Are you planning a trip to the Dominican Republic and searching for LGBTQ-friendly spaces? Despite its history as a formerly colonized nation with deeply rooted conservative religious beliefs, progress is being made in supporting the queer community. The younger generation is increasingly advocating for inclusivity, and as the world gradually becomes more open-minded, a number of gay-friendly organizations and spaces are emerging. Below is a guide to the top lesbian and gay bars in Santo Domingo and other parts of the island! Supporting these safe spaces is truly a revolutionary act!
I. Lesbian & Gay Bars in SANTO DOMINGO
The capital, Santo Domingo, is the hottest nightlife destination in the Dominican Republic, and it is home to the majority of the country’s LGBTQ+ bars, particularly in the historic Colonial Zone. La Zona Colonial is also a hub for Millennial and Gen-Z Dominican artists, activists, and members of the queer community!
1. Esedeku Bar & Terraza
Welcome to Esedeku, one of the most popular gay bars in Santo Domingo. On weekends, you can find locals and tourists from the LGBTQ+ community there to dance and enjoy the drinks. The atmosphere is youthful and trendy (often described as ‘popi’), with a music selection that ranges from pop to bachata, catering to various tastes. If you’re in the mood for a quieter atmosphere, you can retreat to their cozy rooftop terrace.
Despite its small size, Esedeku compensates with a vibrant ambiance, diverse music, and attentive service. There is no cover charge, but drinks, both local and international, are available at comparatively higher prices—around 250 pesos for beers—due to its prime location. The bar gets busiest after 11 PM.
Note: Esedeku operates on a cash-only basis, and reservations are not accepted. Be sure to bring Dominican pesos!
- Neighborhood: Zona Colonial
- Address: Mercedes 341 esq Calle, C. Santomé
2. Queerium
Queerium offers more than just fantastic parties and exciting DJ performances; this queer bar showcases concert films, movies, drag shows, and much more. Recently, they screened lesbian films like ‘The Favorite’ and ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire,’ as well as RuPaul’s and Lady Gaga’s Chromatica Ball Tour concert film. Reservations and cover charges are required for some events, but they may waive the fee if you arrive before 10 PM 😉. For a lively atmosphere, aim to get there before midnight!
Thanks to Queerium, the LGBTQ community (and allies) now have a reliable space where they can feel comfortable being themselves! While they occasionally host free yoga sessions on their terrace outside of bar days, we hope they will expand their operational hours beyond two days a week!
- Neighborhood: Zona Colonial
- Address: Calle Palo Hincado esquina Arzobispo Portes
3. La Jaula Bar
La Jaula Bar is one of the finest LGBTQ+ nightclubs in Santo Domingo, likely the only lesbian bar on the island. The atmosphere is incredibly welcoming, making guests feel at ease. Open from Friday to Sunday, they host drag competitions and other events. The space is cozy, yet there’s enough room to dance, so make sure to arrive early!
Note: This lesbian venue is temporarily closed for relocation and remodeling. Follow their Instagram for updates on their reopening!
- Neighborhood: Zona Colonial
- Address: C. Espaillat 52
4. Calife Bar & Lounge
Calife Bar & Lounge hosts karaoke, dance parties, and contraband nights on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays respectively. Most events do not have an entry fee, but special occasions featuring performances may charge. Although it is not an official gay bar (likely for safety reasons), Calife is known for its inclusive and gay-friendly atmosphere.
With its spacious setting, Calife stands out among local bars. Drinks are reasonably priced, and there’s a pool table available for those looking to mix up their nightlife experience.
Note: You can bring your own bottle on contraband nights, and they accept all types of payments.
- Neighborhood: Zona Colonial
- Address: C. Vicente Celestino Duarte 3
5. Fogoo Discotec
Just three minutes’ walk from Esedeku, Fogoo is a gay nightclub known for its spectacular drag shows and disco nights on Saturdays. Entry fees vary from 150 to 300 pesos, and they include a drink for arrivals before midnight. Fridays are dedicated to dancing, with music styles ranging from salsa to merengue, bachata, and pop, while Sundays feature contraband nights until midnight.
- Neighborhood: Zona Colonial
- Address: C. Arzobispo Nouel 308
II. LGBTQ+ Events in the Dominican Republic
Beyond bars, there are event organizers in the Dominican Republic dedicated to LGBTQ+ activities, including drag parties and performance competitions. Since these events are not hosted in fixed venues, it’s essential to follow their Instagram pages for updates on upcoming events and locations, ensuring you won’t miss out on the fun!
6. Draguéalo
Draguéalo energizes Santo Domingo with dynamic drag shows coupled with DJ sets and lip-sync competitions. It serves as a safe space for expression and creativity, and they also offer workshops on drag queen makeup and diverse dance classes focused on ballroom, vogue, and acrobatics. Their parties warmly welcome those who wish to crossdress as well!
7. GAF Labs (Gays and Friends)
GAF Labs is well-known for their events that celebrate the music of pop icons. From Madonnathon to Britneython, they offer a variety that often includes drag shows, lip-sync competitions, and live DJ performances. Entry fees range from 400 to 1,000 pesos, so it’s a good idea to purchase tickets early to secure a lower price!
III. Other Gay-FRIENDLY Bars & Clubs in the Dominican Republic
In addition to Santo Domingo, Punta Cana is another location in the Dominican Republic with a vibrant LGBTQ scene. Although it may not have the same depth of gay bars as the capital, Punta Cana is home to some major LGBTQ-friendly clubs that turn the eastern tip of the island into a lively destination. After a day of relaxing at the beach, indulge in the exciting gay nightlife available in the Punta Cana area!
8. Paradise Garage
Located in a beautifully restored cabaret club, Paradise Garage provides a unique dining and entertainment experience featuring the talents of the Dominican Republic’s premier female impersonators. Expect performances that include burlesque, acrobatics, drag shows, and much more! Regardless of your sexual orientation, you are sure to enjoy the interactive show, which offers a level of entertainment that rivals even Las Vegas.
Dinner is served at 8 PM, followed by the show and dessert. After the performance, stick around to dance the night away and mingle with the performers! If you’re looking for an unforgettable evening, this is the place to be in Punta Cana. You can book your tickets here.
New! Paradise Garage has recently introduced its Paradise Beach & Boat Party, featuring an open bar and live DJ performances against a stunning Caribbean backdrop!
- Address: Avenida Barceló #4, between hotels Barcelo and Plaza Paseo San Juan, Bavaro, Punta Cana
9. Coco Bongo
Coco Bongo is a lively LGBT-friendly club well-regarded for its thrilling live performances, which merge energetic music with stunning dance and acrobatics, all paired with unlimited drinks. Their stage productions draw inspiration from classic films such as “Moulin Rouge,” “The Mask,” “300,” and “Mad Max,” alongside tributes to the iconic band “Queen” and the vibrant Brazilian dance “Samba.”
Despite being on the higher end of the pricing scale, the experience is undeniably worth it. General admission tickets are for standing room, while VIP passes offer assigned seating. Book your tickets today for a memorable night out!
If live performances aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy Coco Bongo’s strong cocktails and lively DJ sets for an extravagant nightlife experience!
- Address: JJM3+XW3, Centro Comercial Downtown Punta Cana
10. Imagine Punta Cana
Imagine partying in a natural cave—yes, that’s the essence of Imagine Punta Cana. This gay-friendly club is celebrated for its unique setting within an ancient cave, and it’s a local favorite for tequila. However, most of the music caters more to an American audience, and prices are in USD, which may leave you hoping for a taste of Latin music.
Tickets are priced at $55 USD for unlimited drinks or $70 USD for premium options. For larger groups, a VIP table can be reserved for $540 USD.
Note: When purchasing tickets, there’s an option to book transportation from your hotel to the club.
- Address: Av. Estados Unidos, antigua cruce carretera Coco Loco a Friusa, Punta Cana
11. ORO Nightclub
If you’re looking for a more exclusive vibe, ORO Nightclub is the place to go. This gay-inclusive disco not only offers a diverse drink menu but also features vibrant shows with themed performances, concerts, and acts from both local and international DJs. Located within the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino complex, ORO tends to be on the pricier side, and only card payments are accepted. Guests of the resort can enter for free before midnight.
- Address: Boulevard Turístico del Este Km. 28, Blvd. Turístico del Este 74, Punta Cana
IV. Tips When Visiting LGBTQ+ Spaces in the Dominican Republic
As a New Yorker, I’ve been spoiled by the vibrant NYC lesbian scene. The reality, however, is that many places, including both the USA and the Dominican Republic, still have a long journey ahead when it comes to LGBTQ rights. While awareness and public perception in the Dominican Republic are slowly shifting for the better, it still operates much like the American South in terms of safety for openly expressed queerness. As a tourist, you do hold a significant privilege—especially if you are white—so it’s wise to keep the following suggestions in mind as a queer traveler to the Dominican Republic:
- Public Displays of Affection: In certain areas like Cabarete and Punta Cana, you may find a more tolerant attitude towards public displays of affection among same-sex couples. La Zona Colonial also tends to be more liberal. However, to stay completely safe, it’s generally best to avoid PDA (like kissing and hand-holding) in public spaces, especially outside of these areas.
- Online Meetups and Hookups: Dating apps are widely used in the Dominican Republic, but exercise caution. You cannot fully trust anyone, whether they are a local or a tourist. Ensure the person you intend to meet is legitimate by requesting photos or identification, and always meet in public spaces!
- Exploitation of Vulnerable Populations: Sex tourism poses a significant problem in the Dominican Republic. We do not endorse it. Treat everyone with respect and do not exploit locals, as sex tourism contributes to sex trafficking!
V. Lesbian & Gay Bars in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is there a gay scene in the Dominican Republic?
Yes! The majority of LGBTQ spots in the Dominican Republic can be found in the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo. Additionally, you can discover a few LGBTQ-friendly spots in Punta Cana, which is also considered a gay-friendly destination.
Q2: Is Punta Cana safe for LGBT?
Yes, Punta Cana is generally safe for LGBT individuals. However, be cautious as public displays of affection may still be frowned upon.
Q3: What are the best gay clubs in Punta Cana?
Paradise Garage stands out as the best—and only—official gay bar/club in Punta Cana with LGBTQ+ performances.
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