Pride can mean a lot of things to different people. One thing’s for sure is that it’s a celebration of diversity, coming together and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. So, if you’re looking to celebrate Pride, you better check out what Europe’s got to offer! Travel plans are still uncertain right now so even if you can’t visit all these places just yet, you’ll have them in your back pocket ready for next year instead.
With so many different cities offering colourful festivals and epic celebrations it can be tough to know where to start. From Amsterdam to Barcelona, here are our top picks for the best Pride celebrations in Europe…
10. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a city that’s known for its countercultural nightlife, so it’s no surprise that it throws one of the biggest Pride celebrations in Europe. Known as Christopher Street Day (CSD Berlin), Berlin Pride is held at the end of June each year. It’s easily the largest pride celebration in Germany. DYK that Contiki celebrates at Berlin Pride with reserved space at the Pride party, tickets into the afterparty and unlimited public transportation? Talk about plenty of room to boogie.
Check out all our other Europe Pride trips, covering some of the most out and proud cities, such as Madrid, Barcelona, Amsterdam and more.
Image source:Derek Braithwaite / Unsplash
9. Barcelona, Spain
Get ready to celebrate in the heart of Barcelona with music, workshops, dance, sports, live shows and exhibitions. What started as part of a movement to protest LGBTQIA+ rights, continues today as a tradition. Every year Pride Barcelona takes place in July, which draws in over 250,000 people to the parade and celebrations.
8. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Celebrate Pride, Amsterdam-style! Spend time exploring the culture, gable houses and legendary nightlife of Amsterdam. Pride Amsterdam is a citywide festival that’s held annually during the last Saturday of July to the first Sunday of August. The biggest highlight of the week-long festivities is the Canal Parade where Pride floats literally float down the canals of Amsterdam. It’s turned into one of the largest celebrations in Europe, with over 350,000 travellers coming from all over the world.
Check out our Limited Edition Pride trip to Amsterdam for a feel of the good stuff.
Image source:Anna Biasoli / Unsplash
7. Madrid, Spain
Also known as ‘Orgullo Gay de Madrid’ or MADO, Madrid Pride celebration is one of the best in Spain. Held annually on the first Saturday after June 28, Madrid Pride throws the largest and one of the best Pride celebrations in Europe. 300,000 party-goers make for an epic atmosphere, so check out Contiki’s Madrid Pride trip for exclusive party areas and afterparty tickets to the event, plus some sightseeing along the way.
6. London, United Kingdom
Pride in London is celebrated through a week-long festivity. Known as ‘Pride in London’ this annual celebration is quite the ride. Celebrating diversity and London’s LGBTQIA+ community, there’s a big London Parade that happens every year with tons of free events in Trafalgar Square.shared by Pride in London
5. Ibiza, Spain
Known for its ICONIC nightlife scene, Ibiza is one Pride celebration you’ll never forget. Celebrate your way throughout Ibiza with DJs, drag shows and musical performances. Don’t forget to check out the beaches and Calle de la Virgin, Ibiza Town’s ‘gay street’ while you’re there.
Why not make a trip out of it and explore Spain? Start in Barcelona and head to Ibiza, Valencia and Madrid. You’ll get the best of both worlds with Pride and other iconic spots. For example, you’ll get to explore the Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, Valencia’s Bell Tower and the Royal Palace of Madrid on Contiki’s Pride Ibiza & Beyond trip.
4. Paris, France
Known as Marche des Fiertés LGBT, Paris Pride is celebrated annually. With the parade starting Tour Montparnasse and ending at Place de la République, you’ll get a chance wander through the beautiful the streets of Paris. Plus, with tons of concerts, you’ll be dancing the night away!
Image source:Tristan Billet / Unsplash
3. Split, Croatia
With the sun, sailing and beaches of Croatia, we can’t think of a better place to celebrate. Split Pride began in 2011 and has turned into an annual march that takes place the first Saturday of June. Join Contiki on their Pride Croatia Island Escape to spend days sailing at sea, and end with an epic Pride festival.
2. Stockholm, Sweden
Pride is a time where Stockholm shows all its colours. From LGBTQIA+ art exhibitions to discussions and cultural events, we promise you won’t be disappointed. Their sports stadium gets repurposed into a Pride Park with live musical performances – and of course there’s a parade on the Saturday at the end of the week. Talk about ending with a big bang!
Image source:Johan Anblick / Unsplash
1. Frankfurt, Germany
Known as Christopher Street Day, Frankfurt celebrates Pride over a long weekend during mid-July. The parade goes through the downtown of Frankfurt with parties, live outdoor musical performances and political discussions. It’s a great way to get involved with the local community and meet new people, and there’s nowhere in the world quite like it during the Pride festivities!
So, come together and join in the Pride festivities in Europe. It’s a great way to celebrate diversity and come together as a LGBTQIA+ community, while seeing a bit of Europe all at the same time. If you’re thinking of heading to Europe for Pride, check out Contiki’s Pride trips to take the hassle out of planning and focus on the unforgettable memories that await!
Image source:Them.Us
