Pride festivals in Europe are among the best in the world, though true acceptance requires more than a parade. The best LGBTQ+ destinations in Europe foster diverse communities where visitors, residents, and allies can all feel safe in their own skin.
European society is increasingly welcoming, accepting, and advocating for the members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community.
While each country has its own history of inequality to reconcile with, many nations across the continent are making great political and practical strides to foster safe spaces for both locals and international visitors.
From big cities with thriving LGBTQ+ districts to small progressive countries that lead the world in gay rights, the best LGBTQ+ destinations in Europe are more accessible than you realize.
Image Credit: Getty Images, coldsnowstorm. Image Location: London, UK
London Pride, UK
Pride parade date: June 29, 2024
For many years, Britain was ranked as one of the friendliest places in Europe for the LGBTQ+ community, according to the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map. Though its ranking may have slipped in recent years, the UK still strongly celebrates its growing LGBTQ+ community throughout the year, particularly during Pride.
Pride in London continues to be the largest and most diverse Pride event in the United Kingdom. A half-century old, this summer festival and parade will take place on June 29, 2024, followed by over 40 community events throughout the month.
Related: London 3-day itinerary for exploring the UK capital
Edinburgh Pride, UK
Pride parade date: June 22, 2024
As Scotland’s longest-running celebration of diversity, Edinburgh Pride 2024 turns the Royal Mile into the Rainbow Mile. Free entry to the festival gets you to the front of the stage where Atomic Kitten, Kelli-Leigh, Amelia Lily, Kitty Scott-Claus, and others are performing. If this is your first time visiting Edinburgh, the parade route is a fantastic way to make new friends while seeing the capital from the Scottish Parliament Building through the Old Town to the University of Edinburgh.
Can we get you to Edinburgh Pride 2024 by train? You bet we can. As proud official sponsors of Edinburgh Pride, we’ll be riding the rails and marching in the parade right beside you.
Related: What to do in Edinburgh Scotland, rain or shine
Brighton Pride, UK
Pride dates: Aug. 2-5, 2024
While Pride in London is the largest, Brighton & Hove Pride comes hot on its heels as the most popular. Taking place between Aug. 2 and 5, when the capital’s celebrations cease, Brighton & Hove Pride showcases over 170 artists across 12 stages for every member of the rainbow family. The FABULOSO 2024 lineup features Mika and Girls Aloud headlining, with Billy Porter, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, S Club, and Gabrielle also performing.
Image Credit: Getty Images, VictorHuang. Image Location: Bristol, UK
Bristol Pride, UK
Pride dates: June 29 - July 14, 2024
Don’t wait to buy your wristband for Bristol Pride 2024. The Pride Bingo Boat Party and the LGBTQ+ Bristol History Boat Tour are already sold out. The Pioneers of Pride Kiki Ball, Pride Night Circus, and Grrrl Crush Official Afterparty are also expected to sell out quickly. If you miss out, don’t fret: from Queer Dating, film screenings, and game nights to plays, assembly nights, and a Trans Pride Picnic at Castle Park, there’s plenty to see, do, and experience at Bristol Pride 2024.
Manchester Pride, UK
Pride dates: Aug. 23-26, 2024
Manchester Pride dates back to 1985, but the first official parade was in 1991. Join thousands of LGBTQ+ people and allies during the biggest annual parade the city sees, then attend a somber candlelit vigil in remembrance of those lost to HIV. No matter which day you attend, make sure you spend time dancing at the Gay Village Party where Rita Ora, Jessie J, Sugababes, Jsky, Danny Beard, and Banksie are performing.
Related: Manchester travel guide: the best things to do and see
Madrid Pride, Spain
Pride dates: June 28 - July 7, 2024
LGBTQ+ and Spain go hand-in-hand. While acceptance may vary in smaller villages and towns, the majority of Spain’s cities are very open-minded and accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. For instant proof, look no farther than Madrid Orgullo (MADO), one of the world’s largest Pride festivals. Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia, and Torremolinos are also great examples of this country’s capacity for love without judgment.
Related: How to travel around Spain by train and without a car
Image Credit: Getty Images, fhm. Image Location: Berlin, Germany
Berlin Pride, Germany
Pride dates: June 28 - July 28, 2024
If you’re not familiar with Berlin Pride 2024, also known as Christopher Street Day Berlin (CSD Berlin), now’s a great time to get acquainted with the 46th annual festival. A host of unique events will take place, including a queer work festival, dinner shows, podcasts, comedy shows, bike tours, drag festivals, and panel discussions.
The two official parties for Berlin Pride 2024 are the House of Pride, which takes place across seven indoor and outdoor areas between Ritter Butzke and Kreuzwerk & Höfe, and The Official CSD FLINTA Party Hosted by Girls Town featuring six different DJs and musicians, three indoor/outdoor floors of fun, and a BBQ pool party – so bring your swimsuit.
Related: The best LGBTQ+ bars in Berlin
Amsterdam Pride, Netherlands
Pride dates: July 27 - Aug. 4, 2024
Over 300 events across nine days will make the Amsterdam Pride Festival’s 27th year the best yet. You’ll want to visit during both weekends: the street parade is on July 27, and 80 boats will take the celebration topside for the Canal Parade the following weekend.
Is there any cooler way to experience the Canal Parade than from a boat? We don’t think so. If you happen to be steering your ship into Amsterdam for Pride 2024, then make sure you buy a personalized Pride Vignette ticket that secures your spot on the water.
Related: How to visit Amsterdam on a budget
Stockholm Pride, Sweden
Pride dates: July 29 – Aug. 3, 2024
Swedish society has a great reputation around the world for the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community. Considered a “free zone” where you can walk down the street as you are with whomever you love, Sweden hosts more Pride festivals per capita each year than the rest of the globe. This progressive nation’s cities lack strictly “gay” parts of town and instead invite travelers to be themselves everywhere they visit.
Related: The best bars in Stockholm
Image Credit: Getty Images, Dado Daniela. Image Location: Marsaxlokk, Malta
Malta Pride, Valletta
Pride dates: Sept. 6-15, 2024
Valletta may not be in the same conversation as Berlin and Madrid when it comes to well-known gay-friendly cities in Europe, but since hosting EuroPride in 2023, Valletta is becoming more famous for its LGBTQ+ community.
Malta is one of the most progressive countries on the planet in terms of gay and transgender rights, including being the first European country to ban gay conversion therapy. While we can’t get you to this island nation by train, we can send you on a coach to the nearest European airport where you can fly to Malta for an island getaway during your mainland vacation.
EuroPride 2024, Thessaloniki, Greece
EuroPride dates: June 21-29, 2024
This year’s EuroPride is getting a tan in Thessaloniki, Greece. This marks the first EuroPride event in Greece, which is a huge win for the Greek LGBTQ+ community and allies. It’s been a long time coming: Thessaloniki won the honor in 2017, but their original 2020 hosting date was canceled due to the pandemic. This year’s theme is “Persevere – Progress – Prosper,” and the event will feature a parade, human rights conference, concerts, and film screenings.
Image Credit: Getty Images, paul mansfield photography
List of Pride parades in the UK and Europe
| Location | 2024 parade date | Where’s the party? | Closest station |
| Rome, Italy | June 15 | Piazza della Madonna di Loreto | Roma Termini |
| Zürich, Switzerland | June 15 | Sechseläutenplatz and Stadthausanlage | Zürich Stadelhofen |
| Cologne, Germany | June 21 | Old City district | Breslauer Platz |
| Edinburgh, UK | June 22 | The Pride Edinburgh Festival Village in the EUSA Complex | Edinburgh Waverley |
| London, UK | June 29 | Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Dean Street, Soho Square, Golden Square, Victoria Embankment Gardens |
Charing Cross (National Rail and Tube) Leicester Square (Tube) Tottenham Court Road (Tube) Embankment (Tube) Piccadilly Circus (Tube) |
| Madrid, Spain | July 6 | Plaza de España | Sol (Metro) |
| Bristol, UK | July 13 | The Downs | Bristol Temple Meads |
| Barcelona, Spain | July 20 | Plaza España | Espanya (Metro) |
| Isle of Wight, UK | July 20 | Ryde Beach | Ryde Esplanade |
| Berlin, Germany | July 27 | Kurfürstendamm | Zoologischer Garten |
| Liverpool, UK | July 27 | Tithebarn Street | Moorfields (Merseyrail) |
| Paris, France | July 29 | Place de la République (sometimes at Place de la Bastille, depending on the route) |
République (Métro) Bastille (Métro) |
| Stockholm, Sweden | August 3 | Pride Park, Östermalms IP | Tekniska högskolan (Metro) |
| Hamburg, Germany | August 3 | Lange Reihe, St. Georg | Hamburg Hbf |
| Amsterdam, Netherlands | August 3 | Dam Square | Amsterdam Centraal |
| Manchester, UK | August 24 | Canal Street | Manchester Piccadilly |
FAQs for LGBTQ+ travelers in Europe
Are there many gay-friendly cities in Europe?
Yes, dozens of cities across Europe not only welcome LGBTQ+ visitors but also have thriving communities of locals and allies. Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Ghent each have substantial gay scenes that “talk the talk” with LGBTQ+-focused establishments and “walk the walk” with community advocacy programs and initiatives.
Where is the biggest Pride in Europe?
Madrid Pride, also known as Madrid Orgullo (MADO), is the biggest Pride parade in Europe, drawing one of the largest crowds in the world during its week of festivities. The huge Madrid Pride Parade takes place on the first Saturday of July, stretching from the lovely Atocha train station to Plaza de Colón.
What are the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in Italy?
Milan considers itself the “gay capital,” but it’s far from the only gay-friendly city in Italy. Florence has been a very inclusive city for centuries, and Rome also has a strong and accepted LGBTQ+ presence, despite the Vatican being nearby.
Is it safe to take overnight trains as an LGBTQ+ traveler?
Yes, many overnight trains throughout Europe are safe for travelers, no matter their sexual preference or gender identity. However, all travelers should take certain precautions, especially when traveling alone or with a partner. Keep your valuables with you at all times, don’t wait around an empty train platform alone before your train arrives, and consider booking a private sleeper car.
Need help navigating your trip to one of Europe’s best Pride festivals? We can help. Download the Trainline app and get assistance from our team whenever you need it.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Longfin Media