6 of the best places to celebrate Pride 2019

This year, Pride celebrations around the world are commemorating an important milestone. On 28 June, it’s fifty years since the Stonewall uprising, an event that kick-started the gay liberation movement.

To celebrate all things LGBTQ+, there are parades, parties and events happening all over the world where you can fly your rainbow flag with pride.

So whether you’re LGBTQ+ yourself or just want to show some support for LGBTQ+ rights, it’s time to pack your brightest gear and get ready to party.

Here are six of the best places to celebrate Pride in 2019.

New York City

If it’s your first time celebrating Pride, there’s no better place to start than the birthplace of the gay rights movement. A major Pride destination, the Big Apple will be an even bigger global draw this year as it’s hosting WorldPride (a global LGBTQ+ event that takes place in a different city each year). Dubbed Stonewall50, it’ll be nothing short of spectacular.

From 1 June, fifty events will take place over thirty days, culminating in the Pride march on 30 June. Highlights include Pride Island, which is a two-day music festival headlined by Grace Jones, a Human Rights conference, and a series of workshops, presentations, meetings, and activities. Oh, and there’ll be some very wild parties.

Hotel tip: If you want to live like a king (or queen) and be in the centre of the action, The Royalton Park Avenue is for you. It’s steps from the Pride parade route. And if you want to watch the parade from a distance, head to the hotel rooftop for a great bird’s-eye view.

Madrid

Madrid is the proud host of the biggest Pride celebration in Europe known as ‘MADO’ or ‘Madrid Orgullo’. Starting on 28 June, it consists of over a week of concerts, activities and parties including a high-heel race, a water fight, a Mr. Gay Pride España competition, and tours of Chueca, Madrid’s gay neighbourhood.

The Pride parade sees the streets filled with two million crazy, happy revellers. Starting at Atocha rail station, it moves through the city centre, leaving glitter in its wake, before finishing at Plaza de Colón. At the end, expect music, partying and a reading of the manifesto of freedom, inclusion and diversity.

Hotel tip: LGBTQ+ Spaniards are fiesta fiends. They love to party loud and proud. So one way to enjoy the celebrations is by getting a hotel room with a balcony overlooking the procession so you can kick back, relax and save your energy for some late-night partying. The four star Vincii the Mint will do nicely.

Fly Norwegian to Madrid.

Amsterdam

Pride in the ‘Dam is so big it’s a week-long event. If you’re in town from 27 July to 4 August 2019, there’s plenty to see and do. Check out the Pride Walk and Pride Park which sees Vondelpark transformed into an open-air theatre, with performances, sports, games and a rainbow market selling Pride merchandise.

Between the Drag Queen Olympics and the epic Canal Parade – yes, the floats actually float at this parade – the Pride celebrations in Amsterdam are very popular, attracting over 300,000 people.  

This uber-liberated city is one the coolest places to join in the LGBTQ+ fun. If you’re around, don’t miss the closing party in Dam Square on 5 August. It’ll be one to remember.

Reward tip: If you want a break from the glitter and sequins, why not check out some of Amsterdam’s other attractions on a guided tour? There’s plenty to see. A city canal cruise is a great way to enjoy Amsterdam’s stunning architecture and sights from the water.

Fly Norwegian to Amsterdam.

Tel Aviv

In much of the Middle East, LGBTQ+ culture, if tolerated, is relegated to the societal sidelines. But Tel Aviv’s LGBTQ+ community is very visible. A whopping 250,000 people donned their rainbow wigs for last year’s celebrations.

In the lead-up to the parade, there’s a surge of gay-friendly events, such as a Miss Trans Israel Pageant, an LGBTQ+ Film Festival and a Eurovision Opera Show.

On 14 June, everything stops for the famed Pride parade, which finishes with the mother of all parties on Gordon Beach.

When you’ve recovered from the party, why not get to know the city on a walking tour?

Fly Norwegian to Tel Aviv.

Disneyland Paris

Fancy celebrating Pride with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and the gang? Then make sure you’re in Disneyland Paris on 1 June 2019. The theme park is hosting its very first LGBTQ+ Pride event, ‘Magical Pride’, and they’re doing it in style. Proceedings will kick off with a private party at the Walt Disney Studios, with live performances from chart-topping Years & Years, and Boy George.

If you’re lucky enough to attend, you’ll get to meet your favourite Disney characters, join the illuminated ‘Magical March of Diversity Parade,’ and party into the wee hours to a host of live bands and DJs. 

The best bit? You’ll be given special access to some of the best rides and attractions, which will be open late into the evening. Hold on to your false eyelashes!

Hotel tip: If you’re heading to Paris with your other half, check out these 9 hotels for a romantic break in Paris.

Fly Norwegian to Paris.

Oslo

Pride is a big deal in Oslo. As Norway’s largest celebration for the LGBTQ+ population, it’s more than just a parade, it’s a ten-day, rainbow-hued, inclusive, love-filled festival.

There’s a big focus on cultural activities, as one of the goals of the festival is to bring LGBTQ+ art and culture to the wider public. If you’re a culture vulture, head to Youngstorget Square for art and Cinemateket for movies.

If live music is more your thing, you’ll want to check out the vibe in Pride Park, located in Spikersuppa, next to Karl Johans Gate. There’ll be music from local and international artists and DJs throughout the week. The park is open every day until midnight, so there’s plenty of time to party and people-watch with a drink… or three.

The parade will take place on 22 June 2019, starting in Grønland and ending in Pride Park. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun. Have your rainbow flag at the ready!

If you need some inspiration about things to do before or after Pride, check out our Summer in Oslo: Top sights and things to do post.

Fly Norwegian to Oslo.

Take flight with Norwegian 

If you’ve never done Pride but you’ve always been curious, now’s your chance. With Pride month almost upon us and all these fabulous places to celebrate it, book your flights with Norwegian now, and collect CashPoints towards your next trip. Happy Pride!

Book flights