Gay bars amsterdam netherlands

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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). It holds regular one-off nights, with drag acts and DJs – don’t miss the infamous ‘Drag Bingo’. The choice is wide ranging, with something to suit every taste, and the selection is far too vast to list every gay bar in Amsterdam.

Not just an excellent pit stop for culture cruisers, this bar also serves excellent sandwiches and a cheap-ish dish of the day. Just before its then-owner (Bet’s younger sister, Greet) died, she put the wheels in motion to have the club restored and re-opened – which it was, finally, in 2008, bringing ‘the basket’ back to its bustling best.

gay bars amsterdam netherlands

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. 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.

Everyone is welcome. Every year, Lellebel is by far the best Amsterdam gay bar to visit for Halloween.
Address: Utrechtsestraat 4
Web: www.lellebel.nl

 

The Queen’s Head

Aside from having one of the greatest names of any Amsterdam gay bar, The Queen’s Head is also one of the greatest bars on the Zeedijk.

And we’re not just talking about Reguliersdwarsstraat (Amsterdam’s famous Gay Street) – the LGBTQ+ party scene here stretches across the city.

From the city’s legendary first gay club Cafe ‘t Mandje to tiny drag bars with karaoke, Amsterdam has it all. This list presents a selection of the best Amsterdam gay bars from a cross-section of styles and subcultures.


Look also at our page about Gay hotels in Amsterdam.


Prik

A fun, welcoming disco bar not far from Dam Square, Prik is a mainstay of the Amsterdam gay bar scene.

Gay Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Vibrant Gay Scene

Few modern gay scenes are as alive and vibrant as Amsterdam’s. The women it attracts tend to be slightly older, but young bucks certainly make an appearance, and it has a loyal following of feminists; a recent change to their door policy means that men are now allowed in, whether accompanied by a woman or not.

Think again, my friend.

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Thanks for subscribing! The dark wood interior is at its best in the upstairs smoking room, where it gives the feeling of a library or Victorian gentlemen’s club.

Though most people will be found in drag, admirers and friends are welcome and the atmosphere is friendly. Spijker’s position as a favourite of the leather scene is evident from the gay porn playing on TV screens behind the bar. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

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Given its position as one of the gay capitals of Europe, Amsterdam has many gay nightlife options to offer.

There’s also the utter fabulousness of having Prosecco – or, as they call it, PRIK wine – on tap.

The newest addition to Amsterdam’s lesbian scene, this cosy space has a relaxed and welcoming vibe and aims to be ‘a platform for and by women’. Downstairs can get a little packed, but there’s more seating and space upstairs, where you get a great view of the bustling street below.

De Lellebel is a tiny drag bar where the cross-dressing clientele provides all the entertainment themselves.

Let me know if you would like any other changes!

Amsterdam’s queer scene rivals that of the greats; up there with Berlin, Madrid, Brighton and more. 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.

So whatever your vibe, here are the best gay bars and clubs in Amsterdam.

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🍹 The best bars in Amsterdam
🪩 The best clubs in Amsterdam
🌿 The best coffeeshops in Amsterdam
📍 The best hotels in Amsterdam
🏠 The best Airbnbs in Amsterdam

Derek Roberston is a writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers.

When you tire of hitting the dance floor, the smoking area outside makes an excellent marijuana-friendly place to relax and chat.
Address: Spuistraat 109
Web: prikamsterdam.nl


 

Spijker

Spijker is a very different place from the other bars on this list. 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.