Celebrate love and equality this month at the most LGBTQIA+-friendly worldwide destinations hosting can’t-miss Pride events.
Feeling safe and accepted is essential for a positive travel experience. Cities with lively queer spaces welcome everyone with open arms and encourage self-expression. Pride celebrations are a fun opportunity to support the LGBTQIA+ community while exploring a new city.
Pride Month is the ideal time to experience these one-of-a-kind LGBTQIA+ travel spots with renowned citywide events.
Toronto, Canada
Head to Toronto for a bustling LGBTQIA+ scene. The city has a queer district called the Church-Wellesley (Gay) Village, a vibrant area with something to do at all hours of the day.
Each June, Pride Toronto attracts members and allies of the gay and lesbian community for a massive celebration. You’ll feel welcomed and accepted with the vast array of things to do in Toronto.
Porto, Portugal
The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) considers Portugal one of the most gay and lesbian-friendly countries worldwide. It’s made a conscious effort to accept people from all walks of life by enacting policies that support those who identify as transgender and condemn hate crimes.
Everyone should experience Porto’s food, history, and culture. Sample fresh seafood at mouthwatering restaurants and admire 19th-century architecture while wandering the city center. Local establishments frequently throw parties, festivals, and concerts geared toward the LGBTQIA+ community.
London, England
Statista reports that London had the largest non-straight population of all United Kingdom regions in 2022. Unsurprisingly, it’s a fabulous place to experience gay culture. It hosts Pride in London, one of the world’s largest LGBTQIA+ events.
From the Queer Comedy Club to the G-A-Y Bar, there are many spaces to tap into London’s gay scene. Unique tourist activities include Gay’s the Word, an LGBTQIA+ bookstore, and drag queen-led walking tours.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is the ideal spot if you’re looking for a gay-friendly city. Kayak says the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a top highlight. Several areas are known as “gayborhoods” and feature inclusive coffee houses and social hangouts.
Darlinghurst is one of the most popular LGBTQIA+ areas. There are quirky boutiques, trendy hotels, and upbeat music venues. You could spend a few hours or an entire weekend exploring Sydney.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s open and free-spirited nature makes it a wonderful place to vacation. During Pride Month, up to 750,000 people gather for a citywide parade. The Schwules (Gay) Museum is a must-visit any time of the year.
Berlin has numerous LGBTQIA+ lodging options, restaurants, and rooftop bars. In addition to daytime activities, the gay and lesbian nightlife is thriving.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona has emerged as a top European city for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. This bustling metropolitan area is diverse and welcomes all lifestyles. Gaixample is an incredibly gay-friendly district with bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
Strolling through the historic streets, you’ll see private homes and businesses proudly displaying rainbow flags. Barcelona also hosts annual LGBTQIA+ film festivals, sporting games, and Pride celebrations.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, offers many LGBTQIA+ attractions and activities. February, August, and October are some of the best times of year to visit for exciting events like Pride Week.
Enjoy the city’s fun and energetic gay scene at bars like Centralhjørnet and Vela. The Latin Quarter area of Copenhagen has numerous nightclubs, restaurants, and hotels open to everyone, regardless of gender identity or orientation.
San Francisco, California, USA
Clever Real Estate says San Francisco is the most inclusive destination in the United States. Nearly 6% of the local population identifies as LGBTQIA+, exceeding the 5.1% national average.
San Francisco offers unique Pride gatherings throughout the year, such as the Castro Street Fair and Frameline. The Bay Area is a welcoming and non-discriminatory vacation spot.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is the perfect Caribbean getaway, regardless of your gender identity or orientation. San Juan, the capital, constantly buzzes with activity and socializing opportunities.
Gay Travel suggests exploring Calle Condado, which is home to several gay bars and clubs. There’s even an adults-only LGBTQIA+ hotel, Coqui del Mar. You’ll feel right at home visiting this tropical paradise for celebrations like the annual Pride parade.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina is a significant hub for gay and lesbian culture, as the first Latin American country to legalize gay marriage in 2010. Meanwhile, its capital, Buenos Aires, has attracted members of the LGBTQIA+ community since the 1980s.
The Palermo neighborhood, located north of downtown, is a hotspot for gay establishments. Tourists can shop at outdoor markets, tour local museums, and enjoy scenic public parks. There’s no shortage of monthly LGBTQIA+ events in Buenos Aires, from Halloween costume parties to outdoor summer pop-ups.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
In 2021, the Williams Institute School of Law named the Netherlands among the world’s top five most accepting countries. Amsterdam has been a prominent LGBTQIA+ destination for decades, with the first gay bar opening in 1927.
Since 2014, Pride Amsterdam has coordinated an annual Queer & Pride Amsterdam program that attracts locals and international visitors. The festivities last several weeks and honor equality through city walks, film screenings, and the one-of-a-kind Canal Parade.
Montevideo, Uruguay
Locals and foreigners see Uruguay as an inclusive travel destination. According to Equaldex, 79% of those polled in Uruguay consider it a supportive place for gay and lesbian people. Uruguay is relatively progressive, as one of the first countries in South America to legalize gay marriage.
Consider Montevideo for the ideal balance of traditional charm and innovation. It’s an excellent spot to immerse yourself in the country’s distinct culture and natural beauty. The city hosts a Pride March every September, which draws thousands of participants.
Auckland, New Zealand
The New Zealand Herald shares Auckland is among the world’s top 30 LGBTQIA+ vacation spots. Using data about local attitudes and legal policies surrounding the gay community, Auckland was named the 28th most tolerant city.
There are many inviting Auckland social spaces for all orientations and identities. Auckland Pride regularly hosts events throughout the year, but the Pride Festival is a can’t-miss. Plan your trip in February to experience this fun and inclusive get-together.
Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden continually ranks as one of the most accepting European countries. It’s an open-minded place to make friends and party hard. According to Visit Sweden, the country has the world’s most LGBTQIA+ festivals per capita, with over 30.
The annual Stockholm Pride gathering is a fun and welcoming example of Swedish gay culture. You can freely express yourself in Stockholm, a leading pioneer of equality.
International festivals are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture
Many countries host one-of-a-kind celebrations with political, religious, or social significance. Attending cultural festivals gives you an authentic taste of life abroad.
16 Unique Cultural Festivals That Could Never Exist in the US
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
