Exploring the best gay travel destinations across the globe

Gabriela Peratello

25.09.23

5 minute read

There are lots of great gay travel destinations to explore across the globe.

Read our guide to finding the best LGBTQ+ travel destinations. We’ve put together information about things to do and how to stay safe while you travel.

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What should you consider when choosing a gay-friendly destination?

There are a few things to think about when choosing a gay-friendly destination.

Avoid countries that limit LGBTQ+ rights, as some places ban gay relationships, like Barbados. It’s also important to consider the social attitudes of your holiday destination before booking a trip abroad.¹

If you’re traveling with friends, you may want to check out places with gay culture spots, but if you’re going on a family holiday, look out for more family-friendly activities.

Which countries are the most LGBT-friendly?

There are lots of LGBT-friendly countries across the globe. Some of the best gay-friendly countries in the world include:

Canada

Denmark

Portugal

Spain

The Netherlands

How do you find gay-friendly travel destinations?

You can find gay-friendly travel destinations by doing a bit of research before your trip. Online LGBTQ+ travel resources can help you organize a gay-friendly trip abroad, such as IGLTA¹³. This website lets you plan your trip and understand how to book safe accommodation, transport, and more.

Are there travel agencies that specialize in gay travel?

A few tour companies specialize in organizing gay travel, such as:

Out Adventures

Pink Vibgyor

RSVP Vacations

These companies can help you book the right trip for you, including tailor-made holidays for people in the LGBTQ+ community.²

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Top LGBT-friendly travel destinations

There are lots of LGBT-friendly destinations to check out across the world, including inclusive cities with plenty of gay history and culture.

We’ve put together some of the best gay travel destinations.

Gay-friendly places to visit in Europe

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a great place for your gay-friendly trip abroad. There are lots of gay bars to explore and the Barcelona LGBT Festival takes place every June.

Spain is one of the most progressive countries in Europe, as same-sex marriage is legal and LGBTQ+ people are protected by anti-discrimination laws.³

Denmark

Denmark is an inclusive European travel destination, and it was the first country to recognize same-sex partnerships.⁴ Copenhagen Pride is also a big annual event in the capital of the country, bringing together like-minded members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

With liberal attitudes toward homosexuality since the early 20th century, Amsterdam is one of the best LGBT-friendly spots in Europe.

Amsterdam’s gay village is called Reguliersdwarsstraat, first becoming a gay culture spot in the 1970s. You can visit amazing gay bars or celebrate Amsterdam Pride in the last week of July every year.⁵

Best gay-friendly destinations in North America

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a liberal and inclusive city. The Castro is San Francisco’s most famous LGBTQ+ neighborhood - including the Rainbow Honor Walk.

The GLBT History Museum is also worth checking out, looking at historic queer artifacts, or you could attend San Francisco Pride in June.

Canada

Canada is one of the best LGBT-friendly travel destinations, with efforts to ban conversion therapy and important rights for LGBT+ couples. Canada’s liberal social attitudes can help you feel safe while you travel.⁶

Explore Toronto Gay Village or attend Toronto Pride Festival in June to meet like-minded LGBTQ+ people.

New York

The history of LGBTQ+ rights is particularly important in New York, with the Stonewall Riots taking place in June 1969. This was a difficult time in LGBTQ+ history - and a visit to New York can help you understand gay history and culture.

There are also lots of fun things to do in New York with your friends and family, such as visiting Broadway or taking a trip to one of New York’s many gay bars.

Gay-friendly destinations in Asia

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is known for its welcoming and open attitude to gay travelers. A cruise down the Chao Phraya River is a great tourist attraction, and there are shopping centers, restaurants, and fun gay bars to explore.

The MOCA Bangkok museum is full of artwork by Thai artists, including a spotlight on the local LGBTQ+ community.

Taipei, Taiwan

In the Fall, Taipei celebrates its annual Pride event, with progressive politics in the past few years, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage.⁷

There are lots of gay-friendly bars, clubs, and shopping outlets to check out in Taipei, with extra activities across the city for Taipei LGBT Pride every year.

Tokyo, Japan

Shinjuku Ni-chome is known as the LGBTQ+ neighborhood of Tokyo, offering iconic nightlife, gay-friendly cafés, bookshops, and gay culture spots. Tokyo Rainbow Pride is also an annual opportunity for the city to celebrate LGBTQ+ folk.

Gay travel in South America: destinations to consider

Buneos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires has one of the biggest gay scenes in Latin America, including a vibrant nightlife for your gay trip abroad. Gay couples have the same rights as heterosexual couples - and there are lots of things to do in Buenos Aires.⁸

Tango Pride is the first gay tango show in Buenos Aires. It takes place every week and it features lots of gay dancers.

San José, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known for its open and welcoming culture, and there’s so much to explore - from stunning beach trips to diverse wildlife. San José also has amazing LGBTQ+ nightlife if you’re traveling with friends.

This country recognizes gay relationships - and gay marriage is legal, too.⁹

Uruguay

Uruguay is one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in South America, legalizing same-sex marriage in 2013 and welcoming gay tourists.¹⁰

There are lots of attractions to visit in Uruguay, including the Estadio Centenario, the largest football stadium in the country.

Unique gay-friendly travel destinations: Africa and Oceania

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is the gay capital of Africa, and it’s a fun and unique gay-friendly travel destination to check out.

Head to Cape Town’s gay neighborhood, De Waterkant, for gay-friendly cafés, shops, and bars. It’s legal to engage in homosexual activity in South Africa and the law protects LGBTQ+ folk against discrimination.¹¹

Sydney, Australia

Australia is one of the most accepting countries in the world!

Sydney is known as Australia’s gay capital, with gay-friendly venues in Darlinghurst and Newtown - and Sydney Pride is a big event for the LGBTQ+ community every year.

New Zealand

There are a range of laws in place to protect LGBTQ+ folk in New Zealand, making it a great LGBT-friendly travel destination. In fact, in pre-colonial Maori, same-sex relationships were an accepted part of life.¹²

You can be yourself in New Zealand - and there are a few big Pride events in this gay-friendly country, such as Auckland’s Hero Parade and the Big Gay Out.

Safety tips for gay travelers

It’s important to stay safe when traveling across the world. Find gay-friendly accommodation so you have a safe space when you’re not out exploring. You can do this by checking out reliable reviews and speaking with other LGBTQ+ travelers.

It’s also important to respect local customs. For example, at some temples in Bangkok, you may need to cover up, so make sure to do your research before heading out.

You can also connect with local LGBTQ+ communities to feel safe in a new country and Pride is an opportunity to meet like-minded people in a welcoming space.

There are lots of safe and gay-friendly travel destinations to visit abroad. From the beaches of Sydney to the culture spots of Barcelona, there’s something for everyone.

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Sources:

Sources checked on 09.12.2023

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