Top Ten LGBT-Friendly Holiday Destinations for the Easter Long Weekend
March 14, 2019Looking for where to go for Easter, we have a few ideas for you.
1. Canary Islands
Well known as one of Europe’s most LGBT-friendly getaways. Amazing weather, breath-taking vistas, and endless beaches. There’s a lot to love about this Spanish archipelago. There are also plenty of LGBT beaches, bars and clubs.
Where to stay: If you’re wanting to stay close to the gay district, we’d recommend somewhere near the Yumbo Centre, were most of the gay bars are. There are also a number of great 4 and 5 star hotels in the Maslapomas and Meloneras areas.
Where to eat/drink: Dive into the local Spanish cuisine atDéjate Llevar, or Qué Tal by Stena, both highly recommended choices.
Don’t miss: The iconic beaches at Playa del Ingles.
Who’s it best for: While the white sandy beaches are famous for their gay parties, it’s also a welcoming and fun place to bring your family.
2. Rio de Janeiro
Famous for its incredible pride, epic Carnivals, and beach parties. There are plenty of LGBT+ festivities to be had in this one-of-a-kind city.
Where to stay: Stay around the Ipanema beach for some of Rio’s best gay bars and night clubs, Hotel Praia Ipanema, Ritz Hotel Leblon and the Golden Tulip are all fantastic choices.
Where to eat/drink: Check out La Cueva, Lapa 40, andTô nem Aífor some of the city’s vibrant gay nightlife.
Don’t miss: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and, of course, the famous Copacabana beach.
Who’s it best for: Great for a romantic getaway with that special someone, or a weekend of parties with your friends.
3. Ibiza
While it may be a cliched party getaway, there really is no comparison in terms of nightlife. This Mediterranean paradise boasts super-clubs and a range of amazing LGBT+ events.
Where to stay: Avoid San Antonio (this is full of drunken straight tourists direct from the UK) and try and stay close to Ibiza town, this is where most of the gay hotels are.
Where to eat/drink: The gay quarter is Ses Figueretes, this is where you’ll find a number of great bars and clubs.
Don’t miss: If you’re looking for gay beaches head to Talamanca beach, Salinas beach, El Chiringay. Otherwise take time to browse the historic and beautiful Ibiza Town.
Who’s it best for: Definitely a party destination.
4. Toronto
This city holds Canada’s largest gay community. The downtown gay village has an array of arts, culture and nightspots.
Where to stay: Church and Wellesley Villageis the heart of Toronto’s gay scene, and there are plenty of great hotels there: the Anndore House, the Marriott and the Manor Boutique Hotel.
Where to eat/drink: Woody’s is a gay institution, while Crews and Tangos has a great drag night. For a fun night out don’t miss Fly 2.0, the city’s largest gay club (also where many Queer as Folk scenes were filmed).
Don’t miss: The iconic CN Tower, it was the world’s tallest man-made structure until Dubai stole that crown a few years ago.
Who’s it best for: Toronto is a city full of culture and nightlife, great for a romantic getaway or a trip with the family.
5. Barcelona
Boasting some of Europe’s biggest gay club nights, this vibrant city is pulling out all the stops for Easter, and if you’re not too hungover check out some of the incredible architecture and art museums.
Where to stay: If you want the complete gay tourist experience stay at the Axel Hotel, one of the first large-scale gay-only hotels in Europe.
Where to eat/drink: Barcelona has an epic party scene, with annual events hosted by the renowned Matinée Group.
Don’t miss: The incredible buildings of Antoni Gaudí, La Sagrada Familia should be at the top of your list.
Who’s it best for: While this is definitely a party city, there are plenty of cultural and sightseeing activities to take the family to.
6. Berlin
Considered by many as the gay capital of Germany, this dynamic city has an eclectic gay scene, with bars and clubs in the Schönebergdistrict.
Where to stay:Stay around schöneberg for the best gay experience, but you can’t go wrong with the Berlin Mitte or Prenzlauer Berg districts too.
Where to eat/drink: Berlin is known for its edgy nightlife, for good reason. Check out Berghain and Panorama Bar – if you can get in!
Don’t miss: the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building, Jewish Memorial, East Side Gallery (the former Berlin Wall), Check Point Charlie, and many more incredible historic sites.
Who’s it best for: Those keen for a bit of culture with their parties.
7. Zurich
This small picturesque city has quickly become a vibrant LGBT+ hub, full of bars and nightclubs amongst the snow-capped Alps.
Where to stay: the Old Town(Altstadt) has the sites, shopping and gay scene, while Langstrasse & Zürich West has a vibrant nightlife with a great gay scene.
Where to eat/drink: Cranberry and Infinity Bar are great for a drink, while Rathausis a popular gay-friendly café with great views.
Don’t miss: the beautiful historic churches: the Grossmunster and Fraumunster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.
Who’s it best for: great for family getaways and a quiet relaxing romantic weekender.
8. Sitges
Just south of Barcelona is this tiny Catalonian town. Beautiful beaches and a surprisingly large LGBT+ nightlife that rivals some of its big city neighbours.
Where to stay: If you’re staying central try and stay near the Playa de la Bassa Rodona, the city’s main gay beach.
Where to eat/drink: Sitges is a gay party destination and there are lots of eclectic nightclubs and bars, check out: the Organic, Privilege, Parrots and Central Bar.
Don’t miss: Take a break from the bars and visit the Maricel Museum and Cau Ferrat Museum.
Who’s it best for: Friends and party-goers.
9. Mykonos
One of the biggest LGBT+ summer destinations in Europe. Beaches, a thriving nightlife, and beautiful hotels.
Where to stay: For the full gay experience try the famous Elysium, which has spectacular views of the town and Aegean Sea.
Where to eat/drink: Babylon, Jackie O and At54 are all great hotspots for a night out.
Don’t miss: See the incredible Ancient Greek ruins at Delos, or the serene beaches at Ftelia.
Who’s it best for: For the party-goer, though there is plenty to do for a romantic stay.
10. San Francisco
Due to its historical significance with gay rights and activism, many hold up San Francisco as the gay capital of the world. Visit the iconic Castro District, one of the very first gay neighbourhoods in America, and see the gay scene and nightlife is still as vibrant as ever.
Where to stay: SoMa is a vibrant hipster paradise, while the Castro is the historic gay heart of the city, Chinatown and Embracadero are quintessential San Fran locales.
Where to eat/drink: Check out MIX, Twin Peaks, the Café, and Q Bar.
Don’t miss: The Golden Gate Bridge is still a spectacular sight to behold, while Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Park are all iconic destinations not to be missed.
Who’s it best for: Families, friends and party-goers.
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