The 20th century has seen many countries around the world becoming more inclusive and open to gay people and the LGBTQ+ community more generally. As more and more spaces have allowed gay people to enter them safely and comfortably, it’s safe to say the world has become a happier place filled with far more love and acceptance than ever before.
Unfortunately, this cannot be said about everyone and everywhere. Due to things like religion, culture, and sometimes just personal preferences, there are still many communities around the world that simply do not accept gay people – in some places, their presence is merely unwanted and uncomfortable, and in others, it’s actually unsafe to be gay.
We’ve put together a list of the 10 best gay travel destinations around the world.
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a culturally open and progressive city, known in particular for its red light district, but this applies to the LGBTQ+ too. The city is generally welcoming to all people, regardless of sexuality or anything else, and Amsterdam has had a thriving gay scene for many years.
The Netherlands was one of the first places in the world to legalize gay marriage, and there are plenty of historic monuments to represent the plight of gay people in the country. You’ll find gay bars and shops all over Amsterdam, but Reguliersdwarsstraat is probably the most popular gay district in the city, although there are a few more too.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark is generally known to be pretty progressive, so it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that they became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex partnerships in 1998. Copenhagen is at the heart of this liberal nation, and has become a great queer holiday destination.
Copenhagen is actually home to Europe’s oldest openly gay bar, Centralhjornet – it’s origins data back to the 1950s, making it way ahead of its time. Vesterbro is another vibrant and gay-friendly areas, with plenty of gay bars and other gay-friendly establishments.
3. Dublin, Ireland
To be fair, most of Ireland is considered gay friendly, but Dublin is at the top of the list. Homosexuality was legalized in 1993 and gay marriage in 2015, putting it ahead of may other places around the world. There isn’t really a specific gay district in Dublin because most of the gay bars are scattered around the city, but some of the best ones are in the Temple Bar district. The George and Street 66 are two of the most popular LGTBQ+ bars in Dublin.
4. Sitges, Spain
Sitges, Spain is well-established as a “gay town” and it’s known for having one of the best gay beaches in Europe. There are plenty of gay bars (about 24) and loads of gay-friendly shops – and they aren’t hidden down back streets, they’re out in the open, on main roads. PDA among gay couples is totally accepted and the atmosphere is generally very accepting.
5. Toronto, Canada
Toronto is easily one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. It has plenty of specifically gay-friendly establishments, a thriving gay dating scene, a history of promoting LGBTQ+ rights, and general safety for queer people. A few of the most popular gay districts are “The Village” (on Church and Wellesley Streets) and Queer West, and there are loads of great bars and cool nightlife to enjoy!
6. Berlin, Germany
While Berlin is considered, on the whole, a very liberal and open-minded city, with several gay neighborhoods (primarily Schöneberg) as well as “gay hotels. The LGBTQ+ scene is thriving here and has countless gay bars, gay museums, gay clubs, gay saunas, gay hotels, and so much more, making it an awesome place to visit if you want to feel totally comfortable, safe, and be surrounded by like-minded people.
7. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is considered the gay capital of Austria, and for good reason. The city has a general “love whoever you love” atmosphere, with a general openness and acceptance all around, as well as plenty gay spaces. In Vienna, you’ll find places that are both mixed and gay-only, and the Naschmarkt area is where you’ll find most of the city’s most popular LGBTQ+ hangouts. In addition to Vienna Pride (which is held in all the cities on this list), Vienna also has a cultural festival called “Wien ist Andersrum”, translating to “Vienna is Queer”.
8. Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos is generally known as the party center of Greece, but it’s actually also the country’s gay capital – especially the Old Port area. In Mykonos, everybody is accepted, and the island sees a particularly high number of gay tourists during peak season. There are loads of gay-friendly hotels and hostels, as well as bars and clubs.
9. Cape Town, South Africa
While Johannesburg comes in close second, Cape Town is viewed as South Africa, and even Africa’s, gay capital. Sea Point in particular is often described as “gay district”, with plenty of hustling and bustling gay bars around. Clifton and Camps Bay beaches are also very gay friendly, making it a great place for a gay summer holiday!
10. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is generally known as a pretty inclusive city, and Australia legalized gay marriage in 2017. There’s plenty of gay nightlife, and Prahran and South Yarra are considered the “gay hotspots”. Generally speaking, pretty much everything is gay-friendly, so wherever you go or stay, you’re bound to be welcomed with open arms!
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