With an estimated one in 10 people around the world identifying as LGBTQ+, there are many destinations for LGBTQ+ community members and allies to celebrate Pride, from New York to Taipei.
Pride flag at Pride Parade. William Murphy. CC BY-SA 2.0
The first official Pride parades in 1970 commemorated the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. On June 28, 1969, the New York City police raided LGBTQ+ safe space the Stonewall Inn. Six days of protests, where thousands denounced the treatment of the LGBTQ+ community, followed the raid. Since the first series of Pride parades sprang up across the United States in the 1970s, Pride celebrations have spread to every continent, including Antarctica.
1. Berlin, Germany
Partygoers at a Pride Parade in Berlin, Germany. David J. CC BY 2.0
Sometimes referred to as “the capital of the rainbow,” Berlin is among the most popular LGBTQ+ travel destinations and boasts many Pride events. To celebrate in 2025, various events will be held around the city from June 27 to July 26, including the two-day Lesbian and Gay City Festival — the largest LGBTQ+ street festival in Europe. The celebrations will close with Christopher Street Day, named after the New York street home to the Stonewall Inn. Drawing hundreds of thousands of people, Berlin’s Pride events are vibrant and full of music and performances.
The epicenter of Berlin’s Pride celebrations can be found around Nollendorfplatz Street in Schoneberg. Filled with memorials to LGBTQ+ martyrs and icons, travelers can immerse themselves in Germany’s LGBTQ+ history. Beyond the Pride festivities, visitors can enjoy events and workshops at the Gay Museum or explore nightlife in Berlin’s array of clubs and bars.
2. Cape Town, South Africa
Pride Parade float in Cape Town, South Africa. richie rocket. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
As one of the most welcoming countries for LGBTQ+ travelers in Africa, South Africa is home to a variety of Pride parades and events. Cape Town’s 2025 Pride events took place at the end of South Africa’s summer, between February 6 and March 2, offering travelers the opportunity to celebrate Pride with many unique activities.
From drag brunches to the Pets for Pride Promenade Walk, travelers had many events to choose from beyond the parade itself. Following the Pride Parade on March 1, attendees were able to keep the celebration going with the Pride Mardi Gras, featuring performances from drag performers, musicians and DJs. With this year’s events already in the rearview, you can expect to see the 2026 dates fall around the same time of year. Cape Town’s Pride celebrations offer travelers the chance to celebrate before most other cities begin their own events.
3. London, UK
A participant in the London Pride Parade. Adrian Snood. CC BY-NC 2.0
Travelers can experience the U.K.’s biggest and most diverse Pride celebration in London. Since their first Pride Parade in 1972, London’s Pride has grown to be one of the largest Pride events in the world.
Throughout June, explorers can experience everything from exhibitions to cabaret shows at the Pride Festival. The 2025 Pride in London Parade will take place on July 5, where attendees can cheer for hundreds of LGBTQ+ community groups, non-profits and businesses as they make their way through the streets.
4. Montevideo, Uruguay
Pride festivities in Montevideo, Uruguay. Montecruz Foto. CC BY-SA 2.0
Often rated as one of the most “gay-friendly” cities in the world, the largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations can be found all across Montevideo, where tens of thousands flock to the annual events. Montevideo Pride began in the 1990s and will be celebrated in 2025 on September 26. Locally, the parade is referred to as the “Marcha por la Diversidad.”
LGBTQ+-friendly activities in Montevideo span well beyond official Pride events. In Montevideo, travelers have many LGBTQ+ destinations at their fingertips, including LGBTQ+ bars and clubs like the Chains Pub and the Cain Dance Club. Curious explorers also have access to over 40 exhibitions and museums where they can delve further into the city's history and culture.
5. New York, U.S.A
Pride Parade in New York City. DVSROSS. CC BY 2.0
As the birthplace of Pride, New York City is an iconic destination to enjoy Pride festivities. Throughout the month of June, a host of events, parties and demonstrations will take place under the theme “Rise Up: Pride in Protest.” On June 29, the streets of Manhattan will be filled with rainbows as the Pride March closes out the month.
The Pride March is accompanied by PrideFest, a street fair where attendees can engage in games and other activities while supporting local business owners. At specialized events such asBliss Days, which celebrate LGBTQ+ women, participants can enjoy live music from DJs and dance performances.
6. San Francisco, U.S.A
Decorations for Pride, San Francisco. Lindsey Rodgers. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Pride has been celebrated in San Francisco for 55 years. Since then, the entire month of June has become full of Pride celebrations and events. This year’s celebrations will commence with the Kickoff Party on June 18, which will take place at the Tenderloin Museum. San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood has a rich LGBTQ+ history, and is still considered a haven for queer youth in the city.
Those interested in human rights and international politics can learn from experts at San Francisco Pride’s third annual Human Rights Summit on June 26th. San Francisco's Pride month then comes to a close on June 29 with the Pride Parade.
7. Taipei, Taiwan
Pride Parade in Taipei, Taiwan. Ironypoisoning. CC BY-SA 2.0
Every year, on the last weekend of October, the Taiwan Rainbow Civil Action Organization organizes the largest LGBTQ+ Pride in East Asia. Taipei is an ideal destination to embrace Pride in Taiwan, with nearly 200,000 people partaking in Taipei’s Pride in 2023.
A part of the Pride festivities includes the Taipei Rainbow Festival — held from October 24 to 26 in 2025 — where people can support LGBTQ+-friendly artists and local brands. Accompanying the booths, visitors can enjoy live musical performances by LGBTQ+ performers and DJs. On October 25, thousands will line Taipei’s streets for their annual Pride Parade. Besides the lively Pride celebrations, Taipei boasts natural and architectural wonders, from the Yangmingshan National Park to the Longshan Temple.
8. Sao Paulo, Brazil
A banner in the Sao Paulo, Brazil Pride Parade. Mídia NINJA. CC BY-NC 2.0
From June 19 to 22, Sao Paulo will come to life with Pride celebrations for 2025. Beginning with the Studio 40 Festa kickoff party and ending with its Pride Parade, the Pride weekend is full of alluring activities for travelers and locals alike.
With nearly 20 floats carrying dozens of performing artists and electronic music filling Paulista Avenue, Sao Paulo’s Pride Parade draws visitors from around the world. During the city's 27th Pride celebration in 2023, over three million people took to the streets for its Pride Parade, making it the largest Pride parade in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
Madison Paulus
Madison is a student at George Washington University studying international affairs, journalism, mass communication, and Arabic. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Madison grew up in a creative, open-minded environment. With passions for human rights and social justice, Madison uses her writing skills to educate and advocate. In the future, Madison hopes to pursue a career in science communication or travel journalism.