The importance of inclusivity and acceptance cannot be overstated in today’s world. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, choosing a travel destination that offers safety, vibrant nightlife, and progressive laws is crucial.
Based on a comprehensive study by Emisil.com, which considered factors such as same-sex marriage and gender recognition laws, safety indexes, and the number of queer clubs and bars, here are some of the top queer-friendly cities around the globe.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is celebrated as the top queer-friendly city globally. The city offers a welcoming atmosphere, a high safety index, and numerous LGBTQ+ events. Portugal has legalized same-sex marriage since 2010 and has had progressive gender recognition laws since 2011. Lisbon boasts a Global Trans Index score of 248, reflecting strong protections and inclusivity. Key events include Lisbon Bear Pride, EuroPride 2025, and Lisbon Gay Pride. The city has 14 queer bars and clubs listed on Google Maps.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen ranks second due to its high safety index of 76.57 and supportive legal framework. Denmark legalized same-sex marriage in 2012 and updated its gender recognition laws in 2017. Copenhagen’s Global Trans Index is 225, and the city hosts several vibrant events like Draghouse Copenhagen Presents and Copenhagen Winter Pride. Despite having a smaller number of queer nightlife spots (12 clubs and bars), the city’s inclusivity is highly appreciated.
New York, United States
New York stands out with the highest number of queer bars and clubs—65 listed on Google Maps. The city, with a safety index of 49.84, has legalized same-sex marriage since 2015 and has gender recognition laws since 2021. New York’s Global Trans Index is 168. Major events include the NYC Pride March and the Stonewall Riots Anniversary. The city’s diverse and dynamic queer scene makes it a premier destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a pioneer in LGBTQ+ rights, being the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. The city has a high safety index of 71.62 and progressive gender recognition laws established in 2014. With a Global Trans Index of 207, Amsterdam hosts numerous queer events like Amsterdam Gay Pride, Bear Necessities, and QueerFest. There are 23 queer bars and clubs in the city.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei ranks fifth, with the highest safety index in the study at 84.46. Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in 2019 and has had progressive gender recognition laws since 1988. Taipei’s Global Trans Index is 100. The city offers 30 queer nightlife spots and hosts popular events like Taiwan Gay Pride and Taipei Rainbow Festival, making it a safe and vibrant destination for LGBTQ+ tourists.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene and progressive laws. Spain legalized same-sex marriage in 2005 and updated its gender recognition laws in 2023. The city has a Global Trans Index of 222 and a safety index of 48.38. Barcelona features 34 queer bars and clubs and hosts significant events like Barcelona Circuit Festival and Barcelona Gay Pride.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, though smaller, is highly inclusive with a safety index of 75.67. Iceland legalized same-sex marriage in 2010 and has had progressive gender recognition laws since 2012. With a Global Trans Index of 200, Reykjavik offers five queer nightlife spots. Major events include Reykjavik Pride Festival, Rainbow Reykjavik, and Reykjavik Queer City Walk.
Toronto, Canada
Toronto is an LGBTQ+friendly city with a safety index of 56.86. Canada legalized same-sex marriage in 2005 and updated its gender recognition laws in 2017. Toronto has a Global Trans Index of 247. The city features 12 queer bars and clubs and hosts events like Toronto Pride and Toronto Gay Village.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, despite not recognizing same-sex marriage, has a significant queer scene with 43 nightlife spots. Japan’s gender recognition laws date back to 2003, and Tokyo has a Global Trans Index of 75. The safety index is 76.05. The city’s premier event is Tokyo Rainbow Pride, which attracts a large number of participants each year.
Paris, France
Paris ranks tenth with a safety index of 42.07. France legalized same-sex marriage in 2013 and updated its gender recognition laws in 2017. Paris has a Global Trans Index of 223 and features 32 queer bars and clubs. Major events include the Festival des Cultures LGBT, Marche des Fiertés LGBT, and the Paris International Lesbian & Feminist Film Festival.
