While the UK is considered one of the most gay-friendly destinations, sometimes you want to have a change of scenery. Thankfully, there are plenty of other popular gay-friendly destinations worth considering for an unforgettable holiday.
Castro neighbourhood in San Francisco, United States.
This iconic Californian city is considered by many to be the gay capital of the world. San Francisco has the third largest gay population in the United States and is known for its thriving LGBTQ+ community. The Gay Pride festival held every June is a household name, attracting visitors from all over the world, both gay and straight. Castro, one of the first gay neighbourhoods in the US, is the ideal place to experience San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ scene first-hand. It played an important role in the fight for equal rights and remains a symbol of LGBTQ+ culture today.
To visit this lively city, it is important to note that it’s necessary to apply for an ESTA online before you travel, as this is a mandatory permit to enter the United States of America without the need for a visa. Getting an ESTA is a very simple procedure that consists of filling out a digital application form, checking if all the data is correct and making the payment. The ESTA is usually approved on the same day and does not need to be printed out, as the ESTA is automatically linked to your passport as soon as it is granted.
The Netherlands: Amsterdam
The Dutch capital is one of the most visited destinations in Europe by LGBTQ+ tourists. Amsterdam has been named the Gay Capital of Europe in 2019, and for good reason. The open-mindedness and tolerance of the local population makes the city a destination to consider for any holiday. It is not only a very romantic destination to visit for two, but can also be visited alone if you are looking for both partying and cultural activities.
The city has many bars, nightclubs, boat parties, sex shops and gay-friendly establishments. The main area is around Rembrandtplein and extends to Amstelstraat, which runs parallel to the canal of the same name. Some of the annual events to look out for when visiting Amsterdam include the Canal Parade (held on the first Saturday in August) and Pink Saturday (held on the last Saturday in June).
If you’re travelling from the UK, you won’t need a visa to travel to Amsterdam. The same applies to US visitors. They can stay in The Netherlands for up to 90 days without needing a visa.
Argentina: Buenos Aires
For many, Argentina is the most gay-friendly capital of Latin America. In 2006 and 2008, the global LGBTQ+ community voted it the best international gay destination. San Telmo and Recoleta are the districts where the main gay meeting places are located. The influx of gay tourists has led to the creation of the Gay-Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CCGLAR), which represents restaurants, bars and hotels with an LGBTQ+ offer, and which, together with the National Institute for the Promotion of Tourism, is responsible for organising actions aimed at this audience.
There are numerous events to attend and take into account when visiting the city, such as the Gay Pride March (held annually in the first week of November) or the Queer Tango Festival, which takes place in mid-November.
UK and US tourists don’t need a visa when visiting Argentina. They can pass border control with just their passports.
Canada: Montreal
Canada has been the most gay-friendly destination in the world for years, according to the annual Spartacus Gay Travel Index. In the country, Montreal distinguishes itself with its own gay district, the Gay Village, located around the Beaudry metro station, recognisable by its multi-coloured columns. Same with San Francisco, it is one of the largest gay districts in North America, and also has a tourist information centre specifically for information on the local LGBTQ+ scene. Montreal also celebrates Gay Pride in early August, known as Fierte Montreal Pride. Another festival not to be missed is the Black & Blue Gay Festival, held on the second Monday in October since 1991, with proceeds going to charities fighting HIV.
UK tourists wanting to go to Canada require a travel permit. The easiest and cheapest one is the eTA Canada. Like the ESTA for the USA, the eTA is applied for online and linked to your passport. Once you have it, you can pass border control with just your passport.
