The best gay travel destinations in Europe
Europe is a continent with a rich history and culture, and it is also a continent that is increasingly welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers. There are many great gay travel destinations in Europe, each with its own unique attractions and atmosphere.
Here are five of the best gay travel destinations in Europe:
Malta
Malta is a sun-soaked Mediterranean gem that has emerged as a top gay-friendly travel destination. This enchanting archipelago boasts a rich history, stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. Malta's progressive attitude and welcoming atmosphere make it the perfect destination for gay travellers seeking a blend of relaxation, culture, and adventure. From the ancient city of Valletta to the lively coastal town of Sliema, Malta offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to every taste.
Where to stay:
This luxury 5-star hotel offers modern and stylish rooms, a rooftop infinity pool, and a spa. Located in the heart of Sliema, it is close to many gay-friendly bars and clubs. The hotel also boasts stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the historic city of Valletta.
The Vincent Boutique Suites, Valletta
Situated in the capital city of Valletta, The Vincent Boutique Suites offers contemporary design and a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel features individually designed suites with kitchenettes, making it an ideal choice for a longer stay. Valletta's vibrant gay scene is just a short walk away.
Located on the picturesque Sliema promenade, The Waterfront Hotel offers stunning sea views and easy access to nearby gay-friendly venues. The hotel features modern rooms, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a drink while taking in the breathtaking views.
66 Saint Paul's & Spa, Valletta
This boutique hotel is set in a beautifully restored 17th-century building in the heart of Valletta. The hotel offers elegant rooms, a spa, and a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city. Its central location makes it a perfect base for exploring Valletta's gay scene.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, has long been recognized as a pioneer in LGBTQ+ rights and a leading gay-friendly travel destination. With its iconic canals, rich history, world-class museums, and a liberal, open-minded attitude, Amsterdam offers a unique and welcoming experience for gay travellers. The city's vibrant LGBTQ+ scene is centered around the famous Reguliersdwarsstraat and Zeedijk areas, with numerous gay bars, clubs, and events that cater to all preferences.
Here are some of the top gay-friendly hotels in Amsterdam to make your stay even more enjoyable:
W Amsterdam Located in the heart of the city, W Amsterdam offers chic, contemporary accommodation with easy access to Amsterdam's LGBTQ+ hotspots. Guests can enjoy the hotel's luxurious facilities, including the rooftop pool and bar, spa, and multiple dining options.
The Hoxton, Amsterdam This trendy boutique hotel in Amsterdam's Canal Belt offers stylish rooms and a lively atmosphere. The Hoxton's central location puts you within walking distance of many gay bars and clubs, as well as the city's top attractions.
Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre A modern and comfortable option, Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre is located in the bustling city center. The hotel offers a range of rooms and suites, a spa, and a fitness center. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city's gay scene and cultural highlights.
Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam This luxurious five-star hotel is nestled among 25 historic canal houses in the heart of Amsterdam. Hotel Pulitzer offers elegantly designed rooms, a beautiful private garden, and a fine dining restaurant. Its prime location is perfect for gay travellers seeking both style and convenience.
The Albus A design-focused boutique hotel in the city center, The Albus offers contemporary rooms, an on-site restaurant, and personalized service. Its central location provides easy access to Amsterdam's lively LGBTQ+ scene, as well as popular tourist attractions.
Choose one of these fabulous gay-friendly hotels in Amsterdam and immerse yourself in the city's unique charm and vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
Berlin
Berlin, the capital of Germany, has long been a haven for LGBTQ+ culture and is renowned as one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. The city's dynamic history, thriving art scene, and vibrant nightlife create a welcoming atmosphere for gay travellers. Berlin's diverse LGBTQ+ scene is concentrated in the neighborhoods of Schöneberg, Kreuzberg, and Neukölln, offering a plethora of gay bars, clubs, and events to cater to all tastes.
Here are some of the top gay-friendly hotels in Berlin to make your stay even more enjoyable:
Axel Hotel Berlin Located in the heart of Schöneberg, Axel Hotel Berlin is an LGBTQ+ focused hotel that offers stylish accommodation, a spa, and a rooftop terrace. The hotel's location makes it a perfect base for exploring Berlin's bustling gay scene.
Tom's Hotel Tom's Hotel is a popular gay hotel situated in Schöneberg's lively gay district. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere, with numerous gay bars, clubs, and shops just steps away.
Hotel Art Nouveau This charming boutique hotel in Charlottenburg offers individually decorated rooms and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Hotel Art Nouveau's central location provides easy access to Berlin's LGBTQ+ scene and cultural highlights.
Hotel Zoo Berlin Located on the iconic Kurfürstendamm shopping boulevard, Hotel Zoo Berlin is a luxurious and stylish option for gay travellers. The hotel features elegant rooms, a rooftop bar, and an on-site restaurant. Its prime location is perfect for exploring the city's gay scene and top attractions.
25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin This trendy hotel in the City West district offers a unique blend of urban jungle design and modern amenities. 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin features stylish rooms, a rooftop bar, and a restaurant with panoramic views of the city. Its central location provides easy access to Berlin's LGBTQ+ hotspots.
London
London, the bustling capital of the United Kingdom, is a diverse and cosmopolitan city with a rich history and vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. From Soho's thriving gay village to Vauxhall's buzzing nightlife, London offers an array of bars, clubs, and events catering to the LGBTQ+ community. The city's welcoming atmosphere and diverse attractions make it a top gay-friendly travel destination.
Here are some of the top gay-friendly hotels in London to make your stay even more enjoyable:
The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell A stylish boutique hotel located in the trendy Clerkenwell area, The Zetter Townhouse offers individually decorated rooms with a quirky, vintage charm. Its central location provides easy access to London's LGBTQ+ scene and top cultural attractions.
The Savoy This iconic luxury hotel, located on the Strand, has a rich history and offers elegant accommodation with excellent service. The Savoy's central location makes it perfect for exploring London's gay scene, as well as the city's many attractions.
W London Leicester Square Situated in the heart of London's bustling entertainment district, W London Leicester Square is a chic and contemporary hotel with a lively atmosphere. The hotel features stylish rooms, a spa, and an on-site bar and restaurant, just steps away from Soho's vibrant gay scene.
The Hoxton, Shoreditch Located in the trendy Shoreditch neighbourhood, The Hoxton offers modern, industrial-chic rooms and a lively social scene. With its close proximity to East London's LGBTQ+ hotspots, it's a great base for exploring the city's gay scene and vibrant nightlife.
The Bloomsbury This elegant boutique hotel, located in the literary heart of London, offers stylish rooms and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The Bloomsbury's central location provides easy access to London's LGBTQ+ scene, as well as the city's top cultural highlights.
Paris
Paris, the enchanting City of Lights, is renowned for its romance, culture, and gastronomy. With a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, especially in the bustling Marais district, Paris offers a multitude of gay bars, clubs, and events for visitors to enjoy. The city's rich history, stunning architecture, and welcoming atmosphere make it a popular gay-friendly travel destination.
Hôtel Le Marais Situated in the heart of the Marais district, Hôtel Le Marais offers chic and modern accommodations in the epicenter of Paris's LGBTQ+ scene. The hotel's stylish rooms and convenient location make it a perfect choice for travelers looking to explore the city's attractions and vibrant nightlife.
Le Relais Saint-Germain This charming boutique hotel, located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area, offers elegant rooms and excellent service. Le Relais Saint-Germain's central location provides easy access to Paris's LGBTQ+ scene, as well as the city's most famous landmarks and museums.
Hôtel du Petit Moulin Located in the Marais, Hôtel du Petit Moulin is a quirky boutique hotel housed in a historic former bakery. The hotel's eclectic design and friendly atmosphere make it a unique and memorable stay for visitors seeking a gay-friendly accommodation in Paris.
Grand Pigalle Hotel This trendy boutique hotel in the vibrant Pigalle district offers chic and comfortable rooms, as well as an on-site bar and restaurant. The Grand Pigalle Hotel is ideally situated for exploring Paris's LGBTQ+ scene, with many popular gay bars and clubs nearby.
Hôtel Les Bains Hôtel Les Bains is a luxurious hotel with a rich history, located in the heart of Paris's trendy Le Marais district. The hotel features stylish rooms, a spa, and an on-site restaurant and club, making it an excellent choice for those looking to experience Paris's gay scene and cultural highlights.
Choose one of these fabulous gay-friendly hotels in Paris for an unforgettable stay, and immerse yourself in the city's rich history, diverse culture, and thriving LGBTQ+ community.
Here are some tips for planning a gay-friendly trip to Europe:
Do your research. Before you go, be sure to research the gay-friendly cities and towns in Europe. This will help you to plan your trip and make sure that you are staying in a place that is welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers.
Book your accommodations in advance. Many gay-friendly hotels and hostels in Europe fill up quickly, so it is important to book your accommodations in advance.
Get involved in the local community. When you arrive in a new city, be sure to get involved in the local gay community. This will help you to meet new people and make the most of your trip.
Be respectful of local culture. When you are traveling in a foreign country, it is important to be respectful of local culture. This includes dressing appropriately and avoiding public displays of affection.
Have fun! Europe is a beautiful continent with a lot to offer LGBTQ+ travelers. Be sure to relax and enjoy your trip.
