Few things in the LGBT+ calendar feel as electric as European Pride Festivals. Whether you’ve been attending for years or you’re thinking about going to your first one, there’s nothing quite like the rush of colour, energy, and unity that comes with Pride. This year, Europe’s top Pride events promise everything from dazzling parades to immersive queer culture experiences — all set in some of the continent’s most beautiful cities.
If you’ve ever wanted to plan your holiday around one of these incredible events, now is the time. Let’s explore the five best European Pride Festivals happening this year and why you should consider them for your next trip.
1. Madrid Pride – Spain’s Biggest Pride Celebration
Madrid Pride (Orgullo) is more than just a party — it’s a city-wide celebration of visibility, rights, and love. Taking place every year at the beginning of July, Madrid’s Pride is one of the most well-attended in Europe, drawing over two million visitors.
Expect street concerts, political activism, rooftop parties, and a grand parade that floods the city’s central avenues with joy and protest in equal measure.
How Gay Friendly is Madrid?
- Legal Status: Homosexuality has been legal since 1979.
- Marriage Equality: Legal since 2005.
- Anti-Discrimination: Strong laws prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.
- Employment Protections: Yes, LGBT employees are protected.
- Age of Consent: Equal at 16.
- Public Opinion: Overwhelmingly supportive, especially in Madrid and major cities.
Where to Stay: For an exclusive experience, consider staying at Axel Hotel Madrid — a gay-only hotel in the heart of the city known for its rooftop bar and buzzing social vibe.
If we have a special offer for Axel Hotel Madrid, we’ll showcase it here so you can book with confidence.
2. Amsterdam Pride – Float Your Way Through the Canals
Amsterdam Pride is unique in its style and delivery — the world-famous Canal Parade is a must-see. Held in early August, the event features boats gliding through Amsterdam’s picturesque waterways, each one decked out in bold, unapologetic colour.
The festival also includes street parties, dance events, and cultural exhibitions — all reflecting Amsterdam’s long-standing embrace of diversity.
How Gay Friendly is Amsterdam?
- Legal Status: Legal since 1811.
- Marriage Equality: First in the world to legalise same-sex marriage (2001).
- Anti-Discrimination: Strong national protections in place.
- Employment Protections: Fully covered by law.
- Age of Consent: Equal at 16.
- Public Opinion: Very accepting, with strong community support.
Where to Stay: Check out The Men’s Only Guesthouse or Amistad Hotel, both of which cater specifically to gay travellers.
We might be featuring an offer on Amsterdam stays soon, so watch this space if you’re planning to book.
3. Copenhagen Pride – Scandinavia’s Rainbow Capital
Copenhagen Pride is a standout for those who love a smaller but powerfully meaningful experience. Held every August, it’s a celebration that combines activism and joy with characteristic Danish cool.
The parade, concerts in City Hall Square, and open-air drag shows create an atmosphere of inclusion and creativity.
How Gay Friendly is Copenhagen?
- Legal Status: Legal since 1933.
- Marriage Equality: Legal since 2012.
- Anti-Discrimination: Protected under Danish law.
- Employment Protections: Yes, LGBT individuals are fully covered.
- Age of Consent: Equal at 15.
- Public Opinion: Exceptionally supportive, especially in urban centres.
Where to Stay: While there are no exclusively gay hotels, Andersen Boutique Hotel and Hotel SP34 are popular with LGBT travellers due to their proximity to the gay district and inclusive vibe.
Ask us about potential packages or bespoke travel deals that can include your Copenhagen stay.
4. Berlin Pride (Christopher Street Day) – A Riot of Colour and Politics
Berlin Pride, often called Christopher Street Day (CSD), is one of Europe’s most politically engaged and visually vibrant Pride events. Held in late July, it spans parades, demonstrations, and afterparties that stretch across the capital.
Berlin’s layered history and thriving queer scene make it a must for those wanting culture, hedonism, and community all at once.
How Gay Friendly is Berlin?
- Legal Status: Legal since 1969.
- Marriage Equality: Since 2017.
- Anti-Discrimination: Comprehensive legal protections.
- Employment Protections: Yes, in both public and private sectors.
- Age of Consent: Equal at 14 (with close-in-age provisions).
- Public Opinion: Strongly supportive, especially in Berlin.
Where to Stay: The Toms Hotel in Schöneberg is a gay men-only hotel with a long-standing place in Berlin’s LGBT history.
We’ll let you know if there are any current offers for Berlin Pride stays you can take advantage of.
5. Malta Pride – A Rising Star in LGBT Travel
Though smaller than the others on this list, Malta Pride is quickly gaining a reputation for being intimate, friendly, and culturally rich. Scheduled in September, it includes art exhibitions, community events, and a vibrant parade through Valletta.
Malta offers both the Mediterranean charm and progressive policies that make it a fantastic destination for queer travellers.
How Gay Friendly is Malta?
- Legal Status: Legal since 1973.
- Marriage Equality: Legal since 2017.
- Anti-Discrimination: Among the most advanced in Europe.
- Employment Protections: Yes, extensive rights enshrined in law.
- Age of Consent: Equal at 16.
- Public Opinion: Exceptionally positive; Malta consistently ranks top for LGBT rights in Europe.
Where to Stay: Stay in the heart of Valletta or Sliema, where inclusive boutique hotels like AX The Saint John offer style and location.
Let us know if you’d like to bundle your Malta Pride holiday with a stay and extras — we may have an offer just for you.
What Protections Do You Get When Booking Through Wide Awake Holidays?
When you book a tailor-made holiday through Wide Awake Holidays — powered by our parent company Jamie Wake Travel — you’re not just booking a holiday. You’re securing peace of mind. Here’s what’s included:
- ATOL protection for any flight-inclusive package.
- Membership with Protected Trust Services (PTS), meaning your money is held in a secure trust account.
- Supplier Failure Insurance, so you're covered if a hotel, airline, or tour company goes out of business.
- Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance, offering an extra layer of security for flights.
This level of protection isn’t just a bonus — it’s our standard. We believe your pride holiday should be carefree from the moment you book.
