The world's 10 most visited cities and which ones punish gays with death

Some of these cities welcome LGBTQ+ travelers while others punish same-sex sexual relations with the death penalty.

International travel is recovering following the global economic slowdown of the past few years. Global international arrivals jumped 19 percent in 2024 over the prior year, largely due to a return in tourism travel, Euromonitor International reports.

But visiting countries with different cultural norms often comes with dangers for out LGBTQ+ travelers.

In its annual Top 100 City Destinations Index 2024, Euromonitor International’s list of most visited cities included entries from countries where same-sex sexual relations are outlawed and punishable by prison and even death, according to the Equaldex LGBT Equality Index. Europe scored much higher than Asia and the Middle East. Such information should give pause to out travelers when choosing destinations.

Keep scrolling to find the most visited cities in the world and where they stand on LGBTQ+ rights.

10. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is home to the Petronas Towers, the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers.

Kuala Lumpur had 16.5 million international visitors in 2024.

Source: Euromonitor International

Malaysia scored 16 out of 100 on the Equaldex LGBT Equality Index.

Same-sex sexual relations are illegal and punishable by prison, and LGBTQ+ rights are not recognized in this deeply Islamic country.

Source: Equaldex Index

9. Paris, France

Paris, the capital of France, is known as the City of Light and is a popular romantic destination for straight, same-sex, and queer couples.

Paris had 17.4 million international visitors in 2024.

Source: Euromonitor International

France scored 75 out of 100 on the Equaldex LGBT Equality Index.

Same-sex sexual relations and marriage equality are legal, but there remain pockets of resistance to some LGBTQ+ rights.

Source: Equaldex Index

8. Macau, China

Macau, an autonomous zone on the coast of southern China, is known for its mix of modernity with historic regional and Western cultural influences.

Macau had 18 million international visitors in 2024.

Source: Euromonitor International

Macau scored 59 out of 100 on the Equaldex LGBT Equality Index.

Same-sex sexual relations and some civil unions are legal in China, but there are no protections for other LGBTQ+ rights.

Source: Equaldex Index

7. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is the biggest city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. The ultra-modern city, rising from the desert sand, is home to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

Dubai had 18.2 million international visitors in 2024.

Source: Euromonitor International

The United Arab Emirates scored 13 out of 100 on the Equaldex LGBT Equality Index.

Same-sex sexual relations are punishable by death and there is no recognition of LGBTQ+ rights.

Source: Equaldex Index

6. Antalya, Turkey

The historic region of Antalya, Turkey, is a popular beach resort destination set amid historic influences pre-dating the Romans.

Antalya had 19.3 international arrivals in 2024.

Source: Euromonitor International

Turkey scored 39 out of 100 on the Equaldex LGBT Equality Index.

The Ottoman Empire decriminalized same-sex sexual relations in 1858, but Turkey remains hostile to LGBTQ+ rights under its current culturally conservative government let by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Source: Equaldex Index

5. Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is a holy city in Islam and the site of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Mecca's skyline is dominated by the Masjid al-Haram (Great Mosque) and the Makkah Clock Royal Tower, a Fairmont Hotel.

Mecca had 19.3 international arrivals in 2024.

Source: Euromonitor International

Saudi Arabia scored 16 out of 100 on the Equaldex LGBT Equality Index.

Same-sex sexual relations are banned and punishable by death, marriage equality is not recognized, and there is deep cultural opposition to all forms of LGBTQ+ rights.

Source: Equaldex Index

4. Hong Kong

A former territory of the British Empire, Hong Kong was returned to China as a special administrative state in 1997. The city is known as a center of international trade, finance, nightlife, and high-powered relations.

Hong Kong had 20.5 million international arrivals in 2024.

Source: Euromonitor International

Hong Kong scored 66 out of 100 on the Equaldex LGBT Equality Index.

Hong Kong scored slightly above average marks for legal rights and protections, but public opinion still lacked widespread support for LGBTQ+ rights.

Source: Equaldex Index

3. London, United Kingdom

London, United Kingdom, has a history dating back to its creation by the Romans as an important port city on the Thames River. Its skyline is dotted with iconic structures like Tower Bridge and Big Ben.

London had 21.7 million international arrivals in 2024.

Source: Euromonitor International

The United Kingdom scored 71 out of 100 on the Equaldex LGBT Equality Index.

The United Kingdom doesn’t recognize non-binary gender identities and is taking a hardline approach to gender-affirming care for minors, but otherwise earns high marks for its wide recognition and protections of LGBTQ+ rights.

Source: Equaldex Index

2. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey, sits at the intersection of Europe and Asia and has been a strategic city since it was established as Byzantium in the 7th century BCE.

Istanbul had 23 million international arrivals in 2024.

Source: Euromonitor International

Turkey scored 39 out of 100 on the Equaldex LGBT Equality Index.

Source: Equaldex Index

1. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is known for its exciting nightlife, rich culture, and natural beauty.

Bangkok had 32.4 million international visitors in 2024.

Source: Euromonitor International

Thailand scored 62 out of 100 on the Equaldex Index.

Same-sex sexual relations are legal, but non-binary gender identities and marriage equality are not recognized.

Source: Equaldex Index