What are the top ten gay destinations in the world, and why? Most LGTBQIA+ people love to travel. Especially when traveling with a mix of partying and sightseeing.
Top Ten Gay Destinations Worldwide
San Francisco USA
Pride Week is capped by the often-outrageous ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Pride Parade’ – where half a million people party in the street on the last Sunday in June.
Also in June is the long-running queer film festival.
Sydney, Australia
Hey, in Sydney gay is the new straight. Sydney has an amazing gay community and lesbian culture that are a vocal, vital, well-organized and colorful part of Sydney’s social fabric.
Host of the 2002 Gay Games, Sydney also plays host to Australia’s biggest annual tourist event – the Mardi Gras. The joy-filled hedonism-meets-political-protest parade is attended by more than half a million people.
Beach life also reigns here, so boys should buff up before hitting the sand. There is even a large selection of LGBTQIA+ nightclubbing venues and dating apps to choose from!
It was also host to the gay pride week 2023 that went off with astounding success.
Brighton, England
Perhaps it’s Brighton’s long-time association with the theatre, but for more than 100 years the city has been a gay haven. The vibrant queer community is made-up of 40,000 residents – almost a quarter of the total population.
Kemptown (aka Camptown) is where it’s all at, with a rank of gay-owned bars, hotels, cafés, bookshops and saunas. There’s even a ‘Gay’s the Word’ walking tour.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Touted as the gay and lesbian capital of Europe, partisan estimates put the proportion of gay and lesbian people in Amsterdam at 20% to 30%. Though the figures are probably exaggerated, there’s no underestimating the number of venues for gays and lesbians.
There are more than 100 bars and nightclubs, gay hotels, bookshops, sport clubs, choirs and support services. Amsterdam hosts the only water-borne gay-pride parade in the world, held on the canals on the first Saturday in August.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s legendary liberalism has spawned one of the world’s biggest gay and lesbian scenes. Openly gay mayor Klaus Wowereit outed himself with the now-popular words: ‘I’m gay, and that’s a good thing’. As befits Berlin’s decentralised nature, the city has no dedicated gay ghetto although it contains a number of established scenes.
Huge crowds turn out in early June for Schwul-Lesbisches Strassenfest (Gay-Lesbian Street Fair), which is basically a warm-up for Christopher Street Day later that month.
Cape Town, South Africa
Regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world:- ‘heaven at the tip of Africa’ and voted as one of the top Gay travel destinations, Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city with beautiful people, breathtaking scenery and far too much to see and do in just one visit.
The world famous picture postcard Table Mountain, fine gay accommodation, white sandy beaches, lush countryside, arid plains, game reserves and just about anything else you could imagine discovering in paradise. Including an exciting gay scene. No wonder most visitors return year after year!
Capetonians’ easy-going attitude, together with the new liberal South African Constitution which safeguards gay rights, make Cape Town an extremely gay-friendly city. Today Cape Town has a huge per capita gay population and boasts possibly the most developed gay community on the African continent. Over and above its stunning natural scenery and superb beaches.
Cape Town has over 100 gay venues, which includes clubs, bars, businesses and organizations, making it South Africa’s undisputed queer capital.
New York City, USA
New York’s Chelsea and Greenwich Village are synonymous with gay life, possessing a thriving out-there scene. A number of quieter clubs and bars continue to flourish further uptown in Chelsea as well. Every scene, from art to fashion, is hot in New York – and the gay scene is no exception.
It has great galleries, bars and clubs. June sees the obligatory Gay Pride parade attracting revelers from around the world.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
During Car naval (February or March), thousands of expatriate Brazilian and gringo gays fly in to take part in the fun, with transvestites stealing the show at most balls. Outside Carnival the gay scene is active, though less visible than in cities such as San Francisco and Sydney.
The gay capital of Latin America is a mostly integrated scene, with the Entertainment sections of local newspapers and magazines branding establishments ‘GLS’: Gays, Lesbians and Sympathizers.
Prague, Czech Republic
The beguiling bohemian city of Prague inspired Kafka to warn visitors: ‘this little mother has claws’. Its maze of medieval lanes keeps a bevy of bars catering to all fancies: from leather through to rent boy. The cradle of Czech culture, Prague also stages a gay and lesbian film festival annually in November.
Despite the city’s wholesale acceptance of same-sex partnerships, there’s a segregated gay scene, and public displays of affection are generally ill advised.
Bangkok, Thailand
There’s no ‘gay movement’ as such in Bangkok, as there’s no anti gay establishment to move against. Thai culture is generally accepting of male and female homosexuality; however, public displays of affection per se are mostly frowned upon. The fairly prominent scene centers on the proliferation of bars, often enlivened by high camp cabaret.
So do you agree that these are the top 10 gay destinations? Do you have another list? We would love to hear from you and your comments.
Author: Ben is a consultant from Adult Lifestyle Centres
Best Gay Travel Destinations!
When traveling to a new destination with your gay parnter, the experience can be highly engaging. Although being shown around a hometown can reveal aspects of a partner’s personality, true insights into character are revealed when facing unfamiliar obstacles together.
These challenges, such as overcoming language barriers, missing transportation, or dealing with payment issues, can provide unique knowledge and understanding about one’s partner that would not have been discovered otherwise.
Engaging in deep conversations during long trips such as car drives, plane rides, train journeys, hikes, or sailing trips can provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about someone. It’s okay to ask about their childhood, future aspirations, or past relationships during these moments.
Travel can reveal hidden aspects of a person’s character, and flight attendants can attest to this. Being confined to a plane for extended periods and experiencing culture shock in a new country can bring out negative traits. Observe how your travel companion treats service workers such as waiters, flight attendants, and receptionists.
Were you aware that your homosexual companion is proficient in Mandarin and well-versed in Thai folklore? These enjoyable disclosures are the kind that can occur during overseas travel with your significant other, greatly enhancing the excitement of the voyage.
Experiencing the very best that the world has to offer as a couple while traveling is an amazing experience. It can create a unique bond unlike any other, particularly if you are embarking on a long-term relationship.
Why Go To Rio De Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro in Brazil is a top destination for gay couples due to its exceptional beauty and popularity among gay tourists. The city boasts of incredible beaches, including the famous Ipanema, a gay-only beach located in a gay area of the city.
Visitors can enjoy fun-filled activities and dancing with half-naked men without feeling awkward. Rio de Janeiro offers a perfect blend of relaxation and romance, making it an ideal vacation spot for couples.
What About The Caribbean Islands?
If gay couples are looking for a travel destination after Brazil, the Caribbean Islands should be on their list. These islands attract gay tourists with their beautiful gold sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters. The weather is favorable throughout the year, making it an ideal choice for gay couples.
Gay couples have the option to stay in opulent resorts, go shopping in high-end areas, and dine in exceptional restaurants. The heavenly scent of the islands adds to the overall experience.
Why Not Check Out Istanbul?
If you are more into cruising, you will prefer going for a luxury cruise from Athens to Istanbul. Imagine yourself cruising from the heart of Greece to the center of Turkey on a luxury yacht. Experience the privacy of the waters with your partner and enjoy the unique destinations.
Phuket, the largest and most popular island in Thailand, is renowned as a gay-friendly destination worldwide. The Gay festival, held twice a year in the center of the island, adds to its allure. Patong is the place to be for gay nightlife, with the best gay bars and clubs to enjoy.
Did You Know There Are Over 200 Gay Clubs In Japan?
Moving on, Japan is our next destination, where gay culture has been present since the 11th century, as per historical data. Tokyo is home to over 200 gay bars and clubs, and Shinjuku is one of the well-known gay districts.
If you’re a gay couple looking for a vacation destination, there are plenty of options for both relaxation and excitement. These exotic locations cater to a diverse range of interests, from cruising on a luxurious yacht to enjoying the nightlife of a gay bar, or simply unwinding at a high-end resort
. No matter where you go, you’ll find that these destinations are welcoming and accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan a trip with your partner and reignite your relationship.
Don’t miss out on the chance to create unforgettable memories together.
Meet PJ Weir, former Gay Exchange stalwart and gay rights advocate. Now caring for his mother in Queensland, he reflects on a decade of LGBTQ+ activism.
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