15 Safe Destinations for Lesbians to Travel in 2023
Traveling couple Kirstie Pike and Christine Diaz, also known for their On Airplane Mode platform, reveal their list of safe travel destinations for lesbians.
We’re an award-winning travel couple sharing our journey of love and adventure on our platform, On Airplane Mode. If you follow us, then you probably already know that traveling around the world is in our DNA. We love learning about different cultures, trying different foods, and exploring new places we’ve never explored before.
We have traveled to 46 countries and 32 US states, so as lesbian travelers, we are constantly looking for new destinations to visit, but also search for new travel experiences and cities that are welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. Pre-planning and research are incredibly important to ensure that we can our way around new places safely and comfortably while we experience all that each chosen destination has to offer.
With that said, we wanted to compile our recommended list of destinations that are ideal for lesbians and queer women who love to travel. So, get inspired and start planning your next trip to visit one or more of the places.
1. New York, New York
New York City is first on the list as it holds a special place in our hearts. We met in this beautiful city over five years ago and we have shared countless memories together here which have shaped our relationship. New York City is also home to some of the largest queer communities in the world. Cubby Hole, Henrietta Hudson, and Ginger’s Bar are lesbian hot spots. Even though they are the only lesbian bars in NYC; some other queer bars and organizations host large events for lesbians, such as VIQ Events or The Woods.
Aside from the nightlife and going out, we love this city because we can be ourselves and we also feel safe because of the diversity throughout the city. NYC is known as a catalyst in positive change for our community including the historic riots in 1969 at The Stonewall Inn. We could go on and on about this city, but most importantly, NYC Pride is one of the largest Prides in the world, symbolizing the city’s support for the LGBTQ+ community.
2. Los Angeles, California
We recently moved to Los Angeles, and we were so excited to find that people are open-minded and driven which encourages you to chase your dreams while living your truth. That’s one of the many reasons why we moved here! Unfortunately, there are no specific lesbian bars in LA, but there is a huge population of lesbians in its West Hollywood and Silver Lake neighborhoods – both gaining popularity after The L Word: Generation Q.
Both aforementioned neighborhoods have become hotspots to go out for food, drinks and to dance the night away. Silver Lake hosts several events and parties like Gayasstrology, Hi Tops, and Thirst. Kirstie works at a creative studio called beTRUE Los Angeles, they bring the queer community together for unique opportunities to create content and attend a variety of community events, such as movie nights or open mic nights. LA is where you can meet other like-minded people all striving for a better, more inclusive future. And of course, LA offers several beaches, amazing sunsets, and a sense of serenity which makes it an ideal destination for a trip in 2023!
3. London, England
London was the first international city that we ever traveled to together and has remained on the list of our favorite travel destinations ever since. London is known as a popular global epicenter that has a vibrant vibe, but it also has an apparent mix of diverse people and cultures. Whether you are in Soho or the East End, you’ll feel safe enough to explore and experience what the city has to offer. If you’re planning a trip, you may want to consider a trip to visit the city in July for Pride in London, touted as the biggest and most diverse Pride celebration in the UK.
London is also home to several queer-owned businesses, hotels, and bars, including the lesbian venue, She Soho, and other LGBTQ+ bars such as G-A-Y Bar and Ku Bar that will never disappoint. London’s nightlife includes an array of sexy burlesque performances, comedy shows, dance parties, and so much more. If you are not a late-night reveler, you may want to consider visiting one or more cute queer-friendly cafes during your stay to meet and connect with other queer people. Don’t forget to grab a picture for the Gram at the “Girls. Girls. Girls” neon sign in Soho before you leave!
4. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam certainly lives up to its reputation for being incredibly friendly, welcoming, and open-minded when it comes to queer culture. We were able to hold hands in public, sit romantically close to each other at dinners, and no one would bat an eye as same-sex couples are normalized here. The Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2000, which has since set the precedence and led as a destination of equality for LGBTQ+ communities.
We always recommend this city for solo travelers because it is so convenient to get around, everyone is so friendly, the canals are stunning, and it’s the perfect city to get lost in. Amsterdam has more than 10 LGBTQ+ friendly bars including Club NYX, Café ‘t Mandje, and lesbian bar Bar Buka. Pride in Amsterdam is unique because the parade is held on the canals with hundreds of floats, people, and performances. This city is so diverse but still gives small-town vibes, you will have an amazing time!
5. Denver, Colorado
We often say that Denver is the most lesbian city we have ever visited. We were lucky enough to live in this city for almost two years. It is just so open-minded and pulls at all your heartstrings. As if the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and ski towns aren’t enough, Denver has the highest population of breweries per capita in the US and many of them are run by women which is rare in the brewing industry. Denver Lesbians is a local group that organizes regular sporting and social events, volunteering functions, and more. It’s how we met a lot of friends.
The city has tons of queer-owned businesses such as Get Your Gay On, Under the Umbrella, and Butter Moon Bake. The best part about Denver is everyone is authentically themselves and it’s a place that gives you the feeling like everyone knows each other. X bar, Charlie’s, Hudson Hill, and Blush & Blu are our favorite bars and cafes located in the Capitol Hill and River North Art District (RiNo) neighborhoods. If you are looking for a city that offers a queer-energy vibe and fun outdoor activities, such as hiking, then Denver is an ideal travel destination for you!
6. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City gave us a warm first impression! We initially planned a trip through Salt Lake City during a road trip to see the Bonneville Salt Flats, a unique and photogenic natural landform, just outside of the city. However, we were equally impressed by the city’s LGBTQ+ friendliness and its queer neighborhood – The Marmalade District. Pride flags are visible along the city’s streets which are lined with cafes, bookstores, and restaurants.
One of our personal favorite LGBTQ+-owned cafés, Sugar House Coffee, is a place where you feel surrounded by positive energy and you have healthy drink options such as the Rainbow Warrior smoothie. To meet with other queer people, you can go to Sun Trapp, Try-angles, and Moose Lounge for a drink or dance with friends. Salt Lake City is also the home of the annual Sundance Film Festival, which is a bucket list goal for us as it features many independent LGBTQIA+ films.
7. Paris, France
Nous adorons Paris! From Pont des Arts (also known as Love Lock Bridge) to sipping wine on the Seine to jaw-dropping views from the Eiffel Tower, it is no surprise why Paris is called the “City of Love.” Paris was one of the first cities to create a movement in gender-expansive fashion and still hosts one of the most recognizable events, Paris Fashion Week, in the world. As two females, we were able to explore the city and dress in our own individual styles while feeling comfortable doing so. There are twenty Paris arrondissements, or neighborhoods, which vary in Parisian culture. Some of our favorite queer-leaning neighborhoods include Montmartre, Pigalle, and Le Marais. Our favorite experience was walking around the Montmartre neighborhood – home to the infamous Moulin Rouge and burlesque shows.
There are many local bars and cafes here that exude that Parisian aesthetic you see in movies such as dimly lit terraces with red awnings and the famous jazz music playing softly in the background. Le Marais is an amazing neighborhood to dance the night away but there are also very cool Lesbian spaces to listen to jazz and have a glass of wine such as Le Champmesle, Café bar Rosa Bonheur, and our favorite: Le 3W Kafe. Paris’ long history of gender-bending culture made us comfortable to show PDA as a queer couple and be as loving as everyone else in this beautiful city. It is one of our favorites!
8. Berlin, Germany
Berlin Ranked No. 3 on Vice’s list of the 18 Best Cities for Dance Music, is known for its EDM culture and clubs, but there is so much more to this special city. Berlin was one of the first international cities that we traveled to together and we were blown away by just how progressive it is. The LGBTQ+ scene is huge here and bursting with art, culture, and iconic architecture, making it to be one of the top destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers. Berlin is also known to be a bit edgier and trendy, and it can be sex-positive in the underground nightlife scene. There are countless LGBTQ+ bars, and queer discos/clubs, gay-friendly and owned businesses throughout the city. Berlin is extremely progressive, constantly pushing the boundaries to make sex feel less taboo, but usually in a comfortable safe space where you can learn more about yourself. Himmelreich Café, lesbian-friendly beer garden Südblock, and erotic disco spot KitKat Club are a few hot spots for lesbians and queer women.
9. Barcelona, Spain
Tapas y mas! One of the things we love about Barcelona is that you can explore the beaches by day and watch the streets come alive at night! In our opinion, Barcelona is one of the most queer-friendly destinations in Europe and we love that each district in Barcelona is unique. While the Gothic Quarter and La Barcelonetta were some of our favorites, the gay district in Eixample is home to the city’s LGBTQ+ bars, discos, and shops.
The Girlie Circuit Festival, the largest lesbian festival in Europe, happens every year in Barcelona, too! Art lovers should also visit Barcelona to take in Antoni Gaudí’s art and architecture at Sagrada Familia Cathedral or Park Güell, and immerse themselves in the city’s colorful culture. You will not be disappointed!
10. San Francisco, California
San Francisco not only has a fun and quirky personality, but it’s also known for its world-renowned landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge. This city holds a special place in Kirstie’s heart because she lived here for half a decade, and it was the city that encouraged her to come out. It was the first place she truly felt accepted. The Castro, one of the most historically recognized LGBTQ+ neighborhoods, is home to queer-friendly and LGBTQ+-owned businesses such as Twin Peaks tavern, the Castro theater, and restaurants like Orphan Andy’s.
You can’t leave San Francisco without exploring its importance in LGBTQ+ history. From The Dash, the city’s first visible gay bar that opened in 1908 to The Daughters of Bilitis, the first US-based lesbian organization opening in 1959, to LGBTQ+ rights activist Harvey Milk, who made San Fran his home and became the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in 1977. Many people are aware of The Stonewall riot in NYC, but it is also important to remember the 1966 riot at Compton’s Cafeteria, which kickstarted the LGBTQ+ equality movement. All this rich history helped shape San Francisco to become one of the most popular LGBTQ+ travel destinations in the world to this day.
11. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand is already known as one of Asia’s few queer-friendly destinations, including Chiang Mai, the second largest city in Thailand after Bangkok. We agree with most locals that you can safely walk hand-in-hand here and not experience harassment. Near the night markets, you will find more vibrant and colorful areas with bustling nightlife!
Some of the popular gay bars include Ram Bar, Orion Bar, and Circle Pub. Although most LGBTQ+ hotspots are for gay men; lesbian patrons are welcome in these bars, too. Chiang Mai has more to explore outside of just its nightlife. Learn how to make pad thai in a cooking class with your partner, get a couple’s Thai massage, take a hike through one of the city’s trails, or spend the day with elephants – a personal favorite of ours.
12. Milan, Italy
Milano is one of Europe’s fashion capitals where everyone is free to dress and be whom they want! We recently traveled to Milano and stumbled upon the gay district, Porta Venezia, which was super trendy. The streets are buzzing with locals and tourists sitting outside enjoying a drink at local pubs, and if it’s nice weather, patrons also have the option to be inside or outdoors at popular nightclubs and discos. In Milano, most people are comfortable with public displays of affection (PDA), too. Some of our favorite bars are Monobar, Leccomilano, and Afterline – all relatively close to one another so you can bounce around.
13. Taipei, Taiwan
The city is absolutely magical! Taiwan blew us away with its culture, food, and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. We went during their Pride festivities, and it happened to be the year when Taiwan became the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019. We were widely accepted by all the locals in Taipei, and we felt so safe as lesbian travelers. Many of the lesbian bars and nightlife are located in the Shida neighborhood of the Daan District as well as The Red House District, where you will find rainbow flags in storefronts.
We were welcomed by many lesbian groups that were keen on learning about us and embracing each other’s cultures. TABOO and Wonderbar are lesbian-friendly bars you can stop by for a fun night out. If you have a partner or significant other, we also recommend a sunset hike along the Elephant Mountain trail, where you can have a romantic picnic together overlooking the best views of the city. We can’t wait to visit Taipei again!
14. Miami, Florida
Miami truly stands in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and has one of the largest LGBTQ+ communities in the US. Miami provides a variety of diverse experiences for queer women that include world-class beaches, an ethnically diverse culinary scene, and art galleries featured in Art Basel, an international art fair. Are you an art lover? The Wynwood neighborhood has a hipster vibe with instagrammable cafes where you can be out and proud while admiring the colorful murals found on every street.
Miami gets bonus points for the rainbow lifeguard tower located at Miami Beach near 12th street and Ocean Drive also known as the gay-friendly 12th Street Beach. Miami also hosts events year-round that celebrate the queer community such as Gay 8, a queer art and music festival, Wigwood, a three-day long drag show festival, and Winter Party Festival, where queer revelers from around the world come to escape the cold for seven days of non-stop parties in March. We recommend lesbian travelers follow SHELiFE Events to stay on top of some of the top lesbian and queer women events in the area.
15. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is one of those cities that make you feel right at home! This is a great destination that requires the minimum lift to travel especially if you’re staying at an LGBTQ+-friendly resort or hotel in the walkable, convenient Zona Romántica neighborhood, located near the beach. It was common for us to see queer couples walking along the streets hand-in-hand which immediately gave us a sense of relief and safety that we could do the same as a lesbian couple.
According to Travel Agent, Puerto Vallarta is slowly gaining a younger audience by targeting remote workers, and health and wellness travelers, and through its progressive and inclusive marketing for the LGBTQ+ community. The best part of visiting Puerto Vallarta is that you are so close to the beach and there are many queer-owned excursions and tour groups available to book an LGBTQ+ trip to PV, such as Ladies Touch Events, which is also hosting a package for Puerto Vallarta’s Lesbian Pride in 2023.
Want to know more about Kirstie Pike and Christine Diaz also known as On Airplane Mode? Click here to check out their Vacationer of the Week profile.
