This article provides a list of the most LGBT travel destinations in the world that offer inclusive travel conditions and openness to diversity. These conditions are reflected, for example, in the accommodation options, where some countries have separate neighborhoods, hotels, apartments, and hostels designated for these communities, which can be found in various online directories and recommendations dedicated to LGBT.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The list of LGBT travel destinations starts with Amsterdam a city with a captivating LGBT history and culture. Since the early 20th century, it has been at the forefront of the fight for LGBT rights. In 1946, Café ‘t Mandje became the first bar to openly identify as a gay bar. In 1987, the Homomonument was unveiled to honor people who were persecuted because of their sexual orientation. Reguliersdwarsstraat is a famous street with vibrant nightlife, home to popular spots like Soho, Taboo, and Exit Café.
LGBT-friendly gay hotels in Amsterdam
Location: city center, Prinsengracht canal
Due to its excellent location, the hotel is close to several LGBT-friendly bars and clubs such as Club Church, Soho, and Toboo.
Location: city center, near Keizersgracht canal
The hotel is situated in close proximity to popular LGBT venues like Club NYX and Prik, which are easily accessible on foot.
Location: city center, near Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal
In the immediate vicinity of the hotel, you’ll find the aforementioned Café ‘t Mandje, which has undergone renovations in recent years.
San Francisco, USA
San Francisco is a legendary center of LGBT history and culture, playing a pivotal role in the fight for LGBT rights. It is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement, with the 1969 Stonewall uprising mobilizing the local community. The Castro district has become a symbol of LGBTQ identity and liberation. The city is also home to the Castro Theatre, built in 1922, and hosts the annual San Francisco Pride Parade, one of the largest celebrations of diversity and equality in the world.
LGBT-friendly gay hotels in San Francisco
Location: Castro district
In close proximity, you’ll find many LGBT-friendly bars and clubs within walking distance, such as the famous Twin Peaks Tavern, Midnight Sun, and Badlands.
Location: Union Square neighborhood, city center
While the hotel itself is not in a district known for being LGBT-centric, it is conveniently close to several bars and nightclubs like The Stud, Beaux, and Oasis.
Location: Mission District, eastern San Francisco
This hotel is near the Castro district and can be easily reached by public transport or car.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is renowned for its rich LGBT history, culture, and activism. From Magnus Hirschfeld’s pioneering work in the early 20th century to the vibrant LGBTQ scene of the 1920s, Berlin has long been a center of queer expression. It continues to embrace this role, hosting events like the Christopher Street Day Parade and being home to iconic places like SchwuZ, Germany’s oldest queer club, established in 1977.
LGBT-friendly gay hotels in Berlin
Location: Schöneberg district
Considered the heart of the LGBTQ scene in Berlin, this district is home to places like Connection Club, Prinzknecht, and Café Berio.
Location: Schöneberg district
Similar to the previous hotel, this one is in the same area, making it easy to find other LGBT-friendly establishments such as Mutschmann’s, Heile Welt, and Triebwerk.
Location: city center
Located within a short distance from Schöneberg, which can be reached by public transport or taxi.
Reykjavik, Iceland
The capital city of Iceland boasts a progressive and inclusive atmosphere, welcoming LGBT individuals. As the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, Reykjavik has become one of the most popular and friendly LGBT travel destinations. The city hosts the annual Reykjavik Pride, and there are LGBTQ-friendly places like the Kiki Queer Bar.
LGBT-friendly gay hotels in Reykjavik
Location: Downtown Reykjavik
The hotel is situated in the heart of the city, providing easy access to various LGBT-friendly bars, nightclubs, and institutions like the aforementioned Kiki Queer Bar and Gaukurinn, which can be reached on foot.
Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre
Location: Downtown
Similar to the previous hotel, this accommodation is centrally located, offering convenient access to LGBT-friendly places like Kaffibarinn.
Location: Downtown
With easy access to the aforementioned bars and clubs, as well as other popular venues like Glaumbar and Ægisgarður.
Toronto, Canada
Toronto is a vibrant city with a rich LGBT history, standing at the forefront of the fight for LGBT rights in this part of the world. From the early protests at Hanlan’s Point in 1970 to the annual Toronto Pride Parade, the city has a lot to offer. You can explore the Church-Wellesley Village or visit The 519, a charitable non-profit organization.
LGBT-friendly gay hotels in Toronto
Location: West Queen West neighborhood, known for its culture and art scene
Being located in the heart of the LGBT-friendly district, this hotel provides easy access to queer venues such as Crews & Tangos, The Beaver, and The Drink.
Location: West Queen West neighborhood, near the Gladstone Hotel
This hotel is also situated in the same area, with close proximity to the aforementioned places, as well as Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Woody’s and Sailor, and The Black Eagle.
Location: Downtown, near the Fashion District
In this neighborhood, you’ll find the previously mentioned Church-Wellesley Village, the epicenter of Toronto’s LGBT community, where you can find many LGBT cafes, clubs, restaurants, and bars like Crews & Tangos and The Beaver.
Sources: google maps, Wikipedia, TripAdvisor, booking.com, hotelsforgays.com, gaytravel.com, hotels.com
About Author
Freya
Photographer, artist, content creator, and solo female traveler since 2017.