It was the water gun squirt heard around the world. In the summer of 2024, Barcelonians, fed up with rising local costs driven by tourism, brought out their big (water) guns and began squirting tourists who were peacefully dining al fresco.
You could argue that their anger was misplaced, that the local government and greedy property owners were the problem, not the tourists. But their anger was there, hot as the Mediterranean sun. Major vacation destinations, even LGBTQ+-friendly ones like Barcelona, have begun groaning under the weight of post-pandemic travel, and mainstream media can no longer ignore it. Queer cities across the world are facing similar problems, putting tourists at risk of stink eye and, in extreme cases, getting wet. If you prefer your dinners to be free of angry, trigger-happy locals ruining your hairdo with well-aimed squirts (and not in a fun way), consider these six alternative queer destinations.
Valencia instead of Barcelona
With Barcelona on the frontlines of the “war on tourism,” you might consider moving it down your list of priorities for now. In season, it’s also swarming with people, leading to packed beaches and exhausting lines at the city’s most iconic landmarks. That’s where Valencia comes in with its vibrant queer scene, aquamarine coastline and eclectic mix of architecture. Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque are the star styles, and the relatively smaller crowds allow you to actually enjoy said styles. There’s also the nightlife, including popular bars like Deseo 54 (Calle Pepita 13, Valencia) or La Boba y el Gato Rancio (C. de Cuba 59, Valencia), which literally means “the fool and the rancid Cat. Meanwhile, Malvarrosa Beach offers a more peaceful alternative to Barcelona’s overwhelmingly Facetime-y Mar Bella. Finally, the enchanting City of Arts and Sciences Building (Quatre Carreres, Valencia) easily rivals Barcelona’s most famous Gaudí creations. (If you’re stuck on Barcelona, here are some ways to avoid the crowds.)
Milos instead of Santorini
Santorini’s whitewashed buildings have been the stuff of legend ever since they became everyone’s favourite screensaver back in 2004. Of course, the Greek island’s breathtaking sunsets have also played a role in attracting Santorini’s millions of annual visitors. That said, you shouldn’t judge a vacation spot by your wannabe influencer friend’s Insta post. Behind that Insta post is a congested, overpriced madhouse with nary a peaceful, untouristed spot in sight. Enter Milos, another Greek Island known for incredible rock formations and secluded beaches, sparking romance without hosting the worst people on the Internet. Though small, it’s nevertheless LGBTQ+-friendly. The village of Plaka harbours an embarrassment of charming streets and sunset views. Make sure to check the unofficial nude gay beach at Achivadolimni.
Bologna instead of Rome
Rome’s place in queer history is undeniable (Nero married two men), but the numerous tourists who visit every summer have tarnished the city somewhat as a destination. If only there weren’t so many straight people who loved Italy! But don’t say arrivederci to the country just yet. Instead, head to Bologna, an underrated Italian sister city with just as much charm and just as many queer people. Home to Italy’s oldest university, Bologna has a youthful energy on top of its active LGBTQ scene. Red Bologna (Via del Tipografo 2, Bologna) brings the nightlife while the Cassero LGBTQIA Center (Via Don Giovanni Minzoni 18, Bologna) brings the queer cultural programming. Cosmos Club (Via Cesare Boldrini, 16v cortile interno, Bologna) is a sauna where gay men can have fun. But the city’s porticoes and piazzas provide enough scenery that you might not even need the eye candy there. Also, the ragù in Bologna can’t be beat; the city’s chefs have been making it since the 16th century.
Antwerp instead of Amsterdam
Depending on your motivations for travel, Amsterdam can conjure images of getting high in brown cafés, debaucherous sex parties or peaceful Sunday morning strolls along the canals. That’s mostly not the reality. Over the years, Amsterdam’s popularity has grown to the point that the packed streets and Red Light District have lost their sheen. The government has been capping the number of cruise ship visitors and blocking new hotel developments. However, if you want another great city with a Dutch vibe, you might consider Antwerp, a Dutch-speaking city in the Flemish region of Belgium. The country’s fashion capital, Antwerp has an inclusive queer scene powered by standout bars like Hessenhuis (Falconrui 79, Antwerp). Meanwhile, the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) (Hanzestedenplaats 1, Antwerp) has the culture (including queer art) and the Old Town has the history that’s comparable to what you’ll find in Amsterdam.
Laos instead of Bali
Bali, particularly the town of Ubud, has become a spirituality hotspot and no doubt a possible location for future seasons of The White Lotus. But with packaged spirituality comes clueless wannabe influencers, and the yoga retreats of Bali have sadly become hollow shells of themselves. For a more authentic retreat, try Luang Prabang in Laos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting breathtaking waterfalls and an array of Buddhist temples that would put Bali to shame. Though Laos isn’t known for its full-throated acceptance of queer people, Luang Prabang maintains a relaxed and supportive environment where everyone has a right to enjoy nature.
Guadalajara instead of Mexico City
Mexico City is legendary for its queer nightlife, architecture, history and culinary scene. But some parts of the city have faced an overtourism problem in recent years, making it difficult for some visitors to have experiences that don’t feel overrun by gringos. Thankfully, Guadalajara to the northwest is more laid-back and just as magnificent. The birthplace of mariachi and tequila, Guadalajara and the state of Jalisco have culture to spare, while hangouts like California’s Bar (Av. 8 de Julio 652, Zona Centro, Guadalajara) and Babel Club (C. José María Morelos 741, Zona Centro, Guadalajara) bring the heat. Just like the other cities on this illustrious lineup, Guadalajara offers the chance to support a smaller city and local community while avoiding any stress related to overcrowding. And free of water guns! (Read our insider’s guide to Guadalajara here.)
