Planning a trip as an LGBTQ+ couple can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield. While the world becomes increasingly accepting, finding destinations that truly embrace and celebrate your identity can be challenging.
We consulted the research by the experts from Emisil.com to make a list of LGBTQ+-friendly cities that are also great travel destinations. Emisil’s experts have scored each city out of 10 based on factors like safety index, same-sex marriage acceptance, and prevalence of gender recognition laws. Besides, these cities have multiple queer-friendly clubs and celebrations to enjoy.
Lisbon, Portugal
- Score: 9.26
Lisbon is a frontrunner when it comes to LGBTQ+ friendliness. Portugal has achieved significant legal progress, legalizing same-sex marriage in 2010 and granting adoption rights to same-sex couples. This legal framework reflects the country’s strong commitment to equality. Lisbon boasts a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, particularly in Bairro Alto and Principe Real. The city offers iconic gay bars, a thriving drag scene, and a diverse queer community. Furthermore, Lisbon’s annual Pride parade draws a global audience, solidifying its position as a champion of LGBTQ+ rights and a welcoming destination for the community.
Copenhagen, Denmark
- Score: 9.22
Copenhagen ranks second on the list with a score of 9.22. In 2018, Lonely Plante nominated the city as one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. Its charm lies in its vibrant atmosphere, evident in the colorful streets, quirky shops, and inviting bars. This LGBTQI+ haven of Scandinavia offers many events throughout the year, including the renowned Pride Week, the MIX Copenhagen LGBTQ Film Festival, and Winter Pride. Beyond the festivities, visitors can delve deeper by booking local tours, home dinners, or pub crawls with community members, gaining unique insights into Copenhagen’s vibrant gay scene.
New York City, United States
- Score: 9.19
New York City stands as a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ history and activism. The Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village is forever etched in history as the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement. This legacy continues to shape the city, evident in the vibrant LGBTQ+ neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and Hell’s Kitchen, each boasting a thriving community with its unique character. NYC hosts one of the largest Pride parades in the world. The colorful procession winds through Manhattan, celebrating diversity and promoting equality.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Score: 9.18
Amsterdam boasts of a progressive history. They were one of the first to decriminalize homosexuality in 1811 and the first to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. Because of this, it has a lively and welcoming LGBTQ+ scene, which is shown in events like the Pride celebrations, especially the colorful Canal Parade. Neighborhoods like Gay Amsterdam, Gay Rotterdam, and Gay Utrecht have many places friendly to queer people. All these make Amsterdam a truly inclusive destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Even smaller towns and villages across the Netherlands exude a sense of acceptance.
Taipei, Taiwan
- Score: 8.84
Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, is one of the first Asian cities to embrace the LGBTQ+ community. It is the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019. This commitment to equality translates into a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, bustling with diverse venues like bars, clubs, cafes, and boutiques. The acceptance is mainly concentrated in Ximen and Zhongshan areas. The historic Red House further serves as a hub for LGBTQ+-friendly establishments. Beyond specific locations, the “Ultimate Taipei LGBT Map” offers a colorful guide to queer hotspots. It includes the trendy Abrazo Taipei and the iconic Cafe Dalida. Taipei’s annual Pride celebration, one of Asia’s biggest, further solidifies its welcoming atmosphere, attracting thousands to celebrate love, diversity, and inclusivity.
Barcelona, Spain
- Score: 8.83
Barcelona, a city often lauded as a global haven for LGBTQ+ travelers, extends a warm embrace to all. The city has a progressive legal framework that legalized same-sex marriage in 2005 and gave legal recognition for transgender individuals without surgery. The Gayxample district within Eixample is a hub for LGBTQ+ nightlife, with Carrer de Consell de Cent serving as its beating heart. Just outside the city, Sitges offers a popular LGBTQ+ beach escape with its renowned Sitges Carnival. For a dedicated LGBTQ+ experience, the Axel Hotel caters specifically to this community and hosts regular events. Barcelona Pride is a major highlight, drawing crowds for its colorful parades, vibrant parties, and cultural activities.
Reykjavík, Iceland
- Score: 8.80
Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital, isn’t just a haven for nature lovers and a surprisingly LGBTQ+-friendly city. Iceland generally boasts a progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights, and Reykjavík embodies this spirit. Same-sex marriage is legal in Iceland, and LGBTQ+ individuals enjoy full legal rights. Notably, in 2009, the election of Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir as Prime Minister marked a historic moment, making her the world’s first openly LGBT head of government. Reykjavík hosts one of the world’s best Pride events. The annual parade draws a diverse crowd, celebrating love, diversity, and equality with gusto. As an LGBTQ+ traveler, one can Reykjavík freely. Public displays of affection are welcomed, and the city’s tolerant and progressive atmosphere ensures a positive and safe experience.
Toronto, Canada
- Score: 8.77
Toronto is Canada’s largest metropolis, and it stands for LGBTQ+ inclusivity. It is a prime destination for queer travelers. The vibrant Church-Wellesley Village, affectionately known as “gayborhood,” serves as Canada’s most prominent gay community. It offers a welcoming atmosphere and iconic rainbow crossings. Extensive Pride festivals, including the renowned annual parade, celebrate LGBTQ+ culture, history, and rights enthusiastically. The city’s educational institutes are also proactive in giving sex and gender education. Besides, for travelers, iconic spots like Woody’s and The Beaver ensure an unforgettable experience.
Tokyo, Japan
- Score: 8.68
Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, offers a modern and progressive environment while retaining its deep cultural roots. Tokyo boasts a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, particularly in the district of Shinjuku Ni-chome. This vibrant area, known as the heart of Gay Tokyo, pulsates with bars, clubs, and cafes. Aiiro Cafe is a friendly starting point for connecting with locals who can guide you further. Despite cultural norms that discourage public displays of affection, LGBTQ+ travelers are generally safe and accepted in Japan. Tokyo Rainbow Pride, hosted annually, represents the city’s commitment to diversity and equality.
Paris, France
- Score: 8.57
In Paris, France, the Marais district is known as the heart of the LGBTQ+ community. It is a vibrant hub with many bars, clubs, and cafes where people gather. France has a history of being progressive in terms of LGBTQ+ rights. Some notable examples include getting rid of laws against same-sex relationships during the French Revolution and introducing the Civil Solidarity Pact (PACS) for same-sex couples. Apart from Paris, other cities in France, like Nice, Toulouse, and Marseille, also have vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes with Mediterranean vibes.