What is the gay scene like amsterdam
LGBTQ travel guide: Amsterdam
Considered by many to be the male lover 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 people, where you’ll locate gay bars, clubs, and hotels. With its winding canals and beautiful architecture, Amsterdam has something to offer to every traveler. Those who are lgbtq+ in Amsterdam will feel totally at home in this welcoming city which has long been at the forefront of LGBTQ campaign and fight for acceptance.
Gay in Amsterdam: is Amsterdam same-sex attracted friendly?
Amsterdam is a very gay-friendly urban area. In fact, it’s often regarded as one of the friendliest cities in the world for the LGBTQ group. The Netherlands, more broadly, is a culturally liberal land and has historically been a head in the brawl 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 lgbtq+, lesbian, and attracted to both genders people should hold the same rights as straight people (the second top percentage in the EU). Amsterdam has long been at the center
Amsterdam’s queer scene rivals that of the greats; up there with Berlin, Madrid, Brighton and more. And we’re not just talking about Reguliersdwarsstraat (Amsterdam’s known Gay Street) – the LGBTQ+ party scene here stretches across the city.
From the city’s legendary first gay club Cafe ‘t Mandje to tiny flamboyant bars with karaoke, Amsterdam has it all. Just don’t be surprised to see some open-minded linear people frequent these joints – these are some of the best clubs in a city known for its nightlife, after all. Everyone is welcome. So whatever your vibe, here are the optimal gay bars and clubs in Amsterdam.
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Derek Roberston is a writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers. Find more in our editorial guidelines.
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Gay Amsterdam Guide
Gay Amsterdam travel guide: where to go, twist, drink and shop
Amsterdam, the city of canals, is not only famous for its stunning architecture and cultural heritage but also for its thriving queer scene. The municipality offers a protected and accepting environment for the LGBTQ+ community, making it a popular destination for gay travelers. From legendary bars and clubs to exciting events, this Gay Amsterdam Mentor is here to help you unearth the best that the city has to offer.
Our Queer Guide to Amsterdam shows you how to plan an unforgettable trip –
with tips on the gay scene, the best bars, parties, events, and more.
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The capital of the Netherlands has been a bastion of LGBT+ tradition for centuries and has seen its community survive and thrive despite political and social adversity. Today, Amsterdam is home to some of the finest gay clubs, bars and hotels in the world, offering gay travelers a truly unique and exciting visit. The Netherlands is of course the first country in the world to launch marriage equality, lgbtq+ people living in and visiting the Netherlands are so well accepted and integrated that at first there might not seem to be much o
Gay Capital of Europe
Throughout the entire center of Amsterdam you will find same-sex attracted businesses and institutions. Same-sex attracted and transgender visitors carry out not have to observe for hotels marked with pink or rainbow flags. All hotels, restaurants and bars are very open-minded. The genuine tolerance for homosexuals can be noticed all over the city.
Whether you want to gyrate with the beautiful people around you, plan to drink cocktails all darkness in a terrific exclude, or want to spent a night in a bar with friends: the gay and lesbian scene of Amsterdam is unprecedented.
Everywhere there's something to spot and do in Amsterdam, but most of the gay cafes, bars and stores are in the center of the capital, in four popular districts: Amstel, Kerkstraat, Reguliersdwarsstraat, Zeedijk and Warmoesstraat.
Amstel
The lgbtq+ and lesbian scene around the Amstel (including Rembrandtplein and Halvemaansteeg) has a more traditional character. In the Amstel area (between Muntplein and Amstelstraat) you can find tons of 'brown cafes' that retain the traditional Dutch harmony culture high, including famous anthems from the international song festival repertoire. During King's Day and the Amsterdam G
Amsterdam Gay Travel Guide 2025
Upcoming Events in Amsterdam
About Amsterdam and its gay life
Amsterdam had been a powerful city of maritime trade fame for many centuries. In the second half of the 20th century it was considered the gay capital of Europe, due to the beauty of the city and due to the city's liberal atmosphere which was far ahead of most other European cities and countries at that hour.
As our Amsterdam Gay Maps show, there are several gay areas in Amsterdam, all of them not really far from each other. First of all you got the street with the unpronounceable name, Reguliersdwarsstraat, which is rather mainstream and quite busy at the weekend. Nearby are the Amstel street and Kerkstraat. And finally there are Warmoesstraat and Zeedijk in the very center of Amsterdam.
As you can see on our Clubs & Parties page there aren't many regular same-sex attracted clubs and parties left in Amsterdam nowadays. The most popular and crowded parties are those which happen monthly or every few months. So, if you like dancefloors with hundreds of half-naked sweating guys, check for the next dates of those irregular parties.
Annual highlights and queer events in Am