{"id":29704,"date":"2021-01-20T21:50:06","date_gmt":"2021-01-21T02:50:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/world\/?p=29704"},"modified":"2021-01-25T22:36:52","modified_gmt":"2021-01-26T03:36:52","slug":"5-lgbt-friendly-countries-and-cities-in-europe-for-your-next-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/world\/29704\/5-lgbt-friendly-countries-and-cities-in-europe-for-your-next-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"5 LGBT Friendly Countries and Cities in Europe For Your Next Journey"},"content":{"rendered":"

Searching for LGBT friendly countries in Europe for your next travel adventure? Well, there are several criteria that make a country LGBT friendly. I usually start with the overall attitude (liberal vs. conservative society), the type of bars, hotels, shops and restaurants it offers, and of course – how safe we feel in a place. We always look for destinations where we aren\u2019t judged for who we are. The best LGBT-friendly countries are always those with open-minded people that respect us for who we are. <\/span><\/p>\n

Before I delve into my own shortlist of the best LGBT-friendly countries and cities in Europe – don\u2019t forget to always do your own research on a destination. Legal and cultural changes can evolve fast these days and can change the whole story. You should always be on top of the latest news when planning your next trip. Join the most active and updated <\/span>LGBT forums<\/span><\/a> or groups on Facebook, read the news and be alert. And now, let\u2019s delve into my favorite LGBT friendly countries and cities in Europe…<\/span><\/p>\n

5 LGBT Friendly Countries and Cities in Europe – For Your Next Journey:<\/b><\/h2>\n

Europe, in general, is probably the most LGBT friendly continent on the planet. There\u2019s no country in Europe where it\u2019s illegal to be homosexual or transgender. However, there are countries and cities where the people are more liberal and open to LGBT, and there are more conservative countries where they aren\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Vienna, Austria<\/b> <\/span><\/h3>\n

I love Austria for so many reasons, not only for its LGBT friendliness. This country is just so beautiful and clean, that I always find a few days to visit Vienna when I\u2019m in Europe.<\/span>  <\/span><\/p>\n

Asking yourself how a country where Adolf Hitler was born – is so open to gays? Well, gays were part of Austria\u2019s history way before Hitler. Many of Austria\u2019s most famous artists, music composers, generals, and even Emperors were gay and lesbians. <\/span><\/p>\n

Vienna is not just a beautiful and safe city for LGBTs for traveling to, but it is also perfect for shopping. You\u2019ll find here lots of<\/span> shops for gays and lesbians<\/span><\/a>, including a unique and large bookstore called L\u00f6wenherz, which caters to the LGBT community and has over 12,000 titles and magazines.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"LGBT<\/a>
Vienna.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As for LGBT activities, Vienna has its own (very) popular Gay parade called \u2018Vienna Gay Pride\u201d. There\u2019s also the \u2018Diversity Ball\u2019, that takes place at Kursalon Wien. It\u2019s a special festival of respect for human diversity and colorfulness. And one of my favorites – the \u2018Vienna Boylesque Festival\u2019, which brings the best international boy and burlesque dancers to Vienna.  <\/span><\/p>\n

For more updated events click <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.  <\/span><\/p>\n

2. Barcelona, Spain<\/b><\/h3>\n

Spain has always been a welcoming and LGBT friendly country. Actually, I first wanted to put Gran Canaria in this spot. It\u2019s one of Spain\u2019s Canary Islands (off northwestern Africa), known for its beautiful black lava and white sand beaches. Gran Canaria is extremely popular among gay travelers and is perfect for enjoying the sun and partying on the beach. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, Barcelona is just too amazing not to be mentioned here at the #2 spot. It\u2019s one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and in recent years has become one of the most popular LGBT destinations. The city has its own LGBT district, called Gaixample, known as the mecca for LGBT tourists in Spain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is Barcelona so LGBT friendly? Well, because it\u2019s an open-minded and cosmopolitan city that offers a wide range of attractions related to diversity, freedom, and tolerance. Take, for example, <\/span>Jedet Sanchez<\/span><\/a>, a famous Spanish actress, and author who is currently living a key LGBT moment in her life. <\/span>According to Facialteam, experts in ffs surgery USA<\/span><\/a>, Jedet fulfilled her dream to undergo a facial feminization operation in Spain and received support from all around her country. In my eyes, this kind of support makes a country LGBT friendly, and safe for traveling.    <\/span><\/p>\n

As for LGBT events and festivals, Barcelona is filled with these, mostly during the summer. You have the Sonar Festival which is one of the largest events in the city. It\u2019s basically a dancing event with great dance and electro music.<\/span><\/p>\n

Naturally, there\u2019s Barcelona\u2019s colorful and lively Gay Pride. It starts at Placa Universitat and goes through Gran Via, Carrer de Sepulveda, and Placa Espanya.  <\/span><\/p>\n

Watch this video of Barcelona Pride:<\/span><\/p>\n