Worldwide and across the continents, the places of longing for queer travelers span: In this year's report on the most sought-after LGBTQ+ bucket list destinations, published by GayCities on September 2, 2026, Amsterdam tops the list. Not only are classics included, but also emerging hotspots like Cleveland, which impressively reflect the diversity of current LGBTQ+ travel.

The most important points at a glance

• Amsterdam is named by GayCities as a top LGBTQ+ travel destination for 2026.
• Surprising newcomers are Cleveland and Medellín on the list.
• The rating is based on the votes of experienced LGBTQ+ travelers.
• Nature, scene life, and acceptance play central roles in the selection.
• Even historically rich strongholds like New York and San Francisco maintain top positions.

Amsterdam remains a longing destination for queer travelers.

Amsterdam shines with its open scene and vibrant diversity: This year's WorldPride, celebrated with boat parades and rainbow flags along the canals, once again reinforced the city's reputation as a free center of Europe. According to GayCities, many travelers focus on relaxed gatherings in cafés, cultural experiences, and the notorious nightlife in trendy clubs like Church. For queer travelers, the liberal atmosphere is a tangible reason to visit.

New trends far from the mainstream routes

Amazing is the emergence of U.S. cities such as Cleveland, which, according to the GayCities Report, is increasingly becoming a Mecca for LGBTQ+ cultural travel in the Midwest. Art, music history, and a growing number of queer venues appeal to a new generation of queer travelers. Destinations like Medellín in Colombia and Cape Town are also gaining popularity. Reasons for their appeal range from unique natural experiences such as the fjords of New Zealand to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro and the urban renewals of South American metropolises.

What queer travelers are looking for today

Decisive for the choice of the dream destination, besides legal equality and acceptance, are also factors such as local scene diversity, safety, culinary offerings, and the individual travel experience. In Reykjavik, the urban rainbow flair and the famous Blue Lagoon attract visitors, while Palm Springs is noted for its laid-back party atmosphere and community events. New York remains a staple on every queer travel itinerary thanks to Stonewall, Broadway, and its prominent scene district.

Further development of the global LGBTQ+ landscape

The report from GayCities, compiled through reader surveys and ongoing community observations, sheds light on changes in queer travel destinations. Particularly the inclusion of previously underrated cities shows that LGBTQ+ travelers are discovering new cultural places and hospitality worldwide. The next anticipated development is the release of detailed evaluation data and travel recommendations, which, according to the editorial team, are set to follow shortly.