What To Do

Check Out Comercio Plaza

Lisbon’s main city square Praca do Comercio, is an absolute must see. Sitting by the waterfront, the plaza is full of beautiful architecture like the Arco da Rua Augusta, adorable sidewalk cafes and restaurants, and tons of great shopping. The square is always full of artists, locals, and travellers, and is the perfect spot for people watching. Enjoy the water views and take it all in!

Visit Castelo de S. Jorge

One of the most popular historic sites in Lisbon, is the 11th century Sao Jorge Castle. Sitting on a hilltop in central Lisbon, it overlooks the city and the river. You can visit the preserved ruins as well as an archaeological museum, and the views from the castle cannot be compared. Wander around the grounds and be transported back through Portugal’s medieval history.

Explore the Old Town

Lisbon’s historic quarter is called the Alfama district, and is nestled between the river and the Sao Jorge Castle. Getting lost in the steep cobblestone streets and winding staircases, was one of our favourite things to do in Lisbon. In this area you’ll find plenty of Portuguese shops, small cafes, locally owned businesses, and authentic restaurants. Be sure to visit the Miradouro da Graca terrace for magical views of the water.

Listen to Some Fado

Lisbon is well known for its historic Fado music, which can be heard in the old quarter, and all over the city. The music is classical and often melancholy, and is played by live musicians in restaurants, bars, and clubs. You may hear some while you’re wandering the streets in the evenings, or you can go out for dinner at a restaurant with a Fado performance.

Discover Bairro Alto

Be sure to visit this neighbourhood for amazing street art, interesting architecture, classic old homes, and great local culture. At night, this area becomes very lively with diverse crowds heading out to the bars and clubs. This part of the city is also home to much of Lisbon’s gay nightlife.

Ride the Elevador da Bica

Lisbon’s famous Bica Funicular is a historic cable car that takes you up a steep hill. The iconic ride is worth it for the views, but if you don’t want to ride it, try to spot the car on its route!

Go Out on Pink Street

Rua Nova do Carvalho, nicknamed as Lisbon’s “pink street” is the heart of the city’s nightlife. Formerly Lisbon’s red light district, this area has been rehabilitated into a late night destination of clubs, parties, bars, and eateries. If you’re looking for a fun night out, be sure to check out this spot.

Visit Praca do Rossio

Another one of Lisbon’s main city plazas, Rossio Square is located in the busy downtown area, popular for its restaurants and shopping. The plaza is very centrally located for a day of exploring, and is a good place to start if you’re doing sightseeing around the city.

Enjoy Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara

This terrace offers one of the most incredible panoramic views of Lisbon. Come here for sunset and enjoy overlooking the beautiful city. There is often live music, as well as food and drink stalls.

Explore Parque Eduardo VII

As the largest park in Lisbon, this is a great spot to go for a walk, enjoy the gardens, and take a nice break from the bustling city. Stretching 26 hectares, this park is the perfect place to go for a quiet afternoon.

Stroll Along the Riverfront

You can’t visit Lisbon without taking a walk down the waterfront promenade. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset, do some people watching, enjoy some live music, relax at a sidewalk cafe, have a drink on a patio, or just enjoy views of the water. One of our favourite things to do was go walking by the river, and there was always so much going on!

Take a Day Trip to Sintra

If you’re looking for an easy day trip to get outside of Lisbon, the city of Sintra is the perfect option. It’s about a half hour drive, or an hour on the train, and it’s a beautiful resort town full of castles, palaces, and estates. It’s certainly possible to do in a single day, and is an easy trip from Lisbon. Don’t miss the Pena National Palace, Moorish Castle, the National Palace of Sintra, or the Quinta da Regaleira. There are also plenty of great cafes and restaurants to visit in between seeing the incredible sights. Enjoy!

Where to Stay

Lisbon has so many amazing neighbourhoods to stay in, and it all depends on what you’re looking for during your visit. If you’d like to stay somewhere romantic that feels authentic and full of history, you will love the Alfama district. We’ve stayed there twice and had an amazing time. If you’re looking to be somewhere a little bit more funky with great options for going out at night, Bairro Alto would be a good choice. If you like being in the centre of the action and want to stay in a really central area, the Baixa neighbourhood or the Chiado neighbourhood are both perfect. In Lisbon, both hotels and Airbnbs are great for accommodations, and both would be safe options in the city. We chose to stay in Airbnbs during both of our stays and we loved the authentic experience it gave us. It was also really nice to be connected to a local host that could offer us plenty of local recommendations! Staying in an Airbnb in a neighbourhood that isn’t as busy with tourists, is a great way to support the local businesses and have a more authentic travel experience. You will also likely get a lot more for your money! If you’ve never used Airbnb before, you can click here to save on your first stay. If you choose to go the hotel route, there are plenty of great options in central locations around the city. When booking hotel accommodations we use Hotels.com because they have great rates and they also do price matching. We also love their loyalty program which gives you one free night for every ten nights you stay!

Where to Eat & Drink

Lisbon’s culinary scene is well known for its seafood, and traditional Portuguese delicacies. While it hasn’t always been a foodie paradise, in recent years the restaurant scene has evolved quite a lot. A good place to start is Time Out Market, a huge gourmet food hall with restaurants, bars, market vendors, specialty shops, and more. Everything has been curated by experts and is top quality, covering a large range of international cuisines. Along with their regular daily service, the market also offers cooking classes, live shows, and special events. This is definitely where you should start when you’re discovering Lisbon’s food scene! One thing the famous food hall doesn’t have, is a lot of plant-based options, so if you’re searching for vegan food we compiled a list of our favourite spots. For a fully plant-based meal, head to Ao 26 Vegan Food Project, Organi Chiado, or Eight the Health Lounge. Graca 77 offers vegan and vegetarian food, Primo Basilico has vegan pizza, and Sama Sama offers vegan crepes! Lisbon also has an amazing late night scene, with plenty of wine bars, lounges, and clubs to grab a drink at. You can also legally drink on the streets, which means that late at night you’ll see plenty of people spilling onto the sidewalks, drink in hand. In our opinion, nothing beats a glass of wine on an outdoor patio overlooking the city, and if you’re looking to try something really authentic, be sure to taste Lisbon’s famous drink Ginjinha, a Morello cherry liqueur. We recommend buying a shot from one of the many older women in Alfama, you’ll see them set up around the neighbourhood with a table and a bottle!

Lesbian Friendly

Portugal has some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ laws in the world! The country legalized same-sex marriage back in 2010, and they’ve had discrimination protections in place since 2003. They also made May 17th their National Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, and are continually working to protect the community. Click here for more on how lesbian friendly the country of Portugal is. We felt very safe and supported during our time in Lisbon, and had no issues being out and open while visiting the city. We held hands and showed affection on the street, we booked Airbnbs with local hosts and were open about being a lesbian couple, and we were honest with the people that we met about the fact that we’re married. We never felt the need to hide our relationship for our own safety, and everyone we met seemed to be very welcoming. In the city of Lisbon, the prominent gay areas are Bairro Alto, Principe Real, and Chiado. This is where you will find most of the LGBTQ+ nightlife, (and the nightlife in Lisbon is incredible!). Many of the gay clubs in the city draw a mixed crowd, and while the community establishments tend to cater most to gay men, places in Lisbon seem to be welcoming of lesbian women and couples. Some of the hot spots include Construction – a weekend club that’s great for dancing, Trumps – one of the original LGBTQ+ establishments in Lisbon, Sidebar – a small local favourite, and Bar 106 – another original Lisbon gay bar. If you’re specifically looking to be around other gay women, Purex is a gay and lesbian spot that is very welcoming of queer women, and tends to draw the most diverse crowds. This is definitely the closest thing you’ll get to a lesbian bar in Lisbon! If you want to catch a drag show, be sure to head to Finalmente Club with live performances that start late in the night, and if you happen to visit Lisbon in June, check out its Pride festivities as part of their Arraial Lisboa Pride Festival. Another annual event is Queer Lisboa, an International Queer Film Festival that takes place in September. Overall, Lisbon is a very lesbian friendly destination, and a popular spot for lesbian travellers. If you’re looking to travel somewhere you can feel safe and welcomed, and where you can experience some local gay culture, Lisbon is a great European destination to add to your list.

How to Get Around

Walk

Lisbon is very walkable, and we’ve found that one of the best ways to get around is on foot if you’re able to. It is quite hilly and some of the streets are steep, but it is fairly easy to get from one area to the next by walking. You can do some great people watching when you’re wandering around on foot, and it’s a great way to discover some spots that you may not have had on your list. Be sure to walk around the old town in Alfama, and get lost on the staircases and in the narrow cobblestone corridors.

Public Transportation

Lisbon’s public transportation is also a safe and easy way to get around. They have a metro system, which is one of the cleanest and most well maintained subways in Europe, as well as city buses and trams. You can get a magnetic card called a 7 Colinas Card, which you can top up to pay your fare easily while exploring the city.

Taxi or Rideshare

Another good option for getting around the city is by taxi. Registered taxis are safe to ride in Lisbon, and you can hail them on the street, or get one at a designated taxi stand. Be sure to have your driver run the meter (especially when coming from the airport), the taxi rates are very reasonable. Lisbon also has Uber, as well as a popular taxi hailing app called MyTaxi.

Has anyone else fallen in love with Lisbon? Let us know in the comments!

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Lisbon, Portugal appeared first on Lez See the World.

When To Go

Iceland is an incredible country to visit any time of year, so choosing your preferred season really depends on what you’d most like to see and experience. We visited in the summer, which meant that we had milder temperatures and nearly twenty-four hours of daylight. This made it easy to do long day trips outside the city, and we felt safer never having to drive in the dark. Of course in Iceland, one of the magnificent natural wonders to see is the Northern Lights, and these can only be viewed for eight months of the year, from early September to the end of April. If you choose to visit outside of the summer season, you have the possibility to see the incredible Aurora Borealis, but you may have to endure more difficult weather conditions. Iceland during the winter time can see a lot of snow, so you would need to pay close attention to road conditions and take more safety precautions. There are also only five hours of daylight during the winter months, which means you would have to be very strategic about fitting in your daytime activities. Regardless of what time of year you choose to visit, Iceland is an incredible country with unbelievably unique landscapes and experiences. You truly can’t go wrong.

What To Do

Downtown Reykjavik

There is a lot to explore in the city of Reykjavik. Because it sits on Iceland’s coast, there is a beautiful waterfront with views of the unique surrounding landscapes. Be sure to take a stroll along the water and look out for “Sun Voyager”, a famous sculpture that sits beside the sea. Other well known landmarks in Reykjavik are Hallgrimskirkja, a stunning cathedral in the middle of town, and the Perlan glass dome offering incredible panoramic views of the city. Rich with history, Reykjavik is home to several museums that explore Iceland’s Viking past, and there are plenty of places to learn more about the country’s culture. One of the oldest streets in Reykjavik is now it’s main shopping strip: Laugavegur. Along with tourist shops, there are many boutiques selling Icelandic made goods. Laugavegur is also where much of the restaurant scene is located, with cuisines ranging from traditional Icelandic, to modern vegetarian/vegan. There is also a lot of nightlife in this area with many different bars and live music venues, as well a lot of interesting street art. Be sure to spend plenty of time exploring downtown Reykjavik as there is so much to do!

Blue Lagoon

Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon is an outdoor geothermal spa featuring mineral rich waters in a lava field. While it is certainly a popular tourist activity, it really is an incredible experience and fully worth a visit! The Lagoon is located near the village of Grindavik, about 45 minutes outside of Reykjavik, and can be reached easily by car. It’s best to purchase admission tickets online in advance, and read up on the Blue Lagoon website for all of their regulations on spa etiquette. The lagoon is very big, and the water is the perfect temperature to relax for a good length of time. There is a swim up bar to buy drinks, as well as a silica bar giving out their famous silica mud masks. You can also look out for employees in the water that might be sampling other products. We found a lovely young woman in a floral swim cap who was giving out samples of their black lava exfoliator. The views from the lagoon are stunning, and we had a really wonderful time enjoying the spa. Highly recommend!

Iceland’s Golden Circle

A perfect day trip from Reykjavik, and an absolute must-do while in Iceland, is the Golden Circle. There are four major stops along this route in central Iceland, and the driving time is roughly three hours. The entire day trip can easily take up to ten hours depending on how long you take at each spot, and the sights are incredible! We rented a car and really enjoyed driving this route ourselves, but it’s also possible to take a guided bus tour from the city of Reykjavik. (Keep reading for more information on car rentals and driving in Iceland).

The first stop on this route is Þingvellir National Park, which is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly moving apart. The fissure between the plates is actually a diving and snorkelling site, and is the only spot in the world where you can swim between two tectonic plates. The park is beautiful and quite large with rocky cliffs, stunning lakes, and beautiful scenery. If you have the time you can hike through it, but if you’re just making a quick stop it’s still well worth it!

The second stop is the Geysers At Haukadalur: Geysir and Strokkur. Geysir (from which the name came) is no longer active, but Strokkur erupts about every ten minutes. This is a popular spot, but we had no problem getting close to the water to take some photos. Be careful where you stand or you might get soaked!

The third stop on the route is the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall. It’s magnificent! Be sure to wear something waterproof as the spray from the water reaches all of the viewing areas and you can get pretty wet, but the falls are remarkable.

The last stop on the Golden Circle is the Kerið Crater Lake. The colours of the crater and the lake are gorgeous, and there is a pathway to hike the perimeter of the crater as well as climb down to the water. It’s a really unique site and worth the visit.

The Golden Circle drive itself is also very beautiful. You will go through a lot of farmland on this route with sheep and horses on either side of the road, and there are plenty of pull offs to stop and take photos, or admire the animals. There aren’t a lot of places to stop and get food other than the small cafes at a couple of the attractions, so we recommend bringing along lunch and water. You’ll easily get through the day on a full tank of gas, and there are plenty of stations in Reykjavik when you’re leaving the city. Enjoy!

The Geothermal Energy Exhibition

Iceland’s unique geography allows the country to use a lot of geothermal energy to generate their electricity, and it’s really interesting to learn about this while visiting because it’s something that makes Iceland so special. 100% of Iceland’s electricity comes from renewable sources, and they are the only country in the world in that position! Located about 30 minutes outside of Reykjavik is The Geothermal Energy Exhibition at The Hellisheiði Power Plant, where you can take a guided tour to learn about Iceland’s geothermal energy utilization. With multimedia installations, displays, and presentations, the tours are very thorough and informative. The Hellisheiði Power Plant is located in one of the largest geothermal areas in Iceland, and it’s the biggest single site geothermal power plant in the world. If you’re interested in learning more about what makes Iceland so unique, or you have a fascination with renewable energy, definitely fit in a visit to the Energy Exhibition. You won’t be disappointed!

Iceland’s South Coast

Another incredible day trip from Reykjavik and a definite must-do in Iceland, is a tour of the South Coast. There are so many amazing sights to see, and you may even choose to do this over numerous days to fit in some glacier activities, but it can easily be done in a well planned single day trip. The drive to the fishing village of Vik from downtown Reykjavik, is two and a half hours, and there are plenty of stops along the way to fill a day. We drove the South Coast ourselves, but you can also do a guided bus tour from Reykjavik. (Keep reading for more information on car rentals and driving in Iceland).

The first major stop on Iceland’s South Coast is the Reykjadalur Valley, home to the hot spring thermal river near the town of Hveragerði. The bathing areas are about an hour hike from the road, but this is a very unique Iceland experience.

The second stop is the famous Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, which is absolutely magnificent. Something very special about this waterfall is that you can actually walk behind the water, but be sure to dress appropriately because you will get wet!

On the South Coast between two of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, there’s a plane wreck that sits on the Sólheimasandur black sand beach. If you’re driving the South Coast yourself, this can be a really interesting stop! A US Navy aircraft crashed here in 1973 with no fatalities, and the plane has remained ever since, broken and decaying. It’s become a popular spot for tourists and photographers, and can be accessed on foot about a 45 minute hike off the road.

After this, is the beautiful Skogafoss Waterfall, which is one of the largest waterfalls in the country and probably the most well known attraction on this route. Here, you can walk very close to the base of the falls, as well as climb a staircase that takes you up to the top. It’s an incredible sight and a major highlight of this region.

The next stop is Reynisfjara, a beautiful black sand beach on Iceland’s South Coast. The volcanic shoreline is stunning, and there are amazing rock formations and cliffs to see here. Be sure to stay a safe distance from the water as there can be dangerous waves.

The final stop on this route is Vík í Mýrdal, a remote seaside town which sits just South of the Katla Volcano. While it’s the largest village in this region, it has a very small population, but it’s worth a stop and makes the perfect turning point for a drive along the South Coast. Just like the Golden Circle, we recommend bringing snacks, a packed lunch, and water for this day trip, as there aren’t a lot of places to stop and get food. It’s also a good idea to fill up with gas in Reykjavik before heading out on your adventure!

Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths

While Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is the most famous spa in the country, there are many smaller geothermal baths that are more popular with the locals. These are much less busy, and still a wonderfully unique experience when visiting Iceland. Just over an hour away from the city of Reykjavik is Laugarvatn Fontana, a beautiful lakefront spa and wellness centre with outdoor mineral pools, saunas, and natural steam baths. It’s located near other attractions on the Golden Circle route, so this can certainly be worked into that day trip, or you could make a day of the spa trip on it’s own. Laugarvatn Fontana is built on natural hot springs, so the spa’s steam baths use hot steam that comes directly from the ground. The Finnish style sauna includes beautiful views of the lake, and the natural mineral pools, hot tubs, and steam rooms are perfect for relaxing and recharging. If you’re feeling brave, you can also take a dip in the cold lake in between warm sessions. The spa also has a small cafe which offers a buffet style lunch and dinner, and the facilities are very well kept and well maintained. Enjoy!

Iceland’s Snaefellnes Peninsula

The third day trip from Reykjavik that is quite popular to do is the Snaefellnes Peninsula. Located in West Iceland, the Peninsula can be easily explored by car yourself, or you can book a bus tour from the city of Reykjavik. Because there are so many incredible sights, you could easily plan to spend a couple days here, but it is also entirely possible to fit a lot of it into a single day trip.

One of the most well known spots on the Peninsula is Kirkjufell Mountain, which is one of the most photographed sites in Iceland, and a beautiful natural wonder.

Nearby is Kirkjufellsfoss, gorgeous waterfalls that can be enjoyed with the stunning Kirkjufell behind them.

Another popular stop on the Snaefellnes Peninsula is Arnarstapi, a small fishing village that sits at the foot of Mt. Stapafell, and has incredible rock formations, cliffs, greenery, and views of the water.

The nearby village of Hellnar is also a lovely stop, featuring more amazing landscapes and water views.

The Peninsula has many incredible stops, and you will need to determine how much time you’ll spend here in order to see everything that you’d like. Just like the Golden Circle and South Coast, it can make for a long day, so we recommend bringing snacks, a packed lunch, and water for this day trip, as there aren’t a lot of places to stop and get food. It’s also a good idea to fill up with gas in Reykjavik before heading out on your adventure!

Where to Stay

Staying in downtown Reykjavik is a great option to enjoy the city, and you will also be centrally based for day trips around this region of Iceland. In the city of Reykjavik, both Hotels and Airbnb rentals are great options for accommodations. The city is quite small and easy to get around on foot, so if you choose something in the city centre it will be convenient for you.  When booking hotel accommodations we always use Hotels.com because it consistently has great prices, and it’s easy to narrow down your search with the amenities you want. Hotels.com also does price matching, and they have a great rewards program offering you one night free for every ten nights you stay. If you prefer to enjoy a more authentic travel experience, we highly recommend booking an Airbnb in Reykjavik. This is what we did when we visited, and we enjoyed a very comfortable stay in a local host’s rental apartment. We loved being able to support the nearby businesses, and also explore the heart of the city from a local’s perspective. We love choosing Airbnb for this reason, as it gives you such a different experience! If you’ve never used Airbnb, click here to save on your first stay.

Where to Eat & Drink

Iceland is a very expensive country to visit, and going out for meals certainly does have a high cost. We highly recommend bringing some packaged snacks and food items with you when you visit, and doing some grocery shopping while in Reykjavik, so you can pack some lunches for day trips around the area. That being said, you will certainly want to check out the food scene in Reykjavik, and there is a large range of cuisine available. You will be able to find a lot of traditional Icelandic food, as well as menus offering culinary fusion, and even a growing number of plant-based options. Our favourite spots for a healthy vegan meal were Glo, and Hraðlestin, while nice upscale options were Kitchen & Wine, and Nostra. And be sure to check out Joylato for some amazing vegan ice cream and Eldur Og Is for vegan crepes!

Lesbian Friendly

Iceland is very LGBTQ+ friendly, and is often regarded as one of the most gay friendly countries in the world. We felt welcomed and fully supported while we travelled in Iceland, and we loved that our marriage was recognized. Iceland legalized same-sex marriage in 2010, and overall their laws regarding the community are very progressive. Click here for more on how lesbian friendly Iceland is. We had no issues being out and open in the city of Reykjavik, or in the smaller villages we visited on our day trips. We felt extremely safe and comfortable, and never felt the need to hide our relationship. In the city, you will find Pride flags displayed in the streets, as well as LGBTQ+ friendly hotels, bars, and nightclubs. Reykjavik also hosts amazing Pride festivities every August, with their Pride parade being one of the country’s largest annual events. Similar to other cities, the gay scene in Reykjavik is mostly geared toward men, but that being said it is very inclusive of everyone. There aren’t any specifically lesbian venues, but the most well known LGBTQ+ bar is called Kiki Queer Bar. Other gay friendly venues include Gaukurinn, Bravo, and Kaffibarinn. Iceland is a very welcoming destination for all people, and lesbian travellers can definitely feel comfortable here. We highly recommend Reykjavik as a lesbian friendly destination!

How to Get Around

Rent a Car

We rented a car in Iceland and we’re so glad we did! It is definitely the best option for exploring outside of Reykjavik, and allows you the freedom to design your own day trip itineraries and have some flexibility in your plans. Of course you want to consider the time of year that you’re visiting, and be sure that you rent a vehicle that will be safe in the weather conditions you might encounter. When we visited in the summer, we were safe with a small car, but in the winter months you would definitely want something bigger and more powerful. It’s best to book your car in advance, and it’s very convenient to rent your vehicle from Keflavik International Airport. Be sure you get the proper insurance to cover your trip, and keep in mind that if you plan on driving off the major roads in Iceland you may be required to purchase gravel road insurance. If you visit in the winter months, you may also want to purchase ice and ash insurance. We found driving inside and outside of Reykjavik to be really easy and stress free. The roads aren’t very busy, and the other drivers were all responsible. Have a quick read on the rules of the road to be sure you know the local regulations, but overall driving is a great and easy option for transportation! If you’re heading outside the city to do some exploring, be sure to fill up with gas in Reykjavik as there aren’t many gas stations in the remote areas of Iceland. Fuel is expensive in Iceland so keep this in mind when budgeting your trip.

Taxi

For shorter trips around the city of Reykjavik, taxis are a great option. You can hail them on the street, call for one, or grab a taxi from a taxi stand. There aren’t any ride sharing services in Reykjavik like Uber or Lyft, so traditional taxis are the only option. They are safe and an easy way to get around the city!  

Bus Tours

If you’re looking to do some adventuring outside of Reykjavik but are unable to drive yourself with a rented car, there are many bus tours available from the city. You can book organized excursions for the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the Snaefellnes Peninsula, and the Blue Lagoon, as well as tours for glacier adventures, whale watching, hot springs, snowmobiling, ATVing, and to see natural wonders like lava tunnels, ice caves, and the incredible Northern Lights. Depending on your travel style, bus tours might be a nice option for exploring the incredible sights in Iceland outside of Reykjavik. Enjoy!

Walk

The central downtown area of Reykjavik is very walkable, and you can definitely do plenty of exploring on foot. The main attractions in the city are quite accessible and easy to walk to, so you can really see quite a bit without a vehicle.

Has anyone else fallen in love with Reykjavik, Iceland? Let us know in the comments!

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Reykjavik, Iceland appeared first on Lez See the World.

When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to only do what feels right to them.

Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Iceland is!

LGBTQ+ Laws 

Iceland is very progressive with their laws regarding LGBTQ+ people, and they were actually the first country in the world to have an openly gay head of government. Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in 1940, same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, and same-sex registered partnerships have been recognized in Iceland since 1996. Same-sex couples can also adopt children, and they have equal access to IVF. There is excellent discrimination protection in place for LGBTQ+ people, and has been since 1996. They have continually updated their anti-discrimination laws to include more members of the community, most recently those of all gender identities. Overall, Iceland has amazing LGBTQ+ laws, and is often regarded as one of the most gay friendly countries in the world.

Social Climate 

The public opinion in Iceland is definitely in favour of the LGBTQ+ community, with the majority of the population being in favour of same-sex marriage and other related social issues according to recent Gallup polls. In 2015, Iceland ranked as the #1 country on the Gay Happiness Index, a survey published by the LGBTQ+ social network PlanetRomeo, to determine the quality of life for gay men around the world. In 2015 The Church of Iceland voted to allow same-sex couples to marry in it’s churches, and in 2016 the President of Iceland participated in the Pride events for the first time in the country’s history. There is now LGBTQ+ acceptance across all avenues in Iceland, including the government, the church, and the local residents, and it is in thanks to the LGBTQ+ activism that started there in the late 1970’s. By bringing LGBTQ+ issues into the public eye, community groups were able to raise awareness and in turn, change societal attitudes to become more accepting. Iceland then became a world leader in LGBTQ+ rights by being the fourth country to legally recognize same-sex partnerships, and the ninth country to legalize same-sex marriage. Now, rates of acceptance and support for the LGBTQ+ community in Iceland are among the highest in the world.

Gaybourhoods

If you’re looking for the best LGBTQ+ culture in Iceland, definitely head to the capital city of Reykjavik! There you will find pride flags flying in the streets, as well as LGBTQ+ friendly hotels, bars, and nightclubs. They also host amazing Pride festivities every August, with their Pride parade being one of the country’s largest annual events. Similar to other international cities, the gay scene in Reykjavik is mostly geared toward men, but that being said, it is very inclusive of everyone. There aren’t any specifically lesbian venues, but the most well known LGBTQ+ bar is called Kiki Queer Bar. Other gay friendly venues include Gaukurinn, Bravo, and Kaffibarinn. Iceland also has a LGBTQ+ resource website called Pink Iceland with plenty of expert information.

Our Experience

We had a really incredible experience in Iceland together! We based ourselves in the capital city of Reykjavik, and did day trips to explore the amazing nearby sights. We stayed in an Airbnb in the city centre, and rented a car to self drive the South, Central, and West regions of Iceland. It gave us a really authentic travel experience and we highly recommend this style of Iceland adventure. We explored the famous Golden Circle, the South Coast, and the Snaefellnes Peninsula, as well as the incredible Blue Lagoon, and the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths. We saw waterfalls, geysers, lava fields, natural hot springs, crater lakes, national parks, black sand beaches, fishing villages, mountains, and volcanoes. Iceland is such a special country with so many unique natural wonders, making it an unforgettable place to travel. We felt very welcomed and supported while exploring Iceland, and we loved that our marriage was legally recognized. It makes a big difference to us knowing that the laws of a country protect us as lesbian women, and we felt very safe travelling there. In the capital city of Reykjavik, we were very comfortable being out and open, and found the locals to be welcoming in all aspects. It felt similar to other European cities in the way that people seem to live their lives freely, and don’t seem concerned with what others are doing. Outside of the city, we still felt perfectly safe. A lot of Iceland is quite remote and we explored all over the country, but the locals in the smaller villages didn’t give us any feelings of disapproval. People were kind everywhere we went, and we didn’t receive any unwanted attention. Many of the top destinations and attractions in Iceland are full of tourists, and we felt comfortable in those places as well. At the famous Blue Lagoon, we snuggled up to one another and nobody seemed to bat an eye. It feels amazing to travel in a country where we feel safe and comfortable to be ourselves! We highly recommend Iceland to other lesbian couples and solo lesbian travellers.

If you’re interested in travelling to Iceland, be sure to read our Lesbian Guide to Reykjavik!

Have you been to Iceland? Share your experience in the comments below!

View our library of How Lesbian Friendly Is… articles here!

The post How Lesbian Friendly is Iceland appeared first on Lez See the World.

When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to only do what feels right to them.

Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly The Netherlands is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

The laws regarding LGBTQ+ people in The Netherlands are some of the best in the world, and the country really helped pave the way for equal rights for our community. Same sex sexual activity has been legal since 1811, and The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same sex marriage in 2001! Along with marriage equality came adoption rights, as well as equal access to family planning like IVF. There are anti-discrimination laws in place in all categories, including employment, and businesses & services, and there have been since 1994. The Netherlands have amazingly progressive laws in regards to LGBTQ+ people, and they continue to amend them to include more members of the community. They continue to be world leaders in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality.

Social Climate

Not surprisingly, the public opinion in The Netherlands regarding LGBTQ+ people is very positive. A 2015 European Union Poll showed 91% of citizens in support of same sex marriage, and other recent studies also show high levels of acceptance. The country is often regarded as the most LGBTQ+ friendly country in the world, due to it’s progressive laws and high percentages of public support. The city of Amsterdam has hosted a large Pride celebration each year since 1996, and Amsterdam has also been host to EuroPride twice. Dutch people seem very accepting of our community, and The Netherlands is an amazing country for LGBTQ+ travellers.

Gaybourhoods

Amsterdam is definitely the gay capital of The Netherlands, but there are visible gay scenes in other cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Schemeningen. Amsterdam is full of gay culture, and there are even a number of lesbian establishments including Cafe ’t Mandje and Cafe Saarein. There are also a number of regular lesbian parties and festivals that are held for gay women. If you’re looking for gay culture in The Netherlands, there are plenty of options!

Our Experience

We really enjoyed travelling around The Netherlands on a trip to Western Europe. We spent time in the city of Amsterdam, as well as driving through plenty of smaller towns and rural areas. We are really impressed at how welcoming the entire country was, even outside of the city, and we felt completely at ease travelling as a lesbian couple. Knowing that the laws in The Netherlands treat LGBTQ+ people as true equals, we felt very safe being ourselves. We held hands and showed affection in public, and told people that we were a married lesbian couple. We were met with nothing but kindness by locals, and had a really great experience. We would highly recommend The Netherlands as a travel destination to other lesbian couples and travellers!

Have you been to The Netherlands? Share your experience in the comments below!

The post How Lesbian Friendly is The Netherlands appeared first on Lez See the World.

When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to only do what feels right to them.

Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Monaco is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

The LGBTQ+ laws in Monaco are surprisingly conservative compared to their neighbouring country, France, as well as the rest of Western Europe. Same sex sexual activity is legal and has been since 1793, but Monaco is the only country in Western Europe with no legal recognition for same sex couples. Since 2013 there has been work on a civil unions bill, so hopefully things will move in the right direction. There are no anti-discrimination laws in place, but hate speech and incitement to hatred is banned in Monaco, and there was a case in 2010 when a man was fined and imprisoned for a homophobic incident. There are no adoption rights or access to family planning for same sex couples, and citizens do not have the right to change their legal gender. Monaco is definitely behind when it comes to their laws regarding LGBTQ+ people, and none of the active political parties have publicly supported LGBTQ+ rights. Hopefully we will see progress in the coming years.

Social Climate

Most citizens of Monaco affiliate with the Catholic Church, which doesn’t traditionally support the LGBTQ+ community. That being said, the small country also has a strong relationship with France and most locals tend to adopt the same tolerance for LGBTQ+ people and same sex couples. In 2017, the daughter of Princess Stephanie of Monaco participated in the NYC Pride Parade and expressed her support for the community. Hopefully the acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in Monaco will become a more of a topic of public discussion.

Gaybourhoods

Monaco is a tiny country on the coast of France, and there is no active gay scene there. That being said, the country doesn’t have a history of hostility toward the LGBTQ+ community, and can still be considered a safe place to travel.

Our Experience

We spent a day in Monaco on a road trip through Western Europe, and had a nice visit. It’s a very small country with beautiful views, and there is plenty to do in the city of Monte Carlo. Despite the country’s conservative laws, the social atmosphere felt similar to France and other Western European countries, and we felt safe being an open lesbian couple. Monaco doesn’t have any specifically LGBTQ+ friendly establishments, but we felt like we were welcome everywhere, and had no issues at all during our time. If you find yourself near Monaco and want to pop in to cross another country off the list, we definitely suggest a quick visit. But if you’re looking for lively gay culture or a European country with laws that are more inclusive and accepting of our community, you may want to travel elsewhere in Europe.

Have you been to Monaco? Share your experience in the comments below!

The post How Lesbian Friendly is Monaco appeared first on Lez See the World.

When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to only do what feels right to them.

Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Germany is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

The LGBTQ+ laws in Germany are very progressive, despite the country’s complicated past. Same sex sexual activity has been legal since 1969, and the country has recognized same sex registered partnerships since 2001. In 2017 same sex marriage was legalized, and along with marriage equality, came adoption rights. There have been anti-discrimination laws in place since 2006, and hate speech on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is banned. Germany has come a long way in their legal recognition of the LGBTQ+ community!

Social Climate

The public opinion in Germany certainly seems to be in favour of the LGBTQ+ community. A 2015 Eurobarometer Poll showed that 66% of Germans believe that same sex marriage should be legalized throughout Europe, and the country ranks #14 on the Gay Happiness Index. There is a long list of politicians who have served openly as gay and lesbian, and there are numerous large LGBTQ+ organizations in the country. Pride celebrations happen every year in six major cities, and overall Germany is regarded as a very LGBTQ+ friendly country.

Gaybourhoods

The best known gay scene in Germany is in the city of Berlin, scattered all over the city as well as in the Schoneberg neighbourhood. There are establishments that cater to women specifically, as well as regular lesbian nights and lesbian parties. A popular spot for women is Himmelreich. Outside of Berlin, other major cities in Germany also have notable gaybourhoods. Cologne being the most popular, as well as Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Munich.

Our Experience

Our time in Germany was spent entirely in Berlin, and we had a really great experience. Germany is definitely a lesbian friendly travel destination, and people in Berlin are extremely open minded. We were completely comfortable exploring the city holding hands and showing affection in public. We didn’t receive any negative attention, and felt safe all over the city. We would love to explore more of Germany and would like to check out the gay scenes in the other major cities. We would highly recommend Germany as a great lesbian friendly destination in Europe.

Have you been to Germany? Share your experience in the comments below!

The post How Lesbian Friendly is Germany appeared first on Lez See the World.

When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to only do what feels right to them.

Keep reading to find out lesbian friendly France is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

The laws pertaining to LGBTQ+ people in France are currently quite liberal and progressive, and they have come a long way. Same sex sexual activity has been legal since 1791, and same sex marriage was legalized in 2013, making France the 13th country in the world to welcome marriage equality. Same sex couples have been legally allowed to adopt since 2013, but they don’t have access to family planning like “assisted reproductive technology”. In 1985, the first law banning discrimination based on sexual orientation was enacted, and amended in 2012 to include all sexual identities. The law was amended again in 2016 to replace the language “sexual identities” with “gender identities”. In 2008 the Minister of Education announced a school policy to fight homophobia in schools, and it was one of the first in the world. Overall the laws in France are among the best in the world.

Social Climate

France has often been named one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world, and attitudes toward our community seem to be very positive. A 2017 Pew Research Centre Poll showed that nearly 75% of French people were in favour of marriage equality, and France currently ranks #21 on the Gay Happiness Index. Paris is frequently considered one of the most gay friendly cities in the world, and even had an openly gay mayor from 2001-2014. The public opinion in France certainly seems to be open and accepting of LGBTQ+ people, and the country hosts a large Pride celebration in Paris each year. As always, there is still work to be done, and there are numerous activist groups and organizations in France who are working for further acceptance.

Gaybourhoods

The biggest LGBTQ+ scene in France is definitely in the city of Paris. Le Marais in the third arrondissement is the most popular gaybourhood, and while there are many establishments for gay men, there are also some bars and clubs specifically aimed at lesbians. Some of the most popular being La Mutinerie, 3W Kafe, and So What. In addition to these, there are also some regular lesbian events and parties. Outside of Paris, gay culture can be found on the Mediterranean coast in Nice and Montpellier, as well as in cities such as Toulouse and Provence.

Our Experience

We did a road trip through France and had a really amazing time. We drove through Toulouse, Marseilles, Cannes, and Nice, and then headed to Paris for our second visit to the capital city. We felt very safe travelling as a lesbian couple through France, and had no issues in any of the destinations we visited. We booked hotel rooms with one bed and had no problems. We felt welcomed and accepted everywhere we went, especially in the beautiful city of Paris. We highly recommend France, and especially Paris to lesbian travellers and lesbian couples who are looking for a romantic European destination! We absolutely love it, and will happily return the next chance we get.

Have you been to France? Share your experience in the comments below!

The post How Lesbian Friendly is France appeared first on Lez See the World.

When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to only do what feels right to them.

Keep reading to find out lesbian friendly Spain is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

Spain is considered to be a culturally liberal country, with very progressive laws regarding LGBTQ+ people. Same sex sexual activity has been legal since 1979, same sex marriage and adoption has been legal since 2005, and same sex couples have had equal access to IVF since 2006. There are anti-discrimination laws in place, although some aren’t nationwide. LGBTQ+ people can serve openly in the military, and the Spanish police force was the first in Europe to accommodate a same sex partner in a military installation. Overall, the laws in Spain are some of the best in the world!

Social Climate

The LGBTQ+ community is widely accepted in Spain, and recent data shows that a large percentage of Spanish people support equal rights. A 2015 Eurobarometer Poll showed that 84% of Spanish people believe that same sex marriage should be legalized throughout Europe. Spain also ranks very high on the Gay Happiness Index at #13, and there has been significant representation for the LGBTQ+ community in Spanish culture, including literature, music, and Spanish cinema. Spain was host to the World Pride celebration in 2017, and the cities of Madrid and Barcelona are often regarded as two of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world. The public opinion in Spain seems to be overwhelmingly positive, which makes it a great destination for travellers.

Gaybourhoods

While many cities and regions in Spain are considered to be welcoming of the LGBTQ+ community, the heart of Spanish gay culture can be found in the city of Madrid. The predominant gay scene is in the Chueca district, and is home to many LGBTQ+ businesses and establishments, and the unofficial lesbian gaybourhood is in Lavapies. Unlike other major cities, Madrid has a lot of specifically lesbian establishments and events that cater specifically to gay women. Their oldest and most iconic lesbian bar is Club 33. There is also a lively LGBTQ+ scene in Barcelona, with the Eixample neighbourhood being the unofficial gay district. Other destinations in Spain that are especially gay friendly include Sitges, Maspalomas, Torremolinos, and Ibiza.

Our Experience

We loved our time in Spain and can’t wait to return one day. We spent our time in Madrid and Barcelona, and felt completely at ease as a lesbian couple during our travels. The attitudes of the locals in both cities were very accepting and laid back, and we felt completely safe holding hands and showing affection while in public. We saw other same sex couples out and open, and we had no issues at all during our trip. It was wonderful to feel welcomed and accepted, and it made for a really positive experience. We love travelling to destinations that are open minded and inclusive of our community, and we would highly recommend Spain as a destination for other lesbian couples and travellers.

Have you been to Spain? Share your experience in the comments below!

The post How Lesbian Friendly is Spain appeared first on Lez See the World.

When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to only do what feels right to them. 

Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Belgium is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

The LGBTQ+ laws in Belgium are some of the best in the world, and the country helped pave the way for government acceptance of the community.  After recognizing same sex partnerships since 2000, Belgium was the second country in the world to legalize same sex marriage in 2003. Same sex sexual activity has been legal for more than 200 years, and adoption became legal for same sex couples in 2006 along with equal access to family planning including IVF. The first anti-discrimination law was enacted in 2003 and updated in 2007, with both banning discrimination of people based on their sexual orientation. In 2013 the law was amended again to include people of different gender identities and gender expressions. Belgium was and is a leader in LGBTQ+ equality.

Social Climate

Attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people in Belgium seem to be very positive. A 2015 Eurobarometer Poll showed that more than 75% of Belgian people believed that same sex marriage should be legalized throughout Europe. Numerous LGBTQ+ politicians have served openly in Belgium, including a previous Prime Minister, and LGBTQ+ themes are widely accepted and normalized in the media. There are active gay communities all over the country, and Belgium was host to the World Outgames in 2013. They continue to be a shining example not only in Europe but all over the world, of an open and accepting country.

Gaybourhoods

The most prominent LGBTQ+ scene in Belgium is in the capital city of Brussels. They are host to the annual Belgian Lesbian and Gay Pride, as well as the Brussels Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. The Brussels gay village is in the Saint Jacques neighbourhood, and is home to many LGBTQ+ establishments. Other lively gaybourhoods exists in cities like Antwerp, Leuven, Ghent, and Bruges, with gay bars, clubs, and parties. While most of the nightlife is geared toward gay men, Belgium does have events that are made for women. While some lesbian parties are held monthly, others happen annually during the Pride celebrations. There is even a multi day lesbian event each year that is organized by Girls Heart Brussels, featuring awesome itineraries geared toward lesbian women.

Our Experience

We really enjoyed our time in Belgium together. We spent our visit in Brussels and Bruges, and could definitely see that Belgium is a top destination for LGBTQ+ travellers due to it’s progressive laws and the positive attitudes of the locals. We love travelling to countries that recognize our marriage, and destinations that make us feel safe and welcomed. We certainly felt comfortable being out and open as a couple while we were in Belgium, and we were met with nothing but kindness from the locals. We would happily return and would love to check out more of the gay scene in Brussels as well as some of the smaller cities. We highly recommend Belgium as a great European travel destination for lesbian travellers and lesbian couples who are looking for an open and accepting place to explore.

Have you been to Belgium? Share your experience in the comments below!

View our library of How Lesbian Friendly Is… articles here!

The post How Lesbian Friendly is Belgium appeared first on Lez See the World.

When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to do what feels right to them.

Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Scotland is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

The laws in Scotland regarding LGBTQ+ people are very progressive, and in both 2015 and 2016 the country was recognized as the best country in Europe for equality for our community. Same sex sexual activity has been legal in Scotland since 1981, and marriage equality was passed in 2014 after civil union had been legal since 2005. There is discrimination protection in place for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as hate crime laws prohibiting crimes against the LGBTQ+ community. Scotland continues to be a leader in anti-discrimination, and this year they launched a campaign calling out homophobes and transphobes, telling them that “love lives in this country, not hate”.

Social Climate

Scotland has a complicated history with our community, and prior to 2000 there was quite a bit of hostility toward LGBTQ+ people. In the past two decades, so much progress has been made with public opinion turning in favour of the LGBTQ+ community, and attitudes changing to accept the idea of equality. Polls through the SSA (Scottish Social Attitudes) show a large increase in support of same sex marriage, especially among young people and those who are non-religious. In the past several years there have been multiple LGBTQ+ politicians serving openly, and there are active LGBTQ+ scenes in all of Scotland’s major cities. The largest Pride celebration is held annually in Glasgow, with additional celebrations including a march in Edinburgh. Scotland is widely considered to be a very LGBTQ+ friendly country and travel destination. The Scotland tourism website even includes an LGBT section with resources about events and venues.

Gaybourhoods

There are prominent LGBTQ+ scenes in several of the major cities in Scotland, with the biggest being in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The capital city of Glasgow boasts a large gay scene with several regular events, as well as many gay bars and establishments. The second largest Scottish city, Edinburgh, also has many LGBTQ+ establishments as well as special LGBTQ+ nights and events. Smaller, but still wonderful gaybourhoods can be found in Aberdeen, Dundee, and Stirling.

Our Experience

We fell in love with Scotland and can’t wait to return. It’s a country that truly stole our hearts, and one of the reasons we loved visiting was because of how open and accepting it is. We spent our time in Edinburgh and Glasgow and had a wonderful experience. We felt completely at ease while in public, and held hands and showed affection without any worry. We were out and open as a married lesbian couple with everyone we met, and we received nothing but kindness and enthusiastic acceptance. We would love to return and continue to explore the country, including the highlands. We highly recommend Scotland to other lesbian couples and lesbian travellers! It is an amazing country with so much to offer, and it is so wonderfully accepting of our community. We really love to travel to countries that genuinely believe in LGBTQ+ equality, and Scotland certainly does.

Have you been to Scotland? Share your experience in the comments below!

View our library of How Lesbian Friendly Is… articles here!

The post How Lesbian Friendly is Scotland appeared first on Lez See the World.