Lesbian & Gay Travel

A surprisingly innovative city, Zurich may be one of the most exciting gay and lesbian destinations in the central European region. Proudly calling itself "The Little Big City," Zurich is known for its world-class techno music club scene, featuring world-famous DJs.

Despite the fact that it's a gleaming modern city, Zurich still retains the air of an intimate village. A very foot-traffic friendly city, Zurich is situated on the banks of the Limmat River, and the entire city can be explored easily without a car.

Zurich is split between the east and west banks of the river. If you like local art and culture, you can wander along the cobblestone streets of the sunnier east bank, with delightful cafés, trendy art galleries, shopping, theater and more. This part of the city, called Old Town, or Altstadt, is also home to lively gay and lesbian bars. The west bank, a commercial center, houses the city's stock exchange (the world's fourth largest) and modern shopping centers.

Zurich, often called the gay capital of Switzerland, has a flourishing LGBT community and attracts gay and lesbian travelers from southern Germany, as well as the entire world.

Considered by many the most romantic city in the world, Paris remains a gay and lesbian traveler’s hotspot. Since 2001, Paris is one of the few major world cities to boast an openly gay mayor. This beautiful city offers much more than the existing iconic wonders like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacre-Coeur, and the Champs Elysees. There is a very happening LGBT population in Paris for both expats and visitors alike.

The heart of gay Paris is one of the cities oldest areas, called Le Marais. Here you'll find gay hotels, restaurants and bars, but the gay scene is really sprinkled throughout the city as a whole.

A friendly city for a romantic stroll past cafés and shops, or stop and relax while watching the boats glide down the Seine. Find a treasure or sample fresh food as you wander around one of the many open-air markets. Or simply lay out your towel and soak up the sun on Tata Beach. Pride events in Paris take place throughout the summer months, but year round gay Paree is a treasure trove of art, shopping, dining and more. A truly awe-inspiring city, Paris awaits.

The beautiful people, sunny weather and happening club scene makes for a great visit to Los Angeles. L.A. is really a line of several cities in a row, all with their own distinct personality and style. There's mellow Santa Monica, with its funky seaside neighbor Venice. The Valley incorporates a string of cities, including gay-popular Studio City.

West Hollywood is probably the best known gay district in L.A. but it's not the only one. On the famous Sunset Strip, if you're looking to see and be seen, check out one of the many local hip nightclubs and swanky hotels. Another popular community among the gay and lesbian crowd is Silverlake, which is home to a wide array of LGBT nightlife. Mellow Long Beach, south of L.A. and bordering Orange County, also has a thriving gay population.

Almost every one of L.A.'s mini-cities has its own LGBT bars and businesses — so you'll never be far from the action, no matter where you stay. If you missed the summer Pride events, you can come to The Valley in October where Pride is celebrated at the CBS Studios in Studio City. Also in October, don't miss Halloween in West Hollywood, which includes a big parade and other events.