Turkey is a lovely country in Western Asia that many travellers visit for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and historic cities. It is a fairly conservative country, which is reflected in its attitudes towards LGBTQ people. For gay travellers in Turkey, there are safety concerns to be mindful of when it comes to public expression, both in the cities and in rural areas. But don’t let that stop you from exploring the country and visiting its vibrant LGBTQ communities.
Safer gay travel in Turkey
To be clear, Turkey does not outlaw being gay. In fact, it has been legal since the founding of modern Turkey in 1923. However, general bans on “offences against public morality” are often used against LGBTQ expression. Even heterosexual couples are advised not to publicly display their affection, and LGBTQ couples are advised to be extra careful. LGBTQ people are not protected by anti-discrimination laws, and a general rule of thumb of “don’t ask, don’t tell” is the safest way to travel the country outside of LGBTQ-specific areas.
Gay dating apps
Grindr is banned in Turkey, so the main gay social networking app of choice is Hornet. Some people also use Growlr and Gabile, which are Turkish-owned. Outside of Istanbul, dating apps like these are the primary means to meet other gay men, as gay bars and nightlife are scarce.
Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the few places in Turkey with a thriving gay scene. While locals you meet there may still be discreet or closeted, these gay bars and clubs are where locals and tourists alike can be open about their sexuality. The gay district is mostly in Taksim, located in modern Istanbul’s city centre.
Haspa Bar
Haspa Bar is one of Istanbul’s most popular gay bars and an excellent place to visit at night. It is friendly to tourists and hosts a variety of live music performances, drag shows, and karaoke nights (check their Facebook page for upcoming events). The atmosphere is always lively, with great music and good service.
Chaplin Cafe
Chaplin Cafe is a wonderful small cafe/bar located upstairs of Haspa Bar. It’s more of a pre-party location, with both alcoholic drinks and coffees on the menu. Istanbul residents frequent the establishment, so it’s a great place to meet gay locals and get some tips or insights on what’s happening in the area while you’re there. The menu is written in Turkish and English, and the staff are welcoming to tourists.
Arjin Cafe
If you’re looking for LGBTQ-friendly places to visit during the day, Arjin Cafe is perfect. Whether you’d like to have breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon snack, you’ll be served with delicious, freshly made Turkish food, with adorable cats around and a lively chatter with queer locals.
Club Tek Yon
If you’re looking for a club vibe, Club Tek Yon is the largest gay club in Istanbul. You’ll find a mix of tourists and locals, and it’s busy almost every night. Its outdoor area is perfect for catching a breath of fresh air before heading back to the pumping dance floor. There’s a drag show on Sundays and other live performances throughout the week.
Chianti Bar
Chianti Bar has a chill, laid-back vibe, operating as a cafe during the day and a bar at night. It’s located near Taksim, on the second floor of the building. There are a couple of other bars in the same building, so make sure you go up two stories. They host karaoke nights, and the bar is busiest in the evenings.
Bodrum
If you’re looking for a summer beach getaway, Bodrum is one of the friendliest cities in Turkey for LGBTQ travellers. Gorgeous resorts and picturesque beaches have made Bodrum a hot destination for Turkish celebrities, and it’s quieter than some other seaside locations like Antalya. With a population of around 40,000, Bodrum is perfect for gay travellers looking for a more lowkey community where they can openly express themselves.
Gay clubs in Bodrum
Although Bodrum is known for its gay-friendly atmosphere, there are actually relatively few dedicated gay clubs in the city. But this is because most regular establishments welcome LGBTQ patrons, so you won’t need to limit yourself to gay bars. However, there are a few gay-specific bars fit for meeting gay locals and tourists in the area.
Kavalye Beach Bar
Kavalye Beach Bar holds a prime location on the beachfront, right in the middle of Bodrum’s bar street (Barlar Sokagi). Although you might come here for drinks, don’t skip the opportunity to try their meals, particularly their seafood offerings. It’s open day and night, operating as a relaxed waterfront cafe during the day and a vibrant bar at night.
Haspa Club Bodrum
Haspa Club Bodrum is located in the Gumbet district and replaced the gay club Murphy’s in 2019. It’s a good-sized venue with a dance floor and go-go or drag shows often running during the week. It is the most popular gay club in Bodrum and gets especially busy over the weekend.
Gay-friendly bars in Bodrum
Although there aren’t many gay-specific bars in Bodrum, you’ll find most establishments warm and friendly. Alem Bar is popular among LGBTQ people, and many of the hosted performers belong to the community as well. Fellow patrons are likely to be LGBTQ-friendly whether or not they’re queer themselves. The bar focuses on traditional Turkish nightlife, so make sure to try some raki, a traditional Turkish drink. Another popular LGBTQ-friendly location (where you’ll want to be at least a little dressed up to fit in with the rest of the clientele) is Marine Club Catamaran, a club on a boat that doesn’t depart until the middle of the night, at 1 in the morning.
Antalya
Antalya is another popular beachside destination, sometimes called the capital of the Turkish Riviera. You won’t find many gay locations in the city, but gay travellers should visit Ceyn Athena Club on the Barlar Sokagi. It’s the only gay bar in Antalya and welcomes LGBTQ visitors. It has a fairly relaxed, social vibe, and you’ll find different events organised throughout the week.
Ankara
In addition to being Turkey’s national capital, Ankara is considered its cosmopolitan capital, with a more modern vibe than Istanbul’s traditional atmosphere. The city has an underground gay scene much smaller than Istanbul’s, with one dedicated gay bar: Sixtiees Club (though more venues have come and gone throughout the years). There are a few other locations known to be gay-friendly and popular among LGBTQ locals.
Sixtiees Club
Ankara’s only dedicated gay bar, Sixtiees Club, promises a wild night out when it’s busy, which is mostly on Fridays and Sundays. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, they sometimes host drag shows and other live performances. The bar gets going after midnight and into the early hours of the morning. It may be one of the only options for LGBTQ people in Ankara, but with a varied bar selection, fantastic music, and great vibes, it can be enough.
Savoy Bistro and Cafe
Savoy Bistro and Cafe is an LGBTQ cafe and bar in downtown Kizilay. You’d easily recognise it by its rainbow-coloured window. Popular among Turkish university students and night owls, it’s open from noon to 1 in the morning every day of the week. It hosts karaoke nights and fun events like pyjama parties and masquerades. Visit earlier in the day for a more chill vibe and later at night for a wild atmosphere.
Eski Yeni
Eski Yeni is one of Ankara’s best and most popular clubs. While not a gay-specific bar, it’s known to be a gay-friendly place. The club operates on two levels, with more pop music on the upper level and more electronic music on the bottom one. You’ll more likely find LGBTQ people in the downstairs part of the club, but you’ll feel welcome and comfortable wherever.
Alerta Pub
Located close to Kizilay Square, this pub and bar in Cankaya is another spot that is LGBTQ-friendly. The owners stated their inclusion and acceptance of LGBTQ people in a video published by Pembe Hayat (an LGBTQ association and publication in Ankara). It’s open until 05:00 and is the perfect place to relax into the early hours with an ice-cold beer and delicious food.
Where to stay when travelling in Turkey
Generally, booking your accommodation at international, more upscale hotels proves to be safer. Turkish hotels are required to record all visitors in a system overseen by the police, which makes it difficult to invite a date back to your room. However, four-star and five-star hotels will often allow this. If you’re staying in Istanbul, hotels around the gay district near Taksim are more likely to be gay-friendly, and you can read reviews or feedback from fellow gay travellers. Note that while cheap hotels and hostels are much loved by visitors, they’re often raided by the police and thus best avoided in general for gay travellers.
The Marmara Taksim Istanbul
Looking for a bit of luxury for your stay in Istanbul? Look no further than the Marmara Taksim, a fantastic place for gay travellers, located near Taksim Square. It’s within easy walking distance of Istanbul’s gay bars and clubs, making it a convenient base for the duration of your visit. As a five-star hotel, it’s got scenic views, an outdoor pool, a gym, and fantastic service that will keep you comfortable throughout your stay.
Park Hyatt Istanbul
You’re likely familiar with this international chain of luxury hotels, and its Istanbul location is on par with their other establishments around the world. Like the Marmara Taksim, it’s conveniently located close to Istanbul’s nightlife. When you’re done partying, you can enjoy its spacious rooms and the beautiful sun terrace.
Suite Dreams Istanbul
A less expensive option is Suite Dreams Istanbul. Its apartments offer lovely rooms and breakfast, with a 24-hour reception. Well-loved by LGBTQ travellers, the owners are friendly and welcoming, and the accommodation is located close to Istanbul’s gay bars and clubs. In addition, you will have your own key and a private entrance, so you can come and go as you please.
JW Marriott Hotel Ankara
JW Marriott Hotel is a luxury option that’s well regarded by LGBTQ travellers. With a central location and a five-star rating, comfort and adventure are within reach. The pools, spa, gym, and rooftop bar with live music make this a top choice for any gay traveller looking for a luxury stay.
Pasha Motel, Bodrum
Pasha Motel is one of the best places to stay for gay travellers in Turkey. It is a gay-owned and -operated independent motel that offers comfortable and affordable accommodation. The owner also runs the popular Kavalye Beach Bar in Bodrum. Pasha Motel is just a minute away from the beach, serves a breakfast buffet each morning, and is within walking distance of many Bodrum attractions.
The Marmara, Bodrum
Much like its Istanbul counterpart, the Marmara Hotel in Bodrum is situated close to Bodrum’s attractions (and just a 15-minute drive from the airport). The hotel is adults-only and is situated atop a hill that provides scenic views of the bay. With its luxurious amenities and exquisite rooms, it is loved particularly by travelling couples.
