The best gay bars in Hong Kong

This popular gay bar (a bear haven by reputation) is one of the more reasonably priced bars around, a place where you can sit back and enjoy a drink without draining your bank account. Once you've partaken of sufficient Dutch courage, you can try Boo Bar’s state-of-the-art karaoke system, which has one of the better selections of tunes in the city.

Just about the only gay nightclub in Hong Kong, FLM sits in that pocket of Sheung Wan also home to LGBT-friendly venues Zoo and Wink (below on this list). The venue is split into two floors. Start downstairs with the pumping tunes and dancefloor, then move upstairs to have a quiet(er) drink with anyone who may have caught your eye.

Upon opening last year, Petticoat Lane rapidly established itself as the gay bar to visit in Hong Kong. It shines not only as an inclusive space but as a great party venue to let loose. Hit it up during Wednesday nights – or Wednes-gay as Petticoat calls it – after 10pm for free-flow vodka. And don’t miss the occasional drag performances by the fabulous members of the local drag queen community too.

Time Bar is one of Hong Kong’s coolest gay venues. There’s a wonderful alfresco vibe as the action spills out onto the courtyard around Man Hing Lane. Complimenting this are some great cocktails – the early grey martini, in particular, is a winner. Also, being tucked away gives Time a sense of privacy and intimacy. All these elements combine to make this one of the most popular gay bars in the city.

Established by Tony Wong, formerly a partner at Zoo Bar, Wink is your typical decent Hong Kong gay bar – all black, minimal and sleek and with ballad covers of pop hits coming out of the stereo. The speciality cocktails can pack a surprising punch and are just the thing to get you dancing when the DJs are brought in for the weekend.

Another establishment in the Sheung Wan ‘gaybarhood’. With bartenders serving drinks in tank tops (at least at the start of the night), this sleek, dark and seductive bar is, obviously, one for the boys. There’s an open bar on Wednesday nights from 7pm to 9pm, which is none too shabby, and $10 shots all night, making this a great midweek place to relax.