Ultimate Gay Guide To Amsterdam
Unlike other places we have done gay guides for, Amsterdam is bursting with options where you can let you hair down so this may be a long post! If you are looking to visit Amsterdam and happen to be gay then you’re going to have a great time. There is something for everyone!
Ultimate Gay Guide to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world, with a rich history of inclusivity, a thriving nightlife scene, and one of the best Pride celebrations in Europe. Whether you’re looking for bars, clubs, culture, or adult-only experiences, this guide covers everything.
Gay Areas & Neighbourhood
There are many gay areas and gay neighbourhoods in Amsterdam where you can be free and yourself, that being said most of Amsterdam is LGBTQ+ friendly and you won’t have any issues.
Reguliersdwarsstraat – The Main Gay Street
The heart of Amsterdam’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, home to the city’s most famous gay bars and clubs. It’s lively every night but especially on weekends.
Best for: Clubbing, bar-hopping, and socialising
Amstel & Kerkstraat – Classic Gay Scene
More traditional and local LGBTQ+ spots can be found around Amstel Street and Kerkstraat. These areas have a relaxed vibe with historic gay bars and cafés.
Best for: Chilled drinks, a mixed LGBTQ+ crowd
Zeedijk – LGBTQ+ History and Culture
Zeedijk is home to Café ‘t Mandje, one of the oldest gay bars in the world. The area also offers great Asian restaurants, perfect for dinner and drinks before a night out.
Best for: LGBTQ+ history and culture
Best Gay Bars & Clubs
Amsterdam has a wide variety of gay bars and gay clubs in Amsterdam. There is bound to be something that you’ll like, however, we would suggest doing research on where you want to go beforehand so you don’t get any “naughty” surprises.
Club NYX – Multi-floor club with different music styles, drag performances, and themed nights.
Reguliersdwarsstraat 42
The Eagle – Amsterdam’s famous leather and fetish bar, with a darkroom and a cruising area. The atmosphere is relaxed and there are normally a number of guys there that are friendly and accepting.
Warmoesstraat 90
PRIK – A stylish and friendly gay cocktail bar with a great outdoor terrace.
Spuistraat 109
Taboo & Taboo Kantine – Popular bars with good drinks, a fun atmosphere, and an LGBTQ+ crowd.
Reguliersdwarsstraat 45
The Web – One of Amsterdam’s best-known cruising bars, with a relaxed atmosphere and a play area. Upstairs in The Web is the “play” area, if you are looking for a good time, fun and a decent drink, The Web is a must.
St. Jacobsstraat 6
Church – A legendary gay club with themed fetish nights, including underwear parties and naked nights.
Kerkstraat 52
Cuckoo’s Nest – One of the most famous gay cruise bars in the city, known for its friendly crowd and play areas. The Cuckoo’s Nest is friendly, relaxed and like most other gay bars in Amsterdam for gay adults, you’ll find naughty videos playing on TV’s and the Cuckoo’s Nest downstairs is where the fun happens!
Nieuwezijds Kolk 6
LGBTQ+ Events & Festivals
Amsterdam is known for some of their LGBTQ+ events for sure. Amsterdam Pride is flanked by thousands of gays across the globe and it doesn’t get much better than Amsterdam pride. You will also find there are more events towards Christmas time and you might even find Santa in a few clubs.
Amsterdam Pride (Late July – Early August)
One of the biggest Pride celebrations in the world, featuring the famous Canal Parade, street parties, and events all over the city. 2026 see’s Amsterdam host WorldPride, this is a must.
Milkshake Festival (July)
A queer music and dance festival with a diverse, creative crowd and international DJs.
Drag Shows & Bingo Nights
- Drag Show Bar Lellebel – An intimate transgender-friendly bar with regular drag performances.
- Miss M at Club NYX – One of the best drag nights in Amsterdam.
Adult-Only Places for Gay Men
Amsterdam has a vibrant adult-only scene, with several well-known cruising bars, saunas, and fetish venues. It’s important to know where you’re going but if you’re looking to have a little fun on your visit to Amsterdam, take a look at the places below.
The Eagle – A popular leather and fetish bar with a darkroom and themed nights.
Warmoesstraat 90
The Web – A relaxed cruising bar with a darkroom and themed events.
St. Jacobsstraat 6
Cuckoo’s Nest – A well-known cruising bar with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Nieuwezijds Kolk 6
Church – A gay club known for its fetish nights, including naked and underwear parties.
Kerkstraat 52
Sauna Nieuwezijds – The most famous gay sauna in Amsterdam, featuring a steam room, private cabins, and a bar. They even have a bear night on the last saturday of every month.
Nieuwezijds Armsteeg 95
Thermen La Mer – A spa and wellness center that is LGBTQ+ friendly, offering saunas, massages, and a relaxing environment.
Almere
LGBTQ+ Hotels
There are many LGBTQ+ friendly hotels in Amsterdam so it’s important to do your research first and find out which one suits you best. Below are the top three according to travellers so check them out.
The Manor Amsterdam – A stylish and gay-friendly boutique hotel.
Linnaeusstraat 89
SOHO House Amsterdam – A luxury, LGBTQ+-inclusive hotel with a rooftop pool and restaurant.
Spuistraat 210
YOTEL Amsterdam – A modern, budget-friendly hotel close to nightlife.
Asterweg 33
LGBTQ+ Culture & History
Amsterdam is filled with a rich history from the LGBTQ+ community, the Netherlands were and are always open and happily represent the LGBTQ+ community and their equal and free rights.
Homomonument – A tribute to LGBTQ+ victims of persecution, located near the Anne Frank House.
Westermarkt
IHLIA LGBT Heritage – One of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ archives, located inside the Amsterdam Public Library.
Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam
Café ‘t Mandje – One of the world’s oldest gay bars, originally opened in 1927.
Zeedijk 63
LGBTQ+ Day Trips From Amsterdam
There aren’t a lot of day trips that you can take from Amsterdam to other locations however, if you want to explore out of Amsterdam take a look at our suggestions below.
Zandvoort Gay Beach – A popular gay-friendly beach, located 30 minutes by train from Amsterdam Centraal.
Utrecht – A smaller city with a welcoming LGBTQ+ scene and cozy bars.
Local Tips & Safety
Amsterdam is one of the safest cities for LGBTQ+ travellers, but staying aware of your surroundings in tourist-heavy areas is always a good idea. Public transport is efficient, and most places accept card payments. Dutch culture is open-minded and welcoming, so you can feel free to be yourself wherever you go.
