Portugal emerges as a popular travel destination for the LGBTQ+ community
In the latest Big 7 Travel's annual LGBTI+ friendly city ranking, Portugal has made a significant stride, becoming the only country with two cities - Lisbon and Porto - in the top 10. This recognition is a testament to Portugal's strategic efforts and initiatives that foster an inclusive culture and progressive legal framework.
Lisbon, named the most LGBTI+ friendly city in the world, and Porto, which came in third, have stood out for their vibrant, visible LGBTQ+ communities, inclusive neighbourhoods, and cultural events. The city of Lisbon, for instance, boasts Príncipe Real, a historic neighbourhood known as the city's prominent gay neighbourhood, with a thriving nightlife, inclusive cultural spaces, and positive attitudes from neighbours.
The progressive legal framework in Portugal, reflected by its 9th position on the ILGA Europe equality index in 2025, lays the foundation for societal acceptance. This is evident in the numerous gay bars, nightclubs, and venues found in both cities, as well as the annual pride parades that attract thousands.
Inclusion extends beyond venues to education, law enforcement, and public attitudes that promote acceptance and reduce discrimination. The presence of cultural events like Queer Lisboa, one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ film festivals in Lisbon, further strengthens community visibility and acceptance.
Portugal's long-term strategic commitment to LGBTI+ tourism, initiated in 2017, is credited for the international recognition. The Big 7 Travel study highlighted "the safety, vibrant nightlife, and inclusive policies" of Portuguese cities.
While Lisbon and Porto lead the way, other cities in the top 10 include Berlin, Germany (6th), London, United Kingdom (4th), and Sydney, Australia (10th). Dublin, Ireland, ranked second, and Amsterdam, Netherlands (7th), Madrid, Spain (5th), and Toronto, Canada (9th), complete the list.
Recent market studies project that LGBTI+ tourism could exceed US$600 billion in the next decade, with LGBTI+ travellers constituting 5% to 10% of all tourists, on average, who travel more frequently and spend more than other market segments. This figure already represents more than US$200 billion in annual consumption.
The emergence of Portugal as a global leader in LGBTI+ friendly cities is a testament to the power of strategic planning, community engagement, and societal acceptance. As more cities strive to create welcoming, sexually liberated, and inclusive atmospheres, Portugal serves as an inspiring example for the world.
- Lisbon, the most LGBTI+ friendly city globally, and Porto, ranked third, stand out in Portugal for their vibrant LGBTQ+ communities, inclusive neighborhoods, and cultural events.
- The city of Lisbon, with its historic district Príncipe Real known as the city's prominent gay neighborhood, embodies the inclusive culture and positive attitudes that contribute to Portugal's progressive standing.
- Portugal's long-term strategic commitment to LGBTI+ tourism, initiated in 2017, has been credited for the international recognition it has received, with reports emphasizing the safety, vibrant nightlife, and inclusive policies of Portuguese cities.
- As Portugal emerges as a global leader in LGBTI+ friendly cities, it serves as an inspiring example for other cities around the world that aspire to create welcoming, sexually liberated, and inclusive environments.
