LGBTQIA+ Destinations

June is pride month in the US, but you can celebrate your pride year round while travelling. Other countries celebrate pride at different points in the year with elaborate parades and social events, which normally have changing dates, so today we’re looking at staple destinations in Europe for LGBTQIA+ travellers to enjoy, winter or summer, spring or fall!

Dublin has a diverse community and is a popular tourist city for international travellers, so it’s a safe bet for LGBTQIA+ itinerary fillers. Maybe visit the National Gallery of Ireland and take a self-guided tour of the gallery centered around queer artists and their beautiful works. Take an Oscar Wilde tour and visit his former home and other notable childhood haunts of the famous poet. If you’re looking for a drink to round out the evening, visit The George, a gay bar which is also home to Dublin’s longest running drag show.

Milan is a popular destination for jet-setters and influencers, combining past and future in a beautiful aesthetic scene, and that makes it a perfect place for a queer community to thrive. Visit the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping centre and pick up some haute couture, and admire the fashion of the future and the work of various designers. Grab a bite to eat at Patchouli, a gay-owned brunch spot that also does Tapas, with a delectable sustainable menu that also has vegan options.  After a day of sightseeing, own the night at Leccomilano, one of the hottest gay bars in town.

Glasgow is a city proud of its diversity and queer constituents. There are several gay-owned businesses and local events to discover and something to suit everyone’s tastes. Art lovers can check out the Burrell Collection, and take the LGBTQIA+ tour to learn about queer artists and the works featured in the collection. Maybe pick up some informative books (or fun fictions) at Category Is Books, an LGBTQIA+ book shop and popular stop. For those exploring their theatrical side or who have a love of music, don’t forget to visit The Riding Room, a historically inspired Cabaret and bar, featuring burlesque, magic acts and more.

Madrid is home to a magnificent pride parade and various pride events throughout the year such as film festivals, and it is home to a thriving LGBTQIA+ community. Visit the Chueca Neighborhood, a queer-friendly neighborhood full of small business such as unique shops, restaurants and night clubs. If you’re looking for a great photo-op, stop by the Chueca Metro station, and snap a selfie in front of the rainbow wall. Sample Spanish cuisine on a LGBTQIA+ Tapas Tour, or party the night away at Fluide Scape, a lesbian bar.

With the right crowd, it’s easy to be loud and proud wherever you are in the world. We hope this list of destinations gives you some travel ideas, and encourages you to connect with other cultures and communities abroad.