LGBTQ+ Solo Travel: the Best Cities to Visit

Solo travel is an intimidating prospect to many of us but it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. Solo travel is on the rise and it’s easy to understand why with the unmatched feelings of liberation and freedom it provides. Plus, you can make spending decisions without compromise when you’re by yourself, you’re free to be as frugal or as indulgent as you wish.

Don’t want to be dragged around yet another museum? Then don’t. Want to have a cocktail on the beach at midday before heading back for the inevitable nap? Hey, we’re not judging.

Take a look at our list below where you’ll find familiar favourites and perhaps a couple of unexpected choices. One thing they all offer is friendliness, safety and a chance to make connections with other LGBTQ+ travelers. Some might even be looking for companionship on a solo trip of their very own.

Sydney

This is a world-class destination with the perfect blend of beach culture, vibrant nightlife and iconic landmarks. The locals are very friendly and the well-structured transport system makes this a welcoming and easy to navigate the city. If public transport isn’t your thing then no worries, the five main tourist attractions are all within walking distance of each other. 

The Columbian hotel is a great bar for solo travelers with a relaxed vibe earlier on in the night, head over to The Stonewall Hotel after for a livelier offering with frequent drag shows by Drag Race alumni. The gay scene here is expansive so it’s worth checking out our full Sydney page for the complete breakdown. 

Plan for at least five days, but keep in mind that Sydney might just be the start of your Australian solo trip.

Copenhagen

It’s hard to find another city that matches the chilled-out (literally and figuratively) atmosphere you’ll find in Copenhagen. You’d find it hard to have a trip of solitude here as locals will often initiate conversations, but why would you want to when everyone is so lovely? (not to mention, stunning.) 

It’s a beautiful and proudly clean city with a strong focus on cafe culture where solo diners enjoying incredible food is commonplace. Check out bar Oscar for a drink with a friendly and mixed crowd. We also have to mention that no LGBTQ+ trip to Copenhagen is complete without a visit to one of Europe's oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet, which opened in 1917 and boasts eccentric Christmas decor. 

We recommend three days in Copenhagen as although it’s a great city the food and drink here can be fairly pricey. Enjoy a glass of Gløgg in the winter months to warm you up.

Seville

Seville, a hidden gem in Spain, combines rich history with a small gay scene. Within two square miles, you'll find three World Heritage sites, 14th-century palaces, and live flamenco performances on the weekends. The best way to explore this cultural hub is by foot before diving into its gay nightlife. 

For a relaxed evening, visit La Organica, offering a daily-changing menu cooked by a passionate chef and diverse wines. On weekends head to Men to Men to dance the night away on the first floor and use the second floor if you fancy going a little more wild or just want to watch those that do.

This is a great place for a weekend city break and although the gay scene can seem more male-centered it's worth noting this is a destination frequented by solo female travelers too. One added bonus of Seville is it acts as a popular base for travel to Andalusia’s other cities, easily visited by regular trains.

Reykjavik

This awe-inspiring place offers a quirky city surrounded by natural beauty on a mythical scale, ideal for those seeking solitude on their solo trip. It’s also one of the safest cities to visit, with incredibly low crime and a culture unphased by LGBTQ+ identities. Beyond the city’s charming streets, you can unwind in the waters of the Blue Lagoon, witness the northern lights, or explore nearby volcanic landscapes that add an adventurous edge to your stay.

A recommended solo excursion is the surprisingly modern architecture of Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral. It’s perfect for quiet exploration and the 244-foot church tower with views across the city and landscape beyond is an ideal contemplation spot.

If you do want to add some flair to your peaceful Icelandic break then check out the queer walking tour listed on our website, a personal and informative run-through of queer history in the city. If you want to go a step further Kikis is one of two gay bars in Reykjavik with the normal fare of karaoke, drag shows and friendly locals.

By Adam Reid