The 5 best gay city breaks in 2015

Straight from the Attitude Travel Issue, we bring you the cities where gay visitors needn’t look over their shoulder and can be exactly who they want to be. They’ve been waiting for you!

Words Jamie Shaw

New York City

New York City is possibly the most diverse, loudest and overwhelming city in the United States. From the glittering lights of Broadway and the frenetic energy of Times Square to grittier, chic bars in Hell’s Kitchen, this bursting metropolis never sleeps, and neither does its vast gay community. Party all night at one of the city’s many gay clubs or pop-up parties, or take a more sober trip to the Stonewall Inn with its rich LGBT history. You’ll find whatever you’re looking for in the Big Apple.

Bali

An Indonesian paradise isle surrounded by diverse coral seas, Bali is a perfect destination for sun worshipers, and divers. Calego Beach is a popular destination with gay travellers – for sunsets, cocktails and checking out hot bods. Homophobia is rare and the small but vibrant gay scene is based around the southern town of Seminyak, with a variety of restaurants, bars and drag shows to entertain.

Vienna

A true European gem and an aesthete’s heaven, Vienna is a timeless city packed with cultural flavour. If the baroque architecture, art, music and history aren’t enough then liberal attitudes and a hugely burgeoning gay scene are further attractions for this dazzling hub. In the daytime, eclectic flea markets like the Naschmarkt are a welcome diversion packed with bargains. Night-owls can head over to classic, classy gay bars such as Alte Lampe and Village Bar.

Berlin

Germany’s capital has long retained its underground vibe and is a promised land for the party-goer. If you’re in it for the long haul, you’ll find no shortage of pumping house beats to keep your inner hedonist occupied. Berghain is one of Europe’s hardest electronic clubs, occupying an imposing disused power station as the setting for however much debauchery you can take.

Fort Lauderdale

Florida’s popular tourist destination – aptly coined as the ‘Venice of America’ – has an average year-round temperature of 24°C, so it’s great for sunbathing and surfing. Sea, sand and shopping are the orders of the day; with 23 miles of beach and famous Las Olas boulevard (a haven for the chic with boutique shopping, fine dining and fine art). The city is a favourite spot to unwind for yacht-owners and city-dwellers alike, and boasts loads of gay bars and resorts. Sebastian Street gay beach is a must.

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GETA (Gay European Tourism Association) recommends that gay travellers check the legal position of all countries they are planning to visit. Visit the IGLA Rainbow Europe Guide at ilga-europe.org or visit the Foreign Office & Commonwealth website fco.gov.uk before you make any travel plans.

For everything gay travel in 2015, grab a copy of the Attitude Travel Issue – out now! We also delve into the best gay destinations you never thought to explore, the old classics, and examine the recent spate of LGBT people being arrested and imprisoned in countries where being gay is illegal.

The new issue of Attitude in shops now and is available to download to your mobile, iPad or tablet device now at Pocketmags.com/Attitude.

You can also have it delivered directly to your door at newsstand.co.uk.

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