Lonely Planet has comprised a list of ten of the most LGBT-friendly places in the world. This list identifies the best places for LGBT clients, including popular attractions in each place.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen has Europe’s longest running openly gay bar called Centralhjørnet which dates back to the 1950s and the red-light district of Vesterbro which offers many gay-friendly bars like Café Intime and Oscar Bar Cafe. There are also several events for the LGBT traveller such as Copenhagen Pride and MIX Copenhagen, a LGBT Film Festival.
New Zealand
New Zealand offers many gay-and lesbian-friendly homestays all over the country’s entirety, on the north and south island, including vineyards, farms, all male or female hotels, and bed and breakfasts such as Bayview at 91. It has an active nightlife with all kinds of gay-clubs such as FAMILY which features Drag Queen Shows or the landmark bar Urge.
Toronto, Canada
Toronto is home to events like Pride Week Celebrations, Pride March, and Dyke March. The Village, located in Church-Wellesley, contains many galleries, queer theatre, gay-friendly bars, bookstores, and gay-friendly restaurants such as Keg Mansion and Old Nick which feautures live music. The television show “Queer as Folk” was filmed in Church-Wellesley for five years as well. In addition, there is the Bloor Queer West Village which is a bit more eclectic, boasting unique restaurants and edgy nightlife.
Palm Springs, CA
Packed with many male-only and female-only accommodations Palm Springs offers all kinds of outdoor activities including bicycle riding, beach volleyball, and jet skiing, or, shopping, dining, and of course countless swimming pools perfect for chilling out. The Triangle Inn, Pura Vida and Random Haus are just a few of the many LGBT-friendly hotels.
Stiges, Spain
Southwest of Barcelona, the gay disco opened in Stiges back in the 1980s, making it the first gay disco is Spain. Its laidback vibe and clothing-optional beaches makes it supreme for the LGBT traveller. Known as the “Village of Festivals”, there is an extensive list of events to ensure that visitors are never bored including fireworks of Fiesta Mayor and floral displays during Corpus.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s gay history dates back to the 1920’s and is ideal for the LGBT traveller looking to get a little wild. With events such as Gay Pride in Schoneberg, districts such as Kreuzberg and Prenzlauerberg have endless amounts of gay clubs and bars such as Triebwerk and Ficken3000, as well as various restaurants to choose from like Restaurant Bastard.
Skiathos & Mykonos, Greece
The glam of Mykonos consists of landscaped courtyards and traditional white homes as well as its placement directly on the water. It also offers gay hotels such as The Elysium Hotel. The white sand beaches of Skiathos and its pine forested hills offer a bit more peace and quiet; if that’s the kind of thing you’re seeking.
New York, New York
Since the late 60’s, NYC has been one of the top destinations in the world. Visitors can have a cocktail at The Stonewall, the iconic gay bar on Christopher Street, tour the Harvey Milk School or take a peek at the Lesbian Herstory Archives. There are numerous places specifically for gay nightlife, shopping and entertainment, including on or off Broadway shows such as Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Reykjavik, Iceland
For the LGBT traveller looking for more of an adventure, the country’s volcanoes, lagoons, and waterfalls offer plenty of options. It will be holding its 17th Gay Pride march in 2015 and its 11th “Bears on Ice” event. Enjoy the gay nightlife at places like Club Kiki or a one of the several gay-owned restaurants like Jómfrúin.
Montevideo, Uruguay
The smallest of the South American nations, Uruguay is relaxed and serene. It has gay nightclubs, such as Chains Disco Pub, and gay friendly hotels like Splendido Hotel.
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