11 Tours That Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Around the World
From monuments honoring LGBTQ+ liberation to modern-day gay and lesbian bars and museums, there’s LGBTQ+ history to explore wherever you are in the world. If you're keen to expand your knowledge of LGBTQ+ people, culture, and attractions (both past and present), set out on these top tours to explore neighborhoods where history was made, learn about the political struggles and achievements of trailblazers including Harvey Milk and Marsha P. Johnson, and more.
1. Learn about Vancouver, Canada’s “Really Gay” history
Immerse yourself in downtown Vancouver’s really gay history on this half-day walking tour which shows you the city—including Granville Street and the Davie Street village—through an LGBTQ+ lens. From transgender whistleblowers to bookstore bombings, there’s a lot you probably won’t know.
2. Tour Berlin, Germany’s gay, lesbian, and queer scene
The Schwules Museum, often cited as the world’s first "gay museum," and long-standing trans bars are just a few of the LGBTQ+ highlights you’ll explore during this small-group walking tour of Berlin, a city with a long and illustrious LGBTQ+ history.
3. Explore LGBTQ+ emancipation in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Amsterdam in the '80s and '90s was an LGBTQ+ mecca and this tour—led by a guide who experienced it all first-hand—will let you in on the history, secrets, and spaces of the movement from its early years to the present day. And you’ll of course pay a visit to the Red Light District.
4. Delve into Sydney, Australia’s LGBTQ+ culture with a drag queen
The Darlinghurst Bookshop, the Stonewall Hotel, and LGBTQ+ hub Oxford Street are just a few of the stops on this jampacked and intimate drag queen–led tour of Sydney. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the Fabulous Wonder Mama’s undivided attention as you learn about the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.
5. Take a gay tour of Prague, Czech Republic
From gay bars to homoerotic artwork, the LGBTQ+ side of Prague is rich and multifaceted. Enjoy a gay pub crawl and stop off at key LGBTQ+ landmarks and locations, all while learning about the city’s LGBTQ+ history from your guide on this evening tour.
6. Visit the place where it all began in New York City
The Stonewall Inn—location of the 1969 Stonewall Riots—the site of the first NYC Pride March, and the Gay Liberation Monument are just a few of the many LGBTQ+ landmarks in New York City. This tour covers them all and more in just an hour, ideal for long layover and weekend visitors.
7. Go to the “Gayborhood” on an LGBTQ+ tour of Philadelphia
From the mother of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, Barbara Gittins, to father of the Harlem Renaissance, Alain Locke, Philly has a long association with key figures in the movement. Hear about their legacy in Philadelphia, one of the most LGBTQ+–friendly cities in the US, while visiting gay bookstores and more on this gayborhood tour.
8. Explore the gay Marais neighborhood in Paris, France
Explore the chic Le Marais neighborhood on foot, admire the wealth of historic buildings, and window shop at classic French boutiques, all while learning the under-appreciated LGBTQ+ history of this popular Parisian neighborhood.
9. Learn about the secret gay past of Rome, Italy
Rome is more than just pizza, pasta, and nightlife, though you'll get to taste plenty of that on this private LGBTQ+ tour of historic Rome. During the tour, explore the LGBTQ+ past of famed landmarks in the Italian capital, while also getting to grips with the LGBTQ+ present around the city.
10. Explore San Francisco’s streets on an LGBTQ+ walking tour
Explore San Francisco’s iconic Castro District on this guided tour led by a long-time local resident whose been involved in the preservation of the city's LGBTQ+ history through landmark projects such as the Rainbow Honor Walk and the Pink Triangle Park and Memorial.
11. Take to the LGBTQ+ streets in Vienna, Austria
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