Gay Amsterdam

Gay Amsterdam Guide

Amsterdam has long worn its rainbow stripes with ease, and for gay travelers it’s as much a destination as it is a rite of passage. This is the city that gave the world the first gay marriage.

By day, you’ll be cycling along canals, dodging trams, and pretending you know your Rembrandt from your Vermeer. By night, the city flips the switch, bars spill out onto Reguliersdwarsstraat, leather institutions around Warmoesstraat keep the darkrooms busy, and there’s always a drag queen somewhere with better comic timing than you.

Amsterdam Pride every August turns the canals into a floating parade, and suddenly the whole city feels like one big stage. Yet even outside of Pride, Amsterdam thrives on its mix of history, hedonism, and everyday tolerance. For gay travelers, it’s a place where you don’t just visit, you belong.

Gay bars

Gay bars, cafes

Gay bars

Gay dance clubs

Gay dance clubs and parties.

Gay dance clubs

Gay cruise clubs

The gay bars with a dark touch. You can go for just a beer or cruise a little more.

Gay cruise clubs

Gay saunas

Curious about the local gay sauna? Check here for places, their facilities and best hours to go.

Gay saunas

Gay beaches and parks

Shops

Gay prides and events

Gay parties and events

Where to Stay?

Amsterdam is among the top 5 most visited cities in Europe, so booking early is essential if you want to stay central without breaking the bank.

Central Tips:

Dam Square is the heart of the city — staying within a 2 km radius puts you within walking distance of most sights, restaurants, and all the gay nightlife.
Budget hotels and larger chains tend to be located outside the A10 ring road. While often cheaper, note that public transport (metro/tram) stops after midnight, and taxis or Ubers can be hard to find and pricey for a 6–9 km ride at night.

Hotel recommendations

Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdamgradegradegradegradegrade

210+ rooms

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fitness

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Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdamgradegradegradegrade

270+ rooms

Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts

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indoor pool

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airconditioning

ibis Amsterdam Centre Stoperagradegradegrade

170+ rooms

ibis

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free wifi

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wifi

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pets allowed

Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centregradegradegradegrade

270+ rooms

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fitness

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airconditioning

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NH City Centre Amsterdamgradegradegradegrade

200+ rooms

NH Hotels

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free wifi

hotel NH Collection Amsterdam Flower Market

NH Collection Amsterdam Flower Marketgradegradegradegrade

220+ rooms

NH Collection

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fitness

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airconditioning

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Olympic Hotelgradegradegradegrade

10+ rooms

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Motel One Amsterdamgradegradegrade

280+ rooms

Motel One

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parking

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free wifi

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wifi

Reguliersdwarsstraat: The Heart of Gay Amsterdam

The city's most iconic gay street, Reguliersdwarsstraat, is a lively pedestrian zone lined with rainbow flags, buzzing terraces, stylish bars, and restaurants. It's the perfect spot to start your night — or to end it.

Popular gay bars here include:

Taboo and sister bar Taboo Kantine
Bar Blend and XL
Soho

(All these bars are conveniently located right next to each other.)

Clubs & Party Scene

Amsterdam has a legendary gay party scene, from underground warehouse raves to glamorous circuit events in stunning venues.

Some of the biggest events include:

Rapido (Sun 26 Apr 2026) – Held in a converted church, this party is a must.
Funhouse (Sat 20 Dec 2025) – Set in a former industrial complex.
Bear Necessity (Sat 6 Dec 2025) – For those who like it rough, sexy, and sweaty.
and many others across the calendar.

What to See in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a cultural capital packed with world-class museums, galleries, and sights.

Must-see highlights include:

Rijksmuseum – See Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and a rich collection of Dutch masters.
Van Gogh Museum – Home to the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s works.
H'ART Museum Amsterdam – former Hermitage, along the scenic Amstel River.
Stedelijk Museum – For lovers of contemporary and modern art.
FOAM – Amsterdam’s top photography museum, often featuring queer artists.

Don’t forget to take a canal cruise, stroll through the Jordaan district, and check out the famous street markets and vintage shops.

When to visit?

Amsterdam is a great destination year-round, but the best months to visit are from April to October, when the weather is mild, the terraces are open, and the city is buzzing with events.

2025/2026 Highlights:

Kingsday on the canals (photo by Nighttours)

Kings Day Amsterdam (Mon 27 Apr 2026)
A city-wide street party like no other. Everyone wears orange, DJs play in the streets, and pop-up parties are everywhere. Big gay parties are usually scheduled around this night.
Amsterdam Gay Pride (Fri 31 Jul - 2 Aug 2026)
The highlight of the LGBTQ+ year, including: Pride Canal Parade (Sat 1 Aug 2026) A one-of-a-kind boat parade through the canals, with thousands watching from the banks and bridges. It’s a huge local celebration — don't miss it!