At Skyscanner, we believe travel is for everyone. But we also recognise for members of LGBTQ+ communities, some important considerations need to be accounted for when planning your holiday to ensure your safety and happiness while seeing the world.
Some of our most cherished memories take place while travelling. From bustling cities to massive pride celebrations to stunning natural scenery, these destinations for LGBTQ+ women have something to offer that’s specifically highlighting our community.
Manchester, UK
Manchester is a welcoming and inclusive city, and lesbians are free to be themselves without fear of discrimination. No trip to Manchester would be complete without catching a show at the city’s world-renowned Canal Street Gay Village, where you’ll find Vanilla, Manchester’s thriving lesbian bar. For cultural activities, walk the LGBT+ Heritage Trail, which highlights LGBT history in Manchester, and visit The People’s History Museum, which often has LGBT+ programming. Just outside of Manchester, you’ll find the tiny village of Hebden Bridge, which is often said to be home to the highest population of lesbians per capita in the UK.
Hotel suggestions: The Velvet Hotel is in the heart of Manchester’s Canal Street. The rooms are spacious, and some offer beautifully appointed bathtubs for relaxing after a day’s adventures. Another option is The Edwardian Manchester, with its stunning architecture, based in the historic Free Trade Hall.
Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa is the most LGBTQ+-friendly country on the African continent. It’s a fun road trip around the country, so rent a car and hit up all the best hot spots from Johannesburg to Durban and onward to Cape Town.
Cape Town is a coastal city with stunning natural beauty and a welcoming LGBTQ+ community. Queer women visiting Cape Town can hike Table Mountain, drive south to see the penguins at Boulders Beach, and explore one of the many wineries in the Stellenbosch area. Wild Rainbow African Safaris is a lesbian-owned safari operator that even offers all-women safari experiences. The city is also home to a vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, a highlight of which is Femmes and Thems, a Queer POC Collective, for live music.
Hotel suggestions: Bed down at the foot of Table Mountain in The Capital 15 on Orange, a modern property featuring chic bars and a cosmopolitan aesthetic. Waterfront Table Bay Hotel is an elegant choice, featuring spectacular views of Table Mountain and stunning sunsets on the water.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is arguably the queerest city in the United States, to the point that it’s been parodied countless times, including on the television show Portlandia. Jokes aside, Portland is a city that’s known for its progressive attitude and vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
There are plenty of things to do in Portland, from exploring the city’s many breweries and coffee shops to checking out its vibrant arts scene. Stop by The Sports Bra, the only sports bar in the country that exclusively features women’s athletics. For nightlife options, Doc Marie’s is Portland’s newest lesbian bar. Portland is also home to Wildfang, a successful gender-neutral clothing brand. The Pacific Northwest is also known for some of the most beautiful hiking — check out Multnomah Falls and Bridal Veil Falls while you’re in town.
Hotel suggestions: If you’re looking for a place to stay, try the Woodlark or the Ace Hotel. Both hotels are known for their inclusive atmosphere and stylish design.
Reykjavik, Iceland
There are plenty of things to do in Iceland, from exploring Reykjavik’s many geothermal pools to checking out its vibrant natural beauty. Iceland is known as the “land of fire and ice” and is home to some of Europe’s largest glaciers, most beautiful waterfalls, and the world’s most active volcanoes.
Travellers in Iceland can experience the aurora borealis or the midnight sun, depending on the time of year, while participating in some of the most memorable adventure sports that travel can offer. One of the best ways to get around Iceland is by road-tripping the Ring Road in a rental car.
Reykjavik Pride Festival is a great way to celebrate your LGBTQ+ identity and connect with other LGBTQ+ people from all over the world. While Iceland does have a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, they don’t have as many LGBTQ+-specific venues as other destinations on this list. Why is it one of the best destinations for LGBTQ+ women? Because Iceland is known as one of the most gender-equitable and LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world.
Hotel suggestions: The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most famous tourist destinations, and The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland is the perfect lodging option to experience the destination’s geothermal seawater and spa experiences, which are said to have healing properties. For an LGBTQ+-affirming option within the city, try The Reykjavik EDITION.
New York City
New York City is a melting pot of cultures, and its LGBTQ+ community is one of the largest and most vibrant in the world. In NYC, there are numerous bars, clubs and organisations that cater to LGBTQ+ people.
A stop by the iconic Stonewall Inn is a must for any LGBTQ+ individuals visiting NYC for the first time. The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art is another wonderful queer institute in the city. If you get hungry, check out lesbian-owned Jungle Bird for classic cocktails paired with Southeast Asian and California-influenced fare.
NYC has more lesbian bars and events than most other cities in the US combined. The weekly Wednesday night dance party at The Woods in Williamsburg (a neighborhood in Brooklyn) by DJ Amber Valentine is one of my favourites. Also, check to see if Scope Tonight is having its monthly astrology-themed dance party — it’s one you can’t miss.
And, of course, no trip to New York City would be complete without seeing some of the city’s iconic landmarks by helicopter, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Times Square.
Hotel suggestions: The Williamsburg Hotel has some of the most beautiful emerald-tiled bathrooms and is within walking distance of the river ferry into Manhattan. The Moxy NYC Lower East Side is another great option in the heart of the thriving nightlife and restaurant scene.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is a city that never sleeps. There’s always something to do in Tokyo, from exploring the city’s many temples and shrines to visiting its world-class shopping districts.
Try walking through the famous Shibuya Crossing. Enjoy one of the many themed cafes throughout the city. And no trip to Tokyo would be complete without trying some of the city’s delicious food. One of the best ways to try new and unfamiliar dishes is to eat your way around Tokyo on a food tour. Queer women should visit Bar Gold Finger, which is located in the Shinjuku Ni-chome district, known as Tokyo’s gay district.
Hotel suggestions: The Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, is one of the most beautiful hotels in the world. The modern yet still aesthetically Japanese rooms are large and have breathtaking skyline views. For a more affordable option, The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku is in a great location, well-appointed and has all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
Frequently asked questions about destinations for LGBTQ+ women
LGBTQ+-friendly means that a business is welcoming and affirming of individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning.
Determining LGBTQ+ acceptance in individual countries can be tough because not all governments are representative of their people. First, check government guidelines and travel advisories for the destination and research the policies of the country you intend to visit. Once you have an idea of what the regulations are, reach out to local people, businesses and nonprofits to better understand local social acceptance.
There is no perfect utopia for LGBTQ+ people, but many countries are making great strides toward inclusion and respect, like Canada, Sweden, French Polynesia, Thailand, Taiwan and Argentina. This list is not exhaustive, as there are many welcoming countries for LGBTQ+ people. Even so, individuals across all identities should remain vigilant as they travel.
Discover where you can go
Now that you know the best destinations for LGBTQ+ women, start searching for flight deals for your next adventure.
Meg Ten Eyck is one of the world’s leading experts in LGBTQ+ travel. Meg has visited 60+ countries, serves on the Board of Directors for IGLTA and Belmond Hotels, has spoken at conferences on five continents, written three books, and had her content read by millions. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @MegTenEyck.
