Pride parades worth traveling for aren’t just about celebration—they’re about connection, visibility, and joyful defiance. They’re a reason to plan an unforgettable trip with purpose. These destinations go all out, from full-week festivals to after-dark dance parties, with each city offering something unique. Whether you’re looking for iconic queer history, progressive energy, or simply the best parade vibes on the planet, this list has you covered. At Now Boarding Travel, we turn Pride into a seamless, elevated travel experience—with curated stays, insider tips, and access to moments you won’t find in a guidebook. These are the Pride parades worth traveling for if you’re ready to celebrate, explore, and travel better.
New York City
Pride as we know it began in New York. The city’s LGBTQ+ liberation movement was ignited in June 1969 during the Stonewall Uprising, when queer patrons—many of them trans women of color—stood up against police raids at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. The first Pride march took place one year later in 1970 and laid the foundation for a global movement. Today, NYC Pride remains a powerful tribute to that history, with events that honor both the struggle and the celebration of queer identity.
Stay: The Ludlow Hotel – Industrial-cool luxury in the Lower East Side with skyline views and serious Pride energy.
Don’t Miss: The iconic Pride March, Pride Island music festival, rooftop parties, and queer art events across the boroughs.
Madrid
Madrid’s Pride roots are deeply tied to Spain’s transition from dictatorship to democracy. Following the end of Franco’s regime in the late 1970s, LGBTQ+ activism gained momentum, especially in the Chueca district. Madrid’s first Pride demonstration was held in 1978, and over the decades, it evolved into one of the largest in Europe. Pride in Madrid is more than a party—it’s a reflection of hard-won rights and the country’s vibrant queer culture.
Stay: Only YOU Boutique Hotel – A bold, design-forward stay in the heart of Chueca, Madrid’s LGBTQ+ hub.
Don’t Miss: MADO (Madrid Orgullo) — Europe’s largest Pride festival, with concerts, parades, and non-stop celebrations.
Paris
Paris’s Pride movement, known as the Marche des Fiertés, was born out of the post-1968 activism that swept France, gaining momentum in the 1980s as LGBTQ+ visibility and HIV/AIDS advocacy grew. The first march was held in 1981, shortly after François Mitterrand’s election signaled greater openness. Today, the parade winds through historic streets and ends in the Marais, Paris’s queer epicenter, symbolizing both progress and resilience.
Stay: Kimpton St Honoré Paris – A fashion-forward sanctuary with rooftop views and art-deco Parisian flair.
Don’t Miss: Marche des Fiertés, France’s largest Pride march, winding through the streets of Paris, with events centered in the Marais district.
São Paulo
São Paulo’s Pride began in 1997 with a modest gathering of activists and allies—and has since grown into the largest Pride parade in the world. Held along Avenida Paulista, it’s a bold statement in a country where LGBTQ+ rights are still under pressure. The parade is both political and celebratory, advocating for equality while showcasing Brazil’s unmatched spirit and flair for celebration.
Stay: Hotel Unique – A sculptural landmark with bold design and one of the best rooftops in the city.
Don’t Miss: The São Paulo Pride Parade, the world’s largest, drawing over 3 million people each year for an epic celebration of visibility and joy.
Bonus: Toronto
Toronto’s Pride traces back to 1981, following the city’s infamous bathhouse raids, which sparked widespread protests and galvanized queer activism. What began as a small demonstration has evolved into one of North America’s most diverse and inclusive Pride festivals. From the Trans March to the Dyke March and a main parade that draws thousands, Toronto’s Pride honors both its activist past and its progressive future.
Stay: The Anndore House – Boutique charm with edgy design, local art, and easy access to Toronto’s creative core.
Don’t Miss: One of North America’s most inclusive Pride festivals, featuring the Trans March, Dyke March, main parade, and endless programming all month long.
Why travel for Pride?
Because the best celebrations deserve your best travel experience. These are the Pride parades worth traveling for if you want to go beyond the basics—immersing yourself in culture, celebration, and connection with a curated itinerary that feels like you. At Now Boarding Travel, we specialize in designing unforgettable trips with style, intention, and perks you won’t find online.
Now more than ever, celebrating who you are—and who you love—is both a joy and a powerful act of visibility. Pride is more than a parade; it’s a global expression of resilience, identity, and freedom. Whether you’re traveling to reconnect with community, experience a city’s queer culture, or simply celebrate in your own way, we’re here to make it seamless. At Now Boarding Travel, we curate elevated, inclusive experiences designed around you. Start planning your Pride-inspired getaway today and travel with confidence, comfort, and intention.