Pride in Amsterdam
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Pride Amsterdam is a festival to celebrate that you can be who you are and may love whoever you want. A weekend per year, LGBTs (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) determine the norm in the Dutch capital. Grandfathers and grandmothers dressed in pink with grandchildren in t-shirts like "my best friend is gay" or "gay for a day" can be seen throughout the city. The fact that they can celebrate their individual freedom so openly and together with the rest of the city is amazing.
Pride Amsterdam is not just an event. It symbolizes the open and tolerant city that Amsterdam is. To celebrate the freedom to be yourself. For twenty years, the boat parade has been inextricably linked to Amsterdam and can no longer be ignored from the inner city.
Pride has evolved into a nine-day festival and has become one of the best and biggest celebrations of its kind, worldwide. The city turns into a rainbow of events with dance parties, film festivals, sporting events, debate and culture, a PrideWalk with a connecting Rainbow Park and in the final weekend the party starts with multiple locations and outside stages.
The annual highlight is of course the world famous and unique Canal Parade consisting of a colorful 80 boats and hundreds of thousands enthusiastic and colorfully dressed visitors. Nowhere in the world is Pride being celebrated on the water on such a scale as in Amsterdam. It is an unique experience that every person needs to add to his, her or its bucket list.
When to Visit: Weather and Timing
Pride Amsterdam typically takes place in late July or early August, when Amsterdam enjoys warm summer weather with average temperatures around 20-22°C (68-72°F). This is perfect weather for the outdoor events and canal-side festivities. However, summer in Amsterdam can be unpredictable, so pack layers and a light rain jacket just in case. The long daylight hours (sunset around 9 PM) mean the celebrations can continue well into the evening with beautiful natural lighting over the canals.
Where to stay?
If you would like to stay in Amsterdam during Pride, we recommend staying at the Westerpark so you are close to all the action. At the Westerpark many events take place and you are also close to the city center. We definitely recommend the eco friendly Conscious hotel at the Westerpark. This hotel is beautiful and the location is great right in the middle of the park. 
The building is absolutely gorgeous and it has a delicious restaurant. When we stayed there the room was immaculate and we would definitely come back.
Getting Around During Pride
During Pride week, Amsterdam becomes exceptionally busy, especially in the city center and along the canal ring. Public transport may be crowded, and many streets are closed for the parade. Consider walking or cycling (bike rentals are widely available) to navigate the city more easily. The Canal Parade route follows the Prinsengracht, Amstel, and Zwanenburgwal canals, so plan your movements accordingly. Many locals recommend arriving early at viewing spots along the canals, as the best positions fill up quickly on parade day.