While major global travel destinations have done away with LGBTQIA-protective legislation, many incredible places still exist that not only welcome but celebrate the queer community. These LGBT-friendly travel destinations should be on every queer person’s travel bucket list!
That’s why, this LGBT History Month, Expat Explore takes you on a journey through the world’s top LGBTQIA-friendly travel destinations. From well-known wonders to hidden gems, be sure to visit these LGBT-friendly cities around the world and create memorable travel experiences safely. Are you ready for our guide to the world’s top queer experiences?
Related: Don’t miss out on our guide to the world’s top Pride festivals.
Top LGBT-friendly travel destinations around the world:
Cape Town, South Africa

Home to many queer spaces such as bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, as well as an annual Pride Parade, Cape Town, one of the capitals of South Africa, is a must-visit for any LGBTQIA traveller! Visit De Waterkant for a lively hub of LGBT restaurants, bars and shops. Many local queer people also like to frequent the local clothing-optional beach Sandy Bay, which has become a renowned space for LGBTQIA travellers and locals to enjoy the sun and community spirit.
Related: Take a look at our Ultimate Cape Town Travel Guide!
Taipei, Taiwan

As the first country to legalise same-sex marriage in Asia, Taiwan has always been progressive when it comes to welcoming the LGBTQIA community. Today, Taipei is a dream for travellers of any sexual or gender orientation. With Asia’s largest Pride Parade, the Red House District which comes alive with queer nightlife, and a variety of LGBTQIA-friendly tours and events, Taipei should be on every queer traveller’s bucket list.
Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the world’s top travel destinations. With Amsterdam being one of the most LGBTQIA-friendly cities in the world, queer travellers can also enjoy the significant landmarks, famous attractions and, especially LGBT-specific travel highlights.
For example, Amsterdam Pride combines the spirit of the annual global celebration with highlights specific to the destination, such as its striking canals. Plus, be sure to experience the queer nightlife in buzzing areas like Reguliersdwarsstraat and Warmoesstraat. Finally, the city commemorates LGBT history at the Homomonument, honouring victims of persecution based on sexual and gender orientation.
Related: Discover more of Amsterdam’s must-see museums.
Berlin, Germany

Berlin, the capital of Germany, is already home to one of the world’s biggest and most famous Pride Parades, Christopher Street Day in July. However, the city is a true LGBTQIA-friendly travel destination thanks to its open-minded culture and queer nightlife in areas such as Schöneberg. Techno clubs all over the city embrace and welcome all types of people. And to balance out all the nightlife, Berlin is also home to historic LGBT landmarks such as the Gay Museum and Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism.
Related: Here’s how to best spend 24 hours in Berlin.
Lisbon, Portugal

Ranking high in Europe for LGBT rights and protection, Portugal is home to another must-visit gay-friendly travel destination – Lisbon. Home to the Arraial Lisboa Pride each summer, Lisbon has reflected its progressive values since legalising same-sex marriage in 2010. Today, queer travellers can look forward to a variety of LGBT attractions and events. The Príncipe Real neighbourhood is Lisbon’s resident hub for LGBTQIA bars and boutiques. Plus, Lisbon even hosts a unique annual Bear Pride, celebrating the specific gay subculture of bears.
Related: Spend free time in Lisbon on our Spain & Portugal Explorer tour.
Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona in Spain is a veritable playground for LGBT travellers, with a variety of Pride parades, queer beaches and famous community hotspots. After same-sex marriage was legalised in 2005, Spain’s commitment to LGBT rights and inclusion has been seen in annual events like Circuit Festival attracting huge global crowds and Pride Barcelona providing a look into queer culture in the country. Barcelona is also widely known among the queer community for its LGBTQIA+ hotspot called the Eixample district but often jokingly referred to as ‘Gayxample’.
Related: Explore more of Spain’s top annual events you simply must attend!
London, England

With some of the strongest LGBTQIA+ legal protections in the world, it should come as no surprise that England landed on this list. London is home to the annual Pride in London, which features a myriad of parties and parades. Plus, the SOHO neighbourhood is world-famous for being a queer cultural hub. London also celebrates the community’s rich history through the V&A Museum’s LGBTQIA+ tours and the historic Royal Vauxhall Tavern performance venue. London sure knows how to show love to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Related: Explore our guide to London’s best museums.
Copenhagen, Denmark

Denmark became the world’s first country to recognise same-sex partnerships in 1989. Since then, Copenhagen, the country’s capital, has gained popularity as an LGBTQIA-friendly travel destination. The city hosts a week-long pride parade annually, and the city centre’s Rainbow Square promotes LGBTQIA+ inclusivity year-round. In 2021, Copenhagen even hosted WorldPride, showcasing its commitment to LGBTQIA rights on a global stage.
Related: Want some tips on how to spend a day in Copenhagen?
Toronto, Canada

From policies to people, Canada warmly welcomes inclusivity. From Toronto Pride Month, a month-long pride celebration that rivals all of the rest in North America, to Nuit Rose showcasing queer creativity, Toronto has many gay-friendly events to attend. Then there’s The Church-Wellesley Village, Toronto’s resident queer neighbourhood known for its bars, cafes and LGBT events.
Related: Canada also happens to be one of the friendliest countries in the world.
Get your pride flags ready to take on these gay-friendly travel destinations worldwide; we’ll meet you there!
Ready to explore vibrant LGBTQIA-friendly destinations? Join one of our group tours to the above destinations and make unforgettable memories with like-minded travellers. Book your seat today!