Everybody say, “Love!”
We’re headed around the world in pursuit of exciting cities that embrace the LGBTIQ+ community with open arms (not to mention sequins and confetti). These are the kinds of places that understand that life is meant for celebrating – whether through rowdy drag shows that thrill with sass, joyous street parties that bring out crowds of thousands, or thumping dance clubs that party on till sunrise.
Follow us to some of the most progressive, inclusive, and accepting destinations globally. Places where you can truly show your spirit of pride.
1. London, United Kingdom
Pride 2024: The biggest Pride celebration in the UK, and one of the largest globally, London Pride takes place this year on June 29.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: Soho in London’s West End has historically been the city’s epicenter of queer life. To this day, it remains a hub of the city’s LGBTIQ+ bars, shops, and clubs.
London has been a prominent center of queer culture for hundreds of years, dating back to the city’s 18th-century “Molly Houses,” meeting places for LGBTIQ+ individuals. It is known for its vibrant underground scene, including rotating parties hosted by local organizers.
A must-visit for any LGBTIQ+ traveler is the Admiral Duncan, a historic gay pub in Soho that is known for being a site of resistance and resilience in the face of past tragedies.
2. Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA
Pride 2025: Provincetown’s 7th annual Pride celebration takes place from May 31 to June 2, featuring a diverse lineup of events, from the town’s famous parade to comedy showcases and more.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: The entire town! Provincetown has been a summer escape for the LGBTIQ+ community for over 60 years. With riotous parties and unique beach experiences, there’s no shortage of fun.
Plan your visit to align with one of the town’s many queer festivals, which include Bear Week and TransWeek, ensuring an atmosphere of inclusion and celebration.
3. Auckland, New Zealand
Pride 2024: Being in the southern hemisphere, Auckland held its Pride celebration in February. However, it’s never too early to plan your trip for 2025!
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: Karangahape Road, or K Road to locals, is where you’ll find most of Auckland’s LGBTIQ+ nightlife. Many locals enjoy starting their night at The Eagle, a welcoming watering hole.
With robust anti-discrimination laws and legalized same-sex marriage since 2013, New Zealand is known for its LGBTIQ+ friendly environment, especially in cities like Auckland.
4. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Pride 2024: Puerto Vallarta Pride takes place from May 20–26, drawing a fun mix of locals and visitors.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: Emiliano Zapata, known as Old Town, is home to most of Puerto Vallarta’s queer nightlife. The entire city is an LGBTIQ+ vacation magnet, making it welcoming throughout.
With numerous LGBTIQ+ exclusive hotels and inclusive resorts, Puerto Vallarta offers countless socializing options, showcasing its vibrant queer culture.
5. Barcelona, Spain
Pride 2024: Scheduled for July 18–21, Barcelona Pride promises exciting events and festivities.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: L’Eixample, known affectionately as “Gaixample,” is one of the largest LGBTIQ+ boroughs in Europe. This area hosts many LGBTIQ-owned establishments, ensuring a lively atmosphere.
Spain has long championed LGBTIQ+ rights, and Barcelona continues to be a pivotal place for queer culture with numerous hotspots catering to the community.
6. New York City, New York, USA
Pride 2024: NYC Pride kicks into high gear toward the end of June, culminating in the annual Pride March on June 30, drawing up to 2 million revelers.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: The West Village is a significant landmark in LGBTIQ+ history, being the site of the Stonewall uprising back in 1969.
In addition to its rich historical significance, present-day New York City hosts a variety of gay bars and eateries across vibrant areas such as Hell’s Kitchen.
7. Berlin, Germany
Pride 2024: Berlin’s month of Pride culminates on July 27 with Christopher Street Day, a significant event in the celebration of LGBTIQ+ rights.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: Schöneberg is a historic gay district that has maintained its cultural relevance since the 1920s.
Berlin’s thriving LGBTIQ+ scene is renowned worldwide, and it offers a unique blend of historical and contemporary queer culture.
8. Sydney, Australia
Pride 2024: Scheduled for February 14 to March 2, 2025, Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a spectacular event.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: Darlinghurst is the heart of Sydney’s LGBTIQ+ scene, easily accessible from the central business district.
The city is famous for its welcoming nature and vibrant cultural scene, making it a top destination for LGBTIQ+ travelers from around the world.
9. Toronto, Canada
Pride 2024: Toronto’s Pride celebration consists of a parade, parties, and street fairs from June 28–30, providing a laid-back atmosphere.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: Queen Street has been Toronto’s main LGBTIQ+ stretch for decades, known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural significance.
Canada is recognized for its welcoming attitude, and Toronto in particular offers unique queer cultural experiences.
10. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Pride 2024: Scheduled for July 27–August 4, Amsterdam Pride is known for its unique parade on boats along the city’s canals.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: The Reguliersdwarsstraat neighborhood is a lively area featuring numerous LGBTIQ+ venues and events.
The Netherlands remains a global leader in LGBTIQ+ rights and is celebrated for its inclusive and progressive atmosphere.
11. Palm Springs, California, USA
Pride 2024: Palm Springs Pride takes place from October 31 to November 3, thanks to the city’s year-round warm weather.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: Palm Springs itself is an LGBTIQ-centric area, with both adjacent towns emerging as welcoming spaces for the community.
Famous for its charming resorts and lively nightlife, Palm Springs continues to be a popular destination for LGBTIQ+ travelers.
12. Tel Aviv, Israel
Pride 2024: Tel Aviv Pride takes place on June 7, celebrated by locals and international visitors.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: While Tel Aviv doesn’t have a specific gayborhood, the entire city is welcoming and vibrant for the LGBTIQ+ community.
Known for its lively atmosphere and inclusivity, Tel Aviv stands out as one of the world’s most vibrant LGBTIQ+ destinations.
