Traveling is one part self-discovery and one part self-expression. For LGBTQIA+ travelers, picking a destination isn’t always hassle-free, so here are the places around the world that have an inclusive spirit, and offer love and compassion to tourists, so that all travelers can easily explore and express themselves. From coastal towns to major cities, discover our top 15 most gay-friendly travel destinations in the world…
15. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The city of canals is steeped in rich culture, from renowned museums to an amazing cycling culture, Amsterdam is a must. In 2001, The Netherlands set the bar and became the first country in the world to officially recognize same-sex marriage, so it’s no surprise Amsterdam kicks off the list as one the most gay-friendly travel destinations. Be sure to visit Reguliersdwarsstraat – Amsterdam’s most famous gay street where you’ll find gay bars, shops, clubs, and cafes.
14. New York City, USA
NYC is seen as the mecca for the equality movement. It was also the location of the Stonewall uprising in 1969, which led to the first-ever Pride parade. There’s so much to see and do in the concrete jungle, but with a strong LGBTQIA+ community, you MUST experience New York’s coolest gayborhoods, including Chelsea, the West Village, Hell’s Kitchen, Williamsburg and Parks Slope.
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13. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a city that people fall in love with immediately and many claim it has to do with the welcoming atmosphere of the locals. Explore the beautiful coast of Cape Town by taking a cable car up to Table Mountain or stopping by Boulders Beach to pay a visit to a colony of penguins. Be sure to stop by the vibrant neighborhood of De Waterkant in the heart of Cape Town’s rainbow district, where you’ll find tons of restaurants and bars.
12. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona has become a fave destination for the LGBTQIA+ community, that offers a vibrant open-minded vibe and a gay scene with tons of bars, clubs and restaurants to choose from throughout the city, especially in L’Eixample and Gracia. Not to mention the Pride festival is one of the best Pride parades around the world.
Image source:Enes / Unsplash
11. Vancouver, Canada
Whether you’re after city life or stunning ski resorts (less than an hour away), a vacation to Vancouver is unforgettable. This city is on the West coast of Canada and is seeing a surging number of visitors each year. Expect breathtaking nature, thriving art, theatre, and music scenes with an easygoing LGBTQIA+ accepting populace.
10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The large seaside city of Brazil, Rio is famous for its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Christ the Redeemer statue, and stunning views from Sugarloaf Mountain. Carnaval festivities bring in a diverse crowd from all over the world with major gay-friendly celebrations in town on Farme de Amoedo street in Ipanema.
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9. Madrid, Spain
Hosts of the largest Pride festival in all of Europe, Madrid is well-known for its amazing celebration. Its LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood Chueca boasts plenty of popular gay bars and clubs. So if you’re looking for a big city to keep you entertained for your entire trip, look no further. The Madrid Pride trip will be four days of cultural exploration, bike tours, tapas galore and extra time to get your Pride on. Or check out Contiki’s Spanish Pride trip, which covers Madrid, Barcelona and Ibiza!
8. Palm Springs, USA
Palm Springs‘ LGBTQIA+ community, history, and culture have consistently dubbed it as one of the top gay-friendly destinations in the world. Nestled in the Sonoran Desert, Palm Springs is less than a two-hour drive from Los Angeles and famous for its proximity to Coachella. Beyond that, Palm Springs offers pool parties, best of the best brunches, outdoor adventures and the most gram-worthy mid-century modern aesthetic.
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7. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is easily one of the coolest countries on the planet and it just so happens to be one of the most gay-friendly countries as well. There are many ways LGBTQIA+ travelers can explore Iceland, and one of the best parts is there is no ‘zone’, the queer scene is every space in Reykjavik and the entire country celebrates people from all backgrounds.
6. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is where you come to be yourself. This city has a flourishing gay community and scene. Der Boiler and SilverFuture are some of our favorite gay bars in Europe. This countercultural capital has some of the most iconic nightlife in the world, as well as one of the biggest Pride parties so don’t miss out on Contiki’s new and epic 4-day Berlin Pride trip.
Image source:Contiki
5. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Just 45 minutes north of Miami, you’ll find yourself in Fort Lauderdale, Florida – home to breathtaking beaches and boating canals, where millions of visitors vacation each year. Beyond the beach, you’ll find downtown has thriving nightlife. Each year, Fort Lauderdale welcomes more than 1 million LGBTQIA+ visitors, so inclusivity and a good time is a sure thing.
4. Sydney, Australia
Sydney has become a popular LGBTQIA+ destination with plenty of queer-friendly beaches including Bronte Beach, Lady Jane Beach, and North Bondi Beach. The gay community is seen as an integral part of the city’s fabric, making it arguably one of the best cities to visit.
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3. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is the second-most gay-friendly city in Asia because of its LGBTQIA+ scene, fun nightlife, and general openness. Silom Soi 4 is a great area to catch dinner, sing karaoke or watch drag fashion shows that often take place in the street. Prepare to be blown away with choice and a variety of fun things to do when you visit Bangkok.
2. Tel Aviv, Israel
If you haven’t added Tel Aviv to your travel bucket list, now is the time. Tel Aviv has a little something for everyone. Recently, LGBQIA+ travelers have been flocking to the bohemian city – situated along the Mediterranean – for unreal beaches and locals that are both supportive and open-minded. In recent years, the Pride festival has taken off in Tel Aviv, with over 250,000 in attendance to march along the vibrant beachside. Even celebrities have flocked to the gay-friendly scene in Tel Aviv – most recently Andy Cohen and Neil Patrick Harris have been drawn to the party.
Image source:Contiki
1. Mykonos, Greece
And our number one spot goes to… Mykonos, not only a top gay-friendly travel destination in Europe, but in the ENTIRE world. Every August, over 30,000 queer travelers visit this beach destination to enjoy great DJs, beaches and all the sun, sea and fun that Mykonos has to offer. Take the time to explore the quiet side of the island like Ano Mera Village, Little Venice and the windmills… a sunset here will make you want to stay forever.
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