Amsterdam

They do things differently in the Netherlands. Historically this is a live-and-let-live society, which explains why it was the first country to allow same-sex marriage. People here don't look kindly on an institution, whether it's a political party or a religious denomination, telling people what they can't do.
What does this refreshing attitude mean for gays? You won't find police roughing up gays in the cruising spots; in fact, one local park, De Oeverlanden, actually has signs provided by the city, pointing to the cruisiest section.

As for nightlife, there are plenty of cozy cafes, lounges and dance clubs for every taste, and as English is almost universally spoken there's no difficulty in meeting people. Hash smokers may enjoy the freedom to light up in one of many coffeeshops, and magic mushrooms can be bought at "smart shops." You can be as wild as you want with live sex shows, backroom cruising or group gropes at naked parties. Sex-work is legal and regulated. Big circuit parties regularly roll into town throughout the year, but especially during the gay holidays, and for leather events in the fall.

Or you can enjoy peaceful canal-side cafe relaxation or reading, seeing the works of the city's renowned artists, browsing the car-free pedestrian shopping streets and squares, or ambling the bike paths along tree-shaded waterways. Every sort of international cuisine can be sampled at the many restaurants, but fresh sandwiches, quiche or pastries from bakeries, taken to eat at Dam Square on a sunny day -- perhaps while watching the street performers there -- can taste special. Avoid those nasty pizza slices around Warmoesstraat - but the Vlaamse frites (fries to go, with mayonaise, ketchup or viinegar) are fresh, cheap and satisfying.

Big annual events here include Queen’s Day, the commemoration of Dutch Queen Beatrice’s birthday, an occasion for the whole country to party on April 30th. On Koninginnenacht, the night before, the streets surge with celebrants, dressed in orange, and full of national pride and high spirits; and of course the bars are packed and circuit parties throb.

Amsterdam Gay Pride takes place each August, with events and street parties over a weekend. The main event, Canal Parade, is on the Saturday afternoon. Watched by tens of thousands from canal-side perches along the Prinzengracht, and on the Amstel River, the parade is one of floating barges decorated in over-the-top gay glory, unique to this city and a treat to behold.
 
 

Getting here,
Amsterdam's Schiphol International Airport is several kilometers from the city center. Speedy direct trains cost a few euros and depart from the airport every 10 minutes. For info on Netherlands train service see the NS website. Bus number 197, running frequently between Schiphol and Leidseplein, is an easy, cheaper alternative to the train and tram transfer.

Getting around
The bicycle is the favored mode of transportation, with designated lanes along many streets. Watch them whiz past, or join them; bikes can easily be rented. Try Black Bikes, Bike City or Star Bikes.

Public trams and trains are frequent and convenient, see their website at GVB. They don't run all night, but few nightspots will be far from your hotel room. A discount strip card, sold at stations and convenience stores, is inexpensive and valid throughout the Netherlands.

Neighborhoods
For leather and sex bars, check out the Warmoesstraat where you'll find Mister B, Rob and Argos amidst the coffeeshops, porn stores and take-out eateries. Around Nieuwezijds Kolk, the Cuckoos Nest, the Web, and Boys Club 21 offer erotic relaxation. Near Leidseplein, Club Church, Spijker and Bronx Video make their stretch of Kerkstraat sexy, and Thermos, one of Europe's finest saunas, isn't far away.

Where Warmoesstraat meets the Zeedijk, the picturesque gay pubs on narrow streets on the canals draw mixed but mainly male crowds, from the maturely sophisticated to the young and artsy. The street lost three important clubs this season; the Eagle, Dirty Dick's and Cockring are now history. Look for some of their regular events at bars such as Argos, and further away, at Church.

On streets leading to Rembrandtplein from the Amstel canal, there are some lively local gay bars. A block south of the flower market, Reguliersdwarsstraat is lined with many bars, restaurants and shops. On summer nights, this pedestrian street has traditionally been packed wall-to-wall with young gay people. Last year's club closures threatened to put a crimp in the summer season, but Soho has re-opened, ARC has returned as EVE, plus Cafe Havana and Ludwig II (former April) have re-opened their doors - leaving only Exit, which should be back by spring 2012.
 

Gay media and resources
The Bent Guide offers colorful critiques of "everything not straight in Amsterdam." Gay Krant is in Dutch, but you'll be able to figure out a lot of the contents. Grab a free Gaymap from the bars, or from Pink Point, the gblt info kiosk at Homomonument - also with gifts and souvenirs -- to to find your way around the city. Gay News and Gay & Night magazines are in Dutch and English, each with maps and nightly events.

To keep up with the circuit party activity all year around town, see Nighttours.
 

Accommodations:
Near Liedseplein
Amistad Hotel (Kerkstraat 42; 20-622- 9997) helpful and efficient service, stylish rooms, luxurious apartments, all with computers, breakfast to 1pm, afternoon/evening internet cafe, gay mags and maps.
Golden Bear (Kerkstraat 14; 20-627- 0164) comfortable gay guesthouse in 1737 buildings, spacious rooms, breakfast until noon, helpful reception staff.
Hotel NL (Nassaukade 368; 20-689- 3225) 'straight-friendly' design hotel overlooking Singel canal, casually sophisticated ambience, breakfast, full amenities include cable TV and internet access.
Triple Five Guesthouse (Prinsengracht 555; 31 20 428-3809) two comfortable private rooms overlooking the canal, convenient to museums, shopping and gay nightlife.

Accommodations:
Near Warmoesstraat/Central Station
Anco Hotel (O.Z. Voorburgwal 55; 20- 624-1126) canal-side lodging just for men, cruisy halls, internet access, breakfast in the bar, gay mags and maps.
Barangay B&B (Droogbak 15; 62-504-5432) relaxed comfort from two friendly guys, 1777 era building near Central Station by Singel & Prinsengracht canals.
Black Tulip (Geldersekade 16; 20-427- 0993) the 'leather Ritz Carlton,' closed this past year.

Accommodations:
Near Spui/Dam
Amsterdam Boutique Apartments (Singel 401; 20-707-7954), at Spui between Dam and Reguliersdwarsstraat gay clubs, style, comfort and privacy in monumental canal house, five-star amenities.
Blue Moon (Singel 401; 20-428-8800) central location opposite the Rijksmuseum, two rooms, enhanced amenities, en-suite baths, in-room or roof terrace breakfast.

Accommodations:
Other gay-friendly lodgings
Amsterdam B&B (Roetersstraat 18; 20 624-0174 ), SE central Plantage neighborhood by Amstel River, private suites, separate entrance, from 90 euros.
Hotel de L'Europe (Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14; 20-531-1777) quality classic hotel, luxury and elegance, fine dining, perfect location overlooks Munt Tower, stroll to shops, museums, gay nightlife.
ITC Hotel (Prinsengracht 1051; 20- 623-0230) small 20 room hotel, 18th-century house on quiet stretch of Amsterdam's grandest canal. Breakfast buffet until noon.
Freeland Hotel (Marnixstraat 386; 20- 622- 7511) cozy, gay-friendly old house, fifteen single, double and triple rooms, named for flowers, all with bath and TV.
Radisson Blu (Rusland 17; 20-623-1231) large, modern, central hotel, fitness facilities for sauna, workout, or tan, concierge services, secure parking.
Sasenfras Hostel (Utrechtsedwarsstraat 79; Radioinn.nl) art gallery and dorm on tramline, off-season beds from 15 euros, lockers, no curfew, internet access.

See our maps and listings tab for links to these and other room options, also for web links of bars and clubs below.


Bars: Warmoesstraat & Zeedijk to Nieuwmarkt

Argos (Warmoesstraat 95) local favorite of leather lovers and bears, sex parties, naked and fetish nights.
Boven (Warmoesstraat 71), new daytime cafe above Rob's leather shop, black leather couches, erotic movie nights.
Cafe De Barderij (Zeedijk 14) hip vibe, mixed crowd, romantic pub popular Sunday evening.
Cafe Bleu (Geldersekade 111), cosy new gay bar/cafe towards Nieuwmarkt, elaborate interior, chandeliers, paintings, mixed men/women, patio terrace.
Cafe t Mandje (Zeedijk 63) popular in earlier days, reopened recently after 25 years, looking much as it always did.
Club Fuxx (Warmoesstraat 96), old Cockring spot, Electro/House dance club, darkroom; fetish, naked and sex parties, guest stars. 
De Engel van Amsterdam (Zeedijk 21-23) high-energy cafe and pub, two bars, packed with shirtless men, canal-side seating on terrace.
Dirty Dicks (Warmoesstraat 86), the orginal "sleaze pit" men's bar has reopened, and continues with their famous Golden Shower parties, each last Thursday.
Getto (Warmoesstraat 51) bar/restaurant, specialty cocktails, exotic beverages, free internet, American holiday food specials.
Queen's Head (Zeedijk 20) beautiful interior, canal views, popular for exuberant variety of evening events.

Note: The Eagle on Warmoesstraat closed this past year. Argos and Church picked up some of their regular events.

Bars: Spuisstraat to Damrak, Dam vicinity.

Cafe 't Sluisje (Torensteeg 1) bar, restaurant, drag cabaret songs, three course dinner shows.
Club Stereo (Jonge Roelensteeg 4) weekend late-night dance club near the Dam, energetic young crowd.
Cozy (Sint Jacobsstraat 8), small new gay bar, mixed gender, international and Dutch crowd.
Cuckoo's Nest (Nieuwezijds Kolk 6) big place, fully equipped SM cellar, videos, cabins, busy night and day.
Mankind (Weteringstraat 60), bar/cafe near Rijksmuseum, canal-side terrace tables.
Prik (Spuisstraat 109), bar and cafe, just off Dam Square, frisky young crowd, mostly Dutch, very popular on weekends.
Web (Jacobsstraat 4-6) venerable leather bar, roof garden, 'not too dark' darkroom, earlier cruising, popular Sunday.

Bars: Amstel /Rembrandtplein
On streets leading to Rembrandtplein from the Amstel River there are some lively local bars and a lively Pride Weekend street party each year.

Amstel Fifty Four (Amstel 54) lively happy hours and late nights, tourists mix easily with locals, summer terrace.
Cafe De Jaren (Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20), large grand cafe, mixed crowd, lunch, dinner, coffee, terrace overlooks river.
Cafe Mon Ami (Amstelstraat 34), the old Krokodil, community neighborhood bar for all.
Cafe Rouge (Amstel 60) popular bar, stylish, old-fashioned decor, mature atmosphere, Dutch music, showtunes.
Chez Rene (Amstel 50), small gay pub, young crowd, special party nights.
Entre Nous (Halve Maansteeg 14) mixed bar, Dutch music and pop, gayer as nearby bars close.
Club Roque (Amstel 178), Wednesday to Sunday cocktails and dancing, young guy crowd.
Hot Spot (Amstel 102) young, mixed crowd bar on the river, big video screen, pop music, open late.
Lellebel (Utrechtsestraat 4) bends gender with live shows, theme nights, nightly events.
Montmartre (Halve Maansteeg 17) busy nightly happy hours, popular later with locals young and old, Dutch tunes, dance classics.
Vivelavie (Amstelstraat 7) tiny corner bar and restaurant, intense crush of young women, popular late weekend nights.

Bars: Reguliarsdwarsstraat
A block south of the flower market, Reguliarsdwarsstraat, lined with bars, restaurants, and shops, has traditionally been filled  with young gay party people on summer nights. Many of the gay clubs on Reguliersdwarsstraat that closed suddenly in 2010, have reopened this summer. Check updates at the Reguliers website.

Bar EVE (Reguliersdwarsstraat 44), trendy gay cocktail lounge, two bars, finger food, fireplace, terrace, (the former ARC).
Betty, Too (Reguliersdwarsstraat 29), Betty Boop theme, 18+ marijuana coffeehouse, snacks and beverages.
Café-Pub Soho (Reguliersdwarsstraat 36), among largest gay bars in the city, classic wood interior, fireplace, dancing, cocktails, mostly guys, locals and tourists.
Coffeeshop Downtown (Regulierdwarsstraat 31) handy location, busy inside and outside for lunch, coffee, snacks.
Cafe Reality (Reguliersdwarsstraat 129) diverse crowd, tropical setting, hip-moving multicultural music and vibe from warmer climes.
Cafe 't Dwarsliggertje (Reguliersdwarsstraat 105), tiny but lively gay bar, diverse crowd mixes with casual aplomb, Dutch and international music.
Free-I (Reguliersdwarsstraat 70), gay-frequented marijuana coffeeshop, deep-house to lounge music from well-known local DJs.
Ludwig II (Reguliersdwarsstraat 37), the old April site, afternoon coffeebar terrace, evening weekend nightclub, trendy and international crowd.
Club Havana (Reguliersdwarsstraat 17-19), see note below -- large, 2-level video bar and lounge, industrial decor, afternoon cafe from 2pm, evening sexy dancers in showers, dance floor. 
Sultana (Reguliersdwarsstraat 21), oriental-style gay bar with food, drinks and water pipe smoking. Arab and Western music dancing and terrace.
Taboo (Reguliersdwarsstraat 45) colorful new cocktail bar/lounge on two levels, big screen music videos, popular happy hours.

Note: Exit (Reguliersdwarsstraat 42) cafe, dance club and darkroom has been closed for some time, but plans a March 2012 re-opening. Club Havana also closed "temporarily" in September 2011 - to check ahead see the Reguliers site online.

Clubs, cafes, sauna: Near Leidseplein

Bump (Kerkstraat 23) new club from Prik guys, gay clubhouse welcomes all ages, men/women, locals, tourists, Wednesdays through Sundays on two levels. DJ music, games, shows.
Club Church (Kerkstraat 52) nightly theme events include naked, leather, rubber, bears, piss and SM.
Habibi Ana (Lange Leidedwarsstraat 93), Arab/Moroccan gay bar, music of that region and guys to match.
Paradiso (Weteringschans 6-8), big dance club east of Leidseplein, location of big Club Rapido circuit parties.
Spijker (Kerksstraat 4) beer busts, big-jackpot bingo, pool table, backroom, darkroom, porn and cartoons.
Thermos Sauna (Raamstraat 33) five- level complex, free cabins, pool, gym, bar and lounge, hot tub, theater, sun deck, shop and restaurant with dinner nightly. Great Sunday afternoon crowd.
Walem (Keizersgracht 449), gay-friendly cafe/ bar, terrace tables beside canal, lunch or afternoon coffee, tea, cake; dinner.

Clubs outside the center

De Trut (Bilderdijkstraat 165) basement dance party every Sunday night, fills up fast, young crowd, cheap beer.
SM Bunker (De Garage, NDSM terrain, Neveritaweg 15), periodic hardcore SM/fetish and sex parties.
Trouw (Wibautstraat 131) fashionable restaurant/dance club in old newspaper building, BAF and Rauw gay-friendly dance parties.

See the Club Rapido website for dance events around town each month.

Sex spaces
Club Church (Kerkstraat 52), all kinds of erotic events, including Ladz fetish parties, plus naked parties, sneaker and sports fetish and more.
Club Fuxx (Warmoesstraat 96), dance club, upstairs darkroom, fetish, naked and sex parties.
Same Place (Nassaukade 120), Monday night men-only sex parties.
SM Bunker (DeGarage, NDSM terrain, Neveritaweg 15), now "temporarily" CLOSED men's hardcore fetish parties in North Amsterdam.
 

Escorts
Prostitution is legal and regulated in Amsterdam. Many websites offer attractive young men. There's one club with a no-cover bar/lounge where you can mingle before getting down to business.
Boys Club 21 (Spuisstraat 21) handsome, sensual guys, ready and willing. Wednesday and weekend strip shows. Rates set by the house.
These escort services generally operate between 1pm and 1am.
Boys Club 21, (020-622-8828) guys seen at their club of the same name.
Boys Only (020-626-9468), mainly locals, ages 18-22.
Gay Fantasy Escort (020-626-9468) more experienced guys.
Gay Muscle Escort (020-622-8036) muscular men, ages 22-40.
Guys International (020-420-0640) pan-European selection.
People Escorts (People.nl) ages 18-35, 'any place, any time, anywhere.' Pay web site features photos.
 

Cruising spots
Nieuwe Meer (Anton Schleperspad) day and night, can be muddy, sometimes attracts gay bashers.
Vondelpark (near Leidseplein) day and night, at the rose garden in the center of the park.
Oosterpark (by Tropenmuseum) cruisy after sunset, park gets very dark, popular with local Arab guys.

 

Film
Cinecenter (Lijnbaansgracht 236, near Leidseplein) gay-friendly art-house cinema with screenings in original languages
Pathe de Munt (Vijzelstraat 15) international classic gay movies every first Wednesday 9pm. Admission 7.50 euros.

 

Restaurants
Eating out in Amsterdam is an experience as varied in flavors as the residents and foreign tourists alike with creative chefs and every cuisine imaginable. Some gay favorites follow. See our full listings for more restaurants.
 

Garlic Queen (Reguilersdwarsstraat 27) has everything made with healing and aromatic garlic, including ice cream.
Getto (Warmoesstraat 51) 'serving hungry homos since 1996,' home cooking, a mix of cuisines from Louisiana to Paris, Sunday brunch, and American Thanksgiving if you're missing the turkey.
Golden Temple (Utrechtsestraat 126) vegetarian international cuisine, many vegan options.
Hemelse Modder (Oude Waal 11) French and Italian food with an Asian twist; 'heavenly mud' is chocolate mousse.
La Margarita (Reguilersdwarsstraat 47-49) Caribbean fusion restaurant, tropical cocktails, salsa and merengue music.
Other Side (Reguilersdwarsstraat 6) friendly gay coffeeshop, pre-rolled hash, potent pot, munchies, hot chocolate.
Saturnino (Reguliersdwarsstraat 5), authentic Sicilian restaurant, inexpensive wine list, gracious host.
Cafe 't Sluisje (Torensteeg 1) offers drag show dining with two seatings.
Supperclub (Jonge Roelensteeg 21) reclining couches, in-house DJs, fun cast of characters, five- course set meals.
Walem (Keizergracht 49) has a gay- friendly vibe, and canal-side terrace.

 

Shopping: Books
On Fridays Spui Square fills with bookseller stands from far and wide.
Athenaeum Bookshop (Spui 14) has titles in many languages, including photo and art books.
Boekhandel Vrolijk Gay & Lesbian Bookshop (Paleisstraat 135) has an extensive Dutch and English selection, academic works, art-house movies, just off Dam Square.
Intermale (Spuisstraat 251), male-oriented bookstore, closed in January 2011, after 27 years of business.

American Book Center (Spui 12) and Waterstones (Kalverstraat 152) are large retail bookstores in and around Spui Square with the city’s best assortment of English language books and magazines.


Shopping: Clothes
The Fabulous Stringslip (Reguliersdwarsstraat 59) has club fashions and accessories.
Shirtshop (Reguliersdwarsstraat 64) is the place to dress to impress for when you hit the clubs.

Shopping: Gifts
Gays & Gadgets (Spuistraat 44) has gay-theme cards, knick-knacks and art.
Pink Point (Keizersgracht at Westermarkt) gay and lesbian information kiosk near the Homomonument with tips and souvenirs.

Shopping: Leather
A world center for leather clothing and equipment, Amsterdam has top-notch stores and services. Look first to the heart of the leather scene under the black-and-blue flags in Warmoesstraat.
Mister B (Warmoesstraat 89) has fine leather/rubber retail store, accessories, magazines, toys, piercing, tattooing, and art.
Mister B (Van der Madeweg 5b) like the retail store, but for traders, shop owners and internet stores.
Black Body (Lijnbaansgracht 292) has selections from rubber socks to body bags, good prices on jeans, chaps, shirts, vests.
Rob Leathers (Warmoesstraat 71) the famous leather maker's flagship store, has custom-made items and accessories.
Robin & Rik Leermakers (Runstraat 30) sell tailor-made jackets, pants, caps, shirts, fast made-to- measure articles.

Shopping: Sex shops
Amsterdam is a center for gay sex shops and cinemas with wide selections, on-site screenings, cruising and DVD rentals.
4Men (Spuisstraat 21) gay porn videos for many tastes, theater, darkroom, cabins, sex toys, accessories, mags.
Adonis Cinema (Warmoesstraat 92) magazines, screenings, cabins, dark rooms.
Bronx Video and Bookshop/Cinema (Kerkstraat 53, near Leidseplein) magazines, books, DVD sales/rentals, video cabins, internet.
Drake's (Damrak 61) magazines and videos, peep booths, glory holes.
Le Salon (Nieuwendijk 20-22) plenty of things to read and watch, peep booths, glory holes.