Gay and Lesbian Nightlife in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is known for its gay and lesbian friendly nightlife that caters to almost every interest.

GAYtic, the Amsterdam Gay Tourist Office (a branch of VVV Amsterdam), offers tailor-made personal tours of Amsterdam. You can take these tours choosing from a variety of themes, depending on your interests. Are you interested in architecture, art, gay history or something else? The guides at GAYtic create personalised tours lasting anywhere from a few hours to your entire vacation. You can visit all the places worth seeing around Amsterdam, such as Volendam, Marken or the windmills in Zaandam with your personal guide. For more information: www.gaytic.nl

Club Roque

This swanky, gay-friendly dance club is the perfect place to strike up conversation with a handsome stranger. Happy Hour every night from midnight-01:00am!
Amstel 178 | +31 6-47322051 |  Website

Vivelavie

The most popular lesbian cafe in town welcomes men as well! The art deco style interior makes for funky surroundings, while the outdoor terrace attracts visitors during the summer.
Amstelstraat 7 | +31 20-6240114 | Website

ARC

Trendy lounge bar serving cocktails and small bites. Attracts a well-heeled crowd, both gay and straight. It has a small dance floor with DJ’s. Bar Arc is situated among numerous gay-friendly venues on Reguliersdwarsstraat.
Reguliersdwarsstraat 44 | +31 20-6897070 | Website

Prik

This relaxed and funky gay-friendly bar serves up unusual cocktails concocted by its highly-trained staff of bartenders. Good to know: Prik was chosen as 2009 and 2010 Best Amsterdam Gay Bar by Time Out Amsterdam.
Spuistraat 109 | +31 20-3200002 |  Website

Amstel Fifty Four

You’ll find friendly locals and join spontaneous sing-a-longs at one of Amsterdam’s most traditional gay bars.
Amstel 54 | +31 20-6234254 | Website

Soho

This two-story English-style, gay pub draws a crowd of trendy young men sipping cocktails and grooving on the small dance floor located in the back.
Reguliersdwarsstraat 36 | +31 20-4223312 | Website

Mix Cafe

Living up to its name, the Mix Cafe draws a mixed straight and gay crowd. Extended hours allow the party to last long into the night.
Amstel 50 | +31 20-4203388 | Website

Spijkerbar

This friendly neighborhood gay bar has a dark side upstairs…if you are feeling adventurous, visit Spijkerbar’s darkroom!
Kerkstraat 4 | +31 20-6205919 | Website

Saarein

One of the oldest premier lesbian bars in town with a beautiful interior. Saarein was formerly known as a women-only bar, but today you will find the crowd is amicably mixed.
Elandsstraat 119 | +31 20-6234901 | Website

Lellebel

Grab your highest heels and head over to one of Amsterdam’s most popular LGBT drag show bars! Lellebel is known for its extravagant live shows, performances and theme nights all year round, seven days a week.
Utrechtsestraat 4 | +31 20-4275139 | Website

Church

Ironically named cruise club that is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Church hosts the infamous Sex on Sunday party along with a number of other notable events, including a Slave auction and Flight club.
Kerkstraat 52 | Website

More information on Gay and Lesbian travel in Holland.