Gay Travel To Rome, Italy

By and large, Rome attracts multilingual, diverse international travelers year after year. In recent years, LGBT visitors have made up an increasing chunk of tourists. Yep, despite the close vicinity to the Vatican, gay travel to Rome is flourishing. Here's a few pointers on finding and enjoying the best of gay friendly Rome.

How to spot a gay friendly hotel? When in doubt, stay close to the tourist attractions. For many tourists, the historical sites and architecture of Rome are part of the city's draw and appeal. These locations see the most traffic, so naturally they get the most diverse populations of people. Great gay B&B's, inns and hotels are located near Tiber's Panorama, The Colosseum, etc. Looking for a place to shop? Hunt around the Spanish Steps for boutiques and high-end fashion.

When you go is just as important as where. Rome gets pretty warm; around 90 degrees in the summer, with the worst of the heat lasting through August. The most comfortable seasons of the year? Spring and Fall, and better weather translates to a more lively night life climate.

Particularly vivid during Roma Pride, the trendy, artsy Trastevere Neighborhood is the place to be. From gyms and saunas to clubs and bars, this neighborhood is the growing epicenter of the Rome gay scene.

If you're looking for a new way to celebrate LGBT Pride, why not stop by in June? Rome's Roma Gay Pride Parade is a sight to see. In 2009, an estimated 250,000 people made the march from Piazza della Repubblica to Piazza Navona. The parade's setting is made interesting by the very prominent social and political climate of the Catholic church, making this particular pit stop in a Rome gay travel itinerary an opportunity to show support and solidarity to the blossoming Gay Community in the Eternal City.