Best Gay Vacation Destinations in Europe

While searching for places to go on vacation, many people in the LGBTQ+ community look for sources to explore their options for safe, welcoming, and exciting destinations; for that reason, we put together some of the best gay vacation destinations in Europe.

Thankfully, much of Europe has long been viewed as a relatively progressive part of the world for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer rights.

Each year, ILGA-Europe – an LGBTQ+ advocacy group – releases its annual Rainbow Europe Country Ranking, funded by the European Union, which ranks 49 European Countries from most to least LGBTQ-friendly. However, this ranking includes some indicators, such as how the laws and policies in these 49 countries, affect queer people; the nongovernmental organization uses some indicators, from hate crime and hates speech to legal gender recognition.

Finally, here are 5 of some of Europe’s safest countries, according to ILGA-Europe’s ranking 2022:

Europe’s Safest Countries for Gay Travelers:

1. Malta

With a score of 92, from 1 to 100, Malta has been topping the list for seven years in a row. This is the country that became the first European country to ban conversion therapy. The LGBTQ+ community of Malta enjoys 91 percent of the total rights that include military, adoption, gay marriage, and more. Moreover, its dynamic gay community, happy to connect with travelers to ensure their stay is fun and trouble-free is one of the reasons why Malta is an extremely popular LGBTQ+ destination.

2. Denmark

In addition to consistently being rated as the happiest country in the world, it is also one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. Besides being the first one to recognize LGBTQ+ partnerships back in 1989, the number of “rainbow families” – those with either two moms or two dads – doubled from 2009 to 2019, according to Statistics Denmark.

Bonus Tip: If you are going to Copenhagen and looking for safe hostels for LGBTQ+ people as well, Copenhagen Downtown Hostel, as a famous hostel is the one! Check it Hier.

3. Luxembourg

Luxembourg’s prime minister, Xavier Better, is one of only three openly gay heads of government in the world. In addition, he was the first European Union leader to have a same-sex marriage. In Luxembourg, LGBTQ+ people enjoy the same rights as non-LGBTQ couples.

4. Belgium

Belgium was the second European country to legalize gay marriage and the second to decriminalize same-gender relationships back in 1975. Also, they were the first European country to pass transgender and anti-discrimination laws. Belgium occupied spot number 2 on the list of LGBTQ rights protection, therefore it can be said this is one of the safest European countries for LGBTQ+ people.

Bonus Tip: If you are going to Belgium and looking for safe hostels for LGBTQ+ people as well, check Latroupe Grand Place Hostel in Brussels andBahaus Hostel in Bruges!

5. Norway

We can say that Norway is one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world, not only because of the ranking list but also because it allows military enrollment for a member of this community. It was the first country that created legislation that would protect LGBTQ+ individuals. Apart from this, today the Pride Parade in Oslo, the capital, is one of the most significant Pride events in the world.

Important: Without a doubt, it’s absolutely important to realize that a country’s laws and the attitudes of the people who live there don’t always match up. In some countries, being LGBTQ+ may be criminalized even though the people are incredibly accepting, although, in others, the opposite could be true.

 

LGBTQ-Friendly Cities for Best Gay Vacation Destinations in Southern Europe

1. Rome, Italy

Despite the dominant catholic scenario, the city’s gay scene is one of the most underrated in Europe. In summer, there’s a section of a city park that is transformed into the Gay Village, a massive party with two open-air dance floors, bars, live music, and even food trucks. Also, has a great nightlife with plenty of queer-friendly bars and clubs. As a result, there are also lots of cultural events and activities taking place throughout the year, catering to LGBTQ+ people. Thinking about traveling to Rome? Check these great tips!

Bonus Tip: If you are going to Copenhagen and looking for safe hostels for LGBTQ+ people as well, Ostello Bello Rome, as a famous hostel is the one! Check it Hier.

2. Barcelona, Spain

Big annual events include Barcelona Gay Pride in June, Circuit Festival in August, and the International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival held in the fall. With its warm climate, Spanish tapas, and a well-established friendly community, Barcelona is a must-visit for queer people looking for the best gay vacation destinations in Europe. Plus, there’s a lot to do in Barcelona, Hier are some ideas.

Bonus Tip: If you are going to Barcelona and looking for safe hostels for LGBTQ+ people as well, Kabul Hostel, as a famous hostel is the one! Check it out Hier.

3. Porto, Portugal

LGBTQ+ acceptance in Porto is pretty high, you can indeed easily find plenty of gay couples wandering the streets of Porto, posing for photos next to colorful doorways. Queer travelers can feel entirely at ease in this liberal society and are unlikely to have any problems whether you visit for a night or live full-time. Undoubtedly, Porto is quickly becoming one of the most popular under-the-radar gay tourist destinations in Europe. Need any ideas for places to visit in Porto? We got you!

Bonus Tip: If you are going to Stockholm and looking for safe hostels for LGBTQ+ people as well, Katzen-Hostel, as a famous hostel is the one! Check it out Hier.

3. Valetta, Malta

There are LGBTQ+ venues scattered across this small island. Most of Malta’s gay bars and clubs are located in its capital. Being the most gay-friendly country in the world is definitely on the list of the best gay vacation destinations for a vacation in Europe.

 

LGBTQ-Friendly Cities for Best Gay Vacation Destinations in Eastern Europe

The truth is: that LGBTQ+ life is still very much in the dark ages in these countries where most people are extremely religious and socially conservative. Clearly, these are not the safest places for LGBTQ+ travelers. Subsequently, it is difficult to find them as part of the Best Gay Vacation Destinations in Europe. Although, there’s a specific destination we would like to highlight: Prague, Czech Republic.

 

Prag, Tschechische Republik

The capital city of Prague is internationally famous and notable for its vibrant LGBT nightlife, community, and openness. Prague and the Czech Republic are relatively tolerant and queer travelers are not likely to encounter any problems. Moreover, check this for Gay Guide information.

 

Bonus Tip: If you are going to Stockholm and looking for safe hostels for LGBTQ+ people as well, Czech Inn, as a famous hostel is the one! Check it Hier.

LGBTQ-Friendly Cities for Best Gay Vacation Destinations in Europe, Scandinavia

1. Copenhagen’s Denmark

Copenhagen’s night scene is as open-minded as everything else in the city. Cool fact: The oldest gay bar in the world is located in this city. This is one of the world’s most enjoyable cities filled with animated cycleways, world-class public transport, inviting public spaces which function as living rooms, and a full roster of events. It’s pretty easy to see why everyone – including queer people. Then, is flocking to this colorful and cool Scandinavian capital!

Bonus Tip: If you are going to Copenhagen and looking for safe hostels for LGBTQ+ people as well, Copenhagen Downtown Hostel, as a famous hostel is the one! Check it Hier.

 

2. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm has been a longtime favorite of queer travelers around the world, we couldn’t include it in our Best Gay Vacation Destinations in Europe. Aside from its great mixture of culture, shopping, and natural beauty, Stockholm is the perfect LGBTQ+ destination. In addition, Stockholm is especially welcoming to non-binary and trans folks as evidenced in both favorable favorable legislation and the prevalence of gender-neutral bathroom facilities and clothing stores.

Bonus Tip: If you are going to Stockholm and looking for safe hostels for LGBTQ+ people as well, City Backpackers, as a famous hostel is the one! Check it Hier.

 

3. Oslo, Norway

Norway is a very gay-friendly country. The Norwegians are probably too busy being rich and happy to discriminate. Oslo is a very safe, tolerant, and progressive city. Gay travelers in Norway don’t need to take any extra precautions concerning public displays of affection. Despite this, the best location in Oslo for gay travelers is in the compact city center which is close to all the top tourist attractions of the Oslo gay scene.

 

Looking for the best destinations to be very proudly loud? However, we thought of you and put together the Top 7 Pride Parades in Europe.

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If you need more information to help you plan your vacation, click Hier for a range of helpful tips, city guides, food guides, and more. For all the latest news at Famous Hostels, follow us or subscribe on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.