Known earlier as Byzantium and Constantinople, Istanbul is one heady collision point of cultures and continents. It’s where the East meets the West, literally, at the cerulean waters of the Bosphorus Strait. Istanbul brings diverse philosophies and people together in one frenetic fusion of mysticism and modernity. Apart from Ottoman-era mosques and Byzantine churches, it’s…
Sun-kissed Ibiza with its turquoise-blue waters and white-sand beaches is pretty much Spain’s all-time-favorite gay hotspot. Notwithstanding the season, the Spanish island is one of Europe’s most popular beach getaways. About an hour’s flight from Madrid, the island really never sleeps. There are plenty of gay hotels in Ibiza which has accommodation for all kinds…
Hyderabad has one of the most polarizing skylines in India. On one hand, there’s Old City that’s home to winding spice bazaars and architectural marvels. On the other hand, we have ‘Cyberabad’ a.k.a. HITEC City, its snazzy cousin that’s brimming with pubs, restaurants, and malls. Given India’s traditional outlook, you might be surprised that Hyderabad…
The capital of the Lone Star State Houston effusively blends Southern and Western styles, sensibilities, and heritage. The lively Texan metropolis has been one of the greatest boomtowns of the decade in the country and is truly a melting pot of cultures. An innate part of Houston’s rich culture is the LGBTQ culture, which Houston…
Say ‘Aloha!’ to the boisterous Polynesian capital of Hawaii, Honolulu, a collage of postcard-perfect views. Located at the southern tip of the island of Oahu, the city has some of the most gorgeous white-sand beaches in the world. The vibrant city embraces the kindness, harmony, and caring spirit that ‘Aloha’ embodies. This is why Honolulu…
Hong Kong boasts of a glorious harbor, lush neighborhoods, and one of the most iconic glass-and-steel skylines in the world. And even though it doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages, Hong Kong’s denizens are extremely supportive of LGBTQ+ rights. Over the decades, Hong Kong has become a modern, tolerant city with an accepting attitude towards LGBTQ people.…
The capital of the Australian island of Tasmania, Hobart is the country’s smallest and most historic capital. It sits at the southeastern edge on the River Derwent, overlooking the Tasman Sea. A mesmerizing meld of culture and art aside, Hobart is also famous for its quaint Colonial architecture. What’s more, Hobart, and Tasmania as a…
Quirky, eccentric, and stylish, Helsinki, the capital of Finland is a diamond in the rough. Its tranquil bylanes and grand thoroughfares brim with avant-garde architecture and New-Nordic drinking and dining venues. What’s more, sitting right outside the city are some of the most sublime natural environments in the world. Undoubtedly, the city has plenty going…
Hanoi on the banks of the Red River is swathed in layers of French and Chinese history. The Vietnamese capital might be 1000 years old, but don’t let its historical air fool you. For, you’ll also find a modern city with art, eateries, chic cafes, and one dynamic nightlife. Likewise, get off its streets clogged…
Germany’s second largest city has undergone a huge transformation since its early beginnings as the world’s port city. Hamburg’s gay scene may not be as big as that of Berlin or Cologne but it is alive and kicking. You’ll find plenty of gay hotels in Hamburg though you won’t find any ‘exclusively’ gay hotels here.…
Guadalajara, the second biggest city in Mexico is renowned for being one of the most gay-friendly cities in Latin America. As such it has earned the sobriquet of being the ‘San Francisco of Mexico.’ Although not as forward as San Francisco or New York, the gay scene in Guadalajara thrives. Gay Guadalajara is evident in…
Considered as a continent in miniature, Gran Canaria’s been a gay destination for decades. So, not surprisingly, quite a few gay hotels sprang up. While all hotels aren’t exclusively gay, they’re all gay-friendly. So, finding gay accommodation in Gran Canaria is pretty simple. In fact, it boats more gay hotels than any other place in the…
The dazzling strip of sand that is the Gold Coast in Australia’s Queensland is the country’s most iconic holiday destination. It begins a little south-southeast of Brisbane and continues almost till Coolangatta, which is the last town before New South Wales. With shimmering high-rises, pristine white sands, and the blue waters of the Coral Sea,…
Often referred to as ‘Mainhattan,’ Frankfurt, with its swish skyscrapers and swanky buildings, is distinct from other German cities. This multicultural and tolerant city is often overlooked because of its financial powerhouse image. However, the city has a big queer presence and therefore, there is no shortage of gay accommodation in Frankfurt. Although you won’t…
Fort Lauderdale ranks right up there as a gay holiday destination because of its great party vibe and numerous gay establishments. In fact, the city has the distinction of having the highest number of gay couples in the United States. Quite naturally, the city is big on gay accommodation and you can be sure that…
Enchanting Florence, a.k.a. Firenze straddling the Arno River is rightfully called the cradle of the renaissance. Gourmet Tuscan cuisine aside, the city is a real feast for the eyes. Whether it’s iconic medieval architecture or world-class art, the city’s charm is enduring. Moreover, it has its own share of famous design-oriented gays, helmed by hometown…
Edinburgh, nicknamed ‘Athens of the North’ is not just Scotland’s capital but also its cultural nucleus. Cobblestoned streets and medieval castles sit amidst a lush woodland landscape overlooking the Firth of Forth. The gorgeous city brims with nooks that entice you to explore just a bit further. Edinburgh also boasts a playful, down-to-earth vibe, which…
Heritage and hedonism exist in equal measure in the Irish capital Dublin. Majestic cathedrals and medieval castles are as important as their traditional pub culture. However, that’s not all that Dublin is known for. Ireland’s ground-breaking gender recognition laws have made Dublin one of Europe’s most gay-friendly destinations. There has been a profusion of gay…
Decadent, dazzling, dynamic – these aptly sum up the gilded desert oasis city of Dubai. A glass, gold, and steel splendor and deep-rooted traditions of this city make for striking alchemy. As multi-culturally diverse Dubai is, it still has harsh anti-gay laws. That being said, Dubai is still something of a gay Mecca in the…
The dynamic Dominican Republic in the Caribbean is a captivating confluence of European, Spanish, African, native cultures. This wonderful fusion is evident in its mouthwatering cuisines, merengue music, and eye-popping natural wonders. Cobblestone streets and pristine white-sand beaches sit right beside upscale resorts, catapulting Dominican Republic’s popularity as a luxury travel destination. What’s more, it’s…
The gorgeous Daylesford in Victoria, along with its neighboring twin Hepburn Springs, is one of Australia’s most famous spa retreats. The Italian-Swiss-founded town lies an hour northwest of Melbourne in the Great Dividing Range. Its origins might go back to the Gold Rush, but now it brims with about 70-odd hot springs. With healing sanctuaries,…
The capital of the Northern Territory Darwin is the only tropical capital in Australia. It’s a famed gateway to the Top End, which is widely considered as Australia’s last frontier. In fact, it feels removed from the rest of the country and Bali feels like it’s right across the Timor Sea, which it actually is.…
The tiny, breathtaking tropical island of Curaçao off the coast of Venezuela is like a slice of Europe in the heart of the Caribbean. Amazing history museums, lip-smacking cuisine, glorious hidden beaches, and delightful Dutch-colonial architecture make it a magical old-world island. Curaçao also happens to be extremely gay-friendly. In fact, it is a place…
Cuba is oodles of undefinable magic wrapped in a timeless, magnificent layer. Its cobblestoned streets still tell tales of musket-totting pirates, with heritage structures and grandiose squares. At the same time, you’ll also find everything from modern architecture to avant-garde art studios. And of course, there are the pristine white-sand beaches. As compared to other…