Istanbul gay accommodation and travel guide

Gay Homestays accommodation network lists gay and lesbian guest house, bed and breakfast, tourist apartment and private gay accommodation in Istanbul, Turkey. With a population of about 12 million, Istanbul is the capital of Turkey and is a melting pot of different religions, cultures and sexualities.  Istanbul has the biggest gay scene in Turkey which, due to increasing western influences, has seen rapid growth over the past 15 years.  The Taksim district of Beyoglu town, on the European side of Istanbul, is where the vast majority of the gay venues are located. In fact, this vibrant and colourful district is the centre of much of the local nightlife of Istanbul.  Here you will find many modern and traditional gay clubs, gay bars, saunas

and hamams.  Most gay bars in Istanbul do not get busy until after midnight.  Perhaps the two best gay clubs are the Otherside and the  X-Large clubs.  The Otherside Club is located at the top of a building and has a terrace.  On a Friday and Saturday night they have professional shows with sexy dancers performing to the latest club hits.  X-Large is the biggest gay club in Istanbul and is located in a former cinema and also has a reputation for its big stage shows.

Despite being a Muslim country there have been no laws against homosexuality in Turkey since the beginning of the Republic (1923). Turkish men appear very relaxed about their sexuality and many could be described as hetro-flexible as, although they might engage in gay sex, they would not define themselves as gay.

Furthermore, hamams (Turkish Baths) have played a very important role in the history of Turkish gay life and historically they have been popular meeting places for local gay men. Nowadays however, there are no exclusively gay hamams  and in recent years, sex in bathhouses (whether gay or straight) is frowned upon and even outlawed, resulting in many being closed down.

Eating out in Istanbul can be a culinary delight, but be sure to avoid the tourist areas and select authentic Turkish restaurants rather than international ones. Turkish cuisine is influenced by its Ottoman heritage, which could be described as a fusion of Asian, Arabic, Greek, Armenian, Persian and Western European cuisines. Turkey has some great street food such as the famous kebab, and you can enjoy the freshest of ingredients prepared with care, in many of the great restaurants to be found in Istanbul.

Why not visit Gay Istanbul? Use the room search box to find your lesbian and gay accommodation; gay guesthouse, B&B, apartment or a private guest room in Istanbul. Unlike a stay in an impersonal hotel we offer our customers a unique experience by connecting them with local people living and working in Intsanbul, who can also be your guide. Furthermore, if you have a spare room in your home, an apartment or gay guest house in Istanbul, or any other city in Europe, then please add  your accommodation.