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People dining al fresco in Piazza della Rotonda in Rome, Italy

People dining in Piazza della Rotonda in Rome, Italy (Gavin Hellier/Photographer's Choice/Getty)

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Rome Gay and Lesbian Travel Tips

By Matt Link

Watch out for August. Romans abandon the city in August, it’s choked with tourists, the hot weather is insufferable, and many restaurants and hotels are closed.
Expect to buy a membership to get into gay bars and clubs. Although it’s changing, a lot of LGBT establishments are private clubs that require you to join the Italian gay organization called ARCIGAY.
Pack for warm weather. A Roman summer can easily hover in the 90s, and even in winter, temps are in the mild 50s.

Gay and Lesbian Travel Overview: Rome

By Matt Link

Who would have guessed that the city where so much homosexual debauchery went on in times of yore would now be the seat of the Catholic Church? Throughout the ages, gays have left their lavender mark on The Eternal City—from Michelangelo’s extravagant Sistine Chapel to Emperor Hadrian’s statues of his buff lover Antinous. Nowadays, travelers may be surprised to find Rome as closeted as it is—especially compared to the out scene way north in Milan. Sure, cute gladiators in skirts may hang out to get their photo taken in front of the Coliseum, and naked male imagery seems to adorn every fountain, but it takes a detective to find Rome’s bars, appearing more as speakeasies than proud out establishments. However, the scene is much more open than it was even a few years ago—mainly due to the impact of World Pride, which descended upon the city in 2000. Read More

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WE will be in Rome for 4 days before a cruise. Is the Rome Pass worth it? What is the difference between the Rome Pass and the Rome Piu Pass? Is it worth hiring a tour guide for the major attractions of the city or do it on our own? What Vatican tour would you remommend? And finally, do you think we have time for a side trip outside the city? Many THanks
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