Gay bars in amsterdam netherlands

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Three floors offer distinct vibes – making liberal use of graffiti, glitter and concrete – and a toilet DJ keeps the party going while you wash your hands at a giant pink phallus.

One of Amsterdam’s oldest gay bars – Spijkerbar opened in 1978 – remains one of the best thanks to its friendly, laid-back vibe, cheap drinks, great music, and a number of popular theme nights.

But the real draw is the large, second-floor darkroom, which has a cruising area, private cabins, a sling room and smoking areas.

Mankind is a quiet locals’ hangout tucked down a side street near the Rijksmuseum and the antique shops and art galleries of Spiegelstraat. This iconic LGBTQ+ street began developing into a gay hotspot in the 1970s and 1980s with an explosion of gay bars and clubs, cementing Amsterdam’s role as an international gay destination and birthing a queer nightlife scene that continues to thrive.

Arts, Culture & Attractions

Beyond its lively nightlife, Amsterdam is also rich in culture and art.

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. 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.

The friendly atmosphere, funky interior design (keep an eye on the changing decorations sported by the dumb-waiter), extensive cocktail menu and a selection of burgers named after famous Amsterdam drag queens make Getto the kind of place where “one drink” turns into an entire night. Opened in 1927 by openly gay local character Bet van Beeren, ’t Mandje (‘the basket’) was a popular hangout for the city’s LGBTQ+ community until it closed its doors in 1982.

Just don’t be surprised to see some open-minded straight people frequent these joints – these are some of the best clubs in a city famous for its nightlife, after all. Entertainment runs all week: Tuesday is karaoke night, Thursday salsa and Monday is ‘Whatever You Want, You Get’, when punters themselves are responsible for providing the music.

Queer or not, PRIK is hot.

On Tuesdays, the bar hosts a drag queen bingo night that is always guaranteed fun. It holds regular one-off nights, with drag acts and DJs – don’t miss the infamous ‘Drag Bingo’. 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).

The city has a network of galleries, museums and exhibition spaces showcasing some of the finest art from the Netherlands and beyond. Everyone is welcome. Not just an excellent pit stop for culture cruisers, this bar also serves excellent sandwiches and a cheap-ish dish of the day. 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.

Think again, my friend.

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Thanks for subscribing! Though most people will be found in drag, admirers and friends are welcome and the atmosphere is friendly.

However, Amsterdam’s most prominent gay neighborhood is Regulierswarstraat. Happy hour is from 17:00 to 19:00 most evenings, except Sundays when bubble cocktails are reduced all day.
Address: Warmoesstraat 51
Web: www.getto.nl

Think again, my friend.