Bologna

Cassero is Bologna's long-running LGBTQIA+ centre and one of the city's defining queer institutions. Beyond its political and community role, the centre also funds its work through clubbing, with regular parties and events under the Disco Cassero banner. For travellers, it stands out as both a community landmark and a nightlife venue rather than just a standard bar or club.

Cosmos Club is a central gay sauna close to Bologna Centrale and has been operating in the city for more than forty years. The official site emphasises a broad range of facilities including biosauna, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, jacuzzi, dark room and an American bar. Compared with Steam, it reads more like a classic full-service sauna club with a strong emphasis on relaxation facilities as well as cruising spaces.

A compact queer cafe-bar in central Bologna, a short walk from the city's towers. It is known for aperitivo, cocktails and beers, and is regularly described as one of the key queer nightlife stops in the city. Listings also mention small cultural events, performances and a foosball table, which gives it more of a neighbourhood hangout feel than a straight-up late-night club.

RED is one of Bologna's main LGBTQIA+ nightlife institutions and a major Saturday destination for clubbing. Its official programme shows a rolling calendar of themed nights, including pop parties, drag-led events and larger Pride-linked parties. The venue operates as an association as well as a club, giving it a strong place in the city's queer nightlife ecosystem.

Steam Sauna is a long-running gay sauna and cruising venue in Bologna operating as a members' association. The official site describes it as a sauna, spa bar and cruising bar, and highlights daily opening with later closing on Fridays and Saturdays. It is one of the city's most consistently listed men-focused venues and a well-established option outside the bar and club scene.