The city joins global hotspots like Cape Town and Bangkok in Lonely Planet’s inclusive travel guide
A Scottish city has earned a spot among the world’s top LGBT+ travel destinations, according to the respected travel publisher Lonely Planet. Edinburgh was listed alongside global hotspots such as Cape Town in South Africa and Bangkok in Thailand, highlighting its reputation as an inclusive and welcoming destination.
Although the LGBTQ+ scene is continuing to evolve in major cities worldwide, finding gay-friendly spaces can still be a challenge for travellers. To help bridge this gap, author Alicia Valenski has compiled a list of over 50 “proud places” with input from insiders across the globe in a book – Lonely Planet’s The LGBTQ+ Travel Guide – that was released this month.
From drag bars to queer swimming clubs, these diverse destinations offer a variety of inclusive experiences. Local experts have handpicked their favourite spots, ensuring LGBTQ+ travellers can explore new places with confidence.
When it came to Scotland’s capital, Valenski spoke to literary lover Mairi Oliver, who runs the Lighthouse, lauded as Edinburgh’s radical bookshop.
She spoke about Auld Reekie’s vibrant and inclusive LGBTQ+ scene, offering insights into its unique spaces and activities and, understandably, leaning into the literary side of the capital.
Mairi said: “You can visit the Lavender Menace archive. It’s full of gay books from the 80s and 90s and is this lovely intergenerational space.
“The original founders, now in their 70s, are often there, while those working range from ‘baby gays’ as young as 18 or 19 to people in their 30s and 40s. It’s a welcoming mix across generations.”
For those interested in Edinburgh’s thriving zine culture, Mairi highlights Typewronger Books. She said: “Tee Hodges, a nonbinary printer, runs the shop and has their own Riso printer.
“They host printing workshops, teach people how to make zines, and even organise the annual Edinburgh Zine Fair. The shop, with its quirky charm and Instagram-worthy aesthetic, is one of the city’s creative hubs.”
Edinburgh’s LGBTQ+ community also extends into the great outdoors. Mairi said: “Edinburgh Queer Hiking has hundreds, if not thousands, of members, offering regular hiking trips, including guided walks for visitors spending just a week or a weekend in the city.”
For those keen to take a dip, Mairi highlights an inclusive swimming group. She added: “Queer Swim Edinburgh takes people on guided swims near Newhaven.
“It’s a great option if you’re nervous about trying wild swimming alone, if it’s your first time in a swimsuit since transitioning, or just if you want a welcoming group to swim with.”
Apart from Edinburgh, Lonely Planet also highlighted other top LGBTQ+ destinations. Cape Town’s fashion guru Yoliswa Moleboheng Mqoco recommends staying at the queer-friendly Cellars-Hohenort Hotel and enjoying the Sea Point Promenade’s sunset views. For a bite, Blondie offers Middle Eastern food with a queer-friendly vibe.
In Bangkok, RuPaul’s Drag Race star Pangina Heels points to the city’s vibrant queer scene. Silom Soi 2 and Soi 4 are top spots for bar-hopping, while her own House of Heals club is a must-visit for drag performances. For sun, Koh Samet, known as ‘Gay Island,’ is a party haven.
Meanwhile, Amsterdam’s Daan Colijn and Karl Krause of @CoupleofMen rave about Spijkerbar’s quirky Naked Tuesdays and Café Sonneveld’s Dutch charm. The Homomonument’s Pink Point is a must-visit for LGBTQ+ info and unique souvenirs like kissing figurines, as noted by Lonely Planet.
You can pick up Lonely Planet’s The LGBTQ+ Travel Guide here.
