An overview of the Gay Scene in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has harnessed a reputation for being one of the world’s biggest sexual Meccas. Over the years, Amsterdam has developed an open and extensive gay scene and it boasts one of most permissive societies around.

Gay Amsterdam

It attracts millions of ‘sex tourists’ year on year who travel to the capital in search of sexual fulfilment. It’s no surprise therefore that it’s bursting at the seams with things on offer to the gay cohort. There are gay-orientated events, bars, pubs and clubs and undoubtedly this has played a huge part in triggering Amsterdam’s popularity further.

The vibrant nightlife is varied with gay bars, cruising bars, gay leather shops and gay saunas – basically, something to suit every taste. And Amsterdam doesn’t hold back!

The Gay Scene in Amsterdam

One of the most permissive cities in the world, Amsterdam legalised homosexuality as early as 1811. Café t’Mandje at Zeedijk 63 was the first gay bar to open there and it’s widely credited with being one of the first ever gay bars in the world. Since 2001, same sex marriages have been viewed as a basic right for lesbians and gay couples.

On arrival, a gay traveller can relax in an open and tolerant environment. It’s a comparatively small city, but there’s plenty of gay entertainment crammed in. Whether you want to drink, dance or cruise, there will be a venue to suit your needs. Prominent annual gay events include:

• Pride (of course!)
• Leather Pride (Europe’s biggest rubber, leather and fetish event)
• Roze Zaterdag, otherwise known as ‘Pink Saturday’. This is held each June.

Where to head to?

If you’re after something visual, then try the Cockring at Warmoesstraat 93. This club is right on the periphery of the infamous Red Light District and features delights such as live strip and sex shows, Monday to Thursday. A perfect excuse to extend your visit to at least a week just so you can partake!

Slightly less full on are the bars Café t’Mandje and Saarein. These places are quieter venues to chill – maybe after a heavy night or maybe you’re just warming up slowly for tonight’s entertainment. Whichever it is, both of these places offer good food and an extensive selection of drinks for you to enjoy.

As far as hotels go, two of the top ones are:

• The Golden Bear. This was opened in 1948 at Kerstraat 37, right in the very heart of gay Amsterdam.
• The Black Tulip is something rather special. First of all, this is an exclusively male hotel. How perfect for the gay connoisseur! An environment that you can sink right into and feel totally at ease. Plus it might supply a varied hunting ground once the clubs have kicked out. And what’s even better than that? The Black Tulip is located in the leather district. Not far to go to satisfy your fetish desires………..

If you’re a newcomer and you’re not sure where to head to, there is actually a special tourist office in Amsterdam for gay visitors. It’s called Gay TIC and it gives information on any aspect of gay Amsterdam that you need.