Gay bars in amsterdam
Home / gay topics / Gay bars in amsterdam
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. Opened in 1927 by openly gay local character Bet van Beeren, ’t Mandje (‘the basket’) was a popular hangout for the city’s LGBTQ+ community until it closed its doors in 1982.
It’s become a place to celebrate and be proud: on Queen’s Day and Pride, it’s annexed to an open-air disco and market. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
Best gay bars and clubs in Amsterdam
Gay Street stalwart Club Exit was reborn as mixed Club NYX back in 2012 (named after the Greek Goddess of the Night), and it’s been pretty legendary since.
Look out for the ties pinned to the ceiling – cut off by Bet to punish naughty behaviour among past patrons.
This hip spot on Reguliersdwarsstraat caters to a broad clientele but keeps things colourful and fun-loving. During the summer, the SoHo terrace grows to merge with that of Taboo across the street, turning the whole street into an outdoor party.
Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 36
Web: www.soho-amsterdam.com
Lellebel
Definitely one of the must-see gay bars in Amsterdam, Lellebel is a drag venue where the best drag queens in the city come to showcase their talents.
Think again, my friend.
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
🙌
Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! But the real draw is the large, second-floor darkroom, which has a cruising area, private cabins, a sling room and smoking areas.
Mankind is a quiet locals’ hangout tucked down a side street near the Rijksmuseum and the antique shops and art galleries of Spiegelstraat.
Don’t miss Pink Point, the city’s official gay and lesbian information kiosk right next to it. 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. It also hosts parties on King’s Day, plus bear nights, football nights (during the cup season), Eurovision Song Contest nights and so on.
Been there, done that?
One downside is that the venue charges to use the bathroom, but with free entrance and a closing time of 04:00 on the weekends, this does little to deter late night partygoers.
Address: Halvemaansteeg 17
Web: www.cafemontmartre.nl
Getto
This mainstream bar on the busy Warmoesstraat at the edge of the Red Light District is a great place to come for a cocktail or a burger with a group of friends, gay or straight.
It’s also where the pretty boys come to see and be seen, so go dressed to impress.
The Queen’s is a fun and attitude-free gay bar – the plethora of Ken dolls in the window are a nod to its camp and kitsch nature – with a similarly-minded clientele, plus picturesque views over a canal at the back.
Amsterdam gay bars and queer spots are scattered throughout the whole city too. This two level bar has enough of a club vibe to make the perfect launch pad for a night of dancing and club hopping. Here the crowd of regulars from the city’s gay community rubs shoulders with gay tourists who know Prik’s reputation and straight visitors drawn by the attractive terrace and music.
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!
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
🙌
Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing!
Everyone is welcome. Key attractions include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and the Museum of Sex.
World-Class Accommodations
With some of the best gay hotels, clubs and bars on the planet, Amsterdam offers LGBTQ+ travelers a truly unique and vibrant visit. The Dutch capital has been a bastion of the LGBTQ+ community for over a century, with its queer community flourishing despite political and social adversity.
Gay Neighborhoods & Nightlife
Amsterdam has several thriving gay villages brimming with gay restaurants, coffee shops, clubs and bars.
Open every day, the Web’s music selection and house DJs are second to none, and after 6pm they do snacks (although their famous soup and hot dogs are Sunday only). The interior can get a bit cramped as people flock to the shows, but it is always worth the tight quarters.