For gay and lesbian tourists who love to go sightseeing, “The Walking City” is the perfect destination.  Massachusetts is a progressive and metropolitan beam of light in New England, allowing same-sex couples to marry.  Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or want to discover it all over again, here’s our list of gay hotspots to check out.

 

10. First Fridays


 

If you’re an art lover or just want to pretend for a night, head over to the SOWA arts district and prepare to be amazed.  More than a dozen galleries and 50 studios along Harrison Avenue take part in the popular event.

9. Cambridge


Want to nab yourself an Ivy-league chap?  Look no further!  Pop into a bookstore or coffee shop and take your pick of hot, nerdy, studious types.  Cambridge is also a great place to find diverse restaurants and hear local musicians perform.  

 

8. Dorchester


 

Once one of Boston’s most dangerous neighborhoods, the gays have put a fresh coat of rainbow paint on Dorchester, making it a popular gay and lesbian neighborhood.  There are incredible restaurants popping up all over and even a gay venue, DBar, to entertain the even the most discriminating Mary.

7. Fenway Park


This famous spot isn’t just a tourist trap for baseball fanatics, it’s also where you’ll find Machine and other popular gay bars.  “The Fens” is also a home-run for fellas looking for a gay cruising spot.

6. Fritz


No it’s not Cheers but it’s quite possible everybody may know your name at Beantown’s most popular gay sports bar.  Located at bottom of Chandler Inn, Fritz is a great spot if you’re looking for a venue that’s not pretentious but still a blast!

5. Newbury Street


Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs and Burberry, oh my!  Newbury Street offers world-class shopping and dining.  It’s the perfect place to window shop or people watch.  Getting dressed-up for a stroll down Boston’s trendiest street is a definite must.

4. Jacque's Cabaret


Think Boston’s gay scene is all about backwards Red Sox caps and thick accents?  Think again!  Jacque’s is where to go if you want to let your hair down, real or synthetic.  If you love campy, silly, over-the-top drag, this is the spot for you.

 

3. Tremont 647 & Sister Sorel


 

Part bar, part restaurant, totally amazing!  This popular South End venue is where you’ll want to bring that special someone for a date.  They have a great wine and liquor selection, as well as a mouth-watering dinner menu.

2. Club Café


This popular bar/restaurant is the staple of gay and lesbian nightlife in Boston.  Whether you’re going to meet friends for dinner and early drinks or plan to booze away the entire night, Club Café is the ideal place to find locals or other tourists hoping to experience Boston LGBT culture.

 

1. South End


 

In recent years Boston’s gayborhood has seen an influx of straight yuppies and their kiddies, but it’s still the number one place to find gay and lesbian bars, restaurants and shops in the area.  Grab your Starbucks in the morning and take a stroll by the gorgeous brownstones and party the night away at Club Café or The Eagle.  Don’t fret … you’ll definitely find some trouble to get into here.

 

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