Top things to do during Queer & Pride Amsterdam

Explore Amsterdam’s gay history

Amsterdam has frequently been named as one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the world. The city is rich when it comes to LGBT emancipation, history and gay icons. To learn more about this connection we recommend the LGBTIQ+ Historical Amsterdam Tour. This two hour tour covers 400 years of Amsterdam gay history.

The tour starts at the Homomonument, the first monument in the world dedicated to the gay and lesbian victims of the Holocaust. From there you’ll make your way through historic Amsterdam as the guide tells you about being gay in the 17^th-century, about prosecution over the centuries and how gay men and women found ways to live their lives. The tour ends at Café ‘t Mandje, a gay bar that opened in 1927.

Enjoy the Canal Parade

If there is one event that sets Amsterdam apart from other pride events around the world it is the world famous Canal Parade. This year the parade will take place on 3 August, starting at noon from the Oosterdok near the Maritime Museum. From here the floats will make their way via the Nieuwe Herengracht to the Amstel river, under the Skinny Bridge, and on to the Prinsengracht all the way to the Westerdok.

During the parade around 80 boats or floats, representing everything from small LGBTI foundations through to pink networks within multinationals, cruise through the canals celebrating the past, present and future of the LGBTI community. The bridges and canal quays are packed with people watching the parade and partying to the music coming from the boats.

Celebrate at street parties

In the final days of Queer & Pride Amsterdam, the city sees street parties wherever you go, especially on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 August. The street parties start in the afternoon. One of the biggest street parties is Prik Pride, a two day street party on the Spuistraat. Entry is free and on stage will be famous local DJs, MCs, Queens and performers.

The closing party of Pride Amsterdam is also a street party, at the mainstage on Dam Square. From 2 in the afternoon on 4 August until 11 at night, Amsterdam’s main square says goodbye to Pride and starts counting down till next year. Of course, after the closing party, the after parties take over in the clubs all over the city.