Top 5 Lesbian Friendly Countries to Visit in 2023
Many single and coupled lesbians like to know how lesbian-friendly a country or city is before they travel. Knowing LGBTQ+ laws, how locals feel and if there are welcoming gayborhoods can sometimes be as important as knowing the top tourist attractions or restaurants. Have you been dreaming of countries that will welcome you as a lesbian? There’s never been a better time to grab your partner’s hand and hop on a plane!
Keep reading to find out our picks for the Top 5 Lesbian Countries to Visit in 2023
1. Mexico
Mexico is a vast country with something for every traveler. It has gorgeous beaches, breathtaking sea life, mountains with stunning waterfalls, volcanoes, cenotes, pyramids, magical towns, and more. Mexican culture’s deep religious roots sometimes make it difficult for rural lesbians to be out but larger cities like Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City and tourist areas offer safe spaces as well as are welcoming toward the LGBTQ+ community.
Lesbian couple showing their love in CDMX’s Pride Parade.
The larger cities like Mexico City have popular gay areas- Zona Rosa (Pink Zone), Condesa, and Roma. These neighborhoods are rich in gastronomy, queer nightlife, and cultural experiences. On the western coast you find Puerto Vallarta which has been known as the lgbtq+ friendliest city in Mexico with stunning beaches, pumping nightlife, gastronomy, and activities. The lesbian community has been growing there and you’ll find various lesbian businesses from a coffee shop, lounge bar, food tour, secret dinners, and more.
2. Taiwan
Many lesbians may be surprised to see Taiwan on our list but Taiwan is one of the very few places in Asia that has anti-discrimination laws based on orientation. Even more, in 2019, on the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, Taiwan became the first Asian country to legalize gay marriage.
Female president, Tsai Ing-wen tweeted:
Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, is famous for its Japanese heritage and architecture and the quaint streets of the old Danshui fishing village. In the evening, find the wharf to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in Taipei. Ximending is Taipei’s gayborhood, for years lesbians have gravitated to the area around the Shida night market. And since 2018, Wonder Bar and Lounge has been on the quieter side of the Xinyi District. It is almost imperceptibly hidden beneath a sign with only a “W” which subtly seduces lesbians into their women-friendly space. Inside, the all-female bartenders stand amid walls covered with instant photos of women kissing.
3. Iceland
For being such a cold country, Iceland is HOT these days! Singer Björk put Iceland on the map in the 1990s. Now the land of fire and ice is well-known for its openness towards the lesbian and LGBTQ+ community. In Reykjavík, the country’s capital, hundreds of women have flown to its “free church in Reykjavík” (Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík) to be married. In Iceland, being queer is celebrated! Lesbians and those in the LGBTQ+ community can hold hands and express themselves in larger cities and small villages. Today, Iceland attracts lesbian tourists who eagerly bathe in its deep blue lagoons, explore some of its 1000+ waterfalls, and stargaze up at the rainbow swirls of the northern lights. It’s no wonder that alongside the growing lesbian tourism, the local lesbian and LGBTQ+ culture has grown, offering: art, boutique hotels, bars and lesbian and LGBTQ+ guided tours.
Lezseetheworld.com lagoon love in Iceland!
4. Thailand
Similar to Iceland, you’ll have no problem holding hands, cuddling, or kissing on Thailand's streets. In the “land of smiles,” lesbians can genuinely be themselves. Thailand offers history, nightlife and nature from its capital city to its islands.
The capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is beautiful with its winding waterways and golden temples. And, as a busy city, it can also be dirty and overcrowded. But after a day of sightseeing at Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Lumphini Park, and the many markets, a substantial LQBTQ+ scene awaits you. While most of Bangkok’s gayborhood, Silom, caters to men, women are welcome at most of the gay bars. Since most lesbian bars in Bangkok were closed years ago, local women now host lesbian parties! Checkout the Facebook pages of Go Grrrls and Lesla Party otherwise you can pay a nominal entrance fee at Silom Soi 2 alley and find a mix scene at the bars with lesbians as well.
Two other big cities that are popular in Thailand that is very welcoming to lesbians is Chiang Mai and Phuket. Both locations have nature- beaches, forest, wildlife, gastronomy, lgbtq+ owned businesses keeping you busy and connected to the community. Phuket has a gayborhood called Paradise Complex where you can mix with the lgbtq+ community for a good dance and drag show.
Ladies Touch Travel & Madison the Promoters Phuket Group Trip all smiles!
5. Spain
Spain contains one of the largest and proudest lesbian and LGBTQ+ communities in Europe. Since 1995 Spain has put into place laws to ensure the rights and freedom of all its citizens. This includes laws against hate speech and violence towards lesbians and the LGBTQ+ community. And in 2005, lesbian and LGBTQ+ marriage was legalized.
Spain’s capital, Madrid, is also its lesbian and LGBTQ+ capital, where it hosts epic LGBTQ+ parties, festivals and cultural events. Madrid’s historical gayborhood, Chueca, contains the highest concentration of lesbian bars and is located in one of the most hip areas, with many restaurants, bars and shops displaying Pride flags. Today, Madrid’s gayborhood has expanded into the areas of Malasaña, La Latina, and Lavapies. Lesbian bars in Madrid are central to the lesbian culture. Many open early in the day and stay open until 6 am. In addition to dance parties, they also serve tapas, host sporting events, performances, protests, host cultural events. Try Escape and Club 33.
Chueca the gayborhood in Madrid, flying its pride flag proud!
Spain’s second largest city, Barcelona, may not have bars strictly for women like Madrid but Eixample is in the center and trendiest area with many mixed venues and welcoming to queer women. That said, Carita Bonita promotes queer women events, while Candy Darling Bar has a lgbtq+ mixed crowd.
Lastly, hippie and party island Ibiza, hosts Velvet Ibiza, a lesbian and women-only event every summer. It’s five days of adventures with your new lesbian and women-loving friends and offers kayaking, hiking, yoga, and a dance party every night! Outside of Velvet, Ibiza is a lgbtq+ friendly destination with it’s popular Ibiza Town filled with lgbtq+ venues and activities.
The world has become a more welcoming place for female travelers – especially lesbians. We can hold hands, walk arm in arm and cuddle freely in more and more countries across the globe. Don’t you think it’s time to explore this new world?
Written by Jane Malone
Originally from the Bahamas, Jane now travels often, writing mostly lesbian/wlw blogs and travel blogs for others. She has published a collection of love poetry, i am not lost, and is the creator and host of the Monday morning mindset podcast, Live Curious Die Wild. When she’s not playing with words, she enjoys biking, the beach and exploring. You can find her on Instagram @janemaloneauthor , @livecuriousdiewildpodcast and on all listening platforms.
