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Whether for vacation or as a home – in the best European cities for gays, you will find it easier to make contacts with your peers. In more rural areas, homosexuals not only face increased hostility, but also a clear lack of possible contacts. There are still villages and towns where you won’t find a single bar or location for gays. We present eight cities in Europe where you, as a gay man, will find a diverse community.
1. The colorful capital of Germany – Berlin
The “colorful” Berlin is a hotspot of cosmopolitanism and tolerance. A total of around 300,000 homosexual people live in the city, which is more than some average-sized cities have in terms of inhabitants.
You can find trendy gay bars, pubs and events on every corner. Berlin’s positive and tolerant development began as early as the 1920s, when there were already places where gay men and lesbian women could meet potential partners.
2. The carnival and gay stronghold Cologne
In Cologne, we not only celebrate Carnival, but also the pride of our LGBTQIA+ existence. Around 100,000 homosexuals live here, which is still one tenth of the entire Cologne population.
As in Berlin, you will find a suitable location for flirting, dancing and picking someone up on every corner. From posh discos to cozy rainbow pubs, Cologne has everything a gay heart desires.
3. The tolerant capital of the Netherlands – Amsterdam
The Netherlands is one of the most tolerant countries in the world, and not only with regard to homosexuality. Not only is cannabis allowed here, but so is same-sex love. Long before the public life of a homosexual relationship was even considered in Germany, it was already standard in the Netherlands. On April 1, 2001, the Dutch set a milestone for homosexual people – gay marriage was officially introduced.
4. Spain sets a positive example – Madrid
Shortly after the Dutch, the Spanish accepted and introduced same-sex marriage. At the same time, the go-ahead was given for adoptions. Madrid is home to Chueca, the most famous gay and lesbian district in Europe.
Rainbow flags fly from balconies, and those who come here to talk to each other are not interested in the sexuality of the other person. Madrid is a city of diversity and tolerance, which is why it, along with Barcelona, is one of the hotspots in Spain.
5. The city of (same-sex) love – Paris
Anyone who loves will go to Paris at some point. What could be better than a romantic kiss in front of the Eiffel Tower? Tolerance – and this is openly lived in Paris. In Le Marais (a district of Paris), the LGBTQIA+ scene is vibrant and a highlight even for heterosexuals. But even in the rest of the city, it is no longer unusual to see two men walking hand in hand through the streets. In the city of love, it is love that counts, not gender!
6. The British capital London
You will find one of the largest LGBTQIA+ communities in the world in the British capital. There are numerous opportunities for you to network, with exhibitions, cultural events or just bars that specifically open their doors to gays and everyone who identifies with the rainbow community.
If you visit London in the summer, be sure to take part in London Pride. This is one of the world’s largest rainbow parades, which stands for tolerance, acceptance and colorful togetherness. Millions of people travel from far and wide to be part of the celebration of same-sex love.
7. Hamburg, where it’s not so cool
The Hanseatic city in the north is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, but also one of the most tolerant. On the Kiez, you will find what is probably the most diverse gay district in the far north. But even away from the hotspots and the party scene, being gay in Hamburg has long since ceased to be a thing. So what if you are?
The “cool” northerners see it pragmatically: what do they care who and how you love? It’s a nice feeling to simply be accepted without having to face probing questions and disturbing looks.
8. The Dolce Vita City of Italy – Milan
Milan is known for fashion, art and exclusive cafes, but also for the opportunity to simply be yourself. In general, Italy still has some catching up to do in terms of LGBTQIA+ rights, but Milan is considered a pioneer in terms of openness and tolerance. Trendy bars, queer clubs and hotspots are not only well attended during “pride season”.
If you are planning a vacation with your partner in Milan, you don’t have to hide from anyone. Nobody cares who you kiss over an aperitivo or who you share a hotel room with. That makes Milan a great role model for Italy!
Conclusion: Many European metropolises stand for diversity, openness and colorful life
The above eight cities are just a few examples of many. The bigger the city, the more cosmopolitan the inhabitants. Even in Munich, Frankfurt and Leipzig, you won’t be out of place if you come out as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
You may be rejected anywhere, and there are still a few homophobic people even in big cities like Berlin. However, it’s a nice feeling to know that a large community is behind you and that you are not “the odd one out” in these cities. That’s exactly what it comes down to. No matter what gender you are or what you are into, you are part of society and completely fine the way you are.
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