Since the first World Pride 2000 festival began in Rome, it seems that Rome has become a special place for gays and lesbians. In Italy, there was never a ban on same-sex relationships as such, but until recently, public opinion was against openly talking about some problems. Even now it is believed that Italy is lagging behind other European countries in this matter. Despite this, in Rome there are not only real gay clubs, but also bars, restaurants and hotels, and various nightlife establishments organizing special nights for gays - all in order to satisfy the growing demand and popularity of this sexual minority, which may in the future will be the majority.
We hope this article will be useful both to guests of the Eternal City of traditional sexual orientation, so that one fine day not to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and the target audience - you are gay and lesbian.
Contacts, shops, services
ARCI-Gay Ora Via Goito 35b, 06-6450-1102. www.arcigayroma.it Mon-Fri 16.00-20.00
The Rome office of the Italian gay organization, which maintains a telephone hotline at + 800-713-713, Mon and Wed. 17.00-21.00 and Saturday 16.00-20.00. Organizes briefings and meetings with newcomers to the Eternal City every Thursday from 18.00 to 21.00 and friendly meetings every Friday from 18.00 to 21.00. An annual membership fee costs 14 euros and can be useful when entering many clubs and bars.
Casa internacionale delle donne
Via della Lungara 19, 06-6880-9723
This is not quite a gay organization, but rather a type of association specifically for women with books, libraries, restaurants and cafes. The organization’s office, of course, is located in the old church. Orsa Maggiore also offers accommodation.
Cirkolo Mario Mieli di Cultura Omosessuale
Via Efeso 2a, 06-541-3985, www.mariomielli.org
The main Roman gay activist organization offers a wide range of social and medical services, including advice and a helpline. Weekly meetings with new people, political parties and like-minded people - just call for more details. Their magazine “Aut” publishes interesting articles, as well as information about what is happening in the capital; Available for free at many gay hotels.
Lubreria babele
Via dei Banchi Vecchi 116, 06-6870-6628, www.libreriababeleroma.it all days except Sunday and Monday from 11.00-19.00
A library for gays and lesbians located very close to one of the main streets of Corso Vittrorio Emanuele with many books on gay themes - some are available in English. You can also buy newspapers, posters, DVD-videos, guides and postcards.
Zipper
Via Castelfidardo 18, 2F, 06-488-2730, www.zippertravel.it Mon-Fri 9.30-18.30
A travel agency specifically for gays and lesbians is located next to Termini Central Station. Sells individual and group tours to all countries of the world, as well as within Italy.
Bars and clubs
L'alibi
Via Monte Testaccio 44, 06-574-3448, W-wax 24.00-05.00
This mainly male club is the oldest gay club in Rome. Located in the heart of alternative nightlife in the Testaccio area. Today it is no longer so innovative, but at the same time it is a good enough, diverse club with many dance floors located underground and an open roof bar, as well as a large terrace ideal for hot summer nights. Admission is free provided that the drink is purchased on Wednesdays and Fridays, on Saturday 15 euros (the drink is included).
La buca di bacco
Via San Francesco a Ripa 165, 0348-764-7388
This cocktail bar, wine restaurant and tea in one is the new gay club format (lokalu). Calm throughout the day, cheerful and noisy at night.
Coming Out,
Via San Giovanni in Laterano 8, 06-700-9871 from 17.00 to 02.00 www.comingout.it
If any Roman area can be called the epicenter of gays, then, of course, this will be the segment between the Colosseum and Piazza Vittorio. This small, modern pub is a favorite place for a young audience.
Gay Village Mattaoio, Testaccio
www.gayvillage.it
In July and August Testachio is dominated by gay artists and gay parties as part of the annual Gay Village festival. On the official website you can find relevant information about the program and schedule.
Garbo
Vicolo di Santa Margherita 1a 06-581-6700 Wednesday-Pont 22.00-02.00
A pleasant bar on Trastevere just behind the main square. Favorable atmosphere for relaxation and beautiful design.
L'hangar
Via in Selci 69, 06-488-1397 Somewhere halfway between Termini Station and the Roman Forum, just next to Via Cavour, is one of the oldest and cheapest gay clubs. Usually he is always full of young people. Happy Arcigay cardholders come in for free, without a card you have to pay for at least one drink, whether you drink it or not.
Max's bar
Via A. Grandi 7a 06-7030-1599 Every day except Wednesday 22.30-3.30 Fri-Sat until 05.00
A very nice bar with a special dance floor in the area of the hill Exquiline and San Giovanni, very popular among local Roman gays.
Qube
Via di Portonaccio 212, 06-438-5445 Thu-Sat 22.30-04.00
A feature of this club is its incredible success every Friday gay night called Mucca Assassina (Killing Cow)
Skyline
Via Pontremili 36 06-700-9431 Tue-Thu-Sun 22.30-03.00, Fri and Saturday 22.30-05.00
Male striptease, dark corners and macho-style decorations attract a very motley audience like a magnet to a club located in the San Giovanni area, perhaps just to find your love or partner for one night on the club’s balcony. Themed parties are regularly held, including Bears every third Thursday of the month.
Sphinx(temporarily closed)
Piazza M. Fanti 40, 06-444-312, Everyday except Mondays 23.00-04.00
The club, where you can get dressed in the skin or its semblance, has been around for about 10 years and has proven itself perfectly. Regular bear parties take place here on Saturdays. Some nights are very dashing. Recommended.
Restaurants
Acincotto
Via dei Vascellari 48, 06-589-8985
One of the first restaurants that posted a pink flag at the entrance. This lovely place is located on Trastevere and is run by a couple of gays. A huge selection of inexpensive and delicious pasta, meat and fish dishes. Noteworthy regardless of culinary preferences.
La taverna di edoardo
Il Vicolo Margana 14, 06-6994-2419 Every day except Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
A tavern in the center of the Jewish quarter next to Piazza Venezia was once decorated in the style of a torture room and named after the English king, famous for his blue inclinations. Now there is a gay restaurant, which also attracts crowds of young adventurers. A membership card is required to enter, but you can get one for free.
La sorellastre
Via San Francesco di Sales 1b 340-486-2295 Tue-Sat 19.00-24.00
This bar and restaurant on Trastevere offers both Italian and international cuisine and is the only lesbian establishment of its kind in the city.
Saunas
Europa multiclub
Via Aureliana 40, 06-482-3650, Mon-Thu 13.00-02.00 Fri-Sun until 06.00
Next to Termini is a pleasant, stylish complex with a bar with light snacks. Entrance 14 euros, after 23.00 12 euros
Meditarraneo
Via Pasquale Villari 3, 06-7720-5934 www.saunameditarraneo.it Daily 13.00-24.00
These Roman baths are located on three floors very close to the Piazza Vittorio. Standard options, including a snack bar. Very clean place, here you can meet an audience of all ages. Admission is 14 euros.
Accommodations - Rome's Top 5 Gay Hotels
B&B 58 Le Real De Luxe
Via Cavour 58, 4F 06-482-3566
Double room from 75 euros in a small pleasant hotel for gays.
Gayopen
Via dello Statuto 44, 06-482-0013
The bed and breakfast is centrally located overlooking the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. A double room costs about 100 euros.
Hotel fortyseven: Luxury hotel for gays in Rome, 4 *. Located in the heart of the city next to the Roman Forum, within walking distance of the most popular attractions of the Italian capital.
Hotel pantheon: a small but very comfortable and at the same time luxurious gay hotel in Rome. Located in the city center, within walking distance: Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and many other interesting places and attractions.
Hotel Villa Pamphili: A magnificent 4 * hotel adjacent to a beautiful park Villa doria pamphili. The Vatican Museums are a short drive away. For those who decide to spend the hot summer months in Rome, Hotel Villa Pamphili is the perfect place. Enjoy unforgettable refreshing moments in our Olympic-sized pool, which, by the way, is a rarity for Roman hotels.
Hotel trevi: 3 *. Located in the city center, right next to one of the most recognizable Roman attractions, the Trevi Fountain. Due to the convenient location of the hotel, you are given the opportunity to visit all the attractions of Ancient Rome in one walk.
Domus valeria: The comfortable Bed & Breakfast in the city center welcomes gays and lesbians! Just ten minutes walk from the hotel there is a gay street, which, you see, is a pleasant neighborhood.
The First Luxury Art Hotel Roma
This 5-star boutique hotel is located in the historic center of Rome, an 8-minute walk from the Spanish Steps. It features a panoramic rooftop terrace, 24-hour personalized service and elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi.
First Luxury Art Roma is listed as the best boutique hotel (Preferred Boutique Hotels). The Ara Pasis Museum, designed by architect Richard Meyer, is a 2-minute walk, and the Flaminio Metro Station is a 5-minute walk. Via de Condotti with exclusive boutiques is 550 meters away.
Rooms at Luxury Art Roma Hotel are decorated with contemporary artwork and trendy furniture. Extras include soft bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries. Some rooms have a terrace with a spa bath.
The All'Oro Michelin-starred restaurant serves a menu of traditional Italian dishes prepared in a contemporary style by chef Riccardo Di Giacinto, also awarded a Michelin star.
Night life
Many Roman clubs have special gay parties once a week, which move from place to place. You can find out about the details in any of the places indicated above, and also study the section “Nightlife” and the latest party information especially for gays on the corresponding Internet pages:
- Black Betty www.blackbetty.it A black gay night that moves from club to club.
- Kinder Garten Saturday at Aplheus Club facebook.com/alpheusclub
- Muccaassassina Friday at Qube Club qubedisco.com
- Omogenic friday at the club Circolo degli Artisti
- Queer Saturday at Piper piperclub.it club
Venus Rising lesbo night: last night of the month at Goa club goaclub.com
Ideas for a vacation in Italy
To truly plunge into the pink and blue Italy, consider going on a Venice-Rome cruise from August 24 to September 3, 2013
Europe's largest and most exciting gay cruise from Venice to Rome. Celebrate this summer aboard the luxury cruise shipCelebrity silhouette. With 2800 guests, you will visit five countries with the best European resorts, including such places as the ancient stone city of Dubrovnik, the fabulous islands of Mykonos and Santorini, Ajaccio - the largest port of Corsica, and the coast of Naples. And this is just the beginning. Ahead of you are waiting 10 hot nights with the best world gay celebrities, fiery parties and an unforgettable atmosphere. The cost of such a cruise varies from $ 1599 for a regular cabin to $ 13999 for a luxurious penthouse for a couple.
For more information, see the official website atlantisevents.com
