Top 10 Gay-Friendly Places to Visit in 2021

Sep 25, 2020

GayTravel.com had the pleasure of recently talking with Michael and Matt, a favorite and fun LGBTQ+ couple from Portland, Oregon. While travel is currently curtailed, we wanted to start planning ahead to the days when travel resumes so we asked Michael and Matt for their top 10 places to visit in 2021. We think you'll agree when we say their suggestions are inspired, and we cannot wait to get back out there to see these top 10 exciting destinations in 2021!

1. Tokyo, Japan

From its sprawling cityscape and bustling clubs to its tea ceremonies and tranquil spaces, Tokyo has something for everyone. If you are looking for a fun-filled, energetic stay you will want to focus your stay near Shinjuku and Akihabara. Shinjuku is a hub for travelers, commuters, and businesses. It houses the busiest subway station in the world! With all those people come restaurants, bars, clubs, and more. Akihabara is also an energetic space in the city that is the birthplace of all things GAMING! Here you can spend all day in a single building! Why? Because there are streets full of seven to eight-story buildings full of varying arcade and video games. It is a slight sensory overload but it is such a cool experience! And lastly, MariKart! Drive yourself around Tokyo in a go-cart while dressed as your favorite MarioKart player. You get three hours to live out your dreams and even drive the bridge that inspired rainbow road! If you are looking for a few relaxed activities Tokyo is full of historical sites to tour, museums, parks, and more! It is also a culinary destination with the world’s finest seafood. A few big attractions to hit are the Tokyo SkyTree, the Meiji Shrine, and Tsukiji Market.

2. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is one of those places you have heard of many times but may not have visited as it can be costly to travel to. We can tell you from experience, it is well worth the trip! Cape Town is referred to as the “Gay Capital of Africa” and no doubt, of South Africa. Cape Town sits on a beautiful shoreline that offers amazing beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and wait for it… PENGUINS! Besides being a city full of adventure and sightseeing, just outside of Cape Town is wine country (our favorite type of country). Cape Town has so much to offer, you will not be disappointed if you take the trip! We highly recommend staying at the award-winning TheTwelve Apostles hotel located directly above The Atlantic Ocean and flanked by the majestic Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain.

3. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

What could be better than beautiful sunsets, warm beaches, and bottomless Margaritas? All this and more is waiting for you in Puerto Vallarta, recognized as the first GayTravel Approved^®destination, Puerto Vallarta! PV is an amazing showcase of inclusivity and tropical bliss. From food tours that take you all around the city to boat tours to ocean beaches, Puerto Vallarta has plentiful places to both explore and relax. It is also one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in Latin America. Gay bars, clubs, and resorts dot the “Zona Romantica” and many places you pass will have a Pride flag showing solidarity. We recommend taking a boat to one of the many secluded beaches and eating all the tacos you can. Where to stay? GayTravel Approved® 2020 Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa and The Westin Resort & Spa are top of the list for their warm and welcoming staff along with world-class amenities.

4. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has a storied LGBTQ history and is one of our favorite places we’ve visited together. It is a bustling center of commerce, history, and art. Barcelona has a rich LGBTQ history and you can even book a walking tour of the city that specifically focuses on the cities’ journey of equality. What was most surprising about this city was its huge food scene. As the capital of Catalan, Barcelona is a melting pot of cultures. After spending a few days here visiting Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter, and exploring some of Gaudi’s world-famous works, take a day trip to Sitges to enjoy the beach!

5. Lima, Peru

There’s a reason more Expats move to Lima Peru than almost any other city on earth. We love spending time in beautiful Miraflores and artsy Barranco. An endless array of bars and restaurants litter the streets between outdoor markets and bustling shopping centers. The best months to visit are from December through the end of March. Where to stay? JW Marriott Hotel Lima is super gay-friendly and will exceed your expectations with sweeping ocean views and proximity to everything. And from Lima, you’re just a short flight to Cuzco, the gateway to the Amazon so make sure to include this in your Peru itinerary.

6. Edinburgh, Scottland

At the edge of the Scottish Highlands is a city with more bottles of scotch whiskey than people living in it. What’s not to love? I can truly say that Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful places we’ve visited. Jutting rock faces, old cathedrals, world-class restaurants, and green spaces make this moderately-sized European city a wonderful combination of modern living and British charm. Whether you’re staying for a summer getaway or a romantic winter weekend, Edinburgh’s allure will have plenty for you to enjoy. We particularly love spending time in the bars and pubs within the old city.

For the most gay-welcoming of hotels, we suggest you rest your head at 100 Princes Street which is scheduled to open next year! Be among the first to stay at this magnificent hotel that looks up at Edinburgh Castle and epitomizes the history and heritage of the Scottish people.

7. Copenhagen, Denmark

No Euro-trip is complete without spending some time in Copenhagen! Incredible food meets incredible people meets even better shopping. The nightlife itself is something we can all look forward to. We went on several bar-hopping tours and regret nothing and everything all at the same time. Take a boat tour of the canals, a bike tour of the city, or a free walking tour from City Hall. Copenhagen is one of the happiest cities on the planet and you will quickly see why. One of our most favorite places to stay? None other than Steel House Copenhagen where they'll treat you like Danish royalty!

8. Chiang Mai, Thailand

If there was any quintessential place to visit in Thailand, this is it. Chiang Mai is a historic and cultural center with nearly endless temples to explore. Though LGBTQ rights may not currently be abundant in Thailand, Chiang Mai certainly presents itself as more accepting. Explore the jungle and zip-line with Flight of the Gibbon, or head to the Elephant Nature Park to visit these rescued giants in a humane and ethical way (no riding!). Chiang Mai’s old city is a wonderful place to explore and grab some authentic Thai dishes. The mountains around Chiang Mai also provide numerous areas to hike and see some amazing views of the city.

9. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is known for many things: a vibrant music scene, an eclectic culture, and an easy-going attitude. NOLA has to be one of our favorite U.S. cities we have ever visited. Not only is the LGBTQ community welcomed and embraced, people from all walks of life, belief systems, and creeds are invited to make New Orleans their home. Beyond experiencing the sights and sounds of the city, the most impactful thing you walk away with after visiting New Orleans is a sense of community unmatched by any other major city its size. Neighbors know neighbors, local businesses are more interested in collaboration than competition and locals embody the “Big Easy” spirit. It’s hard to feel anything but inspired when you leave New Orleans - and really full! We highly recommend staying at The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, which is, of course, designated GayTravel Approved®.

10. Budapest, Hungary

Set on the Danube River, Budapest is a popular destination for European Cruises. It is also a hot spot among gay travelers! One of the most interesting aspects of Budapest’s nightlife scene is the Ruin Bars strewn throughout the city. These outdoor, open-air bars were formed in the ruins of many of the old buildings bombed during World War II. The eccentric style is nearly unbelievable, and the streets come alive in the summer months full of other adventure-hungry travelers. We truly miss Budapest, and we can’t wait to return.

Written by Michel and Matt. Make sure you follow them on Instagram for all their content and adventures.

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