This post, Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Cities, was originally published on The Travel Trio, two moms and a boy.
There are numerous top LGBTQ+ friendly cities around the world, each with its unique blend of acceptance, inclusivity, and vibrant communities. These cities often have visible LGBTQ+ neighborhoods, supportive legislation, LGBTQ+ oriented events, and a range of friendly establishments, including bars, clubs, cafes, and support services. While the extent of LGBTQ+ friendliness may differ, many major cities in various regions of the world have actively worked to create a more inclusive and accepting environment for the LGBTQ+ community.
Here are our favorite top LGBTQ+ friendly cities around the world:
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a liberal and open-minded city with a long history of tolerance for LGBTQ+ people. It is home to a number of LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhoods, such as the Canal Belt and De Pijp. The city also hosts a number of LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, including the Amsterdam Gay Pride Parade and Festival.
2. San Francisco, USA
San Francisco is known as the gay capital of the world, and for good reason. It is home to the Castro District, one of the first openly gay neighborhoods in the world. The city also hosts numerous LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, including the San Francisco Pride Parade and Festival. San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community is incredibly diverse, representing a wide range of ethnicities, genders, and orientations, which adds to its inclusivity.
3. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a diverse population. It is home to several LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhoods, such as Kreuzberg and Schöneberg. The city also hosts a number of LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, including the Christopher Street Day Parade and Festival.
4. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a modern and inclusive city with a welcoming attitude towards LGBTQ+ people. It is home to a number of LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhoods, such as El Gaixample and Poble Sec. The city also hosts a number of LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, including the Barcelona Pride Parade and Festival.
5. Toronto, Canada
Toronto is a multicultural city with a welcoming attitude towards LGBTQ+ people. It is home to quite a few LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhoods, such as Church and Wellesley. The city also hosts a number of LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, including the Toronto WorldPride Parade and Festival.
6. Reykjavik, Iceland
We absolutely love Iceland…especially Reykjavik! It is a super fun city to visit! That said, Iceland is known for its progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights, and Reykjavik offers a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ travelers. Reykjavik has many LGBTQ+ friendly bars and clubs, as well as a number of LGBTQ+ owned and operated businesses. The city also hosts a number of LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, including the annual Reykjavik Pride Parade and Festival.
7. New York City, USA
After living in New York City for the last two decades, I can honestly say it is a very gay friendly city to visit. And a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. The city is known for its diverse population and its vibrant nightlife. It is also home to numerous LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhoods, such as Greenwich Village and Chelsea. New York City is often considered one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world, making it an excellent destination for LGBTQ+ vacationers.
8. London, England
Like New York City, London is considered to be one of the gay friendliest cities in the world. It has a large and vibrant LGBTQ+ community, and there are many gay bars, clubs, and events happening throughout the year. The city is also home to many LGBTQ+ organizations and charities, which provide support and resources to the community. In 2021, London was ranked as the second most gay-friendly city in the world by the travel website GayCities.com. The city was praised for its diverse LGBTQ+ community, its many gay-friendly hotels, businesses and attractions, and its commitment to equality and inclusion.
9. Sydney, Australia
Sydney is a modern and cultured city with a welcoming attitude towards LGBTQ+ people. It is home to several LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhoods, such as Darlinghurst and Newtown. The city also hosts LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, including the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
10. Fort Lauderdale, USA
Last, but certainly not least, is Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale is a very gay-friendly city. And actually, where I grew up…so I can attest to its gayness! It is home to one of the largest LGBTQ+ communities in the United States, and has been a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers for decades. The city has many gay-friendly neighborhoods, including Wilton Manors, which is often referred to as the “gayborhood of South Florida.” Fort Lauderdale also hosts countless LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, including the Fort Lauderdale Pride Festival and Parade.
Bonus City:
11. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is widely known as a gay-friendly city. It has a reputation for being one of the most welcoming and inclusive destinations in Mexico for the LGBTQ+ community. The city has a vibrant gay scene with numerous gay-friendly bars, clubs, and businesses, especially in the Zona Romantica neighborhood. Puerto Vallarta has a long history of LGBTQ+ acceptance, and it’s a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. The city hosts various LGBTQ+ events and festivals, including the annual Puerto Vallarta Pride event, which celebrates diversity and promotes LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Many hotels and resorts in the area are known for being inclusive and LGBTQ+ friendly, and you’ll often find rainbow flags and signs throughout the city indicating its welcoming attitude.
And there you have it! Now get out there and travel.
