Amsterdam is one of the world’s party capitals and Amsterdam Pride is one of the biggest parties. So if it’s a crazy weekender you’re looking for in this year’s pride experience, Amsterdam Pride is the place to go. The emphasis is on all-night parties, taking place across Amsterdam. Don’t go expecting too varied a pride celebration; Amsterdam is renowned for going all out over pride weekend, with little more than endless booze, basslines and boys (and some girls) to the festivities. 

Pride events in Reguliersdwarsstraat for the young and trendy gays, Amstel for the natives, Westmarkt and Paardenstraat for the ladies, and, for those travellers looking to meet gorgeous Dutch gays, Halvemaansteeg attracts a mixed crowd of Dutch and foreign revellers. The main club nights this year on Friday are at M.Y.L.T.I.S.E.X.Y or Galore. 

After sleeping off Friday night’s excesses, the Canal Parade starts up on Saturday afternoon, and is the famous highlight of the entire celebration. Pride-weary travellers, who claim to have seen it all, still might want to take in the parade, as this one is on water rather than on foot/wheels. 35,000 people come to watch the watery parade, as 75 decorated boats loaded with dancing gays and lesbians float along the Prinsengracht and Amstel River.

Following the excitement of the parade, it’s time to get back on the beer and head to some of Amsterdam’s most popular gay clubs for special pride celebrations. White Party takes place at the Roxy Colosseum, whilst the younger crowd will probably head to Happy! Happy! At Paradiso or PANN on Tour at Panama. On Sunday, the closing day, a mixed gay crowd sees it through to the bitter end at the Stopera.