gay travel amsterdam

LGBTQ Travel Guide: Amsterdam

Famously progressive, the Netherlands legalized same-sex relations over two centuries ago (in 1811, specifically!) and went on to become the first country to legalize both same-sex marriage and adoption in 2001. As of 2014, trans people could correct the gender listed on their birth certificates. And Amsterdam , its largest city and home to the world's first gay monument, Homomonument , remains as LGBTQ friendly as ever: there's even a dedicated LGBTQ information kiosk just adjacent to the monument, while 2020 saw the debut of an official Dutch edition of RuPaul's Drag Race , Drag Race Holland . Be sure to try and catch a performance by first season winner and major local superstar, Envy Peru .

Iconic for its canals and bicycles (learning to ride from early childhood seems to imbue the Dutch with almost supernatural, next level biking skills: don't be shocked to see someone riding along, reading casually from an iPad, with a baby in the back), cultural attractions like the Anne Frank House , and a cannabis culture that includes "coffee shops" where one can buy and smoke marijuana while enjoying a book (or whatever!).

Since the 1970s, Amsterdam has also boasted a hopping LGBTQ nightlife scene, largely concentrated along Reguliersdwarsstraat, although clubs, bars and parties have spread through more neighborhoods during recent years, with a vibrant mixed hipster culture distinguishing several districts. Since the city's so compact, it's easy to traverse the lot via bicycle, metro, tram and bus public transit systems .

Amsterdam's tourism office, I amsterdam , features an LGBTQ landing page with links to information and resources including a constantly updated events calendar, neighborhoods of note, nightlife, pride, history, and more. Time Out Amsterdam also features some LGBTQ content, and be sure to stop at the Pink Point LGBTQ Information kiosk for hot tips and even some swag/merch.

George Pachantouris / Getty Images

LGBTQ Events

One of the worlds most unique pride celebrations of its kind, Amsterdam Gay Pride transforms the city's central canal belt into a parade route, with boats serving as floats. The 25th edition's Pride line-up, scheduled for July 31st to August 8th 2021, includes an opening day Pride Walk and festival for international LGBTQ equality on July 31st, three days of beach fun at Zandvoort, street parties, the Canal Parade on August 7th, and more. For a full rundown of all things pride and updates, plus music and video content, download the Pride app for iOS or Android.

Held on April 27th, the annual King's Day —formerly known as Queen's Day until 2014, when Holland's Queen Beatrix was succeeded by her son Willem-Alexander, becoming the country's first King—is also quite the queer brouhaha with street parties along the Westermarkt and canals.

Taking place in early spring, Amsterdam's annual LGBTQ film festival, Roze Filmdagen , a.k.a. Pink Film Days , will see its 24th edition in March 2022, while March also sees bears, cubs, daddies, chubs and chasers converge for events and parties during Amsterdam Bear Weekend . Other big parties that pepper the LGBTQ calendar include fellow bear dance party Bear-Necessity (August 7, 2021 is the next scheduled), FunHouse circuit parties by Rapido , the 35+ year running weekly De Trut Sundays (which benefits charities), and Backdoor, described as "circuit meets leather meets hipster meets girls, nerds and muscle Marys" (the latter's 2021 edition is scheduled for August 6th). And although it takes place a bit outside Amsterdam, to the West on Haarlem's Beach of Bloemendaal, summertime's annual Flirtation on the Beach is a fabulous, sunkissed women's only dance party. The 2021 edition will take place on Saturday July 3rd.

The Best Things To Do

Amsterdam's streets (and canals) are rich with LGBTQ history and places of importance, including the world's first monument dedicated to LGBTQ people, Homomonument . The monument was designed in 1979 by artist Karin Daan as a trio of interconnected pink triangles, and took eight years to be fully realized and unveiled on a canal bank, in 1987, just across from the Anne Frank House.

Openly gay, professional tour guide Henk de Vries leads information-rich LGBTQ-themed walking tours, both group and private, of these sites through his company Special Amsterdam Tours . De Vries also created a free self-guided LGBTQ history walking route for I amsterdam, which you can access on their website . The Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum) is a stop on De Vries' tours, and features information on some of the openly gay Dutch freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to stop the Nazis. Queer history buffs should also take a deep dive into the IHLIA - LGBTI Heritage Collection , an archive of materials—from books to buttons to DVDs—from approximately 150 countries. Housed at Amsterdam's Central Library, OBA Oosterdok, there are guided tours available from Mondays-Thursdays between noon and 5pm. There are also several themed gay tours including a nightlife crawl of Reguliersdwarsstraat , known as Amsterdam's most famous gay streeet, from Gaily Tour —a free drink is included.

2016 saw the addition of French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel's striking abacus-style HIV/AIDS Monument to Amsterdam's cityscape along the River IJ waterfront, but was removed in 2020 due to the construction of a new ferry connection, and will be reinstalled in a different location circa late 2021 (specific date TBA).

Amsterdam also celebrates contemporary queer culture, of course, including loads of artwork. Two museums are dedicated to photography, FOAM and Huis Marseilles , while Amsterdam-based gay photographer Erwin Olaf was the subject of a solo exhibition during 2021 at the 22-year-old Galerie Ron Mandos . The Stedelijk Museum regularly features LGBTQ-interest artists and work, as does the Moco . Art lovers can also take advantage of a 90-minute guided LGBTQ-themed tour of the Rijkmuseum called The Pink Tour , led by guide Arnout van Krimpen.

As of early 2021, there's talk of Amsterdam making its famed cannabis "coffee shops" off limits to tourists as a way to improve locals' quality of life and stem the flow of rowdy marijuana-centric tourism , so do keep that in mind. Meanwhile, those seeking a little relaxation, hot tub soak, and gay frisky fun in a bathhouse should check out Nieuwezijds Gay Sauna , which offers some full-service spa services including massage, plus a monthly afternoon/night dedicated to bears, daddies, cubs, chubs, and their admirers (every last Saturday) and all gender identities and sexual orientations (every second Saturday at an event dubbed "Gender Fluids"). For a hodgepodge of all things sexual throughout history, Amsterdam's Sexmuseum -the first and oldest of its kind in the world-is a well-trodden tourist magnet.

And don't forget to spend some retail therapy time, starting with a visit to LGBTQ lifestyle store Gays & Gadgets , fetish wear and gear shop Black Body , and the (in)famous Drake's , which doubles as a high end fashion and home concept store and men-only cruising club!

The Best LGBTQ Bars and Clubs

From old school, historic Amsterdam institutions to new spots to catch sassy Holland Drag Race finalists and winners to lesbian bars (yes, plural, which is all too rare these days!), there's a watering hole/club for pretty much everyone in this queer capital.

Making its intended audience clear from the "#wheregirlsmeet" slogan and signs, the De Pijp neighborhood's Bar Buka (its name comes from the Indonesian word for "open") is all about girl power, great beer and cocktails, and camaraderie (which includes a warm welcome to Sapphic tourists!). There's also artwork by women on display, and merch. The Jordaan district's lesbian pub Cafe Saarien enforced a strict "women only" policy from 1978 to 1999, but now officially welcomes all "queer minded" people, though it remains a females' fave and by day serves as a laptop-friendly cafe (bonus: October 2020 saw the launch of a livestream "Saarien TV" ). Meanwhile, queer women should also keep an eye out for the monthly, changing venue Garbo For Women party.

Dating back to 1927, Amsterdam's first and oldest LGBTQ bar Cafe 't Mandje was opened by a lesbian, Bet van Beeren, a.k.a. "Auntie Bet," who kept it going for decades. Revamped and reopened in 2008, the venue (and its multimedia-rich bilingual website! ) remains chock full of history, artifacts, and of course, queers in search of a drink and kiki. Another long-running gay bar, the 2-story yet compact Spijker Bar opened in 1978 just off the canals and keeps things fun with alternative tunes, a pool table and games, and a darkroom (hello, gloryhole!).

Also with a naughty, sleazy side, thoroughly modern cruise club/bar Church mixes things up with fetish-themed nights running the gamut from totally naked ("shoes only") to sportswear/sneakers to bears, leather, and even a "slave auction." There's also some drag thrown in! Do check the calendar and know what you're getting into, as it were (and have fun!). Having undergone a major renovation in the past few years, three-floor dance club Eagle Amsterdam maintains a strict "men only" policy for its dancing and cruising action (there's a darkroom).

Beloved for its annual Pride street parties and celebrating its 15th year in 2021, pink-drenched cocktail spot PRIK —the provocative sounding name actually translates to "bubbles" or "fizz", which refers to their prosecco tap!—keeps things even fizzier with Drag Race viewing parties, quizzes, and more. For drag queen action, check out The Queen's Head, Lellebel , Amstel 54 , Taboo , and the four-floor, sizable mixed crowd disco Club NYX (pronounced "nix" as in "nothing"), where you're likely to find some of Drag Race Holland's stars—including bearded, avant-garde queen Madame Madness —turning it out.

Other LGBTQ (and mixed) bars worth mentioning include Bar Reality (which bills itself "the hottest black & white gay bar in town!" and draws a refreshingly diverse ethnic mix), Club YOLO , Cafe Montmartre , and old school, unpretentious neighborhood bar Cafe Mankind .

The Best Places to Eat

Some of the most popular spots for LGBTQ locals and tourists to eat include bars also serve food and see-and-be-seen brunches, including Taboo Bar's sister venue Taboo Canteen , PRIK , and Café 't Mandje .

Where to Stay

With an enviable location just off bustling Dam Square, the 238-room W Amsterdam is uniquely housed within two separate buildings with distinctive histories—a former bank and historic telephone exchange—and adopts very different yet utterly edgy-modern themes and design motifs for each. There's a sliver-thin yet cool "wet deck" pool on the former's roof, adjacent to modern steakhouse Mr. Porter (its glass-enclosed views are delicious to boot), plus a fantastic spa and other excellent food and beverage spots.

For a fabulous, contemporary stay right along the canals - and, conveniently, Canal Pride Parade route—the 122-room Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is unbeatable. Meanwhile, the San Francisco-born, super LGBTQ-friendly Kimpton brand's first European property opened here in 2017, the 274-room Kimpton DeWitt .

Like some smaller (and more budget-friendly) Amsterdam properties, the Amistad Hotel used to posit itself as explicitly "gay friendly," and is close to many bars, but switched ownership in recent years and currently casts a wider net while still making sure LGBTQs feel welcome (the free daily breakfast helps!). And the 48-room Hotel Mercier happens to be former home to LGBTQ advocacy group COC .

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Gay Amsterdam Guide | An LGBTQIA+ Guide To Amsterdam

Do you have a local LGBTQIA+ travel tip that you’d love for us to include in this guide, or maybe you’ve noticed something that’s not quite right?  let us know your thoughts BY CLICKING here !

Welcome, to the enchanting city of Amsterdam! Get ready to unleash your inner diva, wave your rainbow flag, and immerse yourself in a world where tolerance, freedom, and downright fabulousness reign supreme. This LGBTQIA+ travel guide will take you on a sassy adventure through the charming canals, picturesque streets, and vibrant venues of Amsterdam. So, put on your most dazzling outfit, sprinkle some glitter, and let’s dive into the rainbow-coloured wonderland that awaits you!

Welcome to the beautiful city of Amsterdam, where history, culture, and LGBTQIA+ acceptance blend harmoniously! Amsterdam is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, offering a range of delectable options for queer travellers. This LGBTQIA+ travel guide will lead you through the city’s culinary delights, showcasing three restaurants that cater to various tastes.

Located in Amsterdam’s vibrant Pijp neighbourhood, BAK is a LGBTQIA+ friendly restaurant that focuses on sustainability and seasonality. Led by talented chefs, BAK offers a contemporary and innovative menu that highlights local ingredients. Indulge in dishes like smoked eel with beetroot and horseradish or roasted cauliflower with yogurt and vadouvan. The elegant atmosphere and attentive service make BAK a perfect choice for a memorable dining experience.

Address : Van Diemenstraat 408, 1013 CR Amsterdam, Netherlands More Info: https://www.bakrestaurant.nl/ Cost : €€€ (high-end)

BAR BOTANIQUE

Bar Botanique is a stylish LGBTQIA+ friendly eatery located in the lively Oost neighbourhood. With its lush greenery and botanical-themed interior, this restaurant offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The menu features a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, with options like grilled halloumi salad, lamb kofta, and homemade hummus. Enjoy a relaxing meal and refreshing cocktails in the vibrant surroundings of Bar Botanique.

Address : Eerste van Swindenstraat 581, 1093 LC Amsterdam, Netherlands More Info : https://barbotanique.nl/ Cost : €€ (moderate)

For a unique dining experience, visit De Kas, a LGBTQIA+ friendly restaurant situated in a beautifully restored greenhouse. Located in Frankendael Park, De Kas offers a farm-to-table concept, using ingredients grown in their own garden. The menu changes daily, featuring seasonal dishes that highlight the freshness and flavours of the produce. Enjoy the serene ambience and savour dishes like roasted beetroot with goat cheese or grilled sea bass with fennel.

Address : Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097 DE Amsterdam, Netherlands More Info : https://restaurantdekas.com/ Cost : €€€ (high-end)

Vondelpark is a charming urban park that offers a serene escape from the bustling city. LGBTQIA+ visitors can take a leisurely stroll or have a picnic in this picturesque green oasis. Admire the lush landscapes, beautiful ponds, and even catch outdoor performances at the park’s open-air theatre. Vondelpark is a favourite gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.

Address : Vondelpark, 1071 Amsterdam, Netherlands More Info : https://www.hetvondelpark.net/ Cost : Free to enter

ANNE FRANK HOUSE

The Anne Frank House is a significant historical site that provides insight into the life of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis during World War II. LGBTQIA+ visitors can explore the museum and learn about Anne’s diary and the impact of her story on the world. This LGBTQIA+ friendly attraction serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of tolerance and acceptance.

Address : Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands More Info : https://www.annefrank.org/en/ Cost: €12.50 (adult ticket)

PRIDE AMSTERDAM

Pride Amsterdam is a vibrant LGBTQIA+ event that celebrates diversity, equality, and acceptance. This annual festival features a lively canal parade, street parties, cultural events, and more. LGBTQIA+ travellers visiting Amsterdam during Pride can join in the festivities, show their support, and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of inclusivity. The city comes alive with rainbow flags, performances, and a sense of unity as people from all walks of life come together to celebrate love and acceptance.

Address : Various locations in Amsterdam More Info: Check the official Pride Amsterdam website for upcoming dates and event details

AMSTERDAM LGBTQIA+ FILM FESTIVAL

The Amsterdam LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, also known as Roze Filmdagen, is an annual event dedicated to showcasing queer cinema from around the world. LGBTQIA+ film enthusiasts can enjoy a diverse selection of feature films, documentaries, and shorts that explore a wide range of LGBTQIA+ experiences and stories. Immerse yourself in the power of cinema and engage with thought-provoking narratives that highlight queer voices and perspectives.

Address : Various cinemas in Amsterdam More Info : Check the official Roze Filmdagen website https://rozefilmdagen.nl/en  for upcoming dates and film screenings

CANAL CRUISE

Exploring Amsterdam’s iconic canals is a must-do activity for any visitor. Hop on a canal cruise and admire the city’s picturesque scenery from a unique perspective. LGBTQIA+ travellers can choose from various canal tour options, including informative sightseeing cruises, romantic candlelight cruises, or even party cruises with music and drinks. Relax, enjoy the views, and embrace the beauty of Amsterdam’s waterways.

Address : Various departure points throughout Amsterdam More Info: Check with local tour operators or visit websites like https://www.tours-tickets.com/ for canal cruise options

Amsterdam offers a range of LGBTQIA+ friendly accommodations to ensure a comfortable and welcoming stay. Here are three options:

ANDAZ AMSTERDAM PRINSENGRACHT

Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is a stylish LGBTQIA+ friendly hotel situated in a historic building on one of the city’s famous canals. With its modern design and luxurious amenities, this hotel offers a unique and immersive experience. Enjoy spacious rooms, a relaxing spa, and a bar with panoramic views of the city. The central location allows easy access to Amsterdam’s main attractions.

Address : Prinsengracht 587, 1016 HT Amsterdam, Netherlands More Info: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/netherlands/andaz-amsterdam-prinsengracht/amsaz Cost : Rooms start at €250 per night

THE DYLAN AMSTERDAM

The Dylan Amsterdam is a boutique LGBTQIA+ friendly hotel located in the heart of the city’s historic canal district. This elegant and intimate hotel offers luxurious rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a cozy bar with a canal-side terrace. Immerse yourself in the charm of Amsterdam’s Golden Age while enjoying impeccable service and comfort.

Address : Keizersgracht 384, 1016 GB Amsterdam, Netherlands More Info: https://www.dylanamsterdam.com/ Cost : Rooms start at €300 per night

In addition to exploring the city’s culinary delights and must-see attractions, immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ entertainment scene. This LGBTQIA+ travel guide will lead you to some of the best venues and events for a memorable and inclusive experience.

THE QUEEN’S HEAD

The Queen’s Head is a legendary LGBTQIA+ friendly bar located in the heart of Amsterdam. With its welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and diverse crowd, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a night out. This iconic bar offers live entertainment, including drag shows and cabaret performances that are sure to captivate and entertain. Grab a drink, mingle with locals and fellow travellers, and embrace the lively spirit of Amsterdam’s LGBTQIA+ community.

Address : Zeedijk 20, 1012 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands More Info : https://thequeenshead.org/ Cost : € (affordable)

NYX is a popular LGBTQIA+ nightclub in Amsterdam known for its energetic atmosphere and diverse music genres. Spread across three floors, each with its own unique vibe, NYX offers a variety of music, from pop and dance to R&B and house. Dance the night away on the spacious dance floors, mingle with a friendly crowd, and enjoy the thrilling performances by resident and guest DJs.

Address : Reguliersdwarsstraat 42, 1017 BM Amsterdam, Netherlands More Info : https://clubnyx.nl/ Cost : €€ (moderate)

Prik is a lively LGBTQIA+ friendly bar that combines a relaxed atmosphere with a touch of vibrant energy. With its colourful interior, friendly staff, and creative cocktails, Prik offers a welcoming space to socialize and unwind. Enjoy the cozy outdoor terrace or join in the fun during their regular theme nights and events. Prik is a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking for a laid-back evening in Amsterdam.

Address : Spuistraat 109, 1012 SV Amsterdam, Netherlands More Info: https://prikamsterdam.nl/ Cost : € (affordable)

In addition to the vibrant nightlife, Amsterdam hosts a variety of LGBTQIA+ events and festivals throughout the year. Keep an eye out for the Amsterdam Gay Pride, an annual celebration that includes the famous Canal Parade, parties, cultural events, and more. This colourful extravaganza showcases the city’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ rights and offers an unforgettable experience for all.

Amsterdam also boasts LGBTQIA+ friendly daytime activities, such as visiting queer-owned cafes, browsing LGBTQIA+ bookstores, or exploring the city’s thriving art scene with galleries and exhibitions that highlight queer artists and perspectives.

We hope this LGBTQIA+ city guide inspires you to embrace the inclusive spirit of Amsterdam and immerse yourself in the vibrant experiences that await. Enjoy your journey through the culinary delights, must-see attractions, and lively entertainment venues of this beautiful city. May your time in Amsterdam be filled with joy, acceptance, and cherished memories.

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• Travel tips before getting to Amsterdam

Gay Amsterdam Travel Guide

Amsterdam is one of the most popular destinations on the European gay scene . The city is very tolerant and boasts a vibrant nightlife animated by a hundred gay-friendly bars , boat parties, discos, restaurants and saunas.

The main gay areas in Amsterdam are located around the Rembrandtplein square, in particular along Reguliersdwarsstraat, Halvemaansteeg, in the Amstel area, and along Warmoesstraat, the street parallel to Damrak, near the red light district, Kerkstraat, Zeedijk and Vondelpark.

These areas are full of shops, interesting buildings, cafés, good restaurants and hotels including Orpheus, Amsterdam’s largest exclusively gay hotel , in Leidseplain.

The most famous clubs in Amsterdam’s gay scene are NYX in Reguliersdwarstsraat, RAPIDO, with crowded parties with great DJs and wonderful dancers (it is recommended to buy tickets in advance), and The Warehouse.

Finally, the Homomonument is an anti-discrimination memorial built in 1987 in the centre of Amsterdam. The monument, consisting of three pink granite triangles forming a larger triangle, is located near the Westerkerk Church and the Anne Frank House on the bank of the Keizersgracht canal.

Amsterdam Gay Pride

Amsterdam Gay Pride is a festival celebrating the LGBT community (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community) and held annually in the centre of Amsterdam during the first weekend in August. The festival, organised by Stichting Amsterdam Gay Pride, attracts several thousand visitors and is one of the largest publicly held annual events in the Netherlands. Amsterdam Gay Pride is also known as Europride , as it is the largest gay event held in Europe.

Amsterdam Gay Pride was first organised in 1996 as a celebration of freedom and diversity. This is a very important ideological concept, to which the founders are very attached; in fact, the festival was not created, as is the case with other gay events, with the aim of claiming equal rights.

Festival events

The festival usually lasts for a week, during which events are organised involving the entire LGBT community; these range from sport to exhibitions and cultural displays. There are also street festivals in the areas of Reguliersdwarsstraat, Zeedijk, Warmoesstraat and Amstel, typically the neighbourhoods most frequented by the gay community.

In Rembrandtplein , on the other hand, the closing party is organised, held on the very same day as the canal parade, exactly at the end of the latter. Here in the same square, throughout the festival, there is also the official information point , set up with the aim of giving information about the various events and to facilitate visitors’ stay, allowing them to book hotels and hostels directly from the stand.

The Canal Parade

The most anticipated moment of the festival is the parade along the city’s canals, known by its English name Canal Parade ; it consists of a series of boats that during the first Saturday of August cross Amsterdam’s canals, usually starting along the Prinsengracht at the Westerdok harbour at 1.30 p.m., passing under the Magere Brug and ending at Oosterdok.

On a route about 6 kilometres long, there is a chance for any visitor to enjoy the event to the full. Crowds gather along the banks of the canals and watch the parade with spirit and participation.

It is possible to participate in the Canal Parade with your own boat, but only 80 boats are allowed. To apply, you have to fill in the application form on the official website, and during the month of March the organisation chooses the 80 that will be eligible to participate.

The best vantage point for the parade

The route of the Canal Parade is several kilometres long, so there is no best observation point in the strict sense of the word. For great photos the best spots are on the sides of the bridges, but you have to get there well in advance, even several hours before the parade starts, to find a spot. The symbolic photo of the Canal Parade is the one taken so as to also frame the Magere Brug .

How to save on transport and entrance fees

City Card allow you to save on public transport and / or on the entrances to the main tourist attractions.

• Airport transfers
• Airport parking

Matador Original Series

The Ultimate LGBTQ Guide to Amsterdam

T he Dutch word “gezellig” has no proper English equivalent but roughly translates to “cozy,” “pleasant,” or “comfortable” — a feeling of well-being that arises from a person or place. As an LGBTQ+ traveler, to visit to gay Amsterdam is to know what this means.

Photo: Olena Znak /Shutterstock

Gezellig lives in the tulips that spring from the flower boxes in front of 17th-century townhouses and the choral chime of bike bells cling-clanging through the air. Strolling along the snug houseboats that line the city’s iconic canals is gezellig, as is drinking craft beer with good friends in a classic brown cafe. Most importantly, Dutch locals inspire the feeling of gezellig.

Photo: I amsterdam /Edwin van Eis

They’re a people so inviting you may be caught off guard by their kindness. Internationally known for their liberal do-as-you-please laws, it should be no surprise that Amsterdam is a favorite destination for the LGBTQ+ community.

On the flip side, Amsterdam is currently dealing with the strain of over-tourism. The city may be more postcard-perfect than Disney World, but this popular destination is no theme park — it’s home to around 800,000 residents who want you to respect them as much as they respect you. From marijuana dispensaries (known as coffeeshops ) to live sex shows, it can be easy to over-indulge.

Rather than spending your entire vacation in the Red Light District, check out hip neighborhoods like De Pijp, Oud-West, and NDSM wharf. Moreover, try traveling outside of peak season — July and August — and enjoy the benefits of fewer crowds and cheaper deals by taking a trip sometime between March and April or September and November.

A brief history of LGBTQ+ scene in Amsterdam

• The best gay bars
• The best LGBTQ+ clubs and saunas
• The best LGBTQ+ events and parties
• The best LGBTQ+ landmarks
• The best parks and beaches

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has been a global leader in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights for over 200 years. In 1811, the country decriminalized homosexual activity. The first gay bar, operated by an out lesbian, opened its doors in 1927. The COC, a gay rights organization, was founded in Amsterdam in 1946 and is the world’s oldest continually operating organization of its kind. In 1987, the Homomonument became the first memorial to homosexuals persecuted in World War II, and in 2001, the Netherlands became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage.

Kerkstraat. Photo: I amsterdam /Koen Smilde Photography

Knowing all this, it may seem surprising that Europe’s most historically accepting city lacks a true gayborhood. Although sections of streets like Kerkstraat and Reguliersdwarsstraat are definitively queer, Amsterdam’s LGBTQ+ scene is as far-ranging and free as the city’s liberal laws. Luckily, the areas where queer folks congregate are within easy walking distance or a short tram ride from one another.

The best gay bars in Amsterdam

Photo: SOHO – Amsterdam /Facebook

Don’t be fooled by the classy wood-paneled interior and Victorian staircase in this Reguliersdwarsstraat joint — once the weekend rolls around, this bi-level bar is pumping with trashy pop music until 4:00 AM. The outdoor patio offers a quiet escape from the busy indoor shenanigans, as does the smoking room upstairs.

SoHo is centrally located in the biggest LGBTQ+-friendly section of Amsterdam, and it’s steps away from popular gay bars Taboo , and Bar BLEND .

Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 36

Cafe t’ Mandje

Cafe t’ Mandje (“the basket”) holds the honor of being Amsterdam’s first official gay bar. Opened in 1927 by the brazenly out lesbian Bet van Beeren, it operated until 1982 and then re-opened in 2008. The interior is covered from floor to ceiling with photos and memorabilia from the bar’s heyday, serving as a time capsule for the city’s queer history. This all-are-welcome establishment is perfect for grabbing a beer and chatting with old friends.

Address: Zeedijk 63

Spijker Bar

Spijker originally opened in 1978 as a leather-and-levis bar, and while it’s a lot laxer on dress code these days, it still attracts a similar clientele. Red-lit erotic art lines the walls, two dueling TV screens behind the bar play cartoons and hardcore content, and a pool table in the back attracts men looking for some action. (Not that kind of action — if you want to play with real balls, your best bet is to check out Club Church one block over.) Saturday’s bingo night, hosted by drag queen Miss Didi Licious, is a popular time to visit.

Address: Kerkstraat 4

Photo: PRIK /Facebook

One can’t help but think pink in this cozy city-center gay bar . The sign out front is pink, the walls inside are pink, even the prosecco on tap is pink! The bar also offers light bar bites for those in need of a nosh.

Address: Spuistraat 109

Photo: Bar Buka Amsterdam /Facebook

Buka , the Indonesian word for “open,” is a bar for all people, but this comfy spot in de Pijp caters mainly to Amsterdam’s lesbian community. The food menu of tasty bar treats features a section entitled “Fries Before Guys,” and the specialty cocktails include names like “Pink Pleasure” and “Lipstick Maffia.” The bar is open from Wednesday to Sunday.

Address: Albert Cuypstraat 124

The best LGBTQ+ clubs and saunas in Amsterdam

Photo: Club NYX /Facebook

Located in a four-story former carriage house, NYX is a graffiti-strewn dance club that attracts a mixed crowd of queer folk and their allies. The venue has a little something for everyone, including performances by international drag artists, world-renowned DJs, and a new style of music on each floor.

Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 42

Club Church

Get on your knees, all fours, or whatever consensually works for you to worship at the altar of this gay cruise club. An all-inclusive and sex-positive space, Church celebrates a bunch of fetish subcultures with various theme nights throughout the week. Check the website for schedule updates; be prepared to check your clothes with the doorman once you arrive.

Address: Kerkstraat 52

Eagle Amsterdam

This three-floor maze for leather lovers is a bar, dance hall, and cruise club all rolled into one. You can wander the basement’s darkrooms looking for lust, hang in the communal cruising area on the top floor, or dance until dawn all weekend long while DJs spin tunes on the main landing. Check the website’s schedule for special fetish nights. You may want to leave the ladies at home — this is generally a men’s-only establishment. The bar is open Tuesday to Sunday in the Red Light District.

Address: Warmoesstraat 90

Nieuwuzijds (Gay Sauna)

If you’re looking for a soak, steam, or something more obscene, this gay sauna has got you covered — with a towel, at least. The facilities include a Finnish sauna, jetstream jacuzzi, Turkish steam room , private cabins, and a lounge with a fully stocked bar.

Address: Nieuwezijds Armsteeg 95

The best LGBTQ+ events and parties in Amsterdam

Like many urban areas, Amsterdam’s gay bar scene has seen a decline in recent years. Now some of the city’s best queer nightlife events are one-night-only parties that happen on a semi-regular basis. Here, you’ll find a younger, hipper crowd of in-the-know locales.

Photo: Is Burning /Facebook

Hosted at various clubs throughout the city, this party weaves underground house music, techno, and even some disco into a night of dancing for the entire LGBTQ+ community to enjoy.

WTF Wednesday Queer Night at Vrankrijk

Every Wednesday, and some select Saturdays, Vrankrijk hosts performances by queer visual and performance artists. This is a safe space for people of every race, gender identity, physical ability, and country of origin.

Photo: Rapido Events /Facebook

This popular party attracts a sweaty, shirtless crowd of circuit queens. Tickets usually sell out fast; parties happen about once every month at different event spaces.

Milkshake Festival

Photo: Milkshake festival Amsterdam /Facebook

Every late July or early August, this Milkshake brings all the boys, girls, and everything in between to the yards of Westerpark for a two-day dance celebration of music, sun, and fun. The outdoor event is an all-inclusive celebration of freedom with an eclectic lineup of DJs, musicians, and performance artists spread around the event’s multiple stages. It’s a queer midsummer’s night dream. Check the website for updates.

April 27 is King’s Day — a holiday honoring the current King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander. Known as Queen’s Day until 2013, Willem-Alexander is the first male monarch to grace the Dutch throne after 123 years of women ruling the roost. The Bacchanalian festival welcomes over a million party-goers dressed in orange to the city streets for the celebration. While it isn’t technically an LGBTQ+ event, there are tons of queer parties to choose from on both the April 26 and 27. Mid- to late April also happens to be peak season to see the country’s iconic tulips in full bloom — another worthy reason to visit this time of year.

Amsterdam Pride

Photo: Rayanti /Shutterstock

From the last Saturday in July to the first Sunday in August, rainbow flags fly high along Amsterdam’s canals for Pride , one of Europe’s most beloved queer celebrations. Unlike most global Pride events, which commemorate NYC’s 1969 Stonewall Riots and the birth of the Gay Liberation Movement, Amsterdam Pride began in 1996 solely as a celebration of love and diversity.

There are marches, rallies, and parties to attend all week long, but the most popular event is the Canal Parade on Pride’s final Sunday. Eighty boats ride the city’s waterways from Scheepvaartmuseum, along Prinsengracht, and end at Westerdok. It’s one of the only Pride parades in the world to have floats that literally float. Nearly half-a-million people from all over the globe attend the festivities every year.

The best LGBTQ+ landmarks in Amsterdam

Homomonument.

Photo: kolbet /Shutterstock

In 1987, Amsterdam unveiled Homomonument, the world’s first monument memorializing homosexuals persecuted under the Nazi regime.

Located in Westermarkt, thin lines of pink granite form a triangle in the square — a reclamation of the symbol gay men and women were forced to wear in concentration camps during World War II. Inside each of the triangle’s three points is a smaller triangle that directs attention to local sites of significance.

One faces the National War Memorial in Dam Square where gay activists laid a lavender wreath in 1970 and were subsequently arrested, sparking the idea for this monument. Another faces Anne Frank’s house and is inscribed with a quote from a gay Jewish poet, Jacob Israel de Haan: Naar Vriendschap Zulk een Mateloos Verlangen (“Such an endless desire for friendship”). The third faces the COC Nederland headquarters, which holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest continually operating gay rights organization.

Floral wreaths and bouquets are regularly laid on the triangular platform extending outward above the water of Keizergracht as a reminder of the arduous fight for equality faced by the queer community.

Address: Westermarkt

This LGBTQ+ information center and souvenir shop located next to the Homomonument has been in operation for over 20 years. In addition to the queer-themed postcards, tchotchkes, and clothing you can buy, the friendly staff are an excellent resource for insider tips about where to go and what to see as a queer tourist in Amsterdam.

Address: Westermarkt t/o 9

The best parks and beaches in Amsterdam

Photo: Z. Jacobs /Shutterstock

Vondelpark is a 19th-century urban greenspace with weeping willow-lined pools, bike paths, and lawns for lounging. The rosarium, located halfway through the park, is infamously known as the most frequented gay cruising area in the city. Yes — you read that correctly — once night falls, men daring enough to drop their trousers in the great outdoors frequent this part of the park in search of pleasure. Most residents, including police, are aware of what goes on here and turn a blind eye. If you happen to fancy a rose garden triste, use caution and be careful of pickpockets.

Address: 1054 NE Amsterdam

Zandvoort Nude Beach

Zandvoort, a coastal town with an expanse of sandy shoreline facing the North Sea, is about an hour’s trip from Amsterdam, including a 20-minute walk to the beach. In the summertime, the clothing-optional area between poles 68 and 71 becomes a queer playground for naked boys looking to sunbathe near the seagrass-covered dunes.

Address: Near 2042 AG Zandvoort

Photo: Mr. Ngoway /Shutterstock

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

Penthouse on Keizersgracht Canal

Photo: Airbnb

This luxuriously renovated 17th-century merchant’s house is on the Keizersgracht Canal. The penthouse has a private elevator and sleeps four guests in its two large bedrooms. The rental comes with stunning views over the historic heart of Amsterdam and retains the building’s original features such as wide oak doors, wooden beams and antique floors.

Luxurious suite with canal view in heart of city

This guesthouse suite , located along the UNESCO World Heritage Herengracht Canal, was built in 1637. It’s designed for relaxing window-side with a beverage of choice while watching the canal and the city it traverses flow by down below — a unique take on a city known for action. Of course, the city center and its museums, cafes, and pubs are right there as well, so don’t get too settled in.

Price: $227 per night

Check out Matador’s comprehensive article on the best Airbnbs in Amsterdam’s trendiest neighborhoods for list of trusted rentals.

This tiny gay-owned boutique hotel facing Kerkstraat is a five-minute walk from the city’s most popular gay bars on Reguliersdwarsstraat and a short stroll to Museumplein. The cozy rooms are minimalist and modern; there’s a communal breakfast served every morning.

Address: Kerkstraat 42

Mauro Mansion

Address: Geldersekade 16

Check out Matador’s LGBTQ+ travel guides to Europe and the world The 10 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities in Europe The Ultimate LGBTQ Guide To London The Ultimate Guide To LGBTQ Travel in Jerusalem and in Tel Aviv The 7 Most Fabulous Vacation Destinations for LGBTQ Travelers

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7 must-do’s for gay travelers visiting Amsterdam

Gay-friendly Amsterdam is a delight to explore on foot! Photo: Randall Shirley

A public transit tram in Amsterdam is painted in LGBTQ rainbow colors. Photo: Randall Shirley

The Homomonument in Amsterdam is a beautiful and sobering reminder of the importance, and fragility, of our LGBTQ rights. It is popular with gay and straight visitors alike. Photo: Randall Shirley

Van Gogh Museum

Amsterdam boasts many art museums. One could spend days wandering their halls. If you’ve got time for just one, choose the Van Gogh. Few other artists, Dutch or otherwise, have captured such broad and ongoing public admiration. The outstanding museum’s permanent collection offers a career-long perspective of his work, from his earliest sketches through many of his well-known works. Both exquisite and approachable, the museum will enhance your appreciation of Van Gogh. Bonus: the museum’s café offers outstanding food, beer, and wine.

Go to Church

And we’re talking a different kind of worship! Club Church is a unique party/sex/dance space with a different theme each night of the week. My husband joined a Dutch friend on “anything goes” night and came back with eyes-a-poppin’! He’d seen just about every kind of sex happening—gay, straight, bi—but claims to have spent his time on the dance floor… who am I to doubt? Local Dutch friends speak highly of the venue, and it truly exhibits the openness and eases that their culture has around sex.

Amsterdam has a number of gay bars scattered around the city. We found them very friendly, with most everyone speaking excellent English. Highlights near the train station include the fun and chatty Club Prik, and a cruisey bar (complete with dark basement) called The Cuckoo’s Nest. Nearby, you can find the city’s main bathhouse/sauna for gay men, called Nieuwezijds Sauna. A few blocks away, several gay bars line Reguliersdwarsstraat, a very fun area to hang out in the after-work hours. Super-friendly locals offer a warm welcome, making you feel you’ve escaped the major tourist zone.

Eat Pancakes

The Dutch may not have invented pancakes, but their culture embraces them as a staple. Amsterdam has outstanding restaurants specializing in “pannenkoeken,” served sweet or savory (we liked both! ) A popular chain is called Pancakes Amsterdam , and while it required a wait for a table, we completely enjoyed a meal of crepe-like pancakes topped with ham, mushrooms, and cheese. For a more intimate option, we sampled sweet pancakes which came rolled up and cut into bite-size pieces at The Happy Pig . YUM.

The author, left, and his husband, Denni, enjoy Dutch pancakes in Amsterdam. Photo: Randall Shirley

De Hallen Market and environs

A visit to De Hallen Market was a highlight of our Amsterdam time—a true hidden gem recommended by a Dutch friend. De Hallen is a collection of unique boutique shops, food-court-style eating, and groovy culture, all under one roof. We didn’t find it touristy at all, and we were there in high season. The surrounding Kinkerbuurt neighborhood was pleasant and felt like a “real” and current place where normal Amsterdamers live.

De Hallen in Amsterdam is just one of the places that make this city a perfect cruise port for gay travelers. Photo: Randall Shirley

A custom jeans shop is just one of the many cool things you’ll find in De Hallen, Amsterdam’s hipster shop/browse/dine facility. Photo: Randall Shirley

Additional Amsterdam tips

If you have more time, other great activities include: a visit to the Amsterdam Museum , taking a canal cruise, checking out the Hermitage Museum , and renting bikes. If you’re looking for something a bit quieter, Mark and Dale listed Amsterdam’s Beghinhof   among their favorite cruise experiences.

A one-hour canal cruise will give you a more complete picture of the city. Photo: Randall Shirley

Don’t bother : Amsterdam Sex Museum (sounds fun, but is tired and very straight).

Where to stay : If you’re in Amsterdam a few days before or after your cruise, I recommend the Kimpton De Witt Hotel.  The Kimpton offers a central location to most Amsterdam attractions. Although not in the gayest neighborhood, we easily found gay bars and the main bathhouse within 5 minutes walk. The rooms and property are gorgeous.

The very cool Kimpton De Witt Hotel in Amsterdam is an excellent and very hip place to spend a few nights in the city. The tile in the bathroom is so cool! Photo: Randall Shirley

Note : The author and his husband paid for their own Amsterdam travels. Amsterdam Marketing generously provided Amsterdam City Cards which allow for entry into multiple cultural venues as well as discounts and unlimited public transit for a certain number of days. In our experience, the cards represent good value for the purchase.

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Historically this is a live-and-let-live society, with this being the first country to allow same-sex marriage. People don't look kindly on institutions, whether political party or religious denomination, that tell people what they can't do. What does this mean for gay people? You won't find police roughing up guys in the cruising spots for one thing, and at one local park, De Oeverlanden, there are signs provided by the city, pointing to the cruisiest section.

As for nightlife, there are plenty of cozy cafes, lounges and dance clubs for every taste, and as English is almost universally spoken there's no difficulty in meeting people. Hash and pot smokers over 18 may still enjoy the freedom to buy and light up at one of over 200 Amsterdam " coffeeshops ." Members of the coffeeshop union Bond van Cannabis Detaillisten ( BCD ) operate with licences, shown by the display of official, green and white stickers in their windows. Magic mushroom and peyote grow-kits, ready to use magic truffles and cannabis products, along with sexual stimulants, are sold at " smart shops ."

Sex, that other big North American taboo, is also less of a legal issue here, with live shows, and plenty of busy backrooms and regularly scheduled naked party nights. Sex-work is legal and regulated, but with health issues in mind, rather than moral concerns. Big circuit parties regularly roll into town throughout the year, especially during the gay holidays, and for leather events in the fall.

Or, you can enjoy peaceful canal-side cafe relaxation or reading, seeing the works of the city's renowned artists at the many museums and galleries , browsing the stores in car-free pedestrian shopping streets and squares, or ambling the bike paths along tree-shaded waterways. Every sort of international cuisine can be sampled at the many restaurants , but fresh sandwiches, quiche or pastries from bakeries, taken to eat at Dam Square on a sunny day -- perhaps while watching the street performers there -- can taste special. Avoid those nasty pizza slices around Warmoesstraat ( Reguliersdwarsstraat has better) - but the Vlaamse frites (fries to go, with mayonaise, ketchup or vinegar) are fresh, cheap and satisfying, pretty much wherever you see them.

Big annual events here include King’s Day , the commemoration of Dutch King Willem-Alexander’s birthday, an occasion for the whole country to party each April 26th. On Koninginnenacht , the night before, the streets surge with celebrants, dressed in orange, and full of national pride and high spirits; and of course the bars are packed and circuit parties throb.

Amsterdam Gay Pride takes place each July/August, with events and street parties over a weekend. The main event, Canal Parade , is on the Saturday afternoon. Watched by tens of thousands from canal-side perches along the Prinzengracht, and on the Amstel River, the parade is one of floating barges decorated in over-the-top gay glory, unique to this city and a treat to behold.  

Getting here , Amsterdam's Schiphol International Airport is several kilometers from the city center. Speedy direct trains cost a few euros and depart from the airport every 10 minutes. For info on Netherlands train service see the NS website. The Connexxion Airport Express bus number 397, from Schiphol to Museumplein, Leidseplein, and Busstation Elandsgracht, departs every 7-10 minutes from bus stop B17.

Getting around The bicycle is the favored mode of transportation, with designated lanes along many streets. Step aside as they whiz past, or join them. Bikes can easily be rented; try Bike City , Black Bikes , MacBike , Star Bikes , or Yellow Bike for rentals and guided bike tours.

GVB public trams and trains are frequent and convenient. They don't run all night, but few nightspots will be far from your hotel room. OV-chipcards , purchased at GVB Tickets & Info , GVB Service points , and metro station ticket vending machines, can be loaded and reloaded with sufficient balance as you need it. Some locations accept cash payment , but in a now mostly cashless system, many transactions now require bank debit or credit cards . Visitors may have their non-Dutch cards rejected, so a Maestro Debit Card with PIN appears to be your best bet - especially outside tourist areas.

With e-purse , you pay a fixed base rate for the distance you travel, plus a fixed rate per kilometer. Paper chip tickets are good for travel for specific periods of time: one hour (€ 3.20); 1-day (€ 8); or multi-day passes for up to 3 days (€ 28) or 7 days (€ 37). Bike tickets are € 5 and Night Bus trips cost € 4.70. Remember to check in and out of the station for each trip. An I amsterdam city card provides unlimited travel for 1-5 days (€ 65-130) on all GVB trams, day buses, night buses and metro routes, along with free or discounted entry to museums and canal trips. See Amsterdam Tips for a "simplified" overview.

Above GVB rates are valid through January 1, 2021, at which time monthly season tickets will no longer be available. See the new GVB Flex monthly plan that includes a variety of public transport operators and modes of transport, such as shared bicycles or shared cars.

Neighborhoods Check out Warmoesstraat where you'll find the flagships of the famous leather stores, Mister B and RoB , along with men's leather and cruise bars Dirty Dicks , and The Eagle , keeping testosterone levels high. The bar/restaurant Getto is nearby, with cannabis coffeeshops, food take-outs, porn and souvenir shops and some hotels filling other spaces along the street.

Near Central Station, Sauna Nieuwezijds is Amsterdam's gay bathhouse. Nearby, where Warmoesstraat meets the Zeedijk, the picturesque gay pubs on narrow streets on the canals draw mixed but mainly male crowds, from the maturely sophisticated to the young and artsy. T he Queen's Head is a standout. For more erotic relaxation, Drakes , on the Damrak, has peeps and cruising. Beyond the Damrak at Nieuwezijds Kolk, the Cuckoos Nest , and the Web are men's cruise bars with darkrooms, and a bit further away on Spuistraat, see male strip shows at Boys Club 21 , or shop for cards or novelty gifts at Gays & Gadgets .

On streets around Rembrandtplein and the Amstel canal local gay bars include Amstel Fifty Four , Fame , Montmartre and Queers Cafe . A block south of the Flower Market, Reguliersdwarsstraat is famous for summer nights when this pedestrian street is packed wall-to-wall with young gay people moving between clubs that include: Club NYX , Exit Après Chique, and Pub Soho, among various mixed nightclubs, lounges and the many international restaurants along both sides of the street.

Near Leidseplein, Club Church , Spijker and Bronx Video make their stretch of Kerkstraat sexy.

Media and resources Grab a free Gaymap from the bars, or from Pink Point , the LGBT info kiosk at Homomonument - also with gifts and souvenirs -- to to find your way around the city.

Gay News monthly, in Dutch and English, has articles, guides with maps and nightly events listings. Winq Magazine , a gay lifestyle glossy sold at newstands, is published in English and Dutch, with online Winq-GK app editions.

GayAmsterdam and GayLinc are two more online guide and listings resources. Gay Krant, and Gay & Night magazines are no longer published.

To keep up with circuit and itinerant party activity all year around town see the websites of Nighttours and the Rapido Group . GayDanceNL appears to be inactive.

Party websites for ongoing, mostly monthly dance events include: Club Rapido/Funhouse , Bear-Necessity , Danserette , Furball, Spellbound , and UltraSexi with FPQ . Milkshake is a mid-July dance music festival. Love Dance is a  World AIDS Day dance event with many artists, live performances, DJs/VJs, divas, and live bands. Bear Weekend takes place in March, and Fetish Pride / Leatherpride in late October.

Flirtation does women-only dance nights several times a year, and Club Party Girls organises events for women. TheTittyMag , and Pisswife art collective and Feminist Zine, also sponsor women's events.

I Amsterdam is a good online guide to most everything in this city. Their MuseumApp , with interactive smartphone Amsterdam Museum tours bundled in one app, includes PinkPerspectives , taking you from dark days when ‘sodomites’ were sentenced to death on Dam Square, to gay marriages of today in the Netherlands.

The Smokers Guide website lists coffeeshop and smartshop locations in Amsterdam. Also see Dutch Coffeeshops and Dutch Smarthops for an overview of the Netherlands.

For locations and website links to businesses listed below, see our Amsterdam gay map & listings pages .

Accommodations: Near Liedseplein

American Hotel Amsterdam (Leidsekade 97; 31-20-556-3000), 1900 Art Deco building, stained glass windows, Café Americain terrace coffee/cocktails, all amenities, breakfast, high tea, jazz brunch. Formerly the Hampshire American Hotel .

Amistad Hotel (Kerkstraat 42; 31-20-624-8074), small stylish gay/mixed hotel, helpful and efficient staff, stylish rooms, luxurious apartments, all with computers, breakfast to 1pm, afternoon/evening internet cafe, free gay magazines and maps.

Golden Bear (Kerkstraat 37; 31-20-624-4785), comfortable guesthouse in 1737 buildings, spacious rooms, breakfast until noon; new owners don't pitch to gay market anymore.

Hotel NL (Nassaukade 368; 31-20-689-0030), gay-friendly' design hotel overlooking Singel canal, casually sophisticated ambience, breakfast, full amenities include cable TV and internet access.

Accommodations: Near Warmoesstraat/Central Station

Anco Hotel (O.Z. Voorburgwal 55; 31-20- 624-1126), canal-side lodgings near the bars; singles, doubles, studio, dorm beds; internet access, breakfast in the bar, free WiF.

Barangay B&B (Droogbak 15; 31-62-504-5432), relaxed comfort from two friendly guys, 1777 era building near Central Station by Singel and Prinsengracht canals. Quirky, tropical, Southeast Asian-style rooms, two of which share a paio; breakfast in bed vegetarian/vegan options. Accommodations: Other lodgings

Amsterdam Boutique Apartments (Singel 401; 31-20-707-7954), at Spui between Dam and the Reguliersdwarsstraat gay clubs; rooms/suites, luxury apartment, style, comfort and privacy in a monumental canal house with five-star amenities.

Freeland Hotel (Marnixstraat 386; 31-20- 622-7511) cozy, gay-friendly old house, fifteen single, double and triple rooms, named for flowers, all with bath and TV.

Hostelle (Bijlmerplein 395; 31-20-337 5707), inexpensive women-only dorm beds and private rooms in Southeast Amsterdam; lockers, garden, library, video DVDs, guest laundry facilities, self-service kitchen access, computer and WiFi.

Hotel de L'Europe (Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14; 31-20-531-1777), quality classic hotel, luxury and elegance, fine dining, perfect location overlooks Munt Tower and Amstel/ Rokin canals; stroll to shops, museums, gay nightlife.

Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre (Nieuwezijds Kolk 19; 31-20-530-1818), 239 rooms, convenient location, 4-star amenities, breakfast, restaurant and lounge, use of sauna/spa and workout facilities, massage, bike rentals.

ITC Hotel (Prinsengracht 1051; 31-20-623-0230), small 20 room hotel, 18th-century house on quiet stretch of Amsterdam's grandest canal. Breakfast buffet until noon.

NH Carlton Amsterdam (Vijzelstraat 4; 31-20-622-2266), large 1926 central building, Flower Market location, breakfast buffet, cafe/restaurant, bar/lounge, parking, bike rentals.

Radisson Blu (Rusland 17; 31-20-623-1231), large, modern, central hotel, fitness facilities for sauna, workout, or tan, concierge services, secure parking.

See our hotel maps and listings tab for links to these and other room options, also for web links of bars and clubs below.

Bars: Warmoesstraat & Zeedijk to Nieuwmarkt

Cafe 't Mandje (Zeedijk 63), popular in earlier days, reopened recently after 25 years, looking much as it always did.

Dirty Dicks (Warmoesstraat 86), orginal "sleaze pit" men's bar, famous last Thursdays Golden Shower parties, first Sunday fisting, second Sundays naked.

Eagle Amsterdam (Warmoesstraat 90), men-only cruise bar, fresh energy in 1485 building, leather, rubber, uniform, skinhead, sports dress code nights, 3 floors, lounge, dance floor, DJ music, dark basement, smokers' lounge, live sex shows, open 'til 4 or 5am. Events with international gogo boys and pornstars, plus first Sunday ncAdam and third Sunday Horsemen & Knights underwear and naked monthly sex parties. Fickstutenmarkt sex parties take place every few months.

Getto (Warmoesstraat 51) bar/restaurant, specialty cocktails, exotic beverages, free internet, meals, snacks and American holiday food specials. Getto Glam Variety Shows on Thursdays, TV events, DJs on Fridays.

Queen's Head (Zeedijk 20) beautiful interior, canal views, popular for exuberant variety of evening events that include NetherBears' 2nd + 4th Sunday Bear Hug nights, and Glamour Drag Bingo .

CLOSED: Argos (Warmoesstraat 95), leathermen/bears, naked/ fetish sex parties; De Barderij (Zeedijk 14), gay/mixed pub; De Engel van Amsterdam (Zeedijk 21), canal-side men's pub/terrace; The Warehouse (Warmoesstraat 96), sex parties , dancing - formerly Club Fuxx/ Cockring .

Bars: Nieuwezijds Kolk/ Spuisstraat to Dam vicinity.

Boys Club 21 (Spuisstraat 21), Thursday - Saturday male dancers, handsome/ sensual guys, casual meetings at bar/lounge, weekend strip shows, four full-amenity hotel rooms upstairs.

Cafe 't Sluisje (Torensteeg 1), Thursday-Sunday bar/ three-course dinnerclub, fine wines, drag cabaret shows. Also daytime pancake menu from noon.

Cuckoo's Nest (Nieuwezijds Kolk 6), men's bar, fully equipped SM play cellar, videos, cabins, busy night and day, international crowd, friendly staff.

Hot Spot (Jonge Roelensteeg 4), cosy gay bar, daily from 4pm with drinks and 6-8pm Happy Snacks; 4 big-screens TVs with old and new campy music videos, mostly guys. Formerly on Amstel, now at old Club Stereo site near Dam Square.

Mankind (Weteringstraat 60), bar/cafe near Rijksmuseum, canal-side terrace tables; hot/ cold light meals, sandwiches, snacks, daily special, vegetarian options.

Prik (Spuisstraat 109), bar/ cafe and terrave, just off Dam Square, frisky young crowd, almost entirely Dutch; very popular on weekends with DJs, Sunday Free Bites .

Web (Jacobsstraat 4-6), venerable leather men's bar, roof garden, 'not too dark' darkroom, earlier than most places cruising, popular Sunday.

CLOSED: Café Bordó (Nieuwe Nieuwstraat 20), lesbian cafe/bar; Club Stereo (Jonge Roelensteeg 4), weekend dancing - now Hot Spot.

Bars: Amstel /Rembrandtplein On streets leading to Rembrandtplein from the Amstel River there are some popular local bars and a lively Pride Weekend street party each year.

Amstel Fifty Four (Amstel 54), lively happy hours and late nights, tourists mix easily with locals, summer terrace.

Brug34 (Utrechtsestraat 19), small cafe on the Herrengracht canal just south of Rembrandtplein, breakfast/ lunch cafe, terrace, evening drinks, mostly men.

Cafe De Jaren (Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20), large grand canal-side mixed crowd cafe/bar and trrace; lunch, high tea and dinner menus, coffees, salad buffets.

Fame (Amstel 50), small gay pub, young crowd, karaoke, cabaret, go-gos, special party nights; was Chez Rene .

Lellebel (Utrechtsestraat 4), bends gender with live shows, theme nights, nightly events.

Montmartre (Halve Maansteeg 17), busy nightly happy hours, popular later with locals young and old, Dutch tunes, dance classics.

Queers Cafe (Amstel 60), popular bar, stylish, old-fashioned decor, mature atmosphere, Dutch music, drag and showtunes. Formerly Dubbel D and Cafe Rouge.

CLOSED : Entre Nous (Halve Maansteeg 14); Vivelavie (looking for new location), lesbian bar, intense crush of young women, popular late weekends.

Bars, cafes: Reguliarsdwarsstraat A block south of the flower market, Reguliarsdwarsstraat, lined with bars, restaurants, and shops, has traditionally been filled  with young gay party people on summer nights. Check updates at the Reguliers website.

Bar Blend (Reguliersdwarsstraat 41), new (2019) LGBT/mixed pub/bar on three levels, terrace, wide-range of folk; open every afternoon through early morning hours.

Bar Broker (Reguliersdwarsstraat 44), Wall Street theme pop-up bar at old La Cage location, drinks price fluctuations display on big board, stock exchange-style; dancing, sandwiches/snacks.

Betty Boop (Reguliersdwarsstraat 29), comic character theme, 18+ marijuana coffeehouse, snacks and beverages.

Cafe De Duivel (Reguliersdwarsstraat 87), famous hiphop, soul, funk and groove nightclub, cultural/racial mix, 8pm-3am weekdays, until 4am weekends.

Café 't Dwarsliggertje (Reguliersdwarsstraat 105), tiny but lively gay bar, diverse crowd mixes with casual aplomb, Dutch and international music.

Club NYX (Reguliersdwarsstraat 42), nightclub on three levels, each with it's own music/atmosphere; gay, straight-friendly dance crowd, gayest on Saturdays, smokers' area; Thursday students' night, Friday and Saturday nights afterhours - see Exit Après Chique .

Exit Après Chique Café (Reguliersdwarsstraat 42), gay bar at Club NYX , open daily until late (4am, Friday/Saturday until 5am), popular Dutch and international pop music, dance if you can find room in the crowd; all-year terrace. See their FB page (if you have a FB acct) for events.

Free-I (Reguliersdwarsstraat 70), gay-frequented marijuana coffeeshop, deep-house to lounge music from well-known local DJs.

A L'Elephant du Congo (Reguliersdwarsstraat 37), gay-friendly mainstream music and visual arts eclectic ambiance, front bar and terrace, dance club in back later in the evening. Former site of April , then Ludwig .

Lunchroom Downtown (Regulierdwarsstraat 31), handy location, busy inside and outside for lunch, coffee, snacks; read, chat, or watch the world go by from the summer terrace.

Other Side (Reguliersdwarsstraat 6), gay-popular marijuana coffeeshop, art exhibitions.

Reality Bar (Reguliersdwarsstraat 129), diverse crowd, tropical setting, hip-moving multicultural music and vibes of warmer climes.

SoHo (Reguliersdwarsstraat 36), among largest gay bars in the city, classic wood interior, fireplace, terrace, dancing/ DJ sets, cocktails, mostly guys, locals and tourists.

Snappers Resto-Bar (Reguliersdwarsstraat 21), Mediterranean-Caribbean restaurant/ cocktail bar, Tex-Mex comfort foods, summer terrace.

Taboo (Reguliersdwarsstraat 45), colorful cocktail bar/lounge on two levels, big screen music videos, drag shows, popular happy hours.

Taboo Kantine (Reguliersdwarsstraat 43), Thursday-Sunday lesbian/gay/mixed cafe/bar drinks, cocktails, snacks and meals; stage performances, drag shows, DJs, dancing. Shares terrace with Taboo .

CLOSED: Kalinka (Reguliersdwarsstraat 125); La Cage (Reguliersdwarsstraat 44), gay restaurant/ cocktail lounge.

Clubs, cafes: Near Leidseplein

Club Church (Kerkstraat 52), men's leather/rubber, bears' cruise bar, smoker's lounge, private cabins, slings, douches, and showers. Weekly or monthly themes include Blue kooky klubbing, Jacks jackoff parties, Kink piss/ SM Tuesdays, first Saturdays Meat Market , Naked Bar Wednesdays, Sex On Sunday , Spank, Twinks Orgy for guys 32 and under, and (z)onderbroek underwear nights. Special fetish parties and events throughout the year include Furball , Hoerenbal hookers ball; Ladz , Undercover naked masked nights, and XXXLeather .

Melkweg (Lijnbaansgracht 234a), big dance nights, expos, conferences, special events, music concert venue.

Paradiso (Weteringschans 6-8), big dance club and concert venue southeast of Leidseplein; Superball in July, plus Club Rapido circuit parties several times a year.

Spijker (Kerksstraat 4), mostly men gay bar, beer busts, big-jackpot bingo, pool table, backroom playspace and darkroom, porn and cartoons.

Walem (Keizersgracht 449), gay-friendly cafe/ bar, terrace tables beside canal, traditional lunch or afternoon coffee, tea, cake; dinner a Mediterranean twist.

Clubs outside the center

Panama (Oostelijke Handelskade 4), upscale fashion-conscious lounge mainstream crowd; LGBT events have included Flirtation women-only dances and Bear Necessity for men.

Saarein Cafe (Elandsstraat 119, Jordaan), mostly women but "all queer-minded people" friendly mixed bar and cozy cafe; pool table, giant screen TV, smoking area, snacks/light meals, Saturday lunch from noon.

Same Place (Nassaukade 120, Centrum West), Monday night men-only sex parties. Erotic bar open for everyone on other nights. 

Trut  (Bilderdijkstraat 165), basement dance party every Sunday night, fills up fast, young crowd, cheap beer.

Warehouse Elementenstraat (Elementenstraat 25, Westpoort), industrial-style dance club venue, circuit parties; Liquid Kiddy in March.

Westergasfabriek (Haarlemmerweg 8, Westerpark), restaurants, bars, nightclub, shops & galleries, in a park setting where the Milkshake Festival takes place in July.

Westerunie (Klonneplein 4-6, Westerpark), dance club in park setting, home to X-AMS and Funhouse Club Rapido events.

CLOSED: Trouw (Wibautstraat 131); UNK and G|O|D (Get On Down) , queer House/ Techno dance parties by UNlimiter Eventlabel at Studio 80 - now Claire .

See our events listings , and websites Backdoor , Club Rapido + Funhouse , Bear-Necessity , Danserette , Furball, Ladz , Milkshake Festival , Spellbound , Spielraum , UltraSexi (FPQ) , Wasteland Summerfest , and XXXLeather , for ongoing events around town each month, each year, or now and then.

Sauna Nieuwezijds (Nieuwezijds Armsteeg 95), the gay sauna near Central Station, by the guys from Club Church ; lounge/bar, Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, private cabins, smoker's lounge, massage. Open 365 days/year.

CLOSED: Sauna Damrak 54 (Damrak 54), men-only sauna; Thermos Sauna (Raamstraat 33), 5-level steam/sauna complex, pool, whirlpool, bar/ lounge.

In The Hague , to the south of Amsterdam, Gaysauna Fides (Veenkade 20), a small steam and dry sauna for men, has a Jacuzzi, cabins and a bar.

In Arnhem , a short train ride to the east of Amsterdam, the Steamworks (Roermondsplein 32) gay sauna features monthly foam parties. In the town of Enschede , a bit further east, by the German border, 't Bölke (Molenstraat 6) is another gay sauna and cafe/disco complex to check out.

Boys Club 21 (Spuisstraat 21), Friday and Saturday male dancer/stripper bar, handsome, sensual guys, casual meetings at bar/lounge, shows, four full-amenity hotel rooms upstairs.

Club Church (Kerkstraat 52), all kinds of erotic events, including Ladz fetish parties, plus naked parties, sneaker and sports fetish and more.

Eagle Amsterdam (Warmoesstraat 90), Fickstutenmarkt sex party events; Horsemen & Knights + ncAdam naked nights.

Same Place (Nassaukade 120), erotic bar, open to all, irrespective of gender or sexual preferences. Monday night men-only sex parties 7pm-12am.

In The Hague , Club Ron at Paradise Club (Thomsonlaan 107), a Saturday night gay bay/lounge, has an indoor pool, a play area cage and sling, plus kinky Bear and BDSM theme nights.

Escorts Prostitution is legal and regulated in Amsterdam. Several websites offer the companionship of attractive young men, but since North American websites can no longer link to these sites, see local Amsterdam websites for information.  

Cruising spots

Nieuwe Meer (Anton Schleperspad) day and night, can be muddy, sometimes attracts gay bashers.

Vondelpark (near Leidseplein) day and night, at the rose garden in the center of the park.

Oosterpark (by Tropenmuseum) cruisy after sunset, park gets very dark, popular with local Arab guys.

Film & Theater

Cinecenter (Lijnbaansgracht 236, near Leidseplein) gay-friendly art-house cinema with screenings in original languages.

De Balie (Kleine Gartmanplantsoen 10, Leidseplein), art exhibitions, political and cultural seminars, lectures, music concerts, international films cinema, media; Grand Café, online video clips, magazine.

EYE National Film Museum (IJpromenade 1, Harbour), 40,000 film collection, all genres/eras, screenings in four cinemas, exhibitions, educational activities, store, bar and restaurant.

Ketel Huis (Pazzanistraat 4, Westergasfabriek), art-house cinema, international film screenings in OV, LGBT film festival venue.

Pathe de Munt (Vijzelstraat 15), OV language films of the world; international classic Gay Night movie screenings each first Wednesday of the month.

Pathé Tuschinski (Reguliersbreestraat 26-34), international and domestic films, Hollywood blockbuster to art-house cinema in original language version.

The Movies (Haarlemmerdijk 161), cinema near Centraal Station, Art Deco interior, current general releases, films of LGBT interest, OV original languages; cafe/bar.  

Restaurants Eating out in Amsterdam is an experience as varied in flavors as the residents and foreign tourists alike with creative chefs and every cuisine imaginable. Some gay favorites follow. See our full listings for links to these and another 47 restaurant suggestions.

Cafe Mankind (Welteringstraat 60), gay-friendly cafe and bar near the Rijksmuseum, canal-side terrace and docking area, lunch, panini sandwiches, soups, egg dishes, bar.

Deer Mama Vegan Mylk & Burger Bar (Ceintuurbaan 71, Nieuw-Zuid), burgers; mylk softserves/shakes and brunch tofu scrambles.

Garlic Queen (Reguilersdwarsstraat 27), everything made with healing and aromatic garlic, including ice cream. Under renovation, plans to reopen by Spring 2016.

Getto (Warmoesstraat 51), " serving hungry homos since 1996, " home cooking, a mix of cuisines from Louisiana to Paris, Sunday brunch, and American Thanksgiving if you're missing the turkey.

Golden Temple (Utrechtsestraat 126), international vegetarian cuisine of South Asia, Middle East, Italy; salad bar, fresh juices, chai, teas, many vegan options.

Hemelse Modder (Oude Waal 11), French and Italian comfort food with an Asian twist; " heavenly mud " is their chocolate mousse.

Lunchroom Downtown (Reguliersdwarsstraat 31), gay-popular cafe since 1970, diverse crowd, salads, burgers, quiche, curries, pancakes, home-baked cakes, ice cream, summer terrace seating.

Other Side (Reguilersdwarsstraat 6), friendly gay coffeeshop, pre-rolled hash, potent pot, munchies, hot chocolate.

Roses by SAL (Reguilersdwarsstraat 40), Latin street foods, empanadas, ceviche, tostadas, meat and fish asados, finger foods and sides; patio.

Saturnino (Reguliersdwarsstraat 5), authentic Sicilian restaurant, inexpensive wine list, gracious host; pasta/pizza, meat/fish and veggie options, espresso coffees, rich desserts, lunch/ dinner and take-out.

Cafe 't Sluisje (Torensteeg 1), drag show three-course dining with two seatings.

Supperclub (Jonge Roelensteeg 21), reclining couches, in-house DJs, fun cast of characters, five- course set meals; cocktail bar, nightclub, gallery and experimental free-for-all.

Vegan Junk Food Bar (Reguliersdwarsstraat 57), plant-based dips, salads, burgers, brats, fries, sashimi; smoothies, cocktails.

Walem (Keizergracht 49), gay- friendly vibe, canal-side cafe terrace; breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, soup, salads, steaks, pastas, specials.

De Bijenkorf , founded in 1870 is a large high end department store at Dam Square. The Maison de Bonneterie department store south on Rokin, founded in 1889, closed in late 2014.

Prestige brand name shops such as Armani, Bulgari, Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, Luis Vuitton, Prada and Tiffany , along with Burberry, Calvin Klein, Diesel, Dolce&Gabbana, Hermès, Hugo, Polo Ralph Lauren , and Tommy Hilfiger , can be found along Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat , a street between between Vondelpark and the Rijksmuseum , on tram lines 2 or 5.

The old Amsterdam Main Post Office built in 1895–1899 on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, just behind the Royal Palace, is now the Magna Plaza shopping mall, with men's and women's fashion boutiques, cheese and souvenir shops, a pizza restaurant, and the Grand Cafe Ovidius - all open seven days a week.

Fame , the country's largest entertainment shop with music CDs and video DVDs, moved to Media Markt Amsterdam Centrum, on Oosterdokskade, east of Central Station.

Other shopping districts include the nine canal-side streets of Negen Straatjes , in the Grachtengordel area just off the Leidsegracht , and the Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk area near Central Station. The Damrak and Nieuwendijk to the north of Dam Square, along with Kalverstraat and Rokin to the south, are lined with shops and restaurants, pretty much all the way from Central Station to Muntplein . From here Regululiersdwarstraat , one street south of the Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market) on the Singel Canal, is lined with shops, bars and cafes, all the way from Rembrandplein to Koningsplein . The Apple Store is in Leidseplein .

Open-air street markets include: Albert Cuypmarkt , (tram 16 or 24), held daily just south of the Heineken Experience ; Westerstraat-markt , Mondays along Westerstraat in Jordan; Ten Katemarkt, Monday through Saturday off Kinkerstraat (tram 17); and Dappermarkt , (tram 9), another daily market near Oosterpark .

Amsterdamse Poort near Strandvlietand Metro station, and Stadshart Amstelveen near Centrum Amstelveen Metro, are two shopping centers a bit out from the center, with stores, services and American-style fast food restaurants.

Shopping: Books

Bollox (Eerste Schinkel­straat 14-16), near Vondelpark, anarchist bookstore, Thursday-Saturday MKZ vegan cafe, and community/cultual center with Sunday women's nights; part of the Binnenpret complex, a legalized squat, home to variousf political and cultural initiatives run by volunteers.

Taschen (P.C. Hooftstraat 44), high end bookshop with publications of fine art, illustrations, photography and music, including some sexy items of erotica, both gay and straight.

Vrolijk Boeken & Films / LGBT Books & Movies, previously with bookstore just off the Damrak, now online retail; extensive Dutch and English selection of books in print and e-editions, academic works, international art-house DVD movies, gifts and calendars.

Spui Square is a center for bookshops with three major retail stores and Friday booksellers' stands with all kinds of reading material from far and wide.

Athenaeum Bookshop (Spui 14), large Dutch bookstore in the square, with titles in many languages, including photo and art books.

American Book Center (Spui 12), and Waterstones (Kalverstraat 152), large retail bookstores in Spui Square area, where English is the common tongue; the city’s best assortment of books and magazines from all around the Anglosphere. Shopping: Gifts & Clothes

ES Collection (Zeedijk 61) - CLOSED - retail store for Spanish fashion underwear and swimsuit label; also urban and athletic wear.

Gays & Gadgets (Spuistraat 44), tee shirts, underwear, gay-theme cards, posters, knick-knacks, souvenirs and pop art.

Pink Point (Keizersgracht at Westermarkt), gay and lesbian information kiosk near the Homomonument , maps, guides, tips and souvenirs.

Shirtshop (Reguliersdwarsstraat 64), for guys, dress-to-impress at affordable prices, not mass-product, indIvidual shirts, cool tees, jeans and jackets. Shopping: Leather A world center for leather clothing and gear, Amsterdam has top-notch stores and services. Look first to the heart of the leather scene under the black-and-blue flags in Warmoesstraat.

Black Body (Kerkstraat 173), selections from rubber socks to body bags, good prices on jeans, chaps, shirts, vests.

Mister B (Warmoesstraat 89), home retail store of international leather/fetish product line, fine leather/rubber garments, boots, accessories, fetish magazines, toys, piercing, tattooing, and artworks.

Mister B (Van der Madeweg 5b), like the retail store, but for traders, shop owners and internet stores.

RoB Amsterdam (Warmoesstraat 71), the other famous leather maker's flagship store, custom-made leather/ fetish items and accessories. Shopping: Sex shops Amsterdam is a center for gay sex shops and cinemas with wide selections, on-site screenings, cruising and DVD rentals.

B1 Sexshop (Reguliersbreestraat 4), gay and straight sex shop, DVDs, porn cinemas, darkroom.

Bronx Video and Bookshop/Cinema (Kerkstraat 53, near Leidseplein), gay erotic magazines, books, DVD sales/rentals, video cabins, internet.

Drake's (Damrak 61), sex shop magazines and videos, toys, SMB accessories, peep booths, glory holes, rainbow items.

Le Salon (Nieuwendijk 20-22), gay/straight/bi porn cinema near Central Station, plenty to read and watch, peep booths, glory holes.

Gay Amsterdam – The Nomadic Boys

We love visiting gay Amsterdam . Whether it’s for a city break, romantic weekend or a party, we always know we’re going to have a terrific time.

Whilst Amsterdam is most famous for its “coffeeshops” where you can smoke joints legally, it is also culturally rich with world-class museums and has the most distinctive urban landscape. The city is dominated by water, with 165 canals, around 500 bridges, lots of cute narrow cobblestone streets and many many many bicycles! It’s so picturesque that the network of canals in the 17th-century historic old town (called the “Canal Ring“) was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.

The city is also super gay, which is unsurprising given that it is the capital city of one of the most queer friendly countries in the world. It is one of the few places where we feel comfortable walking the streets holding hands and don’t feel like we first have to look over our shoulders to do that safety check! It also has some fantastic parties, plenty of LGBTQ+ hangouts, lots of events and the most unpronounceable gay village ever! We’ve summarised it all right here in our detailed gay Amsterdam travel guide.

First time in Gay Amsterdam?

One of our favourite ways to get a feel of Amsterdam is on a gay tour, in particular the ones offered by Gaily. They do a series of different tours in Amsterdam which we’ve tried, love and highly recommend, especially to first-timers. A local will take your hand and guide you through the touristic highlights of the city by day and will also show you around the Reguliersdwarsstraat scene by night.

Full Story at The Nomadic Boys

Gay Amsterdam Travel Resources

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Gay guide to Amsterdam for the solo traveler

• by Solo Traveler
• February 13, 2018 July 5, 2019

Amsterdam for LGBTs

More than any other city in the world, Amsterdam not only appears to tolerate gay and lesbian culture it actively seems to celebrate it. Truly this is a city upon which the mantle of gay mecca can sit comfortably!

Like most of Europe’s other major urban centers, the city holds a Gay Pride event. But few can hold a candle to the pomp and show of Amsterdam’s (held from August 3-7).

The centerpiece of the event is the ‘canal parade’, which roars along the Prinzengracht in a frenzy of costumes and color. Every March, Amsterdam also hosts its Fetish Fantasy Weekend, whilst Amsterdam’s Leather Pride takes place in October.

The city’s gay action is broken down into a few distinct areas. To the north of the old town, tucked neatly in between Dam Square and Central Station, and in the heart of the red-light district, the Warmoesstraat is where you’ll find the majority of the city’s leather-bars and rainbow-flagged saunas.

Further south, the city’s Museumquarter is home to many of Amsterdam’s smartest shopping streets, the most exclusive of all being the P.C. Hooftstraat which positively drips with classy boutiques. It also contains the Reguliersdwarsstraat area, which, along with the Amstel and Kerkstraat districts (one of the city’s longest-standing gay areas) is the focal point of the gay and lesbian scene in Amsterdam . Check out the latest Gay news too!

On long summer evenings, drinkers spill out onto the streets from the area’s many heaving gay and lesbian bars, while its clubs are crammed with partiers until well into the morning.

Amsterdam Gay Areas and LGBT

The Amstel area neighbors the Rembrandtplein, another of Amsterdam’s elegant squares named after the late Dutch master Rembrandt, and now a neighborhood of typical Dutch pubs playing authentic Dutch music. Whilst not perhaps as exclusively gay as it once was, it’s nevertheless a thriving hub of trendy gay bars and clubs.

For friendly assistance and insider tips on gay Amsterdam head for the ‘Pink Point’, (to be found at the Westermarkt, on the Keizersgracht) a gay and lesbian information kiosk, that also sells souvenirs.

Next to this is the ‘Homomonument’, a gay monument made of three large pink granite triangles. It stands, near the Anne Frank house, as a symbol of Holland’s continuing commitment to tolerance and inclusiveness for all.

Some General Travel Advice for Gays and Lesbians

Whether or not it’s ok to be gay abroad varies wherever you are in the world. In some countries it’s so acceptable there’s barely a need for a scene, whereas in others you can still be stoned to death for what’s perceived as a heinous crime against God (or whichever version of God is applicable). Even in countries like the USA, it can vary between state, you wouldn’t want to get caught with your pants down in Texas, for instance.

It obviously therefore pays to do a little research before you go, so here is a selection of city guides from across the globe which will help you on your way.

Also everyone should read travel insurance over 80 reviews if you are visiting any foreign country and don’t have worldwide private health insurance. So make sure you have some!

Events this year in Amsterdam

Canal Parade

The highlight of the Amsterdam Gay Pride is the Canal Parade. Please note that since 2017 the route is reversed from previous years, now going from Amstel towards Prinsengracht. See here a map of the route and other information. The parade will start around 12:30 (one hour earlier)

Things are in 2017 a little different from other years:

The main stage is at Dam square, with DJ’s and performers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. There is no street party on Amstel in front of bar Amstel Fifty Four (because of new traffic routes). Also the Rembrandtplein party (including Sunday closing party) has moved to Dam square.

Bar Prik at Spuistraat will have street parties for it’s second year including a stage. Reguliersdwarsstraat will have an “intimate party” without a stage or outside bars.

How many days to spend in Amsterdam? Must-Sees in Amsterdam Which Museums to Visit in Amsterdam? Should I get the iAmsterdam card? Which neighborhoods to visit in Amsterdam? What to eat in Amsterdam / Dutch foods to eat in Amsterdam What to drink in Amsterdam How to get to Amsterdam from Schiphol Airport Where to stay in Amsterdam / Best areas to stay in?

Take a canal ride. There’s no better way to see the city and learn about its history than cruising through the picturesque canals. Visit the Hortus Botanicus. One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, the Hortus Botanicus is perfect for an afternoon stroll. Grab lunch nearby at De Plantage afterwards. Don’t forget your camera!

Hortus Botanicus gardens in Amsterdam city center, Holland, The Netherlands Inside one of the greenhouses in the Hortus Botanicus. Boating on Amsterdam’s canals in summer, The Netherlands Boating down Amsterdam’s canals in the summer.

Tour the Anne Frank Huis. If I had to pick one tourist attraction to see, it would definitely be the newly renovated Anne Frank Huis. It’s a humbling and fascinating visit. Book tickets in advance, it fills up fast. Visit the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum – the Rijksmuseum itself is a masterpiece. The Van Gogh Museum hosts the world’s largest collection of his work and is just a stone’s throw away, so make a day of it!

More Things to Do in Amsterdam

These are some of my favorite essential things to do while in Amsterdam! The Rijksmuseum is notorious for long lines, so I highly recommend booking in advance. Visiting the windmills just north of Amsterdam are a must, and the Zaanse Schans windmill tour below meets at a very central location in Amsterdam (literally, Amsterdam Central Station) to provide transportation.

What to Bring to Holland

An umbrella. The Netherlands is notorious for rain and unpredictable weather. Floral-print anything. Flower-lined canals call for inspired floral design. A backpack to carry the essentials around the city. It’s the easiest bag to bike with! Comfortable shoes — you’ll be doing a lot of walking. I wear these brown matisse booties almost every day, they’re the most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned!

For more of our favorite things to do in Amsterdam, check out where to have a home-cooked meal on a Dutch rooftop, our experience boating around Amsterdam’s canal district, and our tips for visiting Keukenhof flower gardens.

The Most Fabulous and Almost-Gay Hostels in Amsterdam! 🇳🇱

Posted on Last updated: December 3, 2023

Categories Gay Accomodation , Hot Off The Press

Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.

Welcome to Amsterdam, one of the most sexually liberating cities in the world! Better yet, its liberal mindset on sex even extends to the gay scene, making it a perfect destination for gays everywhere in the world!

For years, the small city of Amsterdam has been the hottest hotspot for traveling gays thanks to its friendly and open mindset to gay people. With several LGBT pride parades per year and other LGBT events, Amsterdam has been at the forefront of LGBT pride forever. In fact, many even consider it to be the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement!

The story began with legislation in 1811 that effectively decriminalized homosexuality, a move that no country in the world at that time had boldly taken. Since then, gays worldwide have found their own gay utopia here in Amsterdam. The first gay bar in Amsterdam opened in 192, marking the first long strides in LGBT rights. In 1946, one of the world’s first LGBT rights organizations was opened in Amsterdam.

While the history of gay men and women who served during World War II was largely forgotten by other countries, it is never forgotten here in Amsterdam, as the locals erected the very first Homomonument in 1987 in their memory. Amsterdam has also received the honor of being the first city outside of North America to host Gay Games in 1998. Finally, a decisive victory for LGBT rights was made here in Amsterdam, as the world witnessed the first legalization of homosexual marriage in 2001.

Today, gay rights activism is still a part of the city’s cultural heritage. The annual Amsterdam Gay Pride has become a welcoming sight to local citizens, and a must-see for tourists. As one of the most renowned gay pride parades in the world, it attracts at least 500,000 visitors to the city annually, making it a huge tourist attraction for the city.

Amsterdam has much more than just gay parades. Since the opening of its first gay bar, the city has seen the surging rise of gay establishments. From Vrolijk Gay and Lesbian Bookshop, where one can find the most LGBT-friendly books and guidebooks, to Homodok-lesbisch Archief, a great free archive of free information on homosexuality and LGBT activism, the local bookshops will offer you a great deal of information on gays and their struggles towards tolerance.

However, as Amsterdam is renowned for its liberal attitude towards sex and BDSM roleplaying, perhaps you might be interested in something more exotic. In that case, RoB or Mister B might be the place to check out. With years of experience in crafting genuine leather products, these two establishments will offer you the best leather sex toys and fetishwear for gay men, which are guaranteed to satisfy all your kinks.

If you are in for the scenery, then Amsterdam has more than just gay attractions. The city canal will allow you to sit back and enjoy the vibe of this ancient city, where the traditional meets the modern. If you are looking for a cruise around the city, then De Oeverlanden Park is your go-to place. In this park, you can freely go about cruising, as the public tolerates it. However, do take notice that you have to stay in the designated area, as loitering out of it can get you a nasty fine.

After a long day traveling around the city’s gay areas, good sleep is definitely what you will need, and since you are in one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world, is there a better way to savor your night than resting at a gay hostel? You are in for a shock! There is no gay-exclusive hostel in Amsterdam!

There used to be some gay-only hostels in the city, but nowadays, the line has become so blurred that pretty much every hostel is gay-friendly, and the former gay-only hostels have now accepted heterosexual guests as well.

While almost every hostel has become very open to gays, some put in more effort than others, earning themselves a great deal of reputation in gay communities. To save you some time, we have compiled a list of the best gay-friendly hostels in Amsterdam for you to choose. It’s time to dive into your gay adventure!

In this article we will cover...

MEININGER Amsterdam City West

Stayokay amsterdam vondelpark, meininger amsterdam amstel, the bulldog, generator amsterdam, amsterdam hostel orfeo, the most fabulous and almost-gay hostels in amsterdam 🇳🇱.

Located in the culturally vibrant Amsterdam Noord area, which doubles as a lively gay area, ClinkNOORD is a modern and chic gay-friendly hostel that offers unrivaled services at affordable pricing. The rent for one night is comparably much cheaper than other local hotels, so this is a great choice for travelers on a budget if you don’t mind sharing the room a bit. What is more, this lovely hostel is located just 10 minutes away from Amsterdam Central Station, allowing you to easily catch trains anywhere in the city.

The accommodation is modest, but it is well worth the price. The hostel consists of both private rooms for those seeking privacy and dormitories for those wanting to find more friends. It also features a great range of amenities, from lounges, a library, a shared kitchen where guests can cook to events and meeting spaces for those needing them. The hostel offers breakfast buffets for its guests.

Amsterdam is not only about gentlemen, but ladies can also get something exciting. Hostelle is a female-only hostel that is located 20 minutes away from Amsterdam’s city center. Decorated in modern designs with a touch of vintage timelessness, each room in the hostel is a story of its own, ensuring that each of your days in the hostel is a unique experience. The hostel also offers laundry services for busy travelers.

Accompanying amenities include a garden and a library. There is a shared kitchen for your use in every communal area.

This hostel is located right in the city’s center, so there will not be much walking around if you stay in it. From this hotel, you can easily walk to famous attractions such as Heineken Experience, Royal Theater Carré, etc.

Aside from being extremely gay-friendly, the hostel’s biggest plus is its terrace, where you can chill with your friends and partners while enjoying the view of Amsterdam. The rent for a day can get extremely cheap if you choose to share your room with roommates and don’t worry, every room comes with a private bathroom.

Modern, chic, and affordable, MEININGER is the place to stay on your gay adventure to Amsterdam. It is located right next to Amsterdam Sloterdijk Railway Station, so you will not have to worry about transportation while staying here. Equipped with a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi, the rooms in MEININGER can easily satisfy even the most demanding guests.

To give the hostel a unique Dutch vibe, its spacious lobby has been blessed with traditional art pieces from famous artists such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt, etc. There is also a bar and a guest kitchen for your use. While staying here. You can enjoy a wide variety of both continental and buffet breakfast options.

Located in the heart of the lush and verdant Vondelpark, this hostel provides unrivaled scenery and beautiful designs at affordable prices. Gays who stay here can enjoy lovely dormitories with coin-operated lockers to add an extra layer of security.

For couples, there are also private bedrooms available throughout the hostel. Accompanying amenities include a bar where guests can enjoy a good drink with friends at the end of an exhausting day. You can also hire bikes from the hostel to freely explore the streets of Amsterdam.

Quirky, green, and fabulous, what can gays demand more from Ecomama? Located just 500m from the historic company of Dutch National Opera & Ballet, the hostel is the place to stay if you want easy access to Amsterdam’s rich ballet and classical music history. Furthermore, to enhance its charm, the property has a nice terrace for you to enjoy a panoramic view of Amsterdam and a shared lobby with a pretty unique design.

There is also a bar in the hostel, making it the perfect place to chill with your friends.

Another great hostel from MEININGER, and this time, in the gay quarter of Amstel. Like its sister in Amsterdam West, this hotel consists of chic and modern rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

This hostel is within walking distance of famous destinations such as the Heineken Experience, the Rijksmuseum, and many more, so you will never run out of things to do here. For breakfast, there is a daily continental breakfast with a surcharge.

As one of the most famous hostels in Amsterdam, the Bulldog offers you the most talked-about specialty from the Netherlands , cannabis coffee. With psychedelic design and special house drinks, this hostel will keep you entertained throughout your trip to explore the most cannabis-liberal city in the world. The Bulldog is also the first 5-star hostel in the world, so be ready to pay some extra for its luxury services.

The property is conveniently located close to the red light district, so if you are looking for some gay sexual adventure, this is the place to be.

This hostel is new and dressed in a quirky yet classic design. Based in a refitted zoological building in Oosterpark, the hostel blends perfectly well with the stately sentiment of an old lecture hall with modern touches. There is also a secret bar in the hostel for curious guests, but we won’t tell you where!

Every room in the hostel is air-conditioned, and the onsite café is the best spot for a full breakfast. There is also a bike rental service in case you want to explore the streets of Amsterdam.

Situated beside a canal, this hostel has relatively easy access to famous tourist attractions in Amsterdam. The hostel will offer you a wide range of rooms, from dormitories to some private rooms with en suite bathrooms for extra privacy. The hotel has a 24-hour reception, so you can come and go as you will, perfect for those who want to explore the nightlife of Amsterdam. There is also a laundry service for busy travelers on the property.

With these budget-yet-gay-friendly hostels, you will not have to worry about accommodations while exploring Amsterdam’s famous gay scene. As these hostels are all gay-friendly, maybe you will even make new friends on your trip or even more! Everything is possible in Amsterdam!

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LGBTQ travel guide: Amsterdam

Considered by many to be the gay capital of Europe, Amsterdam is one of the most welcoming destinations in the world for LGBTQ travelers. It has numerous neighborhoods all over the city dedicated to the LGBTQ community, where you’ll find gay bars, clubs, and hotels. With its winding canals and beautiful architecture, Amsterdam has something to offer to every traveler. Those who are gay in Amsterdam will feel totally at home in this welcoming city which has long been at the forefront of LGBTQ activism and fight for acceptance.

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Gay in Amsterdam: is Amsterdam gay friendly?

Amsterdam is a very gay-friendly city. In fact, it’s often regarded as one of the friendliest cities in the world for the LGBTQ community. The Netherlands, more broadly, is a culturally liberal country and has historically been a leader in the fight for gay rights. In 2001, it became the first country to legalise same-sex marriage.

In 2019, a Eurobarometer poll reported that 97% of Dutch people agreed that gay, lesbian, and bisexual people should have the same rights as straight people (the second highest percentage in the EU). Amsterdam has long been at the center of LGBTQ culture in the Netherlands, home to some of its earliest gay bars and clubs. You’ll have no trouble finding hotels that welcome gay guests, and it’s unlikely for you to encounter issues when displaying affection in public.

Are there gay areas in Amsterdam?

You’ll find Amsterdam’s LGBTQ communities and nightlife scattered throughout the city, but the bars and clubs are concentrated along Warmoesstraat, Reguliersdwarsstraat, Amstel, and Kerkstraat. These four streets make up the main gay districts in Amsterdam. Along with nightlife, you’ll also find gay-owned and gay-friendly shops, restaurants, and cafes in these areas, as well as a high density of LGBTQ locals.

Around Amstel River, 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.

Reguliersdwarsstraat

Reguliersdwarsstraat is considered the main gay street in Amsterdam. It’s the heart of Amsterdam’s gay scene and is packed with bars, restaurants, and clubs.

Kerkstraat is the oldest gay area in Amsterdam, close to the Leidseplein nightlife district. This street runs through the heart of the city and intersects with Reguliersdwarsstraat. It’s home to some of Amsterdam’s most iconic gay institutions, including Club Church.

Zeedijk and Warmoesstraat

Zeedijk and Warmoesstraat are the areas where you’ll find the best parties in Amsterdam. Zeedijk sits right at the edge of the city’s famous Red Light District and holds historic importance for its LGBTQ community. Warmoesstraat is a bit more relaxed than Zeedijk and is home to Amsterdam’s leather scene.

Amsterdam Pride

Amsterdam Pride is held each year around the first week of August and is one of the best Pride celebrations you’ll ever experience. It usually runs for over a week, with a range of performances, events, and exhibitions. The march doesn’t just stay on the streets, and the highlight of the festivities is the Canal Parade that floats over Amsterdam’s canals (including the Amstel River) from Westerdok to Oosterdok. This parade ends the main event, and you’ll find the closing party at Rembrandtplein once it’s over.

Gay bars in Amsterdam

Whether you’re looking for dance floors or drag shows, Amsterdam’s gay bars have something for you. Along the city’s main gay streets, you’ll find a range of different options, from party spots to laid-back eateries. There are bars with immense historic importance to Amsterdam’s LGBTQ community as well as recently opened hangouts that have already made their mark on locals. If you’re looking to spend an evening in Amsterdam, the only “issue” you’ll run into is having too many choices. We made a shortlist of Amsterdam’s best gay bars to help you decide.

Cafe ‘t Mandje

Opened in 1927 by the pioneering LGBTQ rights activist Bet van Beeren, Cafe ‘t Mandje was the first official gay bar in Amsterdam. Its motto is “Fun and Respect since 1927.” Its interior is decorated with a wide array of fascinating and quirky memorabilia showing its historic roots. This bar offers a cozy spot, complete with a billiards table and jukebox.

Lunchroom Downtown

Lunchroom Downtown isn’t the usual hangout you’ll be heading to in the evenings. This espresso bar is one of the most popular gay hotspots on Reguliersdwarsstraat. Opened in 1970, it was the first openly gay establishment in the area. It is a great daytime option, serving delicious coffee and a brunch-style menu. Large windows let plenty of light into the cozy interior, and in summer, the outdoor seating area is perfect for people watching along the Reguliersdwarsstraat.

Cafe Montmartre

Cafe Montmartre is beloved for its disco-themed decor and friendly staff. Karaoke is a regular fixture, showcasing hits from the 1980s with modern-day chart-toppers. It’s a lovely place as a meetup point if you’re with a large group, and it often hosts birthday parties and other events. It also organizes live performances and offers amazing prices during happy hour, from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Bar BLEND, in Reguliersdwarsstraat, stretches across two floors, with bar tables on the ground floor and a lounge area on the upper floor. Downstairs has the DJ and upstairs has the cocktail bar. One of its most popular attractions is Drag Bingo. It has a range of different queens hosting, as well as drag performances throughout the week. Just down the road, you’ll find the newly opened BLEND XL, the big brother of Bar BLEND which offers a wider space but the same fun vibe.

SoHo is a British-style bar, in Reguliersdwarsstraat, with a dance floor and great music. If you prefer to sit down and chat with friends, you’ll find comfortable leather seats amid cozy bookshelves. It does get crowded, and when that happens, the second floor opens its bar so you won’t have to wait long for your drinks. There’ll always be a DJ playing pop tunes and dance hits, and there are also occasional live performances from some of Amsterdam’s best LGBTQ musicians and performance artists.

Prik is a popular gay hangout in Amsterdam’s old town that’s very popular with locals. They pride themselves on offering a relaxed, no-fuss space where you can settle in with great food and fun drinks. It hosts “Boardgayme” nights, a fantastic way to meet gay people in Amsterdam in a casual setting. Prik’s decor isn’t to be missed either. It’s a totally pink venue, beautifully lit, with comfortable pink couches inside and pink bar tables out on the terrace. Prik has been named Time Out’s “Best Gay Venue of Amsterdam” multiple times and won the Rainbow Award for “Best Gay Bar.” It also has Prosecco (both white and pink) on tap.

Bar Buka is a relatively new lesbian bar in Amsterdam’s Pijp district, with the slogan “Where Girls Meet.” Although Amsterdam is packed with gay bars, establishments focused on queer women are rare and Bar Buka aims to highlight Amsterdam’s LGBTQ women. Although the majority of the clientele are women, everyone is welcome here. If you’re looking for a relaxed way to kill some time and meet new people, Bar Buka is the best place to visit. You can watch football on the TV and play board games by the bar. On weekends, they sometimes clear tables for a makeshift dance floor. Order from their range of cocktails, including the “Femme” (Chambord and Prosecco), “Pride” (Triple Sec, Bulleit Bourbon, and bitter lemon), and the non-alcoholic “Lesbeau” (elderflower syrup, lime juice, and sparkling water).

Dragshow Bar 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, packed 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.

Gay clubs and parties in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a party animal’s paradise, and there are plenty of gay clubs and pop-up parties where you can dance the night away. Some parties run just a few times a year and others are a weekly affair. You can find them concentrated in Amsterdam’s gay districts, and you’ll also find numerous options in the city’s famous Red Light District.

BACKDOOR is a fantastic dance party right in the heart of Amsterdam, held multiple times a year. Check its website to see if it’s going to be on when you’re in town. It’s held at Melkweg, one of Amsterdam’s most popular music venues. It attracts all members of the LGBTQ community, and you’ll find plenty of LGBTQ subcultures here whenever it’s held.

If you visited Amsterdam in the 1990s or 2000s, you might have spent some nights dancing at Club Exit. In 2010, Exit closed its doors, but by October 2012, it was reborn as Club NYX, under the ownership of Rob de Jong, the man responsible for the (now closed) Bar ARC. Club NYX (named after the Greek goddess of the night) welcomes all partygoers, but the majority of its clientele are young LGBTQ locals and visitors. The party takes place across two floors, with a bar on each and multiple DJs. The lower floor is the main dance spot, while the upper floor has a spacious lounge area. Club NYX even has a DJ in the bathroom to make sure the party never stops.

Blue @ Club Church

Club Church is one of Amsterdam’s most unique LGBTQ establishments, hosting events for all subcultures within the city’s queer community. It’s a popular cruising spot, and there are parties almost every day of the week. Blue bills itself as “Amsterdam’s most absurd dance party” and runs every Thursday, with a different theme each week. You can expect over-the-top, camp performances at this party that celebrates the misfits and the outcasts. There’s no dress code and you won’t look out of place dressed casual or super over the top. If you come in drag, you’ll get in for free.

Gay clubs in and around the Red Light District

Warmoesstraat runs through Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District and is home to a number of gay clubs and bars. In particular, it houses a number of leather bars and hosts the annual Leather Pride street party held in October. Sadly, Argos (Europe’s first leather bar) closed up shop in 2015, but there are a few clubs carrying on its legacy. Eagle Amsterdam is a three-floor club and a popular cruising spot. Dirty Dicks, located nearby, leans into the red light part of the Red Light District. Warmoesstraat is also home to the world’s first condom shop, which opened in 1987.

Gay saunas in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has one main gay bathhouse called Sauna Nieuwezijds, located right in the heart of the city center. The bathhouse includes a steam room, a hot tub, a Turkish bath, a Finnish sauna, a dark room, and multiple private cabins. It also has massage services on offer, and you’ll get a discount on massages with entry to the sauna.

Homomonument

In 1970, a group of LGBTQ activists laid a lavender wreath in Dam Square at the National War Memorial, in memory of queer people who were persecuted under Nazi Germany. The activists were arrested and the wreath was removed, but the incident reaffirmed the need for such a memorial. In 1987, the Homomonument was unveiled on the bank of the Keizersgracht canal, facing the spot where the activists attempted to lay the wreath. It is made up of three pink granite triangles that rise out of the ground and are placed to form one larger triangle. The monument commemorates all victims of homophobic persecution, as well as those who have fought for LGBTQ rights and freedom.

Souvenirs and insider tips at Pink Point

Pink Point is the perfect place to start and end your trip in Amsterdam. It is the official LGBTQ information kiosk in Amsterdam located right next to the Homomonument. Come here when you arrive and its friendly staff will give you insider tips and information about current events or parties, and answer any other questions you might have. It also sells a variety of queer-themed souvenirs that will come in handy if you’re looking for mementos of your trip or gifts to take back home.

Gay hotels in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s gay-friendly culture and strong anti-discrimination laws mean you can expect most hotels in the city to welcome gay travelers and couples. We’ve highlighted a few of the best hotels in Amsterdam for LGBTQ travelers.

Hotels on Kerkstraat

With rainbow flags waving out front, Amistad Hotel was previously known as the “Gay-Friendly Hotel.” The name might have changed, but Amistad Hotel is still one of the most inclusive hotels in central Amsterdam. It’s within walking distance of nearby train stations, and a continental breakfast is served daily. Quentin Golden Bear Hotel is another great gay-friendly option on Kerkstraat. It’s right next to Leidseplein, so you’ll be close to Amsterdam’s nightlife.

Hotels close to gay nightlife

Albus Hotel is a great option in the city center. It’s right around the corner from Reguliersdwarsstraat and close to gay nightlife and top Amsterdam attractions such as the Van Gogh Museum. Hotel CC is close to the bars and clubs on Warmoesstraat. It’s also conveniently located near the Central Railway Station.

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• Minimum inhibitory concentrations of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains in clients of the Amsterdam sexual health clinic with a Dutch versus an international sexual network
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• http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1526-7977 Buhari Teker 1 , 2 ,
• http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4903-7002 Maarten Schim van der Loeff 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 ,
• http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0512-2109 Elske Hoornenborg 1 , 4 ,
• Anders Boyd 1 , 4 , 6 ,
• Sophia Reedijk 1 ,
• Alje van Dam 1 , 7 ,
• http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9538-1501 Vita Willemijn Jongen 1 , 6 ,
• Henry de Vries 1 , 2 , 4 , 5
• 1 Infectious Diseases , Public Health Service of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
• 2 Dermatology , Amsterdam UMC Location AMC , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
• 3 Department of Internal Medicine , Amsterdam UMC Location AMC , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
• 4 Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity (AII) , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
• 5 Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute (APH) , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
• 6 Stichting HIV Monitoring , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
• 7 Medical Microbiology , Amsterdam UMC Location AMC , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
• Correspondence to Professor Henry de Vries, Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; h.j.devries{at}amsterdamumc.nl

Objectives International travel combined with sex may contribute to dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng). To assess the role of travel in Ng strain susceptibility, we compared minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for five antibiotics (ie, azithromycin, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, cefixime and ciprofloxacin) in strains from clients with an exclusively Dutch sexual network and clients with an additional international sexual network.

Methods From 2013 to 2019, we recorded recent residence of sexual partners of clients (and of their partners) with Ng at the Center for Sexual Health of Amsterdam. We categorised clients as having: (1) exclusively sexual partners residing in the Netherlands (‘Dutch only’) or (2) at least one partner residing outside the Netherlands. We categorised the country of residence of sexual partners by World Bank/EuroVoc regions. We analysed the difference of log-transformed MIC of Ng strains between categories using linear or hurdle regression for each antibiotic.

Results We included 3367 gay and bisexual men who had sex with men (GBMSM), 516 women and 525 men who exclusively had sex with women (MSW) with Ng. Compared with GBMSM with a ‘Dutch only’ network, GBMSM with: (1) a Western European network had higher MICs for ceftriaxone (β=0.19, 95% CI=0.08 to 0.29), cefotaxime (β=0.19, 95% CI=0.08 to 0.31) and cefixime (β=0.06, 95% CI=0.001 to 0.11); (2) a Southern European network had a higher MIC for cefixime (β=0.10, 95% CI=0.02 to 0.17); and (3) a sub-Saharan African network had a lower MIC for ciprofloxacin (β=−1.79, 95% CI=−2.84 to −0.74). In women and MSW, higher MICs were found for ceftriaxone in clients with a Latin American and Caribbean network (β=0.26, 95% CI=0.02 to 0.51).

Conclusions For three cephalosporin antibiotics, we found Ng strains with slightly higher MICs in clients with partner(s) from Europe or Latin America and the Caribbean. International travel might contribute to the spread of Ng with lower susceptibility. More understanding of the emergence of AMR Ng is needed.

• NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE
• Sexual Partners
• Drug Resistance, Bacterial
• Disease Transmission, Infectious

Data availability statement

Data are available upon reasonable request. On request to the corresponding author ([email protected]), the following data will be available after publication: de-identified participant data. Data will be shared after approval of an analysis proposal by the first, corresponding and other coauthors (BT, MSvdL, EH, AB, SR, AvD, VWJ, HdV).

https://doi.org/10.1136/sextrans-2023-055988

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WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ON THIS TOPIC

International travel combined with sex may contribute to dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) strains.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

Compared with gay and bisexual men who had sex with men (GBMSM) with exclusively Dutch partners, we found that GBMSM with European sexual networks had higher minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for ceftriaxone, cefotaxime and cefixime.

Compared with women and men who exclusively had sex with women with exclusively Dutch partners, those with a Latin American and Caribbean sexual network had higher MICs for ceftriaxone.

HOW THIS STUDY MIGHT AFFECT RESEARCH, PRACTICE OR POLICY

In the Netherlands, cross-border sexual contact appears associated with Ng strains with higher MICs, especially within a European context and among GBMSM, although not reaching the breakpoints for AMR.

International travel throughout Europe might facilitate dissemination of AMR Ng strains.

Introduction

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) is one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 1 Ng is a significant public health concern due to increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the potential for serious complications. 1 2 When left untreated, Ng can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, an increased risk of ectopic pregnancies and preterm labour. 2

Over the years, Ng has acquired resistance to the majority of first-line treatment options (ie, penicillin, tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones), reducing the number of available treatments. 3 Ng resistance to azithromycin and ciprofloxacin has been observed in many countries. 1 Additionally, decreased susceptibility and resistance to ceftriaxone (the current first-line treatment) and cefixime have been found in some countries. 1 4 AMR against the growing number of antibiotics used to treat Ng has been considered a global threat by the WHO since 2012, 3 but Ng resistance has continued to increase. It is hypothesised that AMR to ceftriaxone started in Southeast Asia and is spreading to other regions, including Europe, although cases of AMR with only European sexual contacts have also been described. 5 6 In the Netherlands, no cases of resistance to ceftriaxone have been described. 7

One of the plausible causes of higher minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for Ng is the national level of antibiotic consumption. 8 For this reason, international travel may be an important contributor to the dissemination of AMR bacteria. 9 10 Prior research has shown that travellers are at higher risk of Ng infections 11 due to, among others, a higher prevalence of Ng in the visiting country and decreased use of condoms while travelling. 1 12 Travellers may experience sexual freedom away from local social taboos, the anonymity of travel and the desire for unique experiences, and thus participate in activities with increased risk of STI acquisition. 12 13 Moreover, visiting friends or relatives as a reason for international travel to one’s country of origin is also associated with travel-related STIs. 11

It is unclear to what extent international sexual partners contribute to the introduction of AMR Ng strains (ie, strains exceeding the breakpoint for antimicrobial resistance 14 ). Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the MIC of Ng strains for five antibiotics (ie, azithromycin, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, cefixime and ciprofloxacin) in clients with sexual partners exclusively residing in the Netherlands, versus clients who had at least one international partner. We further examined the association between MIC and the world region or the country in which partner(s) resided. The results from this study could provide insight into the potential geographical dissemination of AMR Ng strains via cross-border sexual contacts, and opportunities for containment.

Study design, participants and procedures

For this cross-sectional study, we used routinely collected data of clients diagnosed with Ng at the Center for Sexual Health of the Public Health Service of Amsterdam between 1 July 2013 and 31 December 2019. We routinely tested individuals seeking STI-related care, and collected sociodemographic, clinical and sexual behavioural characteristics. We included cases with at least one MIC result for one of the five antibiotics in this study and individuals could be included more than once if they had more than one consultation with a Ng diagnosis in the study period. Of clients who were diagnosed on the same date with Ng infections at more than one anatomical location, the strain with highest MIC was included.

Study procedures

Symptomatic clients (with symptoms of urethritis, vaginal discharge or proctitis) were treated for Ng during the initial consultation based on a positive Gram-stained smear, after which nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) testing was performed. Asymptomatic clients were screened for Ng using NAAT during the initial consultation and, if positive, treated during a follow-up consultation. Prior to treatment, we obtained samples for Ng cultures from both symptomatic and asymptomatic clients. Samples were used to directly inoculate chocolate agar plates. To provide antibiograms, the cultures were incubated at 37°C and 5% CO 2 , and inspected for colony formation after 40–48 hours and after 66–72 hours. If the screening of the cultures was positive for Ng, E-tests (bioMerieux, Askim, Sweden) were performed for every Ng strain to determine the MIC of azithromycin, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, cefixime and ciprofloxacin.

During the study period, we asked clients diagnosed with Ng the following travel-related questions: (1) ‘Did you, or your sexual partner(s), have sex outside the Netherlands in the preceding 2 months?’ and (2) ‘Did one of your sexual partners, or the sexual contacts of your sexual partner(s), reside outside the Netherlands in the preceding 2 months?’. For the first question, answer options were ‘yes’ and ‘no’ and for the second ‘yes’, ‘no’ and ‘I do not know’. If both questions were answered with ‘no’ or ‘I do not know’, the client was considered to have an exclusively Dutch sexual network (ie, clients with only sexual partners from the Netherlands). If either question was answered ‘yes’, the client was considered to have an international sexual network (ie, clients with partners who reside outside of the Netherlands or whose sexual partners have partners residing outside the Netherlands, regardless of reporting partners residing in the Netherlands). If the client was identified as having an international sexual network, an additional question was asked: (3) ‘Which country/countries were involved in (1) and/or (2)?’ Clients could list more than one country.

We categorised the country of origin of international sexual partners according to World Bank regions. 15 Europe was subdivided in subregions according to EuroVoc: Northern Europe, Western Europe (excluding the Netherlands), Southern Europe and Central and Eastern Europe ( online supplemental file 1 ). 16 We combined Central Asia with EuroVoc region Central and Eastern Europe, following the classification of the World Bank. 15 Clients with a sexual network from more than one World Bank or EuroVoc region were excluded from analyses to increase the probability that the acquired Ng infection originated from a specific region. Clients with an exclusively Dutch sexual network were used as the reference group.

Supplemental material

Statistical analysis.

We compared sociodemographic, clinical and sexual behavioural characteristics between gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and women or men who have exclusively sex with women (MSW) using Pearson’s χ 2 or Fisher’s exact tests for categorical variables and t-tests or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for continuous variables.

We assessed differences in the mean natural log-transformed MIC of five antibiotics (ie, azithromycin, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, cefixime and ciprofloxacin) between clients with an exclusively Dutch sexual network and clients with an international sexual network. In addition, we disaggregated Western and Southern Europe into separate countries, and assessed the differences in mean MIC between clients with an exclusively Dutch sexual network and clients with a European sexual network. Clients with a sexual network consisting of multiple Western or Southern European regions were excluded from this subanalysis. Depending on the distribution of log-transformed MIC values, we used linear regression (normal distribution) or Cragg hurdle regression (bimodal distribution separated into parts of a binomially distributed variable) to assess the difference in MIC between regions. 17 Given the potential regional variation in antibiotic susceptibility between GBMSM and women/MSW, 5 we analysed GBMSM and women/MSW separately. We did not report parameter estimates for regions with fewer than 10 observations.

All statistical analyses were performed in Stata (V.17; College Station, Texas, USA). The World Bank/EuroVoc regions were visualised using MapChart ( online supplemental figure 1 ). 18

Between 1 July 2013 and 31 December 2019, we performed a total of 14 885 consultations among 9382 persons (7049 GBMSM, 1398 women and 883 MSW, and 52 transgender people) in which we diagnosed Ng. We excluded consultations with transgender people (n=63 (0.4%)) from the analysis due to limited numbers. For 7410 (50.0%) consultations, an antibiogram was available ( figure 1 ). Of these 7410, 994 (13.4%) consultations were excluded because the questionnaire on the country of residence of sexual partners was not completed. We excluded 633 (9.9%) consultations where sexual contacts in more than one world region were reported. Thus, 5783 consultations among 4408 persons (3367 GBMSM, 516 women and 525 MSW) were included in analyses.

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Flow chart of inclusion in the study to compare the Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain MIC values of five different antibiotics, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 1 July 2013–31 December 2019. GBMSM, gay and bisexual men who have sex with men; MIC, minimal inhibitory concentration; MSW, men who have exclusively sex with women; Ng, Neisseria gonorrhoeae .

GBMSM, with a median age of 31 years (IQR 25–40), reported a median of seven sexual partners in the preceding 6 months (IQR 4–15) ( table 1 ). The majority of GBMSM were Dutch (52.6%) and HIV negative (75.2%). Women/MSW, with a median age of 23 years (IQR 20–28), reported a median of three sexual partners in the preceding 6 months (IQR 2–5). The majority of women/MSW were Latin American and Caribbean (46.5%) and HIV negative (99.4%).

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Baseline sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics of GBMSM and women/MSW diagnosed with gonorrhoea at the Amsterdam Center for Sexual Health and included in the analysis, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 1 July 2013–31 December 2019

The distribution of the MIC values for the five antibiotics per year is shown in figure 2 . The number of consultations with available MICs is shown for each year in online supplemental figure 2 . The number of consultations among clients diagnosed with Ng and the numbers who reported international sexual networks are described per region and per country (for Western and Southern Europe only) in online supplemental table 1 .

MIC distribution per antibiotic per year for GBMSM, women and MSW with gonorrhoea, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 1 July 2013–31 December 2019. The vertical red lines represent the breakpoints. Following EUCAST breakpoints, 14 a clinical breakpoint for azithromycin is not available. Therefore, we followed the epidemiological cut-off value for resistance of >1 mg/L. Following EUCAST, breakpoints were for ceftriaxone at >0.125 mg/L, for cefotaxime at >0.125 mg/L, for cefixime at >0.125 mg/L and for ciprofloxacin at >0.06 mg/L. EUCAST, European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing; GBMSM, gay and bisexual men who have sex with men; MIC, minimal inhibitory concentration; MSW, men who have exclusively sex with women.

Gay and bisexual men who have sex with men

The number of consultations from GBMSM was 4665, and in 1189 of those, an international sexual network was reported. GBMSM with an international sexual network from Western Europe (excluding the Netherlands) had a higher mean MIC value for ceftriaxone (β=0.19, 95% CI=0.08 to 0.29, p<0.001; mean MIC=0.013 mg/L), cefotaxime (β=0.19, 95% CI=0.08 to 0.31, p=0.001; mean MIC=0.036 mg/L) and cefixime (β=0.06, 95% CI=0.001 to 0.11, p=0.044; mean MIC=0.014 mg/L) compared with clients with an exclusively Dutch sexual network (mean MIC=0.010 mg/L, 0.028 mg/L, 0.013 mg/L, respectively) ( figure 3 ). Clients with an international sexual network from Southern Europe had a higher mean MIC value for cefixime (β=0.10, 95% CI=0.02 to 0.17, p=0.009; mean MIC=0.015 mg/L) compared with clients with a Dutch sexual network (mean MIC=0.013 mg/L). In contrast, clients with an international sexual network from sub-Saharan Africa had lower mean MIC values for all antibiotics compared with clients with an exclusively Dutch sexual network, although this was only significant for ciprofloxacin (β=−1.79, 95% CI=−2.84 to −0.74, p=0.001; mean MIC=1.109 mg/L) compared with clients with a Dutch sexual network (mean MIC=4.501 mg/L). For azithromycin, having an international sexual network was not associated with a difference in mean MIC.

Association between MIC of five antibiotics in Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates and the regions of sexual network among GBMSM, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 1 July 2013–31 December 2019. The reference group was clients with a Dutch sexual network. South Asia was omitted due to a low number (n=2) of observations. The range of scale for ciprofloxacin is different than those of azithromycin, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime and cefixime. If the association was statistically significant, the p value is provided. Interpretation: a coefficient of +0.19 for Western Europe for ceftriaxone means that the natural log of the MIC of Ng in clients with sexual partners from Western Europe is higher by a value of 0.19 on the log scale than the MIC of clients with exclusively Dutch sexual partners. Carib, Caribbean; CE, Central and East; EUR, Europe; GBMSM, gay and bisexual men who have sex with men; L, Latin; MENA, Middle East and North Africa; MIC, minimal inhibitory concentration; N, North; NL, Netherlands; REF, reference; SE, Southeast; SSA, sub-Saharan Africa.

When we assessed differences between clients with a European sexual network, we found that clients with partners from Belgium had a higher mean MIC for ceftriaxone (β=0.40, 95% CI=0.15 to 0.66, p=0.002) and cefotaxime (β=0.29, 95% CI=0.005 to 0.57, p=0.046) compared with clients with an exclusively Dutch sexual network ( online supplemental figure 3 ). Clients with an international sexual network from Germany had a higher mean MIC for ceftriaxone (β=0.28, 95% CI=0.11 to 0.45, p=0.001) and cefotaxime (β=0.29, 95% CI=0.11 to 0.48, p=0.002). Clients with partners from Italy had a higher mean MIC for ciprofloxacin (β=0.91, 95% CI=0.05 to 1.78, p=0.038). Clients with partners from Spain had a higher mean MIC for cefixime (β=0.09, 95% CI=0.01 to 0.18, p=0.033). Clients with partners from Türkiye had higher mean MIC values for ceftriaxone (β=0.57, 95% CI=0.03 to 1.12, p=0.040).

Women and MSW

The number of consultations from women and MSW was 1118, and in 176 of those, an international sexual network was reported. Women/MSW with an international sexual network from Latin America and the Caribbean had higher MICs for ceftriaxone (β=0.26, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.51, p=0.036; mean MIC=0.008 mg/L) compared with clients with an exclusively Dutch sexual network (mean MIC=0.006 mg/L) ( online supplemental figure 4 ). Having an international sexual network was not associated with a difference in MIC for azithromycin, cefotaxime, cefixime and ciprofloxacin, for any of the regions. A subdivision in European countries was not possible due to limited number of Ng strains.

In this study, we found that GBMSM with an international sexual network from Western and Southern Europe were more likely to have an infection with Ng strains with a higher MIC for ceftriaxone, cefotaxime or cefixime compared with clients with an exclusively Dutch sexual network, although MICs were still below the clinically relevant breakpoint. In contrast, GBMSM with an international sexual network from sub-Saharan Africa had Ng strains with a lower MIC for ciprofloxacin. We also found higher MICs for ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, cefixime and/or ciprofloxacin in clients with an international sexual network from Belgium, Germany, Türkiye, Italy and Spain. For women/MSW with Ng, we found that clients with an international sexual network from Latin America and the Caribbean were more likely to have a higher MIC for ceftriaxone.

We found a slightly higher MIC for three of the five antibiotics (including ceftriaxone) in GBMSM with an international sexual network from Western or Southern Europe compared with clients with an exclusively Dutch sexual network. Even though the mean MICs were below the clinically relevant breakpoint for AMR Ng, we think the differences found are of relevance since it shows that international networks can play a role in the introduction of AMR Ng strains in the Netherlands. Since the described differences do not cross EUCAST (European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing) breakpoints, it seems there is no immediate threat of the spread of AMR Ng. Nonetheless, future introduction of a highly resistant Ng strain from abroad is likely, and this likelihood is supported by our findings. Previous studies have shown that high percentages of AMR are found in Southern, Central and Eastern Europe, which have been attributed to higher consumption of antibiotics 19 ; however, such data are lacking for Ng. Additionally, ceftriaxone-resistant Ng strains have been increasingly reported across Europe, 20 and there is fear of more widespread transmission across the continent. It is assumed that AMR to Ng originates from Southeast Asia, 5 but we did not observe higher MICs in clients with a Southeast Asian sexual network in our analysis. In contrast, AMR Ng strains have also been identified in Europe. 6 In this study, we show Ng strains with decreased antimicrobial susceptibility in international networks, including quite unsuspected regions such as within Europe. Given the ease of travel within Europe and the organisation of activities aimed at GBMSM (eg, festivals) across European borders, a ceftriaxone-resistant Ng strain may rapidly disseminate across the region and beyond, posing a significant public health threat. However, despite long-standing concerns about the emergence of a dominant ceftriaxone-resistant Ng strain, it remains unclear how quickly Ng mutates, evolves and spreads on a larger ecological scale to other regions. Recently discovered AMR Ng strains may have a lower biological fitness and, therefore, may not disseminate widely. 21 This implies the need for continuous surveillance and swift action once dissemination of multidrug-resistant Ng strains across Europe emerges, especially since rapid transmission of STIs has been observed in GBMSM networks, for example, in the mpox outbreak. 22

We found that GBMSM with an international sexual network from sub-Saharan Africa had a lower MIC for ciprofloxacin than clients with an exclusively Dutch sexual network. This result was unexpected, as previous studies have described high proportions of ciprofloxacin resistance across countries in sub-Saharan Africa; however, studies addressing antimicrobial susceptibility of Ng are scarce. 23 The lower MIC values for ciprofloxacin may be explained by the region’s lower consumption of antibiotics. 24

We observed differences between GBMSM and women/MSW regarding the association between MIC of antibiotics and region of sexual partners. Women/MSW with sexual partner(s) from Latin America and the Caribbean had a slightly higher MIC for ceftriaxone, which was not found in GBMSM. High consumption of antibiotics and increasing AMR have been reported in Latin America and the Caribbean. 25 Although most Latin American countries have national programmes to mitigate AMR, there are not enough resources available for successful antimicrobial stewardship programmes. 25 The difference between GBMSM and women/MSW in their associations between MIC and region of sexual partners may be ascribed to different sexual networks. 26 However, the power to detect differences in MIC among women/MSW was much lower than among GBMSM. Regardless, these findings show the importance of AMR monitoring and surveillance in different networks based on gender and sexual preference. Currently, the intensity of STI screening differs between GBMSM and women/MSW in many countries, where GBMSM are screened more often. 27 Higher STI screening intensities of GBMSM may result in greater antibiotic consumption, which could result in the faster emergence of AMR. 28 A recent study suggested that limiting intensive screening of STI to ‘high-risk MSM’ (ie, GBMSM who use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and document a bacterial STI in the previous 24 months) may reduce the prevalence of Ng and the induction of macrolide AMR. 29 Further research is needed to explore differences in screening intensity and its impact on the emergence of AMR in Ng between GBMSM and women/MSW.

This study has limitations. First, as asymptomatic Ng infections may be acquired within a year of diagnosis, 30 and GBMSM in this study reported a median of eight sexual partners over a period of 6 months, we cannot deduce with certainty from which partner the isolated Ng strain originated. Second, we excluded transgender people due to low numbers compared with GBMSM and women/MSW. Third, for some regions, the number of observations was low and we did not report the outcomes for these regions. Last, we relied on self-reported travel history of clients and their partners, which could be subject to inaccuracy, especially with respect to information on their partners.

In conclusion, for GBMSM and women/MSW, we found Ng strains with slightly, but statistically significant, higher MICs for three cephalosporins in clients with sexual partners from Europe and/or Latin America and the Caribbean, but not from regions often reporting AMR (eg, Southeast Asia). Since the described MIC differences in Ng strains found in international versus Dutch sexual networks do not cross EUCAST breakpoints, it seems there is no immediate threat of the introduction of AMR Ng. Yet, given the increasing ease of travel and an evolving pan-European network of GBMSM, AMR Ng strains may be easily transmitted within and outside Europe in the future. This highlights the significance of prioritising AMR surveillance of Ng, effective antibiotic stewardship and regular screening of individuals engaging in sex abroad or with foreign sexual partners to mitigate the emergence and ongoing transmission of AMR Ng strains. Since the transmission networks of Ng strains differ between GBMSM and women/MSW, both populations should be monitored independently to get a full understanding of AMR Ng and guide appropriate screening and treatment strategies for the future.

Ethics statements

Patient consent for publication.

Not applicable.

Ethics approval

• Escher M , et al
• Gale-Rowe M ,
• Alexandre S , et al
• World Health Organization
• Jennison AV ,
• Lahra MM , et al
• Mody N , et al
• Kayaert L ,
• Visser M , et al
• Spiteri G , et al
• Sridhar S ,
• Turbett SE ,
• Harris JB , et al
• Hiltunen-Back E , et al
• Matteelli A ,
• Schlagenhauf P ,
• Carvalho AC , et al
• The European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
• The World Bank
• EU Vocabularies
• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
• de Vries HJ ,
• Bruisten S , et al
• Yakobi SH ,
• Antimicrobial Resistance Collaborators
• Cosgrove SE ,
• Secaira C , et al
• Serra-Pladevall J ,
• Barberá MJ ,
• Callarisa AE , et al
• Kenyon CR ,
• De Baetselier I ,
• The EMIS Network
• Tsoumanis A ,
• Van Dijck C ,
• Hens N , et al

Supplementary materials

Supplementary data.

This web only file has been produced by the BMJ Publishing Group from an electronic file supplied by the author(s) and has not been edited for content.

• Data supplement 1

Handling editor Eric PF Chow

VWJ and HdV contributed equally.

Contributors HdV, AvD and MSvdL designed the study. AvD performed the laboratory analysis. VWJ and BT analysed the data. All authors contributed to the interpretation of the data. BT wrote and drafted the manuscript. All authors critically revised the manuscript. All authors had full access to all the data in the study. VWJ and HdV were the guarantors, and therefore accept full responsibility for the work and/or the conduct of the study, had access to the data, and controlled the decision to publish.

Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Map disclaimer The inclusion of any map (including the depiction of any boundaries therein), or of any geographic or locational reference, does not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of BMJ concerning the legal status of any country, territory, jurisdiction or area or of its authorities. Any such expression remains solely that of the relevant source and is not endorsed by BMJ. Maps are provided without any warranty of any kind, either express or implied.

Competing interests None declared.

Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

Supplemental material This content has been supplied by the author(s). It has not been vetted by BMJ Publishing Group Limited (BMJ) and may not have been peer-reviewed. Any opinions or recommendations discussed are solely those of the author(s) and are not endorsed by BMJ. BMJ disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the content. Where the content includes any translated material, BMJ does not warrant the accuracy and reliability of the translations (including but not limited to local regulations, clinical guidelines, terminology, drug names and drug dosages), and is not responsible for any error and/or omissions arising from translation and adaptation or otherwise.

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Gay in Amsterdam: the best bars, hotels and parties

Considered by many to be the gay capital of Europe, Amsterdam is one of the most welcoming destinations in the world for LGBTQ travellers. It has numerous neighbourhoods all over the city dedicated to the LGBTQ community, where you’ll find gay bars, clubs, and hotels. With its winding canals and beautiful architecture, Amsterdam has something to offer to every traveller. Those who are gay in Amsterdam will feel totally at home in this welcoming city which has long been at the forefront of LGBTQ activism and fight for acceptance.

Find flights to Amsterdam

Gay in Amsterdam: is Amsterdam gay friendly?

Amsterdam is a very gay-friendly city. In fact, it’s often regarded as one of the friendliest cities in the world for the LGBTQ community. The Netherlands, more broadly, is a culturally liberal country and has historically been a leader in the fight for gay rights. In 2001, it became the first country to legalise same-sex marriage. In 2019, a Eurobarometer poll reported that 97% of Dutch people agreed that gay, lesbian, and bisexual people should have the same rights as straight people (the second highest percentage in the EU). Amsterdam has long been at the centre of LGBTQ culture in the Netherlands, home to some of its earliest gay bars and clubs. You’ll have no trouble finding hotels that welcome gay guests, and it’s unlikely for you to encounter issues when displaying affection in public.

Are there gay areas in Amsterdam?

You’ll find Amsterdam’s LGBTQ communities and nightlife scattered throughout the city, but the bars and clubs are concentrated along Warmoesstraat, Reguliersdwarsstraat, Amstel, and Kerkstraat. These four streets make up the main gay districts in Amsterdam. Along with nightlife, you’ll also find gay-owned and gay-friendly shops, restaurants, and cafes in these areas, as well as a high density of LGBTQ locals.

Around Amstel River, 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.

Reguliersdwarsstraat

Reguliersdwarsstraat is considered the main gay street in Amsterdam. It’s the heart of Amsterdam’s gay scene and is packed with bars, restaurants, and clubs.

Kerkstraat is the oldest gay area in Amsterdam, close to the Leidseplein nightlife district. This street runs through the heart of the city and intersects with Reguliersdwarsstraat. It’s home to some of Amsterdam’s most iconic gay institutions, including Club Church.

Zeedijk and Warmoesstraat

Zeedijk and Warmoesstraat are the areas where you’ll find the best parties in Amsterdam. Zeedijk sits right at the edge of the city’s famous Red Light District and holds historic importance for its LGBTQ community. Warmoesstraat is a bit more relaxed than Zeedjik and is home to Amsterdam’s leather scene.

Amsterdam Pride

Amsterdam Pride is held each year around the first week of August, and is one of the best Pride celebrations you’ll ever experience. It usually runs for over a week, with a range of performances, events, and exhibitions. The march doesn’t just stay on the streets, and the highlight of the festivities is the Canal Parade that floats over Amsterdam’s canals (including the Amstel River) from Westerdok to Oosterdok. This parade ends the main event, and you’ll find the closing party at Rembrandtplein once it’s over.

Gay bars in Amsterdam

Whether you’re looking for dance floors or drag shows, Amsterdam’s gay bars have something for you. Along the city’s main gay streets, you’ll find a range of different options, from party spots to laid-back eateries. There are bars with immense historic importance to Amsterdam’s LGBTQ community as well as recently opened hangouts that have already made their mark on locals. If you’re looking to spend an evening in Amsterdam, the only “issue” you’ll run into is having too many choices. We made a shortlist of Amsterdam’s best gay bars to help you decide.

Cafe ‘t Mandje

Opened in 1927 by the pioneering LGBTQ rights activist Bet van Beeran, Cafe ‘t Mandje was the first official gay bar in Amsterdam. Its motto is “Fun and Respect since 1927.” Its interior is decorated with a wide array of fascinating and quirky memorabilia showing its historic roots. This bar offers a cosy spot, complete with a billiards table and jukebox.

Lunchroom Downtown

Lunchroom Downtown isn’t the usual hangout you’ll be heading to in the evenings. This espresso bar is one of the most popular gay hotspots on Reguliersdwarsstraat. Opened in 1970, it was the first openly gay establishment in the area. It is a great daytime option, serving delicious coffee and a brunch-style menu. Large windows let plenty of light into the cosy interior, and in summer, the outdoor seating area is perfect for people watching along the Reguliersdwarsstraat.

Cafe Montmartre

Cafe Montmartre is beloved for its disco-themed decor and friendly staff. Karaoke is a regular fixture, showcasing hits from the 1980s with modern-day chart-toppers. It’s a lovely place as a meetup point if you’re with a large group, and it often hosts birthday parties and other events. It also organises live performances and offers amazing prices during happy hour, from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Bar BLEND, in Reguliersdwarsstraat, stretches across two floors, with bar tables on the ground floor and a lounge area on the upper floor. Downstairs has the DJ and upstairs has the cocktail bar. One of its most popular attractions is Drag Bingo. It has a range of different queens hosting, as well as drag performances throughout the week. Just down the road, you’ll find the newly opened BLEND XL, the big brother of Bar BLEND which offers a wider space but the same fun vibe.

SoHo is a British-style bar, in Reguliersdwarsstraat, with a dance floor and great music. If you prefer to sit down and chat with friends, you’ll find comfortable leather seats amid cosy bookshelves. It does get crowded, and when that happens, the second floor opens its bar so you won’t have to wait long for your drinks. There’ll always be a DJ playing pop tunes and dance hits, and there are also occasional live performances from some of Amsterdam’s best LGBTQ musicians and performance artists.

Prik is a popular gay hangout in Amsterdam’s old town that’s very popular with locals. They pride themselves on offering a relaxed, no-fuss space where you can settle in with great food and fun drinks. It hosts “Boardgayme” nights, a fantastic way to meet gay people in Amsterdam in a casual setting. Prik’s decor isn’t to be missed either. It’s a totally pink venue, beautifully lit, with comfortable pink couches inside and pink bar tables out on the terrace. Prik has been named Time Out’s “Best Gay Venue of Amsterdam” multiple times and won the Rainbow Award for “Best Gay Bar.” It also has Prosecco (both white and pink) on tap.

Bar Buka is a relatively new lesbian bar in Amsterdam’s Pijp district, with the slogan “Where Girls Meet.” Although Amsterdam is packed with gay bars, establishments focused on queer women are rare and Bar Buka aims to highlight Amsterdam’s LGBTQ women. Although the majority of the clientele are women, everyone is welcome here. If you’re looking for a relaxed way to kill some time and meet new people, Bar Buka is the best place to visit. You can watch football on the TV and play board games by the bar. On weekends, they sometimes clear tables for a makeshift dance floor. Order from their range of cocktails, including the “Femme” (Chambord and Prosecco), “Pride” (Triple Sec, Bulleit Bourbon, and bitter lemon), and the non-alcoholic “Lesbeau” (elderflower syrup, lime juice, and sparkling water).

Dragshow Bar 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, packed 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.

Gay clubs and parties in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a party animal’s paradise, and there are plenty of gay clubs and pop-up parties where you can dance the night away. Some parties run just a few times a year and others are a weekly affair. You can find them concentrated in Amsterdam’s gay districts, and you’ll also find numerous options in the city’s famous Red Light District.

BACKDOOR is a fantastic dance party right in the heart of Amsterdam, held multiple times a year. Check its website to see if it’s going to be on when you’re in town. It’s held at Melkweg, one of Amsterdam’s most popular music venues. It attracts all members of the LGBTQ community, and you’ll find plenty of LGBTQ subcultures here whenever it’s held.

If you visited Amsterdam in the 1990s or 2000s, you might have spent some nights dancing at Club Exit. In 2010, Exit closed its doors, but by October 2012, it was reborn as Club NYX, under the ownership of Rob de Jong, the man responsible for the (now closed) Bar ARC. Club NYX (named after the Greek goddess of the night) welcomes all partygoers, but the majority of its clientele are young LGBTQ locals and visitors. The party takes place across two floors, with a bar on each and multiple DJs. The lower floor is the main dance spot, while the upper floor has a spacious lounge area. Club NYX even has a DJ in the bathroom to make sure the party never stops.

Blue @ Club Church

Club Church is one of Amsterdam’s most unique LGBTQ establishments, hosting events for all subcultures within the city’s queer community. It’s a popular cruising spot, and there are parties almost every day of the week. Blue bills itself as “Amsterdam’s most absurd dance party” and runs every Thursday, with a different theme each week. You can expect over-the-top, camp performances at this party that celebrates the misfits and the outcasts. There’s no dress code and you won’t look out of place dressed casual or super over the top. If you come in drag, you’ll get in for free.

Gay clubs in and around the Red Light District

Warmoesstraat runs through Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District and is home to a number of gay clubs and bars. In particular, it houses a number of leather bars and hosts the annual Leather Pride street party held in October. Sadly, Argos (Europe’s first leather bar) closed up shop in 2015, but there are a few clubs carrying on its legacy. Eagle Amsterdam is a three-floor club and a popular cruising spot. Dirty Dicks, located nearby, leans into the red light part of the Red Light District. Warmoesstraat is also home to the world’s first condom shop, which opened in 1987.

Gay saunas in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has one main gay bathhouse called Sauna Nieuwezijds, located right in the heart of the city centre. The bathhouse includes a steam room, a hot tub, a Turkish bath, a Finnish sauna, a dark room, and multiple private cabins. It also has massage services on offer, and you’ll get a discount on massages with entry to the sauna.

Homomonument

In 1970, a group of LGBTQ activists laid a lavender wreath in Dam Square at the National War Memorial, in memory of queer people who were persecuted under Nazi Germany. The activists were arrested and the wreath was removed, but the incident reaffirmed the need for such a memorial. In 1987, the Homomonument was unveiled on the bank of the Keizersgracht canal, facing the spot where the activists attempted to lay the wreath. It is made up of three pink granite triangles that rise out of the ground and are placed to form one larger triangle. The monument commemorates all victims of homophobic persecution, as well as those who have fought for LGBTQ rights and freedom.

Souvenirs and insider tips at Pink Point

Pink Point is the perfect place to start and end your trip in Amsterdam. It is the official LGBTQ information kiosk in Amsterdam located right next to the Homomonument. Come here when you arrive and its friendly staff will give you insider tips and information about current events or parties, and answer any other questions you might have. It also sells a variety of queer-themed souvenirs that will come in handy if you’re looking for mementos of your trip or gifts to take back home.

Gay hotels in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s gay-friendly culture and strong anti-discrimination laws mean you can expect most hotels in the city to welcome gay travellers and couples. We’ve highlighted a few of the best hotels in Amsterdam for LGBTQ travellers.

Hotels on Kerkstraat

With rainbow flags waving out front, Amistad Hotel was previously known as the “Gay-Friendly Hotel.” The name might have changed, but Amistad Hotel is still one of the most inclusive hotels in central Amsterdam. It’s within walking distance of nearby train stations, and a continental breakfast is served daily. Quentin Golden Bear Hotel is another great gay-friendly option on Kerkstraat. It’s right next to Leidseplein, so you’ll be close to Amsterdam’s nightlife.

Hotels close to gay nightlife

Albus Hotel is a great option in the city centre. It’s right around the corner from Reguliersdwarsstraat and close to gay nightlife and top Amsterdam attractions such as the Van Gogh Museum. Hotel CC is close to the bars and clubs on Warmoesstraat. It’s also conveniently located near the Central Railway Station..

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