Last updated: 31st May 2024
Travel is for everyone, no matter who you are or who you love. But for LGBTQIA+ travellers, picking a travel destination can take a bit of thought. So that's why we have put together this list of the best LGBTQIA+ friendly travel destinations (per continent) offering amazing experiences, comforts and adventures that everyone - yes, everyone - equally deserves! Check it out below đ
LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations in Europe
Reykjavik, Iceland
Icelandis rated one of the worldâs most rainbow-friendly countries for the LGBTQIA+ community! Spot real awe-inspiring rainbows over waterfalls by day and hit the gay bars across the city by night. With a huge LGBTQIA+ community, there are plenty of gaybars, clubs and neighbourhoods to choose from including the largest gay club, Kiki. Plus, be sure to visit the iconic rainbow street, which is a place where you can be proud to show your true colours.
LGBTQIA+ highlights in Reykjavik: Pride in Reykjavik falls in August and has become the countryâs biggest annual event. Jot it in your calendar!
Madrid, Spain
If anywhere in Europe knows how to celebrate Pride, itâs Madrid! This thriving city is often called one of the gay capitals of Europefor being one of the most out and proud cities. They know how to put on a good fiesta here! đWith a huge LGBTQIA+ community across the whole ofSpain, youâll no doubt fit right in.
LGBTQIA+ highlights in Madrid: Between June and July, the streets of Madrid are filled with Pride month events and celebrations you wonât want to miss. Including the renowned parade down Paseo del Prado and the memorable closing party.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is famous for many things: canals, history, art and culture are just a few! But did you know that in 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage? Since then, the gay scene in Amsterdam has been popping off! With vibrant floating parade boats, boat parties on canals and the LGBTQIA+community coming out, Pride in Amsterdam is a one-of-a-kind party.
LGBTQIA+ highlights in Amsterdam: Make sure to visit the thriving Reguliersdwarsstraat - the proudest street in Amsterdam famous for its LGBTQIA+ nightlife.
Berlin, Germany
In Berlin, celebrate Pride month with a beer in hand at one of the largest Pride festivals in the world. Expect to mingle with thousands of like-minded LGBTQIA+ travellers from across the globe at this huge party. Stop off at this mesmerising city onEurope Explorer.Youâll also visit the romantic Rome and Paris too.
LGBTQIA+ highlights in Berlin:Berlinâs Pride Parade is called âChristopher Street Dayâ and happens at the end of June each year. On your travels, visit the first museum in the world dedicated to LGBTQIA+ culture and history - the Schwules Museum.
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Europe Explorer
Athens, Greece
The Greeks are all about expression, which is whyGreecemakes one of the best LGBTQIA+ travel destinations for being your authentic self! Its capital, Athens, is a hot spot for the gay community, but even Greeceâs islands are LGBTQIA+ friendly, with Santorini being one of Europe's top gay honeymoon destinations đŻ
LGBTQIA+ highlights in Athens:Hit up the Gazi neighbourhood in Athens for the best gay bars and clubs in the city.
Mykonos, Greece
It has to be the no.1 gaydestination in the world! If youâre all about celebrating in party-island style, Mykonos simply needs to be next on your bucket list. Surrounded by gay bars, clubs and like-minded LGBTQIA+ travellers, this paradise island will soon feel like home. Everyone is welcome to celebrate Pride on ourGreece Summer Explorer.
LGBTQIA+ highlights in Mykonos:The island has loads of gay hotels, bars, clubs and beaches to choose from. Be sure to visit Elia Beach and plan your travels in August for Europeâs biggest gay dance festival - Xlsior.
LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations in Australasia
Sydney, Australia
This trending destination promises a warm and joyful welcome, no matter who you are! Sydney is known for being one of the worlds most rainbow-friendly places and has a huge population of LGBTQIA+ people all expressing themselves freely. In 2023, Sydney held the World Pride event displaying the country's commitment to equality and inclusion for all. If you're looking for somewhere to settle down in the sun, aWorking Holidayin Sydney will quickly feel like home.
LGBTQIA+ highlights in Sydney:Every February to March, Sydney hosts the famous Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. Expect a vibrant procession of floats and proud LGBTQIA+ people shimmering their way through the city. Itâs one of the biggest Pride events in the world! đłď¸âđ
Auckland, New Zealand
Did you know New Zealand was the first country in the world to have an openly transgender politician? It was a pretty big deal! Today, New Zealand is proud to be a rainbow nation and welcomes the LGBTQIA+ community with open arms. So much so that Auckland is ranked one of the most gay-friendly cities on earth! Visit this incredible place on one of ourNew Zealandgroup tours.
LGBTQIA+ highlights in Auckland:The highlight of Auckland Pride, held in February, is the Pride March and Pride Party. You simply canât miss it.
LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations in Asia
Bangkok, Thailand
Thai people are some of the most welcoming in all of Asia, making Thailand one of the most rainbow-friendly countries in the continent. By the end of 2024, itâs expected to be the first country inSouth East Asiato recognise same-sex marriages! Its capital, Bangkok, is a thriving hot spot for the LGBTQIA+ community. Experience Bangkokâs nightlife scene on ourThai Adventuregroup tour.
LGBTQIA+ highlights in Thailand:The first Pride parade in Bangkok started in 2022 and has been growing year-on-year. They hope to host the World Pride parade in 2030! đ¤
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Thai Adventure
Bali, Indonesia
Baliis becoming increasingly popular with LGBTQIA+ travellers because of its open-minded attitudes towards the rainbow community. That being said, there are Balinese ways of life you should respect as mostly a Hindu island. Public displays of affection are usually frowned upon by the locals, for both straight and LGBTQ+ couples. As long as you respect their culture, you will be welcomed with joy.
LGBTQIA+ highlights in Bali:The island has a large LGBTQIA+ population and there are loads of gay-owned and gay-friendly accommodations, restaurants and nightclubs. Check out Seminyakâs well-known Mixwell Bar for all things drag!
Tokyo, Japan
With over 300 gay bars and nightclubs, Tokyo is the most diverse and rainbow-friendly city inJapan. Other travel destinations such as Kyoto and Osaka are very LGBTQIA+ friendly and both host great Pride parades each year, however, Tokyo has set the bar high with unbeatable Pride celebrations since 2013.
LGBTQIA+ highlights in Tokyo:Tokyoâs famous gay district is called Shinjuku Ni-Chome. The streets are lined with gay hotels, bars, restaurants and spas.
LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations in South America
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina's capital is often described as "Latin America's gay capitalâ! The people of Buenos Aires simply love to celebrate love, acceptance, and diversity. Enjoy unforgettable nightclubs, dazzling LGBTQIA+ events and so much more throughout the city.
LGBTQIA+ highlights in Buenos Aires:Their Pride parade takes place in November to mark the beginning of the Latin America LGBTQIA + Organization. Itâs the biggest Pride parade in South America! đ
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro has a lively gay scene and loads of LGBTQIA+ events and activities going on around the vibrant city. If you love a beach, look out for the Pride flag along Copacabana for a LGBTQIA+ friendly spot. Itâs a great way to mingle with like-minded people.
LGBTQIA+ highlights in Rio de Janeiro:The neighbourhood of Lapa is known for its LGBTQIA+ scene with many gay bars and nightclubs playing the best Brazillian tunes. For an unforgettable drag show, head to Bar Kojak.
LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations in North America
Toronto, Canada
Canada's friendly and welcoming reputation truly does extend to everyone! Pride Toronto hosts events throughout June and celebrates with one of the largest parades in North America on the final weekend! There are estimated to be over 350,000 LGBTQIA+ people in Toronto so you definitely wonât feel out of place here.
LGBTQIA+ highlights in Toronto:Make sure to visit âThe Villageâ at Church and Wellesley streets for its thriving gay community.
New York, USA
No doubt NYC already tops your bucket list, but did you know it's where the first-ever Pride movementtook place? Way back in 1969, the Stonewall Riots kickstarted the gay rights movement, not only in New York but around the world! One year later, the firstPride marcheswere held across the USA in NYC, Los Angeles and Chicago. Today, New Yorkâs Pride parade is one of the biggest and proudest events for the LGBTQIA+ community. Check out ourUSAgroup trips đ˝
LGBTQIA+ highlights in New York:Stop by these neighbourhoods for the best LGBTQIA+ bars and clubs in the city: Chelsea, Hellâs Kitchen and West Village.
LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations in Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
So, generally, Africa isnât very accepting, however,South Africais a different story, especially Cape Town! Itâs the âgay capital of South Africaâ and welcomes the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride events are held during February and March each year and itâs the perfect travel destination to experience South Africa to the fullest.
LGBTQIA+ highlights in Cape Town:The city has a vibrant and diverse LGBTQIA+ scene with the De Waterkant neighbourhood having some of the best gay venues in the whole of South Africa. For the longest-running gay hotspots in the city, check out Manhattan - a cafe, restaurant, and bar in one.
Now you know the best LGBTQIA+ friendly travel destinations, take a look at ourgroup toursto discover the world with like-minded travellers. Orspeak with a travel advisorfor more information on the best locations for LGBTQIA+ travellers đ¤Š
