The 10 Top-Rated LGBTQ-Friendly Cities, According to Airbnb Travelers

The release shared what destinations are most popular with each generation for celebrating Pride, with only two well-known gay-friendly cities appearing on both lists: Bogota, Colombia, and Berlin, Germany. In the US, Gen-Z travelers are heading some unexpected destinations, per Airbnb data, including Richmond, VA, and Salt Lake City, UT. However, millennials are also flocking to destinations not normally associated with LGBTQ+ travel, including Big Sky, MT, and Dallas, TX.

In no particular order, Airbnb found that these cities were the most welcoming for LGBTQ+ travelers year-round.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta, on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, has long embraced LGBTQ+ travelers with open arms. Unlike some destinations with a singular “gayborhood,” Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ scene is more woven into the fabric of the city. The Zona Romántica, the charming south side of town, has cobblestone streets, vibrant art galleries, and a palpable energy, plus lots of bars and nightclubs. Many are LGBTQ-owned and operated, with lots of nightlife options catering specifically to gay and lesbian travelers. Many resorts and hotels actively promote themselves as friendly to LGBTQ+ travelers, and public displays of affection are widely accepted.

Where to stay in PV: Check Into Relaxation at These Boutique Puerto Vallarta Airbnbs

Madrid, Spain

Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital, has transformed into a beacon of LGBTQ+ inclusivity in recent decades. While tolerance has steadily grown throughout the country, Madrid stands out for its enthusiastic embrace of diversity. Chueca, a central neighborhood known for its rainbow-colored signage, serves as the center of the city’s LGBTQ+ scene, with trendy shops, lively bars, and nightclubs catering specifically to the community. And Madrid’s annual Pride celebration is now one of the largest in Europe. It’s a week-long festival overflowing with parades, parties, and events, attracting international attention and solidifying the city’s status as a global LGBTQ+ destination.

Where to stay in Madrid: 11 Best Airbnbs in Madrid, From a Luxury Penthouse to Artsy Apartments

New York, NY

New York City, the quintessential melting pot of cultures, has long been a champion of LGBTQ+ liberation. More than just tolerant, the city actively celebrates its diverse LGBTQ+ community year-round. Greenwich Village, particularly the Stonewall area, holds a pivotal place in LGBTQ+ history as the site of the Stonewall Riots of 1969, sparked by a police raid on a gay bar, which ignited a movement for LGBTQ+ rights that continues to this day. The neighborhood still has a huge LGBTQ+ community, but so do many other areas of NYC.

Neighborhoods like Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, and the West Village all boast thriving LGBTQ+ scenes with various cultural centers catering specifically to the community. NYC is as close to as open-minded as it gets in the US, and LGBTQ+ travelers will find plenty to do every day of the year, whether they’re specifically looking for gay-friendly events, or just want to see some of the best museums in the world.

Where to stay in New York: These Manhattan Airbnbs Showcase the Best of New York City

Paris, France

Paris, the City of Lights, has a long and fascinating relationship with the LGBTQ+ community. While France was one of the first European countries to decriminalize homosexuality in the late 18th century, full social acceptance has been a gradual process. Today, Paris is a vibrant and welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and inclusivity.

The Marais, a historic district known for its charming streets and trendy boutiques, serves as the heart of Paris’ LGBTQ+ scene — you’ll known you’re there when you see the rainbow-colored pedestrian crossings and rainbow flags fluttering outside cafes. There are lots of bars and restaurants specifically catering to the LGBTQ+ community, and one not to miss is the historic cafe Le Moustache, established in 1921. It’s a Parisian institution known for its inclusive atmosphere and drag performances. For a more contemporary lounge-type vibe, head to Cafe Voulez Vous, serving lunch and dinner but getting very lively at night.

But beyond the Marais, LGBTQ+ acceptance is widespread throughout Paris, with plenty of hotels advertising to the community and PDA accepted nearly everywhere — it is Paris, after all.

Where to stay in Paris: These Unique Paris Airbnbs and Hotels Offer a Stay Unlike Any Other

Seattle, Washington

On the Puget Sound, Seattle has a long history as a haven for LGBTQ+ individuals. The Emerald City actively celebrates its diverse LGBTQ+ community in June and beyond, fostering a culture of acceptance and inclusion. Capitol Hill is the center of the city’s LGBTQ+ scene, and some bars are downright institutions. If you’re visiting, be sure to swing by Pony, a converted 1930s gas station offering a lively bar scene, outdoor patio, and vibe catering to the LGBTQ+ community. (It’s slogan is “A very queer bar.”)

Many neighborhoods, from Fremont to Ballard, boast inclusive pockets with LGBTQ+ bars, restaurants, and cultural centers. That’s because Seattle’s LGBTQ+ history stretches back decades. The city was a breeding ground for activism in the 1960s and 70s, and today, the progressive spirit is evident in the city’s vibrant annual Pride celebrations. But beyond Pride, the city’s longstanding LGBTQ+ film festival, called the Seattle Queer Film Festival, celebrates the stories and experiences of LGBTQ+ filmmakers. It’s held every October in the PNW city.

Where to stay in Seattle: 13 Seattle Airbnbs Close To Fresh Seafood, Pike Place, and the Space Needle

San Diego, CA

San Diego is California’s sunny haven and one (of many) very LGBTQ-friendly destinations in the Golden State. Around North Park, hotspots like Flicks, a bar with video booths and themed nights, and Pecs Bar, a relaxed venue with pool tables and a welcoming atmosphere, cater specifically to the LGBTQ+ community. But neighborhoods from Little Italy to Pacific Beach welcome gay and lesbian travelers with inclusive social spaces, events, meetups, and more.

If you want to hit the beach, head to Blacks Beach near La Jolla. It’s one of the city’s several gay beaches, as well as an unofficial nude beach (nudity is technically illegal in San Diego). For the liveliest atmosphere, head to the north end of the beach.

San Diego’s Pride Fest is actually held in July — making it easy to get a two-for celebration in, enjoying pride festivities elsewhere in June and heading to San Diego to do it all again in July.

Where to stay in San Diego: These Beautiful San Diego Airbnbs Put You Close to the Beach and Downtown

London, United Kingdom

London has a rich LGBTQ+ history, vibrant nightlife, and a general culture of acceptance. Its LGBTQ+ scene is spread throughout the city, and while pockets like Soho, Vauxhall, and the East End possess a higher concentration of LGBTQ+ bars and clubs, you’ll find welcoming and accepting businesses throughout London.

In Soho, a haven for the community since the 17th century, you can take LGBTQ+ walking tours that explore this rich history, visiting landmarks like the Gay’s the Word (one of the oldest LGBTQ+ bookstores in the world). And London Pride, held annually in late June, is a truly colossal event. The parade is one of the largest in the world, and a multitude of Pride-related events take place throughout the city, from film festivals and art exhibitions to community gatherings and dance parties.

Where to stay in London: 23 Airbnbs in London’s Trendiest Neighborhoods

Wilton Manors, FL

Florida’s statewide politics may leave you thinking the state isn’t LGBTQ+ friendly, but many destinations, individuals, and business owners welcome all travelers to the Sunshine State. And while hotspots like Miami will always have plenty of gay-friendly offerings and entertainment, the lesser-known town of Wilton Manors ranked highly in Airbnb’s report. Often referred to as the “Second Gayest City” in the US, Wilton Manors outside Fort Lauderdale is about as gay-friendly as it gets.

Well-known businesses like Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar and Hunters have energetic dance floors and drag shows, are must-dos for LGBTQ+ travelers, and the annual Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival, held in June, draws thousands of participants and spectators. The glow night parade is a particularly fun highlight. Beyond Pride, the Pride Center at Equality Park serves as a vital LGBTQ+ community center, offering social events, educational programs, and resources. There’s a full calendar of events year-round.

Fun fact: Wilton Manors elected the first openly gay mayor in Florida in 1988.

Where to stay near Fort Lauderdale: Book These Gorgeous Fort Lauderdale Airbnbs Near the City’s Epic Beaches

Toronto, Canada

Like the Stonewall Riots in New York, Toronto’s 1969 bathhouse raids sparked Canada’s national movement for LGBTQ+ rights. Visitors can delve deeper into this history with dedicated LGBTQ+ walking tours that explore landmarks like the vibrant 519 Community Centre, a hub for LGBTQ+ resources and social events. The entire city is gay-friendly, but the Village (officially called Church-Wellesley Village) has some well-known dedicated gay bars, like Crews & Tangos, known for its drag performances, and The Lodge, a popular spot for socializing. Toronto’s lesbian scene is also thriving, with dedicated spaces like Cherry Bomb, a lesbian nightclub and event space, and the Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. The latter is Canada’s oldest LGBTQ+ performance space.

Toronto Pride is a lively, week-long festival culminating in a massive parade that winds its way through the city, attracting millions of participants and spectators. Throughout June, Pride-related events span the city, including film festivals, art exhibits, and community gatherings.

Where to stay in Toronto: The Best Airbnbs in Downtown Toronto, From the Harbourfront to the CN Tower

Chicago, IL

Most parts of the Windy City are pretty gay-friendly, but two neighborhoods stand out as being especially popular with LGBTQ+ travelers: Boystown and Andersonville.

Boystown, on the north side near Lake Michigan, is considered the historic center of the LGBTQ+ scene. Halsted Street has a plethora of gay bars and clubs catering to a diverse range of interests. Sidetracks has multiple dance floors and drag shows, and the Closet is one of the oldest gay bars in the city.

Andersonville, north of Boystown, offers a more eclectic and inclusive vibe. It has a healthy concentration of lesbian bars like Marty’s Martini Bar (a longtime Chicago institution known for its friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere), but also has lots of LGBTQ-owned restaurants, shops, and cultural centers. During June, you’ll find multiple pride celebrations in the city. The official Chicago pride celebration has been happening for more than 50 years, but it’s not the only LGBTQ+ event in the city. The city hosts the International Mr. Leather competition every May and the Reeling LGBTQ+ Film Fest every September, and is home to cultural centers like Party Noire and the Pride Arts Center.

Where to stay in Chicago: The 15 Coolest Airbnbs in Chicago