There are countless places around the world that are famous LGBTQIA+ hot spots, where vacationers can enjoy comfort, support and camaraderie. Also, outside of some extremely conservative regions, nearly all of the world's major cities have at least one (and often several) neighborhoods with visible, thriving gay scenes, including San Francisco, New York, Chicago, London, Paris and Rome.
Although all of these places are wonderful, a number of other destinations around the world are becoming increasingly popular with LGBTQIA+ vacationers — cities and regions that might not spring to mind as top queer ports of call.
These largely off-the-beaten-path cities and resort towns offer new and perhaps surprising opportunities for exploration and discovery. Here are a few of our top picks for the best underrated LGBTQIA+-friendly destinations to visit in 2024.
Merida, Mexico
Rich with Mayan and Spanish colonial history and famous for its gastronomy, Merida is an ideal base for exploring the northwestern Yucatan (which is far less touristy and commercial than Cancun and the northeastern side of the peninsula).
This beautiful city with a walkable, historic core is also extremely LGBTQIA+-friendly, with several gay bars and a number of other businesses owned or staffed by queer folks.
Many of the city's colorfully painted Spanish colonial buildings date to the 19th century or earlier and have been converted from grand residences into museums, hotels, cultural centers and restaurants. The city center features shady parks, festive cafes, boutiques and galleries, making this town feel at once sophisticated and relaxed (the sultry tropical climate doesn't hurt either).
Served by its own efficient airport, with direct flights from the U.S., Merida is about a three-hour drive from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. It's also within an easy drive of several carefully preserved Mayan archaeological ruins, including Chichen Itza and Uxmal (which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), as well as dozens of gorgeous cenotes (natural freshwater limestone grottos where people can swim and snorkel).
Where to stay
Part of the Marriott-affiliated Design Hotels portfolio, the 17-room Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel and Spa (rates start at $228 or 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) comprises a pair of palatial Spanish colonial mansions situated along the city's Parisian-inspired Paseo de Montejo. Accommodations offer an enticing blend of sumptuous historical details and modern tech-savvy features (Bose sound systems, fast Wi-Fi), and the romantic restaurant is one of the most acclaimed in the city. A gorgeously restored former residence built during Merida's late-19th-century heyday, Casa Lecanda (rates start at $235 per night) is a charming seven-room inn that's centrally located but hidden away from the busy street. Behind the neoclassical facade, you'll encounter a gracious courtyard with a pool, lush gardens and impeccable service. The high-ceilinged rooms have patios or balconies for enjoying the tropical breezes.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Sunny and scenic Salt Lake City is an island of inclusivity and progressive values in a region that otherwise tends to be conservative. This midsize metropolis nestled against the foothills of the magnificent Wasatch Mountains has a thriving LGBTQIA+ community and hosts a vibrant Pride celebration each year in early June. The city has a long tradition of liberal politics (the mayor from 2016 through 2020, Jackie Biskupski, is openly lesbian), and there's a wealth of inviting queer-owned businesses in Salt Lake City, from hopping nightspots like Milk+ and Club Try-Angles to colorful cafes and shops. Much of the increasingly cool retail-dining scene is concentrated around the Granary, 9th and 9th, and Sugar House neighborhoods.
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A hub of Delta Air Lines, the city is easy to reach and serves as a base for outdoor adventures at several iconic ski resorts (Brighton, Solitude, Alta, Snowbird, Deer Valley and Park City Mountain among them), all within an hour's drive of downtown. Each of these alpine wonderlands abounds with summer activities, too, from hiking to mountain biking, and picturesque Park City is famous for its Sundance Film Festival in January and the Utah Gay Ski Week in February, not to mention a bounty of chic boutiques and see-and-be-seen restaurants.
Where to stay
The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake (rates start at $249 or 24,000 IHG One Rewards points per night) has whimsically decorated guest rooms and common spaces, an outstanding restaurant (Bambara) and a terrific downtown location that's a short walk from the Gateway shopping center and leafy Pioneer Park, site of the famously bustling Downtown Farmers Market.
The funky Evo Hotel (rates start at $169 per night) opened in 2022 in a sleek, angular building with lots of amenities geared toward creative spirits and recreation enthusiasts: mountain bike and ski/snowboard rentals, two outdoor gear stores, a skate park and bouldering gym, well-chosen local art, a stylish rooftop bar and more. This pet-friendly property is in the trendy Granary District, which buzzes with craft breweries, cafes and unique shops.
Antwerp, Belgium
A colorful port city that's been a small but potent economic and creative force in Western Europe since the Middle Ages, Antwerp has a dynamic and highly visible LGBTQIA+ community.
It's also easy to get to, lying just 25 miles north of Brussels and less than three hours by train from Amsterdam, London and Paris. Distinctive buildings and houses, many dating back a few centuries, dominate the skyline (including the 400-foot spire of the ornate Cathedral of Our Lady, which was completed in 1521) of this fashion-forward cultural hub that has much more to offer than you might expect of a city of just over a half-million people.
Queer-owned businesses and nightspots are found throughout this eminently walkable metropolis, with many of them concentrated in and around the compact city center, which is also where you'll find cool attractions like the celebrated MoMu–Fashion Museum Antwerp and MAS–Museum aan de Stroom. Both occupy striking contemporary buildings. Iconic historic art spaces include Rubenshuis (which will reopen in August following a major renovation) and the UNESCO World Heritage-recognized Museum Plantin-Moretus.
In August, come to join the thousands of allies during the city's four-day Antwerp Pride, which is one of Europe's best-attended such events.
Where to stay
The refined, LGBTQIA+-popular Hotel Julien (rates start at $288 per night) is just a five-minute stroll from gracious Groenplaats and also close to a number of hopping gay bars and clubs. Rooms in this chic boutique hotel feature Carrara marble bathrooms with Aesop amenities, original timber beams and trim, and, in some cases, terraces; be sure to book a soothing treatment in the spa.
The cloistered, sublime confines of Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp (rates start at $453 per night) provide a peaceful and posh respite from city life, yet within an easy walk of Museum Mayer van den Bergh and MoMu–Fashion Museum Antwerp. Across the street from verdant Plantentuin botanic gardens, this alluring 108-room lodging — part of Leading Hotels of the World — has a fabulous spa and health club, a refined restaurant and peaceful rooms with elegantly understated designs.
Victoria, British Columbia
Vancouver and Whistler tend to get most of the attention as the top LGBTQIA+ destinations in British Columbia, but Victoria has a sizable gay population and has evolved considerably from its slightly staid reputation.
Lots of younger queer folks have moved here, the nightlife and dining scenes continue to expand, and it's easy to get here from both Vancouver and Seattle. You can also combine a trip to Victoria with two or three days on tranquil and utterly beautiful Salt Spring Island, which is a short ferry ride away, and boasts its own prominent LGBTQIA+ population.
Situated at the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island, picturesque Victoria has a population of around 92,000 and was established as the provincial capital in 1862. Today, it offers plenty of both artsy charm and exceptional natural beauty, with acclaimed museums, cool cafes and a growing number of hip craft breweries, sophisticated co*cktail lounges and stylish wine bars — virtually all of them popular with the LGBTQIA+ crowd — along with a few cozy gay bars.
The city is set around the Inner Harbour, where ferries from Washington state come and go and seaplanes take off for destinations beyond.
Set aside some time to visit the outstanding Royal BC Museum, have high tea at the refined Fairmont Empress Hotel and saunter through the gardens and lawns of Beacon Hill Park, perhaps catching the sunset or even some rays of sunshine earlier in the day at the park's Finlayson Point Beach. If you visit from spring through fall, don't miss the spectacular greenery of The Butchart Gardens, an easy half-hour drive or bus ride away.
Where to stay
An ardent supporter of the city's LGBTQIA+ community and a sponsor of July's Victoria Pride, the urbane Oswego Hotel (rates start at $300 per night) is less than two blocks from the gracious Inner Harbour, the ferry from Washington and the Royal BC Museum. The roomy accommodations all have kitchens and large separate sitting areas, and Bar 500 hosts live music and serves modern Canadian cuisine.
At the romantic 30-room Abigail's Hotel (rates start at $310 per night), a gracious 1930s Tudor-style boutique lodging close to both the Inner Harbour and leafy Beacon Hill Park, stays include an artfully plated three-course breakfast. Up the luxury factor by booking one of the top-of-the-line suites with jetted soaker tubs, fireplaces and wet bars.
Hvar, Croatia
An easy boat ride from Split or Dubrovnik, this breathtaking island off the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia is perfect for a relaxing waterfront vacation on the rippling Adriatic Sea. A longtime summer paradise among European visitors, Hvar has more recently begun attracting travelers from all over the globe, including North America, seeking fresh air and the chance to rejuvenate and float in the surprisingly buoyant waters.
Hvar Town is the island's main commercial center, a lively and easily walkable medieval village with an attractive seaside marina and narrow cobbled streets lined with bars, restaurants and shops. Nightlife is lively, with many outdoor clubs and bars along the breezy waterfront catering to a diverse crowd that includes LGBTQIA+ visitors.
A primary reason for visiting Hvar is the chance to cruise the nearby islands, which are mostly small and uninhabited yet are surrounded by some of the most stunning beaches, caves and grottos in the Mediterranean. The Green Cave and the more touristy Blue Cave are mysteriously sunlit by cracks through the rocks, casting an unearthly color to the water that's difficult to describe in words. If traveling with a group, consider cruising the islands via Sail Dalmatia, which offers chartered boats and yachts staffed by expert tour guides.
Where to stay
Perched on a hill overlooking the azure Adriatic Sea, the Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort (rates start at $288 per night) is a leisurely walk from town and is but a stone's throw from stunning Bonj Beach. It offers cascading pools, a beach club, a swim-up bar and easy access to the waterfront and boat docks. Supremely elegant and wonderfully historic, the Palace Elisabeth (rates start at $461 per night) feels fit for royalty, with its exquisitely appointed rooms — many with water views — and such cushy amenities as an indoor pool, full-service spa and open-air restaurant. It dates to the 19th century and overlooks the town square and port, steps away from the rich nightlife, restaurants and shops of Hvar Town.
Medellin, Colombia
The second-largest city in Colombia sits nearly a mile high in a lush, forested valley of the Andes and is home to one of Latin America's most dynamic LGBTQIA+ communities. You'll find that queer folks here are generally quite out and open. Also, the gay-popular nightlife district, Zona Rosa, is within a fashionable and trendy neighborhood, El Poblado, known for its vibrant cafes and restaurants, upscale shopping centers and abundance of desirable hotels. One must-see attraction is the excellent Museum of Antioquia, with its exceptional collection of works by the country's most acclaimed artist, Fernando Botero.
Now one of Latin America's leading cities in art, industry and innovation, Medellín has undergone a remarkable turnaround since the 1980s and '90s, when the city was plagued by violence and instability during the city's notorious drug wars. Those days are long gone, and Medellin today is quite safe, especially in the areas of the city where most of the attractions are. You can even book a guided Pablo Escobar Tour, which offers a fascinating deep dive into this infamous period in the nation's history.
Visitors who come here for the city's huge Pride weekend in late June and early July will find a wealth of festivities as the streets fill with beautiful people, colorful costumes and great music.
Where to stay
Located in one of the city's most fashionable neighborhoods, El Poblado (which is also handy for gay clubbing), the upscale InterContinental Medellin (rates start at $165 or 30,000 IHG One Rewards points per night) offers luxury accommodations with sweeping views of the city from higher floors.
Ideally located near the queer nightlife of the Zona Rosa, the Medellin Marriott Hotel (rates start at $375 or 22,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) stands out for its excellent amenities, which include a rooftop pool and fitness center with great views and one of the city's best Japanese restaurants.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Formerly one of America's leading industrial powerhouses, this upbeat metropolis on the fringes of the Appalachian Mountains has reinvented itself as a hub of art, culture, education and tech following the same economic downtown that affected countless Rust Belt cities following World War II.
The setting of the U.S. version of the early 2000s hit TV show "Queer as Folk," Pittsburgh also has a long and storied history as a center of LGBTQIA+ culture. Close to downtown, the North Side is home to the outstanding Andy Warhol Museum, which celebrates the life of the pop art icon and Pittsburgh native son. Set within an eight-story 1910s warehouse, the museum presents compelling exhibits. Nearby arts spaces with strong appeal in the queer community include the Mattress Factory contemporary art museum and Randyland, a campy outdoor homage to found-object art.
As you branch out to the east, you'll pass through other neighborhoods with a pronounced LGBTQIA+ presence and some truly world-class attractions. Centered on the campuses of the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, Oakland boasts the superb Carnegie Museum of Art and the adjacent Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and farther north and east in Shadyside, East Liberty and Lawrenceville, you'll find queer-popular cafes, bars and boutiques.
Before you leave town, be sure to ride the bright-red Duquesne Incline funicular to the top of Mount Washington, where you'll be treated to a stunning panoramic view of downtown's architecturally impressive skyline and the confluence of the Ohio, Allegheny and Monongahela rivers.
Where to stay
Among several upscale downtown lodgings set in beautifully restored historic towers, the lavishly appointed Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh (rates start at $209 or 31,000 IHG One Rewards per night) is within walking distance of a few downtown gay bars and an easy stroll across the bridges over the Allegheny River to museums and ballparks on the North Side.
In the ever-trendy Lawrenceville neighborhood and relatively close to other LGBTQIA+-popular areas like Bloomfield and Shadyside, Tryp by Wyndham Pittsburgh/Lawrence (rates start at $170 or 30,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night) is a stylish, midpriced boutique hotel set in a century-old converted school and offering 108 contemporary rooms and an alfresco rooftop bar and restaurant that serves creative co*cktails and tapas.
Osaka, Japan
Home to the second-largest LGBTQIA+ scene in Japan, Osaka is more relaxed and liberal than many other Japanese destinations, arguably even Tokyo. In fall 2024, the city will host the global annual convention of the IGLTA, the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.
Osaka is a city of contradictions, as it is both a corporate banking hub and a center of arts and creativity. Street food stalls thrive amid the city's blossoming cherry trees, and towering skyscrapers soar above a network of tiny sake rooms. The city is deservedly known for its first-rate culinary scene and fine sake, which is made locally, shipped around the world and revered by many.
Osaka possesses a wealth of gay bars, clubs and saunas. As tends to be the case throughout Japan, gay bars here are typically smaller and more niche-oriented, and of the three LGBTQIA+-identified areas in Osaka, Doyamacho is especially popular with visitors. Keep in mind that, per local regulations, some clubs will admit foreigners only as guests of Japanese citizens, and some do not allow women.
In addition to a buzzy nightlife scene, there is plenty to see in this pulsing metropolis with a greater population of nearly 20 million, such as Osaka Castle, eighth-century Nara Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Universal Studios.
Where to stay
If splurging is on the itinerary, the InterContinental Osaka (rates start at $443 or 62,000 IHG One Rewards points per night) is a beautiful urban oasis that's well worth the rather steep rates. The hotel offers restaurants, a superb spa, a well-designed fitness center and close proximity to some of Osaka's most famous landmarks. It's just a 10-minute cab ride from Doyamacho's LGBTQIA+ scene.
Towering 34 floors above the city, the sleek and modern Hilton Osaka (rates start at $186 or 48,000 Hilton Honors points per night) is connected to Osaka Train Station, an upscale mall and the subway that connects guests to all parts of the city.
Dublin, Ireland
The eternally green and gorgeous country of Ireland has garnered a growing gay following in recent years. The capital city of Dublin is remarkably welcoming and has a highly visible gay community. The entire country, meanwhile, which decriminalized hom*osexuality in 1993 and passed marriage equality in 2015, has steadily become one of Europe's most LGBTQIA+-friendly countries to visit. In fact, Leo Varadkar, who served as the country's taoiseach (prime minister) until 2024, is openly gay.
Located where the River Liffey empties into the Irish Sea, progressive and easygoing Dublin enjoys a picturesque setting. The city offers plenty of ways for LGBTQIA+ visitors to enjoy themselves, from hobnobbing in the friendly gay cafes and pubs of the Temple Bar district to catching a play at one of the many acclaimed theaters. You can walk by the Oscar Wilde statue in handsome Merrion Square Park and tour the restored childhood home of this queer literary legend.
Ireland's literary, cultural, political and LGBTQIA+ capital, Dublin hosts Gaze in late September and early October. This outstanding queer film showcase presented by the Irish Film Institute is one of Europe's most prestigious. Formed in 1992, it's the largest LGBTQIA+ event in Ireland after the extremely popular Dublin Pride celebration, which is held in late June.
Where to stay
Situated midway between two of Dublin's loveliest green spaces, St. Stephen's Green and Merrion Square Park, the refined, Georgian-style Merrion Hotel (rates start at $674 per night) dates to the 1760s and has hosted countless dignitaries. Afternoon tea in the regal Drawing Rooms is a longstanding Irish tradition, and Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud is the recipient of two Michelin stars. The gorgeous campus of Trinity College is just around the corner.
A tony 101-room boutique hotel that's long had an LGBTQIA+ following, the hip and cozy Temple Bar Inn (rates start at $230 per night) lies in the heart of Dublin's lively riverfront nightlife quarter, close to several gay establishments and the oft-photographed Ha'penny Bridge. Rooms are compact but smartly decorated, and the inviting public spaces include an endearingly quirky bar and restaurant.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
With Thailand in the process of formally legalizing same-sex marriage in 2024, this resplendent country of emerald mountains and golden beaches is poised to further its already impressive reputation as one of Asia's LGBTQIA+ magnets. Thailand's queer scene tends to be mostly focused on its thriving capital, Bangkok, as well as in the beach resorts of phu*ket and Pattaya. But do yourself a favor and set aside at least three days to make a trip to the largest metropolis in Thailand's mountainous north, Chiang Mai.
Established in the 13th century and famous for its elaborately designed temples, well-managed elephant sanctuaries (where visitors can come for a face-to-trunk look at these gentle giants), distinctive and flavorful cuisine, and generally cooler and more refreshing weather than in the south, Chiang Mai has a surprisingly sizable, if low-key, gay nightlife scene and just as welcoming a vibe as Bangkok. Many of the gay bars are in the city center, close to the colorful Night Bazaar district.
The city's Chiang Mai Pride takes place in late May and continues to grow in popularity, but you also might consider timing your visit to attend one of the region's other many iconic festivals, including the Yi Peng (when hundreds of glowing lanterns are released into the sky) in November, and the Songkran water festival in mid-April.
Where to stay
Lushly landscaped grounds and exceptional service are among the notable attributes of 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai (rates start at $466 per night), an exclusive, colonial-style retreat with 30 spacious, individually appointed suites, a sophisticated restaurant and a peaceful setting in a mostly residential neighborhood across the Mae Ping River from the city center.
More centrally located and offering a full slate of urban resort amenities, the Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel (rates start at $132 or 25,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) rises floors above the adjacent and extremely popular Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. It's also close to the city's hub of gay nightlife. Guests can dine in the hotel's first-rate Chinese and Italian restaurants, book a couples massage in Quan Spa, and soak up views of the Doi Suthep Mountains from the infinity-edge pool.
Queenstown, New Zealand
One of the world's greatest destinations for adrenaline-fueled adventures, ranging from snowboarding to tandem skydiving to bungee jumping, this small but fast-growing city with a scenic setting on sinuous Lake Wakatipu has also blossomed into a bona fide LGBTQIA+ vacation hub. Set near the southern end of New Zealand's spectacular South Island, Queenstown hosts a phenomenally popular Winter Pride celebration over 11 days at the end of August, featuring days of skiing and snowboarding on the gorgeous slopes surrounding the area, along with hikes in the foothills and a host of parties.
Over the past couple of decades, dozens of decidedly posh boutique resorts have opened both in town and out in the countryside, which is framed by jagged mountain peaks and acres of vineyards that supply grapes to more than 75 wineries. The area's Central Otago is considered the world's southernmost major wine region. You can sample those wines, and some incredible food, at the many upscale farm-to-table and international restaurants in the area. And while Queenstown doesn't have any gay bars per se, virtually all of the many pubs and clubs near the downtown lakefront are quite welcoming.
However long you plan to visit this bewitching city, be sure to tack on at least a day or two to explore New Zealand's iconic Fiordland National Park, which is within day-tripping distance. Options for visiting from Queenstown range from quick helicopter hops to all-day drives or bus tours, with the highlight being a day cruise around the magnificent Milford Sound fjord.
Where to stay
A sponsor of Queenstown's Winter Pride, and a romantic top-of-the-line accommodation any time of year, the Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu (rates start at $179 per night) sits on a bluff near Queenstown Cove and the multiuse Queenstown Trail. It's worth splurging on one of the deluxe rooms with a fireplace, balcony and view of the lake.
Close to town, the Rees Hotel (rates start at $353 per night) stands out for its attractive suites with dazzling views of the lake. Perks include in-room spa services, a sophisticated wine bar and a blissful private beach.
Taipei, Taiwan
Home to the biggest and most colorful Pride celebration in Asia (it typically draws well over 200,000 participants and spectators), Taiwan's largest city is arguably Asia's most welcoming for LGBTQIA+ visitors. Its government legalized same-sex marriage in 2019, and a massive, multifloor queer nightlife complex, Ximen Red House, practically bursts with bars, clubs, clothiers, gift shops and restaurants.
This modern, bustling metropolis with about 2.6 million residents is one of Asia's most celebrated culinary destinations, with hundreds of both swanky and modest restaurants serving Taiwanese, Chinese and other fare from across the continent — the city's exuberant night markets provide a great way to sample myriad delicious dishes.
Taipei is also known for its fashionable shopping, with one of the city's top malls located at the base of the iconic Taipei 101 tower (don't miss the panoramic view from the 101st-floor observation deck). Other notable draws include the National Palace Museum, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park and the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall.
Taiwan Pride is always held in autumn, which is an appealing time to visit, as the weather tends to be mild and dry. It's also the same season as the indie-spirited Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival, which always screens some queer-focused movies.
Where to stay
The chic and contemporary W Taipei (rates start at $303 or 41,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) is a favorite spot for LGBTQIA+ parties during Taiwan Pride and a fantastic place to stay any time of year. Rooms have soaring windows, some of them facing the iconic Taipei 101 tower, and amenities include a beautiful rooftop pool and sundeck, the see-and-be-seen Woobar and Yen Bar, and the 31st-floor Yen Chinese Restaurant.
Less than two blocks from the Red House LGBTQIA+ entertainment complex and also close to the lively shopping and dining of Ximen, the comfortably appointed Westgate Hotel (rates start at $110 per night) has 121 warmly decorated rooms. Opt for one on an upper floor for a great view of the city.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
