Italy
Rome is the Eternal City — a living museum of 2,000 years of Western civilisation, and a destination where LGBTQ+ travellers find a warmly welcoming scene amid ancient ruins and baroque piazzas. The Testaccio and Ostiense neighbourhoods anchor Rome's gay scene, and the city's extraordinary food, art, and history make it one of Europe's most rewarding destinations for any traveller.
Rome's LGBTQI+ scene is concentrated in Testaccio and Ostiense, two characterful neighbourhoods south of the Aventine Hill. Coming Out bar near the Colosseum is a Rome institution — open all day with the Colosseum as its backdrop. My Bar on Via San Giovanni in Laterano is another long-standing favourite. The summer scene shifts to temporary outdoor venues along the Tiber (Lungotevere) which host LGBTQI+ nights throughout July and August.
Rome Pride (Roma Pride) takes place in June with a parade through central Rome, often passing major monuments. The event has political significance given Rome's position as the home of the Vatican, and activism around LGBTQI+ rights is prominent in the festival. Crowd sizes vary but it consistently draws tens of thousands of participants.
Rome's draw goes far beyond its gay scene. The Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, and Borghese Gallery represent millennia of human achievement. Roman food — cacio e pepe, carbonara, supplì — is among the world's finest. The city rewards slow exploration: getting lost in Trastevere, aperitivo at dusk in Campo de' Fiori, gelato at 11pm. It is one of the world's great cities.
Spring (April–June) is ideal — pleasant temperatures, Pride in June, and manageable crowds. September and October are excellent for a quieter visit with warm weather. July and August are hot, very crowded with tourists, but the summer scene along the Tiber is in full swing. Winter is mild and the city is quieter — a good time for museums without queues.
Rome is served by Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA) airports. The Leonardo Express train connects Fiumicino to Termini station in 32 minutes. Rome's metro has two main lines (A and B) but the bus network covers areas the metro doesn't. Testaccio is best reached by bus or tram. The city centre is very walkable — though cobblestones can challenge wheeled luggage.
Rome is generally safe for LGBTQI+ travellers, particularly in the gay-friendly areas of Testaccio, Ostiense, and the areas around Via Veneto. Public displays of affection are generally tolerated in these areas and tourist zones. Italy has civil unions but not full marriage equality; anti-discrimination laws exist but hate crime protections are limited. Exercise normal awareness in less central areas or near religious sites.
Italy is generally safe for LGBTQ+ travellers in major cities. Civil unions are recognised but same-sex marriage is not (as of 2025). Anti-discrimination protections exist but are less comprehensive than northern European peers. Major cities — Rome, Milan, Bologna — are welcoming; more rural and southern areas may be less so.
