A gay solo travel may seem sad on the surface, but it also has many advantages. First, it allows you to get to know yourself better and spend time productively. In addition, it gives you a chance to meet new people and make friends. You can arrange your schedule according to your interests and needs, and enjoy your vacation without having to pander to others.
Italy, in particular, is the world-renowned tourist destination that, in addition to its artistic, cultural and natural beauty, offers an inclusive and welcoming travel experience for gay only travelers.
For example, there are many festivals and events throughout Italy dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community, such as the various Pride events held in different Italian cities that attract thousands of participants each year. So too are several Italian accommodations that are friendly and welcoming to gay only travelers: various hotels, bed and breakfasts and rental apartments openly advertise their inclusiveness and welcome to the LGBTQ+ community.
Mention should also be made of the numerous gay-friendly beaches in beautiful coastal locations where you can make new friends or meet potential partners.
If you’re looking for a solo adventure on the Peninsula, but aren’t quite sure where to go, we suggest the 5 most colorful and inclusive locations for gay solo travel.
Rainbow Italy: ideal cities for a gay solo travel
Choosing a gay-friendly city can offer a sense of safety for gay solo travelers. This can be especially important for gay only travelers, who may be concerned about their safety in less welcoming places.
Another reason why LGBTQ+ friendly cities are a popular choice for gay only travelers certainly relates to the vibrant social scene that characterizes these cities, with many bars, clubs, restaurants, and other meeting places dedicated to the queer community. This can provide many opportunities to socialize, meet new people and make friends while traveling.
Below are the 5 cities you should jot down now for your next gay solo trip.
Rome
Rome is known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Many gay solo travelers reported feeling comfortable in the city and meeting open and helpful people.
Italy’s capital also is recognized by the Italian queer community for its vibrant gay scene, with many bars, restaurants, clubs and meeting places. The neighborhoods of San Giovanni and Testaccio are particularly known for their gay nightlife.
Being well connected with other cities makes Rome a great base for exploring the country. There are many other gay-friendly destinations nearby, such as Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
If you want to travel alone, but don’t want to miss the chance to get to know right away people to share your vacation with, we recommend our gay group trip between Rome, Naples and Amalfi.
Milan
Milan is the quintessential fashion and design city, trendy and offering a unique shopping and entertainment experience.
As for LGBTQ+ nightlife, a gay solo traveler cannot miss the Porta Venezia neighborhood, the heart of Milan’s queer community, with a number of bars and clubs along the city’s gay street (Via Lecco). Other Milanese neighborhoods are also becoming increasingly LGBTQ+ friendly, such as NoLo (North of Loreto), the Navigli, Brera and Porta Romana, full of clubs, restaurants, saunas, cruising clubs and meeting places perfect for a gay solo traveler.
The culture and history, particularly the queer culture and history of the city, is also a must-know if you are staying here for a few days.
Turin
Turin is known for its welcoming and open-mindedness. The city has a long tradition of queer activism, and was one of the first Italian cities to have a gay association, which took the first steps in the Italian LGBTQ+ rights movement.
In addition, the city has a large queer community and a vibrant nightlife that spills over into the various gay-friendly venues. The San Salvario neighborhood is a multicultural area that offers a gay-friendly environment. The city is also an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding mountains.
Turin, in addition to being a city rich in culture, is strategically located near mountains and beaches, making it an excellent base for exploring other Italian destinations.
Florence
Considered the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence, as you probably know, is home to some of the most important works of art and historical monuments in the world.
Florence historically is also one of the most welcoming and open-minded cities toward the LGBTQ community. The Santa Croce neighborhood offers a gay-friendly environment, with bars and restaurants where guests can enjoy local delicacies. The city is also well connected to surrounding cities, including Pisa, Lucca, and Siena, all of which are surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, hills, vineyards, and olive groves, offering many opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities.
Bologna
Famous for its excellent cuisine, with many delicious traditional dishes, Bologna, like Turin, has a strong tradition of LGBTQ+ activism. One of Italy’s longest-running gay associations (il Cassero) originated here. In addition, one of the first Italian Pride events was held right here in Bologna.
Bologna is, moreover, among the richest Italian cities in terms of culture and history, with many cultural and artistic attractions. The famous Museum of Modern Art of Bologna (MAMbo) has many queer-themed exhibitions and interesting retrospectives to see.
As for nightlife, there are many bars and clubs that are inclusive and welcoming toward the LGBT community. The university district, in particular, is known for its gay nightlife.
