Lgbt travel destinations
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Toronto Pride is one of the largest in North America, while Montreal adds a creative twist with cultural festivals like Divers/Cité. Spain LGBT travel
The vibe: Beaches in Sitges, nightlife in Madrid, art in Barcelona, and wellness retreats across the coast make Spain a true all-rounder.
Why Spain feels safe
Spain has long been a leader in LGBTQ rights, making it one of the safest places to visit today.
These groups also work alongside state institutions to ensure protections are upheld.
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4. Same-sex relationships remain illegal in the UAE, and public displays of affection can result in fines or arrest. Queer folks here are generally quite out and open.
The gay-popular nightlife district Zona Rosa is within the El Poblado neighborhood, known for vibrant cafes and restaurants, upscale shopping centers and an abundance of desirable hotels.
Bar Moxy is a welcoming spot for light meals and cocktails, and in summer, you can soak up the fresh sea air with sunset cocktails on the bar’s patio.
Malaga, Spain
Although the compact beach city of Torremolinos is the LGBTQIA+ vacation hub of southern Spain, you’ll find an equally queer-friendly (and less party-driven vibe) just up the coast in gorgeous Malaga — the second largest city (population 600,000) in Andalusia.
Founded by Phoenicians nearly 3,000 years ago, this sunny Mediterranean gem exudes history.
This midsize metropolis nestled against the foothills of the magnificent Wasatch Mountains has a thriving LGBTQIA+ community and hosts a vibrant Pride celebration each year in late June.
The city has a long tradition of liberal politics: Jackie Biskupski, the mayor from 2016 through 2020, is openly lesbian. In 2024, the city hosted the global annual convention of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, and it continues to thrive as one of Asia’s leading queer destinations.
Osaka is a city of contradictions, as it is both a corporate banking hub and a center of arts and creativity.
Iceland LGBT travel
The vibe: Otherworldly landscapes, geothermal spas, and Reykjavík’s inclusive nightlife blend adventure with wellness in a safe setting.
Why Iceland feels safe
Iceland is considered one of the safest countries in the world for LGBTQ+ travelers thanks to its strong legal framework and broad social acceptance.
The island nation is still under-the-radar for many LGBTQ+ travellers, with Sunlife’s beachfront resorts – Sugar Beach, Long Beach, La Pirogue, the adults-only Ambre, and the private island of Ile aux Cerfs – among the top choices for queer vacationers looking for a luxurious getaway, particularly on honeymoon.
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Sardinia, Italy
Castelsardo in Sardinia (Shutterstock)While ILGA’s rainbow map places Italy towards the bottom end of the scale for LGBTQ+ rights, that hasn’t stopped queer travellers naming Sardinia among their top travel destinations, according to Expedia’s Summer Travel Outlook.
There are many LGBTQ+ affirming businesses in town, from the Under the Umbrella bookstore which offers books by LGBTQ+ authors, to a night out at The SunTrapp, the oldest operating LGBTQ+ bar in the city.
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Dunedin, New Zealand
Stuart Street in Dunedin (Shutterstock)Dunedin is the second-largest City in New Zealand’s South Island and is making its mark as a queer-friendly holiday destination.
For twenty years, the La Plaza de la Diversidad Sexual has been a space dedicated to celebrating the local queer community. While social attitudes can still vary in rural areas, Thailand’s legal progress and public recognition make it a safe and popular choice.
Is Greece LGBT travel safe?
Largely yes — Greece has made big strides in recent years, legalizing same-sex marriage in 2024 and improving its queer friendliness rankings.
Beyond Amsterdam, cities like Rotterdam and Utrecht also host their own Prides and cultural festivals, while the country’s small towns reflect the same welcoming spirit.
The Netherlands has a deeply rooted LGBTQ community supported by long-standing organizations. Beyond the capital, Pride events are promoted nationwide, ensuring visibility and inclusivity across the country.
Norway’s LGBTQ community is well-integrated and highly visible, with strong support from both the government and civil society.
Stop by the outstanding Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and the extensive Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which contains a remarkable permanent exhibit on the Titanic, which sank about 700 miles southeast. The city is known for its first-rate culinary scene and fine locally made sake.
Osaka possesses a wealth of gay bars, clubs and saunas.
Queer nightlife in Bangkok and Chiang Mai is vibrant, Pride events are growing, and travelers generally report feeling respected. Her impressive portfolio reflects her love for learning software technology and discovering new cultures and places. It's also the same season as the indie-spirited Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival, which always screens some queer-focused movies.
Where to stay
The chic and contemporary W Taipei (rates start at $373 or 115,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) is a favorite spot for LGBTQIA+ parties during Taiwan Pride and a fantastic place to stay anytime.
That doesn’t tell the full story, either: a country may have legislation in place protecting LGBTQ+ rights, or an annual Pride parade, but that doesn’t necessarily guarantee the local society is welcoming to travellers from within the community.
Fortunately, new destinations are constantly emerging as safe havens for LGBTQ+ travellers.
It’s also a handy base for side trips along the rocky and rugged Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia. These organizations host events, support cultural programs, and ensure inclusivity across the country.
Good to know: The Ipsos Pride Report 2025 highlights Canada as a global leader in LGBTQ support, topping the charts on key measures like marriage equality, legal recognition, adoption rights, comfort with public displays of affection, and openness about sexual orientation.
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Tips for choosing the right LGBTQ+ destination
- Check the legal basics – Make sure same-sex relationships are recognized and protected from discrimination.
Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, anti-discrimination protections are strong. Strong anti-discrimination protections and a broad social acceptance make it a secure destination for queer travelers. In 2024, the country approved marriage equality, adding to its reputation for inclusivity.