Amsterdam’s gay pride parade is one of the most famous – and unique – in the world, for one special reason: it FLOATS.
This wet and wild parade glides through a four-mile stretch of canals, beginning in the Oosterdok and winding through the Nieuwe Herengracht, Amstel, Prisengracht and Westerdok canals. The parade is limited to 80 floats, and is so popular that a lottery system has to determine who gets to be included. (We’re crossing our fingers for the Amsterdam Fire Department.)
Brand g’s 2023 Luxembourg to Amsterdam river cruise ends with two days here for gay pride, so you can take in this incredible spectacle.
But as you can imagine, this gay pride is crazy popular. Amsterdam is an incredibly welcoming city for gay folk (the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same sex marriage, in 2001), and their pride week attracts more than 400,000 participants. So even though their pride parade winds through four miles worth of canals, prime viewing positions are at a premium. More than one drag queen has probably been thrown into the water for blocking the view with her wig.
Tip #1: Seek out a VIP viewing deck
Some 4 and 5-star hotels along the route, like those along the Prinsengracht (a beautiful area, where the Anne Frank house is located) will offer viewing platforms. The Andaz (a Hyatt property) is one example. These decks are right on the canal and are raised, so you have an unobstructed sightline of not only the fabulous floats – and bikini and g-string-clad participants – but the locals partying on the docked boats that line the canals. Both are memorable, to say the least. Just remember that when you’re taking a close-up of that hot guy with your phone, lots of people around you can see exactly what you’re zeroing in on.
Some hotels will offer these platforms only to guests, others offer it to anyone willing to fork over the charge (something like $75, which will typically include one or two drink tickets). During our last visit, the Andaz platform was open to anyone willing to pay; but tickets for it sold out many months in advance. So, plan to start investigating the options 9-12 months out. It’s worth every penny.
Tip #2: If you’re wanting to splurge, rent a hotel room on the parade route.
Particularly if your room has a balcony, these can be a fantastic, high-rent way to enjoy the parade. You’ll have access to a bathroom, and you can bring in (or order from room service) snacks and beverages. Such rooms are, of course, expensive ($500 and up), but if a group of you do it together, it can be no more expensive than a viewing deck. Ask for a room on, say, the second or third floor. If you get too high up, you’ll feel removed from the action. Make a reservation as soon as bookings for that property open (most hotel chains allow booking 1-1.5 years out). Then, email the hotel to verify that you have a canal-facing room, so that you have proof in writing.
Tip #3: Bridges are a popular viewing spot
If you’re going the free route, seek out a spot on one of the many bridges that cross the canals. You’re at a higher elevation, so the viewing angle is exceptional. These spots are extremely popular, though, which leads to tip number four…
Tip #4: Get there early.
Typically, the parade starts at 12:30 or 1:00 pm (check the guide below for confirmation), but people begin lining up at 9 or 10am for prime spots. Consider buying a cheap lawn chair from a store like Big Bazar or Lidl (they don’t have American chains like Wal-Mart) and setting up camp early.
Tip #5: BYOB
Don’t worry, you won’t look cheap; everyone does it. It’s too hard to find a bar (or get to one through the crowds), anyway. Once you’ve parked yourself, you’ll get hemmed in by other revelers, so you want to have most everything you need. (Porta-potties are located everywhere, fortunately.)
Tip #6: If you plan to indulge in the demon weed, get it prior to parade day.
The “coffee shops” of Amsterdam, which sell pot, will be swamped on this day, so go the day or evening before to make your purchases. And remember to imbibe wisely. Today’s marijuana is not the marijuana of old; it can be extremely powerful. (Once, when I was in Amsterdam alone and smoked a joint at a coffee shop, I couldn’t find my way back to my hotel. Of course, I have no sense of direction. My husbands always says I need GPS to get out of a parking lot. But still – this stuff is crazy strong.)
Tip #7: Don’t bring valuables.
Amsterdam is a very safe city, but given the massive influx of tourists and the tightly packed crowds in some parade areas (which can make walking feel like a gropefest), pickpocketing increases. If possible, just put a credit card and some cash in a front pocket.
Of course, the parade is just the finale of a week of nonstop events that include the Pride Park festival, street parties, film screenings (Open Air Cinema), sporting events, debates, exhibitions, and more. And fabulosity will be at an all-time high, so start bedazzling your water wings now.
Amsterdam Pride Guide:
