Is Lisbon gay friendly? The 2019 Spartacus International Gay Guide Index states that Portugal was voted the most gay friendly destination in the world. So it’s no surprise that its capital city is a popular LGBT vacation destination. Gay hotels in Lisbon receive visitors from near and far. They come to enjoy the many attractions…
The lovely Peruvian capital of Lima is an absolute marvel. Tucked on the Pacific Coast of the Sechura Desert, this sprawling city is steeped in ancient Incan roots. What’s more, it’s famed as South America’s gastronomic capital today, but that’s not all that’s thrilling about this city. In a fiercely Catholic country that is all…
The 21st-century, urban-chic city of Leeds in northern England shines with a distinct and yet un-overwhelming Yorkshire swagger. It boasts a fabulous drinking-dining scene and revitalized architecture. Leeds is also famous for being one of the friendliest gay cities in England, with LGBTQ people accounting for almost 10% of the city’s population. In fact, Leeds’…
Indulgence and decadence are here, there, and everywhere in Las Vegas, a glittering oasis in Nevada’s Mojave Desert. Vegas is aptly named “Sin City” for all the adult vices it promises to fulfill, and then some. Glitzy entertainment shows, fabulous casinos, freely-flowing alcohol, and nonstop party culture are what Vegas is famous for. With so…
The vibrant and carnivalesque capital of Bolivia, La Paz, left us breathless – and it’s not just about the altitude. Nestled in the Andean mountains close to the southern shores of Lake Titicaca, La Paz is a kaleidoscope of old-world and modernity. When it comes to the gay scene in Bolivia, big cities are where…
Kaleidoscopic Kyoto lies at the southern end of Lake Biwa, just 50 minutes from Osaka. The cultural and former historic capital of Japan, Kyoto reminds you of Japan’s glorious past. So, you’ll see everything from Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples to imperial palaces, gardens, and traditional houses. Also, it’s home to the geisha culture, vibrant…
Malaysia’s sultry capital Kuala Lumpur is a feast for the senses. The sprawling city is a cultural melting pot for the confluence of the Indian, Chinese, Islamic, and Malay cultures. As amazing a destination as it is, Kuala Lumpur, or KL, also has the country’s biggest yet discreet gay scene. Officially, Malaysia isn’t exactly what…
Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, is India’s third-largest city and whose origins go back almost 400 years. India’s cultural and intellectual capital also happens to be one of the first Indian cities to have organized gay parties! Despite Kolkata remaining largely conservative, the city is home to a large gay population that blends in at mixed nightclubs,…
Koh Samui in Thailand has all the ideal ingredients for the perfect retreat – soft, white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters sparkling in all shades of blue, and a sun-kissed atmosphere. The wild island sits off Thailand’s eastern coast in the Gulf of Thailand. Whether you want to feast on delicious Thai cuisine, retreat to a wellness…
The gorgeous Koh Phangan sits in the Gulf of Thailand, just north of Koh Samui. It’s the birthplace of Thailand’s original and wildly famous Full Moon Party. However, the island celebrates and hosts some or the other party on most days of the year. Albeit small, the gay scene in Koh Phangan is fast-growing, keeping…
Knysna, pronounced ‘ny-znah,’ is the most famous town on South Africa’s famed Garden Route. Overlooking the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, we were excited to explore Knysna, which is all about tranquil lagoons, ancient forests, and a sparkling coastline. But our most compelling reason to come to this 18th-century gold rush town is that,…
Queer inclusiveness is steeped deep into the fabric of Key West, the notorious gay island mecca in South Florida. As a place with a 30% LGBTQ population, Key West has always attracted gay travelers. So, we found ourselves drawn to this coastal mecca, the heart of whose gay scene is Duval Street. Not only does…
A thick mangrove forest on one end and the blue waters of the Atlantic on the other, Key Largo is the first of the Florida Keys. The northernmost spot of the ‘Keys’ is the self-proclaimed ‘Dive Capital of the World.’ It also has the country’s first underwater park and is a mecca for kayakers, snorkelers,…
Jazz blaring out of pubs, numerous gushing fountains that’ll have Rome thinking, and fiery barbeques make up kaleidoscopic Kansas City. One of the most thriving cities in America’s Great Plains region, Kansas City is home to art-filled neighborhoods, museums, and more and is a top-rated vacation destination. It might come as a surprise to many,…
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.…