The energetic and ever-changing Johannesburg, or Jo’burg or Jozi has finally veered out from the shadows of South Africa’s Cape Town. The sprawling, well-planned city is brimming with boutique shopping experiences, sleek modern architecture, and Pan-African dining experiences. The title of ‘gay capital’ might belong to Cape Town, but Johannesburg is no less gay friendly.…
Magical, mystique, and integration of faiths abound in Jerusalem, Israel, one of the world’s most ancient cities. It lies around an hour southeast of the cultural capital Tel Aviv, and its Old City is holy to Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike. So, you can imagine our surprise when we found Jerusalem to be a very…
If the color pink had a home, then Rajasthan’s capital Jaipur would be it. Before King Edward VII’s visit in 1876, the entire city was given a fresh coat of pink paint. Close to 150 years later, Jaipur still preserves that rosy glow. At its heart sits the magnificent city palace, which continues to be…
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. In one frenetic fusion of mysticism and modernity, Istanbul combines diverse philosophies and people. Apart from Ottoman-era mosques and Byzantine churches, it’s also…
Indianapolis, Indiana’s capital, is a boisterous and bustling city with lots of Midwest flavor and incredible history. The city was originally intended as a river port city, but it has become a nucleus for industry, culture, and arts in the region. What’s more, Indianapolis has had a sizeable LGBTQ population since the 1980s and has…
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 the one hand, Old City is home to winding spice bazaars and architectural marvels. On the other hand, we have ‘Cyberabad,’ a.k.a. HITEC City, its snazzy cousin brimming with pubs, restaurants, and malls. Given India’s traditional outlook, you might be surprised that Hyderabad is…
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 of the River Derwent, overlooking the Tasman Sea. Besides the obviously mesmerizing meld of culture and art, we also loved Hobart and its quaint Colonial architecture, for which it’s famous. What’s more,…
Quirky, eccentric, and stylish, Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a diamond in the rough. Its tranquil bylanes and grand thoroughfares are full of 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 had…
Hawaii is synonymous with paradise, and it’s easy to see why. With craggy volcanoes, lush jungles, coral reefs, and turquoise waves hitting the white-sand beaches, it’s no wonder this place is a haven for beach-loving travelers. What’s more, Hawaii even has a history of being super gay-friendly, having legalized homosexuality way back in 1973. In…
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…
The land on which the town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, sits, is the land of the Osage people. Despite protecting it from neighboring tribes, they allowed people across tribes — hostile neighbors or otherwise— to bring their ill folks onto their land. Why? The natural springs that the land sits on are believed to have…
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…