Lgbt friendly places to travel: Top LGBTQ Friendly Travel Destinations Around the World 2022

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February 9, 2020
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Top LGBTQ Friendly Travel Destinations Around the World 2022

Manchester, United Kingdom | trabantos/Shutterstock

Travel
Pride

Book a trip to these certifiably out-and-proud vacation spots for your next queer adventure.

By David Duran, Adam Groffman, and Thrillist Travel

Updated on 6/3/2022 at 7:08 PM

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From politically questionable multinational corporations cranking out the rainbow merch to the cheap tokenization of queer characters in popular media, folks who fall within the LGBTQ+ spectrum are no stranger to wishy-washy marketing campaigns. And that goes double during Pride Month, when it feels like everyone and their second cousin comes out of the woodwork to let their heavily branded freak flag fly… for 30 whole days.

Don’t get it twisted—we’ll be the first to acknowledge that every ounce of representation and support matters in the ongoing fight against discrimination, injustice, bigotry, and repression. But this month, in all its technicolor glory, is the perfect time to peer beyond the glittery facade and truly question where we’re spending all our hard-earned queer cash.

Enter this list of bonafide LGBTQ+ friendly international travel destinations. Whether traveling with your gaggle or your partner, worrying about a country’s reception of your identity can cast a pall before you even get there. Is holding hands at the public market kosher? Could a house rental host kick you out if they discover you’re LGBTQ+? Does the government offer protections for queer people? Where does a gay person find a decent party in this town, anyway?

Not only are these 15 cities ready to welcome you and yours with open arms, they’re doing the same for their own populations, fostering inclusive environments and passing laws that protect and affirm LGBTQ+ residents. Whether you’re in town for a week or plan to stick around for good, here are 15 international locales tailor-made for living your best out-and-proud life.

Saba Tourist Bureau

There’s not one single gay bar on the island of Saba (that we know of) but LGBTQ+ visitors have taken note of the island’s overtly welcoming spirit. The government backs up that sentiment, scoring a whopping 98/100 on Equaldex’s Equality index thanks to laws ensuring the right to marry, prohibiting censorship, and barring discrimination across the board. Known as “The Unspoiled Queen,” an honorific found on the island’s license plates (a killer souvenir, by the way), Saba is perhaps the most progressive island in the Caribbean.

A quick 12-minute flight or 1.5-hour ferry ride from sister island St. Maarten, this jewel of the Netherlands Antilles is known for its peacefulness and out-of-this-world scuba diving. The island even has tour operators that market directly to the LGBTQ+ diving community, including Undersea Expeditions. Book your stay at Queens Gardens Resort & Spa, a luxurious hotel known for openly embracing queer travelers. There are just 12 suites, perched 1,200 feet above the sea and providing phenomenal views of the water as well as the rainforest below. —David Duran

Our favorite queer-friendly places where you can do the holidays on your own terms.

@travelBuenosAires

One of South America’s premiere liberal metropolises, Buenos Aires was the first city to legalize same-sex marriage in Latin America back in 2010. Since then, the city has prided itself on being tremendously LGBTQ+ friendly—from comprehensive protections and rights for trans folks to high societal acceptance (76%) toward queerness, according to a 2019 Pew Center Study. Dubbed Latin America’s Gay Capital, the city celebrates Pride in a big way, attracting hundreds of thousands of international revelers year over year.

Neighborhoods worth exploring include queer enclave Barrio Norte, upscale Palermo, and historic San Telmo; it’s a veritable choose-your-own-adventure, whether you’re seeking out a party scene or something more low-key. Make sure to check out the Faena Hotel, arguably the city’s trendiest hotel, located in the Puerto Madero neighborhood. Inside you’ll find Rojo Tango, an intimate candlelit dinner experience accompanied by a sexually charged tango show that blurs traditional gender lines. You’ll also want to visit local flower shop Floreria Atlantico, which hides a gin-fueled speakeasy that’s routinely recognized as one of the World’s 50 Best Bars (try the Fried Frog Legs and thank me later). —David Duran

Tour Taiwan – TTB America

In a historic first, Taiwan’s parliament voted to legalize same-sex marriage on May 17, 2019, making it the first country in Asia to gain marriage equality. Prior to this historic legislation, Taipei was typically under the radar for many LGBTQ+ travelers even though the city sports a thriving queer scene and rapidly growing social and governmental acceptance, with bans on conversion therapy, LGBTQ+ workplace discrimination, and censorship on the books for the last decade.

Taipei is home to Asia’s largest annual Pride celebration, which takes place in October, alongside vibrant nightlife and relatively progressive politics that include protections for Taipei’s LGBTQ+ residents. The W Taipei is known as the city’s gay hub, mostly because of their Insiders Program, a sort of concierge service that helps guests keep a finger on the pulse of the city’s social calendar, LGBTQ+ events included.

Make sure to visit 228 Peace Memorial Park, located in front of the Presidential Palace. Once a well-known cruising spot, the Taiwanese version of the Stonewall Riots took place nearby in 1997. Since then, the park has become an iconic gay destination. —David Duran

Museo Frida Kahlo

In Catholic-majority Mexico, the capital city’s 2009 legalization of marriage equality came as a shock, but it inspired a growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ people throughout the country. And unlike other expensive urban getaways, Mexico City doesn’t come with a hefty price tag—it’s possible to find one dollar beers and meals for around $5. That being said, you should absolutely splurge on Pujol, one of Mexico’s best restaurants, which offers a six-course tasting menu.

In the Zona Rosa neighborhood, you’ll find a high concentration of queer-friendly bars, discos, and clubs, while LGBTQ+ friendly lodging pops up around town (check out Hotel Catedral, Hotel Maria Christina, or the sleek, modern Wild Oscar). Among the city’s 16 boroughs, don’t miss the bustling La Condesa neighborhood, which serves as a perfect home base for exploring the city, and Coyoacán, home to Frida Kahlo’s legendary Blue House. It’s become a trendy ‘hood with a hefty gay population. But the epicenter of queer life in the city is Zona Rosa, which was named after the hue of the pink pavers, although locals tend to joke that it’s named after the gay bars that dot the streets. —David Duran

Discover Puerto Rico

As a US territory, Puerto Rico has the same LGBTQ+ rights and protections as the rest of the country. In 2018, PR’s trans population could securely change their birth certificates to reflect their gender identity. And in early 2019, the island territory went further than other states and banned conversion therapy by executive order, thereby further protecting its LGBTQ+ residents. Since the early 1990s, San Juan has hosted annual gay pride marches in the city’s Condado neighborhood, and as the community has grown (and the territory has become more progressive), there’s now also a second march each summer in Boquerón.

San Juan’s Condado and Santurce neighborhoods have long been the meeting point for LGBTQ+ Puerto Ricans and visitors, with a number of bars and clubs serving the community. Gay nightclubs like Toxic and SX The Club are always hopping, while queer-friendly hangouts like Oasis Tapas & Lounge, Tía María’s Liquor Store, and La Sombrilla Rosa bring the chill vibes. And every Sunday (after brunch, of course), LGBTQ+ Puerto Ricans from around the island converge on Atlantic Beach in Condado for impromptu beach parties. —Adam Groffman

Photo by Dagmar Schwelle | Visit Berlin

A widely recognized LGBTQ+ hotspot dating back to the 1920s Weimar-era cabaret scene, today’s German capital is one of Europe’s—and perhaps the world’s—most accepting cities. The historic gayborhood around Nollendorfplatz has long been home to many LGBTQ+ activists and creatives. Magnus Hirschfeld, an early sexologist, established his Institute of Sexual Research here, advocating for sexual minorities before the rise of Nazism. Monuments to the LGBTQ+ rights movement and other oppressed persons stand throughout the city, including the iconic Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism.

Berlin attracts hoards of LGBTQ+ tourists thanks to its incredible nightlife scene, which includes drag artists new and established (don’t miss the House of Presents), legendary queer techno clubs, and a racy lineup of sex clubs, parties, and events such as Folsom Europe and the annual Porn Film Festival. Shyness is hard to come by around these parts, in the best way possible. —Adam Groffman

Flickr/Jimmy Baikovicius

It’s a place where queer tango dancing creates stimulating tension, where friend groups pass around and sip from the same metal mate straws, and where liberal rights have been around for decades—and no, we’re not talking about Argentina. Somehow, Uruguay always manages to sneak under the radar, but the country and its capital city have long been quietly open-minded and accepting of all. Here, relations between same sex couples have been officially legal since 1934, while anti-discrimination laws were passed in 2003 and marriage equality laws in 2013, predating those in the US.

Equaldex gives Uruguay a rare 100/100 for LGBTQ+ rights. Booking shared hotel rooms as a couple raises no eyebrows, and PDA on the streets is totally cool. Montevideo Pride has been getting bigger and bigger every October since the ‘90s, but you can also scope out the more speedo-clad Punta Pride celebrations each February in nearby Punta del Este, which is a little less political and a bit more party-focused.

In Montevideo, there’s not really a “gay neighborhood,” since the whole city is an LGBTQ+ haven. Start your night at Bar Rodó before heading to Il Tempo for drag shows that turn into all-out dance parties. So pass the mate, pass the legal cannabis, and pass pro-LGBTQ laws—just kidding, Uruguay’s passed them all already. —Danielle Hallock

Dublin LGBTQ Pride

The first country in the world to pass same-sex marriage by popular vote in 2015, Ireland’s cheerful capital city has been a magnet for queer creatives for centuries. Iconic playwright Oscar Wilde hailed from here, living on in whimsical statue form inside Merrion Park. A nod to the cheeky writer’s legacy, Dublin also hosts the annual International Gay Theatre Festival each spring. A host of out-and-proud athletes like Leinster rugby player Jack Dunne and footballers Katie McCabe and Ruesha Littlejohn play for the country’s fiercely beloved national teams, while organizations like Sporting Pride work to ensure increased acceptance for generations to come.

A handful of upbeat LGBTQ+ bars and clubs—PantiBar, Street 66, The George, and newcomer Pennylane are always a good time—keep the party going well into the night, but you’ll find that the average neighborhood pub is largely welcoming to all walks of life, bursting with warm banter and perfectly poured pints of Guinness. June’s Pride Fest is rife with show-stopping drag performances, street demonstrations, and dance parties, plus appearances from leading officials like the first openly gay Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar. —Meredith Heil

No city is better for dancing in pubs, hugging complete strangers, and celebrating when you can do either of those two things safely.

FMilano_Photography/Shutterstock

What is there to say about Mykonos? The unabashedly party-hearty Greek island is a queer club kid’s dream, pairing breathtaking architecture and pristine beaches with an infectious free spirit and an endlessly thumping nightlife scene. Ritzy vacationers peruse the designer shops during the day, stopping to sip wine in one of the many LGBTQ+ friendly cafes lining the cobblestone streets. It’s basically paradise, set to a driving Italo Disco beat.

Same-sex marriage hasn’t yet passed muster here, but Civil Unions have been the law of the land since 2015, and bans on censorship, discrimination, and conversion therapy foster a strikingly supportive social and legislative atmosphere in the face of the Orthodox Church’s pervasive power. See for yourself at the XLSIOR Mykonos International Summer Gay Festival, held every August. The annual event attracts thousands with a roster of non-stop parties, meetups, international DJs, and live performances.

Gay beaches are a year-round affair here, with popular shorelines like Super Paradise and nude-friendly Elia and Agrari Beaches topping the loungey list. Little Venice is the gayborhood of note, an outcropping of oh-so-charming 18th century fishermen’s houses that have been transformed into shops and restaurants. As for where to hang your hat after all that fun in the sun, look no further than Elysium Hotel, a sexy and super queer hotel complete with sweeping views. —Meredith Heil

Visit Barcelona

There’s something about the Mediterranean temperatures and city-on-a-beach feel that makes us want to take our shirts off in Barcelona—us, and everyone else. A known party city, Barcelona not only has a massive amount of LGBTQ+ bars and clubs, it also has an enormous Pride celebration. At the heart of that celebration is Eixample, a neighborhood so queer-friendly the locals simply refer to it as “Gay-xample.” Here you can hop from Gingin to La Chapelle to Arena Madre to many more all in one night, starting around 2 am and ending around 8 or 9 am when you emerge into the blinding sun and truly understand how seriously the Spanish take their nightlife.

One of the best parts about Eixample is its location. This is no outer borough neighborhood where a marginalized community formed in secret until they made it the place to be—it’s smack dab in the middle of the city. It’s always been a loudly and proudly beautiful part of Barcelona, with gorgeous stone facades on ornate buildings, Gaudi modernist architecture everywhere, and avenues of shopping and hotels.

Spain ranks high among Europe’s more LGBTQ+ friendly countries, garnering an 84/100 Equality Index Score via Equaldex thanks to marriage equality, legalized gay adoption and gender confirmation, and bans on discrimination and censorship. It also ranked third among 27 countries surveyed when it comes to supportive views on same-sex marriage, with 84% of the population all for it. The prominent location of Gay-xample—right next to the old Gothic Quarter—says a lot about the mentality of the people here: LGBTQ+ culture is front and center. And when you realize the famous La Sagrada Familia church lies within the same hood, the cathedral’s quirky design will only reiterate how this city has always embraced tradition in a modern way. —Danielle Hallock

Visit Reykjavík

August in Reykjavik means up to 22 hours of sun. And what do you do with all that daylight? You party. Launched in 1999 as a one-day parade, Pride in the northernmost capital now lasts six to 10 days and attracts 100,000 visitors to the city (for context, Iceland’s total population is only 338,349). It’s a fitting tribute to their progressive politics: In Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir, they’ve already had a lesbian Prime Minister (and the world’s first openly queer leader of a modern-day nation), so being out and proud is basically a non-issue.

Since 2006, Iceland’s LGBTQ+ community has been legally able to adopt and gain access to IVF, same-sex marriage was legalized in 2010, and a 2019 bill gave trans people access to necessary medical care as well as the ability change their name and gender on the National Registry without a medical diagnosis. And if you’re looking for a photo-op, there’s plenty of rainbow crossings showing the country’s commitment to diversity.

Rainbow Reykjavik, an additional winter Pride festival typically held in March, includes a tour of the Northern Lights if the skies accommodate. With September comes the Reykjavik Bear extravaganza, with group trips to the Blue Lagoon and the otherworldly landscapes of the Golden Circle. Check out what’s happening in town by scoping out the impressively comprehensive GayIceland Guide, hit up the dance floor at Kiki Queer Bar and the surrounding gayborhood (you can’t miss the rainbow-strewn exterior), book a tour—or even a wedding—with Pink Iceland, then wind down at lesbian-owned bookstore and coffee shop IDA Zimsen, parked next to the Reykjavik Art Museum. Because gay, straight, or somewhere in between, we all deserve a little R and R. —Vanita Salisbury

I amsterdam

Another no-brainer, Amsterdam is basically synonymous with what Boomers might call “alternative lifestyles.” Widespread public acceptance is the norm around here, with a pioneering legislature to match. The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage back in 2001, following up that move with anti-discrimination and censorship laws and accompodations for trans folks looking to change their gender on official documents.

LGBTQ+ Pride takes over the city’s winding network of canals for a full week in early August, transforming the picturesque waterways into a raucous floating celebration of all things queer. Gay nightlife hubs like Spijker Bar, Cafe Reality, Club NYX, YOLO, and the Church Club are at your service year-round, catering to just about every demographic and fetish you can imagine (and some you probably can’t), while laid-back joints like lesbian haunts Bar Buka and Saarein, the mixed-crowd Queen’s Head, and cocktail-powered Prik round things out.

Feeling overwhelmed with all the joyously queer options? Pay a visit to the Pink Point, Amsterdam’s official LGBTQ+ information kiosk stashed beside the Homomonument, a moving canal-side tribute commemorating all those who’ve been persecuted for their sexuality and gender expression. —Meredith Heil

Auckland Unlimited

For an island country roughly the size of Colorado, New Zealand packs a pretty hefty punch. Not only is it aesthetically unbelievable—as evidenced by the numerous otherworldly films shot throughout its lush forests, black sand beaches, and rolling sand dunes—it’s also a beacon of liberal politics, LGBTQ+ rights included. A bevy of anti-discrimination laws paved the way for 2012’s game-changing act recognizing non-binary as a legal gender and 2013’s subsequent marriage equality legislation. Capital city Auckland is a shining example of this progressive mindset, with its vibrant local culture and awesome, queer-friendly bar and restaurant scene.

Karangahape Road—aka K’ Road—is your one-stop-shop for LGBTQ+ life here. Kick off the night at Eagle Bar, which draws a laid-back, mixed crowd, before hopping your way down K’ Road’s main strip (can’t-miss stops include Family Bar, G.A.Y Auckland, and Caluzzi Cabaret). Auckland Pride’s official festivities go down on nearby Ponsonby Road each February (silly Southern Hemisphere), but you’ll find plenty of queer programming popping up in almost every corner of the city throughout the year, from talks and art openings to drag shows, live performances, and dance parties. —Meredith Heil

Nepal Pride Parade

Maybe it’s the mountain air, the energetic—okay, chaotic—streets, or the proliferation of living heritage sites reminding you of your (tiny) place in the world’s timeline, but Kathmandu can’t help but to induce a real sense of chill. Nepal’s largest city, they’ve kept it together even in the face of extreme adversity, like the massive 2015 earthquake which turned treasured historical buildings to rubble. Or, in the case of the queer community, the long-lasting absolute monarchy.

After the Kingdom was abolished in 2007, homosexuality was finally legalized, and now Nepal is one of the most progressive countries in Asia when it comes to LGBTQI+ rights (the preferred acronym here, with I representing the legally recognized Intersex community). Its 2015 constitution grants citizenship in alignment with gender identity and introduced anti-discrimination protection laws. And while it may not seem like much—they undoubtedly still have a ways to go—these efforts speak volumes in this largely conservative part of the world.

Most visitors to Nepal are making a pit stop on their way to Himalayan mountain adventures, and for them, there’s LGBTQ+ friendly tour operators like Out Adventures, Brand G, and Encounters Nepal. But stick around a while to enjoy the nightlife in the touristy Thamel neighborhood. Opened in 2015 by a trans Nepalese model, PINK Tiffany goes from daytime restaurant to queer hangout come nightfall, while Fridays light up the popular Fire Club, especially if Britney’s your vibe.

Time your visit to coincide with one of the many festivals, like late summer’s Indra Jātrā and Kumāri Jātrā. Spanning eight days, the events include the procession of the Kumari, a Newari child (the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley) anointed until puberty as a Living Goddess. Catch a glimpse of her and it’s said you’ll bask in good fortune. —Vanita Salisbury

Visit Manchester

London might have flashy nightlife, bougie hotels, and renowned shopping, but the UK’s second-largest city has the queers on lock, boasting the country’s largest pride parade. Why else would they have filmed the original Queer As Folk television series here along its fabled post-industrial streets back in the late ‘90s?

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not all football, all the time in Manchester (though there’s plenty of that, of course). England as a whole scores a respectable 82/100 on the Equality Index, with the 2013 same-sex marriage act setting the tone for eventual marriage equality throughout the UK. Anti-discrimination laws have also been in effect for over a decade, and Manchester’s strong labor union ties has helped historically position it on the more progressive end of the political spectrum. As long as you’re cool with a little rain, you’ll find this northern escape as welcoming and stimulating as they come.

As mentioned, the annual Manchester Pride celebration is an unbeatable experience, and it’s buttressed by other LGBTQ+ events like the Sparkle Festival, Queer Contact Arts Festival, and Drag Fest UK throughout the year. The Gay Village, centered around Canal Street, is an obvious home base for queer visitors, with its cluster of LGBTQ-owned and -operated bars, clubs, restaurants, and small businesses.

Richmond Tea Rooms provides a quintessential British experience complete with fine China, while G-A-Y serves up the youthful club vibes, Vanilla caters to the thriving lesbian population, and The Rembrandt, the Goose, and Churchills continue to hold court as the city’s OG queer gathering places. Speaking of OG, consider booking a gay heritage tour with Manchester Guided Tours. They’ll take you past all the queer sights, including the monument-heavy Sackville Gardens where tributes to Alan Turing, Trans Remembrance, and those affected by the AIDS pandemic stand tall. —Meredith Heil

David Duran is a freelance travel writer and content creator who has visited more than 80 countries and all seven continents. Follow along @mrdavidduran.

Adam Groffman is an LGBTQ travel expert and award-winning blogger based in Brooklyn, NY. His blog, Travels of Adam, is among the world’s largest LGBTQ travel sites.

Top 10 most gay-friendly travel destinations in the world

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 most gay-friendly travel destinations in the world

June is Pride month – a month dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ communities all around the world. LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender; the + is an inclusive symbol to mean ‘and others’ to include people of all identities. Pride month is about acceptance, equality, love, and raising awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ rights vary greatly around the world, even among countries we often think of as inclusive. Twenty years ago, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriages. Since then, 28 countries have followed suit, including most of Western Europe. However, homosexuality is still a crime in 70 countries and some of them, including six nations that are members of the United Nations, impose the death penalty. So, depending on where they’re headed, gay travelers can face great risks and experience more stress compared to heterosexual travelers. Luckily, the world is (slowly) making progress though and the choices of LGBT-friendly travel places on offer are now better than ever. Here’s my selection of the world’s top 10 gay friendly travel destinations.

There is more information below the slide show. What is your favorite LGTBQ+ friendly travel destination? Leave a comment

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10. MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY

Sandwiched between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay is the smallest and most progressive country in South America. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1934; anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ people have been in place since 2004; and in 2013, gay marriage was legalized. The nation’s capital and home to nearly half of Uruguay’s population, Montevideo is a vibrant and laid-back city with a rich cultural life and stunning Atlantic Ocean beaches. Since Uruguay is a small country, Montevideo is also the perfect base from which to explore the country on day trips. Don’t miss the cities of Salto, Paysandu, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Colonia del Sacramento in the west, or do day trips to party-till-you-drop Punta del Este, La Paloma, and Punta del Diablo.

9. TEL AVIV, ISRAEL

The Middle East is a region that is notorious for being one of the least gay friendly places in the world (with same gender sex punishable by death in Iran, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia). Israel is a notable exception though, being the most progressive concerning LGBTQ+ rights and even promoting its largest city Tel Aviv as a hotspot for gay tourism. Situated along the Mediterranean Sea, Tel Aviv is famously known for its beautiful beaches, nightlife, and LGBTQ+ community. The city is an open-minded and welcoming place that starkly contrasts some of the more religious and restrictive cities in Israel and the surrounding region. Tel Aviv is welcoming gay tourists with open arms and also offers a safe refuge for those from the LGBTQ+ community of surrounding countries in the region.

8. TAIPEI, TAIWAN

Located off the southeastern coast of mainland China, Taiwan is one of the most progressive countries in Asia. In 2019, it became the first country in the continent to legalize gay marriage. While some parts of this island might still be conservative, gay travelers can feel entirely at ease in Taipei, Taiwan’s largest city as well as its economic, political, and cultural center. From one of the world’s tallest buildings to the biggest collection of Chinese art, Taipei invites travelers into a world of fascinating contrasts, a mix of the modern and traditional. Add in tropical weather, gourmet food, stunning shopping experiences, lovely beaches, famous hot springs, and some of the most eclectic nightlife spots in Asia, and gay travelers are set for a holiday to remember.

7. NEW YORK, USA

New York, New York, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere! The Big Apple represents the ultimate cosmopolitan destination and defines the urban lifestyle. Here, you can visit some of the world’s best museum collections, shop till you drop, attend world-class performances, and find yourself having to make tough choices when it comes to dining out. With one of the world’s biggest queer scenes, a vibrant gay nightlife and a liberal population who have seen and done it all, New York was always destined to become one of the world’s greatest gay cities. New York City also has a rich history of LGBTQ activism: the 1969 riots that occurred at the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village are synonymous with the birth of the modern gay-rights movement.

6. ICELAND

Every day, there is an adventure waiting to happen in Iceland. With an abundance of mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, rivers, lakes, caves, and otherwise rough terrain waiting to be tackled, Iceland is truly and outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Besides its natural grandeur, Iceland is also a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ travelers. There are very few places in the world where people from across the spectrums of gender and sexuality receive as much love, and encounter as little hate, as they do in Iceland. With almost full legal equality, strong representation in parliament and the media, and an infrastructure that exists to support and elevate queer people, Iceland has become a true rainbow paradise and a popular travel destination for gay people and gender minorities.

5. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa legalized same-sex marriage in 2006, sixteen years after the first Johannesburg pride parade. Today, the Rainbow Nation is more LGBTQ+ friendly than any other country on the African continent. Although South Africans are generally very conservative, gay travelers can be themselves in the cities, especially Cape Town. Blessed with fabulous beaches, spectacular mountains, world-famous vineyards, gorgeous drives, and tons of trendy bars and restaurants, it is hard to imagine a more perfect travel destination than South Africa’s Mother city (and frankly, you won’t find a better one). Combine this with some of the best accommodation and service on offer anywhere in the world and you are left with one of the hottest city destinations you will ever visit.

4. SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Travelers flock to Australia‘s most famous city to enjoy its multicultural ambiance, surf on some of Australia’s best beaches, and admire the iconic Opera House and Harbor Bridge. The city offers fantastic hospitality at bars and restaurants, unspoiled wilderness at nearby national parks and some of Australia’s oldest buildings. In Sydney (and Australia in general), discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression is strictly prohibited, and it is highly unlikely LGBTQ+ travelers will have any issues here. Over the past decades, Sydney has emerged as the de facto gay travel capital of the Southern Hemisphere, and is associated with many famous gay personalities and symbols, including Ian Thorpe, Matthew Mitcham, Mardi Gras, Speedos, and the movie “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.”

3. VANCOUVER, CANADA

Canada is hands down the most advanced and progressive nation in the Americas for the LGTBQ community. Nowhere is this more evident than in its largest city Toronto, which was home to home to the first (retroactively legalized) gay and lesbian marriages in the world. However, from a traveler’s perspective, the glass-towered city of Vancouver in Western Canada might be more attractive. Majestic mountains, a sparkling ocean, and lush rainforests make Vancouver one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Vancouver is also an inclusive place where people can be themselves. Visitors looking for the city’s thriving LGBTQ community should check out two distinctly different neighborhoods first – the West End (including Davie Village) and Commercial Drive, both of which enjoy a wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and boutiques that openly welcome everyone.

2. MYKONOS, GREECE

Ever since Jackie Onassis started visiting this magnificent Aegean gem in the 1970s, the Greek island of Mykonos has built a reputation of glamour and fame, with hip new hotels, beach bars and restaurants mushrooming year after year. Mykonos has preserved its authentic Cycladic character, featuring century old windmills, cobblestoned mazy alleyways and traditional whitewashed houses. Most visitors come here though for the island’s party lifestyle and its beautiful beaches. The liberal mentality of the island has also attracted LGTBQ+ travelers and today, Mykonos has carved a niche for itself as a much sought after gay tourist destination. The island is actually one of the so-called ‘big 4’ gay summer travel destinations in Europe, alongside Ibiza, Gran Canaria and Sitges in Catalonia, but Mykonos is by far the most stylish and trendy spot.

1. SWEDEN

Sweden has a reputation for being one of the most open-minded, welcoming countries in the world. It’s a place where diversity and inclusion is important, thus making it a fantastic travel destination for gay people from all over the world. The capital Stockholm is a beautiful and sophisticated city which is the scene for the Stockholm Pride, Scandinavia’s biggest Pride festival and allegedly Sweden’s biggest annual event. Gothenburg is another fabulous city with a strong LGBTQ+ community and a gateway to the gorgeous archipelago and countryside of West Sweden. Gothenburg boasts the world’s densest concentration of Michelin stars considering its population, so the city is sure to delight gay and lesbian foodies. But wherever you go in the country (including Lapland), Sweden is a place that truly welcomes travelers regardless of where they come from, who they love or whatever their interests.

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Friendliest Countries for LGBT Travelers

According to the recently released Gay Travel Index, Canada, Portugal and Sweden are the friendliest countries for LGBT travelers.

Three countries tied for first place in the rankings, and 13 countries — almost all countries in Europe — tied for fourth place, as shown by the Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2019. Based in Berlin, Germany, Spartacus International Gay Guide provides advice for gay travelers on your website and mobile app.

The index classified 197 countries according to 14 criteria, including anti-discrimination laws, marriage and civil partnership laws, adoption laws, transgender rights and persecution.

The US was not in the top 45 countries. They placed 47th in the ranking, shared with nine other countries: Bermuda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Macau, Seychelles and Thailand.

Supporters of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community dance in Delhi, India, during a December protest against the passage of a transgender rights law. Members of the LGBT community have expressed concern that the bill marginalizes the people it is supposed to protect. Spartacus Gay Travel Index ‘Friendliest Countries for LGBT Travelers’ ranks India 57th out of 197 countries. (Photo: Manish Swarup/Associated Press)

The US is steadily falling in the rankings. They ranked 34th in 2017 and fell to 39th last year, with the Spartacus International Gay Guide citing “President Trump’s attempts to restrict transgender rights in the military” as a major factor in the decline.

Portugal climbed to number one this year, a big jump from last year, when the country ranked 27th in the index. Portugal, Canada and Sweden received top marks this year for their anti-discrimination laws.

The least friendly part of the world is the Chechen Republic in Russia, No. 197, which, according to the Spartacus International Gay Guide, is involved in “state-organized persecution and murder of homosexuals.” The last five include Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Yemen. All five received negative ratings for murders and death sentences affecting the LGBT community.

Chechnya is not part of Russia, and the compilers of the rating determined it 159th place!!! Last year, Russia was ranked 157th for LGBT travelers. Between Papua New Guinea and Senegal (the poorest African countries). Kazakhstan is recognized as the most tolerant country in the CIS at 83rd place and Ukraine at 9th5th place.

Plus or minus is set according to the following main indicators:

Anti-discrimination legislation.
Marriage/civil partnership.
Adoption procedures.
Transgender rights.
Age of consent.

Other categories receive negative points:

Religious influence.
Travel restrictions for people with HIV.
Anti-gay laws.
Homosexuality criminalized.
Gay pride ban.
Population hostility.
Prosecution.
Murders.
Death sentences.

Of the 197 countries included in the Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2019, below are the rankings of the 16 friendliest countries for LGBT travelers:

1) Canada

they have done a lot lately to get Canada top of the rankings.

Justin Trudeau, along with his wife and two children, took part in the nation’s largest Gay Pride in Toronto. Trudeau became the first Canadian head of government to walk in a pride parade while in office.

2) Portugal

3) Sweden

4) Austria

5) Belgium

6) Denmark

7) Finland

8) Iceland

9) Luxembourg

11) Netherlands)

12) New Zealand

13) Norway

14) Reignon

15) Spain

16) Great Britain

Countries No. 17 to No. 47:

17) France

17) Gibraltar

17) Greenland

17) Ireland

17) Switzerland

17) Uruguay

23) Colombia

23) French Polynesia

23) Germany

[Adrotate Group = “1”]

23 28) Andorra

28) Argentina

28) Australia

28) Guadelup

28) Martiniki

28) Slovenia

28) South Africa

35) Czech Republic

35) Estonia Estonia Estonia

35) Puerto Rico

39) Liechtenstein

39) Slovakia

41) Bolivia

41) Ecuador

41) Italy

41) Mozambique

41) Nepal

41) Taiwan

005

47) Bosnia and Herzegovina

47) Chili

47) Costa Rica

47) Croatia

47) Cuba

47) Macau

47) Seychelles

47) Thailand 9000,0004 47) US

Based on materials from forbes. com

Translation: Kristina Kashtanova

If you find a mistake, please highlight the text fragment and press Ctrl+Enter .

Continued

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10 Awesome LGBT-friendly destinations

Reading time: 8 minutes
(Last update:: 29/04/2022)

Whether you’re a diva, fashionista, kinky, gay, lesbian, or not ready for self-determination, these 10 amazing LGBT destinations will join in and celebrate you. From kissing in Paris to partying like a rock star in Berlin, these amazing European cities are all about equal rights, pride, and love in all colors of the rainbow.

Rail transport is an environmentally friendly way to travel. This article is written for learning about train travel on Save A Train, The World’s Cheapest Train Ticket.

1. Amazing LGBT destinations in the world: Berlin

It all started with the founding of the world’s first gay and lesbian organization. 1897 marked the first step in making Berlin the gay and lesbian capital of the world.

Beauty and love come in all forms, colors, and sex. Berlin is one of the most tolerant, open, and hospitable cities in the world. Berlin is a great destination for LGBT people in Europe and we are happy to welcome it. all kinds of love. Today, Berlin is an ideal place for LGBT people, but it only gained its popularity during the 20th century, so impressive is the long journey the city has traveled.

Nollendorfplatz in Schöneberg is the heart and wild soul of Berlin’s infamous gay scene. Here, you can have fun, your drink, and enjoy LGBT life and culture.

The best time to experience LGBT extravaganza is summer, in the epic CSD Berlin. Nearly 1 million people and hundreds of decorated platforms create one of the largest parades in the world, for equal rights and the freedom to love all the colors of the rainbow.

Things to do

Visit the Shvules gay museum, the first monument of the gay movement, the famous bar Marietta, Café Berio, the oldest gay club Heile Welt, or the best gay party at the KitKat-Klub.

Frankfurt to Berlin on a train

from Leipzig to Berlin on a train

from Hanover to Berlin on a train

from Hamburg in Berlin on a train

2. An amazing direction for the LGBT in the Netherlands: Amsterdas: Amsterdes

When you are the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, you are also one of the coolest and most LGBT-friendly places in the world. So, fun and amazing Amsterdam was the first city in Europe to host gay games. 1998 and the Amsterdam Pride parade is considered one of the best in the world.

If you don’t know the best places to visit in the city, then stop at Pink Point, a place for information about LGBT-friendly places in Amsterdam. Amsterdam has amazing nightlife, but before sunset, you should take a walk around the nearby streets and areas where the LGBT scene is alive and kicking: Reguliersdwarsstraat, the historic Kerkstraat, the Amstel, and then on to the Zeedijk and Warmoesstraat to see the fantastic LGBT nightlife scene in Amsterdam . .

Things to do

Discover the infamous dragon scene in the Queen’s Head, sip on a cocktail at Getto, get inspired at the Amsterdam bookstore LGTB, fun, and party at the Taboo or Exit clubs on Reguliersdwarsstraat. In addition, Amsterdam’s Canal Pride is one of the most unique parades in the world and worth a visit.0010 from Berlin to Amsterdam on a train

from Paris to Amsterdam on a train

3. The best direction in the UK, friendly for LGBT: Brighton

Since the 1930s since the 1930s, since the 1930s, has been a wire of Brighton for everyone, Brighton for everyone. who needed to explore their sexuality. Once a seaside town has become an LGBT friendly place in the UK. , close but far from the capital.

Kemp Town is an LGBT neighborhood in Brighton, thanks to its boutique hotels, pubs, and restaurants. Here, you will find amazing vibes, a cool atmosphere where you can celebrate love in all its manifestations. In addition, if you are planning to devote yourself entirely to your loved one, then Brighton has more than a few wedding venues like the Royal Pavilion, and Charles Street or Brighton Beach festivities start right from there..

Things to do

Have a pint at The Bulldog gay pub, but first relax in Brighton’s sauna, and end the night at Revenge, the best LGBT nightlife club.

4. Stunning LGBT friendly city in Germany: cologne

A city with more pubs than people and more prides than anywhere else, Cologne is one of the for LGBT destinations in Europe. Cologne is so LGBT friendly that it has its own fun tour so you can discover the best kept secrets of a city of every taste and color of the rainbow.

In addition, the cologne is the perfect place for LGBT as it has 2 gay scenes, Yes, that’s right. The old Heumarkt-Mathiasstraße and the urban Bermuda Triangle for young people. West has the best parties and dance clubs to rock your body, while East has laid-back, classic and traditional hangouts.

Don’t have time to visit both? No worries! Because with the S-Bahn, you can travel back and forth as many times as you want, and very quickly.

Things to do

Don’t miss the Christopher Street Day in Cologne, the world famous Cologne Pride, of course. In addition, the Gay Christmas market in Cologne, and the carnival in February. For an after-party, check out Deck 5 or Amadeus.

Berlin to Aachen by train

Frankfurt to Cologne by train

Dresden to Cologne by train

Aachen to Cologne by train

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The most romantic city in the world celebrates love every minute of every day, and you can celebrate your love in all the colors of the rainbow. Full of glamour, style, class, and fun, Paris is one of the coolest LGBT-friendly destinations in the world.

The beautiful Marais is the center of the gay scene in Paris, with all the popular LGBT establishments located on the famous Place de la Bastille, Place de la République and the city hall. Throughout the year, from January to July, there are amazing events dedicated to the LGBT community: festivals, art, film, and of course the pride parade. Here, you will feel right at home and there are many ways to meet the French LGBT community and discover Paris..

Things to do

Raidd Barn for go-go dancers and sexy dancers, Cite de la Mode et du Design rooftop Café Debonair for macaroons and stunning views of the Seine, and Badaboum Bistro in the Bastille district for all the new and trendy French artists., and a kiss against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower.

Amsterdam to Paris by train

London to Paris by train

Rotterdam to Paris by train

Brussels to Paris by train

6. Stunning LGBT-friendly city in Austria: Vienna

Rich Austrian history and culture is full of stories of gay emperors, so being LGBT-beautifully friendly is part of the DNA of this city. , it’s no surprise that in Vienna you can continue 2 Gay city tours to discover the history and life of the LGBT community. Plus, like the other LGTB-friendly destinations on our list, there are more LGTB events throughout the year than you can count.

One of the most special LGBT events of the year is the Rainbow Ball.. The Schonbrunn hosts a grand ball where you can waltz and show off your stylish fashion sense in gorgeous ball gowns and tuxedos.

Things to do

Try Viennese coffee at Cafe Savoy., party with Miss Candy in Heaven Viennese club, say I dos in an amazing alpine setting, and take wedding photos while surrounded by the wonderful architecture of the city..

Salzburg to Vienna on a train

from Munich to Vienna on a train

from the grats to Vienna on a train

from Prague to Vienna on the train

7. Stunning friendly to LGBT City in Ireland: Dublin

Perhaps Ireland is known to many as very strict, religious, and frozen in time. However, this is not the case for Dublin, which is vibrant, fun, and very LGBT friendly. In 2015, same-sex marriage became legal, an amazing milestone in Ireland’s transformation into a liberal, and open nation.

so you will find Dublin a great alternative LGBT friendly destination to Amsterdam and Berlin. June is Dublin Pride Month, but you should also check out the Dublin International Gay Theater Festival, the biggest in the world.

Things to do

Cocktails or parties at George Bar, Dublin Gay Institute, PantiBar, Oscar Cafe, cruising, or relaxing in the gay sauna are the best things to do to truly enjoy LGTBQ’s amazing community Dublin..

8. Amazing LGBT-friendly destination: Belgium

Ghent and Brussels are known as the 2 coolest LGBT destinations in Belgium. This country was the second to legalize same-sex marriage. In Brussels, Rue du Marche au Charbon is the center of the LGBT scene.

For example, at Rainbow House, you can enjoy the Lesborama Film Festival, art exhibitions, and many other cultural events. However, if you want to flaunt what mother nature has given you, then Chez Maman meets divas in all colors and shimmers like a rainbow..

from Luxembourg to Brussels on a train

from Antwerp to Brussels on a train

from Amsterdam to Brussels by train

from Paris to Brussels on train

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9. An amazing place that is amazing to LGBTK: London

West End, Pubs, Architecture, Queen. London is an icon not only because of the royal family, but because it’s an amazing LGBT destination in Europe. The city is a microcosm for the world, meaning a city that welcomes people from all over the world, also very warm and friendly to gay, lesbian, queer, or transgender.

Exclusive bookstores, amazing rooftop bars, theatre, and music, London has so many interesting places to enjoy the best of LGBT life and culture. to enjoy the best of LGTB in London, head to Dlastone Superstore for the best cabaret. For the best queer scene, the Glory Pub is great, and be sure to check out England’s oldest LGBT bookstore, Gay Word.

Amsterdam to London by train

Paris to London by train

Berlin to London by train

Brussels to London by train

from the other LGBT friendly cities on our list, LGBT rights in Milan are not legalized. however, the world capital of fashion and elegance has a vibrant gay scene and even hosts an annual LGTBQ film festival..

When in Milan, the Porta Venezia area is the heart of LGBT life and culture. On the streets of Lecco and San Martini, you will find the coolest gay friendly bars and clubs.

From Florence to Milan on a train

from Florence to Venice on a train

from Milan to Florence on a train

from Venice to Milan on a train

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It is very simple to travel to Europe and travel to save the train but it’s not always easy to find great LGBT destinations, which is why we’ve written this blog post for you.