Amsterdam Pride 2024 Guide: Dates, Events & More

If you’re planning a trip to the stunning city of Amsterdam, you’ll definitely want to time it right for Amsterdam Pride 2023, one of the most unique LGBTQ+ celebrations in the whole world. This year’s theme is #YouAreIncluded, and it’s all about diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, representing both individuals and groups fighting for equal rights. Amsterdam, and the Netherlands, in general, has long been at the forefront of progressive attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community with a rich history of activism and a commitment to inclusivity.

In this guide, we’ll spill the tea on everything you need to know about Amsterdam Pride, including when it’s happening, and give you a glimpse into the events and parties planned for this year. Plus, we’ll show you how to save some money with the Wise international debit card.

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When is Amsterdam Pride?

Amsterdam Pride is a spectacular event that takes place over several days, filled with exciting activities such as conferences, debates, indoor and street parties, and culminates in the vibrant Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade. The overall program lasts for two weeks and is called Queer & Pride Amsterdam. From 22 to 28 July 2023, the program was provided by Queer Amsterdam, and from 1 to 6 August 2023 by Stichting Pride Amsterdam.¹

When is the Amsterdam Pride parade happening

The crowning jewel of the festival is the Canal Parade, where the city’s iconic canals transform into a dazzling runway of love expression and unapologetic queerness. Get ready to sashay along on this Amsterdam Pride main event on Saturday, August 5th 2023, from 12:00 till 18:00.²

Where is the Amsterdam Pride Parade Happening

The parade kicks off at Oosterdok (Eastern Dock, in English), and from there, the floats and boats glide along the Nieuwe Herengracht, adding a touch of rainbow magic to the historic waterway. After, the parade continues onto the majestic Amstel River, the river that gave the name to the city. Next, the parade makes its way onto the famous Prinsengracht, a picturesque canal that oozes charm and history with the traditional and elegant Dutch houses. Finally, the Canal Parades wraps up at Westerdok. Throughout the whole route, you’ll be treated to a fabulous mix of music, dance, and exuberant performances. It’s time to express yourself and let it loose!

Amsterdam Pride Events

Apart from the aforementioned Canal Parade, a lot of diverse events are held during Amsterdam Pride. The Arts & Culture agenda is full of theatre, film, music, visual arts, photography, and book programs for you to experience. There are also Open Air Cinemas, street parties, and a Pride at the Beach, in Zandvoort. Let’s have a more detailed look on some events for 2023.

Open Air Cinema

On the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of August 2023, there’ll be Pink film nights where everyone is welcome. You can bring yours snacks and drinks, and the entrance is free. The kick-off is at 20:00, and the film starts at 21:30, but there are only 400 seats available, so be on time. On the 2nd and 3rd of August the Open Air Cinema will be in Mercatorplein⁴, and on the 4th, in Gershwinplein.⁵

Street Parties

Get ready to party like there’s no tomorrow at the epic Street Parties during Amsterdam Pride.⁶ From August 4th to August 6th 2023, the city will come alive with joy, music, and inclusivity. On Friday 4th, the parties start from 16:00 and goes until midnight in multiple parts of town; On Saturday 5th, from 15:00; And on Sunday 6th, there is the closing party at the MainStage on Dam Square from 14:00.⁷

Pride at the Beach

Pride at the Beach is a vibrant 3-day LGBTQ+ festival at the stunning beach town of Zandvoort that is also part of the Amsterdam Pride celebration. The festival will feature a colourful parade, electrifying music, captivating art and cultural performances, yoga sessions, and dance parties with drag queens. Everything you need to have a ball.⁸

LGBTQ+ Friendly Bars in Amsterdam/Events at LGBTQ+ Bars/Clubs

Get ready to werk it, honey, because Amsterdam LGBTQ+ scene is huge and full of bars and clubs that you can go to dance the night away. Especially in the pride week, the city is lit with events and parties, so let’s check some of these options.

Queen’s head

Queen’s head is an iconic LGBTQ+ bar that knows how to serve up a good time. It is a perfect place to enjoy a night of sassy performances, high-energy music, and wickedly entertaining drag shows that will leave you gagging for more. They are open daily, hosting Drag Queen Bingos every Tuesday, drag queen performances every Thursday, and every other Friday karaoke.

Bar Prik

This lively pink bar hidden in the heart of Amsterdam is known for its laid-back ambiance with indoor and terrace facilities. With a wide range of drinks, including their signature drinks, this is a perfect gathering spot for the queer community from all ages and types of locals, visitors and expats. You can go there to dance every Friday and Saturday or to sing in their karaoke every Sunday. Every first and third Tuesday of the month, they also host a boardgayming night. \

Café ‘t Mandje

This historical landmark is one of the longest-running gay bars in the world. Dating back to 1927, Café ‘t Mandje has remained a symbol of acceptance and inclusivity. There, you can enjoy a cosy and welcoming atmosphere while sipping on your favourite drinks and engaging in lively conversations with fellow Pride-goers.

Taboo Amsterdam

Taboo Bar is a famous gaybar in the main gaystreet of Amsterdam where they serve drinks, cocktails, and queerness. Every Wednesday there is a Fabulous Cocktail night and on Sundays there is a drag show called Drag me to Heaven. Everything you need to leave your rainbow-coloured flag fly high.

Club NYX

This trendy nightclub is a haven for the queer community and welcomes everyone to join in the fun. Expect a nightlife experience full of drinking, laughing, and dancing in this four-story building full of coloured wonders. You can find different parties from Thursday to Saturday, when the 3xNYX happens, an ultra gay party full of unapologetic self-expression and unforgettable experiences.

Getting around Amsterdam for Pride

Getting around Amsterdam during Pride is not a big deal, thanks to the city’s efficient public transport system, pedestrian-friendly streets, and cycling culture that will have living your best Dutch life. Check out more tips about how to reach the city centre from the airports or get around the city centre.

Getting from Airports to City Centre

To reach the city centre from the airports, there are several convenient transportation options available. From Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, you can hop on a train that will swiftly take you to Amsterdam Central Station in approximately 15 minutes. During the busy hours between 5:30 and 01:00, the train departs every 10 minutes, and during the deep night hours, between 01:00 and 05:30, they depart hourly. You can buy the tickets online, and they cost €10.50.⁹

You can also take the airport bus number 397 that will take you from Amsterdam airport to Amsterdam city centre in 30 minutes, twice as long as the ride by train. The bus does not go to Amsterdam Central Station, but goes to Leidseplein, Museumplein and to the Olympic Stadium. It leaves several times an hour during the day, between 05:00 and 00:00.¹⁰

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or use ride-hailing services for a more direct route. Although obviously this is a more expensive option. And when it comes to paying your transportation, using Wise, a multi-currency account can be a smart choice. With Wise, you can convert your British pounds (GBP) to euros (EUR) at the mid-market exchange rate, which is the fairest and most transparent rate you can get. Wise also offers a virtual card option, allowing you to make contactless payments conveniently and securely during your travels. Hassle-free and cost-effective, perfect!

Getting around Amsterdam city centre

Once you’re in the city centre, navigating Amsterdam is a delight. If you want to embrace the local way of getting around, renting a bike is a popular and fun choice to explore the charming streets, picturesque canals, and vibrant neighbourhoods. There are different types of bikes, and you can rent them for some hours or days period. Find one of the many rental shops scattered throughout the city and have a quintessential Amsterdam experience pedalling along the canal-lined streets with the wind in your hair.¹¹

For longer distances or if you prefer public transport, Amsterdam’s public transportation system is highly reliable and extensive. A simple and convenient way to explore the Amsterdam area is with the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket. This multipurpose ticket offers unlimited public transport by bus, tram, train and metro. They are available for one, two or three consecutive days, so that you can use it for a day trip, weekend break or three-day excursion. The prices are €21, €31,50, and €40,50 for one, two, and three days, respectively. You can either buy it online or at the I Amsterdam Store and selected transport ticket counters.¹²

Money for here, there and everywhere: meet Wise

During Pride, Wise has got your back. In this colourful celebration of love and freedom, there’s no space for any discrimination or worries when it comes to managing your money. With Wise, you can send and receive money internationally with ease, thanks to its low fees and fair exchange rates. So, whether you’re voguing on the dance floor, sipping cocktails with fellow fabulous souls, or immersing yourself in the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene of Amsterdam, Wise is here to make sure your money is well-managed, and your experiences are unforgettable.

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Sources used:

1. Pride - Amsterdam Pride
2. Pride - Canal Parade
3. Pride - Arts and Culture
4. Pride - Open Air Cinema Mercatorplein
5. Pride - Open Air Cinema Gershwinplein
6. Pride - Street Parties
7. Pride - Closing Party
8. Pride - Pride at the Beach
9. Tiqets - Airport Transfer
10. Amsterdam Info - Airport Transfer
11. I Amsterdam - Cycling in Amsterdam
12. I Amsterdam - Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

Sources last checked on date: 21-June-2023