From the Castro to Soho, gayborhoods have been the heart of LGBTQ+ community life for decades. Here's your guide to the most iconic gay neighborhoods around the world.
The Castro, San Francisco
Perhaps the most famous gayborhood in the world, the Castro became the epicenter of gay rights activism in the 1970s. Today it remains a vibrant neighborhood with rainbow crosswalks, historic bars, and the GLBT Historical Society Museum.
West Hollywood, Los Angeles
WeHo, as locals call it, is home to Santa Monica Boulevard's legendary gay bars and clubs. The area offers a unique mix of nightlife, dining, and shopping in a compact, walkable neighborhood.
Hell's Kitchen, New York
While Chelsea was once NYC's gay hub, Hell's Kitchen (also called Clinton) has emerged as the new center of gay life in Manhattan. Ninth Avenue is lined with gay bars, restaurants, and shops.
Soho, London
London's Soho has been a haven for LGBTQ+ people since the 1980s. Old Compton Street is the main drag, featuring historic venues like The Admiral Duncan and G-A-Y Bar.
Le Marais, Paris
This historic Parisian neighborhood combines stunning architecture with a thriving gay scene. Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie and Rue des Archives are the main gay streets.
Tip: Many gayborhoods are facing gentrification. Support local LGBTQ+-owned businesses to help keep these communities alive.