Homosexuality was legalized in 1991 in Hong Kong, and although gay marriage still isn’t, being queer is no longer the taboo it once was. In addition to the annual pride parade and a number of events during pride month in June, queer folk and allies can visit gay bars and nightclubs. Queer-friendly spaces may not be the norm in Hong Kong but increasingly there are a number of places that offer a safe space, a chance to meet other members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and of course, a great time!
Boo Bar — Jordan
Boo Bar is known for its bears and its karaoke. The vibe is fun and festive with overhanging branches, beautiful flowers, and of course, a disco ball! You will always have a great time, whether you are looking for a chill drink or wanting to belt out the latest Lady Gaga song. The state-of-the-art sound system truly makes it feel like you are the star on your own stage. The staff is known for being exceedingly nice and welcoming to both bears and non-bears alike.
Location: 5/F, Pearl Oriental Tower, 225 Nathan Rd, Jordan
Opening Hours: 7 pm–2 am (Mon- Thu); 7 pm–3 am (Fri-Sun)
Contact: Instagram | Facebook | +852 2736 6168
BiNG BiNG — Causeway Bay
Perched on the 22nd floor with sweeping views over Causeway Bay, BiNG BiNG is known for its electrifying atmosphere and spacious setting. It’s a hotspot for the younger, local gay crowd. Sexy mixologists whip up affordable, exclusive cocktails, making it a popular destination for those seeking a fun, gay-friendly nightclub experience. Visit their social media for information on their workshops, movie nights, and other events.
Location: 22/F, Oliv, 15 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay
Opening Hours: 7 pm–3 am (Mon- Thu); 8:30 pm–5:30 am (Fri-Sat), 8:30 pm–3 am (Sun)
Contact: Instagram | Facebook | +852 7071 4048
FLM — Sheung Wan
Hong Kong’s premiere LGBTQIA+ venue is located in the heart of Hong Kong in Sheung Wan, and is known to be a jolly good time. Nightclub and drag bar in one, it is a place you can visit again and again, especially on Saturdays, when they host their Secret Show Saturdays! Their fun events include drag shows, trivia nights, burlesque and of course song and dance. And if you can’t make it on Saturdays, don’t worry, it is still a party every night, with happy hour going from 12pm to 8pm. And if you are a newcomer, you are welcome to mingle with an hour of free vodka and gin mixers on Red Cup Thursdays.
Happy Hours: 12:00pm – 8:00pm (except Sunday)
Location: 62 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan
Opening Hours: 12 pm–2 am (Mon- Thu); 12 pm–4 am (Fri); 6 pm–4 am (Sat); Close on Sunday
Contact: Instagram | Facebook | +852 2799 2883
L’Paradis — Tsim Sha Tsui
For the ladies who are looking for a night of drinking and dancing and generally having a gala time, L’Paradis, one of Hong Kong’s remaining LGBTQIA+-friendly and lesbian bars, is the spot to go. While Virus has a calmer vibe, L’Paradis offers beer pong, darts, karaoke, and shots, perfect for those who are young and looking for love. They are also known for their themed events such as celebrating Single’s Day, Halloween or Christmas, and you will often find someone dancing on the tabletop before the end of the night!
Location: 5/F, Cameron Centre, 57-59 Chatham Rd South, Tsim Sha Tsui
Opening Hours: 8 pm–5 am (Mon-Thu); 8:30 pm–5 am (Fri-Sun)
Contact: Instagram | Facebook | +852 6726 2028
Lex Chill Hey — Causeway Bay
Lex Chill Hey emerges as Hong Kong’s event host for lesbian soirées, focusing on rhythmic prowess and pulsating beats that captivate souls. They aim to bring something new to the party scene and curate an eclectic array of gatherings for the LGBTQIA+ community. Follow their social media for the upcoming events!
Location: 487-489 Lockhart Rd, Causeway Bay
Opening Hours: 10 pm–3 am (Sat)
Contact: Instagram | Facebook | +852 6514 7626
LinQ Bar — Central
This welcoming cocktail bar, set up the stairs on Pottinger Street, is a popular nightlife destination for both expats and locals. They host regular drag performances and DJ takeovers to get everyone having a good time. If you visit on the weekends, get ready for the tables to be moved to the side and for the dance floor to fill – everyone is welcome to join for a good time!
Happy Hours: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: 37 Pottinger St, Central
Opening Hours: 4 pm–2 am (Mon); 4 pm–5 am (Tue-Sat); 4 pm–2 am (Sun)
Contact: Instagram | Facebook | +852 6607 0884
Mihn Club — Sheung Wan
Tucked away in a commercial building in Sheung Wan, Mihn Club is an underground club for Hong Kong’s trendsetters. Known by the Chinese character 宀, this spot is not exclusively LGBTQIA+, but it champions inclusivity, welcoming all races, genders, and sexual identities. Famous for its queer nights hosted by HOST, it invites anyone looking to dance and enjoy music without boundaries. Expect alternative tunes from both local and international talents.
Location: 4/F, 279 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan
Opening Hours: 11 pm–5 am (Fri-Sat)
Contact: Website | Instagram | +852 5918 3870
The Cloakroom — Causeway Bay
Not new to the lesbian bar scene, The Cloakroom is a lounge for the girl’s girls. The lounge space is elegant with a 1920s flapper vibe. We love their regularly changing cocktail menu, meaning there’s always something brand new to try every time you visit, but the main draw is the community The Cloakroom is building with their events. From monthly tarot reading sessions to live music and Pride parties, they’re all about genuine connection and building girls up.
Location: 15/F, L’Hart, 487-489 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay
Opening Hours: 3 pm–1 am (Mon-Wed); 3 pm–3 am (Thu-Sat); 3 pm–1 am (Sun)
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 6514 7626
The Pontiac — Central
The Pontiac is an inclusivity-centred dive bar that ranked No. 33 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2023, where “the only thing that defines us is how we treat each other and ourselves, everything else is rock n’ roll baby”! Their award-winning cocktails will invite you in but the too cool for school vibe and array of people with diverse stories will keep you there. Must-try drinks include their Hobnail and slushies, which are served by the all-female bartending team.
Happy Hours: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: 13 Old Bailey Street, Central
Opening Hours: 4 pm–12 am (Mon-Wed); 4 pm–1 am (Thu-Fri); 2 pm–1 am (Fri); 4 pm–12 am (Sun)
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 9454 8323
T:ME Bar (TIME Bar) — Central
If you prefer a more cosy and chilled out vibe, you can head over Time Bar on Hollywood Road. This neighbourhood gay bar has a chilled vibe, with exceptional cocktails. Expect twinkling lights, greenery and gorgeous artworks, with of course, lots and lots of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. If you are a cocktail fan they also have a number of creative concoctions to sip on as you have a quiet moment with your partner or scour the room for new friends.
Location: Rear Block, 65 Hollywood Road, Central
Opening Hours: 6 pm–2 am (Mon-Sat); Close on Sunday
Contact: Instagram | Facebook | +852 2332 6565
Vibranium — Causeway Bay
Named after the “strongest metal on earth,” this gay club in Causeway Bay wants to create strength in its community while providing a comfortable, creative and cute gay hangout for a good time. With no cover charge or minimum spend, you can head straight to the dance floor, to get the party started! They also have happy hour daily from 6pm to 10pm, if you’d like to lose some inhibitions before you let loose. Come on Wednesdays for live DJ performances and free vodka mixers!
Happy Hours: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: 22/F, Oliv Building, 15 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay
Opening Hours: 7 pm–2 am (Mon-Thu); 8 pm–4 am (Fri-Sat); 7 pm–2 am (Sun)
Contact: Instagram | Facebook | +852 7071 4048
Virus — Causeway Bay
While the number of gay bars or queer-friendly spaces continue to grow, lesbian-specific bars are actually reducing. One of the longest-standing lesbian bars in Hong Kong is Virus, a lesbian bar and restaurant which was established in 1997. It is a favourite for those looking to enjoy a quiet night, with good food, great conversations and a little bit of fun if you want to through karaoke. The couch area is specifically great to cosy up with your partner while enjoying their delicious yakitori and oysters.
Location: 21/F, Chung Wai Commercial Building, 447–449 Lockhart Rd, Causeway Bay
Opening Hours: 12 pm–1:30 am (Mon); 12 pm–1 am (Tue-Fri); 6 pm–2 am (Sat); 6:30 pm–11:30 am (Sun)
Contact: Instagram | Facebook | +852 6180 6255
WINK — Sheung Wan
WINK is a mainstay hangout within the gay community. This cosy bar is just a block away from Sheung Wan MTR station, perfect for those nights when you have just a bit too much fun. The place fills up quickly, especially during happy hour – and we can’t recommend their cocktails enough. There are regular live band performances, shows, and themed nights, and their fantastic themed parties during Halloween and New Year’s Eve are also not to be missed.
Happy Hours: 5:30pm – 9:00pm (Mon-Fri)
Location: 79 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan
Opening Hours: 5 pm–3 am (Mon- Fri); 8 pm–3 am (Sat); Close on Sunday
Contact: Instagram | Facebook | +852 3568 1402
Zoo Bar — Sheung Wan
Themed parties, a great atmosphere, and refreshing drinks – what more could one need from their gay bar? Join one of their infamous parties; whether it’s Christmas, Neon, or their Topless & Harness Party, you’re always guaranteed to have a blast. With a mixed crowd of locals and expats mingling with everyone, including the bartenders, it’s also a great place to meet new, like-minded people. The party usually kicks off on Thursday, with crowds swelling on Friday and Saturday. However, you never know – an earlier weeknight can also turn into a rager if you want it to.
Happy Hours: 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Location: 33 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan
Opening Hours: 7:30 pm–12 am (Mon); 12 am–4:30 pm, 7:30 pm–12 am (Tue-Thu); 12 am–4:30 pm, 7:30 pm–5:30 am (Fri); 7:30 pm–5:30 am (Sat); 7:30 pm–4:30 am (Sun)
Contact: Instagram | Facebook | +852 3583 1200
Header image credits: Kelly Visel via Unsplash
