LGBTQ: Venice, Italy

Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world, but, unfortunately, you won’t find much in the way of gay venues here. The locals themselves are welcoming to the LGBTQ community and it’s not out of the ordinary to see members of the same sex holding hands as you walk the streets.

The city lacks a distinctive gay area, but nearby Padova and Padua have a much larger gay scene if you’re looking for a night out on the town. They’re both a short taxi ride away. One gay bar that does exist in Venice is Porto de Mar, but it’s not exactly hopping.

There is a gay sauna to be found in city limits, the Metro Venezia Club, but it requires an ANDDOS membership in order to enter. These are easily obtained with a little research.

For meals, Centrale Lounge offers a relaxing atmosphere and mixed clientele, along with some pretty delicious food.

Finally, if you’re in need of a gay-friendly place to stay while you’re visiting Venice, be sure to look into Alle Guglie, a gay-owned hotel in the Cannaregio district.

Overall Venice is inclusive, but not exactly the place to go if you’re seeking out a predominately gay experience. You’ll spend most of your time here enjoying the beautiful architecture and meandering down the walkways and canals.