Eastern Europe is a versatile and vastly underrated region, from the azure waters of Croatia to the architectural wonders of the Czech Republic, to the charming medieval towns of Estonia.

However—and it is a rather big HOWEVER—there is a clear schism between the US or North America/Western/Central Europe and Eastern Europe in the way LGBTQ+ people and their rights are treated. This divide has led some to label it a “rainbow curtain,” mimicking the Iron Curtain of the Cold War. This is not to say that Western and Central Europe haven’t had their trials and tribulations, but as a whole, the wheel of progress has very much spun in favor of the LGBTQ+ community over the last few years. In contrast, Eastern Europe—despite some countries there making great early strides—seems to have seen progress grind to a halt, with some areas even lacking comprehensive legal protection and societal attitudes remaining far from inclusive.

However, none of this should be a barrier for eager LGBTQ+ globetrotters hoping to visit some of the most beautiful and captivating places in the world. The trick is not only knowing the safest places to go, but also understanding the political backdrop until the inexorable wave of progress washes over the region. No matter where you choose to go, the principal advice is to always prioritize safety and exercise caution before engaging in public displays of affection. Additionally, consider traveling cheaply and safely with 12Go. 

Here are 5 of our top picks to visit in Eastern Europe:

Image Credit: Cyrille FIRMIN from Pixabay

Croatia – Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Hvar

Croatia has been back and forth with LGBTQ+ rights, and local attitudes aren’t “gay-friendly” per se, but real progress has been made over the last few years. Anti-harassment legislation has been put into place, and gay couples enjoy the same rights as their straight counterparts—although gay marriage isn’t officially recognized. Croatia is also the most popular holiday destination for LGBTQ+ travelers in Eastern Europe due to its perfect combination of beautiful coastline with crystal-clear blue waters, architecturally unique cities with historical old towns, and good old wine-producing vineyards.

Three locations specifically stand out as having become more “gay-friendly.” The first is Zagreb, Croatia’s vibrant capital city. Like most countries, the capital is where the country’s gay populace is drawn, and it even has an active gay nightlife with openly gay bars like HotPot and Pink Flamingo Bar, as well as a cruising bar and a gay sauna. Sightseeing highlights include the massive cathedrals, old town, and, especially, the Museum of Broken Relationships—a heartwarming (or heartbreaking) collection of objects left over from messy breakups.

The second choice for the LGBTQ+ traveler is the coastal town of Dubrovnik. It isn’t quite as open as Zagreb but has the distinct advantage of the stunning Adriatic coastline and beaches, which draw in tourists—gay and otherwise. It has also recently opened its first openly gay bar, Milk.

Finally, Hvar—Croatia’s “party island”—doesn’t care about anyone’s sexuality as long as you’re buying drinks. It boasts an ancient fort and an old town to explore while nursing hangovers from beach club parties.

Image Credit: Pexels from Pixabay

Czech Republic – Prague

Of all the places on this list, the Czech Republic is one of the most gay-friendly, at least in its big cities such as the capital, Prague. Thanks to same-sex couples being able to register their partnerships since 2006, it has earned the nickname “the Prague of Pride.” Prague is a cultural powerhouse, filled with famous landmarks like Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, as well as theaters, museums, and art galleries galore.

In terms of the gay factor, it has several bars and clubs, and hotels tend to be accommodating to LGBTQ+ people. Prague Pride is a major event and a great time to visit in early August.

Image Credit: Pexels from Pixabay

Hungary – Budapest

Hungary has a rather more challenging legal landscape in terms of gay rights. Although homosexuality is legal, gay marriage isn’t, and there are laws in place to prevent “homosexual and transsexual propaganda,” giving the law a little too much wiggle room for discrimination. Despite this, Budapest, the capital, has a growing LGBTQ+ community and a blossoming queer culture that bristles with rebellion against the conservative government.

There is a wealth of gay bars and clubs to choose from—the best club being the monthly Garçons—and there are also the rather unique ruin bars (bars found in literal ruins) and a vibrant art scene that doesn’t turn its nose up at anyone who questions the status quo. A must-see in Budapest are the historic thermal baths, where you’ll no doubt also catch a selection of Budapest’s hot gay guys enjoying the heat.

Image Credit: Rosy from Pixabay

România – Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca

Romania conjures images of mountainous landscapes, colorfully painted thatched-roofed villages, and towering Transylvanian castles and forts. Still, as homoerotic as Dracula undeniably is, Romania’s LGBTQ+ community unfortunately still faces challenges. Same-sex encounters are legal, and there are anti-discrimination laws in practice, but gay marriage isn’t recognized, and the attitude of the general populace remains conservative—especially in the smaller towns.

Despite all that, Bucharest, Romania’s dynamic capital, has a surprisingly active gay scene with LGBTQ+ friendly bars, cafés, and nightclubs like Queens Club, which even hosts high-quality drag shows. The “gay area” for drinking is Floreasca, which has a hippie feel to it where “love is love”—at least in comparison to the rest of the country. Bucharest, of course, also has its own annual Pride in late July.

The main sights to see are the humongous Parliament Palace (the biggest one in the world, with a whopping 31,000 rooms), Buda Castle, and the rather quirky Cărturești Carusel bookshop. A second choice for gay travelers in Romania, for those wanting a more rural feel, should be Cluj-Napoca in Transylvania to enjoy some gothic castles and trademark Romanian scenery. It even has its own gay club!

Image Credit: Erkko Vuorensola from Pixabay

Estonia – Tallinn

Estonia is an odd—and underrated—one! Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Europe under Finland and above Latvia, it is known for its forward-thinking approach. This could largely be due to it being the least religious country in the world. Still, some conservative attitudes remain among the older generation, but younger generations are very much absorbing the liberal mentality of their Scandinavian neighbors.

Tallinn, the capital city, is a charming blend of medieval and modern influences. The main sights to see include the medieval old town, Toompea Castle, Balti Jaam Market, Kalamaja (the hipster area and as close to a gay zone as you’ll get), and the sauna (not that type of sauna, sadly, but still worth visiting). LGBTQ+ friendly bars and clubs are scattered throughout the city, despite no actual gay bars—although there is a gay club option in X-Baar.

Their pride parade is actually Baltic Pride, which rotates between Tallinn and the nearby capitals of Riga (capital of Latvia) and Vilnius (capital of Lithuania). During this event, the LGBTQ+ community gathers to march and show themselves as a force to be reckoned with—intent on tearing down the rainbow curtain of Eastern Europe and reuniting the east with the west once more.