LGBTQIA+ travel in Italy

Italy is considered a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers. Cities like Rome, Milan and Florence have well-established LGBTQIA+ cultures, and expressing yourself openly is generally safe. However, public displays of affection may be received differently in smaller towns and rural areas.

While violent crimes against LGBTQIA+ individuals are rare, petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching are a risk for all visitors. As with any destination, avoid excessive alcohol, be mindful of your belongings and meet in public places if using dating apps.

Gender-neutral bathrooms aren’t common, with most public facilities gendered male and female. If you’re trans, non-binary or gender non-conforming, choose the restroom where you feel safest and most comfortable.

Trans and non-binary travellers may also encounter passport and ID checks at airports and hotels that rely on legal gender markers, so carrying supporting documents (if applicable) can help avoid delays.

The Mario Mieli LGBT Centre in Rome and MIT (Movimento Identità Trans) in Bologna are great spaces for trans people visiting these cities.

Check out the following websites for more LGBTQIA+-related information and advice:

• Equaldex
• ILGA
• Smartraveller (Australia)
• SafeTravel (New Zealand)
• US Dep of State (USA)
• FCDO (United Kingdom)
• Government of Canada

While Italy is generally safe, LGBTQIA+ rights still have a way to go. Same-sex relationships and civil unions are legal, but marriage and adoption are not. Anti-discrimination laws exist in employment, but other areas still lack legal protection for sexual orientation or gender identity.

The current government has been criticised for regressing on LGBTQIA+ rights and using discriminatory rhetoric, but research shows public opinion remains mostly accepting.

Italy’s major cities have vibrant LGBTQIA+ cultures, with plenty of bars and cafes flying the Pride flag. However, these spaces are less common outside big cities.

Rome has a large LGBTQIA+ scene, with the San Lorenzo and Pigneto neighbourhoods the most popular among locals and travellers. Milan, a bustling city of arts, culture and fashion, is Italy’s gay capital – the Porta Venezia district is the heart of its LGBTQIA+ culture with ample bars, cafes, clubs and shops. Naples has a small but growing community, while Bologna, though more compact, is one of Italy’s most progressive cities with a strong activist scene and the country's first LGBTQIA+ centre.

Like much of Europe, the best time to experience Italy’s LGBTQIA+ culture is during Pride season (June to August), especially in Milan and Rome which host Pride marches, film festivals, theatre shows and more.

For more LGBTQIA+ events in Italy, visit AcriGay.it.

We know safety is one of, if not the top concerns for LGBTQIA+ folk. But when you travel with us, you can rest assured we’ve got your back.

Intrepid travellers span all ages and backgrounds, and regardless of local laws or attitudes, our leaders are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe and comfortable. We don’t tolerate any form of discrimination, violence or harassment – either between travellers, with our partners or with local people.

Even in countries with limited LGBTQIA+ rights, you'll always be welcomed and supported by us.