Best gay bars amsterdam

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It has it all, plus more: a bar with Greek-style columns, a stage perfect for drag-queen acts, a great sound and light system and various dark, dark chambers... Everyone is welcome. 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.

Think again, my friend.

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Thanks for subscribing! It’s staffed by friendly and knowledgeable volunteers and has a great selection of queer souvenirs and gifts.

Don’t let this traditional-looking English pub fool you – it’s one of the biggest, and liveliest, gay bars in town.

This two level bar has enough of a club vibe to make the perfect launch pad for a night of dancing and club hopping. 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.

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Given its position as one of the gay capitals of Europe, Amsterdam has many gay nightlife options to offer. Though most people will be found in drag, admirers and friends are welcome and the atmosphere is friendly.

best gay bars amsterdam

A small dark room upstairs provides a discreet area to enjoy new friends, and its location just two minutes down the road from Club Church make it a great warm up spot.

This legendary gay club was Amsterdam’s first. Casual yet hip, they have a killer cocktail list and are open to showcasing female talent of all kinds, whether that be through art on the walls, special guest chefs, or even hosting a pub quiz.

Never in fashion, so also never out of it, this hardy perennial of the lesbian scene is particularly popular at weekends.

On Tuesdays, the bar hosts a drag queen bingo night that is always guaranteed fun. Warmoesstraat in the red-light district is waiting. One of the nicest features of The Queen’s Head is its small smoking room, which opens up directly onto a canal and makes a great daytime hangout.
Address: Zeedijk 20
Web: www.queenshead.nl

 

Montemarte

With its cramped quarters, loud music and dark red lighting, Montemarte is the epitome of the hectic Amsterdam gay bar.

It holds regular one-off nights, with drag acts and DJs – don’t miss the infamous ‘Drag Bingo’. Cheeky theme nights abound.

This established gay bar promises to be ‘a place to feel comfortable’, and they go out of their way to do precisely that. The atmosphere inside these coffee shops is typically laid-back, with an emphasis on creating a comfortable and social setting where patrons can relax and enjoy their purchases.

Vondelpark (website in Dutch only) is an amazing public urban park in Amsterdam that is a part of the borough of Amsterdam-Zuid, and even has a playground for the kids! In summer the canal-side patio is perfect for catching some rays (or simply watching the world go by).

Unveiled 20 years ago, Karin Daan’s three-sectioned pink triangle – symbolising past, present and future – was a world first.

Not just an excellent pit stop for culture cruisers, this bar also serves excellent sandwiches and a cheap-ish dish of the day. Since it is just a short walk from Central Station, this is the perfect place for first or last drinks on a visit to Amsterdam. Stand before the "Night Watch" and feel the gaze of history upon you, urging you to carve out your own story in this timeless city.

However, Amsterdam’s most prominent gay neighborhood is Regulierswarstraat. 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.