Introduction to Gay Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and capital of the Netherlands, with an urban population of over one million and a metropolitan population of around two million.
The city is renowned as the “Venice of the North” due to its historic canals that cross the city, its remarkable architecture, and more than 1,500 bridges. More importantly, there is something for every kind of traveler here, whether you like culture and history, heavy partying, or the cozy charm of an old European city.
Finally, Amsterdam has been a center of gay culture and travel in Europe for a long time, boasting some of the best gay clubs, bars, and hotels in the world. It is rich in cultural heritage that is waiting to be explored.
Firstly, we will share with you some basic information about Gay Amsterdam, like how to get there and how to move around. Then, we will focus on the most famous gay areas in the city and where to stay. At the end, we will reveal to you some of the most famous gay clubs, events, saunas, etc, and, of course, some practical tips as well.
©Jan de Ridder
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General Tips
Most importantly, Amsterdam is a city that stands out for its advanced views on LGBTQ+ rights. Not surprisingly, the Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Additionally, the city is known for its liberal attitudes toward prostitution and marijuana. Consequently, you can legally purchase and consume marijuana in coffee shops throughout the city, including The Otherside Coffeeshop, a popular spot within the LGBTQ+ community.
You can enter the Netherlands without a visa if you’re a traveler from within the European Union. However, suppose you’re from a country outside the EU. In that case, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen Visa, which allows you to travel throughout the Schengen region. Make sure to check the visa requirements for your country before traveling.
The currency used in the Netherlands is the euro. There are countless places around the city to exchange money. However, the post offices usually offer the best rates. Nevertheless, you won’t need to exchange money if you have an ATM card, as debit cards are widely accepted everywhere.
Amsterdam Gay Scene
Amsterdam is known as one of the gay capitals of Europe. That’s why it is a popular tourist destination for the LGBT community. The city has a vibrant LGBT community with many gay-friendly hotels, nightclubs, and cafes. Furthermore, Amsterdam has a few gay areas with diverse bars and clubs to cater to all tastes. Additionally, the city hosts annual gay events, including Amsterdam Gay Pride and Leather Pride Weekend.
Pink Point
If you are a visitor looking for the latest information on the Amsterdam gay scene, you can head to the Pink Point. It is close to the Anne Frank House at Westerkerk and provides an excellent scene overview. The friendly staff at this gay tourist information stand are always ready to help you with maps, club night listings, and insider advice. Furthermore, The Pink Point is open daily from 10:30 to 18:00, and you can reach it via email at pinkpointamsterdam@gmail.com.
Getting to Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport is located 15 km southwest of the city and is served by major carriers worldwide. To avoid any inconvenience, arriving at least two hours before departure is recommended, as Schiphol is a large airport.
The best and most convenient way to reach Amsterdam from the airport is by taking a direct train to Central Station. Trains run frequently, with 4-5 trains per hour during peak times. Even at night, trains run once an hour between 1 am and 5 am. You can book one-way tickets in advance for €9.50, and the journey time is around 20 minutes.
Another option would be to take the local bus 197. It takes about 30 minutes and heads directly to the southwest of the city center. A one-way ticket costs €5. However, it is not recommended to take a taxi as it is costly.
If you have heavy luggage and are looking for a cheaper option than a taxi, the shared Connexxion Hotel Shuttle is the way to go. It serves over 100 city center hotels and runs every half hour between 6 am and 9 pm. The rates start at €17.
Public transport in Amsterdam is efficient and easy to use. So, if you’re flying in, you will arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. After that, you should catch the train at Schiphol to travel directly to Amsterdam Central Station, which takes only 15 minutes. From there, you can quickly transfer lines or walk to your hotel or accommodation, depending on where you’re staying. And most importantly, the one-way train ride costs only about €6.
Note: For more information on how to get to or move around the city, please read our Amsterdam transportation guide. Furthermore, We recommend using Omio to find some valuable transportation deals. However, for valuable flight deals, we suggest using Skyscanner.
Getting around Amsterdam
Public transport in Amsterdam includes trams, buses, and metros. Visitors can buy a one-hour or Day day. You can purchase One-hour tickets on trams and buses. However, you can buy day tickets in advance or on trams. Furthermore, Amsterdam’s center is small, so walking is possible. Other options include the tram, metro, bus, boat, bike, taxi or tuk-tuk.
Note: For more information on how to get to or move around the city, please read our Amsterdam transportation guide. Furthermore, We recommend using Omio to find some valuable transportation deals. However, for valuable flight deals, we suggest using Skyscanner.
Redlight district in Amsterdam
©sborisov/iStock
Things to do in Amsterdam
There are countless options when it comes to things to do in Amsterdam. However, the most worthwhile attractions are included in the list below.
Note: If you’d like to learn more about Amsterdam attractions, please read our article.
Sex Museum
The Sex Museum has existed for over 20 years and has amassed a vast collection of fascinating art pieces, unique objects, and rare old photographs. However, the museum refrains from exhibiting explicit pornography and presents its collection in an organized and stimulating manner.
The Anne Frank House
It is a writer’s house and biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. Furthermore, it is the place where Anne Frank and her family lived and hid during the 2nd World War. So, this museum is home to a permanent exhibition of the life in times of Anne Frank. It also preserves the hiding place and has an exhibition space that addresses all forms of persecution and discrimination.
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Canal Cruise
Experience the beauty of Amsterdam at night on a 1.5-hour canal cruise. As you sail through the historic city center, you will see iconic landmarks like the Skinny Bridge, Golden Bend, and many more. Admire the illuminated merchant houses and get to know the local hotspots.
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Red Light District
This area offers a range of attractions, from brothels and sex shops to museums. More importantly, despite its reputation, the atmosphere here is generally friendly.
Note: If you want to learn more about Amsterdam’s top attractions, please read our article.
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Day Trips from Amsterdam
Here, we have listed a few of the most popular one-day trips from gay Amsterdam. However, if you want to learn more about the best one-day trips from the city, we recommend reading our related article.
Rotterdam
This second-biggest town in the Netherlands is one hour south of Amsterdam and two hours north of Brussels. It is the second-largest city in the Netherlands. It is a modern and diverse city that may not fit the typical image of a major European city. Rotterdam’s attractions are not in history, unlike many other European cities, and its architecture is not old. However, this unique contrast is what sets Rotterdam apart.
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Bruges
Firstly, the city of Bruges owes its name to the many bridges you will find there. Secondly, it was declared a World Heritage City in 2000. It is also known as the Venice of the North. More importantly, it has a superb Medieval architectural legacy, which you can appreciate as you walk through the city.
Note: If you want to learn more about the best one-day trips from Amsterdam, we suggest reading our related article.
Amsterdam Gay Districts
What are the most famous gay neighborhoods in the city? Firstly, Amsterdam’s LGBTQ communities and nightlife all around the city. However, the bars and clubs are concentrated along Warmoesstraat, Reguliersdwarsstraat, Amstel, and Kerkstraat. These four streets make up the central gay districts in Amsterdam. Along with nightlife, you’ll also find gay-owned and gay-friendly shops, restaurants, and cafes in these areas and a high density of gay locals.
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Reguliersdwarsstraat
Amsterdam is a top gay destination in Europe, renowned for its open-mindedness and vibrant party scene. Reguliersdwarsstraat, located in the old city center, offers several gay-friendly venues, including SoHo and NYX, a three-level complex that hosts DJs and performances of all musical genres.
Warmoesstraat + Zeedijk
Zeedijk and Warmoesstraat are where you’ll find the finest parties in Amsterdam. Zeedijk sits at the edge of the city’s famous Red Light District and holds historic importance for its LGBTQ community. Warmoesstraat is more relaxed than Zeedjik and is home to Amsterdam’s leather scene.
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Amstel
AroundAmsterdam’ser, you’ll find a buzzing, vibrant gay district packed with traditional Dutch bars and historic queer establishments. You might also encounter pop-up performances. The area offers prime viewing spots during Amsterdam Pride celebrations.
Accommodation in Gay Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a vast range of accommodations to suit every kind of taste. The city is home to several gay-owned and focused hotels and guesthouses. These venues tend to be in gay districts such as Reguliersdwarsstraat and Zeedijk. A couple of the best hotels in the heart of Amsterdam’s gay districts are Hotel Atlanta Amsterdam and The Albus.
Due to anti-discrimination laws and the city’s liberal views, one can expect most hotels to be gay-friendly, meaning staff are obliged to treat all guests the same regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
One of the most popular gay-friendly hotels in the city is Eden Amsterdam. Housed in a medieval building overlooking the Amstel River, Eden is ideally close to many of Amsterdam’s top gay bars and clubs, most of which can be reached quickly on foot. The hotel boasts comfortable and well-furnished rooms, and guests can enjoy the in-house bar and restaurant.
There are hotel options for gay travelers on all budgets, and for a list of some of the best hotels in Amsterdam for gay travelers, please visit the Booking.com selection.
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Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
Firstly, this 5-star hotel is ideally located in the heart of Amsterdam and offers a luxurious, unique historical ambiance with a blend of Dutch history and elegant contemporary French design. It also features a top-level restaurant, various bars, and a spa with an indoor pool.
Note: If you are interested in this hotel, we suggest visiting Booking.com.
The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam
It is a hotel that offers distinctive rooms in a renovated historic building. It takes just 10 minutes by tram to reach Amsterdam Central Station. The iconic Lloyd Hotel provides spacious rooms in various shapes and sizes; every room is unique. The hotel offers bicycle rentals for guests who want to explore Amsterdam and a packed lunch if you go on the trip.
Note: If you are interested in this hotel, we suggest visiting Booking.com.
NH Amsterdam Noord
You can find this hotel in the museum and fashion district, making it a perfect choice for those who want to combine leisure activities with easy access to the city’s top attractions. The hotel offers a range of elegant rooms and excellent amenities, including a fitness center, sauna, and steam bath. Additionally, guests can enjoy a drink or two at the Bar & Kitchen Copper located on the premises.
Note: If you are interested in this hotel, we suggest visiting Booking.com.
Quentin Golden Bear Hotel
This hotel has a rich gay history and was previously an LGBT-owned property. Although it is now simply gay-friendly, it is still a popular choice for the LGBT community. The hotel is located in the heart of Amsterdam on Kerkstraat and within walking distance from the renowned Club Church. A delicious Dutch breakfast buffet is served every morning for guests to enjoy.
Note: If you are interested in this hotel, we suggest visiting Booking.com.
We’ve partnered with misterb&b, a booking platform for LGBT+-friendly homestays. They have hosts in over 200 countries with 1 million listings. Home-sharing is a great way to explore the local gay scene with the help of a local. Mister B&B is our top choice for this.
Amsterdam Gay Tours
LGBT History Tour Amsterdam
Join a walking tour in Amsterdam to explore the rich history of the LGBT movement. Your guide is someone who has experienced the movement’s start firsthand. On this tour, you’ll listen to the stories of the 80s and 90s, when Amsterdam was considered the gay capital of the world. You’ll also visit essential landmarks of LGBT history. The tour is organized in a small group, which provides opportunities to interact with other members.
Gaily Tour in Amsterdam
Explore Amsterdam’s lively LGBT scene with a private walking tour. You can choose a time and package that suits you, and your guide will take you through neighborhoods like Jordaan and De Wallen, providing insights into the community’s history. You’ll learn about the vibrant lifestyle of the LGBT community and get a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Local gay guide
Discover a wide range of tours provided by local gay guides in the city. With their assistance, you can enjoy an authentic experience that makes you feel like a local. Explore neighborhoods off the beaten path of traditional tourist areas, visit iconic locations, and get a glimpse into the LGBTQ+ scene and movements that only locals know about. Some of the tours available in Amsterdam include the Queer History tour and Exploring Hidden Streets.
Amsterdam Gay Bars
Given its position as one of the gay capitals of Europe, Amsterdam has many gay nightlife options. The choice is wide-ranging, with something to suit every Amsterdam, and the selection is far too vast to list every gay bar in Amsterdam. This list presents a selection of the best Amsterdam gay bars from a cross-section of styles and communities.
Prik
A fun, welcoming disco bar near Dam Square, Prik is a mainstay of the Amsterdam gay bar scene. Here, the crowd of regulars from the city’s gay community rubs shoulders with gay tourists who know Prik’s reputation and straight visitors drawn by the attractive terrace and music. The bar has an excellent selection of local Amsterdam beers, with daily specials. When you tire of hitting the dance floor, the smoking area outside makes an ideal marijuana-friendly place to relax and chat.
Café ‘t Mandje
This Cafe was one of the first cafes where gays and lesbians did not have to hide their true nature. It existed from 1927 to 1983 and was reopened in 2008. Contrary to popular belief, Mandje is not the first gay bar in Amsterdam: already in the first quarter of the 20th century, about five establishments counted as specific gay bars.
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Spijker
Spijker is a very different place from the other bars on this list. With its low ceilings, ever-busy pool table, and a regular crowd of bearded men, this basement room looks more like a heavy metal bar than a gay venue. Spijker’s position as a favorite of the leather scene is evident from the gay porn playing on TV screens behind the bar. The vibe here is laid back and relaxed, aimed at a slightly older crowd than the ongoing issues above.
The Queen’s Head
Aside from having one of the Prik’ sest names of any Amsterdam gay bar, The Queen’s Head is also one of the most incredible bars on the Zeedijk. Since it is just a short walk from Central Station, this is the perfect place for first or last drinks on a visit to Amsterdam. Furthermore, the bar hosts a drag queen bingo night on Tuesdays that is always guaranteed fun. One of the most excellent features of The Queen’s Head is its small smoking room, which opens up directly onto a canal and makes a great daytime hangout.
Soho
SoHo is a British-style bar in Reguliersdwarsstraat with a dance floor and great music. You’ll find comfortable leather seats amid cozy bookshelves if you prefer to sit down and chat with friends. It gets crowded; when that happens, the second floor opens its bar, so you will immediately have your drinks. There’ll always be a DJ playing pop tunes, dance hits, and occasional live performances from some of Amsterdam’s best LGBTQ musicians and performance artists.
Exit Café
Known as “the coziest terrace in Amsterdam,” Exit Café is in the center. Open every Day at midnight; it’s a great meeting place and foQueen’snt for the gay nightlife of the area – whether you plan on a quick drink or a heavy night out. Inside, it has a dance floor with DJs playing the best commercial music.
De Lellebel
Just around the corner from Rembrandtplein, you’ll experience one of the best drag nights in Amsterdam. Founded by Hans Wijtenburg in 1997, this Cafe is the oldest drag bar in Amsterdam. It welcomes visitors into a small, lively space with Baroque decor and a welcoming atmosphere. The queens of Lellebel provide exciting entertainment and delicious drinks. They host themed nights throughout the week, including karaoke nights on Tuesdays. On Mondays, the bar’s patrons get to take control of the music. Dragshow Bar Lellebel prides itself on being a welcoming space for all, where everyone can be a star.
Amsterdam Gay Nightlife
The Amsterdam gay club scene is vibrant and thriving, with plenty of options. Many clubs are exclusively gay, “while other clubs host regular gay nights. The list here is a selection of the best gay clubs Amsterdam offers.
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Club NYX
This relatively mainstream club in the heart of the Amsterdam gay district of Reguliersdwarsstraat attracts a young crowd and welcomes straight visitors. The club has over three floors, each offering a different style of music. You can find something unique to NYX in the third-floor bathrooms: a toilet DJ! Several rules at the club boil down to not taking photos, being pretentious, or ruining anyone else’s fun. Club NYX hosts some different club nights and is open until 05:00 on the weekends and until 09:00 on the first Saturday of every month.
Blue @ Club Church – The most popular gay club in Amsterdam
Church is one of the most well-respected cruise clubs in Amsterdam’s gay scene. Split over two floors, the Church offers a great bar and dance floor, private rooms, showers, and almost anything else a playful mind might desire. The club hosts regular theme nights, including Wednesday’s naked night, when the only clothes permitted are shoes. Check their website to keep updated with theme nights and entrance fees.
De Trut
Another mainstay gay club in Amsterdam, De Trut has been around since the 80s and has always been a scene favorite thanks to its non-commercial approach. All the staff members’ salaries and all profits made by the club are used to promote LGBT causes. De Trut hosts club nights with specific dress codes they enforce strictly, so be sure to check the website to see what’s on before dropping in. The use of phones is also banned to promote a safe place for the LGBT community to be free of prying eyes. Despite, or because of, its many rules, De Trut remains a fun and safe Amsterdam gay club.
Gay saunas in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Gay Saunas & CruiWednesday’s other popular gay area in Amsterdam is around Zeedijk and Warmoesstraat, which is where you’ll find fetish shops and several gay cruising bars.
The Eagle – many Eagle bars are scattered worldwide, and the one in Amsterdam lives up to the name. For over 43 years, it has been a playground for the gays – especially for leather fetish gays, but everyone is welcome. It is a dance club with great DJs and a cruising bar with a darkroom and slings.
Cuckoo’s Nest is a free-to-enter bar that has a rather busy darkroom attached to it. It’s a great place to hang out and see what happens. They run what’s what fetish-based events from time to time, including Mr. Sportswear.
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Dirty Dicks
It appropriately lies near Amsterdam’s red-light district, and this “anything goes” fetish bar sits in the center of Amsterdam. Moreover, this cozy is one of the oldest and has no strict dress code, but fetish gear is highly encouraged.
Nieuwezijds
It is the only gay sauna in the city, but it’s a good one and conveniently located near Central Station. It offers all the standard facilities such as steam rooms, saunas, a jacuzzi, a darkroom, and a bar area where you can relax. They also host special events, including No Towel Tuesday, Gender Fluids’ Wednesday, and a Saturday BeCuckoo’sing Up A Sweat night.
Gay Events in Amsterdam
Amsterdam hosts a variety of exciting events that cater to the gay community. Something is always happening in the city, from dance parties to cultural events.
- One of the most significant events is the Amsterdam Gay Pride, which takes place annually. It is a must-see event for anyone visiting the city during summer. The event features a colorful parade, lively parties, and street performances. This festival typically takes place on the first weekend of August. It lasts a week, offering various events and activities, including a canal parade, street parties, and cultural events.
- Bear Necessities is another popular monthly event that gathers the bear community. It is a lively gathering with a fun-loving crowd and great music, making it the perfect place to let your hair down and have some fun.
- QueerFest is a cultural festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with various events, including film screenings, workshops, and performances. It is the perfect place to learn about the history and culture of Amsterdam’s gay community.
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When to visit
April is one of the best months to visit Amsterdam. During the spring, the temperature is milder, tourist traffic is lower, and Amsterdam’s iconic tulips are in full bloom. However, June is the perfect month for travelers wanting to experience the city at its most alive. Queen’s residents of Amsterdam feel obliged to make the most of the warm summer weather, so the streets and canals are busy and bustling with activity. Be aware that in the peak summer months, queues for attractions can get very long, and Amsterdam’s of the city may feel overly busy.
Note: For more information, please visit our related article.
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Feature photo credits: hartvannederland.nl