Pride 2024: 12 most LGBTIQ+-friendly cities in the world

21.05.2024 - 20:21 / lonelyplanet.com

Everybody say, “Love!”

We’re headed around the world in pursuit of exciting cities that embrace the LGBTIQ+ community with open arms (not to mention sequins and confetti). These are the kinds of places that understand that life is meant for celebrating – whether through rowdy drag shows that thrill with sass, joyous street parties that bring out crowds of thousands or thumping dance clubs that party on till sunrise.  

Follow us to some of the most progressive, inclusive and accepting destinations around the world. Places where you can truly show your spirit of pride.

Pride 2024: The biggest Pride celebration in the UK, and one of the largest in the world, London Pride takes place this year on June 29.

Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: Soho in London’s West End has historically been the city’s epicenter of queer life. To this day, it remains a hub of the city's LGBTIQ+ bars, shops and clubs.

London has been a most prominent center of queer culture for hundreds of years, dating all the way back to the city’s 18th-century “Molly Houses,” meeting places for LGBTIQ+ people. London remains a massively queer city and is known for a brimming underground scene that can be found at rotating parties, such as those put on by Cybil’s House.

A must-visit for any LGBTIQ+ traveler is the Admiral Duncan, a gay pub in Soho that was the site of a bombing perpetrated by a homophobic neo-Nazi in 1999. In the aftermath of the tragedy, it became a site of resistance and resilience – and remains so to this day.

Learn about London’s queer history on this walking tour

Pride 2025: Provincetown’s 7th annual Pride celebration takes place from May 31 to June 2, with a diverse lineup of events, from the town’s famous parade to a comedy showcase, 5k race, yoga sessions and more.

Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: The entire town! Provincetown is a flourishing place for queer life. Located at the easternmost tip of Cape Cod, P-town has been a summer escape for the LGBTIQ+ community for over 60 years. From riotous parties at A-House to (technically illegal) nude sunbathing at Herring Cove Beach, there’s no shortage of fun to be had here. Plan your visit to align with one of the town’s many queer festivals, including Bear Week, Girl Splash, TransWeek and more.

14 ways to enjoy all Provincetown has to offer

Pride 2024: Being in the southern hemisphere, Auckland held its Pride celebration in the month February. But it’s not too early to plan a trip for 2025! 

Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: Karangahape Road – or “K Road” to locals – is where you'll find most of Auckland’s LGBTIQ+ nightlife. Many Aucklanders make a night of it by starting at The Eagle, a local, unpretentious watering hole that welcomes all comers from the LGBTIQ+ community.