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According to Enjoy Travel, Lisbon has claimed the throne as the world’s most LGBTQ+ inclusive city, with Dublin close behind on the Big 7 Travel’s 2025 list of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities. These rankings come right as Pride Month kicks into gear.

A key reason behind Lisbon’s crown? Enjoy Travel cites its deep-rooted history of LGBTQ+ acceptance. Portugal decriminalized homosexuality in 1982, legalized same-sex marriage in 2010, hosts the renowned Queer Lisboa film festival since 1997, and in June 2025 will host EuroPride—all concrete measures of a thriving queer culture. Add to that vibrant queer neighborhoods in Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real, and Lisbon’s position as a beacon of inclusion is clear.

While Dublin ranked just behind Lisbon, its rapid transformation is equally impressive. Since decriminalization in 1993 and becoming the first country to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote in 2015, the city has blossomed. A growing scene marked by strong legal protections, robust Pride events, and a national initiative—‘Making Ireland the Best Place in Europe to be LGBTQI+’—has fueled Dublin’s ascent.

From January 2023, LGBT Ireland launched an ambitious plan running through 2027, focusing on awareness training, combating anti-trans rhetoric, and inclusive research. Their aim: make Ireland the most inclusive place in Europe, LGBT Ireland reports.

Moreover, Ireland has introduced hate crime laws, banned conversion therapy, and provided transgender self-declaration rights. Public support for these reforms remains strong. However, campaigners stress more work is needed—advocating for full conversion therapy bans and enhanced inclusion in education.

Lisbon’s hosting of EuroPride this June underscores Portugal’s enduring commitment to queer visibility and civic celebration. The city’s “Arraial Lisboa Pride” village and outdoor festival in Praça do Comércio exemplify Pride Month’s spirit of joy and community.

These two cities demonstrate how Pride Month is more than parades—it’s a living testament to progressive laws, cultural acceptance, and intentional inclusion efforts. Beyond Lisbon and Dublin, other top-ranked cities like Porto, London, and Berlin offer their own unique queer experiences—but Lisbon’s top ranking reminds us of how far inclusion has come.

Here are the ten most LGBTQ+ friendly cities across the globe:

  • Lisbon, Portugal
  • Dublin, Ireland
  • Porto, Portugal
  • London, UK
  • Madrid, Spain
  • Berlin, Germany
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • San Francisco, USA
  • Toronto, Canada
  • Sydney, Australia

As Pride Month continues, consider visiting any of these cities. These cities are proof that inclusivity isn’t just policy—it’s lived, vibrant, and worth experiencing.

Happy Pride Month 2025!

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