Amsterdam has long stood as one of the world’s beacons of freedom, inclusivity, and creative expression. This summer, the city steps into the global spotlight once again as it hosts WorldPride 2026, the world’s most iconic LGBTQIA+ celebration. Fittingly, this marks a first visit to Amsterdam exactly 25 years after the Netherlands became the first country to legalise same-sex marriage, with the celebrations unfolding as a joyful, community-filled fortnight and extending throughout the summer. At the centre of the city lies Pulitzer Amsterdam, spanning twenty-five restored 17th and 18th-century canal houses on the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht. The hotel offers an unrivalled base in the UNESCO-listed historic centre, allowing guests to jump into the parade routes, exhibition spaces, concert venues, and vibrant street parties at a moment’s notice.
What to See & Do
WorldPride 2026 promises to transform Amsterdam into a city-wide celebration, with events ranging from intimate cultural exhibitions to sun-soaked outdoor concerts. The must-see programme begins ahead of the official kick off, with Queer Amsterdam – The Pink City (9 July – 8 August), a major exhibition at the Rijksmuseum charting the history of Amsterdam’s LGBTQIA+ community and the city’s deep-rooted queer identity. Complementing this, The LGBT History Tour of Amsterdam (23 – 31 July) offers a guided journey through landmark locations and untold stories that have made Amsterdam the inclusive capital it is today.
WorldPride itself begins on 25 July, with the Pride March weaving through the city. Beyond Vondelpark, the energy on the streets reaches continues to rise with the beloved Milkshake Festival (25 – 26 July) bringing together music, drag, and performance art in an exhilarating celebration of freedom of expression, whilst the more relaxing Open Air Film Festival (29 – 30 July) transforms Amsterdam’s open spaces into an outdoor cinema under the summer sky, showcasing inspiring queer storytelling and films. That same day, the Queer Nature Photography Awards (29 July) opens discussions surrounding the intersection of nature and queerness through the lens of wildlife photography. Meanwhile, outside of the official celebrations, street parties fill every nook and cranny of the city with music, dancing, and an electric community spirit.
The final days of July mark the crescendo of the celebrations as the WorldPride Music Festival (31 July–1 August) brings global headliners, world-class DJs, and unforgettable performances with previous performers including the likes of Paris Hilton, Troye Sivan, and Zedd. Then comes the crown jewel of WorldPride, the Canal Parade (1 August), Amsterdam’s iconic floating Pride parade, where saloon boats sail through, and Pulitzer’s canal-side location makes it one of the finest vantage points in the city. Finally, the first week of August brings further unmissable moments at Museumplein from the The Unity Concert (4 August) to The Wedding Party XXL, celebrating the 25-year anniversary of nuptials.
WorldPride reaches its conclusion on 8 August with the Closing Concert, a grand musical finale bringing two historic weeks to a close. For those wishing to carry the spirit of Pride into the night, Tropikali By Night at the legendary Paradiso offers a high-energy afterparty blending global sounds and the best of afterparty magic, a perfect closing chapter to an unforgettable summer in Amsterdam.
Where to Stay
Centrally positioned for guests to step out each morning into the heart of WorldPride’s festivities, Pulitzer Amsterdam’s 223 rooms and suites blend modern and traditional influences with Dutch spirit and celebratory welcome drink. The hotel sits on the Prinsengracht canal parade route just steps from the former COC office on Rozenstraat, placing guests at the very heart of the city’s LGBTQIA+ history.
To mark the occasion, the hotel has curated a series of exclusive experiences for guests. Those booking a room can receive complimentary tickets to Queer Amsterdam – The Pink City at the Rijksmuseum, with private guided tours also available. Through the concierge team, guests can book a queer history walking tour developed by Pulitzer’s own certified city guide Daan van de Kamp, tracing Amsterdam’s LGBTQIA+ legacy through landmarks on the hotel’s doorstep, including Homomonument, Westermarkt, the canal district and other key sites connected to queer activism, culture and community life.
To recover from the festivities, guests can nurse sore heads with hearty brunches in the sun-soaked Pulitzer Garden or find moments of calm at The Beauty House, Pulitzer’s micro-wellness retreat, in partnership with 111Skin and Chāmpo, offering everything from aromatherapy massages and reflexology to cryotherapy and non-surgical facelifts.
Where to Eat & Drink
After a day of celebration, Pulitzer Amsterdam’s dining destinations offer the ideal setting to relax and reflect. Jansz., the hotel’s elegant restaurant, offers refined flavours and seasonal creativity with windows to the parade filled streets. Meanwhile, further down the menu highlights include the Lobster Bisque, Yellowtail Crudo, and Raspberry Sundae
As evening falls, Pulitzer’s Bar, an intimate Art Deco-style space beloved by locals and visitors alike invites couples to raise a glass to love and liberty. Order one of the bar’s signature cocktails, including the Oh! Rosa or Cuir Noir, and toast to one of Amsterdam’s most inclusive and celebratory summers.
