Florianópolis Master List

[TotallyOz]

Florianópolis

Gay and Gay Friendly Florianópolis Hotels

1 Hotel Daifa | Rua Professora Maria Julia Franco 294 | (48) 3225-8300 | http://www.hoteldaifa.com.br/index2.php

From the gorgeous views on the rooftop pool deck, you'd have a hard time believing you're right in the center of town. But not all rooms have a sea view, so make sure to enquire when booking. The rooms could use some updating, but they have AC and the Special Suite has a corner Jacuzzi with one hell of a view.

2 Casa da Lagoa | Servidao Palmeiras Nativas 500 | (48) 3269-9569 | http://casalagoa.com.br/florianopolis/in-english/

This is a cute little place in the Lagoa area, which is hip enough not to ever need to go into the city center, which can get tricky at night. There's wifi in the garden as well as the rooms but there are only four of them, so book in advance.

3 Quinta das Videiras | Rua Afonso Luiz Borba 113 | (48) 3232-3005 | http://www.quintadasvideiras.com.br/

Sexy and sophisticated, this mansion-turned hotel is a welcome boutique addition to the hotel scene in Floripa and our top pick. A lot of the original details have been retained, combined with modern amenities like BOSE sound systems in the rooms and high-end linens.

4 Secret Bay Apartments (Pousada Gay) | Recanto do Surfista, 58 | book by email only | http://secretbay.com.br/ and https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/275839

These apartments are pretty basic, but they are spacious, light and airy, and come with wifi, bikes, a local cellphone, and gay-friendly owners who welcome you with a drink. You can book through either link listed.

5 Hotel Baía Norte Othon Classic | Avenida Beira Mar Norte, 220 | http://www.hoteisplaza.com.br/?hotel=baianorte

This hotel is a big-box structure with over a hundred rooms, and like Secret Bay it comes with wifi and free bikes for your use. The rooms are a bit cramped, but if you want a place where people aren't all up in your business, it's a good choice.

6 Majestic Palace | Avenida Beira Mar Norte 2746 | 48 3231 8000 | http://www.majesticpalace.com.br/

Another big-box hotel, but with more personal touches in the rooms, many of which have a balcony. The Luxo Sacada rooms have corner views that are jaw-dropping. There's a restaurant, bar and coffee shop on the property as well.

7 Praia Mole Eco Village | Rodovia Jornalista Manoel de Menezes 2001 | (48) 3239-7500 | http://www.praiamole.com.br/

The Eco Village is right near the gay beach, and has rooms and cabins spread out over its garden-like property. They've recently upgraded with AC. Though you'd think the pool area at a gay resort would be a scene, everybody heads to the beach instead. Still, if you want to be among the tribe, this is a solid choice.

8 Hotel Valerim Center | Rua Felipe Schmidt 554 | (48) 3225-1100 | http://www.hotelvalerim.com.br/

There are actually two hotels under this brand, right next to each other; Center is the budget option, while Plaza is a bit more upscale and is geared towards business travelers. We'd go with the Plaza, which features bright, modern, comfortable rooms and a lounge area that's good for meeting people.

9 Hotel Porto da Ilha | Rua Dom Jaime Câmara, 43 | (48) 3229-3000 | http://www.portodailha.com.br/

Gorgeous hotel, sumptuous rooms, top of the line service, 24-hour room service, and everything else you'd expect from a great hotel like this. Another top pick for the city center.

10 Bistro Isadora Duncan | Rod. Jornalista Manuel de Menezes 2658 | http://www.bistroisadoraduncan.com.br/

This listing is under hotels as well as restaurants as it is notable for both services. Their suite is absolutely gorgeous, and quite romantic if you're traveling with a special someone. The private deck includes a hot tub with a stunning view.

Gay and Gay Friendly Florianópolis Bars

1 Blues Velvet Bar | Rua Pedro Ivo, 147 | (48) 3225 4111 | http://www.bluesvelvet.com.br/

This super-hip bar has a mixed scene that is very chilled out. Their theme nights are about the music only, with 80s nights and even semi-ironic karaoke happening. If you're looking to get away from a hardcore gay scene for an evening, this is a great spot.

2 Bar do Deca | Rua Rita Loureno Da Silveira 97 | (48) 3232-2052 | http://www.bardodeca.com/

Praia Mole is the best beach, and Bar do Deco is the best place to hang out on that beach. And it's right next to Praia Galheta if at a certain point you feel like you're wearing simply too much clothing. Come here for an early cocktail or party right on through the night.

3 Floribar | Rua Durval Melquíades de Souza, 638 | 48 3322-2550 | http://www.fervo.com.br/empresas/floribar/

This isn't a raucous bar, but instead a sleek, comfortable place to have a quiet drink in your choice of nooks. And by drink, we mean proper cocktails. Keep this on your list for great places in the city center.

4 Koxixos Beer Bar | Av. Governador Irineu Bornhausen | 48 3228-0114 | http://www.koxixosbeer.com.br/

As you can guess, beer is the star at this cute pub on the sea. It's casual, laid back, has indoor and outdoor seating, and their food choices are varied, decent, and will soak up the suds.

5 Denys Bar | Travessa João Grumiche, 437 | (48) 3034-4342 | http://denysbar.webnode.com.br/

There is a club section of this joint, and their new sound system is packing in the boys who are dancing the night away to hot DJ sounds. But its extensive outdoor bar area is where the real action is, so grab a drink and head outside.

6 Flowers Bar by Kit Kitana | Av. Hercílio Luz, 1202 | 48 9946.1753 | http://www.fervo.com.br/empresas/flowers/

This is a gay music bar, with a bit of an older crowd during the week; on Friday there is a drag show that is part Vegas, part Priscilla, and should not be missed.

7 Fany Café Bar | Rua Bocaiúva, 2468 | 48 3024-6970 | no website

This is a daytime gaytime bar, where you can share a piece of cake with your sweetie, or a cupcake with your cupcake. Seriously though, it's a cute hangout place if you're able to drag yourself away from the beach.

8 El Divino Lounge | Rua Almirante Lamego, 1147 | 48 3225-1266 | http://www.eldivinobrasil.com.br/

9 Rancho do Maneca | Rod. SC-405, 472A, Km 1 | 48 9616-6715 | http://ranchodomaneca.webnode.com.br/

This is a rustic, cowboy-themed bear bar that is a lot of fun. Hang out at once of the many indoor or outdoor areas, and be there on their Karaoke nights, which are a hoot! (Or is that a woof?)

Gay and Gay Friendly Florianópolis Clubs

1 The Week | Praia Mole

The Week descends onto Florianópolis in the summer and during holidays only (like Carnival), so you need to check with local listings to see if it's up and running. If it is, then you are in for a treat the chance to be at the absolute epicenter of gay nightlife. Its space packs in thousands of sweaty, dancing bodies.

2 Isla Urbana Lounge | Av. das Rendeiras, 1046 | (48) 3809-5804 | http://islaurbana.com.br/

It looks like it should be on the rooftop of a W Hotel, but instead it's on the sea, and is crazy-sexy. A mixed crowd, a bit heavy on the lesbians, comes to their theme nights and stays all night long.

3 1007 Boite Chick | Alameda Adolfo Konder, 1007 | (48) 3204-6175 | http://1007brasil.com/

This is a rocking club housed in a former brothel, with lights, music, tons of fabulousness, and insane drink specials that change by the hour starting at midnight. It might seem like any other club at first, but wait until the hotties show up.

4 Jivago Lounge | Deputado Leoberto Leal 04 | (48) 9940-5336 | http://jivagolounge.ning.com/ (doesn't work)

Ask around for when the gay nights at this otherwise mixed-scene club, and then head there to find a younger crowd of beautiful boys among the lesbians that also come to party. Note that even on gay nights there's a mixed scene, so don't go hog wild but those young 'uns are pretty chill.

5 Concorde Club | Av. Rio Branco 729 | (48) 3222-1981 | http://www.concordeclub.com.br/site/inicio.html

Bare chests! Go-go boys! Balconies for scoping out the talent! And a circuit-party vibe that is all about seeing, being seen, and getting your gay on. If you're going to go out to one place in Floripa, this is it.

6 Mix Cafe | Rua Menino Deus 47 | (48) 3324-0102 | http://www.mixcafe.com.br/mixcafe/home.php

Go-go boys and drag shows and hot DJs are the order of the night at Mix. Note that on weekends they have live music along with the drag, which is the perfect time to grab your boy and have a little chat.

7 Barbarella Lounge | Rua Saldanha Marinho 351 | (48) 3207-5666 | no website

This place is relatively new, and feels more like somebody's awesome party than a nightclub or dance hall. The crowd skews young, with baby gays and lesbians having fun and flirting and generally having a ball. A really fun time.

Gay and Gay Friendly Florianópolis Saunas

1 Thermas Club Hangar | Rua Henrique Valgas, 112 | 48 3225-5858 | http://www.clubhangar.com.br/club_hangar/

We're listing this here in the interest of thoroughness, but this sauna is really to be avoided. It's bare bones, not a place you'd want to get undressed in let alone relax, and really just is not a place to waste your time. Head to our other sauna listing instead.

2 Sauna Termas Oceano | Rua Luiz Delfino, 231 | 48 3222-4547 | http://www.thermasoceanoflorianopolis.blogspot.com

This isn't the biggest sauna in the world, but it's really the only one in Floripa, so chances are you will see everybody at some point including bears, who are welcome here. The crowd skews yum oops we mean young, and the dark room is where you'll find the most non-sauna activity.

Gay and Gay Friendly Florianópolis Restaurants

1 Barracuda Restaurant | Avenida das Rendeiras, 1562 | (48) 3232 5301 | http://www.barracudagrill.com.br/

Fried, baked, grilled, raw however you like seafood is how you'll find it here. And in case that's not enough, there are also excellent meat dishes, pasta and risotto. And save room for dessert!

2 Bar do Vadinho | Rua Manoel Vidal 305 | (48) 3237-7305 | no website

As you can imagine in water-logged Floripa, their menu is seafood-heavy, and it's fresh and delicious. It's a huge space that's a lot of fun, if a little loud; but a glass of wine from their extensive collection will mellow you out soon enough.

3 Café das Artes | Rua Esteves Júnior, 734 | 48 3024-0669 | no website

This is a cute cafe that has all manner of beverages and snacky-type foods that you pick up and bring to your table. Definitely only a daytime place, but it's a great daytime place. Order the strawberry juice, it's delicious!

4 Box 32 | Mercado Publico Municipal | (48) 3224-5588 | http://www.box32.com.br/

Yes, this is in a food market, but you should still make a reservation. And lest you think it's absurd to book a table at a food market stall, think again this is seafood at its exquisite, inventive best. Just go ahead and book your next meal there as well, you know you want to.

5 Churrascaria Ataliba | Rodovia José Carlos Daux, 3008 | (48) 3333-0990 | http://www.ataliba.com.br/

This massive, almost hilariously elegant place seems out of sorts with the massive meat-eating crowds that pack in this place, but when you want your churrascaria fix, this is THE place to come and come hungry to this temple-like spot to worship the gods of glorious meat.

6 Caravana Fusion & Trailer | Avenida das Rendeiras 1672 | (48) 3232-0045 | http://www.caravanalagoa.com.br/ (doesn't work)

This started out as a trailer, and has evolved into quite a little foodie spot one of those places where you order a hamburger and receive a masterpiece. It's casual and delightful and you'll definitely return to work your way through the menu.

7 Bistro Isadora Duncan | Rod. Jornalista Manuel de Menezes 2658 | http://www.bistroisadoraduncan.com.br/

With a name like that, you can guess that it's gay-owned, and is also listed in our hotel listings for their stunning, romantic guestroom. If you're not staying here, book ahead as there are only five tables. But book you should, for really great French-inspired food in a most welcoming atmostphere.

8 Boteco da Ilha Choperia & Bar | Avenida Afonso Delambert Neto, 714 | (48) 3236-0098 | http://www.botecodailha.com.br/

This is a locals' place that resembles a down-home bar and grill, with a bar-friendly menu of seafood and various fried things with things to dip them into. Yes, it sounds like a sports bar, but it's super-fun and the kind of place you can make friends even if you go alone.

9 Restaurante Pier 54 | Rua Forte Santana 405 | 48 3225-2419 | http://www.pier54.com.br

If you can tear yourself away from the seaside view book a table outside - you'll be richly rewarded with beautifully presented, delicious seafood with an international flair.

Gay and Gay Friendly Florianópolis Activities

1 Hunter Video Club | R. Padre Roma, 431 | 48 3228.5868 | http://www.huntervideoclub.com.br/ (under construction)

As is the norm in gay Brazil, yes, this video club has private video viewing rooms, dark rooms, labyrinths, and a pretty good cruising scene. And it also has an Internet point that is a decent cruising area as well.

2 Magia Video Clube | Rua Hoepcke, 76 | 48 3225-1441 | no website

This takes the cruising video place to a new level; they have all the usual dark rooms, labyrinths, etc. - and they also have go-go shows and a bar, so you can actually hang out there as well.

3 Praia Galheta

This is a naturist beach, and VERY gay-friendly although not exclusively gay. Head back to the dunes for cruising.

4 Praia Mole

This is THE gay beach in Florianopolis, and since it's Brazil, this means it's also the major spot for the gay scene in town as well. If you want to know what's happening in Floripa, head here and you'll get the low down and go down, too.