Gay destinations europe

The Ultimate Guide to LGBTQ Travel in Eastern Europe

Though being gay is technically legal in all of the countries we are looking at in this guide, the reality on the ground might produce you question this. The largely conservative populations of Eastern European countries aren’t always open-minded, and many people have never been exposed to queer folx. But this is transforming — albeit very adv — and LGBTQ noticeability in these countries may just further the produce for equality.

General advice for travel in this region

My personal advice is to be a little more discreet. If being subtle is something you can’t stomach, it might be worth sticking to the most gay friendly places in Eastern Europe on the list. In most major cities, you’re unlikely to have issues sharing a double room with your same-sex partner or friend, but in smaller towns and villages, you may come across issues. Public displays of warmth between same-sex partners — especially two males — would most likely appeal to unwelcome attention, even in larger cities. And in certain

Rainbow Map

rainbow map

These are the main findings for the edition of the rainbow map

The Rainbow Chart ranks 49 European countries on their respective legal and policy practices for LGBTI people, from %.

The UK has dropped six places in ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map, as Hungary and Georgia also register steep falls following anti-LGBTI legislation. The data highlights how rollbacks on LGBTI human rights are part of a broader erosion of democratic protections across Europe. Read more in our press release.

“Moves in the UK, Hungary, Georgia and beyond signal not just isolated regressions, but a coordinated global backlash aimed at erasing LGBTI rights, cynically framed as the defence of tradition or public stability, but in reality designed to entrench discrimination and suppress dissent.”

  • Katrin Hugendubel, Advocacy Director, ILGA-Europe


Malta has sat on uppermost of the ranking for the last 10 years. 

With 85 points, Belgium jumped to second place after adopting policies tackling hatred based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. 

Best LGBT+ amiable destinations in Europe

What makes a destination a LGBT+ friendly destination? The most clear answer is that bars, hotels, restaurants, shops are free for the LGBT + community. We think that it can even leave further than that. We, lesbian, lgbtq+, bi, transgender, double attraction people want to feel comfortable wherever we are without any judgment of who we are; we want to feel safe and respected. This can be possible with open-minded people and a strong sensitization led by  politicians schools, families, police and the whole society.

Existence an LGBT+ kind destination must be a pride. Organizing the biggest homosexual pride in the world or having the highest concentration of LGBT+ bars is not what matters. What matters is to welcome any travellers with  respect and create them feel at home.  Discover the best European destinations for LGBT+ travellers and book your flights, hotel


If you had to pick just one continent for gay explore, Europe has to be the number one answer. It has so much to offer including some of the most lgbtq+ friendly, progressive and welcoming cities and countries in the earth. There are many amazing lgbtq+ destinations in Europe! [no_toc]

Some countries in Europe, such as Spain and Sweden, go beyond basic acceptance or tolerance.

They have developed to a point where the LGBTQ community is truly integrated into society, gay couples are not labelled ‘gay couples’; they are just another couple in the street – as it should be.

There are many well-known gay travel destinations in Europe, from the gay hot spots in Spain such as Madrid, Barcelona and Sitges, to Berlin in Germany, the gay mecca of Mykonos in Greece and our UK home of Manchester.

But many lesser-known cities and countries in Europe are now tracking suit to welcome gay travellers into their countries which is a step in the right direction!

Why is European Gay Commute so easy?

So why is same-sex attracted travel in Europe so straightforward and progressive in the first place? Here are