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The compact Welsh capital offers so much for a city of its size. From the culture and heritage of its historical centre to the cutting-edge architecture of Cardiff Bay waterfront and its lively LGBTQIA+ scene, expect to fall in love with the city’s infectious buzz and welcoming charm. Explore our LGBTQIA+ guide to Cardiff for the lowdown on the best neighbourhoods, hotels and events in the city.

Dates for the diary

Get to know Cardiff

For queer-positive books and zines, head to Cardiff’s Shelflife Bookshop. Full of rare DIY-zines from independent creators and books raising the voices of the underrepresented, this is a thought-provoking shop full of undiscovered gems.

Fancy some serene scenes? Take a relaxing trip to Cardiff Bay, home to the tranquil Penarth Marina and waterside dining spot, Mermaid Quay. If you’re longing for a day of retail therapy, you might prefer to explore the Victorian and Edwardian arcades and the vast St David’s shopping centre.

Like the city itself, Cardiff’s gay scene is small and compact but with something for everyone. The main venues are focused around Charles Street and Churchill Way in the city centre, all within walking distance of each other.

Out and about

A mixology masterclass, watch as talented bar staff create magical cocktail concoctions at this speakeasy style bar.

Dip into cocktails at Lab 22

Lab 22 Cardiff

A group of people behind the bar at Cardiff's Lab 22 bar
Lab 22

A popular hangout for the queer crowd, kick back with karaoke and cabaret at this historic pub with a traditional style.

Visit The Golden Cross

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A DJ setting up on stage at a nightclub venue
The Golden Cross

Spread across two floors with a roof terrace, this modern bar attracts a mixed gay and lesbian crowd. It’s a must-visit before heading to Pulse.

Grab a drink at The Kings

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A close up shot of a burlesque performer
The Kings

With a banging playlist, great-value drinks and live DJs, this LGBTQIA+ nightclub is a Cardiff favourite.

Hit the dancefloor at Pulse

Pulse Cardiff

A crowd of people out at a club night in Pulse Cardiff
Pulse

A favourite for karaoke and killer performances, drag fiends are sure to get their fix here. It’s all about live cabaret, themed events and karaoke.

Get into cabaret at Mary’s

Leisure PR

A performer on stage in front of a crowd in Mary's, an LGTBQ+ friendly bar and club in Cardiff.
Mary’s

A mixology masterclass, watch as talented bar staff create magical cocktail concoctions at this speakeasy style bar.

Dip into cocktails at Lab 22

Lab 22 Cardiff

A group of people behind the bar at Cardiff's Lab 22 bar
Lab 22

A popular hangout for the queer crowd, kick back with karaoke and cabaret at this historic pub with a traditional style.

Visit The Golden Cross

Getty Images/EyeEm

A DJ setting up on stage at a nightclub venue
The Golden Cross

Spread across two floors with a roof terrace, this modern bar attracts a mixed gay and lesbian crowd. It’s a must-visit before heading to Pulse.

Grab a drink at The Kings

Getty Images/iStockphoto

A close up shot of a burlesque performer
The Kings

With a banging playlist, great-value drinks and live DJs, this LGBTQIA+ nightclub is a Cardiff favourite.

Hit the dancefloor at Pulse

Pulse Cardiff

A crowd of people out at a club night in Pulse Cardiff
Pulse

A favourite for karaoke and killer performances, drag fiends are sure to get their fix here. It’s all about live cabaret, themed events and karaoke.

Get into cabaret at Mary’s

Leisure PR

A performer on stage in front of a crowd in Mary's, an LGTBQ+ friendly bar and club in Cardiff.
Mary’s

Stylish stays

Voco St David’s Cardiff

Voco St David’s luxurious interiors and spectacular setting on Cardiff Bay has seen it voted one of the top UK’s top 10 hotels by Conde Nast Traveller. Its renowned Marine Spa is great for celeb spotting, while its central location is in easy walking distance of the heart of the gay scene.

Maison Galles

Located a fifteen-minute walk west of Cardiff city centre, Maison Galles is a self-catering townhouse with stylish Welsh-French fusion décor. Close to the green spaces of Llandaff Fields and Bute Park, it houses up to eight guests and boasts quirky details like bespoke wall coverings, king-size French beds and a mix of antique and contemporary furniture.

Ty Rosa

Welsh for “pink house”, Ty Rosa has earned accolades from TripAdvisor and Britain’s The Times newspaper for its friendly, openly-gay attitude. There are five homely guestrooms in the main house, all stylishly decorated. It’s located a fifteen-minute walk south of Cardiff city centre – but hosts Paul and Stuart will point you in the right direction.

Getting here

Cardiff is situated on the south coast of Wales, 132 miles west of London. Regular trains connect Cardiff to London in just over two hours, while Cardiff Airport is served by numerous international airlines.