The best places to celebrate Pride

27 May 2025

Pride events around the world are vibrant expressions of love, inclusivity, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. From grand parades to poignant vigils, these celebrations draw millions of participants, each contributing to a global chorus of equality and acceptance. Here, we explore some of the most iconic Pride events on the planet, each offering unique experiences and unforgettable moments.

Amsterdam: A weekend celebration on the canals

Amsterdam's Pride stands out with its iconic Canal Parade, a dazzling spectacle where more than 80 boats traverse the city's picturesque waterways. This event attracts thousands of visitors, transforming Amsterdam into a hub of celebration and solidarity. It's an incredible event that beautifully showcases the spirit of Pride and the unique charm of Amsterdam.

New York: Birthplace of the Pride movement

The first Gay Pride Liberation March took place in Manhattan in 1970 to mark the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history. Today, New York's Pride is the largest in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The parade marches through lower Manhattan, along Fifth Avenue, passing the historic Stonewall National Monument. It's a powerful display of unity and progress, a testament to the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

São Paulo: A record-breaking event

This vibrant city's Pride celebration is renowned as the largest LGBTQ+ event globally, an accolade recognised by the Guinness World Records. Festivities begin three weeks before the main parade, with events and celebrations taking place across the whole city. In 2006, over two and a half million people participated in the parade, showcasing the monumental scale of this celebration. It's is a huge and joyous event that underscores the city's commitment to inclusivity and equality.

Sydney: A dazzling celebration

Celebrate in the sun at Sydney's Mardi Gras festival, the premier pride event in Oceania, which lights up the city with a radiant array of celebrations. The iconic Mardi Gras Parade is the centrepiece, but the festivities extend far beyond that. Highlights include the lively Bondi Drag Race and the fun-filled Fair Day, both showcasing joy and unity.

Manchester: Home of Travel Counsellors

This much-loved city hosts an incredible Pride Festival every year over the Bank Holiday weekend. Canal Street and the Gay Village become the heart of this joyous event, with pop-up stages featuring incredible acts throughout the area. Amidst the lively festivities, the candlelit vigil provides a poignant moment of reflection, honouring the journey and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community.

To book your next trip, speak to your dedicated Travel Counsellor today and travel with pride.

5 standout destinations for summer 2026

20 March 2026

Summer 2026 is shaping up to be a season where travellers are mixing the familiar with the less obvious. The big names are still popular for a reason: they’re easy to reach, reliable in terms of weather, and offer plenty to do. But there’s also a growing shift towards destinations that feel a bit more manageable in peak season, whether that’s smaller islands, lesser-known coastal towns, or places that reward a slower pace. With short-haul travel across Europe continuing to expand, it’s easier than ever to combine both. Below are five destinations to have on your radar: two well-known favourites, and three that offer something slightly different without taking you too far out of your comfort zone.

5 European villa escapes with Oliver’s Travels

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A villa holiday offers a level of space and flexibility that’s hard to find in a hotel. Instead of shared facilities and fixed schedules, you have your own place to relax, cook, and spend time together, whether that’s around the pool, on a terrace at sunset, or over a long dinner outside. Oliver's Travels specialises in handpicked villas across Europe, with properties ranging from stylish coastal homes to restored country estates. Many sleep anywhere from six to 14 guests or more, making them ideal for families or groups travelling together, and your Travel Counsellor can find the best one for you and your needs.

How to spend 48 hours in Copenhagen

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Denmark’s capital is a city that’s easy to settle into quickly. Much of the centre can be explored on foot, the harbour is never far away, and the food and bar scene makes it easy to plan your day around where to eat next. In two days, you can cover the highlights while still leaving time to enjoy the restaurants, bars, and local experiences that make the city such a good choice for a short break.