Traveling as an LGBTQ+ individual presents many challenges others don’t face, but there are plenty of LGBTQ travel destinations to consider! While you are comparatively limited by the list of potential destinations, plenty of destinations still welcome and celebrate diversity.
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a vibrant and open-minded city that has been a popular destination for LGBTQ travel. It has a long history of acceptance with a vibrant gay scene and many LGBTQ+ events throughout the year. The Netherlands was also the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. The city’s Pride celebrations are particularly famous, with the annual Canal Parade attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Amsterdam also boasts beautiful canals, world-class museums, and a bustling nightlife. Visitors can explore the city’s picturesque canals (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) by taking a cruise or renting a boat. The city is also home to world-class museums. The Van Gogh Museum (housing the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings in the world). Art lovers can also visit the Rijksmuseum, which showcases Dutch art and history, or the Stedelijk Museum of modern and contemporary art.
After a day of sightseeing, be sure to try some traditional Dutch cuisine, like stroopwafels (thin waffle cookies filled with caramel syrup) or bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs served with mustard). To truly experience Amsterdam like a local, rent a bike and explore the city’s many bike paths and lanes. Biking is a popular mode of transportation in Amsterdam, and is a great way to see the city’s hidden gems and charming neighborhoods.
To find more things to do in Amsterdam, click here!
San Francisco, USA
San Francisco is a hub of activism and LGBTQ+ progress, with a rich history and culture. It was here that the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement was born. The city’s Castro district remains a vibrant and welcoming cultural hub for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors alike. San Francisco also hosts one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world, with over a million people attending the annual parade and festival.
Home to iconic sights, world-class restaurants and shopping, San Francisco has a lot to offer! The city is home to the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, both of which are must-see destinations for any visitor. Foodies will appreciate the city’s world-class restaurants, from Michelin-starred fine dining establishments to casual eateries serving up fresh seafood and California cuisine. North Beach is the city’s ‘Little Italy’ with decades-old family-owned restaurants, and the city is home to Ghirardelli as well!
Shoppers will love browsing the boutiques and vintage stores in neighborhoods like Hayes Valley and the Mission District. San Francisco also has a thriving arts and culture scene, showcasing everything from Broadway shows to indie bands. If you’re seeking a day out, consider venturing to Napa or Sonoma for some wine tasting. Travel south to Santa Cruz or the Big Basin Redwoods State Park to soak up some nature. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that San Francisco remains one of the most popular destinations in the United States.
To find more things to do in San Francisco, click here!
Sydney, Australia
Sydney has become increasingly LGBTQ friendly in recent years, hosting another one of the biggest Pride festivals in the world. Events take place throughout the city for several weeks each year celebrating Pride! Sydney’s LGBTQ+ scene is centered around the neighborhoods of Darlinghurst and Surry Hills.
Sydney’s stunning beaches, iconic Opera House, and beautiful harbor are among its renowned attractions, in addition to its LGBTQ+ scene. Visitors can start their day with a stroll along the golden sands of Bondi Beach. Take a dip in the turquoise waters of Coogee Beach too! The city is also home to some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. The Sydney Opera House, which hosts a variety of performances ranging from ballet and opera to comedy and concerts. For a breathtaking view of the harbor, take a ferry ride to Manly or one of the other nearby beachside suburbs. You can also go out to sea on a whale-watching cruise!
Sydney also has a rich history and culture, which can be explored at the Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Foodies will appreciate the city’s diverse culinary scene, which features everything from fresh seafood to global cuisine and craft breweries. Consider even taking a day trip out to Hunter Valley for some wildlife & wine tasting, or visit the Blue Mountains! With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why Sydney is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world.
To find more things to do in Sydney, click here!
Montevideo, Uruguay
The capital of Uruguay, Montevideo has a long history of LGBTQ+ acceptance and is known as one of the most friendly cities in South America. Home to a vibrant community, the city has a variety of bars, clubs, and events. Uruguay was one of the first countries in South America to legalize same-sex marriage in 2013. Montevideo has been known for its progressive attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights ever since. The city hosts an annual Pride Parade, drawing thousands of visitors and locals alike. Additionally, Montevideo has non-discrimination laws that protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
Start your day with a stroll along the city’s stunning coastline, which features beautiful beaches and a picturesque rambla (boardwalk). Art lovers will appreciate the city’s many galleries and museums, including the Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales. It houses a collection of Uruguayan and Latin American art. For a taste of local culture, the Mercado del Puerto is a bustling market filled with food and handicrafts. Montevideo is also known for its beautiful parks and gardens, including the Japanese Garden and the Parque Rodo, which features an amusement park and a stunning rose garden. Consider even taking a day trip out to visit nearby Punta del Este and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Colonia del Sacramento.
The city’s LGBTQ+ friendliness is a testament to Uruguay’s overall commitment to social justice and human rights, making it a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
To find more things to do in Montevideo, click here!
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv is one of the most (if not the most) LGBTQ travel friendly cities in the Middle East and is known as the “gay capital” of the region. The city’s vibrant scene includes a variety of bars, clubs, and events for the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, Tel Aviv is also one of the most liberal and progressive cities in Israel. Tel Aviv also hosts an annual Pride Parade drawing tens of thousands of visitors and locals alike. The parade is one of the largest, with an energetic atmosphere and colorful floats.
History, culture, or just soaking up the sun on the beach, Tel Aviv allows you to do a little bit of everything. Be sure to visit the vibrant Carmel Market, where you can sample local food and pick up some souvenirs. Explore the Neve Tzedek neighborhood, one of the oldest in the city, with charming streets and boutique shops. Art lovers will appreciate the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, which features a diverse collection of works by Israeli and international artists. Of course, no trip to Tel Aviv would be complete without a visit to the beach. The city boasts several beautiful stretches of sand, including the popular Gordon Beach and Frishman Beach. In the evenings, Tel Aviv comes alive with a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs. Many cater specifically to the LGBTQ+ community! The city also has a lively nightlife, from live music performances to entertaining drag shows. But if you’re looking for a trip out of the city, take a tour of Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, or even Jericho & the Jordan River.
With its mix of history, culture, and beautiful beaches, Tel Aviv is a destination that offers something for everyone. It’s a destination that should be on every LGBTQ travel list!
To find more things to do in Tel Aviv, click here!
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