14 Best LGBTQ+ History Walking Tours In The World

Last Updated On 6th July 2023 By Lauren | Wild Lovely World

Discover the best LGBTQ+ guided walking tours in the world! This post showcases the top-rated LGBTQ+ walking tours in 14 fabulous cities.

The guided LGBTQ+ walking tours are in North America, Europe and Oceania in beautiful LGBTQ+ friendly travel destinations. The tours selected have been highly rated by prior participants in the tours, all receiving reviews of 4.5/5 stars or higher.

All tours are led by a local, knowledgeable guide. All the walking tours visit important LGBTQ+ historical and cultural locations of interest in each city. Hear the stories of underrepresented and marginalised characters and the significant contributions they made to their communities. See historical monuments and beautiful architecture. Learn about LGBTQ+ activists, the movements they led and the progress they campaigned for.

I have created this post in celebration of Pride! I wanted to help make it easier for anyone who wants to learn more about LGBTQ+ history and culture to find fun and safe travel activities to enjoy. So I hope that you enjoy this post and gain inspiration to join one of these LGBTQ+ walking tours when you are next in one of these amazing 14 cities.

The Best Rated LGBTQ+ Travel Guided Walking Tours In 14 Amazing Destinations Around The World 🏳️‍🌈

Notes on these LGBTQ+ Walking Tours:

• These walking tours are between 1 hour and 4 hours in duration.
• Although walking tours, many of them are wheelchair accessible (please check the details of each tour through the links for more information).
• All walking tours are small-group guided tours. Some tours can be booked as a private experience (please check each tour for details and options).
• All tours can be booked online and receive a mobile ticket.

North America

1. San Francisco, USA 🇺🇸

San Francisco LGBTQ Walking Tours With Local Guide

This LGBT tour in San Francisco visits the iconic Castro neighbourhood with a local guide. The Castro district was one of the first gay neighbourhoods in the US. The neighbourhood developed into a gay mecca throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it remains a strong symbol of LGBTQ activism around the world.

On the tour, you will visit several historical sites related to Harvey Milk. Harvey was a gay prominent gay activist and local celebrity in the Castro district. There is also the Pink Triangle Memorial Park, the Rainbow Honor Walk Project site and the AIDS Quilt Names Project site to see as well.

You will also see beautiful architecture including the historic Castro Theatre. Your guide will share the history and culture of San Francisco with an informative narrative.

• Language: English
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: From USD $30 per adult.
• Review Rating: 5/5 Stars
• How To Book & More Information: Book online via Viator.

2. New York City, USA 🇺🇸

Pride Tours NYC’s LGBTQ Historical Walking Tours

Explore LGBTQ history in New York City on this top-rated Pride NYC tour. This guided tour will cover the history and highlights of the LGBTQ movement in New York City. You will learn about the Stonewall Uprising and visit historical locations of interest.

Your guide will take you to the Stonewall Inn. The Stonewall Inn is a gay bar in Greenwich Village. The pub was the site of the Stonewall Riots in 1969 and that is considered to be the most important event leading to the gay liberation movement in the US.

You will also visit the site of the first Pride March in New York City and the Gay Liberation Monument as well as other significant locations. The Gay Liberation Monument was created in 1980 and designed by George Segal. It commemorates the Stonewall Uprising and is seen as the first public piece of art dedicated to LGBTQ+ individuals. The monument is in the Stonewall National Monument designated area.

• Language: English
• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cost: From USD $30 per adult. Free for infants 2 years of age and under (family-friendly).
• Review Rating: 5/5 Stars
• How To Book & More Information: Book online via Viator.

3. Philadelphia, USA 🇺🇸

Philadelphia is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the world. The city has a strong history of LGBTQ activism. In 1965, four years before the Stonewall Riots in New York City, a group of 40 gay and lesbian activists started an annual 4th July Pride March in Philadelphia. The Pride March began at Independence Hall in Philadelphia and was among the earliest LGBTQ demonstrations in the US.

Philly Gayborhood & LGBTQ History Walking Tours

Philadelphia has a highly visible and active LGBTQ+ community. This queer-focused “Gayborhood” walking tour of Philadelphia demonstrates this. The Gayborhood is a district of Philadelphia and the centre of the city’s LGBTQ residential life and culture.

On the tour, you will see the Pride and Progress mural on the side of the William Way LGBT Community Center. Wandering the neighbourhood, you will visit LGBTQ shops, cafes, bookstores, clubs and bars. Your guide will teach you all about the people and places that have made Philadelphia one of the most well-known LGBTQ-friendly cities in the world.

• Language: English
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cost: From USD $49 per adult
• Review Rating: 5/5 Stars
• How To Book & More Information: Book online via Viator.

4. Savannah, USA 🇺🇸

Rising Voices: Underrepresented History Of Savannah Walking Tours

Learn about the black, queer, female and native residents of Savannah, Georgia, in this alternative history tour. The tour seeks to represent characters from the past that are often overlooked.

Visiting Savannah’s top architectural attractions, you will see them from a different viewpoint as you hear the stories of underrepresented voices. Starting in Franklin Square and ending at Monterey Square, your tour guide will share the story of key characters in Savannah’s history and the impact they had on the community.

This tour is impactful and engaging and will reveal parts of the city you might otherwise miss.

• Language: English
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: From USD $35 per adult
• Review Rating: 5/5 Stars
• How To Book & More Information: Book online via Viator.

5. Vancouver, Canada 🇨🇦

The Really Gay History Tour In Vancouver

Vancouver is known as Canada’s most gay-friendly city. This Really Gay Tour will immerse you in the history and culture of Vancouver’s LGBTQ2+ community.

Your tour guide will take you on an adventure through the city to key LGBTQ locations. Vancouver has many vibrant LGBTQ2+ neighbourhoods, the most well-known of which is Davie Village, also known as the ‘Gaybourhood‘.

Here, you’ll see the fun Rainbow Crossing at Bute Street and Jim Deva Plaza. Jim Deva was an activist and advocate for Vancouver’s LGTBQ2+ community.

• Language: English
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: From CAD $35 per adult
• Review Rating: 5/5 Stars
• How To Book & More Information: Book online via Viator.

6. Mexico City, Mexico 🇲🇽

Gay Side Of History At Heart Of Town, Zocalo – Santo Domingo

Discover Mexico City with the hidden stories behind the attractions. On this Gay Side Of History Tour, you will hear the city’s gay history dating all the way back to the Aztecs up to the present day. You will visit Mexico City’s top attractions and noteworthy locations relating to gay history. Your knowledgeable guide will share their knowledge of the historical and architectural sites through an LGTBQ lens.

• Language: English
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Cost: From USD $44 per adult
• Review Rating: 5/5 Stars
• How To Book & More Information: Book online via Viator.

Oceania

7. Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺

Private Drag Queen Tour Into Sydney’s LGBT Hub

Led by a fabulous drag queen, this private walking tour hits the highlights of Sydney’s LGBTQ+ hub. Taking in the Oxford Street and Darlinghurst districts, you’ll learn about and discover Sydney’s LGBTQ+ culture and heritage.

Visit stores such as Bookshop Darlinghurst, the largest LGBT bookshop in Australia, and the House of Priscilla, Australia’s showgirl and drag queen costume house.

At the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Holocaust Memorial, you can learn the stories behind the pink and black triangles. The artwork was designed by Russell Rodrigo and installed in 2011. It was built to commemorate all men and women who have been murdered, tortured and persecuted because of their sexuality.

You’ll also check out LGBTQ+ bars and venues including The Stonewall Hotel. The hotel takes its name from the Stonewall Riots that happened in 1969.

Your tour guide will tell you about the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The Mardi Gras is a not-for-profit organisation that hosts events in celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Take a photo at Sydney’s Rainbow Crossing and then go for a drink at a local cafe with your group.

• Language: English
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: From AUD $75 per adult
• Review Rating: 5/5 Stars
• How To Book & More Information: Book online via Viator.

Europe

8. Amsterdam, The Netherlands 🇳🇱

Amsterdam has a long history of being a global leader for LGBTQIA+ rights. The city has openly supported LGBTQIA+ communities for over 200 years. In 1811, the Netherlands legalised same-sex sexual activity. 190 years later, in 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage and adoption. Amsterdam has earned its reputation for being one of the most LGBT+ friendly cities in the world.

Amsterdam LGBTQ+ History Tour

The Amsterdam LGBT+ History Tour takes an in-depth look at the city’s history and visits landmark locations along the way. Your tour guide will explain what it was like to live in Amsterdam during the 1980s and 1990s and the gay rights movements of the time

The tour starts at the Homomonument. The Homomonument was designed by Karin Daan in 1980. It commemorates gay men and women who lost their lives during World War II and LGBTQI+ people who are still being persecuted by governments around the world. The design of the monument uses the symbol worn to identify gay men during the Nazi regime – the pink triangle. The monument was installed in 1987 and it became the first monument dedicated to gay victims of World War II in the world.

The tour also visits Amsterdam’s world-famous canals, the Royal Palace, Dam Square, the Red Light District and China Town.

• Language: English
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: From EUR €45 per adult
• Review Rating: 5/5 Stars
• How To Book & More Information: Book online via Viator.

Related Read: Anne Frank House – 10 Things To Know Before You Visit

9. Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪

Berlin is another European city that has a strong and active LGBT+ community. The progressive and diverse city is one of my favourite cities that I have visited in Europe. Berlin has an awesome vibrancy yet humility that I feel is unique to the capital of Germany. It makes Berlin a really fun yet intriguing city to visit full of surprises and interesting history and culture to uncover.

Berlin’s Gay, Lesbian & Queer Scene Small-Group Walking Tours

The Berlin Gay, Lesbian and Queer Scene Walking Tour will delve into LGBT+ history through Berlin’s most prominent LGBTQ+ districts. Schoneberg and Kreuzberg are historically and culturally rich ‘rainbow neighbourhoods‘ and have long been the centres of LGBTQ+ life in Berlin.

Within Kreuzberg is the Schwules Museum (Gay Museum). The museum was founded in 1985 and is one of the world’s biggest institutions for preserving, exhibiting and discovering queer history, art and culture. It is the world’s first gay museum.

Schoneberg is the centre of the gay and lesbian nightclub scene in Berlin. More than a hundred years ago, in the 1920s, Nollendorfplatz in Schoneberg was the home of around 40 gay and lesbian venues. Today, there are twice as many. All of the different bars, clubs, shops and restaurants make Nollendorf Berlin’s gay village. At the Nollendorfplatz there is a memorial plaque to the gay and lesbian victims of the Nazi regime.

The tour will also take you to Tiergarten. In Tiergarten, there is a memorial to LGBT+ victims of the Holocaust. The memorial is called “Denkmal für die zur NS-Zeit verfolgten Homosexuellen” (Memorial To Homosexuals Persecuted During The Nazi Era). The concrete cube is similar to those at the Memorial To The Murdered Jews of Europe. Inside the cube, a video plays on a loop that gives insight into the topic of the memorial.

• Language: English and German
• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Cost: From EUR €20 per adult
• Review Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
• How To Book & More Information: Book online via Viator.

10. Manchester, UK 🇬🇧

I grew up near Manchester and loved exploring the city on my weekends. Manchester is a fun city with a great social scene and nightlife. The city is very inclusive and has something for everyone from all walks of life.

Canal Street is the centre of Manchester’s gay village. Together with the trendy Northern Quarter district, Manchester’s city centre is full of history and culture to indulge upon.

LGBT+ Manchester Walking Tours

The LGBT+ Walking Tour in Manchester showcases Manchester’s history of LGBTQ culture. Exploring the Northern Quarter and the Gay Village areas, your LGBTQ-history graduate guide will share the scoop on the scene. You will learn the backstory of Manchester’s LGBTQ scene and see the places, learn the events and about the people that have shaped the local culture. You will also get some great tips on venues to visit during your time in Manchester.

• Language: English
• Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cost: From GBP £13 per adult
• Review Rating: 5/5 Stars
• How To Book & More Information: Book online via Viator.

11. Paris, France 🇫🇷

Le Marais/Paris – The Historic, Trendy, Jewish LGBT District

The Le Marais area of Paris is one of the most exciting historical areas of the city. On this tour, you will discover the beauty of French architecture by wandering through the narrow cobblestone streets. There are many beautiful shops, historical buildings, art galleries, cafes and terraces in the Le Marais area. Beginning in the 1980s, the Marais became the centre of LGBT culture in Paris. It is also known for its diversity, having a large Jewish and Chinese community.

• Language: English, French and Dutch
• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Cost: From EUR €27.50 per adult
• Review Rating: 5/5 Stars
• How To Book & More Information: Book online via Viator.

Marais District Smartphone Audio-Guided Tours

With this downloadable audio guide, you can discover the historic and trendy Le Marais district of Paris at your own pace. The audio commentary from the app with provide you with information and insight into one of Paris’s most famous and attractive neighbourhoods. The tour will share insight into the thriving LGBT community in Le Marais as well as other highlights. You can start and stop the tour, so enjoy a croissant and a coffee at one of the cafes on the way!

• Language: English and French
• Duration: 1.5 hour
• Cost: From EUR €8.99 per adult
• Review Rating: 4/5 Stars
• How To Book & More Information: Book online via Get Your Guide.

12. Rome, Italy 🇮🇹

History Of Homosexuality In Ancient Rome

Rome has a long history of homosexuality. Ancient Romans (starting from 509 BC) were known to have homosexual relationships. The most famous documentation of this is that the Roman Emperor Hadrian is well-known to have had a love affair with a young man called Antinous.

However, homosexuality in ancient Rome was more about sexual dominance, social status and power than it was about attraction and emotion.

At the time, it was acceptable for a free Roman man of high social status to have relations with a submissive partner of lower social status than them. This was as long as they were the active partner with the penetrative power. For example, a free Roman man would not be subject to discrimination if he engaged in sexual activity with a slave or prostitute. But if he had sexual relations with another man of the same social class then that would compromise his status and integrity in society.

Likewise, if one was the passive partner, it was regarded as scandalous and humiliating. For example, in 80 BC, Julius Caesar was accused of having engaged in a sexual relationship with the King of Bithynia (an ancient region, now in modern-day Turkey) as the passive partner. Julius’ enemies called him ‘The Queen of Bithynia’ after this, showing how passivity and feminity were connected in ancient Roman thinking. Julius’ reputation was damaged politically from this slander.

Even young men and boys (of lower social status) were seen as viable sexual partners for a Roman man. For example, at the time of their relationship, Hadrian was in his 40s and Antinous was aged between 13 and 20.

Therefore, gender and age was not an as important factor in determining sexual relations as was class and social status.

LGBT Rights In Italy

Fast forward to the 4th century AD, Christian emperors of Italy declared homosexual sex to be illegal. This only changed in 1889-90 when homosexuality was legalised again in Italy.

Since then, Italy has seen much change and LGBT liberation throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. There has been a lot of activism and political changes in Italy to improve the rights of LGBTQ+ people. There has been a significant advancement in LGBT rights in Italy however people are still campaigning to improve some legal challenges faced by LGBT people.

Rainbow Tour: The Secret Gay History Of Rome

Learn about Rome’s fascinating gay history on this LGBT-friendly tour with your guide. Your guide will take you on a tour of Rome’s most famous landmarks and sites and share their relation to get history. You’ll learn about homosexuality in Ancient Rome and Rome’s modern Gay Street.

• Language: English
• Duration: 3 hours
• Cost: From EUR €49 per adult
• Review Rating: 5/5 Stars
• How To Book & More Information: Book online via Viator.

13. Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿

Prague is a beautiful city with amazing architecture and so many fun things to see and do. I loved my visit to Prague and would like to go back to visit one day.

Compared with surrounding eastern European countries, the Czech Republic is seen as the most progressive towards LGBT+ people. Prague as a city has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and a laid-back, tolerant attitude towards LGBT rights.

For more information on gay travel in Prague, I recommend you read the travel guides at Queer In The World and Nomadic Boys.

Gay Tours Prague

The private tour of Gay Prague will reveal the Czech capital’s rainbow colours! Your guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of the city, with a focus on Prague’s LGBT history, activism and homoerotic art. You will also visit several bars to experiences the city’s modern gay scene. This tour is tailored to gay travellers and will allow you to experience Prague’s gay culture with a local.

• Language: English
• Duration: 4 hours
• Cost: From EUR €82 per adult
• Review Rating: 5/5 Stars
• How To Book & More Information: Book online via Viator.

14. Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪

Dublin today is an awesome desintation for LGBTQ+ travellers. It hasn’t always been a friendly and safe city for the LGBTQ+ community, but Dublin has come a long way over the years.

In just the last 10 years, there has been a massive shift in attitudes towards LGBT rights that have reflected in politics. This is huge since the country was gripped by the conservative Roman Catholic Church for decades, yet in the last generation it has transformed into a liberal and progressive society.

Nowadays, Ireland has some of the best LGBTQ+ rights in the world. Homosexuality was decriminalised in 1993, and same-sex sexual activity has been legal since the same year. In 2015, Ireland became the first country to legalise same-sex marriage based on public votes in a referendum. Also in 2015, it became possible for transgender people to self-declare their gender on official documents and be recognised by the state. In 2017, Ireland appointed Leo Varadkar the Taoiseach (head of Government), the 4th openly gay head of state/government in the world. Ireland’s LGBTQ+ rights are continuing to evolve, and it is exciting to see where things are heading.

I recommend you read Visit Dublin’s LGBTQ+ Travel Guide for tips on the best bars, nightlife, festivals and activities for LGBTQ+ travellers to Ireland.

The Secret History Of Gay Dublin

On this two hour tour of Dublin, your guide will take you through Dublin’s cultural and political history through the LGBT lens. You’ll hear the stories of the characters that shaped Dublin’s gay history alongside famous landmarks in the city. This tour will give you a fresh perspective of Dublin and you’ll learn a lot! This tour is inclusive and for everyone.

• Language: English
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: From EUR €15 per adult
• Review Rating: 5/5 Stars
• How To Book & More Information: Book online via Viator.

LGBTQ+ Top Rated Guided Walking Tours In 14 Fabulous Cities – Thanks For Reading!

Thanks so much for reading this post! We have looked at 14 amazing LGBTQ+ walking tours around the world. These guided walking tours showcase the historical and cultural history of LGBTQ+ rights and communities in vibrant cities across North America, Europe and Oceania. I hope this post inspires you to join one of these awesome guided walking tours on your next adventure! – Lauren x

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