There’s something about Europe that will always capture the heart of LGBTQ+ travellers from all over the world. Maybe it’s the gorgeously long summer nights in Barcelona, the cool art scenes in Berlin, or the unapologetic-ness of Amsterdam’s canal parades. Wherever you turn, Europe’s cities aren’t just iconic, but they’re welcoming and progressive – places where being your true self isn’t just accepted—it’s celebrated.

And in 2025, it’s shining brighter than ever. With more and more LGBTQ+ festivals, more inclusive travel options, and many more legal protections across more countries, there’s never been a better time to plan that Eurotrip you've always dreamt about.

Pride, Parties, and Politics

Let’s start with the big hitters. There are Pride festivals across Europe that are now massive, multi-day and multicultural events. Madrid Pride – in July – is one of the biggest and most inclusive in the world (and the weather’s pretty great too!). Thousands of people pack the streets, not just to watch the parade, but to enjoy a whole week of parties, art exhibits, and even open-air concerts. Lisbon is also becoming a big player too, combining all the charm of gorgeous cobbled streets and Atlantic coastlines with one of the most authentic and welcoming Pride experiences you’ll ever get to experience.

Then there’s Berlin Pride, or Christopher Street Day, which is a blend of protest and party – dedicated to the fight for queer rights. And, in 2025, it feels more relevant than ever as the city looks to lead the way in the continent for trans and nonbinary inclusion, so it’s a great choice for queer travelers.

But, not to be outdone, there are smaller cities like Ljubljana, Vilnius, and even Belgrade that are all starting to make their mark with Pride celebrations that are getting bigger each year. These are places that might not be on your radar yet, but they’re perfect if you’re after a blend of activism, adventure – and fun!

A Social Experience

One of the best parts of LGBTQ+ travel is the people you get to meet along the way. You could be dancing the night away at Mykonos' famous beach parties, or having a nice glass of wine at a quiet café in Vienna – but there's always an undeniable camaraderie among LGBTQ+ travelers.

In fact, 2025 has seen the rise of specially created LGBTQ+ group tours and travel apps that make it easier for the whole community to connect safely. From trans wellness retreats in the heart of the Pyrenees to gorgeous, romantic rail journeys for same-sex couples throughout Scandinavia, the options are just as diverse as the community

And let’s not forget nightlife. Obviously, the big cities like Paris and London always attract masses of people, but why not try out lesser-known gems – like Antwerp, Porto, and Budapest with their charming LGBTQ+ bars, drag brunches, and even some cool underground rave scenes. There’s a lot more to queer nightlife than just the big name cities.

Football, Fandom, and Queer Culture

And here’s a twist you might not be expecting… more and more LGBTQ+ travelers are starting to enjoy Europe’s football culture—not just for the sport, but for the whole experience. While football hasn’t always been known for its inclusivity (an understatement, I know), but things are changing. LGBTQ+ supporter groups are now becoming a lot more visible, and more and more clubs are starting to highlight and promote Pride themes and campaigns.

Lots of queer travelers are now planning trips around big football matches—whether it's watching Barcelona at Camp Nou or enjoying the thrill of the derbies in Rome or Manchester. And if you’re more interested in the vibe than the stats, then there are plenty of sports bars and LGBTQ+-friendly pubs across Europe that are great for enjoying the games with fellow fans. You never know, you might pick up some hints and tips about the latest Champions League odds from Boylesports between a round of karaoke and vodka shots! 

Top Tips for Traveling Queer in 2025

If you are thinking of heading to Europe this year, here are some top tips:

  • Use LGBTQ+ friendly apps like HER, Grindr, or Lex to find local meetups and events.
  • Stay in queer-friendly accommodations – hotels that you know support the community.
  • Be aware of local laws—while most of Western Europe is generally OK, you might need to be careful in rural or conservative areas of Eastern Europe.
  • Travel with pride—literally.

Have fun, stay safe and enjoy Europe!