10 of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities across the world

The smallest country on the list, Malta’s rights for the LGBTQ+ community are of the highest standard. Malta was the first European state to add gender identity to its constitution as a protected category, in 2014. Conversion therapy is banned in the country and non-binary is recognised legally as a gender. There is no censorship of LGBTQ+ issues and same sex marriage was legalised in 2017.  

With Malta’s rapid acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in recent years, queer-focused spaces including bars and clubs have diminished as people have felt comfortable and welcomed in all spaces. Though some travellers have expressed that crossdressing or dressing in drag won’t go unnoticed and locals may still ogle.  

Malta is a popular holiday destination due to its picturesque coastal spots, Mediterranean weather and fresh cuisine. The University of Malta is ranked 801-1000 in the QS World University Rankings 2023.  

Discover studying in Malta  

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and the largest city in the country. It’s home to three universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2023; the University of Lisbon (ranked =335th), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ranked =369th) and Universidade Católica Portuguesa (ranked 801-1000).  

Portugal legalised same sex marriage in 2010 and was the eighth country worldwide to do so. The country introduced a Gender Identity Law in 2012 said to be one of the most advanced in the world for transsexual and transgender people. However, transgender people are not allowed to serve openly in the military. 

The LGBTQ+ scene in Lisbon is centred around Bairro Alto, where there are all-LGBTQ, mostly-LGBTQ+ or LGBTQ+ friendly places to enjoy in a Mediterranean climate.  

Discover studying in Portugal 

An hour from England’s capital of London, Brighton is unofficially referred to as the LGBTQ+ capital of Britain. Brighton is home to one of the biggest Pride festivals in the UK, attracting over 160,000 people each year.  

One of the UK’s most seaside towns, Brighton is a party city on the south coast. The city was even voted in the top happiest places to work in 2021. Homosexuality is legal in the UK, along with same sex marriage. Anti-discrimination law is in place and gender change is legal without the need for surgery. Though non-binary is not recognised as a gender and conversion therapy is not banned.  

Located in Brighton, the University of Sussex is ranked =240th in the QS World University Rankings 2023, with the University of Brighton ranking at 801-1000. 

Explore the UK as a study destination 

Belgium is ranked as the 7th safest country in the world in the LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index and its capital, Brussels, is the administrative centre of the European Union often being dubbed as the EU’s capital city.  

Belgium was the second country (after the Netherlands) to legalise same-sex marriage and Brussels carries Belgiums progressive views into its centre. While the LGBTQ+ district in Brussels is small, there is always somewhere to enjoy an inclusive night out. The city also hosts several LGBTQ+ film festivals through the year.  

Both the Universite libre de Bruxelles (ranked =210th in the QS World University Rankings 2023) and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (ranked 251st) are located in the capital.  

Find out what it’s like to study in Belgium 

In the north of Europe, Norway was one of the first countries to introduce anti-discrimination laws. The TV series, Skam and its international success was what put Oslo on the map for queer people, according to the country’s tourism site, Visit Oslo.  

Norway’s capital, Oslo is a famously LGBTQ+ friendly city. Oslo is a sleek and trendy city with sharp Scandinavian design, fashionable neighbourhoods and a vibrant nightlife. Plus, it’s surrounded by nature so you can explore beyond the city’s skyline.  

In Norway, same sex activity has been legal since 1972, and more recently anti-discrimination laws concerning gender identity were put in place in 2013. Although, non-binary is not considered a legal gender.  

The University of Oslo is ranked 101st in the QS World University Rankings 2023. 

Discover studying in Norway 

Barcelona in Spain has the best of both worlds: a buzzing metropolitan city and a beautiful coastline. The city is filled with colourful art. Even its buildings are artistic masterpieces. 

Barcelona is home to three universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2023; the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ranked 178th), the Universitat de Barcelona (ranked 184th) and Universitat Pompeu Fabra (ranked =233rd). 

Barcelona has a liberal approach to LGBTQ+ life and has a vibrant queer scene. Many people live openly and proudly in Barcelona and there are many bars, clubs and events dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community. As a country, Spain has some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ rights, a rapid improvement in recent decades, but some anti-discrimination laws do vary by region.  

Find out more about studying in Spain. 

While the United States features further down the LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index (ranked 24th), we had to include San Francisco.  

Ranked as the fourth most LGBTQ+ accepting city in the Money.co.uk rankings 2022, San Francisco in California is considered the gay mecca of the world. San Franscisco native, Gilbert Baker, was even responsible for making the rainbow flag synonymous with the LGBTQ+ community. You’ll find queer and queer-friendly spaces all over San Francisco. 

While some states in the US are introducing bills that will inevitably harm the LGBTQ+ community, California is one of the most liberal states when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage is legal and anti-discrimination laws are in place for gender identity and sexual orientation. Compared to the most welcoming European cities, however, there is progress to be made.