When it comes to LGBTQIA+ travel, popular destinations like Rio, Paris, Provincetown and Mykonos often come to mind. But with more countries embracing LGBTQIA+ travellers, the list of must-visit spots is growing.
In 2022, I spent 15 days country-hopping through the Balkans on my first Intrepid trip. I was thrilled to learn that LGBTQIA+ travellers were the MAJORITY on my tour. Can you believe it? Here’s to exploring and celebrating the beauty of our diverse world!
Whether you seek adventure, relaxation or cultural immersion, there are now more options for LGBTQIA+ travellers than ever before. By visiting these inclusive locations, you not only enrich your own life but also contribute to a global culture of acceptance and understanding.
These destinations will spark your wanderlust.
Las Vegas, Nevada
There’s a reason they call it the entertainment capital of the world. Live shows, pool parties, nightclubs that stay open till the early hours, the possibilities in Vegas are never ending. Not to mention it has a thriving queer scene with countless LGBTQIA+-focused events all year long, not just during Pride Month.
Want to add another queer-friendly city to your travel destinations? Easily travel from Vegas to San Francisco with Intrepid. In addition to giving travellers the chance to explore the queer scene in both iconic cities, these routes also visit key destinations for any nature lover like Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park.
Valletta, Malta
Landing number two on the Spartacus Gay Travel Index of 2024, Malta is one of the most LGBTQIA-friendly destinations in the world. This small island in southern Europe is celebrated for its natural beauty and champions when it comes to anti-discrimination, marriage equality, and adoption legislation—making it an ideal destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers.
Take a step back in time and discover Malta’s history while also enjoying hikes along the coastline, sunbathing at one of the countless beaches, wine tasting at local wineries and LGBTQIA+ events all year long.
Vancouver, Canada
Canada consistently ranks at the top when it comes to the treatment of LGBTQIA+ people and Vancouver hails as being queer-friendly and safe. The city has a seamless blend of city and nature that adds to its appeal. While the club scene may not be comparable to major cities like London or NYC, Vancouver’s underground scene is growing with noteworthy drag queens slaying the house down.
Transitioning from the inclusive and colourful LGBTQIA+ scene in Vancouver, the Canadian Rockies provide a serene and awe-inspiring escape into nature. With Intrepid, you can traverse through some of Canada’s most iconic landscapes, where the grandeur of the wilderness takes centre stage. The contrast between Vancouver’s vibes and the Rockies’ natural tranquility creates a unique and fulfilling travel experience.
Copenhagen, Denmark
With a relaxed and tolerant attitude, Copenhageners are known for their liberal views on LGBTQIA+ issues. Denmark’s capital city has long served as a welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals, whether local or visiting. In Copenhagen, you can live freely, be open and, most importantly, be yourself.
Attend MIX COPENHAGEN, one of the oldest LGBTQIA+ film festivals in the world, celebrating queerness, genders, sexualities and diversity since 1986. Copenhagen is also home to one of Europe’s oldest gay bars. Established in 1917, Centralhjorne openly became a gay bar in the 1950s. Now, you can find loads of LGBTQIA+ establishments in the Latin Quarter and just off Radhuspladsen in the city centre. The city offers LGBTQIA+ historical walking tours, queer events and establishments catering to LGBTQIA+ locals and travellers alike.
Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal is widely recognised for its progressive stance on LGBTQIA+ rights, having made substantial gains in the 21st century. The country’s transformation is particularly notable given its history of repression during the Estado Novo dictatorship, with homosexuality being decriminalised in 1982, eight years after the Carnation Revolution.
Today, Portugal stands out for its anti-discrimination laws, including a constitutional ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation. In 2010, it became the eighth country worldwide to legalise same-sex marriage, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to LGBTQIA+ equality.
Since moving to Lisbon, I’ve been amazed by how the LGBTQIA+ scene thrives in every neighbourhood, with no single area claiming the title of gay district. Instead, the entire city feels like a celebration, from bookstores stocked with LGBTQIA+ literature to queer dance parties that keep you moving all night long. One of my favourite experiences is going to see a drag show at Trumps, where the queens don’t even think about taking the stage until 3 am. Lisbon’s inclusive and welcoming vibe has made it feel like home in every sense. It’s a city that embraces diversity and offers something special for everyone in the queer community.
Santiago, Chile
Santiago has a thriving and vibrant queer scene and the neighborhood Bellavista is the epicentre of it all. Here you’ll find queer bars and nightclubs along with hip and upscale restaurants, music venues and wine lounges where you can create memorable nights out.
Start in Santiago and end your trip in one of the top LGBTQIA+ destinations in South America, Rio de Janeiro, with Intrepid’s 15-day Premium Chile, Argentina & Brazil trip. Led by local leaders, you’ll uncover the sights, sounds and tastes of Chile, Argentina and Brazil.
Bogota, Colombia
You can’t think of Bogota’s LGBTQIA+ scene without thinking of Theatron, one of the largest gay clubs in the world. This club is the heart of the scene and its 19 different rooms transform each week. Dance the night away or cheer on the local drag queens as they give their all on the stage. In the neighbourhood of Chapinero, you can find LGBTQIA+ locals and travellers alike celebrating themselves unapologetically.
With these Intrepid trips, find out all that Colombia has to offer with a kicking point in Bogota.
Bangkok, Thailand
In Thailand, sexual preference is respected. The LGBTQIA+ community, including gays, lesbians and transsexuals, is warmly accepted and considered an integral part of society. Thai people, known for their sweet, friendly and polite disposition, make the country an inviting place for everyone, especially LGBTQIA+ visitors.
Bangkok has emerged as the gay capital of Southeast Asia, drawing tourists with its lively and diverse LGBTQIA+ scene. The city is home to a wide array of LGBT-friendly venues, including hotels, inns and nightclubs.
Silom is often cited as the epicentre of Bangkok’s gay nightlife, with Soi 2 featuring energetic dance clubs and Soi 4 offering a more relaxed setting with bars and restaurants. This area is particularly favoured by foreign visitors due to its proximity to Sala Daeng BTS Skytrain and Silom MRT Station.
Sydney, Australia
Australia offers a safe environment for LGBTQIA+ travellers, supported by its diverse population, inclusive culture and comprehensive anti-discrimination laws. As one of the most LGBTQIA-friendly countries in the world, queer folk can feel secure almost everywhere they go with discrimination against someone on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity illegal nationwide.
Sydney, celebrated as Australia’s gay capital, stands out with its cosmopolitan vibe and the highest concentration of LGBTQIA-focused venues in the country. A mere five minutes from Sydney’s city centre, Darlinghurst bursts with life, offering some of the most well-known queer venues in town. Similarly, Newtown, also five minutes away, is a beloved LGBTQIA+ enclave, where residents come to live, shop and connect. Together, these neighbourhoods form the heart of Sydney’s queer community. Then each February, Sydney transforms for a month-long festival known as Sydney’s Mardi Gras with more than 100 events around the city celebrating LGBTQIA+ culture and activism.
Taipei, Taiwan
When it comes to the betterment of conditions for LGBTQIA+ people, Taiwan is always the leader among Asian countries and was the first country to legalise gay marriage in Asia. Workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation is outlawed, and Taipei’s annual Gay Pride in October draws over 50,000 participants. The Pride event is a testament to the city’s inclusive values and thriving LGBTQIA+ community. It’s a celebration that continues to grow in size and significance.
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day adventure through Taiwan’s lush landscapes, from glittering coastlines to serene temples. Delight in night market flavours, learn from Indigenous tribes and explore tea farms as you uncover the island’s history and culture.
San Jose, Costa Rica
Costa Rica has evolved into a sought-after destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers in the last decade, with San Jose leading the way as a welcoming city for the community. The capital has a variety of gay-friendly establishments, including bars, clubs, saunas and a few gay-owned B&Bs, as well as LGBTQIA+ bookstores and community centres.
Despite its progress, San Jose remains somewhat conservative, so it’s wise to exercise discretion outside these gay-friendly spaces. The city’s nightlife is popular among locals who commute from nearby areas, often making venues busier earlier in the evening. Some areas can feel deserted at night, particularly around certain gay bars. Nonetheless, San Jose offers a dynamic and safe environment for exploring Costa Rica’s LGBTQIA+ culture.
Montevideo, Uruguay
Uruguay is one of the most progressive nations in South America when it comes to LGBTQIA+ inclusivity. Homosexuality, for instance, was decriminalised as far back as 1934, with anti-discrimination legislation introduced in 2003, adoption rights in 2009, and gay marriage legalised in 2013. Due to these progressive LGBTQIA+ rights protection policies that have been passed, Uruguay has established itself as one of the safest countries for LGBTQIA+ travellers and residents alike.
While often overlooked in favour of more popular South American destinations like Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is steadily gaining recognition. Even more so in its capital, Montevideo. Full of queer clubs, bars and shows, Montevideo is being hailed as a top choice for LGBTQIA+ visitors seeking a welcoming and inclusive seaside vacation.
