LGBTQIA+ Pride in Brazilian Tourism

Top Brazilian destinations for the LGBTQIA+ community

This Pride Month, we celebrate diversity and inclusion in Brazilian tourism.

According to the Gallup Institute*, the LGBTQIA+ travel market is valued at over US$200 billion annually. For this community, travel is a priority, seamlessly integrated into their lifestyle.

A study by Booking.com** with over 11,500 LGBTQIA+ travelers revealed that 79% said their LGBTQIA+ identity influences their choice of destination. Based on this survey, we present the five most welcoming Brazilian cities for this community.

São Paulo

Vibrant and diverse, the city is famous for its LGBTQIA+ friendliness. Considered the largest in the world, its iconic Pride Parade attracts millions of people. Praça Roosevelt is a popular gathering spot with trendy bars and restaurants. The Museum of Sexual Diversity offers free, thought-provoking exhibitions. Other must-visit museums include MASP, Japan House, and MIS.

Rio de Janeiro

Ipanema Beach is the LGBTQIA+ hotspot, especially between Postos (lifeguard stations) 8 and 9. The “Marvelous City” boasts a bustling nightlife with parties and events celebrating diversity. Rio has many places with spectacular views to capture unforgettable moments, along with numerous cultural and natural attractions.

Salvador

History, art, and cuisine brimming with dendê oil and axé. Salvador is famed for its massive Carnival celebrations and lively historical center. There are plenty of LGBTQIA+-friendly cultural spaces, drag shows, parties, and bars, like those lining Carlos Gomes Street, an important place for the community in the 1980s and 1990s. Porto da Barra Beach is another popular gathering spot.

Recife

Especially vibrant is the Boa Vista neighborhood, packed with clothing boutiques, record stores, and tattoo parlors. It also features bars and nightclubs with drag shows. Since 2014, the city has hosted a Municipal LGBTQI+ Empowerment Center, offering services and support to the community. Boa Viagem Beach is an ideal spot for travelers and hosts the Pernambuco Diversity Parade. Don’t miss the cultural venues and music festivals.

Fortaleza

A must-visit for film and culture enthusiasts. The “For Rainbow” Culture and Film Festival of Sexual and Gender Diversity is a free event celebrating diversity on screen. Praia do Futuro is ideal for nightlife, and the Benfica neighborhood offers bars, clubs, and drag shows. Be sure to visit the Dragão do Mar Art and Culture Center for performances and exhibitions.

Ministry of Tourism’s Guide

To promote responsible tourism, the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism offers a guide with “Tips for welcoming LGBTQIA+ tourists”, providing valuable information for respectful and welcoming service. Click HERE to check it out.

Choose your destination: one of our members will be ready to welcome you with excellence, hospitality, and warmth.

Come explore Brazil and celebrate Pride in destinations that value diversity and inclusion. We look forward to welcoming you!

* Data presented at Proud Experiences 2024 in Los Angeles, the world’s leading LGBTQ+ travel industry event

** An online survey conducted by Booking.com with a sample of 11,555 LGBTQIA+ travelers from 27 countries and territories between March and April 2023.