Europe, Africa & Cleveland? Gay travelers share their bucket-list travel destinations

A beachside stay, a scenic mountaintop, or a busy, Pride-flag-covered metropolis — we’ve all got those white whale-like destinations that sit at the top of our travel bucket lists.

For this year’s Best of GayCities, we turned to well-traveled readers to learn more about their go-to’s and dream destinations, and were surprised to find several favorites and rising cities popped up more than a few times.

The reasons were varied: good stories, gorgeous sights, and, in some cases, even better-looking men. (“European guys are so beautiful,” one respondent wrote.)

“New Zealand is at the top of my list, because of all the things I’ve heard about the country from family and friends who have visited — for decades now! Not only is it an accepting place for LGBTQ+ travelers, but it has so much to offer, from dynamic cities to stunning mountains and fiords. I’d love to spend a month there and take day trips from a few different home bases.”

– Paul J. Heney, Best of GayCities editorial board

We will let the top-10 LGBTQ+ destinations speak for themselves….

1. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam appeared at the top of several GayCities travelers’ bucket lists, which is fitting since it not only hosted this year’s WorldPride but has a long-standing history as one of the most accepting cities in Europe.

Between the bicycling along the canals, nights out in the Red Light District, exploring cute cafes, and Church — not the literal one — it’s easy for the Dutch to sweep you off your feet.

And that’s exactly what happened to one reader: “I have been several times and fell in love once when I was young,” they recalled.

2. Palm Springs, California

A single weekend in Palm Springs, and you’ll understand why the gays fall in love with this desert oasis. From its bustling nightlife, to the downtown arts and cultural scene, and, of course, the light and easy California culinary fare, it’s easy to find a friend (and fun) in the dry desert air between the palm trees.

Bonus: You still have time to catch its annual pride festivities in November.

3. New York City, New York

New York City was specifically called out as bucket-list destination by several GayCities readers, and understandably so. The Big Apple is home to one of the liveliest LGBTQ+ communities in the world, with an almost overwhelming amount of options between neighborhoods like Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea, and Brooklyn.

From the historic Stonewall Inn to countless museums, and out-of-this-world restaurants, it’s easy to pack an itinerary.

And despite the crowds, everyone has to see Times Square at least once in their life — if not for the screens, then for the shows. As one reader told us, “I love the Broadway musicals.”

4. Lisbon, Portugal

Compared to its other European neighbors, Lisbon offers a more relaxed and social LGBTQ+ scene, where the crowds come alive after 11 p.m., and a few hours at can’t-miss spots like the historic Finalmente and Bar TR3S Lisboa could lead to drinking and dancing in the streets. Thankfully, its most gay-friendly neighborhoods — Bairro Alto and Principe Real — are within walking distance.

That said, don’t underestimate its beaches, like the gay locals’ go-to, Praia da Bela Vista.

5. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik might be smaller than some of the other must-sees on this list, but it’s jaw-dropping natural beauty, stunning hotels, acclaimed art museums, and plenty of gay-friendly bars make it more than worth the trek to Iceland.

Nevertheless, the real draw is the Blue Lagoon, a man-made geothermal spa of milky blue waters, thought to have healing properties.

Our readers seem to think as much, too. “[It’s] always rated at the top of the LGBTQ+ destinations and the actual beauty of Iceland is a must-see for my bucket list,” one respondent told us. “Everyone I speak with who has gone can’t quite put into words how stunningly beautiful it is.”

6. Cleveland, Ohio

You might be surprised to learn Cleveland made the cut, but between this city, Cincinnati, and Columbus, Ohio has gotten a reputation for becoming quite the homo hangout. You don’t have to travel far to stumble into one of its famous LGBTQ+ watering holes, like Twist Social Club or Leather Stallion Saloon, or hip restaurants.

“It has a large art gallery, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a nice, gay bath house,” one of our readers told us. We’re already sold.

7. Cape Town, South Africa

Since South Africa legalized marriage equality in 2006, Cape Town has slowly become one of the most exciting LGBTQ+ travel destinations in the world. Between its institutional spots like Cafe Manhattan and Beluga Cape Town, its sociable and friendly nightlife scene, and its scenic (and clothing-optional) beaches, our readers are right: This is definitely a bucket-list destination.

“I’d like to visit to explore [it in] general and [see] its LGBTQ+ resources,” one traveler told us. Another added, “I have been to over 40 countries but have not yet made it to Africa and I vow to change that next year for my 50th birthday.”

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8. San Francisco, California

There’s no place in the world quite like San Francisco. This city by the bay just might be the gay capital of the United States, thanks to its unapolgetically queer inhabitants and bustling gayborhoods like the leather-friendly SOMA and The Castro, one of the birthplaces of LGBTQ+ equality and where Harvey Milk made history.

In between dark rooms and trolley rides, make sure to make time for the Castro Rainbow Crosswalk, Pink Triangle Park, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

9. Medellín, Colombia

It’s no surprise that Medellín made the cut for must-see destinations, considering the once dangerous Colombian city has transformed into a travelers’ mecca over the last decade. You can’t go wrong with a location dubbed the City of Eternal Spring, with the cool, 72 to 86 degree temperatures to back it up.

We recommend staying in El Poblado, where many gay venues like Bar Chiquita are located, and checking out one of the queer guided tours, which include bar crawls, picnics, and street art excursions.

10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, the second-largest city in Brazil, made the list because of its “very gay friendly” reputation. While its annual Carnival draws the biggest crowds, Rio attracts gay visitors year-round with a sprawling lineup of gay bars, gorgeous beachside resorts in Copacabana, and the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue.

Nevertheless, the best part is its beaches. Do yourself a favor and block off an entire afternoon for Ipanema Beach, featuring some of the best (read: hottest) people-watching.

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