The insatiable urge to pull your suitcase out from under your bed arrives each summer. Though your nine-to-five may not come with an official summer break, you probably deserve one. So go ahead: set your OOO request, book a flight, and pack those rainbow shorts you bought for Pride because it’s time to hit up one of the friendliest LGBTQ+ travel destinations for a little R&R.
Whether you’re looking to spend a week dozing off on a lounge chair next to a crystal-clear ocean or you’re ready to find out how late you can stay out at a nightclub, there are plenty of destinations that will fit your dream itinerary. Most will even give you the opportunity to do both.
While places like Amsterdam and Berlin are known for their huge Pride celebrations throughout the months of June and July, all the destinations mentioned below have LGBTQ+ pride woven into the fabric of their modern culture. These locations are just as safe as they are vibrant. For additional context, we’ve included quotes from travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Take their positive personal experiences as an excuse to jet set ASAP.
Keep reading for the most LGBTQ+ friendly places to travel this summer and beyond.
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Mexico City, Mexico
Image Credit: PHOTO : GETTY IMAGES. Mexico City is one of the most populated cities in the world, and with lots of people, comes lots of things to do. Between the cuisine, shopping, art, nightlife, and cultural happenings, there’s something for everyone to experience in Mexico City (known more popularly as CDMX). In 2010, Mexico City was the first capital in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage and same-sex couples’ adoption. If you’re not in town for the CDMX Pride celebration in June, you can still discover queer artists, exhibits, and nightlife.
According to traveler Shannon Del Prince, Mexico city had, “Lots of cool underground raves full of queer people and club culture. There are definitely areas that can be unsafe (like any big city), but that’s more just in general. I feel like because there’s a large population of queer people there, so I didn’t feel like a target as a queer person (which is definitely the case in some countries).”
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London, England
Image Credit: PHOTO : IMAGE: UNSPLASH. You don’t have to be a fan of the royals to have a great time in London. The LGBTQ+ community is woven into London’s culture, making it an ideal urban travel destination. Soho is considered the “gay hub” of London and is filled with gay shops, bars, clubs, and restaurants. If you’re looking for an edgier scene, East London is the place to go—you can even join some of London’s drag queens on stage for a night of karaoke.
According to traveler Anya Kapustianyk, “I just spent three months in London and it’s really great as a queer person, especially East London, like Hackney.
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Ibiza, Spain
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Ibiza may be a small island, but it has a big reputation as an LGBTQ+ hot spot. If you’re looking to spend some time lounging in the sun in one of the island’s many hidden coves or dancing the day away at a beach club, Ibiza might be the vacation destination for you. The Spanish island has accommodation options that range from budget-friendly rooms to luxurious ocean-front villas, plus a wide range of activities besides partying (though there’s plenty of it).
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Montreal, Québec, Canada
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Canadians have a reputation for being friendly, and based on how positive the reviews of LGBTQ+ travel experiences are in Montreal, it seems to ring true. Montreal is Canada’s second biggest city and has a rich French heritage (steak frites, anyone?). The city is known for its dining scene and the 12-block stretch of bars and rainbow flags in the Gay Village.
According to traveler Blane Foster, “Montreal exuded gay energy from nearly everywhere, not just the gay village. And I don’t have words for that bathhouse… top tier gays!”
Traveler Bianca M. also has rave reviews for Montreal: “Montreal feels like it doesn’t matter who you are, what you wear, what you look like. It’s like they compensate the cold winter with the most loving, caring personalities.”
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Berlin, Germany
Image Credit: PHOTO : IMAGE: UNSPLASH Berlin is known for its nightlife, which definitely extends to the LGBTQ+ travel experience in the city. Berlin has an extensive list of gay clubs, bars and saunas, making Berlin one of the best gay capitals of the world. Schöneberg is the official gay district in Berlin and has been so since the 1920s. Berlin celebrates Pride (known as Christopher Street Day) throughout July with over 200 events throughout the month. With over 500,000 people in attendance each year, Berlin’s Pride parade is one of the biggest celebrations throughout Europe.
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Amsterdam is widely considered the gay capital of Europe. You can spend the day enjoying Amsterdam’s exquisite selection of museums, operating your own motorboat on the canal, smoking in the local coffee shop,s and dining at LGBTQ-owned bars and restaurants. There’s also a robust offering of nightlife with clubs, bars, and shows. If you’re looking for something a little relaxing, be sure to hit one of the city’s famous saunas.
According to traveler Blane Foster, “Amsterdam could be a gay paradise. Just don’t try space cakes before you fly out of Schiphol airport.”
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Brighton, England
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Brighton recently got a facelift, which makes the historical seaside town a trendy beach destination for travelers. According to the 2021 census, almost 11 percent of the Brighton population ages 18 and up identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual which means LGBTQ+ tourists will fit right in. Naturally, one of the top activities in Brighton is sunbathing, and if you really want to avoid tan lines, you can do so on Brighton’s official nude beach.
Traveler Sarah Jarque-Deakin, who is from the U.K., put her experience visiting Brighton quite simply, “Brighton is very gay.”
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Tokyo, Japan
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While many Japanese people are accepting of LGBTQ+ identity and relationships, the cultural norms and legality surrounding queerness is still relatively conservative. Same-sex activity is legal in Japan, however, sex-same couples are not afforded the same rights as heterosexual couples, such as same-sex marriage. In general, Japanese culture values privacy and you won’t see displays of public affection, regardless of identity. That being said, Tokyo has a thriving gay scene even if it may not seem as apparent as other cities. There are over 300 gay bars that come alive at night. The Shinjuku Ni-chome neighborhood has a strong gay community and is a must-add to your Tokyo itinerary.
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Montevideo, Uruguay
Image Credit: Photo by PABLO PORCIUNCULA/AFP via Getty Images. Uruguay has historically been accepting of the LGBTQ+ community and is one of the most gay-friendly countries in Latin America. Homosexuality was legalized in 1934 and gay marriage became legal in 2013. Montevideo is a coastal town where half of the country’s population resides. Same-sex couples are common and you’ll likely notice displays of affection in public. Montevideo has a great architecture and arts scene, a host of gay clubs and bars, and plenty of space to relax on the beach. This safe and friendly city would make for an excellent vacation destiantion.
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Mykonos, Greece
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If the viral video of Lindsay Lohan dancing at her beach club in Mykonos wasn’t enough to convince you to take a trip to the island, who knows what would be? Mykonos is a stunning island in Greece with clear blue water, layers of white buildings, and an array of places to party. Get your TikTok ready to recreate the “bus, club, another club” audio because you can go non-stop. On the contrary, if you just want a place to relax, Mykonos has a strong portfolio of relaxing boutique hotels that will make you never want to leave the property.
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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
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Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for the LGBTQ+ Mexican population and international travelers alike. You can spend the day lounging on a gay beach with a spicy margarita, partying at a dance club, taking a sunset boat tour or exploring the historical towns.
According to traveler Lawrence Cardenas, “The Romantic Zone is like its own little gay city where everyone is gay. I have never seen as many gay men in one place, and it really makes you feel safe and encourages you to be free.”
Prime time to visit is between October and June when the weather isn’t too hot.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina
Image Credit: PHOTO : IMAGE: UNSPLASH. The capital of Argentina is known for its grand architecture, steamy temperatures, and nightlife flair. Buenos Aires was the first city in Latin America to legalize civil unions and has a reputation for being a fun LGBTQ+ travel destination. The nightlife at gay clubs is known to be a little wild (you might want to look into a tango lesson before you book your flight). But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a nightlife aficionado to enjoy Buenos Aires; the art museums and restaurants will keep you plenty busy.
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Barcelona, Spain
Image Credit: PHOTO : IMAGE: UNSPLASH. Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and has a bustling LGBTQ+ culture in addition to its UNESCO heritage sites, ocean views, and art history. Spain is one of the most progressive countries in the world when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights and that is reflected in daily life. Barcelona hosts its own LGBT festival in June and is quickly overtaking Ibiza as the gay destination in Spain. Checkout the “Gaixample” district for the city’s most popular gay bars and nightlife spots.
