Europe's Best Countries For LGBTQ+ Travelers

Queer travel is about more than just finding gay bars or attending Pride festivals (although these are often major markers of LGBTQ+ acceptance in any country). It's about being able to show up as yourself, fully and freely, wherever you are in the world. In all this, safety becomes more than just a travel checkbox. It is essential to the travel experience and can be the definitive factor in how much a traveler is truly able to enjoy a place. 

To curate this list of European countries LGBTQ+ travelers can safely explore with ease, we spoke to Darren Burn, Founder and CEO of Out of Office and TravelGay, who has spent years helping queer travelers navigate the world. Based on both personal experience and expert industry knowledge, Darren gave us recommendations grounded in what truly matters to queer travelers today — be it visibility, a sense of belonging, or simply the joy of adventuring. 

"On a basic level, these destinations all have relatively large LGBTQ+ populations," Burn says, pointing out the common values these European destinations have that make them top picks for queer-friendly travel. "They all share progressive laws such as anti-discrimination policies and other LGBTQ+ protections which is always reassuring to see as a queer traveler." It's not a coincidence that countries like Malta, France, and Sweden, which host some of Europe's biggest Pride events, also frequently appear in global LGBTQ+ safety indexes. So, here are some of Europe's best countries for LGBTQ+ travelers that you can explore with pride.

For its festive blend of colors, cultures, and celebrations, Spain makes many bucket lists of passionate travelers at large. This is particularly true for people from the LGBTQ+ community, who can always expect to find freedom and friendship here. As Burn puts it: "Spain in my mind is the ultimate LGBTQ+ country in Europe." When it comes to human rights, Spain has been progressive for decades; same-sex marriage was legalized here in 2005, when the rest of the world was just waking up to this approach to equality. But inclusivity here goes beyond the law. 

From lively gay clubs in Madrid to gay beaches in Barcelona and Sitges, public spaces in Spain feel unapologetically open to everyone without discriminating based on how they express themselves. And considering that it's no secret that Spain knows how to party, the Pride events calendar is always epic here. All through May to July, travel hotspots like Gran Canaria, Madrid, and Barcelona host grand festivals that pull people from across the world, accounting for Spain's status as one of the most welcoming summer destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers. 

Given that Sweden consistently ranks among the happiest and most tourist-friendly countries in the world, its appearance on this list is hardly surprising. Anti-discrimination protections, progressive laws, and overall acceptance are values that have been woven into Sweden's social and cultural ethos for years, making it a fun destination for queer travelers to visit, and a safe one at that. In 2023, Sweden came second in a global ranking of Asher & Lyric's LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index (behind only Canada), reaffirming its reputation as a country that takes inclusivity seriously.

While Sweden is known across Europe for its epic Pride festivities that color the streets all the way from Stockholm to Gothenburg and Malmö, one doesn't have to wait for an occasion to visit and enjoy the many delights it has to offer. As Burn says, "In summer you have the captivating Midsummer celebrations, or if you are visiting in winter, you'll be treated to the wonders of the Northern Lights and a wonderland that could have been plucked from a Christmas movie." 

Home to the world's happiest city, Denmark doesn't have to try hard to deliver good vibes. A consistent topper on global rankings for quality of life, safety, and sustainability, this European country has aced the art of balance across all aspects of living. Add to that world-class healthcare, education, infrastructure, and comprehensive LGBTQ+ rights, and it's easy to see why Denmark feels so welcoming, all the way from Aarhus to Odense. And one can never go wrong with Copenhagen, a perfect destination for solo travelers (especially women).  

The general Danish friendliness toward queer people can be understood as part of the country's culture of hygge that prioritizes a sense of wholesome contentment. From legal protections to open-minded attitudes, social inclusion here is more or less a way of life and doesn't feel like a reductive buzzword. So, queer travelers will fit right into society here. "I'd recommend Denmark to anyone, regardless of who they love," Burn says. "It's got rich history, beautiful landscapes and they're world leaders for their focus on sustainable living, so a trip there would be amazing on several fronts." 

The Netherlands made history in 2001 when it became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Fast forward to 2025, and the country still remains steady in its commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, frequently earning a high rank for its supportive stance on diverse groups. "This had to make the list as Amsterdam is one of the most progressive and liberal places an LGBTQ+ traveler could visit," Burn emphasizes. It's a place he has been returning to since he first visited, and it is always a top travel recommendation from his end. 

Amsterdam's enduring status as one of Europe's gay capitals has strong backing. From the rainbow-decked Reguliersdwarsstraat area to the charming Jordaan district, where queer-friendly cafes, shops, and bars dot the canals, the city is home to many neighborhoods where queerness is celebrated with and without occasion. The annual Canal Pride held in August is one of the main events, turning the city's streets and waterways into one big open-air party. Art hubs like Rotterdam and Utrecht also pulse with youthful energy that will surely elevate your travels. 

With its dreamy cliffside towns, sun-kissed beaches, and hidden coastal cities, Portugal is an evergreen travel destination that keeps tourists returning year after year. It's a place where warm hospitality meets a zest for life that renders it one of the safest, most fun places for queer travelers to visit. Whether you're sipping port wine in Porto, hopping onto a tram in Lisbon, or catching waves in Ericeira, an unwavering acceptance of people from all walks of life is evident in all aspects of living in Portugal. Burn confirms, "Portugal really is a haven for queer travelers. Lisbon Pride is hugely popular annually but you'll find it to be a very receptive country regardless of when you visit." 

Portugal's openness to LGBTQ+ communities is touched by the easygoing spirit it is generally known for. The capital city of Lisbon is famously queer-friendly, with happening neighborhoods like Principe Real and Bairro Alto promising travelers an unbeatable experience. For travelers craving something off the beaten path, Portugal also offers plenty of lesser-crowded gems, all the way from quiet stretches of its azure coastline to charming villages tucked away in the mountains. Add to all this amazing food, pleasant weather, and affordable prices, and you have yourself a near-perfect travel destination. 

Not only is Malta a near-perfect Mediterranean island with pristine beaches and gorgeous weather, but it also stands out as one of the most enjoyable destinations in Europe for LGBTQ+ travelers. Lying leisurely between Sicily and North Africa, Malta is one of Europe's smallest countries, but it champions a spirit of rainbow inclusivity that outpaces nations 10 times its size. "Malta is an absolute trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights," Burn says, highlighting its top spot on ILGA's Rainbow Map, "which measures how the rights of the LGBTQ+ community stack up against our heterosexual counterparts." And impressively, Malta hasn't budged from the top spot in 10 years.

Malta's progressive policies only add an extra layer of joy to everything Malta has to offer travelers, from sun-kissed coastlines to fresh seafood in stunning, scenic spots and an unbeatably vibrant nightlife. Beyond the party and pride, Malta is a dream destination for history buffs with its rich archive of ancient ruins, Neolithic temples, and UNESCO World Heritage sites like Valletta. Islands like Comino and Gozo, meanwhile, are perfect for endless days of sunny lazing on the beach without any inhibitions. All these places also double as queer havens, so a warm sense of community is almost guaranteed! 

France has long been one of Europe's most forward-thinking LGBTQ+ destinations. Maybe it's the revolutionary spirit that hangs in the air here or the fashionable, forward-thinking that the country is synonymous with, but queerness in France doesn't feel like a subculture. It pulses as part of everyday life. Paris is the crown jewel, of course, and in Burn's words, it is "one of the most romantic and queer-friendly destinations on earth." Le Marais is the well-known gay hub of the city, where art galleries, cafes, drag parties, and legendary nightclubs turn the iconic neighborhood rainbow. 

Tourist favorite destinations like Toulouse and Lyon are equally welcoming, while travelers can also time their travels with Nice's vibrant Pink Parade down south in July. As Burn rightly points out, "France also has brilliant diversity in terms of the types of holiday on offer." From countryside vineyards to beaches along the Côte d'Azur and ski adventures in the French Alps, there's a version of France for every kind of traveler. Before you start planning, it is always a good idea to pick up some essential French phrases to help navigate the country with ease. 

History, romance, and open-mindedness unite beautifully in Greece, making it a standout holiday destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Love, in all its forms, has been celebrated in this Mediterranean paradise for centuries, evident in its traditions of same-sex mythologies to ancient spots of rebellious desire like Lesbos (which is the root of the term lesbian). That legacy of tolerance lives on today in Greek culture, making for a relaxed social vibe and cultural pride not found in many other European countries. 

Burn describes Greece as "an incredible destination for queer travelers, especially for any honeymooners." Greece's romantic, picture-perfect landscapes are already world-famous, but for tourists who are looking to do more than just soak in the view, places like Mykonos — one of the world's most gay-friendly islands — play host to some epic queer parties that can't be missed. The island is also home to gay beaches like Super Paradise and Elia, where the spirit of community can take lazy beach days up a notch. And if you're keen to join a loud and proud celebration of queerness, time your Greek holiday between May and June when the Athens Pride colors the capital city rainbow. 

Any list of queer-friendly destinations in Europe is incomplete without a mention of the United Kingdom, and Burn concurs. Not simply because this is his home country, but also for the forward-thinking approach that is woven into everyday life here. "Our cities are incredibly diverse and have very large LGBTQ+ communities, and there's also plenty of culture and history to sink your teeth into wherever you go," Burn says. London is, of course, the first stop in the U.K.'s rainbow travel map. Soho is the heart of queer nightlife here, with iconic bars like G-A-Y, Ku-Bar, and the Yard offering vibrant spaces of expression to everyone who visits, regardless of who they love or identify as. 

Outside the capital, cities like Brighton and Hove (a spectacularly beautiful city that is often dubbed the United Kingdom's gay capital) and Manchester (home to the famous gay hotspot Canal Street) have an equally thriving gay culture. And for travelers keen on exploring the Scottish side of things, Glasgow and Edinburgh are great bets. Holding it all together is the UK's long-standing commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, which is arguably the biggest drawcard and is visible in how the country's overall policy, education, and multicultural public life are shaped, making it a colorful global playground for people from all over the world. Unfortunately, entering the United Kingdom recently got more complicated for EU citizens, but it is worth the struggle and stress.

"You would be hard pressed to find a country with more natural beauty and it's incredibly welcoming to people from all walks of life," Burn says of Iceland, and he's right. This Nordic gem makes up in vibes what it lacks in size. The result is a super scenic country full of friendly people who are more than happy to welcome travelers from all walks of life. Iceland's iconic landscapes offer outdoorsy travelers much to do. Think glaciers, geysers, dramatic black sand beaches, and waterfalls that look straight out of a fantasy film or an HBO set (parts of "Game of Thrones" were famously filmed here).

Iceland's progressive LGBTQ+ laws and abundance of queer-friendly places like Reykjavík make it a leading choice for LGBTQ+ travelers. But what makes this destination special is that one doesn't need to join a parade to feel seen here. An Icelandic holiday has so much to offer passionate travelers — whether it's soaking in the geothermal Blue Lagoon or chasing the Northern Lights — that you don't need rigid labels or itineraries to make the most of it. 

Whether it's your first time or your fifth, traveling through Europe as a queer person can feel refreshingly free. It's a continent with some of the most progressive countries in the world, where acceptance, not discrimination, is the norm. That said, Burn says that as you plan your holiday, it's worth remembering that no place is perfect and some pockets of Europe may still feel less open than others. "Like anywhere you go, there will always be backlash towards certain groups," Burn says, explaining that this resistance to anything that defies mainstream mindsets could stem from a host of reasons. "It might be on religious grounds, personal bias or even just a lack of understanding around the issue." 

According to Burn, the liberal experience can shift once travelers move beyond the bigger, more cosmopolitan hubs. "Generally there is nothing to worry about, but it never hurts to be mindful of your surroundings." That awareness becomes especially important in countries that can be dangerous for LGBTQ+ travelers. Poland and Hungary, for instance, have taken worrying turns in terms of LGBTQ+ rights in recent times, and, according to Burn, "homophobia seems to be on the rise there." If queer travelers cannot completely avoid their visits to these countries, then it is at least recommended that they do adequate research on LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations and businesses to ensure smooth, safe journeys. 

To shape this guide to the best LGBTQ+ holiday destinations to visit, we relied on a mix of expert insight, trusted public data, and reputable rankings. Travel expert Darren Burn was our primary go-to for this piece, with his experiences and recommendations providing valuable first-hand perspective on destinations that genuinely feel safe and welcoming for queer travelers. Many of the places on this list are popular destinations in their own right — known for their natural beauty, tourist attractions, or nightlife — but what gives them extra distinction on this list is the ease with which queer visitors can show up as their full selves here.

We supplemented Burn's opinions with well-known international resources like the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map, which annually tracks LGBTQ+ rights, along with reports, surveys, and safety indexes that give comprehensive rankings of countries with queer-forward outlooks. To round out the picture, we factored in elements like anti-discrimination laws, public attitudes, and local Pride celebrations so readers can get a fair understanding of the cultural and social scene in each country mentioned.