BROWSE HOTEL COLLECTIONS
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The hidden gay life of Istanbul!
Istanbul might be the capital of a Muslim country, however, the citizens are much more open-minded than they seem so. The gay culture of the city is actually very impressive, but it's well hidden and protected. The local gay community is still 'in the closet', but that does not mean that there is not an active gay scene.
Istanbul's peak season is from June to August when the temperature is at its highest. The city is packed with tourists during that period, so you will find more gay travelers as well. The best period, with nice weather, and better prices, is from March to May and between September and November. The cheapest months are from December to February!
Istanbul is particularly known for its amazing gay saunas and hammams. There is a lot of cruising going on in these places, however, there are pretty great for relaxation as well. Some of the most popular gay saunas are Davutpasa Iskelesi Hammam, Tahiri Galatasaray Hamam, and Cagaloglu Hamam.
There are not any gay events taking place in Istanbul, while the annual gay pride is banned by the government since 2016. The gay bars and clubs of the city feature frequent gay parties and small events, while the gay clubs feature themed fetish nights!
Istanbul's peak season is from June to August when the temperature is at its highest. The city is packed with tourists during that period, so you will find more gay travelers as well. The best period, with nice weather, and better prices, is from March to May and between September and November. The cheapest months are from December to February!
Istanbul is particularly known for its amazing gay saunas and hammams. There is a lot of cruising going on in these places, however, there are pretty great for relaxation as well. Some of the most popular gay saunas are Davutpasa Iskelesi Hammam, Tahiri Galatasaray Hamam, and Cagaloglu Hamam.
There are not any gay events taking place in Istanbul, while the annual gay pride is banned by the government since 2016. The gay bars and clubs of the city feature frequent gay parties and small events, while the gay clubs feature themed fetish nights!
If Istanbul is the place for your next holiday outbreak, check out here our best Hotel Collections for this destination!
The Top Gay-Friendly Hotels & Resorts in Istanbul!
Since the gay scene of Istanbul is located around Taksim Square in Beyoglu district, the majority of the hotels in this region are actually gay-friendly. These are some gay-friendly hotels in Istanbul, as well as gay places nearby them!
The Gay Venues of Istanbul | The Gay Bars, Gay Clubs, & Gay Saunas!
Istanbul features a developed gay scene, with many gay clubs, bars, and cruising hotspots around the city. The most popular gay venues are located in Taksim Area of Beyoglu district, where you will also find the top gay accommodation.
Istanbul is known for its awesome gay sauna culture. Even though there is a lot of cruising going on at these places, there are pretty great for relaxation as well. Some of the most popular gay saunas are Davutpasa Iskelesi Hammam, Tahiri Galatasaray Hamam, and Cagaloglu Hamam.
Istanbul is known for its awesome gay sauna culture. Even though there is a lot of cruising going on at these places, there are pretty great for relaxation as well. Some of the most popular gay saunas are Davutpasa Iskelesi Hammam, Tahiri Galatasaray Hamam, and Cagaloglu Hamam.
Featured Hotel Collections in Istanbul
Gay Tips
Even though homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey, a significant percentage of locals is still rather conservative. The level of LGBT acceptance in the city is at low levels, however, the local gay scene is thriving.
Istanbul is rapidly increasing as a popular lesbian destination as well, and a considerable number of lesbian venues have been introduced during the past decade.
Taksim district of Beyoglu town on the European side of Istanbul is the centre of almost all major Istanbul gay venues. Gay friendly or gay popular bars, clubs, restaurants, saunas and hammams are located all over the area, attracting gay and lesbian people, locals and visitors of the city.
The isolated beaches of Buyukada and Kinaliada in Istanbul are considered to be the most popular beaches for meeting other gay people. Especially during the summer period they are the center of attention of many gay men.
Women clubs in Istanbul as well as bars, cafes and restaurants will make your evenings fun during your stay in this beautiful city. However, the popularity of the lesbians in the lesbian hangouts in Istanbul is foreigners, since women in Turkey are living under serious restrictions.
Travel Info
How to get there
- By car
- By air
- By train
- By bus
- By ferry
Move around
- Metro
- Tram
- Buses
- Railway
- Taxi
- Uber
Ideal for
- Sightseeing
- Street food
- Local gastronomy
- Wellness & spa
- Shopping
- Art & culture
Destination Type
- City
Average weather
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Get the best rates directly from the Hotel
Hotels for Gay Travellers
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