Amsterdam
This destination is nothing new because of its history of being the leader in LGBTQ+ tolerance and equality in Europe. It legalized gay marriage in 2001 and has been a center for queer celebrations since then. One district, the Reguliersdwarsstraat, is a hive for the gay and lesbian communities, not to mention their Pride Week in July/August. While some Pride celebrations involve protest, Amsterdam’s is all about fun and revelry.
Berlin
Here’s a wide-open city but also one that has its enclaves for gay and lesbian fun – parties and bars, like Silver Future, Facciola, and lots of techno clubs and parties where local and foreign gays and lesbians can mingle and hook up. Berlin Pride, known as Christopher Street Day, happens in July of every year.
Brighton, UK
This is by far the most gay and lesbian-friendly place in all of the UK. Not only is it beautiful for those who are into scenic spots, but it also features hundreds of restaurants, bars, hotels, and things to see – Brighton Museum and Art Gallery and Brighton Palace Pier, for example. Go in August and you can be a part of Brighton Pride.
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
A Spanish island off the coast of Africa, this place is almost guaranteed to have amazing weather year-round. Gays and lesbians congregate in the southern section of the island, specifically Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles. The Yumbo Centre is a big shopping mall full of gay and lesbian bars, clubs, and restaurants. Enjoy the sun, the beaches, the boating, and two Pride events in May and November.
New York City, USA
Here’s an eclectic scene for gays and lesbians. There is Hell’s Kitchen, Henrietta Hudson in the Village (3 great Lesbian bars), or head over to Chelsea to Elmo or Cafeteria, two LGBTQ-owned restaurants.
Spend some time at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art and take an Oscar Wilde Tour.
One not-to-miss spot? The Stonewall Inn, where it all began.
New York Pride is every June.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina was the first Latin American country to legalize gay marriage in 2010 and the right to change gender in 2012. The best areas of this city are Palermo, San Telmo, and Recoleta, including such night spots as the Glam Club, Sitges Bar, and the Pride Café.
One of the most popular activities is same-sex tango dancing at two places in the city – La Marshall and Tango Queer.
November is a great time to visit Argentina because it is late spring there, and the month of the Buenos Aires Gay Festival.
Milan, Italy
Of all the places in Italy, Milan is probably the best for gay and lesbian communities. There are loads of bars and parties, of course, but amazing cultural events and film festivals that honor the LGBTQ+ communities. Porta Venezia is the most popular and welcoming area with trendy clubs and lots of friendly like-minded locals to hang out with. The street Via Lecco in this neighborhood is where Milan Pride begins every June – it is known as Pride Square.
Rome, Italy
What an incredible city, filled with history and culture. And gays and lesbians will find an easy-going LGBTQ+ community and a welcoming straight population. There are plenty of events and festivals for the LGBTQ+ communities year-round. The center of life is Gay Street which sits just behind the Colosseum. It is heavily populated day and night, and you’ll have no problem hooking up for friendship or a bit of romance. There are two clubs not to miss – the Muccassassina during cold weather and the Gay Village for outside in the summer months.
Roman Pride is in June
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon’s gay and lesbian life centers around the neighborhood of Bairro Alto, with bars, discos, and pubs. Relax in a nearby sauna too. During the day, there are many cultural sites that shouldn’t be missed.
But it doesn’t end there. Along the southern coast is Costa da Caparica, a beach paradise to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean. You can take a slow train that meanders along the coast, letting travelers out at various beaches along the way. Beach 19 is the one you want where clothing is optional, and you will socialize with other gays and lesbians.
Go in June during Lisbon Pride, and you’ll have the whole package.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a huge city with lots of exotic charm, architecture, and teeming energy. The center of the city is the area known as Silom, Bangkok’s financial district. But at night, the district comes alive with street food markets, bars and clubs (many of them rooftops), and an energetic gay/lesbian village.
You’ll never be bored in Bangkok, a city of traditional and royal history, with modernization juxtaposed on top.
Bangkok Pride takes place in June with the purpose of promoting gender recognition and equality.
These 10…
Whatever area of the world suits your fancy, you’ll find a fun, exciting, and welcoming environment in any of these cities. But don’t stop here. Do a bit of research on your own and map out a journey that can include many more places.
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