Adventuring with Pride: Queer-Friendly Travel in Europe

Every June, cities across Europe come alive with rainbow flags, vibrant parades, and a spirit of celebration as Pride Month unfolds. For LGBTQ+ travelers—especially those venturing solo—Europe offers a welcoming blend of history, culture, and community. Whether you're looking to join the festivities, explore queer history, or simply travel somewhere you can be yourself, Europe has something for everyone.

As a queer traveler over 50, you may be wondering: where are the best places to go? How safe is it? Will I feel included? This post offers guidance on queer-friendly destinations, safety tips, and travel resources to help you feel confident celebrating Pride abroad—or enjoying quiet time in inclusive spaces.

Why Travel During Pride Month?

Pride Month offers a unique opportunity to connect with local LGBTQ+ communities and experience destinations from a different perspective. Parades, art exhibits, concerts, and lectures showcase queer voices in ways that are joyful, political, and deeply moving. Even if you don’t enjoy big crowds or nightlife, many cities offer smaller events like queer history walks, film festivals, and museum tours.

For solo travelers over 50, Pride Month can be a reminder that adventure—and identity—don’t have an expiration date.

Top Queer-Friendly Cities in Europe for Pride

Here are some of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in Europe, known for their inclusive cultures and vibrant Pride celebrations:

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam hosts Canal Pride, a one-of-a-kind parade on boats. The city also has LGBTQ+ history woven into its culture, including the Homomonument and several inclusive museums and bookstores.

2. Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s Christopher Street Day (CSD) is one of the largest Pride events in Europe. The city is also home to the Schwules Museum, one of the world’s first museums dedicated to LGBTQ+ history and culture.

3. Madrid, Spain

Madrid Orgullo (MADO) is a massive celebration with events centered around the Chueca neighborhood. Spain is widely recognized for progressive LGBTQ+ rights, and Madrid is consistently ranked one of the most inclusive cities in Europe.

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen hosted WorldPride in 2021 and continues to lead the way in LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Visit the LGBT+ Denmark site for local resources and event updates.

5. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s Arraial Lisboa Pride is a welcoming and accessible Pride event, and ILGA Portugal offers community resources, events, and support.

LGBTQ+ Travel Resources

Here are a few go-to websites and platforms to help you plan a safe and affirming European adventure:

• Spartacus International Gay Guide – Offers an annual ranking of LGBTQ+ rights by country and local travel advice.
  

• Equaldex – A crowdsourced map showing LGBTQ+ rights, laws, and social attitudes by country.
  

• IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) – A network of inclusive travel professionals offering destination guides, safety tips, and LGBTQ+ tour providers.
  

• Out Traveler – LGBTQ+ travel news, destination guides, and personal stories.
  

• Lesbian Travel Guide – Autostraddle – Community-based travel guides and experiences tailored to queer women and nonbinary folks.
  

Apps:

• HER – A social and dating app for LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary people, also useful for event listings and local meetups.
  

• Taimi – A queer social app that includes community groups and travel-friendly features.

Tips for Queer Solo Travelers Over 50

Whether you’re attending Pride events or traveling quietly in queer-friendly destinations, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Do your research. Look into local laws and social attitudes using Equaldex or Spartacus.
  

• Choose inclusive accommodations. Sites like Misterb&b offer LGBTQ+-owned lodging options similar to Airbnb.
  

• Trust your instincts. If a place or situation feels off, it's okay to leave. Solo travel is about listening to yourself.
  

• Connect with community. Consider joining a queer travel Facebook group or Meetup in your destination city before you go.
  
  

Celebrating at Your Own Pace

Not everyone wants to be in the middle of a parade—and that’s okay. Pride Month can also be about reflection, education, and connection. You might enjoy:

• Visiting LGBTQ+ bookstores like Giovanni’s Room (Philadelphia, if you’re back in the States) or Gay’s the Word in London.
  

• Taking a queer history walking tour—many cities offer them, including Berlin, Amsterdam, and Paris.
  

• Staying at a peaceful queer-owned guesthouse in the countryside of Spain or Italy.
  
  
  

Final Thoughts

Europe is a rich and rewarding destination for solo queer travelers, especially during Pride Month. Whether you're traveling to celebrate, reflect, or simply relax in inclusive spaces, there’s no wrong way to do Pride.

Queer joy isn't just for the young or partnered—it’s for all of us. So whether you're flying a rainbow flag or quietly savoring the moment with a view of the Danube, you’re part of something powerful.

Your journey matters. Your pride matters. And your solo travel adventure is something to celebrate.

Concerned about safety? Check out my list of Seven Safe Countries in Europe for Solo Travelers, complete with safety tips and tricks!