Gay Rome: The Complete LGBTQ+ Guide to Bars, Cruising & Culture 🇮🇹
- Name
- Fabio Marcato
- Threads
- @thefabryk
- About Us
- About Me
- ← Back to the blog
Oh bella, Roma! This might be our favorite city in the world, full stop.
We're not the kind of gay travel bloggers who fly in for a long weekend and call ourselves experts. Fabio and I spend a full month here every single summer, house sitting through TrustedHousesitters, and our local friends have started joking that we're more Roman than half the actual Romans at this point. That's a month of the same pasticceria for our morning espresso lungo, the same aperitivo street every evening, and enough nights on Gay Street (or outside of Gay Street) to know exactly which bar to skip on a slow Tuesday.
Maybe that's why we still get emotional saying goodbye every September. Whether you're chasing Rome's gay nightlife, worshiping at the altar of carbonara, or just here for the ancient ruins and the romantic Roman boys, you'll find your place in Rome.
Let's get into everything we've tested firsthand, from Gay Street to the cruising clubs to where to eat when you don't want to get ripped off.
Gay Rome Guide: Map
LGBTQ+ Rome FAQ: What You Need to Know
Is Rome LGBTQ+ Friendly?
Aside from Milan, which is quite arguably the gay capital of Italy, Rome comes in very close.
Check out our accompanying Gay Milan Guide 🇮🇹
We were surprised by how much the city had to offer for the LGBTQ+ crowd, at least in the form of bars, clubs, cruising spots, and beaches. Back when I came to Rome for the first time in 2017, I remember just the two bars on Gay Street near the Colosseum. The city seems to have come far in creating safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ crowd - including the Area Pride Roma. On top of that, there is Rome Pride on the yearly.
Alas, like the rest of Italy, the city has its contrasts; where there is a high emphasis on tradition, but with modern attitudes existing. Quite a lot of locals we met were not out to family members or workplaces, illustrating that there is still a long road in front of the city and country until there is true equality. In Italy, same-sex relationships are legally recognized, and anti-discrimination laws provide protection. So while Rome is generally safe for LGBTQ+ individuals, it's wise to stay alert, especially in certain areas.
Is there gay nightlife in Rome?
Do I need a membership card to get into gay bars or clubs in Rome?
Yes, for some of them. ARCO and ENTES are Italy's two main membership associations, and cruising-focused clubs, darkrooms, and saunas typically require one or the other at the door. Most straightforward bars on Gay Street don't ask for anything.
If a venue does require a card, staff will tell you which one and sell it to you on the spot, so you don't need to sort this out before you land.
Is there gay cruising in Rome?
Yes, though it runs almost entirely through membership-based clubs rather than outdoor spots. Censured, K Men Club, Skyline Club Roma, and Il Diavolo Dentro are the main cruising venues, each requiring an ARCO or ENTES card at the door.
Outdoor cruising carries real legal risk in Italy, so the clubs are the safer route.
However, it does happen more regularly at some of Rome's nearby beaches.
Are there gay beaches near Rome?
Yes, the two most popular are Santa Severa, a black sand beach northwest of the city with a nudist stretch, and Capocotta Beach to the southwest, which has a livelier, more party-oriented crowd.
Both are reachable by regional train or metro plus bus, and both have informal cruising areas after dark.
When is Rome Pride?
Rome Pride typically takes place in mid to late June each year. The city also runs a summer-long Gay Village from mid-June to mid-September near EUR Magliana station, so the LGBTQ+ calendar in Rome stretches well beyond the parade itself.
Is it safe to hold hands or show affection as a gay couple in Rome?
Generally yes in central, tourist-heavy areas and within the Gay Street and Pigneto nightlife scenes, but Italy overall remains more conservative than cities like Berlin or Amsterdam. Many locals we've met aren't out to family or coworkers, which says something about the broader climate.
Use normal judgment outside the main LGBTQ+-friendly pockets, especially away from the city center.
What is Rome famous for?
Rome, often referred to as the "Eternal City," is famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture that stretches back thousands of years. The city is known for iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, where gladiators once fought for glory, the Roman Forum, and Vatican City, home to St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Beyond its historical treasures, Rome is renowned for its food scene, from cacio e pepe to carbonara and amatriciana, and its bustling piazzas like Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps.
Is Rome worth visiting?
Yes. The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and other major sites get busy, but Rome is a city you should see at least once in your life, crowds and all.
If crowds aren't your thing, riding the metro a few stops out of the center, and leaning into the off-the-beaten-path sides of the city like we do, gets you authentic local experiences and much cheaper prices.
Best Gay Hotels in Rome: Where to Stay
If it is your first time in Rome, staying in the center is ideal, but of course the prices can reach extortionate levels. Nonetheless, the public transportation system is quite reliable, so if you need to stay in districts a little out of the center, you will not be disconnected.
Nevertheless, for easiest access to the Gay Street (see below), it is best to stay near the Colosseum.
We've broken down all our top hotel picks (with more options than we can fit here) in our Best Gay Hotels in Rome guide.
Featured Hotel: CasaBaleno
CasaBaleno is a luxury, eco-friendly, LGBTQ+-focused apartment very close to San Giovanni Station (Line A and Line C, which is three stops from Termini (A) or three stops from the Colosseum (C)) sporting pop-art decor and a cozy interior, this is the ideal place and location to base yourself for your Rome adventures. The best part is that is run by a wonderful pair of gay daddies.
Want to see the rest of our picks (luxury, budget, and by neighborhood)? Head to our Best Gay Hotels in Rome guide.
Gay Nightlife in Rome: Best Bars, Clubs & Saunas
The gay scene for Rome is most famously centered around Gay Street (Via di San Giovanni), a lively bar street right next to the Colosseum for both locals and tourists alike. If you are headed to Rome for just a weekend, you will unlikely miss this area. However, for those looking for an alternative from the 2-3 bars, you'll find other gay-friendly bars, nightclubs and cruising clubs scattered around other parts of the city.
Give @partygayroma a follow for the best up-to-date gay party information in Rome.
Gay Rome Nightlife Tip 🚨
Gain exclusive access to Italy's vibrant gay club scene with the ARCO Travel Card 🪪
While certain bars, saunas and clubs in Italy may require specialized membership cards for entry, tourists now have a hassle-free solution. Tailored for international visitors, the ARCO Travel Card grants you all the perks of the standard AllClubs card but at a discounted rate. With validity spanning three months from the date of purchase or renewal, this card unlocks doors to the nightlife of Italy's gay clubs and gay saunas, ensuring you make the most of your travels!
You'll also see venues ask for an ENTES card instead of ARCO. Both are membership schemes tied to different national associations (ARCO/AllClubs vs. ENTES), and Italian law requires clubs with a "private members" setup to check for one or the other before letting you in. They're not interchangeable, and which one a venue accepts depends on which association that specific club is affiliated with, so you can't just show up with an ARCO card assuming it'll work everywhere that lists a card requirement.
In our experience, just play it by ear: most doors will tell you on the spot which card they need and sell you one right there if you don't have it, so don't stress about pre-registering for both before your trip.
Not all bars or clubs require this. Generally the ones that have a bit more of a cruising-focus/darkrooms (plus saunas) are the ones where it is necessary.
Find Your Perfect Gay Rome Night Out
Not sure where to start? Answer three quick questions, and we'll point you to the bars, clubs, saunas, or cruising spots that actually match your mood.
What kind of night (or day) are you after? 1 / 3
Gay Bars in Rome
We've devoted an entire article to the best gay bars of Rome, but we will cover a few of the options here.
Coming Out and My Bar
Coming Out and My Bar are the two main neighboring bars on Gay Street. During the day, they are restaurants, cafés, spots to get an apertivo. At night, they convert into bars where occupants buy their drinks and then tend to spill out onto Gay Street to mingle.
The main draw is that they are located right next to the Colosseum, but we feel the drink prices are a bit high for what it is worth (by Rome standards, anyway). If you are in town for a weekend, start your night here and then head to some other bars.
Practical info
- Where: Via di San Giovanni in Laterano, 8, right on Gay Street next to the Colosseum
- Hours: Café/restaurant by day; nightly drag shows and DJ sets from around 10:30pm
- Good to know: No membership card needed; drink prices run a bit high by Rome standards
Company Roma
Company Roma is primarily a bear bar close to Rome Termini station, Company Roma is welcoming to all. We love the karaoke nights on Thursdays.
Practical info
- Where: Near Roma Termini station
- Hours: Check their Instagram for current nightly hours; karaoke on Thursdays
- Good to know: ARCO card required at the door; bear-focused but welcoming to everyone
Malo Glitter Bar
Malo Glitter Bar is a vibrant and eclectic spot in the city's Pigneto district that’s quickly becoming a popular gay bar for those looking to enjoy a unique night out. With its colorful, glitter-infused decor and lively atmosphere, this bar offers an experience that goes beyond just drinks.
Practical info
- Where: Via Fanfulla da Lodi 30, Pigneto
- Hours: Wed–Sun 7pm–2am (closed Mon–Tue)
- Good to know: No membership card needed; drag shows, karaoke, and stand-up nights
Rome Nightlife Tip
Pigneto is quite possibly the coolest of the bar districts we've been to. All the places feel LGBTQ+-friendly, and we feel it is quickly becoming the LGBTQ+ hotspot in all of Rome. It may not be directly in the center, but it is worth it for an evening of pre-drinks.
Head there for cheaper drinks (spritzes can get as low as €3.50) and local vibes.
Again, check out our post on The Best Gay Bars in Rome for more details on each of these and more bars.
Gay Clubs in Rome
Here is a list of the gay clubs in Rome! Some of these are open on the regular, and some of these are a bit more infrequent. Make sure to follow their Instagram or Facebook pages for up-to-date information.
101 Club Rome
101 Club is a hidden gem in Rome’s nightlife, known for its intimate and underground vibe. This bar draws a diverse crowd that tends to lean on the younger side... with its eclectic music, strong drinks, and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. We loved how easy it was to mingle with people here.
Practical info
- Where: Via Panisperna, 101, 00184 Roma RM
- Good to know: ARCO card required at the door; younger, international, laid-back crowd
Frutta e Verdura
Frutta e Verdura is a weekly party with a bar, dance floor, cruising area, and outdoor terrace, with music ranging from house to techno.
Practical info
- Good to know: This is a weekly party, not a fixed venue... follow Instagram for the current location and dates
Glamorize Roma
Glamorize is a weekly lesbian-gay-mixed evening, popular for socializing with friends.
Practical info
- Good to know: Follow Instagram for the current venue and dates
Latte Fresco
Latte Fresco is a weekly queer-friendly event with a ton of energy in the east of Rome (nearby Pigneto) with pop, house, and hip-hop music.
Practical info
- Where: Largo Venue, Via Biordo Michelotti 2 (also accessible from Via Prenestina 187), near Pigneto
- Hours: Fridays; doors open 7:30pm for the restaurant/piazzetta, 9pm for the garden and main room
- Good to know: Free entry all night; runs seasonally, so check their site for the current program
Muccassassina
Muccassassina is a large dance venue with multiple dance floors, bars, and lounges spread over three floors, playing mainly pop, commercial, and remixes. Very popular with both gay and straight crowds. But just beware that there are often long queues.
Practical info
- Where: Location changes by season; double-check their site before heading over
- Hours: Every Friday, starting around 10:30pm
- Good to know: Proceeds support Circolo Mario Mieli, Rome's LGBTQ+ cultural association
Poppe
Poppe is a bi-monthly LGBTQ-friendly Pop party with a mixed clientele. Known as "The Ultimate Pop Experience".
Practical info
- Good to know: Follow Instagram for the next date and venue
Gay Saunas in Rome
There are no shortage of gay saunas in Rome (as Romans will be Romans, no matter the period of time). These are some of the ones we recommend:
Apollion Sauna
Apollion Sauna is located right by Gay Street in old Roman ruins, so you can live out your ancient Rome fantasy here. It's been around since 1994.
Practical info
- Where: Via Mecenate, 59A, a 3-minute walk from Gay Street and the Colosseum
- Hours: Daily 2pm–11pm
- Good to know: ARCO card required; Rome's oldest gay sauna, running since 1994
Adam Sauna (Illumined Sauna)
Adam Sauna (Illumined Sauna) comes complete with a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, and jacuzzi pool and located in the heart of Rome. It is located very close to Skyline Club Roma.
Practical info
- Hours: Mon–Thu 1pm–12am · Fri 1pm–5am · Sat 1pm–6am · Sun 6am–12am (non-stop weekend from Sat 2pm to Sun midnight)
- Good to know: ENTES card required (~€10/year); entry is around €15, including towel, slippers, and free condoms
Gay Cruising in Rome
Rome's cruising scene runs almost entirely through membership-based clubs rather than outdoor spots, and it's more developed than you'd expect for a city with such a compact bar scene. These happen at various clubs listed below, but there are also cruising opportunities at some of Rome's gay beaches.
What about cruising at Villa Borghese?
It comes up constantly in cruising searches for Rome, and yes, the park has an old, informal reputation among some locals as an after-dark spot. We haven't personally gone there to cruise, though, and outdoor cruising in Italy carries real legal risk (public indecency is a citable offense), on top of the obvious safety downsides of an unlit park at night. If that's the scene you're after, the clubs below are the safer, sanctioned version, and where we actually have firsthand experience.
Censured
Censured is a two-level venue near Termini (Via dei Quattro Cantoni 5) featuring a laid-back bar and hangout spot upstairs, with the actual cruising area down at the bottom level. The cruising area is a bit tighter and more intimate than we are used to, but that is how cruising should be, right?!
Practical info
- Where: Via dei Quattro Cantoni 5, near Termini
- Hours: Mon–Tue 10pm–~3–4am · Wed–Thu 10pm–~4–5am · Fri–Sat 10pm–5am · Sun 4pm–9pm (underwear/naked) then 9pm–3am (free dress code)
- Good to know: ENTES/ARCO card required; dress code changes nightly, so check before you go
K Men Club
K Men Club is Rome's most established leather and cruising club (Via Amato Amati 6-8), a bit outside the center towards Malatesta/Metro C. Open Tuesday to Sunday from around 22:30 (closed Mondays), it's more hardcore than the others on this list, but lots of fun to be had if leather is your scene.
Practical info
- Where: Via Amati Amato 6/8, outside the center toward Malatesta/Metro C
- Hours: Wed–Thu 10:30pm–3am · Fri–Sat 10:30pm–4am · Sun 10:30pm–3am · closed Mon–Tue
- Good to know: Membership card required at the door; under-26s get free entry
Skyline Club Roma
Skyline Club Roma (formerly Black Hole): A cruising bar near San Giovanni with way more space than you'd expect... a genuinely spacious main bar plus a labyrinth out back. We cover it in full detail in our gay bars guide, but it belongs on this list just as much.
Practical info
- Where: Via Pontremoli, 36, San Giovanni
- Hours: Sun/Mon/Wed/Thu 10:30pm–2am · Fri 10:30pm–3:30am · Sat 10:30pm–4:30am · closed Tue
- Good to know: ARCO card required; entry runs around €10, including a drink; Check their Instagram for events lining up with your visit, as they often allow you to register on the guest-list for a cheaper entry.
Il Diavolo Dentro
Il Diavolo Dentro is a cruising club in the San Lorenzo area (Via degli Ernici 5), spread over multiple rooms with private zones and a labyrinth. It flies under the radar compared to Censured or Skyline, which some regulars consider a plus. Hours shift often for themed nights, so check their Facebook before heading over.
Practical info
- Where: Via degli Ernici, 5 (corner of Via dei Latini), San Lorenzo
- Good to know: Hours shift for themed nights, so check Facebook or Telegram before heading over; membership required, 2 drinks included with entry
Gay Events in Rome
Gay Village in Rome (Village Roma)
Running from mid-June to mid-September every year, Rome, like quite a few Italian cities, puts on a Roma Gay Village. It is essentially a pretty spacious open-air venue with a DJ where many of the gays flock to on the weekends, especially when a lot of the club nights are taking a break for the summer. We attended the past two years, and it is really nice to see how the locals do gay summer in Rome!
Rome Pride
Rome Pride is held on the yearly (typically in mid to late June), so make sure to stay up to date with our gay pride calendar. June in Italy is also our #1 pick in the Global Gay Travel Calendar!
Area Rome
Area Roma is an open-air summer festival for LGBTQ+ and friends, featuring bars, parties, and shows. It is a bit like the Gay Village in Rome, and it is often one or the other running events, so make sure to keep an eye on their respective pages during your visit.
Rome's Hidden LGBTQ+ Pools & Gay Beaches
Gay Beaches in Rome
Rome isn't on the sea, but two gay beaches are close enough for a day trip: Santa Severa to the northwest and Capocotta Beach to the southwest.
Santa Severa
A gorgeous, black sand beach north-west of Rome. It is a nudist beach, but don't feel obliged to get naked 😜. The surroundings are utterly stunning, and the water is serene. This is the more relaxing/beautiful option. There is one bar as soon as you walk on the beach.
Practical info
- How to get there: Take the regional train from Tuscolana or Termini to Santa Severa station and walk 20 minutes. When you hit the beach, walk left for about 10-15 minutes (away from the crowds) until the gay beach feeling has set in. It is much easier to reach by car.
- Cruising Bonus: As it starts to get a bit darker, if you wander further up the beach to the little shed, there is allegedly some cruising opportunities, although we didn't stay long enough to find out.
Capocotta Beach
This beach is like the fun, chaotic brother of Santa Severa and is located south-west of Rome. Also a nudist-friendly beach, this one seems to be filled with many more people during the summer. It also has easy access to a bar/café for all your food/drink needs. This is the beach to go to if you are feeling more of a party vibe.
Practical info
- How to get there: Take Metro B to Pyramide. Take the Metromare (Rome–Lido railway) from Porto San Paolo (Pyramide) to Cristoforo Colombo. Take Bus #7 and get off at Litoranea/Varco 3. Pass under the Zeta Beach sign. When you hit the bar/beach, go left for a few minutes and follow the gays to heaven.
- The bonus of this one is that you don't have to pay any additional money for transportation. You can use you ATAC Rome transportation card.
- Other directions we have followed has taken us well out of the way, as the spot where the gays hang out can change on an annual basis. These directions are valid as of 2026, but make sure to double-check with other sources.
- Cruising: This beach is much more equipped for cruising than Santa Severa. All you have to go back into the dunes behind the beach and there are many paths to get lost on - as most places, it starts to get more crowded towards the later hours of the day.
Gay Pools in Rome
There aren't any strictly gay pools per se, but there is one we keep coming back to year after year to escape the August heat (and it is LGBTQ+-friendly).
Summer Village
Located in the south of the city, Summer Village is our little oasis from Central Rome madness during the brutal summers. It is two pools directly adjacent to one another with tons of little loungers and beds scattered around the property. The staff and bar on the premise is fantastic too, especially for an aperitivo. You won't find loads and loads of gays there, but it is LGBTQ+-friendly.
- How to get there: Take Metro Line A to Arco di Travertino (there are also bus alternatives) and then take Bus 660. It is a bit hard to find, but just know it is on the left side of the bridge, not the right as the Google Map directions makes it seem.
- Good to know:
- Bring a swim cap. This is a thing in Italy. However, one pool is available for those without swim caps (you just won't be able to put your head under).
- Book spots in advance. During the summer, any day of the week will be quite busy, so you are going to want to book beds or chairs in advance on their website.
Other Gay Rome Resources
Checkpoint Roma: Free HIV & STI Testing
If you're looking for LGBTQ+ health resources in Rome, we highly recommend Checkpoint Roma. We personally visited for free HIV and syphilis testing, and it was an incredibly smooth experience. The team, mostly volunteers, are doing amazing work for the community, offering free, anonymous, and rapid testing in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment. It's inspiring to see such dedication to LGBTQ+ health and well-being in Rome.
Just make sure to sign up well in advance if you can (which isn't the most convenient thing, but again, it's a volunteer organization).
Gay Gyms in Rome
While we have not personally been to Palestre Italiane near Termini, as we use McFit, this is known to be the gayer of the gyms of Rome.
What to Eat in Rome
Where to even begin! If you are an Italian-food lover (how could you not be?), Rome will be your mecca. We've written an entire guide on what to eat in Rome, which include the essential dishes (carbonara, cacio e pepe, gricia, and more), plus exactly where to eat them without falling into a tourist trap near the Colosseum or Termini.
Don't know what to choose, try a comprehensive Rome food tour in the foodie district of Trastevere!
Fabio becoming an expert at making Pasta Carbonara:
Essential Rome Itinerary: Must-See Attractions
Generally we like to give off-the-beaten-path tips, but if you are coming to Rome for the first time, missing some of the iconic spots (Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Vatican City) would be a tragedy, even though they sometimes suffer from a lot of crowds. We've mapped out a full one-day itinerary of things to do in Rome for first-timers, plus a few of our other favorite spots (Villa Borghese, MAXXI Museum, and more) once you've done the classics.
If you are looking to accompany some of the following with non-touristy things to do in Rome, have a look at our other post devoted to this or our post about biking on the Appian Way.
If you only have one day in Rome, conquering the city by golf-cart is the way to go. This tour brings you to all the hot-spots, and you don't have to break a sweat.
Want an extra 5% off? Download the GetYourGuide app and use code THEFABRYK5 for 5% off your first tour/experience... whether it’s this one or any other!
We go to all the tourist hot-spots with our friend, Ivy, in this video:
Rome Travel Logistics: TL;DR Plan Your Trip
When is the Best Time to Visit Rome?
April, May, June, September, October, and early November. Avoid July and August since the temperatures will be soaring (we've done it 👇). Winter in Rome has its charm though and will never get as cold as Northern European countries. We recommend giving New Year's Eve a go!
Do I Need a Visa for Italy?
- EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens can travel freely.
- UK citizens can stay in the EU up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Non-EU travelers should check with the relevant authorities or iVisa for detailed visa requirements.
How to Get To Rome
- By plane: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is the main gateway, with regular flights all over the world. You can then get easily to the city thanks to regional trains. There is also Ciampino Airport (CIA), which is smaller and has flights around Europe.
- By train: High-speed trains like Frecciarossa and Italo connect Rome to cities like Napes, Florence, and Milan.
- By bus: Long-distance buses provide scenic routes from other Italian cities.
Book train or bus tickets to Rome with Omio 🚝🚌 or plane tickets with Skyscanner 🛫.
Internet in Italy/Mobile Internet in Italy
We recommend aloSIM for cheap and reliable mobile data across Italy (use the code THEFABRYK for 15% off), or see our dedicated best eSIMs for Europe guide for a full provider comparison. Just ensure your phone is eSIM-compatible and set it up before your trip.
For Wi-Fi cafés in Rome, this guide might help.
Health and Safety in Rome
When visiting Rome, be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transport, and keep your belongings secure. Avoid common scams, such as fake petitions and bracelet scams, and always check restaurant bills for unexpected charges. Stay in well-lit areas at night, use reputable transportation, and protect your personal information, especially when using public Wi-Fi or ATMs.
Keep hydrated, wear sun protection, and know local emergency numbers and embassy contacts. Finally, respect local customs and laws, such as dressing modestly when visiting religious sites (you can wear a jockstap underneath 😜).
Also, always have travel insurance. We recommend Genki. For a more in-depth look at why we switched to Genki, check out our review.
How to Get Around Rome
Walking is fantastic, but here are other options:
- 🚍 Public Transportation: The atac system has a convenient network of metros, buses and trams. If you are staying in Rome for a longer period, consider getting a monthly ticket, which is ONLY €35. We renew this every August we come back to Rome.
- 🚲 Biking and e-scooters: E-bikes and scooters are all over Rome! The streets are honestly a bit hectic in some areas to zip around and there are very little in terms of bike lanes, but the chaos just works. Bird, Lime and Dott are the most popular.
- 🚖 Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are known to be quite scammy in Rome, but if you want to call a taxi, use an app like FREENOW, which will ensure you are paying directly through the app. Uber works now, too!
What is the Currency in Italy?
Rome uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small transactions.
How Much Do I Tip in Italy?
Tipping isn't mandatory and being from Italy, I don't tip in Rome. Be aware of the coperto charge in restaurants, which is usually €1-2, which already counts as your service charge anyway.
What Else Do I Need to Know about Rome?
- Pack a TESSAN 205W Universal Travel Adapter for Type C or F outlets — we love it (see our full review), and you get 8% off sitewide!
- Siestas are a thing in Italy and Rome. Usually between 1 and 4 a lot of businesses will close.
- Wear comfortable shoes and prepare for crowds.
- Water is very potable! In fact, there are nasone (big nose) fountains all around the city that you can drink from. They are running non-stop:
Exploring more of Italy? Check out our gay guides to:
And if you want to actually speak the language when you get here, Ryan's Lingoda Italian review covers what 90 lessons actually got him.
Love Our Free Guides?
We've spent years exploring the world to create detailed guides that help travelers experience authentic local culture while avoiding tourist traps.
If our guide helped you save time and money, consider buying us a coffee! ☕
About the Author
Fabio Marcato
Blogger and Co-Founder of The Fabryk
Born and raised in Venice, Italy (not the California one), Fabio studied art, media, and design before moving to Germany in 2014. What started as an Erasmus stay turned into a life abroad, with dozens of countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas along the way.
At The Fabryk, he uses storytelling, photography, and video to help travelers find places beyond the obvious. As a gay traveler himself, he's especially drawn to destinations where LGBTQ+ visitors feel welcome without having to sacrifice the culture and history that make a place worth visiting.
When not planning the next trip, you'll find him building Spotify playlists, singing karaoke, or adding to his Pokémon collection.
WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY: