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6 Destinations to Celebrate Pride Worldwide

These international cities go all out to show support for the LGBTQ+ community this month and year-round

a person in a car sticking their hand out the window waving a rainbow flag at london pride in the united kingdom
Parades and festivals are held across the globe during Pride. London’s Pride parade (pictured) is June 29.
Getty Images
By

Christopher Hall and Jerry Nunn,

 
AARP
Published June 01, 2023
/ Updated June 03, 2024

Pride Month honors the June 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, where Stonewall Inn patrons clashed with police after a police raid, in a riot that lasted into the following week. The month creates awareness for the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning plus other sexual and gender minorities) community. The rainbow symbolizes the vast representation within this community and signals solidarity, as well as safety, for everyone.

The diversity of the community is easy to see while traveling to parades and festivals around the globe during Pride. Here are six great celebrations happening this month, with information on where to stay and what to do when you’re in town.

Keep in mind that safety is crucial to a great trip. On May 17, the U.S. Department of State issued a warning advising U.S. citizens traveling overseas for Pride to “exercise increased caution” because of the potential for terrorist violence at LGBTQ+ events. The FBI and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security also issued a public service announcement about an increased security threat against Pride celebrations in the U.S. The State Department recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program if traveling overseas and following the Department of State on X (formerly known as Twitter) and Facebook for updates.

a couple at pride in dublin ireland
Visitors are encouraged to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community at the Dublin Pride Parade on June 29.
Getty Images

Dublin

June 29

In 1983, approximately 900 people gathered here to march against injustices to the LGBTQ+ community for the first time. Last year, between 60,000 and 80,000 people took part in the Dublin Pride Parade. Set in the capital city of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin Pride has become the country’s second-largest festival, after St. Patrick’s Day. This year, the route runs along O’Connell Street to the Pride Village in Merrion Square. A separate party rocks the blocks around the National Museum of Ireland. An interesting fact: Ireland was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote, in 2015.

Stay: The centrally located Iveagh Garden Hotel is near Dublin’s lively nightlife scene, which can get loud on the weekends. The neighborhood is usually very quiet on an average day. Also consider Temple Bar Hotel and Academy Plaza Hotel.

people celebrating at the EuroPride Parade
Travelers can check out the EuroPride Parade on June 29 in Thessaloniki, Greece.
Helentak

EuroPride

June 21–29

The annual pan-European celebration with rotating host cities lands this year in Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece, which legalized same-sex marriage in February. About 50,000 visitors are expected to show up for EuroPride 2024. This year the theme is “Persevere, Progress and Prosper,” reflecting three pillars on which the movement is built.

Films, a human rights conference, walking and boat tours, culinary events, theatrical productions and concerts featuring Eurovision stars will take place along the picturesque seaside promenade and throughout the city. The events peak with the June 29 afternoon parade through the historic center, ending at the waterfront statue of Alexander the Great.

Stay: The 60-room ON Residence occupies an elegant and beautifully updated 1926 neoclassical mansion. The waterfront hotel is right on the parade route, with some rooms enjoying sea views. Also consider the Excelsior Hotel and the Makedonia Palace.

start of the march at world pride in toronto canada
Toronto hosts one of the largest Pride commemorations in North America.
Alamy

Toronto

June 28–30 

Toronto’s gay pride movement began in 1981 after a bathhouse raid. Today the city hosts one of the largest Pride commemorations in North America, with an estimated 30,000 marchers and 2 million spectators this year. The Pride Toronto Parade, the marquee event, takes place on Sunday, June 30. It starts at 2 p.m. at Bloor and Church streets and ends at Yonge-Dundas Square.

Throughout the weekend there’s a huge market with food, games, DJ parties, art shows and more in the Church-Wellesley Village. Musicians play in the area, and bars like Woody’s are usually filled to capacity.

Another reason to celebrate in Toronto: Canada has some of the most extensive LGBTQ+ rights in the world, and the Canadian Parliament has declared equal opportunity for all. 

Stay: Try the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. It’s artistic and modern and located in the city’s lively Yorkville neighborhood near shops, museums, theaters and restaurants. Also consider the Bisha Hotel Toronto and the Sutton Place Hotel Toronto. 

people with the chicago teachers union marching at chicago pride in illinois
The Chicago Pride Parade is scheduled for June 30.
Jerry Nunn

Chicago

June 22–30

There are a lot of events and celebrations in the Windy City. Chicago Pride Fest takes place over the weekend of June 22 and 23 in Chicago’s Northalsted neighborhood with vendor booths and outdoor concerts. The Chicago Pride Parade begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 30. The parade celebrates 53 years of support for the LGBTQ+ community and will run from Northalsted at the corner of West Sheridan and North Broadway before heading south and eventually ending in Lincoln Park.

A strong public transportation system makes parade viewing more manageable. Driving is not suggested, but early arrival is. Tip: Find a spot behind the barricade to set up seating and bring a rolling cooler to hydrate, if possible. While Halsted Street between Belmont and Addison is bound to be crowded, it should be easier to score a spot along Broadway from Belmont to Oakdale.

Stay: The Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace is within walking distance of cafés, restaurants, boutiques and nightspots and less than a 15-minute walk from the lake, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach and the nearest El train station. Also consider the Chicago Hotel Collection Wrigleyville and the Robey.

people holding hands and wearing pride flags at london pride in the united kingdom
London hosts the largest Pride march in the U.K.
Getty Images

London

June 29

The United Kingdom’s Pride in London summertime celebration is the most diverse and largest Pride march in the country. Last year’s parade featured more than 600 LGBT+ community groups and 30,000 registered marchers.

This year, the march begins at noon at Picadilly and ends at Westminster. Grandstand seating is limited, and seats are sold through OutSavvy.com (general admission tickets cost about $95). Make sure to get there before the parade begins to claim your seat; wheelchair access is next to the grandstand. You’ll find entertainment stages, food and more in several locations.

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Stay: The Pride of Paddington is a 12-room hotel with a historic full-service pub downstairs. It’s about a 45-minute walk through Hyde Park to the parade’s starting point. Also consider the Cumberland, London hotel and the Sanderson hotel.

a woman, her dog and others celebrate Pride Month in Mexico City
Many people (and pups) embrace the rainbow during Pride celebrations in Mexico City.
Mariana Gutierrez/Getty Images

Mexico City

June 26–July 1

In 1979, Mexico City’s first Pride parade was largely a political protest against government repression. The capital of Mexico now hosts one of Latin America’s largest Pride celebrations, drawing more than 1 million people to the city at the end of June. Note: In addition to heeding the State Department travel advisory for Pride events, travelers to Mexico City should “exercise increased caution” because of crime.

This year, events are capped by the Marcha del Orgullo LGBT de la Ciudad de México, a massive parade on June 29. It begins at 10 a.m. at the Angel of Independence column and ends in the Zócalo, the city’s iconic central square, with speeches and an after-party with stage shows and live music lasting well into the night. 

Stay: The Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel fronts the plaza where the parade begins. A few minutes’ stroll leads to the heart of the Zona Rosa, a premier gay neighborhood, and options for shopping, dining and nightlife. Also consider the Umbral, Curio Collection by Hilton and the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on June 1, 2023. It has been updated to reflect new information.

San Francisco journalist Christopher Hall has covered cultural topics for a wide variety of national publications, including Smithsonian, Architectural Digest, National Geographic Traveler, Saveur and The New York Times.

Jerry Nunn is a Chicago-based writer and photographer with over 20 years of experience.

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