Gay and lesbian Amsterdam
Amsterdam's rather large gay scene has several quality bars and clubs on offer. See our going out guide for details.
Lesbian bars/clubs
Gay bars
Gay clubs
Often referred to as the "gayway" to Europe, Amsterdam's scene can be both exciting and impersonal. The male scene, with pretty queens in Reguliersdwarsstraat and leather boys in Warmoesstraat, is often referred to as a meat market.
Despite Amsterdam's small size, its gay scene is quite large. Many foreigners find themselves attracted to the city, and you can spot celebrities, such as George Michael, flying in for the weekend.
Many bars are filled with more foreigners than locals during the summer months. Ordering drinks in your native tongue is no problem, but don't be surprised to be treated as a tourist rather than a Dutchman.
Amsterdam's lesbian scene is, as in most other cities, more hidden. To be at the right place on the right date you almost need a math degree: one club might host a lesbian night every third Sunday of the month and another bar will be female only on every second Tuesday evening. Nevertheless, some good lesbian places can be found.
Since the Netherlands is fairly accepting of gay culture, and many Dutch entrepreneurs are keen on the pink euro, bars and clubs are often well designed with open windows to attract a large crowd. Gay bars have gone through repression and acceptance, but are now considered an important part of Amsterdam city life.
Lesbian bars/clubs
Getto, Warmoesstraat 51
This funky, colourful bar/restaurant with a comfortable, cosy lounge corner is open to both lesbians and gays. Its enthusiastic staff organise special evenings, including bingo and tarot card reading. Tuesday night is reserved for lesbians.
Habibah at Club More, Rozengracht, formerly known as Planet Pussy. This women-only evening is hosted every last Sunday evening in Roxy's replacement Club More, and is one of Amsterdam's highlights. Three to four hundred keen and often attractive women dance to club house tunes of DJ Natarcia and others. Must-visit for every lesbian with a lust for lekker.
Saarein, Elandstraat 119
One of the few long-established lesbian bars in Amsterdam recently changed its interior and door policy. Men are now allowed in, when accompanied by a woman. This small, cosy bar is split into three levels, including a bar, pool table and reading section. Saarein has a loyal following of feminists.
Vandenberg, Lindengracht 95
This small neighbourhood cafe does not specifically cater to lesbians, but is often visited by female couples in their 30s and 40s. Relaxed atmosphere, and not really a cruisy place.
Vivelavie, Amstelstraat 7
This well-known bar is home to a noisy, quite forward audience of lesbians in their 20s and 30s. Some nights can be really good for meeting people, others can be downright dull - in particular when the DJ gets carried away with Melissa Etheridge and Eurotrash house.
You II, Amstel 178
Opened last year, You II is home to a similar crowd as the Vivelavie. Open for late-night drinks only, You II is more a club than a bar. Music is usually Top 40. Its standing toilet for women is worth an excursion.
Gay bars
Amstel Tavern, Amstel 54
Ever been to the sea, Billy? This friendly place is frequented by flannel types who'd rather be sailing. Very Dutch and mostly over 30. Or 40. Sunday night is a good crowd, but it's always busy.
April, Reguliersdwarsstraat 37
The only rotating gay bar we've ever seen sits in the back of this used-to-be-hip place. It's been ousted by Soho, and now only gets busy on Saturdays and Sundays. Sunday 6-8pm is 2-for-1 happy hour, and it gets absolutely packed. More and more women are making an appearance here.
Cockring, Warmoesstraat 96
One of the most renowned clubs/bars in the leather lovers' heaven Warmoesstraat. Slightly less strict dress code than neighbouring Argos, Cockring is home to a wider range of leather-, jeans- and latex- loving men. You can have a beer here, but beware: Cockring's clientele is very interested in getting together.
Montmartre, Halvemaansteeg 17
When it's busy, Montmartre is gezelligheid personified - small, cosy, crowded and roaring with campy music sing-alongs. Best times are Sunday after 8pm and Friday nights. Seems to attract a lot of Hema fashion victims and guys from Dordrecht, but they're easy.
Reality, Reguliersdwarsstraat 129
This small, rather closed-off looking bar caters to a slightly older male crowd from former Dutch colonies such as Surinamt, the Netherlands Antilles and Indonesia.
Soho, Reguliersdwarsstraat
This gorgeous English-style pub is always busy with pretty (and they know it) men who are much too important to waste their time on you. Underneath the surface is a happening rent-boy scene, so beware of advances by too pretty and willing 19-year-olds.
Queen's Head, Zeedijk 20
Tons of Ken dolls in the shop front clearly show Queen's Head's camp and kitsch nature. Frequented by older, sturdy men, including many Brits, this bar hosts theme nights, from "how to design a website" to "worst Zeedijk drag queen competition". Great laugh, if it's your thing.
Gay clubs
Club More, Rozengracht across Mazzo
Recently opened Club More hopes to resuscitate Amsterdam's near-dead nightlife. Every Wednesday night is gay night, and just like at the old Roxy it has a 1:100 female-to-male ratio. Acts and house DJs entertain club-goers with weekly themes (Creation, Paradise, Sin and Hell). And every last Sunday of the month, Club More turns female only with Habibah.
COC, Rozenstraat 4
The gay community centre hosts a dance every Friday (for men) and Saturday (for women). Once a month there's a retro night, and several other minority groups have their own "evening". Often too smoky and full of cliques, it can be a difficult place to make friends. The lesbian night ranges from decent to dull' beware when the 18-year-old baby dykes conquer the dance floor and DJ set.
Exit, Reguliersdwarsstraat 42
The ground floor is a traditional "brown" bar playing a mix of Dutch and English songs. Yuppies and their friends sing along to the music as everyone gets very drunk - women will feel most welcome in this part of the club, but it can be very crowded and smoky. The second floor a bit seedier, with a dance floor and two other bars. The club also recently opened a third floor. Best Fridays and Saturdays after 1am.
iT, Amstelstraat
World-famous disco worth at least one visit to see the drugged-out teenyboppers and muscled-up gym monkeys. You'll be convinced everyone's on ecstasy, and you'd have to be to enjoy the horrid techno music. Since owner Manfred Langer died, iT is not really it anymore.
De Trut, Bilderdijkstraat 165
A Sunday evening only and very popular among locals, volunteer-run De Trut is one of the few place where gays and lesbians mix happily. Friendly and open atmosphere, cheap drinks (NLG 3 for Stoli/bitter lemon) and usually nice dance and disco tunes. Queueing starts at 10.30pm' door staff sends people away if not gay- or lesbian-looking. |
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