June means Pride month is upon us, so let’s highlight some gay travel & LGBTQ+ friendly destinations all over the world! Traveling as an LGBTQ+ individual can be an exciting but unfortunately challenging experience. Many places are still not accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, but there are also countless destinations that are incredibly welcoming and inclusive!
These destinations not only provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals but also offer vibrant, diverse cultural experiences. Let’s explore 5 of the top LGBTQ+ friendly destinations around the world, each with its own unique charm and appeal.
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Mykonos, Greece
This Greek island known for its stunning beaches, picturesque villages, and lively nightlife is a gay travel staple destination! The island has a long-standing reputation as inclusive, with several bars, clubs, and restaurants catering specifically to the community. Visitors can enjoy a swim at Super Paradise Beach or Paradise Beach, which are both popular among the LGBTQ+ crowd. The island also hosts the annual XLSIOR Festival, a week-long celebration of music and culture that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Aside from its nightlife, Mykonos is also rich in culture and history. Visitors can explore the island’s many historic sites, such as the 16th-century windmills, the 18th-century Church of Panagia Paraportiani, and the nearby UNESCO-listed island of Delos, known for its ancient ruins. Visitors can also take a stroll through the picturesque town of Chora, or relax on one of the island’s many other beaches, such as Elia Beach or Psarou Beach.
To find more things to do in Mykonos, click here!
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a city known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning canals. The city also has a long history of being LGBTQ+ friendly, with several bars, clubs, and events catering specifically to the community. Visitors can explore the lively Reguliersdwarsstraat, also known as the “gay street,” which is home to several LGBTQ+ bars and clubs. Every year it also plays host to one of the largest pride festivities with a boat parade on the city’s canals.
Aside from its vibrant nightlife, Amsterdam is also known for its art and culture. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Anne Frank House. The city is also famous for its beautiful canals, and visitors can take a boat tour to explore the city from a different perspective. It’s also a major cruise port with cruises across the Baltic, up to the fjords of Norway, around the United Kingdom & Ireland, or even up to Iceland!
To find more things to do in Amsterdam, click here!
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv is a bustling Mediterranean coastal city known for its vibrant culture and stunning beaches. It’s a gay travel staple because it is also the most LGBTQ+ friendly city in the Middle East! The city has a thriving LGBTQ+ community, with several bars, clubs, and events catering specifically to the community. Visitors can explore the lively Rothschild Boulevard, which is home to several LGBTQ+ bars and clubs. Or head to Hilton Beach, which is especially popular among the LGBTQ+ crowd.
Aside from its nightlife, Tel Aviv is also known for its food and culture. Visitors can explore the city’s many markets, such as the Carmel Market or the Sarona Market, to sample delicious Israeli cuisine. The city is also home to several museums, such as the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and the Museum of the Jewish People. Visitors can also explore the historic Jaffa neighborhood in the city. If you’re looking to explore nearby areas, venture out to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, the Dead Sea and Jordan River!
To find more things to do in Tel Aviv, click here!
Montevideo, Uruguay
The capital city of Uruguay is known for its stunning beaches, beautiful culture, and friendly people. Montevideo also has a long-standing reputation for being LGBTQ+ friendly. Several bars, clubs, and events catering specifically to the community, making it another gay travel mainstay. Visitors can explore the lively streets of Ciudad Vieja, the city’s historic center. Take a walk along the stunning Rambla also, which stretches for several kilometers along the coastline.
Aside from its beaches and nightlife, Montevideo is also rich in culture and history. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, such as the Museo Torres Garcia. It’s dedicated to the famous Uruguayan artist Joaquin Torres Garcia. The Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales is another great option, which features a collection of Uruguayan and international art. The city is also famous for its mate, a traditional Uruguayan drink that can be found at bars across the city. Visitors can also explore the historic Ciudad Vieja neighborhood, visit the Palacio Salvo or Teatro Solis. You can also take a stroll through or relax in one of the city’s many parks, such as Parque Rodó or Prado Park. Or even take a day trip out to see Punta del Este or the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Colonia del Sacramento.
To find more things to do in Montevideo, click here!
Cape Town, South Africa
Located at the southern tip of South Africa, Cape Town is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse population. The city has a thriving LGBTQ+ community, with several bars, clubs, and events catering specifically to the community. Visitors can explore the lively streets of De Waterkant, the city’s gay village, or head to LGBTQ+ frequented Clifton Beach.
Aside from its beaches and nightlife, visitors can take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain. There, you can enjoy stunning views of the city and the surrounding coastline! If you’d rather take a hike for stunning views, venture up to the top of Lion’s Head. The city is also home to several museums, such as the District Six Museum. Another is the Iziko South African Museum, which features exhibits on the natural history and cultural heritage of South Africa. Take a tour of the historic Robben Island. Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected president of South Africa, was imprisoned here for 18 years. The island has become a symbol of the triumph of democracy and freedom over oppression. The city is also home to several world renowned wineries, such as Groot Constantia and Klein Constantia!
To find more things to do in Cape Town, click here!
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