Exploring new places allows us to experience different cultures, landscapes, cuisines and much more. There’s no better way to expand your horizons than by stepping out into the world and discovering some of the magical destinations out there.
Whether you’re in pursuit of your next solo adventure or planning a voyage with your partner, there are plenty of incredible gay travel destinations to choose from. With an array of countries to wander, cities to uncover, historical sites to explore and sandy shores to enjoy, you’re sure to find something for all avid travellers.
If you’re looking for your next gay-friendly holiday destination, you’ve come to the right place. Below you will find some of the best places in the world for LGBTQIA+ travellers, alongside some top tips for planning your next getaway.
Booking your next break may appear daunting at first, as there are plenty of things to consider. From finding the right destination to working with good travel agents and knowing how to budget, it can be an overwhelming process. Luckily enough, we’re here to help. Below you will discover plenty of useful tips so you can easily plan your next adventure.
Like searching for any holiday, you can find gay-friendly travel destinations by doing some research. Articles like this one are a great place to start, as we have already done the legwork for you. However, there are a ton of travel resources for the LGBTQIA+ community online that will help you discover the best places for you.
If you’re looking to tailor your next break, a great way to do this is by working with LGBTQIA+ travel agents. There are some excellent companies out there that specialise in luxury gay travel experiences, allowing you to find your next destination without the hassle.
For those travelling on a budget, you can also discover an excellent selection of cheaper gay travel destinations. Many of these locations are listed below, helping you save money on your next adventure. Plus, when you decide to travel will also determine the prices. The shoulder seasons or off-peak periods are often best for saving money on your next voyage.
Now you know a little more about how to plan your next break, we will now explore some of the best gay and lesbian travel destinations. Whether you’re looking for a European adventure, a voyage to North America, an escape in Asia, or many more, you’ll find it all below.
No matter what type of trip you’re looking for, there’s something for all in Europe. With historic cities, stunning natural landscapes, amazing sightseeing and intriguing architecture, there are more than enough places to uncover.
Europe is also a great option for those looking for gay solo travel destinations, a break with your partner or a getaway with friends. Keep reading to learn more about some of the best places to visit.
With its lively nightlife, fantastic gay bars and an exciting LGBT Festival in the summer, Barcelona makes for an ideal place for those looking for gay travel destinations. You’ll be greeted by friendly locals and lots of other avid travellers looking to uncover many of the city’s wonders. This makes it an inclusive place to go, providing you with a ton of opportunities to meet other like-minded people.
Amsterdam is undoubtedly one of the best destinations for gay travellers. Here you will find a fantastic annual pride festival, an LGBTQIA+ neighbourhood and several vibrant bars and restaurants. This progressive city comes in as one of the top places to go as there is so much to do here.
We recommend visiting the Reguliersdwarsstraat neighbourhood where you can find an amazing selection of LGBTQIA+ friendly venues. The Netherlands was also one of the first countries in the world to make same-sex marriage legal and continues to protect the gay community with its anti-discrimination laws and policies.
The capital city of the UK provides gay travellers with a fantastic place to visit. See one of the biggest Pride celebrations in the country in the heart of the metropolis in summer, explore one of the largest LGBTQIA+ neighbourhoods such as Soho in the West End of London and discover a vibrant atmosphere throughout the frequented bars, restaurants and clubs.
For those looking for some of the best places to party in London, PROUD beer is a must-visit. This establishment proudly celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and provides an inclusive environment for all. You will also find a ton of other gay-friendly bars throughout the city, many of which can be located in Soho.
If you’d prefer to spend your time scouring some of the historical sites in London, we recommend a visit to Admiral Duncan. This spot was bombed in 1999 by a Neo-Nazi and allows for some fascinating insight into queer history, community and how the city has since become more progressive.
Berlin provides an energetic and lively atmosphere for people to be who they are. The friendly locals and visitors alike allow guests to fully immerse themselves in all that this beautiful city has to offer. With this in mind, this makes Berlin a fantastic destination for those in pursuit of gay-friendly travel spots.
You will encounter a plethora of gay bars around Berlin, providing a vibrant scene for those looking to dance and party during their stay. There are also some amazing historical attractions here such as the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Berlin Wall, Berliner Dom, plus many more. With so much to see and do, you’ll find yourself needing more time just to experience all that this outstanding metropolis has in store.
Similar to some of the amazing destinations in Europe above, you will also find a great selection of places in North America that are also perfect for gay travellers. Whether you’re looking to uncover incredible places in the United States or would prefer to lounge on the sandy shores of Mexico, there’s something for all types of holiday itineraries in North America.
Puerto Vallarta is certainly one of the best gay-friendly destinations in the world, providing travellers with a plethora of excellent holiday activities and attractions. The area has a wonderful gay scene, delivering a safe and welcoming environment for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Be sure to check out the excellent gay scene in Zona Romantica Old Town. Here you can enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches, alongside some fantastic bars and restaurants. You will also find plenty of other queer travellers here, making it perfect for those embarking on a solo trip.
Canada is one of the most progressive countries in the world, making it a fantastic destination for those in pursuit of their next gay-friendly travel adventure. The city of Vancouver in particular, is an amazing place where travellers can discover impressive architecture, stunning landscapes and incredible attractions.
Vancouver is known for being one of the most beautiful cities in the world. However, it also provides visitors with a laid-back atmosphere and friendly welcome. This means you can show up here, without judgement, perfect for those looking to explore this gorgeous part of Canada with ease.
When searching for some of the best gay travel destinations in the USA, there’s nowhere better than New York City. This energetic metropolis truly never sleeps, providing visitors with a plethora of things to do and see no matter the time.
The Big Apple also has some of the best museums in the world, alongside amazing shopping experiences, incredible eateries, lively bars and much, much more. You’ll never be stuck for new places to visit and exciting attractions to explore when staying in New York.
It also has one of the biggest queer scenes in the world, making New York an amazing destination for gay travellers. Whether you’re looking to wander the beauty in Central Park or head to some of the lavish bars in Manhattan, this outstanding city is a must-visit travel spot for all.
If you’d rather spend your holiday exploring the many amazing destinations in Asia, you’re in luck. With plenty of incredible places to scour, there’s something here for a range of tastes and preferences. From Thailand to Japan, these gay-friendly spots are certainly worth a visit.
Bangkok boasts an incredible LGBTQIA+ scene, making it a fabulous destination for those looking for some of the best gay-friendly spots. There’s plenty of fun to be had here, with lively nightlife, extravagant drag shows, entertaining karaoke evenings and much more.
Whether you’re planning to explore Bangkok with your partner, on a solo adventure or with friends, something is happening here for an array of explorers. Plus, after you have spent some time trying out the many fun areas, you will also discover a lot of natural beauty surrounding the city.
From gay-friendly cafes to a lively night scene, energetic bars, excellent restaurants and amazing gay culture spots, Tokyo should certainly be on your travel bucket list. The neighbourhood of Shinjuku Ni-chome is one of the best places for queer travellers as this is known for having an excellent LGBTQIA+ community.
You can also plan your trip here around Tokyo Rainbow Pride, a lively event that celebrates LGBTQIA+ with a colourful festival, music, parades, performances and much more.
Oceania consists of several amazing countries, many of which are perfect for those looking for gay-friendly travel. Whether you’d like to spend your time in the natural beauty surrounding New Zealand or in the lovely sunshine in Australia, there are a plethora of spots worth checking out here.
Sydney has everything you could wish for from a holiday destination. This lively city comprises stunning wildlife, lively nightlife, historic attractions, famous landmarks and a plethora of events and festivities throughout the year. It is a must-visit city and somewhere that is perfect for those looking for their next gay travel adventure.
Darlinghurst and Newtown are the most popular neighbourhoods in Sydney for queer explorers. Here you can discover vibrant venues, excellent eateries and amazing attractions in abundance. It is also worth planning your trip around Sydney Pride, a fabulous event that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community.
If you’re looking to explore one of the largest cities in New Zealand, Auckland is the place for you. This beautiful metropolis has everything you could need from a jam-packed getaway with tons of things to do and see. The stunning natural landscapes, amazing culture and diversity and vibrant atmosphere also make it an excellent choice for your next gay-friendly destination.
Much of Auckland’s LGBTQIA+ community can be found in the neighbourhood of Karangahape Road. Here you can visit several amazing bars, enjoy live entertainment and dance your way through the night. The country also actively works against prejudice with legalised same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination laws in place to protect both visitors and locals alike.
With so many incredible gay-friendly destinations to choose from, you might find yourself overwhelmed by choice. From the beautiful cities in Europe to the stunning landscapes in Asia, magnificent attractions in North America and the welcoming atmosphere in Oceania, you’re to find somewhere for all. We hope that after reading this article you can now plan your next voyage with ease, all whilst exploring some of the most incredible places in the world.
If you’re an avid explorer and are always looking for your next adventure, Backpacker Boy has everything you need. Check out our range of fantastic travel guides that are packed with useful information to make your next voyage run as smoothly as possible.
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