Lgbt travel destinations
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Malta LGBT travel
The vibe: Sun-drenched beaches, historic seaside towns, and a welcoming LGBTQ scene make Malta perfect for both relaxation and culture.
Why Malta feels safe
Malta consistently ranks as one of Europe’s most LGBTQ-friendly countries, topping the European Rainbow Map for the tenth year in a row in 2025 with a score of 88.8%.
Strong anti-discrimination protections and a broad social acceptance make it a secure destination for queer travelers. While this isn’t a destination for those seeking out a buzzing queer bar scene, LGBTQ+ travellers looking for adventure will certainly feel welcome in the country that is known for believing ‘the guest is god’.
NB: Public displays of affection, such as kissing and hugging, are considered offensive in Nepal.
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Chiang Mai, Thailand
Pride in Chiang Mai last year (Shutterstock)Thailand has long been regarded as an LGBTQ+-friendly destination, and its legislation now reflects society’s growing acceptance of queer individuals.
For twenty years, the La Plaza de la Diversidad Sexual has been a space dedicated to celebrating the local queer community. The city also has several gay-owned cafes and bars, most of them set amid the narrow lanes of Centro Historico and around nearby Plaza de la Merced. For visitors, these initiatives make it easy to connect with locals, join community activities, and feel part of one of Europe’s most supportive queer networks.
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Most LGBTQ travelers report feeling welcomed and respected throughout their stay.
Spain as an LGBTQ festival hub
Spain is home to some of Europe’s biggest and most colorful LGBTQ festivals, drawing travelers from around the world. Annual Pride events bring color to the capital, while beach clubs and historic sites offer plenty to explore year-round.
In 2024, the city hosted the global annual convention of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, and it continues to thrive as one of Asia’s leading queer destinations.
Osaka is a city of contradictions, as it is both a corporate banking hub and a center of arts and creativity. In 2024, the country approved marriage equality, adding to its reputation for inclusivity.
The city’s canal-based Pride parade is one of Europe’s most iconic LGBTQ events, attracting travelers from across the globe each summer. Here are ten up-and-coming LGBTQ+ travel destinations around the world.
Nepal
Nepal’s Gai Jatra festival in Kathmandu (Shutterstock)Nepal boasts the most progressive gay rights legislation in South Asia, with protections for gender and sexual minorities as well as legal recognition for a third gender, and has been actively promoting ‘pink tourism’ for the past few years.
The city center features shady parks, festive cafes, boutiques and galleries, making this town feel sophisticated and relaxed.
Served by an efficient airport that offers direct flights from the U.S., Merida is about a three-hour drive from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Other highlights include the Utah Gay Ski Week in February and a bounty of chic boutiques and see-and-be-seen restaurants.
Where to stay
The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake (rates start at $335 or 61,000 IHG One Rewards points per night) has whimsically decorated guest rooms and common spaces and an outstanding restaurant (Bambara).
Visitors will find queer-friendly hotels, cafés, and cultural hubs in nearly every major city.
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6. Toronto Pride is one of the largest in North America, while Montreal adds a creative twist with cultural festivals like Divers/Cité.
Lake Bled has long been a popular spot thanks to the picturesque Bled Island, but Lake Bohinj is lesser visited and just as beautiful thanks to the Savica Waterfall.
Read next: A first-time guide to the Julian Alps, Slovenia
Montevideo, Uruguay
Montevideo’s Plaza Independencia (Shutterstock)The riverfront capital city of Uruguay is garnering attention from LGBTQ+ travellers.
Her impressive portfolio reflects her love for learning software technology and discovering new cultures and places. While social attitudes can still vary in rural areas, Thailand’s legal progress and public recognition make it a safe and popular choice.
Is Greece LGBT travel safe?
Largely yes — Greece has made big strides in recent years, legalizing same-sex marriage in 2024 and improving its queer friendliness rankings.
Queer folks here are generally quite out and open.
The gay-popular nightlife district Zona Rosa is within the El Poblado neighborhood, known for vibrant cafes and restaurants, upscale shopping centers and an abundance of desirable hotels. Beyond Pride, Reykjavík’s colorful bar scene along Laugavegur street is a lively, queer-friendly hub.
With this mix of parties, culture, and year-round festivities, Spain has become a true epicenter of queer celebration in Europe.
Spain has one of the strongest LGBTQ networks in Europe, making it easy for visitors to feel both welcomed and connected. It's also the same season as the indie-spirited Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival, which always screens some queer-focused movies.
Where to stay
The chic and contemporary W Taipei (rates start at $373 or 115,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) is a favorite spot for LGBTQIA+ parties during Taiwan Pride and a fantastic place to stay anytime.
Other notable draws include the National Palace Museum, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park and the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall.
Taiwan Pride is always held in autumn, an appealing time to visit, as the weather tends to be mild and dry. In the mix, Daria’s eloquence and a wealth of industry knowledge make her content captivating and informative.
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