Your guide to the best Amsterdam gay bars, LGBT venues and events
Netherlands
Ah, Amsterdam, where you can cross the Rijksmuseum, UNESCO World Heritage canals, and Insta-worthy tulips off your list—and also live it up in the capital city of the first country to legalize same-sex marriage!
Explore the progress of LGBTQ+ rights across the world all in an easy to read charts, graphs, and tables. From public sentiment to protections find it all here so you know when holding hands gets you a look or a sentence.
Visit EqualdexThis beautifully charming/exotically seedy locale boasts plenty of reasons to call itself an LGBTQ+ icon. This enchanting metropolis cradled by intricate canals and historic bridges, (with some of the best gay bars in Amsterdam!) serves not just as a backdrop for postcard-perfect memories but, pulsating with queer energy and celebration.
Amsterdam greets you with open arms and a cheeky wink, inviting you to explore its labyrinthine streets, where every turn reveals a new aspect of the city's fabulous soul. Begin your adventure in the legendary Jordaan district, a mosaic of narrow lanes, trendy cafes, and hidden courtyards. Here, the spirit of Rembrandt and Vermeer lingers in the air, inspiring you to embrace your true colors amidst the splashes of creativity that adorn every corner.
Amsterdam has earned its reputation as one of the world’s most liberal cities—hey, cannabis and plentiful absinthe will do that—and delivers plenty of nowhere-else experiences. Amsterdam gay bars and queer spots are scattered throughout the whole city too. Get ready to explore and experience!
Walk down Main Street Reguliersdwarsstraat—the city’s most vibrant gay area, which has some of the best gay bars in Amsterdam, and the nearby areas Amstel Street and Kerkstraat with other popular queer spots. Looking for more of a adult-friendly destination? Warmoesstraat in the red-light district is waiting. Or, mix history with hedonism on Zeedijk 63 at Café 't Mandje (possibly) home to the oldest gay spot in the world. Along the way, the Homomonument, a poignant tribute to LGBTQ+ rights, stands as a silent sentinel, reminding us of the struggles endured and the victories celebrated.
For those who seek a brush with history and culture, the Rijksmuseum awaits with open doors, its halls lined with masterpieces that have witnessed centuries of change. Stand before the "Night Watch" and feel the gaze of history upon you, urging you to carve out your own story in this timeless city. Vondelpark (website in Dutch only) is an amazing public urban park in Amsterdam that is a part of the borough of Amsterdam-Zuid, and even has a playground for the kids! And don't miss out on the Royal Palace Amsterdam, one of three palaces in the Netherlands. If you are a Holocaust buff, visit Anne Frank's House, a biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank.
This city also loves a celebration—check your plans against scheduled major gay Amsterdam events, like the Roze Filmdagen (an LGBTQ+ film fest held each year in March), King’s Day, and Leather and Fetish Pride. Pride Amsterdam (held on the canals), is when Amsterdam's inclusivity shines brightest and the city transforms into a rainbow-hued paradise, with the world-famous Canal Parade taking center stage. Envision scores of boats, each more extravagantly decorated than the last, floating down the canals amidst cheers, music, and an overwhelming sense of unity and love winning!
If you are feeling adventurous, Amsterdam's "coffee shops" are renowned establishments that operate within a unique aspect of Dutch law, allowing them to sell cannabis and hashish in a regulated environment. These venues differ significantly from regular coffee houses or cafés due to their permission to sell small quantities of cannabis for personal use. The atmosphere inside these coffee shops is typically laid-back, with an emphasis on creating a comfortable and social setting where patrons can relax and enjoy their purchases. Many of these establishments also offer a variety of cannabis strains and products, providing customers with options ranging from different strengths and flavors.
Make your way through Amsterdam and all its glory and report back on this long-time LGBTQ+ favorite with its enchanting embrace that champions love in all its splendid forms. Whether you explore the city canals, visit the palace, experience Pride here, or just have a great time at the best gay bars in Amsterdam, this city will not leave you disappointed!
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