Gay Amsterdam – Your Complete LGBTQ+ Travel Guide in 2024

In contrast to the sleek and modern vibes at Andaz, we love the warm and inviting traditional luxury at The Dylan. After finding social media posts of stunning gay weddings held in their events space, we knew we had to come see this hidden gem for ourselves. In every interaction with their guest relations team, we felt the hotel's commitment to the LGBTQ community.

On arrival, you can't help but notice the hotel's row of signature bikes and impressive floral arrangements both inside and out. Warm fires burn in the main lobby and cocktails await in the open all day Bar Brasserie OCCO.

With a variety of 41 unique rooms and suites, featuring showers or bathtubs, all with bluetooth B&O sound systems and Aesop products, this eco-certified property and member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World provides every imaginable comfort for the discerning traveler.

Spread across 25 Golden Age canal houses, Pulitzer Amsterdam is practically its own neighborhood and is consistently rated one of the best hotels in the city. It also has one of the best hotel bars and gardens where you can enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine.

With a massive 225 rooms and suites, guests are spoiled for choice with so many options from singles, classic doubles, and suites to suit every taste imaginable.

Located in the Museum District near gay popular Vondelpark, Huygens Place is our mid-range, yet still 4-star, favorite design hotel in Amsterdam. While rooms are on the small side, they are stylish, super clean, and rates start at just a fraction compared to our stays at some of the previously mentioned canal hotels. Rooms include ensuite modern bathrooms, desk, mini-fridge with complimentary bottled waters and chocolates, and even AC. In addition to providing exceptional value in an otherwise expensive city, the front desk team are known for their friendliness, the cherry on top of your stay here.

Things to do - If it's your first time to Amsterdam, it's a must to tour the Anne Frank House, visit the Homomonument as we've mentioned, enjoy Dutch and European masters at the Rijksmuseum, take a boat cruise along the famous canals, and feel the energy of the Red Light District at night.

We also recommend eating and drinking your way through the city's winding streets. Amsterdam is known for its delicious pancakes, french fries, and cheeses to name a few. If you're a foodie, we recommend Eating Amsterdam: Jordaan Food Tour. On this small group tour of the city's hottest neighborhood, you'll enjoy 7 tastings in 6 amazing eateries, all with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.

For the most visited museum in Amsterdam, don't miss the uber popular Rijksmuseum. Discover more than 800 years of Dutch history through the great masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh. To avoid the massive queues, join a skip-the-line guided tour to save time and admire timeless masterpieces with an expert curator.

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a cruise along her famous canals. Called the "Venice of the North," the three main canals were hand dug during the Dutch Golden Age in the 1700's. Today, from the comfort of your electric boat, glass of wine in hand, you can glide past over 1500 monumental buildings. It's the perfect way to see much of the city. We recommend reserving ahead of your trip with one of the smaller operators for the best experience. Book this canal cruise with a maximum of 12 people, including Dutch snacks like stroopwafels and open bar, for a more personalized tour.

Explore the cobbled lanes of the fascinating Red Light District to see red-lit windows, sex shops, and erotic theaters. To learn more about the colorful history of the area as well as Amsterdam's coffee shop culture, take a walking tour with a local guide. You won't regret this unique, engaging, and insightful experience.

Where to eat and drink – From casual cafes to upscale dining, Amsterdam’s culinary scene is as diverse as its population. Here are some gay-friendly restaurants to check out:


We both have a sweet tooth and adore the fact there's a pancake restaurant scene in the Dutch capital. While many tourists flock to Pancake Bakery, Amsterdam's oldest pancake restaurant, we also love the quirky Upstairs Pancakes with just a handful of tables. It's also known as the smallest pancake restaurant in Europe, so reservations are strongly recommended.


If you're looking for an afternoon snack Dutch-style, we have you covered. With a strong 4.8 rating on Google and close proximity to The Dylan, Andaz and Pulitzer Hotels, we're obsessed with the fries at Fabel Friet. They're locally harvested, freshly cut, and double baked to ensure the best quality.


Perhaps the hottest bakery in Amsterdam, Bakery Saint-Jean exploded onto the scene with its mind-blowing pistachio cruffin. Come at opening to avoid the queues and try one for yourself before they run out!


Our favorite gay-friendly breakfast, brunch and lunch spot is New Dutch. With indoor and outdoor seating, super friendly staff, and excellent food, you might just order a second cup of coffee for the people watching alone on a sunny day.


For that iconic summer Aperol spritz, combined with delicious salads and homemade pastas, Italian restaurant Il Vicolo offers a casual dining experience. It's the perfect place if you need something hearty before painting the town red.


Where to find gay nightlife – From trendy gay bars serving up classic cocktails to naked cruise clubs and dance parties, Amsterdam's legendary LGBTQ+ nightlife caters to every flavor (and fetish!) of queer culture. For the best gay bars and clubs in Amsterdam, read our full review here.



When to go - Consider your priorities when picking your dates for an Amsterdam adventure! Spring (April-May) offers blooms and comfort, while summer (June-August) bursts with Pride and long days, but brings crowds. Fall (September-October) provides pleasant weather and fewer crowds, perfect for strolling the scenic canals.

For the best gay events, summer brings the queer Tropikali Festival in June and Amsterdam Pride in late July/early August. The famous Canal Pride Parade occurs the final Saturday of Pride Week.


How to get here – Fly into Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (airport code: AMS), a major international hub. Trains whiz you to Amsterdam Centraal Station from the airport and major European cities.

Travel Resources

Travel Insurance – Don’t forget to add global travel medical insurance that covers you while traveling outside of your home country. We recommend and use Safety Wing. They offer plans for travelers, digital nomads and expats. If you're already abroad, no worries. Safety Wing makes it easy to purchase insurance even if you are already abroad.

Most health coverage in the U.S. or your home country, for example, does not cover you outside of the U.S. or your home country. As such, it’s extremely important to protect yourself from out-of-pocket costs due to a medical emergency. We learned this the hard way which you can watch on YouTube: Our First Trip to the Emergency Room in Mexico. To learn more about Safety Wing, check rates and availability.

Hotel Discounts – Book with Booking.com to save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels with Member Prices. We regularly find better prices as a member and love the free room upgrades when available. Join for free!

Travel Experiences – Discover authentic, unforgettable experiences and explore the world with Viator, a TripAdvisor company. We consistently use Viator in our travels, and they offer excellent customer service when needed.

Car Rental – Should your travel plans call for hiring a car, we use rentalcars.com to search the best prices among the major car rental companies. With flexible rentals, no hidden fees, and price match guarantee, we feel confident booking with them. Just make sure to book with your Chase Sapphire Reserve for extra protection like primary car rental insurance.

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