Amsterdam Gay Pride
Amsterdam Gay Pride
4.5
About
Amsterdam’s citywide gay pride festival takes place the first weekend in August and attracts several hundred thousand visitors each year. The Canal Parade takes place Saturday and is one of the coolest parades in any pride festival. There are around 80 decorated boats filled with both female and male party-goers who get the 300,000 plus revellers even more excited. Street parties are a big part of the weekend event, including the Friday night Drag Queen Olympics at the Westermarkt. Sunday is the traditional Pride Closing Party that takes place on a huge stage at the Rembrandtplein with many Dutch artists and awesome DJ’s.
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The area
Neighbourhood: Centrum
Amsterdam’s buzzing hub, with its sprawling network of tram rails and a seemingly constant flow of tourists and commuters, yields convenient access to some of the best sightseeing, shopping, and street life in Europe. Closest at hand are the Royal Palace, the quaint shops of Haalremmerdijk, the pedestrianized zones Kalverstraat and Dam Square with popular neighborhoods such as the Red Light District, and the Canal Ring hardly more than a moment’s stroll away. With the well-connected Centraal Station as Centrum’s base, it's easy to travel farther afield via one of the city’s iconic trams.
How to get there
- Amsterdam Centraal Station • 10 min walk
- Amsterdam Centraal • 10 min walk
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4.5
65 reviews
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Anne D
Wimborne Minster, UK4,509 contributions
Aug 2019
We spent the week in Amsterdam during last year's (2019) Pride festival and can honestly say the whole event was absolutely amazing, especially the Saturday canal parade.
On the day of the parade, the whole city got involved in some way and partied from early morning onwards.
We found ourselves a spot on Prinsengracht canal a good hour before the first of the floats were due to arrive, which proved a very wise move as if we'd left it later we wouldn't have been able to see anything. We moved on to the Amstel later in the afternoon but the crowds were so huge we wished we'd hadn't moved from our original place.
We enjoyed it so much we're tempted to visit again in 2020.
On the day of the parade, the whole city got involved in some way and partied from early morning onwards.
We found ourselves a spot on Prinsengracht canal a good hour before the first of the floats were due to arrive, which proved a very wise move as if we'd left it later we wouldn't have been able to see anything. We moved on to the Amstel later in the afternoon but the crowds were so huge we wished we'd hadn't moved from our original place.
We enjoyed it so much we're tempted to visit again in 2020.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danit H
1 contribution
Aug 2019
A very cool and fun experience for thous who are visiting Amsterdam on Pride time. We were there with our 3 teens (17-19) and had a Ballast! Its an event for the whole family. I recommend getting there early to find a good standing point, because the surroundings of the canal can get very packed and you will not see much otherwise.
Written 1 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sweetmarky
Vienna, Austria81 contributions
Aug 2019
I visited 3 pride Events this year: Maspalomas, Barcelona and now Ams. The best and most amusing one was the canal pride in Amsterdam. I recommend it because of it´s flair, the sympathic spectators from all over the world, the colourful streets and the friendly athomsphere.
Written 7 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas E
Siegenburg, Germany1 contribution
Aug 2023
I think an event like this should take place in a restricted and cordoned off area. It has taken the atmosphere out of the whole city, there is rubbish and dirt everywhere and the noise is unbearable. Other people are being harassed and that is where tolerance ends. Above all, it goes on for a whole week. Our visit to Amsterdam was a disaster and the rain did the rest. An overall terrible experience.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gaelle A
Paris, France37 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
Among LGBT there were also many straight people. Too busy on the streets, and some boats swimming through the canal. Nothing really interesting. Just showing up and desire for attention. Time for straight people to show their REAL pride!
Written 7 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madhu R
104 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
My wife and I happened to visit family and coincidentally we realised it was a Gay Pride parade the before yesterday.
With Amsterdam being a canal city, the parade was on boats. Whole of central city was full of tourists and onlookers, it was a festive spirit all over. As you can see in the picture it was colourful and grand. As many canals are interlinked the parade went on for 6 hours and as went home we watched last of the boats sailing through the canals next to our home. All in all it was a great experience.
With Amsterdam being a canal city, the parade was on boats. Whole of central city was full of tourists and onlookers, it was a festive spirit all over. As you can see in the picture it was colourful and grand. As many canals are interlinked the parade went on for 6 hours and as went home we watched last of the boats sailing through the canals next to our home. All in all it was a great experience.
Written 6 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel B
Edmonton, Canada167 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
Had a fantastic weekend in Amsterdam celebrating pride festival with our friends. Make sure you find a sport early and bring food and drinks. You'll be there for 4 hours at least watching the floats go by.
Written 28 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amsterdamer78
Amsterdam, The Netherlands54 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
I have been to may gay pride events, but what sets this one aside is the fact that the whole city comes together. Doesnt mater if you are staright, gay, black or white. This is a party for everyone. It was amazing. Get there early to get the best spots.
Written 13 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellen M
Katwijk, The Netherlands78 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
This year was my 2nd pride party. This is just a reason you should visit Amsterdam. The city is crowded with the biggest variety of people possible. Everybody is in it for the fun. The parade is always spectacular and the vibe is just amazing. Very well organized and just a lot of fun!
Written 10 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LWL3333
Wellington, FL17,961 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
There is an entire two week period considered in Amsterdam to be Gay Pride. It all culminates in the Gay Pride Canal Parade on the first Saturday in August. We were fortunate to have a front row seat for last year's Gay Pride Canal Parade from the balcony of our flat overlooking the Amstel River. It was one of the most entertaining free activities I've ever experienced. We had to see it to believe it. It runs from about 11 AM until the late afternoon/early evening. Arrive early to stake out a good vantage point, like on a bridge or alongside a canal. Or befriend someone who has a canalside home. Nearby public transportation stops for the parade. We think it is well worth being in Amsterdam at least once to experience Gay Pride activities and the Parade, whether or not you are gay. But be forewarned that some float participants are not fully dressed, and some float themes might cause youngsters to ask questions.
Written 16 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the best place to see canal pride Amsterdam?
I mean where can I put myself to see all the boats parade through the canals?
Thanks in advance to those who will give me an answer, greetings
Written 29 July 2018
Me and my friend would like to take part in the Amsterdam parade by riding one of the pride boats. Has anyone ever been on one of the boats? What can we do to experience pride on one of the canal boats? Thanks
Written 27 May 2018
No you do not for the parade that takes place on the canal but some entertainment you may need a ticket but most of what is happening is free
Written 10 January 2018
hey guys,
we'd like to watch the pride on sat Aug 6. Where and when should we go for it? Not locals so the more detailed the instructions the better.
Cheers!
Written 2 August 2016
The route of the parade on the canals has been changed this year. Sorry, but I don't know the new route.
Written 2 August 2016
Maria C
Evora, Portugal
Que tipo de roupa devo usar na minha viagem , de 22-7 a 26-7 ?
Obrigada
Written 5 July 2016
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