The 10 Best LGBTQ+ Friendly Cities in the World

As an LGBTQ+ traveller, the world is becoming ever more welcoming, with no shortage of great places to explore. If you’re looking to book a trip to celebrate Pride month this June, these top 10 LGBTQ+ friendly cities would be the perfect place to start.

All share a welcoming community, with strict laws to protect the LGBT community and of course, there's a vibrant gay scene and buzzing nightlife, for a holiday with no shortage of things to do. And if you're over the wild party scene, there's still plenty of culture, great food and friendly places to explore.

1. San Francisco, USA

We couldn’t write a list of the best LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world without mentioning San Francisco. A city as well-known for its gay scene as it is for the Golden Gate Bridge, it has earned the nickname the ‘Gay Mecca,’ thanks to its groundbreaking LGBTQ+ legislation.

One of the US’ first gay neighbourhoods, Castro is the epicentre of the community. With a nightlife that caters to all tastes, you’ll also find the GLBT History Museum, the Pink Triangle Memorial and many commemorating murals. The city’s gayness extends far past Castro, too – some areas are so liberal that it’s even entirely legal to walk around naked!

There’s nothing more quintessentially gay than San Francisco’s Pride festival – the largest PRIDE gathering in the nation – which this year will be held on Sunday, June 25th. Looking for a place to rest your head? Cavallo Point easily tops any list of the best gay-friendly hotels in the city.

If culture is more your thing, check out the Beat Generation museum on Broadway and ride the trams down to the piers, for great food and places to watch the world go by.

2. Madrid, Spain

While Spain itself is one of the friendliest LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world (same-sex sexual activity was made legal in 1979 and it was the third country to legalise gay marriage in 2005), Madrid is most certainly its' beating heart.

Not only is Pride here the second biggest in the world after San Francisco, attracting more than 1.5 million people each year, its ‘gaybourhood,’ Chueca, prides itself on its tolerance and open-mindedness, complete with plenty of gay bars, restaurants, shops, clubs and businesses. Nightlife here is centred around Plaza de Pedro Zerolo, which hosts local favourites such as Bar Viceversa and La Terraza de Óscar, which sits atop the equally gay-friendly hotel Room Mate Oscar.

Don't miss the fabulous Mercado San Miguel for local delicacies, and pause at the Plaza Mayor for a drink. It's a great place to people-watch.

3. Melbourne, Australia

Sydney was dethroned as Australia’s most LGBTQ+ city just last year and in its place you’ll find Melbourne – Victoria’s state capital which is the country’s cultural hub and home to a friendly, fun gay scene.

The Collingwood ‘bear and leather’ bar opened in 1980 and has remained one of Australia’s longest-running gay-owned and operated venues while, if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, The Prince Public Bar in St Kilda is one of Melbourne’s most popular gay-friendly pubs. While suburbs, St Kilda and Fitzroy have a great selection of gay pubs and bars in general, with the former also home to Australia’s first LGBTQI community hub, the Victorian Pride Centre.

Melbourne has a fantastic mix of big-city things to do, balanced with beachside charm. There's something for everyone.

4. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

As the first country to recognise same-sex marriages in 2001 (it decriminalised homosexuality way back in 1811), The Netherlands is a trailblazer when it comes to LBTQ+ rights. It’s this open attitude to sex and long-standing progressive outlook that makes Amsterdam one of the best gay-friendly cities in the world.

While you’ll feel welcome wherever you go, Amstel, Reguliersdwarsstraat and Kerkstraat are three of the best gay districts in the city. Simply follow the rainbow flags and you’ll be treated to a whole array of LBTQ+ friendly bookshops, coffeeshops, restaurants and bars including Spijker Bar. Considered the oldest and friendliest gay bar in the city, it combines good music with a pool table, pinball machine and cosy fireplace.

Amsterdam is also home to the Homomonument which, built in 1987, commemorates the lives of gay men and women who died in WWII, as well as those who have been and are still persecuted by government regimes. And when you're done exploring gay Amsterdam, there's no shortage of museums, galleries and waterways to enjoy.

5. London, United Kingdom

Liberal, forward-thinking and one of the most diverse cities in the world, it comes as little surprise that London promises big-time thrills for the LBTQ+ community. A place where public displays of affection, walking hand-in-hand and dressing however you want won’t get you so much as a second glance, everywhere from the best bars to wholesome daytime hangouts do their best to ensure everyone feels welcome.

At Hampstead Heath, the men’s and women’s bathing ponds are LBTQ+ destinations in their own right, and the perfect place to get the best view of the London skyline. Then there’s one of London’s best museums, the V&A in South Kensington, where you can take a volunteer-led LGBTQ tour around its collections on the last Saturday of each month (except December). Look out for Kylie Minogue’s ‘Showgirl’ outfits and vases by Grayson Perry.

For gay-friendly nightlife, hot foot it to Soho, the spiritual centre of the city’s gay community. Fun fact: you’ll find more gay bars per square mile than any other area, and there’s something going on every night of the week. The majority are focused around Old Compton Street, including G-A-Y Bar, G-A-Y Late and the world-famous Heaven nightclub, which has launched many a pop star's career.

Elsewhere in the area, you can enjoy late-night coffee at Bar Italia, world-class jazz at Ronnie Scott's and incredible food in Chinatown.

8. Berlin, Germany

Looking for one of the world’s greatest cities? Look no further than Berlin. The world’s first gay and lesbian organisation was founded there in 1897, and it’s been a haven for queer people since the 1920s thanks to its abundance of gay bars, clubs, neighbourhoods, bookshops and more. Don't miss the Schwules Museum while you’re in town – an authentic look into the lived experience of the gay, lesbian and transgender scene, it’s one of the world’s greatest institutions for the research, preservation and communication of the history and culture of the LGBTQ+ communities.

Pride is also huge in Berlin, and this year’s activities will be taking place from June 18 – July 23. If you’re pushed for time, make sure you’re around for Christopher Street Day on June 18, which is Germany’s largest Pride celebration. Base yourself in Schöneberg which, boasting a rainbow social scene that rarely sleeps, is the heart of Berlin’s LGBTIQ community, boasting gay and lesbian bars since the 1920s. And of course, when in Berlin, it's rude to not opt to take in a cabaret and explore the city's underground arts, cinema and music scenes.

9. Copenhagen, Denmark

LBTQ+ life is part of the city’s DNA in Copenhagen, which is home to a loud and proud community. Otherwise known as the LGTBQ+ neighbourhood of Scandinavia, Copenhagen Pride is one of the best there is, marrying everything from rallies and educational events to films, concerts and parties.

Celebrations don’t stop there, however. You can find plenty of queer events at Bøssehuset, catch a show at the Copenhagen Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, or simply make yourself comfy at one of the many gay cafés and bars around the city. There’s even a Copenhagen Winter Pride Week and Pride Christmas too.

10. Tel Aviv, Israel

Home to the largest, and one of the only, Pride celebrations in the Middle East, Tel Aviv has become one of the most progressive cities in the world – which might seem odd seeing as gay marriage isn’t yet legal in Israel. Even so, it’s incredibly LGBTQ-friendly throughout, with the Boston Globe citing the city as having 25% of its population identify as gay.

Top up your tan at Hilton Beach which, known as the city’s gay strip of sand, is one of the nicest and cleanest in Tel Aviv. It’s also captured the niche water sports market, offering everything from windsurfing to kayaking if you fancy getting out on the water. Foodie heaven, thanks to its fresh produce (and the hometown of Yotam Ottolenghi), there's no shortage of spectacular places to eat for every budget. After-hours, head to Shpagat which, known as Tel Aviv’s most popular gay bar, never disappoints with tasty drinks, great vibes and excellent tunes.

If you are feeling inspired to plan a trip, there’s plenty of accommodation on offer at Hotels.com.