May 17, 2024
The Top 10 Best LGBTQI+ Capitals in Europe To Visit This Pride Season
By
Karin Svensson
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As we gear up to celebrate diversity, inclusivity and love, there’s no better time to explore some of Europe’s most vibrant and welcoming destinations. From the iconic streets of London to the eclectic cobbles of Athens, Europe is home to a myriad of cities that shine brightly during Pride.
So, celebrate Pride season and explore the colourful tapestry of all Europe has to offer with its most gay-friendly cities with this Trtl Travel blog.
What is the significance of LGBTQI+-friendly travel?
Travelling as part of the LGBTQI+ community isn’t just about visiting new places; it’s about feeling welcome and safe.
LGBTQI+-friendly destinations provide inclusive environments where individuals can express themselves freely and connect with other people in the community. Not only are these cities — such as London and Berlin — seen as progressive, but they also celebrate diversity through cultural events and bigger parties like Pride festivals, making them great spaces for memorable and meaningful holidays.
Our methodology
In compiling this list of the top 10 best LGBTQI+ capitals to visit in Europe, we looked at factors such as:
- The number of LGBTQI+ dedicated bars
- The number of Instagram hashtags for each city’s pride events, e.g. #amsterdampride
- Safety score rating from Numbeo looking at the crime and safety index of each specific city
Our aim is to highlight destinations that offer both a safe space and an exhilarating experience for LGBTQI+ travellers.
The top 10 LGBTQI+ capitals in Europe
1. London, UK
- 2024 Pride Date: Saturday 29th June
- Number of LGBTQI+ bars: 45
- Total number of Instagram hashtags: 250,572
- Safety score: 45.41
London’s Soho district is a cornerstone of the city’s LGBTQI+ scene — and was actually Europe’s first gay neighbourhood to be introduced — offering a dazzling array of bars, clubs and cultural venues like queer exhibitions, theatres and bookshops!
London Pride takes place on Saturday, 29th June 2024, bringing together thousands of people from across the world, celebrating what it means to be a part of the LGBTQI+ community. This year, you can experience everything from the main parade — while the route is still to be announced, in previous years, it’s begun at Hyde Park Corner — as well as multiple main stages. These are spread across Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square consisting of international acts and DJs entertaining you throughout the parade.
For those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the parade, in Golden Square, the ‘Out with The Family Rainbow Fete’ will provide a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.
2. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- 2024 Pride Date: Saturday 27th July - Sunday 4th August
- Number of LGBTQI+ bars: 32
- Total number of Instagram hashtags: 49,296
- Safety score: 71.37
Known for its liberal attitude, Amsterdam is one of the best gay destinations in Europe. The city’s canals come alive during Amsterdam Pride, featuring a unique boat parade you don’t want to miss. The city’s famed red-light district is also home to several LGBTQI+-friendly bars and clubs that really are a must-visit destination.
After the parade, Reguliersdwarsstraat is home to some of the city’s best gay bars and clubs. You can expect to find epic circuit parties and special club nights during the week of Amsterdam Pride, including a queer pop/house party at BOPS. Or, why not head over to experience the Drag Queen Olympics?
The historic Jordaan district offers a more laid-back and charming setting for LGBTQI+ locals and visitors with cosy cafes and quaint boutiques.
3. Copenhagen, Denmark
- 2024 Pride Date: Saturday 17th August
- Number of LGBTQI+ bars: 13
- Total number of Instagram hashtags: 36,666
- Safety score: 74.01
Copenhagen secures the third spot in our best LGBTQI+ capitals in Europe. From Tuesday, 13th to Sunday, 18th August 2024, Copenhagen’s main square will be transformed into Pride Square, complete with live entertainment each night — from '70s/80’s nights to a Eurovision music evening; this is certainly an event you don’t want to miss!
The city’s pride event is a testament to its commitment to inclusivity, featuring a grand parade that has taken place since 1996. Departing Frederiksberg Rådhusplads with around 160 groups of people and 40,000 participants marching along the 3.3 km route, you can show your support by taking part or spectating.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
- 2024 Pride Date: Monday 5th August - Sunday 11th August
- Number of LGBTQI+ bars: 27
- Total number of Instagram hashtags: 31,345
- Safety score: 75.55
Coming in at the number four spot, Prague’s charming streets and vibrant nightlife make it a top choice for LGBTQI+ travellers.
Prague Pride offers a week-long celebration with a traditional opening concert full of international acts. On the final Saturday of Prague Pride, the parade will start at Wenceslas Square, making its way through the bustling and celebratory streets of the city.
If you’re looking for a more hidden location, Strelecky Island is a romantic spot in the shade of the trees in the heart of the city. You can find exceptional city views directly from the Vltava River's surface.
5. Rome, Italy
- 2024 Pride Date: Thursday, 13th June - Sunday 16th June
- Number of LGBTQI+ bars: 22
- Total number of Instagram hashtags: 28,289
- Safety score: 50.09
Combining its rich history with a lively LGBTQI+ scene, Rome Pride celebrations are held in the iconic backdrop of ancient monuments, creating a truly unique experience.
Despite being home to the Vatican, Rome Pride has been running since 1995 and has attracted more than 80,000 visitors each year. Involving an impressive parade of colourful floats, dancers and DJs travelling from Piazza della Repubblica to Piazza Venezia and the Roman Forum, you’ll pass by world-famous landmarks like the Colosseum.
On Saturday, 15th June, Rome’s official pride after party is hosted by Rock in Roma — the international rock festival — and is set to draw large crowds as the celebrations spill into the early hours of Sunday morning.
6. Berlin, Germany
- 2024 Pride Date: Thursday, 25th July - Monday 29th July
- Number of LGBTQI+ bars: 54
- Total number of Instagram hashtags: 24,028
- Safety score: 55.44
Often hailed as the gay capital of Europe, Berlin Pride — or as it’s known in Berlin, Christopher Street Day — attracts hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world. With nearly 200 events and parties held during the festivities, there’s always something to do, no matter what you’re into.
The parade typically starts at Leipziger Street and ends at Straße des 17. Juni bis Brandenburger Tor, although this year's route is still to be confirmed. After the parade, you can immerse yourself in the Pride Rally, featuring live performances from bands and DJs, with the stunning Brandenburg Gate acting as the backdrop.
Whether you prefer house or pop music, Club Ritter Butzke has more than seven different areas with a variety of music across three floors.
7. Vienna, Austria
- 2024 Pride Date: Saturday 25th May - Sunday 9th June
- Number of LGBTQI+ bars: 19
- Total number of Instagram hashtags: 20,353
- Safety score: 69.67
Sitting securely at number seven, Vienna has a cultural richness and elegant charm that certainly isn’t one to be missed. One of the most colourful events in Europe, Vienna Pride sees everything from a huge festive gay village to circuit parties and even a Viennese ball.
Each day from 11 AM till 10 PM, visitors can relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of Pride events at Vienna Gay Beach. Lay back on loungers, enjoy a drink in the sun and learn all there is to know about the Viennese community.
The main highlight of Vienna Pride is the Rainbow Parade (also known as Regenbogenparade), happening on Saturday 8th June. For those who want to continue the celebrations, you’ll find a whole host of music options at some of the city's biggest nightclubs.
8. Athens, Greece
- 2024 Pride Date: Friday 14th June - Sunday 16th June
- Number of LGBTQI+ bars: 25
- Total number of Instagram hashtags: 14,120
- Safety score: 65.76
Athens offers a blend of ancient history and a modern LGBTQI+ culture that’s second to none. The city’s Pride events are vibrant, reflecting the warm and welcoming nature of its people.
The Athens Mayor and specially invited guests also get in on the action as they welcome everyone with an official opening ceremony. The parade makes its way through the fabulous streets of downtown Athens; however, the route for 2024 is still to be confirmed. Say hello to drag queens, DJs and an array of stars when the Athens Pride concert takes place in Syntagma Square.
Gazi, the city’s gay district, is known for its lively bars and clubs, and most of the parties will be held there. You can also find several gay-friendly shops, restaurants and cafes in Gazi that are well worth a visit.
9. Paris, France
- 2024 Pride Date: Saturday 29th June
- Number of LGBTQI+ bars: 49
- Total number of Instagram hashtags: 12,524
- Safety score: 41.85
Marche des Fiertés or Pairs Gay Pride lives and breathes in the heart of Paris. Taking around four hours to round its way along the Parisian streets, the Paris Pride Parade is one of the longest marches — more than 700,000 spectators and participants flock to Paris every year to celebrate!
The Marais district is Paris’s well-known gay neighbourhood, offering an exotic mix of culture, nightlight and history right in the centre of the bustling city. The parade procession finishes at Place de la Republique, and the party spills out into the adjoining streets in nearby gay clubs, bars and even cafes — all of which are within walking distance, so you’ll never be too far away from the action.
10. Budapest, Hungary
- 2024 Pride Date: Friday 7th June - Sunday 23rd June
- Number of LGBTQI+ bars: 13
- Total number of Instagram hashtags: 12,006
- Safety score: 65.79
Finally, rounding out our top 10 for the best LGBQTI+ capitals in Europe is Budapest. A mix of political demonstrations, events, parties and concerts, Budapest Gay Pride is the biggest annual LGBT event in Hungary.
With events spanning over four weeks of celebrations, there’s plenty of time to fit in everything you want to experience. The main parade, however, is held on Saturday, 22nd June, and usually begins at the Dráva utca and ends at Szabadság tér, but we’re still waiting for route confirmation.
With everything from fashion shows, face painting and massages to DJs and even an impressive fireworks show, the Rainbow Part in Budapest Park is an event that really isn’t one you’ll want to miss!
Travel tips for LGBTQI+ tourists
No matter where you’re heading, it’s important that you’re fully informed and prepared for your adventures. Here are some of our top tips for staying safe when travelling.
1. Make sure to research and plan
When planning your trip, it’s crucial to research the local laws and cultural attitudes towards those within the LGBTQI+ community. Some countries have progressive laws and a vibrant LGBT scene, while others may have more conservative views.
Websites like Equaldex offer invaluable resources with comprehensive information on LGBT rights and safety in various destinations. This platform provides details on everything from anti-discrimination laws to the legality of same-sex relationships, marriage and adoption rights, helping people make more informed decisions about their travel destinations.
2. Stay safe
Safety is paramount when travelling, especially for LGBTQI+ tourists. It’s important to make sure that you:
Find out more about how to stay safe when travelling with our blog.
3. Pick the right accommodation and hospitality venues
Choosing the right accommodation is essential for a comfortable and welcoming stay in a potentially unfamiliar city.
Make sure to look for LGBTQI+-friendly hotels — sites like Purple Roofs are great for this — and make sure to check review platforms like TripAdvisor or Booking.com for feedback from other LGBTQI+ travellers. Remember, you can always contact the hotel directly to inquire about their policies and inclusivity.
5 tips to save money when travelling abroad for Pride
We all want to save a bit of money when we travel, but what exactly can we do to help? Michael Corrigan, CEO of Trtl Travel, breaks down some of his top tips.
1. “Book in advance — A key strategy to save money when planning your Pride trip is to book in advance. Securing your flights and accommodation early can help you take advantage of lower prices, as airlines and hotels often offer discounts for early bookings. It’s also a good idea to replicate this for any Pride events, parties or attractions well ahead of time, as you can yield early bird discounts.
2. Use public transport — Utilising public transport systems is another effective way of keeping costs down. Investing in a local transit pass or travel card can be more cost-effective than buying single tickets, allowing you to travel freely across the city. Be aware, though, that some cities will close their metro stations during pride events.
3. Eat like a local — If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the local cuisine while keeping your food budget in check, eat like a local! Local street food stalls and markets offer delicious and affordable options that provide a sweet taste of the local cuisine and culture. Dining at restaurants away from tourist hotspots often has lower prices and more authentic dishes.
4. Travel light — Travelling light can help to significantly reduce your expenses, particularly when it comes to baggage fees. Opting for carry-on-only luggage where possible helps to avoid any extra charges, but it does mean that you’ll only be able to pack the essentials — so make sure you’re 100% sure about the clothes you’re packing!
5. Look for discounts — Discounts are a great way of helping your budget stretch that little bit further. If you’re a student or a young traveller, take advantage of discounts available by carrying a valid student ID card. Travelling with friends can also be a great decision, as many tours, tickets and accommodations offer group booking discounts.”
Find more money-saving tips with our blog to save money for a holiday.
Get holiday-ready with Trtl Travel
As we embark on the vibrant journey of Pride, it’s clear that Europe offers a multitude of welcoming and dynamic destinations for all LGBTQI+ travellers. From the historical charm of Prague to the progressive vibes of Berlin, each city has their own unique benefits that are essential to explore.
To make sure you’re relaxed as much as possible on your travels, you’ll want to invest in a Trtl Travel Pillow; there’ll be no more waking up with a stiff neck or aching muscles!
Or, find out everything there is to know about travel with our blogs.
