Top five European destinations for gays to have fun

destinations for gays to have fun

Europe has a number of great tourist destinations for gay/lesbians. Choosing a right destination is a must for enjoyable and hassle free travel especially for LGBT community. You should feel comfortable in the new place, and the people should be broad minded, and helpful. Europe is full of heritage sites, as well as leads the world in art music, fashion, and architecture. It is full of beautiful picturesque places, and sprawling beaches. Many places encourage gay tourism, and organize various events for them. A number of bars and clubs are gay friendly, where you can go and put your hair down. Let us have a look at five European destinations that are tolerant, and have vibrant gay and lesbian communities, as well as known for diversity and great nightlife.

Berlin

Berlin is a friendliest place for gays. Its origin goes back to more than 750 years. In 1920s Berlin had an advanced gay subculture. When Hitler came to power, gays were persecuted by the Nazis. In 2001 Berlin voted a gay mayor to power. He coined legendry words “Ich bin schwul, und das ist auch gut so.” – “I’m gay, and it’s ok that way”.

Berlin boasts of a Gay museum in Schwules Museum, which has an archive and library with resources on gay history. Schoneberg district has a large number of gay hotels, bar, restaurants, and shops. It is a very tolerant city and its CSD Pride Parade is very memorable and wild. Among its many Gay friendly neighbourhoods are Nollendorfplatz, to the west of the city, and Kreuzberg to the south-east. The gay bars, pubs, etc. have no closing time as the city has no closing hour. Its public transport system too operates the whole night.

London

London is a home to Europe’s largest gay and lesbian population. It has become a hub of international gay travellers. It does not have any gay ghetto per se, but Soho in the West End is popular amongst city’s gay community. Old Compton Street was the hangout of gay luminaries such as Oscar Wilde, Quentin Crisp and famous film director Derek Jarman. There are a number of gay friendly restaurants, patisseries, specialty businesses, pubs, and sex shops. Earl’s Court, Shoreditch and Hoxton, and Vauxhall, are trendy gay areas. The Annual London Pride LGBT Cultural Festival takes place in mid June to early July. It attracts tourists from all over the world. Although London ranks as the world’s most expensive cities, cheap restaurant, and pubs can be easily found. Infamous for its weather, life is still colourful, and there are pockets of sunshine.

Amsterdam

For a relatively small city, Amsterdam is home to a large number of gays. This city celebrates gay and lesbian culture. It has an extensive gay night life. There a large number of gay pubs, hotels and parties.

The Reguliersdwarsstraat, Amstel and Kerkstraat districts are the centre of gay activities. Warmoesstraat between Dam Square and Central Station has many rainbow-flagged saunas and leather-bars. ‘Pink point,’ a gay and lesbian information kiosk gives friendly assistance to the tourists, and sells souvenirs as well. Near the Anne Frank house stands the Homomonument, a gay monument made of three large granite triangles of pink colour. It is a symbol of Holland’s commitment towards inclusiveness for all.

Gay pride held from 3-7 August is the biggest local event in Amsterdam. The parade is on the boats through the main canals and is the highlight of the event watched by millions of spectators from the sides. 

Barcelona

Barcelona is a relaxed and liberal city. The people are very friendly and helping. The city has a reputation of vibrant and integrated gay scene. Eixample (pronounced eshaumplay) and nicknamed gayxample, has many gay bars, hostels and clubs, and is the heart of the gay scene. Sitges on the south of the town is also a very popular beach resort with gay population reaching 30 percent in summers. It was an artist’s colony in the late 19th century.

There are quite a few places such as Platja de la Bossa Rodona, where nudism is permitted. Gay carnival is held in mid February, at Sitges, which is very colourful and flamboyant.

Bern

This beautiful capital city of Switzerland has attracted tourists for centuries. Famous for its medieval architecture, and beautiful countryside, it is surrounded by the river Aare. It is a great travel destination for gay couples. It has a number of gay friendly restaurants and bars. Night scene is also very lively. There are many cafes; Aux Petits Fours is a gay cruise and conversation bar. Major gay events include ‘gaywest’ all day queer street party in early August, and Queersich, LGBT film festival in early November. Berne is a perfect place to go for a hiking trip through Bernese Oberlands.

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