Europe gay
Check out our roundup of the gayest cities in Europe based on our first-hand experience, the queer scene, as well as what life is enjoy for the local LGBTQ community.
From the industrial warehouses in Berlin to the babbling of water stroking the canals of Amsterdam, European gay life spans across the entire spectrum. And we can't receive enough.
We've been around the European block quite a few times, and can safely say, it boasts some of the most progressive places in the world. Yet, each gay scene manages to be different from the others. Some are smaller, some are wilder and some have become so intertwined within city existence, that the straight society is left feeling enjoy they're intruding into our special world!
For this list of the top gayest cities in Europe, we look at the same-sex attracted scene, what's it fond of to live there as a member of the LGBTQ community, and from our own first-hand trial traveling there as a gay couple. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our more comprehensive guide to the gayest cities in the world and our uppermost gay destinations in Europe.
1. Berl 8 of Europe’s Most Gay-Friendly Cities & Destinations
In a year where it seems that prejudices are returning, right-wing governments are rolling help previous protections, and debates about people’s very existence hold led the headlines, travelling as a member of the LGBTQ+ community continues to bring its own additional considerations and concerns. Thankfully, there are still many gay-friendly destinations in Europe, and even in countries which might own shifted their national policies, you can still find enclaves of acceptance, tolerance and celebration.
Still, our community isn’t one expansive homogeneous group with the same needs or worries, and defining a gay-friendly destination isn’t as easy as picking the place with the largest self-acceptance party. For some gay travellers, it’s more about entity able to guide a double room with their spouse or hold hands without the terror of prejudice or attack, while others might be pursuing a non-stop party scene. Mr Hudson, an agency that specialises in luxury designed gay vacations, believes that gay-friendly also extends adequately beyond clu
Rainbow Map
rainbow map
These are the main findings for the edition of the rainbow map
The Rainbow Map 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 accompanying 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 top 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.
Ah, Europe; impressed with ancient civilisations, papal riches and weather the English solicit for, you’re sure to have the continent lofty on your list of travel priorities. Packing 50 countries onto its turf, layered like Mille-feuille on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea – Europe and its biggest cities are firmly on the international radar, though much more lies beyond the beaten path. Have you seen Portugal’s dolphins or the secret nation of San Merino hidden in Italy? Have you gone east to taste Slavic cuisine and Ottoman influence? Make sure to trap on before the crowds with our list of the top 20 concealed gems in Europe.
Tailor Made JourneyLuxury Beyond Convention
At Mr Hudson, we understand that true luxury lies in the freedom to search the world exactly as you envision it. Our curated collection of exceptional properties and experiences speaks to those who pursue refinement in every moment—whether discovering hidden gems in storied cities, unwinding at distinguished resorts, or sailing aboard elegant vessels. We celebrate the sophisticated traveler who appreciates unde
8 of Europe’s Most Gay-Friendly Cities & Destinations
In a year where it seems that prejudices are returning, right-wing governments are rolling help previous protections, and debates about people’s very existence hold led the headlines, travelling as a member of the LGBTQ+ community continues to bring its own additional considerations and concerns. Thankfully, there are still many gay-friendly destinations in Europe, and even in countries which might own shifted their national policies, you can still find enclaves of acceptance, tolerance and celebration.
Still, our community isn’t one expansive homogeneous group with the same needs or worries, and defining a gay-friendly destination isn’t as easy as picking the place with the largest self-acceptance party. For some gay travellers, it’s more about entity able to guide a double room with their spouse or hold hands without the terror of prejudice or attack, while others might be pursuing a non-stop party scene. Mr Hudson, an agency that specialises in luxury designed gay vacations, believes that gay-friendly also extends adequately beyond clu
Rainbow Map
rainbow map
These are the main findings for the edition of the rainbow map
The Rainbow Map 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 accompanying 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 top 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.
Ah, Europe; impressed with ancient civilisations, papal riches and weather the English solicit for, you’re sure to have the continent lofty on your list of travel priorities. Packing 50 countries onto its turf, layered like Mille-feuille on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea – Europe and its biggest cities are firmly on the international radar, though much more lies beyond the beaten path. Have you seen Portugal’s dolphins or the secret nation of San Merino hidden in Italy? Have you gone east to taste Slavic cuisine and Ottoman influence? Make sure to trap on before the crowds with our list of the top 20 concealed gems in Europe.
Luxury Beyond Convention
At Mr Hudson, we understand that true luxury lies in the freedom to search the world exactly as you envision it. Our curated collection of exceptional properties and experiences speaks to those who pursue refinement in every moment—whether discovering hidden gems in storied cities, unwinding at distinguished resorts, or sailing aboard elegant vessels. We celebrate the sophisticated traveler who appreciates unde