8 LGBTQ+ friendly countries worth travelling to in 2025

Thailand

We've had our eyes on Thailand for a while now – and with same-sex marriage officially legalised in early 2025, it's cemented its place as the most LGBTQI+ friendly country in Southeast Asia.

It was already leading the way thanks to its generally tolerant, open-minded population and laws that protect against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Now, with marriage equality in place, Thailand becomes the first country in Southeast Asia – and only the third in Asia, after Nepal and Taiwan – to take this step.

Safe to say, this year it's not just on our list — it's right on top.

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Australia

LGBTQ+ rights have really shot ahead in Australia since the turn of the century, making it one of the most accepting countries in the world. I mean obviously, otherwise it wouldn't be on our list. Homosexuality was decriminalised in 1973 and same-sex marriage became legal in 2017 after the public voted 'yes, actually' in a national survey a few months prior. Not surprising for the country that gave us Kylie. Plus they love Eurovision as much as we do.

Sydney is the place to go, with the renowned Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras taking place every year in February/March time. It's the biggest pride event in Oceania, attracting tens of thousands of visitors every year, and has been host to plenty of iconic performers over the years – Boy George, the sisters Minogue, Loreen, Kim Petras, Dua Lipa, Courtney Act…

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Germany

Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome!

Berlin has historically been a hub for everything counterculture, alternative, bohemian, and the LGBTQ+ community has often fallen into those categories throughout history. Only in Berlin it was able to thrive into something diverse and beautiful. It was known as a gay hotspot as early as the 1920s! Not hard to believe, given this was the setting of Christopher Isherwood's semi-autobiographical Goodbye to Berlin, which details his time in the city. It would later become a broadway musical that would be adapted into the 1972 film Cabaret, starring Liza Minnelli.

You can still hit the cabaret scene or visit the many clubs and bars. If that's not your scene, hit up one of the queer-themed exhibitions, lectures and concerts that dot the city. These are more frequent around pride, which happens towards the end of July in Berlin.

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Greece

While Greece only legalised same-sex marriage in 2024, it's been a go-to spot for queer travellers for years. The scene in Athens is only growing, and if that's what you're after then head straight to the Gazi district. It's a bit of a different vibe to the rest of the city, with more of an industrial feel – old factories and warehouses are now venues and clubs that welcome thousands of visitors every year.

For something a bit quieter there's always Thessaloniki, Greece's second city. It has been hosting a pride festival every year since 2012 and even hosted EuroPride in 2024. You know it's going to be a safe and welcoming place even if clubs and bars aren't your thing – watch the sunset at the waterfront, visit the iconic White Tower, or try some of the incredible food.

We can't talk about Greece without mentioning Mykonos. The OG gay-friendly Greek island, Mykonos is known for its beach clubs, all-night parties, and decades-long LGBTQ+ legacy. From sun-soaked afternoons at Super Paradise Beach to glamorous nights at JackieO', it's a celebration of queer joy in a stunning Aegean setting.

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Spain

Spain is one of the most liberal and accepting countries in the world, particularly in regards to LGBTQ+ rights. They legalised same-sex marriage in 2005, making it the third country in the world to do so, after the Netherlands and Belgium. Spain has contributed to literature, TV and more significantly cinema in terms of telling LGBTQ+ stories. Pedro Almodovar rose to fame by reinventing Spanish cinema with his films depicting themes of sexual and political freedom in the wake of Francisco Franco's fascist regime.

It's no surprise as well that Spain has some of the most gay-friendly cities in the world, inlcuding Barcelona and Madrid both of which host a variety of prides each year. But if that's not enough then take a whole island instead. Gran Canaria is famous all around the world for it's long stretches of sand, buzzing gay venues, LGBTQ+ resorts and its two annual prides, one in summer and one in winter.

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Canada

Canada also legalised same-sex marriage in 2005, and has made great strides since then in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, up to the point that the Canadian now recognise a third gender on passports and has made conversion therapy a crime. It's now right at the top of the of the Gay Travel Index and one of the safest countries in the world for LGBTQ+ travellers and citizens. We can just taste the equality.

On top of all this, in 1993 Canada became one of the first countries in the world to recognise and offer safe haven to those facing persecution for their sexuality or gender identity.

You can really visit Canada any time of year but if you want your trip to be pride-themed you've got plenty of options to choose from. A lot of them even coincide with ski season, so if you want to combine a ski trip with your pride plans, it won't be hard to arrange. A lot of ski resorts even have their very own pride weekends.

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Brazil

Same-sex marriage has technically been legal in Brazil since 2013. But it's a bit of a weird one. While it was one of the first Latin American countries to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples, it was done in a court ruling. This means that yes, same-sex couples can currently get married in Brazil, it's not actually enshrined in the law like it is in other countries. Work is ongoing to get the law passed, but it's been blocked by opposition.

That said, certain parts of Brazil are safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ travellers and queer culture isn't just accepted in big cities – it's celebrated with colour, music, and massive street parties. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are at the heart of it all. São Paulo hosts one of the largest Pride events in the world, with millions filling Avenida Paulista in a joyous, defiant celebration. In Rio, you'll find gay-friendly beaches, iconic nightlife in Ipanema and Copacabana, and drag shows that spill out into the street.

That said, there's still discrimination in the more conservative parts of the country, particularly towards the trans community. Which makes the infectious queer energy and pride celebrations all the more important.

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Liechtenstein

The latest to join the same-sex marriage club, this tiny Alpine principality is often overlooked. The legal shift marks a quiet but meaningful step forward for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in a part of the world so steeped in tradition.

Though Liechtenstein doesn't have a big queer scene, it's progressive, safe, and scenic, making it a charming destination for couples looking to explore dramatic mountain landscapes, fairy-tale castles, and serene villages. LGBTQ+ travellers are unlikely to face discrimination, and the new marriage law reinforces the country's commitment to inclusion.

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