Travel is a joy of life that should be experienced by everyone, and there are a handful of cities around the world who understand that better than most. In honor of Pride Month this year, we have compiled a list of the top LGBTQ+-friendly destinations around the world; From cities with LGBTQ+-owned restaurants and bars to destinations ranking highest on the equality index, these destinations are open and welcoming to all!
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is the most gay-friendly city of Spain and was the first city in the Catalan region to protest for LGBTQ+ rights. With an open and liberal culture, Barcelona has an exciting nightlife scene in neighborhoods L’Eixample and Gràcia with countless gay bars, restaurants, and clubs. In the broader region beyond Barcelona, you’ll find popular resorts for gay travelers in Sitges, and the island of Ibiza.
Beyond nightlife, Barcelona is home to many cultural attractions, events, and institutions such as film festivals and bookshops that continue to work towards bringing the LGBTQ+ narrative to a wider audience. Plus, don’t miss the energetic pride festivals and parties that happen from March through the summertime!
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin’s position as a cosmopolitan city in Ireland situates it as a sought-after destination for tourists from all walks of life. As a result, each year Dublin becomes progressively more gay-friendly; Gay marriage was legalized by a landslide in 2015, and Ireland elected an openly gay Head of Government in 2017!
Check out Dublin’s oldest gay bar, The George, go searching for LGBTQ+ activist and performer Panti Bliss (The Queen of Ireland) at the Pantibar, and if you’re visiting Dublin during Pride, don’t miss the annual Mother Pride Block Party at the National Museum of Ireland - an event that rivals Dublin’s St. Patrick’s festival! What’s more, you can take advantage of Ireland’s outdoor scene with hikes, swims, and tennis all led by LGBTQ+ activist groups.
Mexico City, Mexico
As one of the world’s most populated cities and the first Latin American capital to legalize same-sex marriage, Mexico City is brimming with LGBTQ+-friendly nightlife, businesses, and institutions.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, the Condesa zone is the perfect neighborhood for accommodations and is near Zona Rosa, a district of gay-friendly bars and clubs. Or, enjoy the contrasting upscale boutiques and hipster vibes of Polanco and Roma. The best time to visit this city for weather and for Pride celebrations is in June, during the annual Pride Festival March!
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is perhaps the top destination for LGBTQ+ travelers; As the first country in the WORLD to legalize gay marriage, the Netherlands, and more specifically, Amsterdam, is home to countless gay-friendly institutions that create a welcoming and open environment for visitors.
Amsterdam hosts one of Europe’s most popular pride festivals, which takes place over the course of nine days in July/August, and runs right through the canals of the city! If traveling outside of that time frame, check out the Reguliersdwarsstraat neighborhood for leisure, feel the bass thumping in the discotheques of Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, or quiet down in Kerkstraat at one of the gay-friendly cafes. Amsterdam truly has it all for the LGBTQ+ traveler.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland as a whole is extremely LGBTQ+-friendly, and is the perfect destination for travelers who may not be searching for a cosmopolitan city, but still want adventure and excitement. Iceland’s capital city Reykjavik hosts their annual Pride Festival in August, which often attracts over one-third of the country!
Because of its size, there are no distinct gay-friendly neighborhoods to highlight, rather the entire city of Reykjavik and Iceland as a whole is welcoming and open. Enjoy the natural vistas of Iceland hand-in-hand, or visit during one of the many international festivals year-round that celebrate pride alongside Icelandic culture; Pink December takes place through the entire month of December, Rainbow Reykjavik is a four-day event in Jan/Feb, and more.
*Pictured: Co-founder Emily in downtown Reykjavik on Rainbow Street
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Regarded as the most LGBTQ+-friendly city in all of the Caribbean, San Juan is a can’t-miss destination and so accessible for U.S. travelers! No passport is required, plus a quick flight from the States, San Juan should be on every traveler’s list.
While San Juan is widely known for its Old Town, the popular gay scene in San Juan revolves around the newer areas of Condado Beach where you’ll find LGBTQ+-friendly bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels, casinos, and more. Certain resorts and hotels like the Coqui del Mar host LGBTQ+ events or festivals through the summer and winter!
Ready to experience one of these international destinations? Schedule your FREE Travel Consultation today and start planning with the ELx Travel Team.