A memorable trip is there to be savored for gay travel to London. One of the gay capitals of the world, London has the largest gay and lesbian community in Europe.

Annual festivals, civil partnership rights and a tourist office in Soho to serve the needs of the LGBT visitor are examples of the official recognition accorded to the gay community in London.

Looking for things to do in London

Some sources of accessible information include: G3, a free lesbian monthly, which carries the latest news. Other magazines include Out Magazine and Boyz for gay men. There are also resources on the web. Aside from what straight people would also find of interest, there are a whole host of entertaining and community oriented places to go and things to do in London.

Gay friendly hotels

Check with your travel agent and consider some of the standouts in London.

London’s first deluxe hotel, the Soho Hotel. The small treasure also known as Soho’s best secret, the Hazlitt.

Ask for hotels in or near Soho or other gayborhoods of the city, perhaps also a Schrager hotel, or hotels with distinctive features or those in or near interesting parts of the city for the gay visitor.

Restaurants that are gay friendly

London gayborhoods of Soho, Hoxton, Islington and Vauxhall are full of great restaurants. First Out cafe-Bar, Balans Cafe, Bistrotheque, Les Trois Garcons, Steph’s, the Alisan and the Providores and Tapa Room are amongst the standouts.

Party places for the gay night out

The city has well over 200 gay and lesbian bars and clubs. Soho is the center of entertainment; with Vauxhall establishing its own distinctive flair. You will need to keep closing hours in mind. Monday to Saturday the establishment hours extend to 11 PM. Some places are open later on Friday and Saturday;and maybe even during weekdays. You might want to inquire further about this feature. On Sundays and religious holidays the closing hours are half an hour earlier than the norm.

Ask for standout places for entertainment like the the G-A-Y Bar, the Scala, the Shadow Lounge, and Heaven. Look for Sunday events like SLAGS/Chill-Out held at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern and other alternatives. London is essentially dominated by a group of super clubs with regular residencies, but, also enriched by smaller, club nights. These club nights can change time and venues, so you have to stay informed.

Shops to visit

If you are looking for designer clothing sold directly, the Sunday event the Sunday Up Market at the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane is for you. A visit to London without a stop at Gay’s the Word would be incomplete. This bookstore is the United Kingdom’s most comprehensive gay and lesbian bookstore.

Places to relax

The Paris Gym. The Soho Gyms and Oasis are gyms to check out. The Nickel, the Refinery, Gentleman’s Tonic and Wholeman are spas to have yourself pampered during your stay.

London will be a trip to remember for the discerning gay traveler.