Hong Kong’s best LGBTQIA+ bars

A fixture in the gay club scene in Hong Kong, Petticoat Lane’s regular drag shows are some of the best in the city, featuring a supreme line-up from the fabulous Haus of Petticoat. Its lively dancefloor is always popping with diverse visitors and pumping sick beats to keep you on your toes, making for a vivacious backdrop to your weekends. For something special, visit on a Wednesday night for non-stop vodka mixers between 10 pm to 11 pm, served to you by a gang of muscly bartenders in bowties and suspender speedos (and nothing else).

Petticoat Lane, 8F, California Tower, 30-32 D'Aguilar Street, Central | (+852) 2808 2738

Responsible for the bouncy and booming tunes that greet you at the bottom of the Pottinger Street slope, this popular site always seems to be overflowing with rowdy glee. On busier days during the week and weekend, be prepared to weave your way through to the bar for a drink, as Linq is often packed to the rafters. Casual crowds spill out onto the cobblestone steps, many of whom are eager for good conversation, making it a great spot to spark new connections or simply have a laugh with some old friends.

Linq, 35 Pottinger Street, Central | (+852) 2114 0132

Giving off a cosy backyard vibe with its partially covered terrace out front—perfect for alfresco drinkers—Time Bar is a comparatively more low-key spot on our list of the best LGBTQIA+ bars in Hong Kong. Slip into Man Hing Lane and you will find the rather hidden entryway to this intimate venue. Ochre lights glow against sleek interiors, lighting up the corridor-style walkway between the bar and glossy wall seats. Tucked away from outside worries, the relaxed atmosphere has you feeling as if you are one of the anthropomorphic dots in one of Van Gogh’s mesmerising paintings.

Time Bar, Rear Block, 65 Hollywood Road, Central | (+852) 2332 6565

For a place that guarantees a roaring good time, this must-visit site is replete with events of all varieties for people of all backgrounds, old or young. Drag queen shows, song and dance performances, and trivia nights are only the tip of the iceberg. If you want to be blown away, try your luck on a Saturday to see what mysterious Secret Show may be stirring in the works. First-time visitors can ease their nerves by drinking up free-flow vodka mixers that sort of double as a token of welcome, available only on Wednesdays for newcomers who show that they follow the bar on social media!

FLM, 62 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan | (+852) 2799 2883

Showcasing a calendar full of themed parties, exciting drag shows, and even out-of-house events like boat parties, Zoo Bar takes on the role of a meeting spot and hub for eager members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Hong Kong. Decked out in black walls with tropical textures and clusters of disco baubles, there is almost always an occasion that serves as a reason for you to dress to the nines and unleash your inner party animal. Head on over the illuminated bar and sip on a Zoo Love ($88) or refreshing Orange-A-Tang ($88) and simply dance the night away on their light-up dancefloor!

Zoo Bar, 33–35 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan | (+852) 3583 1200

This is a place bursting with neon and the sounds of pop bops, at times featuring a live band during the earlier hours. The minimal fixtures contrast against flashing lights, with a hot pink speech bubble signboard starring as a much-photographed checkpoint. “Jush” up your night with one of their thoughtfully crafted cocktails, like their signature All-Day Breakfast ($108), a homage to Hong Kong milky cream soda served in a vintage glass bottle, or the citrussy Fairground Surprise ($108) elaborately topped with a chunk of cotton candy. Seasonal flavours are also available so ask the bartender for recommendations if you can!

Wink, 79 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan | (+852) 3568 1402

Providing awesome music in an entertainment space that is accommodating for all, this is a “straight-friendly” locale that allows everyone who enters to have a good time, where gender doesn’t play a part in the agenda. Musical guests of many genres occupy the jam-packed events line up, showing a wide range of tunes that will never bore you, and a whole load of parties to excite you. Take advantage of the ample space, and admire their artfully flashy ambience as you shake loose and twirl away!

Lambda Lounge, 108 Hollywood Road Sheung Wan | (+852) 6288 4961, (+852) 9020 7338

Situated at a higher location yet offering lower prices, this massive bar has become a favourite amongst young locals. Towering over Causeway Bay, it shows views of the racecourse with rolling greens that tapers out towards the hilltop residences and trendy skyscrapers in the distance. Filled to the brim with hip young tipplers, there’s never a dull moment. Delectable finger foods like their karaage chicken with mayo ($42) and XO sauce cuttlefish balls ($28) go for cheap yet still hit the spot, along with drinks that can get to as low as $33 on special days.

Bing Bing, 22/F, Oliv, 15 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay | (+852) 6908 5088

Located in the same high-rise as Bing Bing, this trendy post has become a hot new hangout in the local scene. There is no cover charge or minimum pay, so get moving on the roomy dance floor that is shrouded in brilliant purples and blazing pinks. After sweating it off, replenish yourself with cocktails such as the Elderflower Garden ($95), or try their watermelon soju granita ($105) that has been shaken to perfection.

Vibranium Bar, 5/F, 15 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay | (+852) 7071 4048

Up and running since 1997, this resto-bar has relocated between a few locations in the past, but has always remained a favourite spot amongst sapphics hoping to run into a “meet-cute” or simply have a casual night. Maintaining a homely feel, guests are made to feel welcome with snug couches and hearty yakitori combos. The deal that will leave you shook though, is their three-hour-long free flow that only costs $128 per person. Anyone up for another round?

Virus Restaurant and Bar, 21/F, Chung Wai Commercial Building, 447–449 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay | (+852) 6180 6255

As the name suggests, this is a low-fuss, easy-going joint that stays semi-hidden in the corners of East Tsim Sha Tsui. There are a bunch of attractions that can dial up the fun, like darts machines and karaoke. Take a seat on one of the swanky black pleather couches that are frequently bustling with locals, and strike up a cheeky drinking game for four with their buy-three-get-one-free happy hour deal.

Backyard Bar, 2/F, Rich Towers, 2 Blenheim Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 2868 2229

As well as being an alleged bear hunting ground, this beautifully decorated spot shows an explosion of sight and sound. Overhanging branches splashed with blossoming florets twirl and twist all around, whilst a light-up bar countertop gleams under pulsing beams of colour. Its elegant design maintains a sense of flashy fun—as presented by amazing pony shaped disco balls—and is paired with a state-of-the-art karaoke system that allows you the chance to belt it all out after sharing a couple of rounds of rainbow-coloured shooters ($180 for six).

Boo Bar, 5/F, Pearl Oriental Tower, 225 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei | (+852) 2736 6168

For the ladies who want a rowdy night of drinking games and dancing on tabletops, this is the place to go. Attracting a young crowd over nights and weekends, there is never a dull moment in this gig. Darts, beer pong, karaoke, and elaborate shots that make for a boozy challenge—choose to party however you like! There are also plenty of themed events to keep an eye out for.

L’paradis Bar, 5/F, Cameron Centre, 57-59 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 6726 2028

There is nothing more rock & roll than being unapologetically you, and this is the spot to do just that. Effortlessly cool, The Pontiac is more than a grungy dive bar with killer tunes. There is an impressive level of detail behind their award-winning cocktails, each concocted with lore that draws from pop culture, personal stories, and more. When the clock strikes midnight, the all-female bartending team will gather up on the counter and round up zesty enlisters to pour Becherovka into their mouths—are you ready to drive the boat?

The Pontiac, 13 Old Bailey Street, Central | (+852) 2521 3855