LGBTQ: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Slovenia is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, like Italy and Austria, but the country has become a beacon of openness and inclusiveness in recent years, making it the perfect destination for LGBTQ travelers. The capital city of Ljubljana is a haven for progressiveness, beautiful architecture and a wonderful art scene. Of course, the foodie scene is top notch, too!

When it comes to nightlife, Ljubljana has a few popular gay clubs to choose from. K4 Roza hosts regular gay and lesbian nights on Saturdays and Sundays while Klub Tiffany is one of the oldest and grandest. They often host dance parties, films, lectures and exhibitions for the gay community.

Café Open is the best place to go when you’re craving a bite. This gay-owned coffee shop hosts cultural events and round tables weekly, along with open mic nights if you’re feeling brave.

Ljubljana also celebrates PinkWeek each year wherein local organizations come together to present the city and culture through the eyes of the local gay community with events and parties. When you’re exploring the city don’t forget to check out the Ljubljanica, the city’s namesake river that houses breathtaking embankments and architecturally beautiful bridges.

Slovenia has come a long way in the last decade when it comes to embracing LGBTQ rights and now is a wonderful time to head to the capital city and see the fruits of the community’s hard work.