De L’Europe Amsterdam
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Ultra-plush five-star luxury in a landmark hotel. Perfectly located on the southern of the character-filled Canal Ring, walking distance to the big art museums.
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Bucket list experience:
Amsterdam’s Gay Pride
Credit Shutterstock.com/Anjo Kan
Last updated: 10 November, 2022
The largest Pride festival in The Netherlands kicks off on the first weekend of August, with nine days of celebration crammed with over 300 events.
Street parties, concerts, performances, open-air movies and sporting events take place across the city and beyond — including the beaches of Zandvoort, a 45-minute train ride from Amsterdam.
The high point is the Canal Parade, where 80 creatively-decorated boats carry the flamboyantly-dressed (and undressed) through the city’s waterways, as tens of thousands gather along the banks to cheer on the colourful procession. Events are free, including the eight-hour-long closing night concert in Dam Square.
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Destination Guide >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
Frequency: annually
When: 1st weekend August
Duration: 9 days
Getting there & doing it
Events are free but space may be limited, so arrive early. The banks along the Prinsengracht are usually the most crowded – but also the most atmospheric. To secure a spot to watch the Canal Parade, you’ll need to get there as early as 9am (the parade usually starts around 1 pm).
Book your hotel room well in advance and expect astronomical rates (August is also high tourist season).
When to do it
The pride runs for nine days, traditionally starting on the last day of July and ending with the Canal Parade on the first Saturday of August.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Ambassade Hotel
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Character-filled hotel in historic canal-facing buildings. The quintessential heritage stay, and perfectly located for exploring the city and enjoying up the Canal Ring atmosphere.
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Hotel Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Eclectic interiors, a stellar canal-front setting and the almost perfect location make this design hotel a true standout.
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Canal House
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
An intimate hotel in historic canal-facing buildings, with stylishly updated interiors. One of the trendiest places to stay in Amsterdam.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Amsterdam
North Holland, Netherlands
Picturesque Golden Age canals, premier league art, cosy cafés, and liberal urban living combine to make Amsterdam one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals.
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