Our guide to gay bars in Rome.
Just to the south of the Colosseum there are two convenient gay refreshment spots, to relax after all the walking you’ll be doing, both open in the afternoons.
Coming Out (Via di SanGiovanni in Laterano 8) is a Gay bar and restaurant for gay men and women, open daily from 11am to 2am, is the big meeting places for Rome’s gay community; busiest on weekend evenings. All the local gay mags are distributed here and they have cocktail specials every evening if you need another excuse to come early.
My Bar (Via di SanGiovanni in Laterano 12) is the gay bar next door to Coming Out, and together they sponsor the Gay Street Roma events. All summer this street closes to traffic for events that include free movies, music performances, and art displays.
Beige (via del Politeama 13) is a gay-friendly bar in the Trastevere district with a famous Mediterranean buffet evening.
Meanwhile, Company Roma (piazza Manfredo Fanti 40) is a basement music bar for bears and friends; smoking and dark rooms; Shirtless and other theme nights.
Hangar (Via in Selci 69) which started as a casual get-together for gay friends 20-some years ago, has proved to be one of Rome’s most enduring gay institutions. John and partner Gianni open the place from 10:30pm until 2am, hosting Rome’s most international gathering place for gay men. Tip: conversation flows easily here, as does the inside scoop on what to see in Rome.
Skyline Club (Via Pontremoli 36), near San Giovanni metro, has two darkrooms, porn videos, and pulls a generally younger crowd that likes the high-energy music they play. Third Saturdays here are devoted to bears. Co-owner Gian Carlo offers friendly tourist advice.
Other gay sex clubs include Diavolo Dentro (Largo Itri 23) with darkrooms and cabins, labyrinth and sling, food, drinks, shows and hardcore movies — open weekends only; and K-Men’s Gay Club (Via Amato Amati 8), a gay men’s cruising and sex bar with shows, open daily except Mondays. Finally, Bunker (via Placido Zurla 68), is open from Thursday through Sunday and is a popular men’s cruise and dance club from 11:30pm with special parties, naked nights, smoking room.
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action
J.K. Place Roma, Hotel Artemide, UNA Hotel, Yes Hotel.