Amsterdam Pride 2022: My Experience at the Canal Parade, Pride March, and Street Parties
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I finally made it to Amsterdam Pride in 2022, and if you’re on the fence about going, let me just say: do it. The whole city feels like it’s humming, and the energy is a mix of joy, love, and just the right amount of chaos. I’ll walk you through what my week looked like, how I felt, and what I’d do again (and what I’d skip). Hopefully it helps you picture your own trip.
My Base: Ibis Amsterdam City West
Let’s start with where I stayed, because that can make or break a trip. I booked a room at the Ibis Amsterdam City West, and honestly, it was a steal. The hotel itself was clean, comfy, and had what I needed without any fuss. The catch? It’s a little outside the central area where most of the Pride events and gay bars are happening. At first, I worried about being too far out of the action, but it turned out fine. There was a tram stop just a block from the hotel, and in about twenty minutes, I’d be in the middle of everything. And when my old age caught up to me I could uber back for $20 or $It actually gave me a nice buffer. I could dive into the madness when I wanted, then retreat back to quiet at night. Would you rather be in the middle of the noise, or do you like having that little escape?
Kicking Off With the Pride March
The Pride Walk was where it all started for me. I joined right at the beginning and walked the full route to Vondelpark. There’s something grounding about being part of a march before diving into the parties. It wasn’t about spectacle, it was about visibility and solidarity. The crowd was huge, signs and flags everywhere, chants floating over the music, and I remember feeling proud just to be a body in that sea. By the time we reached Vondelpark, I was tired but buzzing in the best way. If you’re going, would you want to do the full walk like I did, or just catch the vibe at the park?
The Canal Parade
Okay, the Canal Parade is the crown jewel. There’s nothing else like it. Boats decked out in rainbow everything float by, each one blasting music, with people dancing, waving, throwing out energy like confetti. My biggest piece of advice? Get there early. People start lining the canals well before the first boat appears, and the best spots go fast. I staked out a seat and held onto it, and I was glad I did. Sitting there, music echoing across the water, strangers pressed shoulder to shoulder but smiling and dancing together—it was pure magic. Honestly, it was the moment I felt Amsterdam Pride in my bones. Do you picture yourself walking along the canal with the boats or sitting tight in one spot to soak it all in?
Street Parties You Can’t Miss
Amsterdam Pride isn’t just about the parade. The street parties are where you really get the full flavor, and I hit quite a few.
- Drag Olympics: This one is pure fun. Picture campy, over-the-top games, drag queens competing, and a crowd that’s 100% here for it. It’s hilarious, joyful, and so worth the stop.
- Reguliersdwarsstraat: This street is a Pride staple, packed with bars and a crowd that spills into the road. Music pumping, people dancing, and you can easily lose a few hours just hopping around here.
- Beursplein: Big square, big stage, big energy. If you’re in the mood for a more open-space vibe, this is your spot.
- Skip Café Reality Street Party: I tried this one, but it was way too overcrowded. Couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move, couldn’t enjoy. Save your time and energy for better stops.
Street parties are where I met the most people, too. Everyone’s friendly, everyone’s out to connect. The key is knowing where to go. Which do you think fits your vibe better: a busy street with bars, or a big open square?
How I Balanced It All
One thing about Pride week is it’s easy to overdo it. I learned quickly that you can’t do everything, especially as I was well into my 40s. Also post pandemic I was not able to comfortably walk the 20k steps daily like I used to and I learned quickly. That you don’t have to. I tried to pair a big daytime event with a more relaxed night, or a wild night with a quieter next morning. After the canal parade, for example, I didn’t run to another party. I just grabbed some food, and let it all soak in. Do you want me to help you map out your days so you’re not sprinting from one thing to the next?
What I’d Tell a Friend
A few things I’d pass along if you’re planning:
- Hydrate. It’s August, it’s crowded, you’re dancing, and you forget until it’s too late. Bring water.
- Arrive early for the canal parade and big parties. Especially if a good view is a premium or place to sit!
- Don’t force it. If a spot feels too crowded, leave. There’s always another party a short walk away.
- Take one quiet morning. Stroll a canal, grab coffee, shop a little, take in a Museum (I have 2 Suggestions) or just watch the city wake up. You’ll thank yourself
- Ride Shares: Amsterdam has an amazing public transportation system; but after a late night or long day grab a Bolt to your next stop or hotel. (Yes, Uber is available but their support of a certain administration means I will be using them sparingly)
Wrapping Up
Looking back, Amsterdam Pride was one of the most welcoming, high-energy, and affirming experiences I’ve had. It’s not perfect—there are crowded streets, long bathroom lines, and the occasional miss like Café Reality—but the joy outweighs all of that. For me, it was about the mix: marching for visibility, cheering by the canals, and then dancing in the streets. I left tired, happy, and with a phone full of new friends’ numbers.
So here’s my question for you: what kind of Pride trip do you want? Do you want to be up close at the canal parade? Dance all night at the block parties? Or balance it with quieter moments in the park or by the water? Once I know your vibe—plus things like budget, bedtime, and music taste—I can help you piece together a plan that actually feels like your Pride, not just the calendar’s.
