie-chic and classic New England. 

Trident’s two floors are loaded with a huge collection of books, with selections for BIPOC, LGBTIQ+, and AAPI communities, and it is committed to being a safe space. Plus, with its cafe and weekly events that include Drag Race trivia nights, book readings, and even speed dating, Trident is more than just a bookstore, it’s an inviting community hub. But be warned, weekend afternoons can get very busy when tourists start meandering down Newbury Street. Visit during the week if possible. 

For some delicious food, Tiffany Faison is one of the most celebrated chefs in Boston. She competed on Top Chef and later became a judge on Chopped . She’s also a lesbian and has been involved in the fight for equal rights for decades. She operates a few restaurants in Boston, but her most famous is Sweet Cheeks Q . 

Sweet Cheeks was Faison’s passion project to bring her family's southern cooking up to Boston. Now, the restaurant is renowned for its house-made biscuits, buttermilk fried chicken, and succulent selection of BBQ-like smoked ribs, pulled chicken, and pork belly. During June, Sweet Cheeks even serves rainbow pride cake. 

Inside, the restaurant looks like a glammed-up southern roadhouse that’s decked out with lots of metal and exposed wood, along with hanging camp lights and the smell of barbecue in the air. This is all juxtaposed by the fact that Sweet Cheeks is built in a new high-rise building in the now very trendy Fenway neighborhood and is surrounded by towering apartments, hotels, and even a Lucky Strike . 

How to find the LGBTIQ+ community

Sadly, due to complaints of racism, Boston Pride was dissolved in early 2021, and the city hasn’t had a main Pride event or organization for the last two years. It’s been a major blow to the LGBTIQ+ community, but at the same time, will hopefully result in the creation of a new, more diverse Pride alliance.

This does mean, however, that the city no longer has a centralized organization to host events and share info, potentially making it more difficult for visitors who are arriving in the city and looking for resources. But with a bustling and hardworking local population, the queer community is sure to only grow stronger by addressing the issue.

Two locals working to make Boston’s LGBTIQ+ community even better are Eric Tingdahl and his husband Joe Haley, who own and operate a fabulous B&B called the Oasis Guest House . The Oasis is a great place for anyone looking to get the feel of actually living in Boston. Built into an old brownstone, the Oasis isn’t the fanciest, newest, or the sleekest stay in the city, but it does give you a feel of what it’s like to live in a traditional Boston home. Both Eric and Joe are active members of the community and strive to better the city through activism and their involvement on neighborhood committees. 

Best of all, the Oasis is located in the Fenway neighborhood, just a short walk away from Fenway Park and all the restaurants and shopping opportunities in Back Bay. Staying at the Oasis not only helps support a local LGBTIQ+ business, but Eric and Joe are also incredibly friendly and will give you an in-depth knowledge of the city that big-brand hotels never could. 

If you're visiting during the summer months, you'll want to take a 90-minute boat ride from Boston to Provincetown (often called P-town), a small town at the very tip of Cape Cod. This is where you’ll find New England’s largest LGBTIQ+ community. It’s filled with an endless array of gay bars and clubs, and tons of LGBTIQ+-owned restaurants, inns, B&Bs, and more. In fact, P-town is known as one of the “gayest places on Earth''. 

It’s a magnet for LGBTIQ+ East Coasters, including celebrities like John Waters, who spend their entire summers there. Others stay for a week, and some just a weekend. If you’re visiting Boston during the summer and notice a surprising lack of LGBTIQ+ folk, you’re probably going to find them in P-town. 

Save the date: Boston’s best LGBTIQ+ events

Boston may not have the large-scale annual Pride celebrations any longer, but there are still a few events worth checking out. BAGLY, an LGBTIQ+ organization that helps queer youth puts on an annual Heels for Hope drag show every June, with all proceeds going towards the group. 

The Boston LesbiGay Urban Foundation is another group that has continued to put on queer events and offer support to locals after the dissolution of Boston Pride. The group seeks to help inspire and nurture LGBTIQ+ people, especially those from BIPOC communities, and those who come from undeserved backgrounds. It hosts a variety of events each year, and every June puts on a massive Urban Pride celebration that spans a whole week and is filled with parties, concerts, conferences, and more.

What LGBTIQ+ travelers need to know before going to Boston

It’s important for queer travelers to remember that, even without Boston Pride, Boston is still one of America’s most progressive cities, and some of its surrounding communities, like Cambridge, are even more progressive. Seeing Pride flags and BLM signs hanging in apartment windows is common, and world-class universities like Harvard, MIT, and Boston University continually bring in a new generation of young residents. 

Something all visitors should also note is that Boston is known for its history, arts, and sports, and no trip to the city would be complete without exploring the best things to do . In fact, it's home to so much history that many visitors make entire weeklong vacations to the city simply to experience it all. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is one of the best art museums in the world, and also one of the most famous thanks to the infamous 1990 heist where 13 pieces were stolen, including works by Rembrandt and Degas.

The Boston Red Sox (and Fenway Park) are also an important and beloved part of Boston history, and The Freedom Trail tells the story of America’s independence. For those who are looking to explore both history and the LGBTIQ+ community, Boston By Foot hosts a Boston’s LGBT Past  tour, which guides visitors through the city’s hidden queer history, going back to the 1840s. The tours are held in June and on certain weekends throughout the year, and can be booked individually year-round. 

Resources and info for LGBTIQ+ visitors

Fenway Health is one of Boston’s major healthcare providers and is the main source of healthcare and testing for the LGBTIQ+ community. In fact, Fenway Health is actually one of the global leaders for LGBTIQ+ healthcare and research, and has hosted numerous studies that have changed the world forever – it even ran many of the early PrEP studies, which helped doctors verify that the drug was safe to use, offering the first real hope of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic for good. 

Now, LGBTIQ+ people can get free STD and HIV testing at the clinic, even if they have no insurance, and can receive free PrEP medication if needed. Throughout the year, Fenway Health also hosts fundraising events, social gatherings, and special symposiums, so keep an eye on its  events page . 

For the trans community, the MTPC (Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition) is a great resource and puts on tons of events every month. It’s a great way to meet others within the trans community and learn more about Boston’s trans and nonbinary scene.

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LGBTQ Travel Guide: Boston

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"Boston Strong" is also very much "LGBTQ Strong," thanks to a thriving, diverse community, queer-inclusive events-rich calendar, sports leagues, and progressive spirit. The capital of Massachusetts—the state that first legalized same-sex marriage back in 2004—and its neighboring city of Cambridge also boast plenty of LGBTQ history, which is chronicled in collections and exhibitions by The History Project . There's also plus a lively young university population, and what could be the world's best chocolate chip cookie, Flour Bakery + Cafe's Chunky Lola, the name of which refers to a gay customer's bulldog.

Officially having celebrated its 50th year in 2020, June's Boston Pride Parade and Festival (the next is scheduled for June 12, 2021), caps off a weeklong series of events including the AIDS Walk , a Dyke March , and parties galore while sibling festivals include Latinx Pride and Black Pride.

Other calendar highlights include 36-year-old LGBTQ film festival, Wicked Queer , and there's typically a gay event or two that coincides with the annual Boston Marathon . For other what's ons and updated LGBTQ resources, also check out the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau website ; EDGE Boston ; Boston Spirit ; Bay Windows ;

The Best Things to Do

First, take a stroll around a couple of buzzing hoods: The Innovation District, a.k.a. Seaport District/South Boston Waterfront, and The Fenway. The latter is home to Fenway Park, and while once sketchy around that iconic home to the Red Sox has been developed over the past couple of years into a slick, fabulous eating, drinking, shopping, and residential neighborhood.

The former's anchor, Institute of Contemporary Art , was an architecturally edgy early arriver in 2006 and hosts rotating exhibitions, while admission is free Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The nearby retail incubator storefront, For Now , features a curated selection of up and coming Boston small business brands including apparel and home goods. Fans of locally-crafted edibles, meanwhile, can find everything from Boston honey, chocolate, pastries, and coffee to New England's best micro-craft brews and spirits at the 35-vendor Boston Public Market , which also includes a prepared foods area.

Harvard teacher and art historian, Professor Andrew Lear, leads a two-hour "Gay Secrets of the Museum of Fine Arts" tour that can be booked through Oscar Wilde Tours . It includes admission to the Museum of Fine Arts and smashes through the Puritanism of Boston's olden days to get at a major gay 18th-century scandal, "Boston marriages," and the "sexiest Jesus of the Italian Renaissance." During June and also by private booking at other times throughout the year, walking tour company Boston By Foot offers a "Boston's LGBTQ Past" stroll, produced in partnership with The History Project , traverses landmarks and events from the 1840s to 1980s. You can also self-guide and read up about the Boston Equality Trail , which follows the route of Boston's first Pride march in 1971.

Some of Broadway's best touring productions play the historic Citizens Bank Opera House (first built in the 1920s it was restored in 2004). 2021's line-up currently includes Aaron Sorkin's take on "To Kill A Mockingbird," "Jesus Christ Superstar," and "Dear Evan Hansen." Also be on the lookout for performances by The Theater Offensive , which presents shows by and for LGBTQ people of color and youth.

Don't forget to cross the water to Cambridge for a look-see around Harvard, including its bookstores like Harvard Book Store and Porter Square Books , which carry plenty of LGBTQ-interest tomes and host readings, signings, and events.

The Best LGBTQ Bars and Clubs

"RuPaul's Drag Race" contestants Katya, Jujubee, and Charlie Hides have sprung from (or at least lived for a while) in Boston, and you can catch queens in action at Back Bay's long-standing restaurant and nightclub Club Cafe (established 1983). The Club also houses a dedicated cabaret space, the Napoleon Room, for both local and visiting performances.

Drag reigns at the residential Bay Village hood's colorful and cozy Jacque's Cabaret , which also hosts an open mic comedy showcase on Sundays (show begins 6:30 p.m.) and Wednesday karaoke buffets. Celebrating its sixth year in 2020, the South End's Trophy Room boasts a comfort food menu and signature cocktails to go along with drag brunches (on last Sundays) and Drag Race viewing parties.

Straight-friendly LGBTQ sports bar and pub Cathedral Station, opened in 2014, is where you'll spot area queer sports leagues sharing some grub, drinks, pool, and laughs both inside and, during warmer months, around the outdoor patio. And locals will note that parking is free in the rare, a major and all too rare bonus for Boston venues.

Renovated with a big tech upgrade, the two-level The Alley Bar is a favorite of bears, cubs, and their friends, with dancing action, underwear (ahem, "underbear") parties, trivia nights, and the super-popular and award-winning monthly FUZZ party (DJ Brent Covington posts his setlists on their Facebook page , for those wondering what tunes they were too slow to Shazam). Also big with the bears and bearded set, Boston Eagle is one of the city's oldest gay bars to boot.

Over in the Fenway district, the two-level Machine Boston mixes things up with themed music nights including hip-hop and 1980s, viewing parties, karaoke, and 18+ entry on Fridays and some Saturdays (check their online calendar). Although Cambridge's multi-level dance club Paradise closed to much lamentation in 2018, check out the weekly dance and drag events by promoters Gay Mafia Boston , which take place in various locations and include Hot Mess Sundays at Candibar , Latino Wednesdays at Legacy , and more.

The Best Places to Eat

Before the awards were canceled, the 2020 James Beard Foundation Awards semifinalist list included two queer Boston chefs. Tifani Faison, who made a national splash on "Top Chef's" maiden season in 2006, heads up Fenway district's "adult snack bar" Fool's Errand , Sweet Cheeks family-style barbecue, and Southeast Asian-inspired Tiger Mama (with more openings on the way). The second nod went to South Boston's enoteca and pasta haven, Fox & Knife , which opened in 2019 and whose owner and chef, Karen Akunowicz , also graced a season of "Top Chef" (in 2015) and won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northeast 2018.

The casual-style Eventide Fenway —a spinoff of Portland, Maine's Eventide Oyster Co.–presents a ridiculously tasty spin on seafood, including a brown butter lobster roll and fish and chips.

Downtown Crossing's far more formal Ruka , meanwhile, is downright cinematic with eye-popping decor and specializes in Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian fusion) cuisine.

Fans of urban markets and local-centric food concepts should definitely check out the Time Out Market Boston , which opened in 2019. Its more than 15 offerings include creative twists on chicken and dumpling dishes at Ms. Clucks Deluxe, from James Beard Award-winner Tim Cushman, and scrumptious lobster rolls (cold with mayo or warm in butter sauce) and sinful clam-pork belly chowder at Saltie Girl.

And don't forget dessert! With locations in Boston and Cambridge, Flour Bakery + Cafe is a must for its delectable Chunky Lola chocolate chip cookie, a delectable modern take on the Boston cream pie, and many other sweets as well as savories and fantastic coffee.

Where to Stay

Perched on the Innovation District's waterfront, Autograph Collection’s 136-room The Envoy sports incredible floor to ceiling views from its comfortable, ultra-functional, and smartly designed rooms. Urban and slick with dashes of earthiness (leather, wood, metal), the property is also home to a fantastic rooftop bar (reservations strongly recommended during summertime!) and lobby-level restaurant and bar Outlook Kitchen.

Four Seasons

Opened in 2020 and occupying a glassy 61-story skyscraper, the 215-room Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street stands high above Back Bay (and is just across the street from a Flour bakery/cafe!), and is rich with perks and details. Floor-to-ceiling window views, an indoor swimming pool, two restaurants on the second floor - a location of chic Japanese Izakaya Zuma, and One + One - and lobby bar.

Completely renovated in 2018, Beacon Hill's 190-room Kimpton Nine Zero is another excellent boutique property, just off the Boston Common park. Each room includes an Eames chair, while suites include perks like vinyl records and players and telescopes. Back Bay's gay-owned Oasis Gay House and Adams Bed & Breakfast spread their 31 rooms over four neighboring brownstone buildings.

If you're keen on catching a game at Fenway Park or are a big music fan, consider The Verb , a retro-chic rock 'n' roll-themed 93-room boutique property. Opened in 2014 (in a former 1950s motor inn), it boasts an outdoor pool and complimentary access to the nearby Boston Sports Club and is in easy walking distance to gay nightclub Boston Machine .

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8 Fabulously Gay-Friendly & Gay Hotels In Boston To Try On Your Next Gaycation!

Posted on Last updated: December 7, 2023

Categories Gay Accomodation , USA

Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.

There’s nothing that the city of Boston is more known for than its image and noise. Music and art have been at the core of what makes the city run for about as long as it has existed, and this can be seen to this day in the amazing array of museums, hangout spots, and gardens it is home to.

Massachusetts as a whole is well known for the strength of its culture and the uniqueness of its food, and – as the state’s capital city – it’s no surprise that Boston follows suit directly, even when it comes to queer issues.

Even though the state has garnered some negative attention in the press recently regarding queer rights thanks to extremist groups holding so-called ‘Straight Pride’ rallies, Massachusetts’ affinity with queerness is much older, more prominent, and much more positive than that. It was the first state in the USA to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004 and the first state to have an openly queer state representative Elaine Noble. 

If you’re looking for an amazing, colorful, and loud LGBTQ scene while visiting Boston, the South End is the place for you – full to the brim with all manner of trendy eateries and top-notch restaurants, as well as a long line of well-established gay clubs and queer bars. Interested in a more wide-ranging and less specific experience? No problem!

The nearby neighborhoods of Jones Hill, Melville Park, and Savin Hill are perfect for mixing a queer holiday experience with sampling the wider culture of the city and allow visitors to truly get hands-on with the sense of what makes Boston special as a city and cultural center.

But now, on to the true point of this list – accommodation. As much of a shame as it is, one cannot simply spend one’s entire holiday out on the streets of a city getting to know it better and enjoying what it has to offer, and as such, we come to doing our best to find the gay hotels for all possible tastes so that travelers such as yourselves can make the best possible experiences in Boston.

Obviously, in most cases, there aren’t going to be hotels out there marketed directly towards gay people or queer people in general. We know that, and therefore we’d like to note that the hotels on this list follow the same logic. Most of them have been listed as accommodating, friendly, and unjudgmental to, for, and by queer people in general, as well as being highly rated.

So, with that laid out as clear as day, it’s time to get your chic hat on and get out into the noise of Boston’s streets! What awaits is an adventure unlike any other, and what better way to get things started than with a trip through the top eight best queer-friendly and gay hotels in Boston has to offer?

In this article we will cover...

Boston Harbor Hotel

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Although it’s a bit of a high-shelf start for this list and certainly not one of the more affordable options, the Boston Harbor Hotel is perfect for those looking for a luxury gay hotel experience in Boston and goes about what it does with unrivaled expertise.

This hotel has all five stars, which shows with just about every space that forms part of it. The Boston Harbor Hotel perfectly represents what Boston is all about – quaint, well-maintained nooks for socialization, a sense of deep culture, and wonderful views out over a colorful, lively city.

Just like the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, which comes next in second spot, the Boston Harbor Hotel enjoys positively wonderful views out over the Boston Main Channel and the wonderful neighborhood in the surrounding area.

The Waterfront district is famous for its wide variety of natural spaces and parks and an amazing concentration of seafood restaurants and other food joints to sate your hunger after long walks through the scenery and city streets. There is also the unique opportunity of taking sightseeing cruises out onto the water if that’s something you’re interested in, or even going to the New England Aquarium’s IMAX Theatre. 

Sound a bit tame to you? No problem. Some of the best reviews for the Boston Harbor Hotel mention its proximity to the Waterfront’s nightlife as one of the hotel’s highest winning points, so if it’s a queer night scene, you came to Boston looking for, this is one of the best places to find it. The South End area is remarkably near this hotel, and the fun starts there. Clubs, bars, and hangout spots are all yours to explore and fully enjoy.

Located in the very heart of the South End district discussed at the beginning of this text, the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport lives up to the promise made by its name with its exquisite sea and harbor views, as well as its four-star rating and incredible dedication to service and attention to detail. 

The vast majority of the rooms are incredibly well positioned for a perfect eyeshot out over the best parts of the city, and the rooftop pool leaves absolutely nothing to be desired.

All of this is without mentioning the hotel’s wonderful common spaces, such as its lounge, its bar space, and its in-house restaurants, it is hard to stress how truly beautiful the Omni Boston Hotel’s common spaces are, and so we recommend that you go and check it out for yourself so that you can fall in love with what there is to see.

There’s also a spa and fitness center duo in this hotel, which is always an excellent opportunity to relax and put your feet up. Not everyone will use these facilities while they’re on holiday and busy exploring, but – once more – we recommend you try it before leaving the hotel for good if you decide to stay here, as it is truly an experience to remember.

The Omni Hotel isn’t just all pretty looks, either. It also has more than its share of practical and functional benefits, the first of which is a fully operational event hall open for hiring for both business and personal purposes. This means that if you’re looking for a place to hold that get-together or maybe even that wedding between you and your special someone, then this is the place to do it. 

Those of our readers who are looking to remain a little pocket- and wallet-conscious while holidaying this year will be thankful for the Boston Park Plaza’s inclusion into this list, both thanks to the hotel’s comparatively low rates when one takes the first two hotels into account, and also because its central nature in the heart of Boston makes public transport cheaper and easier to access. 

Although it doesn’t try to make a grasp at being ‘luxury for cheap’ like the YOTEL, which comes up next on this list, the Boston Park Plaza nevertheless presents a very reliable and pleasant accommodation experience that is perfect for those who would rather have a little more to spend on activities, bars, and food while on their trip rather than putting it all down on the hotel for just a few extra fittings and amenities.

Suppose you are willing to drop a few more pennies. In that case, however, the hotel offers extended suites with separate living and dining rooms as well as kitchenettes and superior views out over the stunning vista of the harbor and the surrounding streets. 

The Boston Park Plaza is well-known and highly reviewed thanks to its amazing service and proximity to public transport and many of Boston’s most important urban areas, including the South End district. If you’re looking for a location central to the city’s queer culture and access to almost everything there is to experience in Boston’s nightlife, then this is the place for it.

Even if you’re not looking to immerse yourself in the queer scene of the city, however, the extended Downtown region makes for an amazing experience both day and night thanks to its wide variety of shops, restaurants, and hangout spots. 

YOTEL Boston is yet another one of the hotels on this list to take advantage of both the harbor district and proximity to the South End – rising high above both the water and the buildings around it to present an almost uninterrupted view of the bay and the upstate streets.

There are a lot of options for travelers that like port views here, but not a lot of them keep up as well inside nor have rates as low as the YOTEL Boston, and that is where this hotel pulls up in front of the pack, even though it only has four stars, and even though it may not have the same level of charisma that locations charging twice its nightly price have. 

Another marked positive about the YOTEL Boston is its status as one of the three or four explicit LGBTQ+-friendly hotels on this list, which is always a massive relief. This makes it a perfect retreat for couples looking to share a romantic getaway on a budget, thanks to the fact that the lower rates truly don’t cause any important part of the hotel’s accommodation experience to suffer.

The Fort Point area is well known for its Industrial-Chic style and strong connection to art and music culture, making it a must-visit for any travelers interested in that kind of niche.

There are a lot of boutique and exclusive dining locations in the nearby region as well, meaning that no matter what your taste in food is, you’re going to have very good chances of finding the perfect luxury restaurant for you to truly sink your teeth into something divine. In truth, however, you needn’t even leave the hotel to enjoy wonderful fare thanks to the YOTEL’s very own classy bar and restaurant ensemble.

Although it’s one of the more affordable options on this list, that doesn’t take away anything from the Club Quarters Hotel Faneuil’s sense of style and the fashionable energy in the building that it seems to pick up from the living, breathing streets outside.

Boston has that effect on hotels and also on people, and as such, this particular location represents the accommodation scene of the city wonderfully without having to take too much out of travelers’ pockets. The Club Quarters is truly the epitome of chic culture and trendy spaces and is a perfect example of why fashion doesn’t have to come at the expense of sky-high rates. 

The Club Quarters isn’t explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly, unlike the YOTEL Boston before it, but this fact is remedied by the healthy amount of positive reviews that it has earned from queer travelers in the past. Boston is a city of laid-back atmosphere and class, and as such, it is very little surprise that queer travelers taking a holiday here are in for a good time.

The South End and Downtown – as we’ve discussed heavily earlier in this list – are perfect spots for experiencing this specific side of the city, and if that’s the kind of scene you’re looking to explore, then the queer quarter is sure to welcome you with warm, welcoming arms. 

On paper, the Club Quarters is supported well by its very own restaurant and bar combination on the ground floor, and the cherry on the cake is undoubtedly its fitness center, gym, and spa section. Some of the rooms at this hotel have kitchens, and if you’re in doubt, an upgrade to an elevated suite with the biggest spaces and better views is just a few extra dollars away.

We don’t have many guest houses on these lists, but when a gay-owned and quite wonderful place of accommodation such as this one presents itself, it’s hard not to give that location the attention it deserves.

We strongly believe that you will be surprised to the highest degree by exactly how luxurious and well-trimmed this place of accommodation is, especially when considering its independent management and isolation from usual hotel services.

The Oasis Guest House passed its 40th year of service to the community and gay and straight travelers from all around the world last year, and the rest of us can only watch on and hope that this legend perseveres into the future, so important as its contribution to queer culture and the energy of life in the Fenway–Kenmore neighborhood. 

Now for some of the on-paper benefits of this lovely queer-owned location. Speaking of place, the site of the Oasis Guest House is excellent and is linked closely to all forms of public transport.

The free breakfast is highly praised for its elaborate and amazing nature, and there are no less than nine types of rooms to choose from depending on your preference, ranging from suites with decks, full house-like bathrooms, and separate dining areas and living areas.

Common areas are also well-polished, albeit small in number, with the most notable being the central lounge with a cozy fireplace, a guest computer, and plenty of sitting areas to catch up with fellow travelers or meet new people.

Service is well-lauded as a whole, and the historical structure of the Oasis’s brownstone building is sure to give many guests just that right amount of charm while remaining in touch with the modernity and forward-thinking nature of the city all around it.

Proudly packing four stars and a sterling base of customer reviews across all major platforms, the Eliot Hotel strikes the perfect balance between experiencing luxury and remaining casual, making for a much more relaxing experience overall than hotels with a higher price tag and a more exhausting level of decadence.

Eliot’s casual, respectful, and easy air continues to its guest policy, which is one of the few in the city to allow pets to be brought into rooms and one of the only to explicitly provide support to parents with children of all ages.

If you fit either of these groups – pet owner or parent – this hotel is a natural choice for you, thanks to the sheer level of comfort and privacy you’ll be afforded to care for your small companion and yourself. There’s also a bar and restaurant ensemble for all your food and drink needs and more than enough space for socialization and hanging out with fellow travelers.

Suppose there’s one thing that Boston excels the most at. In that case, it’s the city’s uncanny ability to make casual, friendly contact feel natural and engaging, and this aspect of Boston’s culture makes it such an excellent location to visit.

However, this talk of casual accommodation and lenience doesn’t take away from the fact that this is still a luxury hotel. There is a valet service and free parking if you arrive with a car, as well as laundry, room, and event hosting services that present all of the main benefits held by the other, more costly hotels on this list. While the Eliot Hotel may not be so over-the-top as the other options in Boston, it certainly makes every cent of its affordable rates count.

Anyone who has read our lists of gay hotels for other cities will know that we admire the quality and stature of W Hotels, which most absolutely extends to the brand’s Boston location!

The W Hotel franchise also has a top-shelf reputation regarding its treatment of queer travelers and its status as a gay hotel, which is one of the main reasons the individual locations belonging to the brand are so often seen on these lists.

The Boston location is no different story, and this fact is easily proven thanks to the hotel’s official LGBTQ+-friendly badge and the sheer amount of satisfied reviews from queer travelers who have stayed here in the past. 

Some of the more easily quantifiable benefits that the W Boston offers are its proximity to public transport, its central location, and the sheer amount of money- and time-saving services it possesses. There’s breakfast on offer every morning, complimentary parking in the hotel’s surroundings, and room service to keep you well-fed and happy around the clock.

If you’re interested in personal training or simply in keeping your regime going, you’ll be glad to know that there is a fitness center and gym in this particular location, and if you value your relaxation time and your self-health, you’re sure to find yourself chilling and putting your feet up in the hotel’s spa not long after arrival.

Much like a few of the hotels we covered right at the beginning of this list, W Boston’s practicality is strongly supported by a business center and event space open for hire. Once more, if you’re looking to hold a get-together or a wedding, this would most definitely be the luxurious option to choose.

Feeling a bit lost while planning your journey to Boston? No worries, darling! Our detailed LGBTQ+ tailored map is here to guide you. We’ve pinpointed all the vibrant gay-friendly bars, exhilarating clubs, extravagant parties, cozy hotels, relaxing saunas, and soothing massage parlors to ensure you find the perfect spot.

And these aren’t just any spots; we’re talking about the creme de la creme of locations in the heart of the city’s vibrant gay scene. Think panoramic views, easy access to nightlife, and all the amenities to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

But hold on to your feather boas! These hot spots are fabulous; they vanish quicker than a drag queen’s five o’clock shadow. Don’t delay; book now to secure the best deals and locations. Remember, the early bird catches the best deals in Boston! So, pack your rainbow flag, and get ready to experience the ultimate gay-friendly holiday in Boston.

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As the capital city of the first state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage, Boston stands proud, accessible and welcoming.

The city boasts one of the largest LGBT populations on the East Coast with neighborhoods such as the  South End  and  Jamaica Plain  offering a good variety of neighborhood pubs, dance bars and inviting lounges drawing a mixed gay/straight crowd. The city also touts a number of mainstream clubs that host weekly or monthly gay nights. In recent years one would be hard pressed not to find a rainbow flag proudly hanging from homes and business in just about any neighborhood in the city.

Boston hosts notable annual events and festivals such as  Boston Pride  Week every June celebrated across the city and the yearly LGBT Film Festival, a must see and be seen event held in late March/early April.

LGBTQ Events

Popular lgbtq restaurants and bars, cambridge lgbtq+ visionaries walking tour.

• Christopher Street Tours

dbar After Dark

• Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday

Drag Brunch at Summer Shack

• Recurring weekly on Sunday, Saturday

On Christopher Street: Transgender Portraits by Mark Seliger Exhibition

• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
• Recurring weekly on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Hannah Gadsby WOOF!

• Emerson Colonial Theatre

Bob The Drag Queen

• Boch Center Shubert Theatre

27th Annual Lesbians & Friends LGBTQIA+ Dance

• Club Cafe, Boston

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show

• Boch Center Wang Theatre

We’ve had tourists ask about walking the Yellow Brick Road - we’re sorry to disappoint them by pointing out that they may actually mean the  Freedom Trail  with its painted red brick line that connects the 16 main sites dealing with the history of Boston and the American Revolution. You may also want to walk the Equality Trail - a self-guided walking tour that follows the route of Boston's first Gay Pride March in 1971 and offers information about issues and individuals related to this route.

So come be a part in our continuing history. Oh and at the end of the Freedom Trail, no need to click your heels three times to get home - we recommend the  MBTA .

…Let's not forget Cape Cod is just down the coast a bit. Provincetown has long been a prominent LGBTQ tourist destination.  Ferries  from Boston (no cars) offer a quick and relaxing way to make the trip or by car it is just a little under three hours. 

Please see our full Calendar of Events

Carrie nation cocktail club.

• 11 Beacon Street
• (617) 227-3100
• 1236 Dorchester Avenue
• (617) 265-4490

Trophy Room

• 26 Chandler Street
• (617) 482-4428

ADDITIONAL LGBTQ+ RESTAURANTS AND BARS

Blend , in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood, is a gastro pub that combines the aspects of great food, music, lights and entertainment all into one. Blend "blends" up that neighborhood gastro pub feel where everyone is welcome. 

Cathedral Station   is a gay sports bar and neighborhood pub that welcomes everyone. ​The location provides a bar area, dining area, outdoor patio area and free parking in the back.

Club Cafe ,  located in the South End, is a gay friendly cabaret, piano bar, dance club and American bistro offering the perfect place to dine and drink and dance the night away. Enjoy special performances, comedy shows, Karaoke Wednesdays, and more!

Jacque’s Cabaret , located in Bay Village, is the oldest show bar in Massachusetts with shows 6 nights a week.

Midway Cafe   For over three decades, the Midway Cafe in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood has featured top-notch entertainment. The nightclub hosts live music, dance nights, Queeraoke every Thursday, and more!

The Alley Bar   is located in downtown Boston.   Dance to Top 40, Hip Hop, and Latin hits every 1st, 3rd, and 4th Friday of each month, take the stage and sing your heart out on Karaoke Sundays, or shoot some pool on the second floor while enjoying your favorite cocktail!

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When people from this metropolis tell you where they're from, you're likely to hear people name the South End, Back Bay or any of the dozens of other enclaves as their home. This is a city of sharply defined neighborhoods. Others, not born here, come from all across America and the world, to live across the river in Cambridge, home to Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; or to attend one of another 52 institutions of higher education in Metropolitan Boston. If you're thinking people are proud of the city's almost 400-year history, you're right. Most visitors, even those here for just a day or two, fit into their itinerary at least one of the sights they heard about in history class, such as the Old North Church. (Remember the "one if by land, two if by sea" lanterns warning of the direction from which the British were coming?) Sure, it's great to go shopping in historic Faneuil Hall or follow guides in powdered wigs around the Paul Revere House. But Boston is also a cutting-edge city, thanks in part to all those universities and the large student population. Look for clubs hosting the latest indie bands, restaurants with the trendiest fusion cuisine and boutique hotels that are so minimalist there's barely a place to sit down.

Getting here Like most places in Boston, Logan Airport is served by the oldest subway system in the US, the MBTA , known locally as the "T." There's also a water-ferry connecting the airport to the downtown harbor. If you prefer, a taxi ride to downtown will usually take just 10 minutes.

Trains and buses arrive at South Station, which is also on the T. See Amtrak for intercity train information. Major bus lines Greyhound and Peter Pan  also operate from the South Station hub. Coach Run and Lucky Star also compete on the New York to Boston route, and beyond.

Getting around This is not a city where you'll want to drive around, so park the car and take public transportation. The T makes getting around town quick and easy with subway lines, rapid transit trams, and buses. Better yet, walk to your destination. The "Big Dig," which buried a highway that once ran through downtown, has reconnected many neighborhoods.

BlueBikes is a bike-sharing plan for Boston, Brookline, Cambridge and Somerville with unlimited rides of up to 30 minutes each (longer rides incur usage fees) from bike stations all around the downtown neighborhoods - over 1,800 bikes at 200 stations. Drop the bike at your destination and pick up another whenever you want to return. Join online for single trip, spontaneous one-way rides for $2.50, unlimited access to 2-hour rides in a 24-hour period for $10, unlimited 45-minute rides for $20 a month, or a full year for $99. In Cambridge there are also CambridgeBicycle  near Central Square, and the Bicycle Exchange in Porter Square.

Boston is the gateway for one of the country's top gay vacation destinations, Provincetown. The best way to get there is via one of the speedy vessels operated by the Bay State Cruise Company . Aboard WWII-style amphibious landing vehicles of Boston Duck Tours in Copley Place, you'll hit all the major sights on land, then splash into the Charles River for great skyline views.

Neighborhoods Boston is very walkable, so put on some comfortable shoes and go out exploring.

The South End , the hub of the community, is a neighborhood of grand bow-front houses that had fallen into disrepair until catching the eyes of gays armed with hammers and paint brushes. There are plenty of restaurants along the major thoroughfares of Tremont Street and Columbus Avenue, and still a handful of popular gay and friendly bars. Jamaica Plain (called 'JP' locally) a bit further out the Orange Line, is a community of professionals, activists and artists, including many lesbians & gay men, mixed in with a large Latin population. Lots of small stores and restaurants line sections of Centre St. Nearby Jamaica Pond , a large and deep fresh water oasis, is surrounded by trees and parks, and the Arnold Arboretum has a 265-acre world-renowned plant collection maintained by Harvard University.

Back Bay  is dominated by Victorian-era brownstones. Attractions include: Newbury Street shopping and dining, the Boston Public Library , the Prudential Center and Copley Place shopping malls, the Pru Tower Skywalk Observatory , and the Christian Science Mother Church grounds with a long reflecting pool near Symphony Hall . A footbridge over Storrow Drive brings you to the cruisy Esplanade , the Charles River-front park where people sun themselves, and where on Independence Day they come for Boston Pops concerts and fireworks. The Public Garden , between Back Bay and the  Boston Common , has lawns, flower beds, and a small lake with swan boats.

Follow the red brick line of the Freedom Trail from Beacon Hill, above Boston Common, to the North End with its Italian caffes, groceries, and restaurants where the streets fill with people on the various days of the saints, and see Faneuil Hall/ Quincy Market , full of boutiques and food stalls, along the way. On the other side of the Common, the Theater District has a dozen or so restored stages offering plays, musicals, ballets and the opera. This is also where Hot Mess Sundays , one of the big weekly gay dance nights, takes place. Chinatown , bustling with stores and restaurants, is nearby.

Harvard Square has cafes, shops, restaurants, and people aplenty, plus Harvard Coop browsing, just a few subway stops from downtown Boston. The Harvard University campus buildings, some dating from the colonial era, and leafy quads all seem so far from the bustle of Mass Ave. The Charles River banks are a great place to picnic with provisions found in markets, delis and take-outs at this busy bike and pedestrian-friendly intersection. Central Square , one subway stop closer to MIT, also has lots of small ethnic restaurants, shops, and nightclubs with live music and dancing, popular with the many local students.

Neighborhoods of Boston where most people live, often have tight little business districts of small shops and mom & pop restaurants. Some cluster around T stations, so they're quick and easy to get to. Davis Square in Somerville, and Allston Village , along Harvard Avenue, are lively areas mixing both the old and the new. Coolidge Corner, the thriving commercial and cultural center of Brookline , is surrounded by ethnically diverse neighborhoods. In South Boston, although things are changing quickly, there are still Irish bars and restaurants, plus the L Street Beach and Castle Island Park on the Harborwalk . The now-departed L Street Bathhouse was once très gai in a down-low way, with nude swimming and sunning on the men's side of an old wooden fence.

Revere Beach, a long strip of sand at the end of the Blue Line on the T, is nice for promenade walks, eating fried clams, pizza or fries. There was once a wild Coney Island-style amusement park here, but condo-dwellers took over in the 1970s. Two pretty beach towns are each a short hop from North Station on an MBTA Purple Line commuter train: Singing Beach at Manchester has clean sands and good swimming but no public parking (so take the train); and the old fishing village of Gloucester has plenty of seafood restaurants to sample, and little shops to browse. For the gayest beach Provincetown is the best bet --an easy ferry ride from Boston Harbor.

Media and resources Bay Windows is an informative gay weekly newspaper, with listings, news, reviews, and classifieds; in print and online. Boston Spirit is a 6 times-per-year gay lifestyle magazine freebie.

EDGE Boston has gay entertainment listings and event updates. Rainbow Times covers gay New England, and publishes annual Pride Guides for Boston, Connecticut and Northampton, MA. See LesbianNightLife for Boston area special events for women.

The Boston Globe , one of two general public daily newspapers in the Hub, has a useful website for reviews and event listings all over New England. The Boston Phoenix , the local weekly general circulation alternative newspaper for arts, entertainment and local news, shut down in 2013, after 47 years in print.

The City of Boston has an online visitor's guide.

The 200-voice  Boston Gay Men's Chorus   ensemble is one of New England’s largest and most successful community-based choruses, with concerts attended by over 10,000 people each season.

The Beantown Softball League , the largest athletic organization in New England open to LGBT people along with friends and allies, has 24 teams in four divisions of play. 

For more LGBT & friends sports options see: The Boston Gay Basketball League ; the Boston Strikers Soccer Club ;  Boston Pride Hockey ; the CBVA  (Cambridge Boston Volleyball Association);  the FLAG (Friends, Lesbians, and Gays) flag football league;  LANES (Liquid Assets New England Swimming); The Boston Ironsides Rugby Football Club; the OutRyders  New England Gay Ski and Snowboard Club; and the  Beantown Soft-Tip Dart League .

Hub Theatre Boston presents several plays each season, on stage at First Church Boston and Club Café .

The Boston Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Convent of the Commonwealth love you, adore you, respect, protect and serve you - with community work and fundraising events.

Although Massachusetts legalized recreational cannabis in November 2016, and recreational dispensaries opened in November 2018, the laws remain confusing. See the Potguide website for a guide to staying legal.

For locations and website links to businesses listed below, see our Boston gay map & listings pages.

Accommodations

Near the gay nightlife, The Alise Boston (26 Chandler St; 857-444- 6111), a 56-room Staypineapple boutique hotel in the South End, is central to just about everywhere, either on foot or a short hop on the T. Three stations are nearby, including Back Bay with Amtrak service. The Trophy Room American Bisto & Bar is on their ground level, with bar snacks, small plates, dinner entrees and cocktails. Formerly The Chandler Inn .

Chandler Studios (54 Berkeley St; 617-585-5625), 11 boutique efficiency studios and a one-bedroom suite, steps from Tremont Street’s restaurant row, Copley Place and the Prudential Center.

For affordable lodgings close to everything 463 Beacon Street Guesthouse (463 Beacon St; 617- 536-1302) Back Bay brownstone is near Hynes Convention Center, Newbury Street shops, and all the nightlife. Guestroom kitchenettes have private bath, cable TV and wi-fi, and short-term apartments are available.

Renovated townhouses, Oasis Guesthouse and Adams B&B (22 Edgerly Rd; 617- 267- 2262), offer Back Bay lodging on a quiet street, with 31 guestrooms at reasonable rates in two neighboring properties. Comfort and amenities include breakfast, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi. Near Newbury Street shops and restaurants and Hynes Center.

Boston has no shortage of hotels at the center. See our maps & listings section for over 30 options, from hostel beds and B&Bs, to 5-star luxury suites.

Bars & Clubs

The Alley (14 Pi Alley at 275 Washington), friendly neighborhood men's bar between Government Center and Downtown Crossing; bears, leather men, and regular guys play pool, meet friends, sing karoke, and make visitors feel comfortable. First Saturday Underbear parties and Mr Boston Bear contest in September.

The Boston Eagle (520 Tremont St), young professionals and regular guys, long the South End place to begin and/or end your night. Nothing spiffy, conversation and cruising; and Jack behind the bar.

Cathedral Station (1222 Washington St), South End gay sports bar, cockatails, pub fare menu, Saturday/Sunday and holiday Monday brunch, trivia game nights, patio seating

Club Cafe (209 Columbus), lunch and dinner bistro restaurant, Sunday brunch; music cabaret, video lounge, Thursday drag hosts/shows with HipHop/RnB dancing, performers, dancers, monthly competitions, Friday/Saturday dancing, and Sunday Tea-Dances; Napoleon Room piano bar, karaoke; Moonshine Hub Theater Boston performances.

DBar (1236 Dorchester Ave), out from the center in residential Dorchester (take Red Line T or taxi). Full-service restaurant, comfort foods with a French twist, Sunday brunch; transforms into gay nightclub and lounge nightly, for dancing after 10pm.

Hot Mess Sundays at Candibar (279 Tremont St), weekly Sunday 21+ gay dance nights in the Theater District, amateur strip contests and drag diva hostesses.

The venerable Jacques (79 Broadway, Bay Village), has talented and sassy female impersonators galore and lots of spirited customers who aren't shy to show their appreciation. Also Karaoke Tuesdays and Comedy Open Mic Sundays , plus second Sundays SIP Tea Dance , downstairs from 6pm.

Machine (1256 Boylston St) - CLOSED - long-popular gay 18+ Friday and Saturdays dances, live bands and go-go boys, upstairs Friday Gay   Latin Nights; Saturday urban music dance nights, queer hip-hop, reggae, vogue and twerk beats. Karaoke. Strapped Womxn's events. Without Machine , 18+ folk still have Ego in Providence, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The Middle East (472-74 Massachusetts Ave, Central Square, Cambridge) restaurant and nightclub complex of clubs and restaurants, serving falafel, humus, baba ghanooj, veggie or meat sandwiches and entrees, soups, burgers and wine; live entertainment and live music, party events, open mic comedy nights, food, belly dancers. ZuZu breakfast, lunch and brunch, live music of many kinds, (usually) 18+ dance parties. Midway between Harvard and MIT, a young and lively college crowd.

Midway Cafe (3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain), wide variety of acts/shows, performances, live music, draught beers and ciders; Thursday night Queeraoke , DJ dance sets.

Trophy Room (26 Chandler St), American bistro & bar, bar snacks and burgers, small plates, dinner, cocktails and weekend brunch, street level at The Alise Boston hotel. Still popular with gay men from days when Fritz sports bar was here.

Besides Hot Mess Sundays , Gay Mafia Boston produces gay special events at The Royale, along with Latino Wednesdays and Saturday events in Bay Village, at Legacy (79 Warren St).

CLOSED : Rise (306 Stuart, Back Bay), 18+ after-hours weekend dancing; Paradise (180 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge), male strippers, weekend dancing; Randolph Country Club (44 Mazzeo Dr, Randolph), gay summer pool frolics, winter fireplace lounge; T.T. the Bear's (10 Brookline St, Cambridge), live bands, goth/fetish nights, 18+ Saturdays.

The Machine nightclub building, to be demolished in 2020, will be replaced by a large mixed use building in 2021. Developers say it will include the Boylston Black Box , an LGBTQ-centric venue for the performing arts – anchored by a 120-seat theater – operated as a not-for-profit venue, and " securing a permanent home for queer and trans artists and youth."

Also CLOSED : Calamus Bookstore (92B South St, South Station), one of the world's best and last LGBTQ bookstores, established by writer John Mitzel, formerly the manager of Glad Day Bookshop .

Saunas The hostility of Boston City Hall to bathhouses makes this a rare exception among large American cities. There are no tubs here, or anywhere in New England, with the exception of Providence, Rhode Island -- an hour south by road or rail.

Club Body Center (257 Weybossett St, Providence), 18+ gay bathhouse, exercise and games rooms, porn video lounge, fetish shows, College and Tranny Nights, steam and tanning. Cumunion on 4th Saturdays, free porn DVDs to the first 25 guests; and Gear/BDSM third Wednesdays. Day passes or regular memberships, and they never close.

Restaurants

For Italian food and coffee, head to Hanover Street and the surrounding area of the North End. For Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese food there are restaurants aplenty lining the streets of Chinatown. Back Bay's Newbury Street has cafes and restaurants of many varied cuisines and price range, and past the Pru Tower you'll find many more in the South End.

Quincy Market at Faneuil Hall is a cornucopia of taste treats, both inside the three main buildings and in streets around. During market days at nearby Haymarket the many open stalls overflow with fruits, vegetables, and fish, all fresh and cheap. This small block, home to the Union Oyster House, survived the wrecking ball and harks back to an older Boston.

The many Squares of Cambridge and Somerville across the Charles River are focal points for finding small cafes and a bounty of the cuisines of many ethnicities, European, Asian, and South American in particular.

For 70 Boston and Cambridge area restaurants see our map & listings tab, with locations and website links.

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Explore the many historic and exciting destinations in gay Boston, one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the United States. From its essential role in the American Revolution to its distinction as the first state to legalize same-sex marriage, gay Boston has a host of attractions that is sure to please any LGBT history buff. The Old State House, Trinity Church, and the Museum of Fine Arts are among the many world-class destinations. Be sure not to miss its lively nightlife that includes mainstay bars like Club Café and the Eagle.

Savor vibrant bites as the best traveling queer food festival continues its journey east

Museum closes on 33rd anniversary of famed art heist.

The crime remains unsolved after thieves escaped with masterpieces from Rembrandt, Vermeer, Monet, and others worth $500 million.

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The best gay bars in Boston

From clubs and lounges, to cafés and cabaret, here’s where to experience Boston’s best LGBTQ+ nightlife

Not only was Massachusetts was the first state to legalize gay marriage, but we also know how to show off our pride in style. Whether it’s dancing into the early morning hours, watching RuPaul’s Drag Race , or cheering on gorgeous performers during a drag brunch, there are plenty of places to find LGBTQ-friendly fun in and around Boston. Check out our picks for the best gay bars in Boston—and to enjoy even more of the city’s energetic nightlife, have fun exploring the best cocktail lounges and speakeasies . And don't forget that June is Pride Month, so check out these Pride events around Boston .

RECOMMENDED: See the full list of the best bars in Boston

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best Boston gay bars

1.  club café.

• price 2 of 4

There is never a dull moment at this South End nightclub and restaurant—and it’s been this way since 1983. With Karaoke Wednesdays and Drag Race Fridays as part of its regular programming, Club Café proves it’s the place to be any day of the week. The restaurant, with its distinctive conservatory overlooking Columbus Avenue, serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Guests often stick around for some fabulous piano-accompanied cabaret or venture over to the venue’s dance floor for a night of clubbing. Aside from regular programming, there’s a series of special happenings each month, so check their events calendar for the most up-to-date guests.

2.  Jacque’s Cabaret

• Bay Village
• price 3 of 4

There’s only an exclusive list of places in The Hub that offer live music seven nights a week, and Jacques’ Cabaret is one of them. Tucked alongside cute row houses at the back of Tremont and Stuart Streets, this intimate Bay Village icon has a divey, insider-like quality to it. In addition to nightly entertainment featuring drag kings and queens, and cabaret, there’s also weekly karaoke for those who want to show their stuff. Because Jacques’ is in a residential neighborhood—a very tolerant one, clearly—there’s a midnight curfew. But don’t worry; you will have packed a lot of living into the night already.

3.  Midway Café

• Jamaica Plain
• price 1 of 4

Open since 1987, Midway Café is one of Boston’s more established LGBTQ hotspots, topping locals’ and out-of-towners’ lists as an iconic entertainment destination. Located in Jamaica Plain, the nightclub hosts bands and dance nights, including its longstanding Queeraoke every Thursday, one of the city’s longest running queer nights. Neighborhood-goers also revere this dive bar’s live music scene, so this no-nonsense spot is happening no matter which night of the week it is.

4.  Cathedral Station

• Sports Bars

This casual gay sports bar is straight inclusive, creating a friendly atmosphere to hangout with friends and family. Enjoy a bar-themed menu that includes crowd pleasers like wings, fish tacos and veggie spring rolls—or brunch classics as well as late day snacks served on Sundays . As for cocktails, its specialty creations don’t necessarily fit the typical “pub” vibe—like the Ketel One Basil Gimlet or Pinnefusion Martini—which we love! For the warmer months, the patio is the place to be, with disco music mixing with patrons’ cheers and creating a lively atmosphere. Meanwhile, the cooler months are more fitting for a round of pool or darts indoors.

5.  Trophy Room

Another South End staple, Trophy Room offers a friendly atmosphere, elevated pub fare and mark-your-calendar-worthy events throughout the year. It’s a more low-key kind of place during the week (although Trivia Thursdays throws in a little sassy competition), but weekends feature events like Glam Brunch Bingo and Drag Race All-Stars, which liven up the place even more than usual. The restaurant specializes in classic American fare, like burgers and a spicy chicken sandwich, while the cocktails are a little more unique, with saucy-named signature drinks like Trophy Wife and The Naked Experience.

6.  Dbar

• 4 out of 5 stars
• Recommended

When some local foodies hear dbar, they might associate it with its sister restaurants, Boston Chops and Deuaxve—but the local LGBTQ+ scene knows that it’s also a place to stay long after the shrimp cocktail and steak have been served. This is particularly true when the Dorchester spot hosts its weekly themed nights, like its Show Tunes Tuesdays, which feature lively sing-alongs, Pop Rocks Karaoke every Friday, as well as Slay Saturdays and Sunday Tea Dances. We recommend making a reservation for dinner and watching as the restaurant evolves into a vibrant nightlife scene on one of these special evenings.

7.  The Alley Bar

Nestled inside Downtown Crossing, near what is unofficially Boston’s wild weekend drinking district, this long-standing, bear-centric, leather bar offers dance, karaoke and trivia nights, as well as pool tables in a casual, sports bar-like atmosphere. The entrance is a little off the beaten path, but the name is a staple among the LGBTQ community, so once you’re there, you’ll know that you’ve arrived at the right spot. The bi-level space is constantly a buzz, packing in the crowds that always accumulate on weekends (and, when in season, the weekly communal RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing parties).

8.  Blend

The Dot’s unpretentious watering hole hosts DJs spinning top 40 tunes every Thursday through Sunday, when they also serve up a menu of pub grub. While the first Sunday of each month translates to a brunch paying homage to pop icons, the second and fourth are all about disco. Other weekly events not to miss: Friday Feels, RuPaul’s Drag Race and Mayhem Saturday.

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Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers in Boston

In 2003, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court became the first state supreme court in the U.S. to rule that same-sex couples have the legal right to marry. A year later, Massachusetts became the first state to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Boston Pride Week (tel.  617/262-9405 ) takes place at the beginning of June and includes a festival, a concert, block parties, and the largest gay-pride parade in New England. Festivities often continue throughout the month, and restaurants, bars, and other venues are likely to fly the rainbow flag during these weeks. Note : Additional Pride events are held in February (Black Pride), April (Latinx Pride), and May (Youth Pride).

The free weekly Bay Windows (tel. 617/266-6670 ) covers New England's LGBT community and features extensive entertainment listings. The alternative weekly Boston Phoenix publishes cultural and nightlife listings. A good online resource is Edge Boston .

An excellent guide to local gay- and lesbian-owned and -friendly businesses is the Pink Pages . The website of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau  has an LGBT Traveler section; click "Visit Boston," then "Boston Insider." The state tourism department has a separate website, www.lgbtmassvacation.com , devoted to information about activities and attractions across Massachusetts. Other useful resources include the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Helpline (tel. 888/340-4528 or 617/267-9001) and the Peer Listening Line, for people 25 and under (tel. 800/399-7337 or 617/267-2535), both operated by Fenway Community Health ; the Boston Alliance of Gay and Lesbian Youth (tel. 617/227-4313 ), which holds a general meeting every Wednesday at 8pm; and the Bisexual Resource Center (tel. 617/424-9595 ).

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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LGBTQ Provincetown – A Gay Guy’s Weekend Guide to Ptown

Posted on Last updated: 5 September 2023

Home » USA Travel » Massachusetts » Provincetown » LGBTQ Provincetown – A Gay Guy’s Weekend Guide to Ptown

Just on the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown has a long history as an LGBTQ-inclusive destination. With expansive beaches, top-rated restaurants, a picturesque town center , and a rich history, Provincetown (or Ptown as it is affectionately called) is home to a diverse and creative community.

Its many summertime events, from the iconic Provincetown Carnival in August to LGBTQ community events for lesbians, bears, families and everyone else, are a unique way to experience the small town.

I’ve written before how there’s just so much to do in Provincetown , and for a small town, there’s really a lot going on. If you’re looking for a quiet beach holiday, it’s possible. If you’re looking for a raucous weekend of parties, there’s that, too. Provincetown is the kind of place that is what you make of it.

With such a comfortable and laid-back atmosphere and an “anything-goes” attitude, it’s a really special place. That’s probably why so many visitors love returning year after year, summer after summer.

The town’s commitment to LGBTQ initiatives, as well, makes it one of America’s most accepting and LGBTQ-friendly destinations. Discover the best of Provincetown in my LGBTQ gay travel guide below.

LGBTQ TRAVEL Provincetown Gay Travel Guide

ACTIVITIES What to do in Provincetown

There’s a lot of history in Provincetown. It was the original landing spot for the pilgrim refugees on the Mayflower, so the town has always been intertwined in American History. Next year, in 2020, the town will celebrate 400 years since the first landing!

On a small hill in the town center, the Pilgrim Monument towers over Provincetown as a landmark and observation point. It’s possible to climb the granite tower (the tallest all-granite structure in the United States) to get a 360-degree view over the bay.

At the base of the Pilgrim Monument, the Provincetown Museum offers an overview of the town’s history—from before the Pilgrims landed to modern day (including an exhibition on the town’s commitment to the LGBTQ community since the late 20 th -century).

Besides history in Provincetown, the town is also famous for its art. It’s one of the oldest art colonies with a reputation for attracting and inspiring artists, creators, performers, and writers for centuries.

While there are many art galleries in Provincetown with a wide range of styles and artists on display, the town’s own Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM) is a great way to get a glimpse of the town’s commitment to the art community.

The permanent collection includes a number of important works, but the museum also makes an effort to showcase contemporary local artists, as well.

Take a walk down Commercial Street in Provincetown and you might be inundated with information, flyers, and travel tips. That’s because the town is a hotspot all summer long for cultural events and activities. Seemingly every week in the summer (and frequently in the off-season even!), Provincetown hosts countless themed parties and events.

One of the biggest places in town to catch a glimpse of this contemporary culture is at the Crown & Anchor . The complex, located directly on Commercial Street, has seven different gay bars and club spaces on its premises, including a hotel and pool!

Some of the biggest names in entertainment show up here each season for different variety shows and performances. Make a visit to the ticket office for last-minute ticket offers, but for big-ticket shows, make sure to book in advance!

RESTAURANTS Where to Eat in Provincetown

With its location at the end of Cape Cod, Provincetown predictably has a lot of great seafood. But there’s so much more to the culinary offers in town! With so many creative people living and visiting Provincetown , it’s no surprise that there’s a great culinary tradition here. This is the town where Anthony Bourdain even got his start in cooking!

For seafood, just about everyone in Provincetown will likely find themselves at restaurants like The Lobster Pot , The Canteen , and Pepe’s Wharf Restaurant . Each offers great seafood dishes at decent rates.

The New England style lobster roll is the seafood lunch of choice at many of these restaurants. It’s served on a soft, buttery hot dog bun with warm lobster meat without mayonnaise. It’s a Cape Cod and local favorite  and you can find it everywhere, but my personal favorite was at the Canteen (not least because of the great frosé wine & beach views!).

One of Provincetown’s coolest restaurants is the Mediterranean tavern Strangers & Saints . Located in a former captain’s home, the restaurant and bar have a plush, nautical décor, a large outdoor patio, and a cozy, warm setting inside.

Dishes on the menu are Mediterranean inspired, mostly made for sharing with a group. Don’t miss out the cocktail offers!

On Sundays in Provincetown, the streets come alive with day-trippers and weekenders looking for a relaxing but buzzing brunch spot. Spindler’s Restaurant , on Commercial Street, transforms their standard weekday menu to one with popular Mexican brunch dishes from Chef Eduardo “Papi” Rios.

“Sabores De Mexico” is available on select days depending upon the season, but always for Sunday brunch—and with a cocktail menu of tequilas and mezcals.

NIGHTLIFE Where to Drink & Party in Provincetown

As such a popular destination for LGBTQ travelers , Provincetown has plenty of gay bars and clubs. The most popular summertime LGBTQ event is the everyday Tea Dance at the Boatslip Resort. The party takes place every day from 4pm to 7pm.

It’s worth the entrance price for the party because the music is great, the drinks are strong, and the people are friendly. It’s a great place to start a night out.

One of Provincetown’s most iconic gay bars is A-House (short for Atlantic House). Located in a historic building, it’s one of the oldest gay bars in America. It’s a buzzing dance club with plenty of space indoors and out to mingle, across three different club spaces (including a leather bar).

Eugene O’Neill and Tennessee Williams were known to visit the A-House back in early 20th century when the bar was regularly a hangout for alternative visitors. Today, it’s a fun nightlife spot and one of the few gay bars in town that operates year-round.

Other gay bars in Provincetown include Club Purgatory (one of the bigger nightclubs and one that hosts weekly parties such as an underwear party every Thursday and Saturday night).

Popular LGBTQ events, including drag shows, can be found at a number of the LGBTQ clubs and event spaces such as Post Office Café & Cabaret , Crown & Anchor , and The Art House .

Look out for flyers and pamphlets around town or check the Ptown.org website run by the Provincetown Business Guild which primarily promotes LGBTQ-owned businesses and events.

HOTELS Where to Stay in Provincetown

Finding a place to stay in Provincetown is a bit of an art form. There aren’t many big hotel properties so accommodation can be a challenge to find during popular themed weeks and festivals.

The real charm of Provincetown is in the small-town life with the big-city attractions, and that comes across through the boutique hotel options available. It’s best to stay in a small boutique bed & breakfast or family-run hotel in Provincetown because of the level of service and attention.

The 8 Dyer Hotel has been a staple of Provincetown for years. The LGBTQ bed-and-breakfast operates as a 4-star hotel with exceptional service and fantastic on-site amenities, including an outdoor pool and indoor jacuzzi & sauna.

Beautifully decorated with chic modern design touches, the 7-room hotel is on a quiet street just a few minutes’ walk from a lot of the nightlife and action along Commercial Street. Check rates and availability on the 8 Dyer hotel website.

Also on the East End of Provincetown, the newly opened Stowaway Guesthouse offers a unique boutique bed-and-breakfast experience. Its location is especially convenient to Provincetown’s gallery district, and as such, it features a large collection of art and design items throughout the property.

As a popular LGBTQ property, the Stowaway Guesthouse also hosts occasional special LGBTQ events. It’s not uncommon to find drag queens hanging out in the common spaces or cozy backyard terrace! Check rates and availability on the Stowaway Provincetown hotel website.

• • •

Provincetown is a unique destination—a bit like other small beach towns, but special in its own ways. With a large LGBTQ local population and a history of support for the community, it’s one of America’s best LGBTQ destinations.

Note: My visit to Provincetown was supported and sponsored by the town. Discover more travel tips for Provincetown on their tourism website . Additional LGBTQ tips and a guide to the town is produced by the Provincetown Business Guild .

This is a unique piece of content. We had a good read! Hoping that we can collaborate some time

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