PinkTicket Exclusive Weekend / 14 Splurges For 7 Gay Destinations / By Paul Gallant / Publisher Pinktickettravel

The places where we can be ourselves, mix and mingle are some of the priciest in the world. Especially in the high season. We see these places represented in pop culture and, crave experiencing them. But these trips to LGBTQ2S+ meccas are, for some, a much-deserved indulgence.

Just because something is pricey doesn’t mean it’s a ripoff. In fact, these experiences are often worth every penny. For those who can afford it, a luxurious gay vacation is the best kind of vacation.

For those who can’t—well, there are ways around everything.

Here, we list seven of the world’s most LGBTQ2S+-friendly destinations and suggest splurge-y places to stay and eat. All of them worth it.

Next week, we’ll provide our shoestring alternatives for these destinations. Whatever your budget, there is, in fact, a way to do London, Berlin, Montreal, Puerto Vallarta, Sitges, Provincetown and Palm Springs your way. 

For our accommodations suggestions, we’ve avoided Airbnb, private rentals and crashing with friends because the prices can fluctuate so much.

Montreal, Canada

By square metre, Montreal’s Village must be one of the largest LGBTQ2S+ neighbourhoods in North America—it goes on for blocks and blocks of Rue Sainte-Catherine Est. And the Village is as well visited and loved by locals as it is by visitors to the city. Of all the welcoming destinations listed here, Montreal is definitely on the affordable side of the ledger, especially for Americans who benefit from a favourable exchange rate, which, in 2026, knocks around 40 percent off the cost of everything. If you want to splurge, Montreal will still give you some change.

Hôtel William Gray (421 Rue Saint-Vincent, Montreal). This boutique luxury property in Old Montreal is close to the village, but with upscale elegance that combines historic architecture with contemporary design. It offers spa facilities, rooftop terrace views and curated guest experiences.

While not explicitly LGBTQ2S+-branded, it is widely used by queer travellers because of its inclusive positioning and proximity to nightlife and cultural institutions. The price we found for one night during summer 2026: CA$1,710.

Swanky eats

Toqué! (900 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle, Montreal). Founded 33 years ago, Toqué! is widely regarded as one of Canada’s premier fine-dining restaurants and a cornerstone of Montreal’s modern culinary reputation.

The restaurant emphasizes Québec terroir, seasonal ingredients and precise technique, presented as tasting menus that change regularly based on availability. The service will make you feel posh, but never judged. Although pricing is high by Canadian standards, it’s a great value globally. The six-course tasting menu is CA$198, CA$320 when paired with six glasses of their top wines.

As a resort town, prices in Puerto Vallarta have always been higher than the rest of Mexico, and as one of North America’s premiere LGBTQ2S+ sun destinations, we’re also probably paying something of a gay tax.

But considering the whole package, it can still be a great value. Unlike more fragmented destinations, in PV, the gay beach, clubs, bars, restaurants, cafés, gyms and hotels are concentrated within walkable blocks. And they flaunt their presence—there’s nothing underground about PV’s gay scene.

Swanky digs

Almar LGBT Luxury Resort (Amapas #380 Col. Emiliano Zapata Puerto Vallarta). Sitting directly on Playa Los Muertos and connected to Mantamar, the most flamboyantly gay-friendly beach club around, this is one of the most explicitly LGBTQ+-oriented luxury properties in the region. It’s not just gay-friendly; the branding, programming and clientele are built around queer travel. The price we found for one night we found for December 2026: US$703.

Swanky eats

Although Café des Artistes (Guadalupe Sánchez 740, Centro, Puerto Vallarta), from Chef Thierry Blouet is probably one of Mexico’s most acclaimed restaurants, we’re going to send you to The Iguana Restaurant & Tequila Bar (inside Casa Kimberly, Calle Zaragoza 445, Centro, Puerto Vallarta) because of its queer-adjacent Hollywood history: it’s where the love affair between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton reached its peak in 1962 when they were filming The Night of the Iguana. Priciest menu item for summer 2026: surf and turf for approximately US$120.

Sitges, Spain

Located just a half hour by train south of Barcelona, Sitges is a contender for Europe’s favourite gay beach resort. This picturesque town has pristine beaches, like the very queer Platja de la Bassa Rodona, and a buoyant but chill nightlife scene concentrated along “The Street of Sin.” Prices peak during summer, during their famous carnival (the next one is February 2 to February 10, 2027) and during bear week (the next one is September 4 to September 13, 2026). But Sitges remains cheaper than counterparts like Ibiza or Mykonos.

Swanky digs

ME Sitges Terramar (Passeig Marítim 80, Sitges). It’s hard to find a place in Sitges that’s not LGBTQ+-friendly, but sticklers will appreciate that this luxury, ultra-chic design hotel, part of Melia’s music-oriented ME brand, is part of the Queer Destinations Committed accreditation program. There are stunning sea views, a glamorous rooftop bar and beach club access. The price we found for one night in the ultimate sea view suite in December 2026: 1,209 euros.

Swanky eats

La Zorra (Passeig Marítim 1, Sitges). Seafood lovers consistently rank La Zorra among Sitges’ finest restaurants. Specializing in creative rice dishes, seafood paella and Mediterranean cuisine, the restaurant offers refined presentations without being fussily formal. The beachfront location adds to the experience, particularly at sunset. Their set menu, which includes the paella they’re famous for, is 35 euros on weekends.

London, United Kingdom

London boasts one of the most sprawling, diverse and vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes on the planet. Centred around historic Soho for classic pubs and theatre, it spills south to Vauxhall, east to Hackney and north to Dalston for underground clubbing, leather scenes and alternative queer performance. Visitors need to prioritize their goals before choosing where to base themselves. As a major global capital, expenses can add up quickly, though many world-class museums and parks are free.

Swanky digs

The Soho Hotel (4 Richmond Mews, London). Situated right in the beating heart of London’s most famous gay district, Soho, this ultra-luxury five-star hotel features stunning, colourful interiors, individually designed rooms by Kit Kemp, a private cinema and proximity to Soho’s bars. The price we found for one night in the one-bedroom terrace suite in summer 2026: 3,010 pounds.

Swanky eats

Da Terra (8 Patriot Square, London). Chef Rafael Cagali marries his Brazilian and Italian heritage into a boundary-pushing, multi-course menu. Meanwhile, he’s legally married to husband Charlie Lee who directs the ultra-high-end front-of-house service at this Michelin two-star restaurant. They offer a blind tasting menu where dishes are kept a surprise until served. The full tasting menu costs 260 pounds per person. 

Berlin’s reputation as Europe’s most uninhibited LGBTQ+ destination is well deserved, but reducing the city to its nightlife overlooks its extraordinary cultural depth. A magnet for artists, weirdos and hedonists from around the world, the German capital used to have a reputation for cheap rents and food. That’s faded somewhat. But while costs have risen, Berlin remains significantly cheaper than other major Western European capitals like Paris or London. There are deals and indulgences to be had.

Swanky digs

SO/ Berlin Das Stue (Drakestraße 1, Berlin). Overlooking Tiergarten beside the diplomatic quarter, SO/ Berlin Das Stue combines minimalist contemporary design with one of Berlin’s most palatial hotel experiences. Spacious rooms, an acclaimed spa, indoor pool and elegant restaurant attract discerning travellers, particularly those who like to boast about where they’ve stayed. The price we found for one night in the penthouse suite in summer 2026: 1,770 euros.

Swanky eats

Cookies Cream (Behrenstraße 55, Berlin). Tucked away in a dark industrial alleyway in Mitte, this one-Michelin-starred institution is Berlin’s ultimate chic gourmet experience focusing on vegan and vegetarian cuisine. It is owned by Heinz “Cookie” Gindullis, a legendary icon of Berlin’s nightlife scene (take note of the disco balls hanging from the ceiling), who has turned the place into a playground for international creatives and upscale queer crowds. The seven-course tasting menu is 140 euros, plus up to 90 euros more for the optional wine pairing.

Provincetown, Massachusetts

P-town is arguably America’s most historic and densely populated queer seaside haven, with cabaret performances, tea dances and clothing-optional beaches like Herring Cove. For some it’s an annual pilgrimage, while for others it’s a lifetime dream to trek to the far end of Cape Cod. Various theme weeks from spring through to fall can draw out more women, bears and people of colour. But there’s one thing every Provincetown visitor can agree on: It’s ridiculously expensive. And the prices can go up depending on the theme and time of year. But some places offer better value than others.

Swanky digs

The Brass Key Guesthouse (67 Bradford St., Provincetown). Long considered P-town’s premier boutique hotel, the Brass Key Guesthouse combines nine restored historic buildings into an adults-only oasis complete with landscaped gardens, an infinity pool and one of the town’s most stylish social scenes, the foundation of which is its nightly wine reception. The price we found for one night in summer 2026: US$849.

Swanky eats

The Mews (429 Commercial Street, Provincetown). Located on the waterfront, The Mews combines panoramic harbour views with refined New American cuisine that emphasizes fresh seafood, locally sourced produce and seasonal menus. The wine list is exceptional and sunset reservations are among the most coveted in town. The priciest menu item for summer 2026: filet mignon for US$55.

Palm Springs, California

Nestled in the Coachella Valley desert, Palm Springs claims one of the highest per-capita concentrations of LGBTQ2S+ residents in the United States. Still glowing with Old Hollywood glamour, it is a mid-century modern oasis famous for its sweeping mountain backdrops, pool parties and an extensive network of gay-owned, male-only clothing-optional resorts. The main strip along Arenas Road is packed with bars and lounges, some of which have excellent happy hours and drink specials.

Swanky digs

Parker Palm Springs (4200 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs). An estate-style luxury resort featuring gorgeous, quirky interior design by openly gay design icon Jonathan Adler. It offers a secluded, high-fashion playground vibe with lush gardens, pools, and clay tennis courts. The price we found for their Gene Autry House, which sleeps four, for summer 2026: US$9,989.

Swanky eats

Le Vallauris (385 W. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs). If your version of splurging is a formal white-tablecloth French dinner in a historic setting, Le Vallauris in downtown Palm Springs is the grand dame. Recently acquired and refreshed by Soho House, it is set inside a historic 1920s Spanish Revival landmark. Wine list for the gods. The priciest menu item in summer 2026: sauteed Maine lobster for US$9.