Josh, from our Operations Team, shares his thoughts and tips for travelling as an LGBTQ+ person.

As someone who’s openly gay, I know how a desire to travel to new places can often conflict with feelings of unease around the uncertainty of a destination’s attitude towards queer people. Hopefully this post will offer a little reassurance by showing that there’s a multitude of queer-friendly places to choose from. In light of our 10th anniversary, this Pride Month we’re delighted to share our top 10 LGBTQ+ friendly destinations that are reachable by rail. These spots are ideal for an inclusive and welcoming holiday experience.

1. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is known for many historical & cultural reasons and one thing it’s renowned for is its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. With a rich history of gay culture, this city offers lots of events and activities.

• Must visit areas: Nollendorfplatz in Schöneberg (known as Berlin’s core for LGBTQ+ people) as well as the areas of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain (which are a little less busy)

• Events: Lesbian and Gay City Festival, Berlin Canal Pride, Queer Winter Wonderland

• Hotel recommendations: Leonardo Hotel Mitte, Vienna House by Wyndham Andels

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam has always been a forward-thinking city, and a pioneer in LGBTQ+ rights & equality, making it a haven for queer travellers.

• Must-visit areas: Reguliersdwarsstraat, Kerkstraat and Amstel

• Events: King’s Day (national Dutch holiday including a good old street party in Amsterdam with a strong LGBTQ+ presence), concerts & performances featuring the Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus

• Hotel recommendations: Banks Mansion Hotel, The Albus, Ibis Amsterdam Centre

3. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona’s open-minded and lively atmosphere makes it a popular choice for LGBTQ+ holiday makers! 

• Must-visit areas: Eixample (affectionately known as Gaixample amongst local queer people and allies), El Raval and Poble Sec

• Events: Barcelona Pride, FIRE Queer Film Festival, various events held by the Barcelona LGTBI Centre

• Hotel recommendations: Hotel Market, Olivia Balmes Hotel

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a particularly progressive city and warmly welcomes LGBTQ+ visitors.

• Must-visit areas: Being the unofficial Gay Capital of Scandinavia, it’s not easy to whittle the many LGBTQ+ friendly areas in Copenhagen down to just a few, but Vesterbro, Nørrebro and Studiestræde are all absolutely worth a visit!

• Events: Copenhagen Winter Pride Week

• Hotel recommendations: Scandic Hotel, Avenue Hotel Copenhagen by Brøchner, Hotel Mayfair

5. Paris, France

Cliché as it may be, I don’t think a list of LGBTQ+ friendly destinations would be complete without the City of Love!

• Must-visit areas: Le Marais is the go-to area for LGBTQ+ culture in Paris, with its historic narrow streets being home to many inclusive venues

• Events: Chéries-Chéris (LGBTQ+ film festival), Festival des cultures LGBT

• Hotel recommendations: Hotel National Des Arts Et Metiers, Hotel Du Vieux Marais

6. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is celebrated for its inclusive policies and vibrant LGBTQ+ culture.

• Must-visit areas: Whilst Stockholm doesn’t have a specific gay quarter, Gamla Stan and Södermalm are both well-known areas with plenty of queer-friendly bars, restaurants and cafés

• Events: annual Gay Pride festival

• Hotel recommendations: Hotel Rival, Hellsten Hotel, Clarion Hotel Sign

7. Vienna, Austria

Vienna’s rich cultural heritage is complemented by a thriving LGBTQ+ scene.

• Must-visit Areas: Naschmarkt, Mariahilf

• Events: Identities Queer Film Festival, Vienna Rainbow Parade

• Hotel recommendations: Hotel Altstadt Vienna, 25hours Hotel at MuseumsQuartier, Hotel Sans Souci

8. Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is known as a centre of finance but it’s also a beautiful city, with an open attitude toward LGBTQ+ rights!

• Must-visit areas: Niederdorf, Langstrasse
• Events: Pink Apple Film Festival, Zurich Pride Festival

• Hotel recommendations: Hotel City Zürich Design & Lifestyle, Hotel Helvetia, Placid Hotel Design & Lifestyle Zurich

9. Brighton, UK

Perhaps a little more familiar (and almost certainly closer to home!) Brighton is the UK’s Queer Capital!

• Must-visit areas: Kemptown, The Lanes, the seafront
• Events: Brighton Pride (often features world-class singers, musicians and entertainers), Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus concerts and performances

• Hotel recommendations: Drakes Hotel, The Grand

10. Madrid, Spain

Giving Spain a second feature on this list, Madrid’s energetic atmosphere and welcoming attitude make it an ideal destination for LGBTQ+ travellers.

• Must-visit areas: Chueca, Malasaña

• Events: LesGaiCineMad Film Festival, Festival Visible (celebrating LGBTQ+ culture through arts and performances)

• Hotel recommendations: Room Mate Oscar, ME Madrid Reina Victoria

TMR’s Travel Tips for LGBTQ+ Travellers

• Research local customs: while these destinations are LGBTQ+ friendly, it’s always wise to be aware of local culture & customs before you visit a new destination
• Stay in LGBTQ+ friendly accommodation where possible: we’d always suggest looking for hotels and accommodation which are known for their inclusivity
• Engage with local communities: as an LGBTQ+ community member or ally, it’s always lovely to participate in local queer events and support LGBTQ+ owned businesses, whether you’re home or away!

Final thoughts

A rail holiday offers a unique and scenic way to visit these fabulous LGBTQ+ friendly destinations. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary and Pride Month at Tailor Made Rail, I hope this guide gives you some inspiration to embark on your own inclusive and memorable journey!

If you’d like to discuss a booking with us as an LGBTQ+ individual or couple, we’ll be more than happy to assist.