Destination gay
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As with most countries, the queer scene here is at its most inclusive in cities like Amsterdam — which is always a ‘Dam good time. If you’re a fan of calm, light, and sunny southern French culture and colors, then the design and atmosphere of the Villa Bacchus are certain to be the perfect fit for you. We’re back in the Caribbean, and what a sight it is!
There are plenty of destinations all over the world that embrace and actively celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. The celebration features skiing and snowboarding on the gorgeous slopes surrounding the area, hikes in the foothills and a host of parties.
And while Queenstown doesn't have any gay bars per se, virtually all of the many pubs and clubs near the downtown lakefront are quite welcoming.
However long you plan to visit this bewitching city, add at least a day or two to explore New Zealand's iconic Fiordland National Park.
Where to stay
A sponsor of Queenstown's Winter Pride, and a romantic top-of-the-line accommodation any time of year, the Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu (rates start at $235 per night) sits on a bluff near Queenstown Cove and the Queenstown Trail.
The quaint seaside villages of Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are within an hour’s drive.
Home to one of the highest per-capita queer populations in the country, Halifax’s LGBTQIA+ scene is well-integrated across the city. For the liveliest LGBTQ+ scene, head to Lisbon with a vibrant scene centered around the Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real neighborhoods.
Other notable draws include the National Palace Museum, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park and the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall.
Taiwan Pride is always held in autumn, an appealing time to visit, as the weather tends to be mild and dry. Athens has plenty going for it — particularly in the LGBTQ+ neighbourhood of Gazi — and the queer arts, drag, and fashion scenes are always growing.
Elsewhere, Bergen and Trondheim have burgeoning scenes.
Around 100,000 people attend the event with a parade, DJs, and other cultural events. The town also hosts one of Spain’s largest Pride events in early June — this festive event serves the whole region, including Malaga.
Where to stay
AC Hotel Malaga Palacio (rates start at $203 or 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) has a great location across from Parque de Malaga, near the city’s bustling port and the artsy Soho neighborhood.
Parts of the all-inclusive parcel this hotel has put together include amazing daily breakfasts, unlimited beverage and food supplies throughout the day and several beautiful eateries and restaurants within its walls. That being said, there's no way you should opt out of travelling just to stay at home. It's just a 10-minute cab ride from Doyamacho's LGBTQIA+ scene.
Dublin
Ireland has garnered a growing gay following in recent years.
But set aside at least three days to travel to the largest metropolis in Thailand's mountainous north: Chiang Mai.
Established in the 13th century and famous for its elaborately designed temples, well-managed elephant sanctuaries, distinctive and flavorful cuisine and generally cooler and more refreshing weather than in the south, Chiang Mai has a surprisingly sizable, if low-key, gay nightlife scene and just as welcoming a vibe as Bangkok.
The North Side is close to downtown and is home to the outstanding Andy Warhol Museum, which celebrates the life of the pop art icon and Pittsburgh native son.
There’s a fluid, international feel about the rooms and business rooms of the Thuishaven Boutique Resort, but when it comes to the public spaces and the surrounding area, the true mixed nature of Curaçao shines through most engagingly and interestingly possible.
As attested to by many of the guests who have previously stayed at this queer, colorful, and energetic resort, its owners are more than just savvy in the industry – they are masterminds of the art of making fun environments and the space that they’ve created out of the Thuishaven Boutique Resort is one of the most genuine and addictive out of any location on this list.
Plus, it's a great base for outdoor adventures, and there are several iconic ski resorts (such as Brighton, Solitude, Alta, Snowbird, Deer Valley and Park City Mountain) all within an hour's drive of downtown. Don’t miss the annual Eressos Women’s Festival, which tends to run in September.
Thailand
In the words of Nicki Minaj — ‘let’s go to the beach, beach…’ — though there’s more to Thailand than just beaches, fantastic though they are.
The city center features shady parks, festive cafes, boutiques and galleries, making this town feel sophisticated and relaxed.
Served by an efficient airport that offers direct flights from the U.S., Merida is about a three-hour drive from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Distinctive buildings and houses (including the 400-foot spire of the ornate Cathedral of Our Lady, completed in 1521) dominate the skyline of this fashion-forward cultural hub.
There’s a concentration of queer-owned businesses and nightspots in and around the compact city center, where you'll find cool attractions like the celebrated MoMu–Fashion Museum Antwerp and MAS–Museum aan de Stroom.
In August, the city's four-day Antwerp Pride is one of Europe's best-attended Pride events.
Where to stay
The refined, LGBTQIA+-popular Hotel Julien (rates start at $236 per night) is just a five-minute stroll from gracious Groenplaats and close to several hopping gay bars and clubs.