Gay Amsterdam – Best Gay Hotels, Bars & Clubs, Events and More in 2025

Where to Stay

Amsterdam boasts a wide range of gay-friendly hotels, catering to diverse budgets and styles. If you want to be centrally located and near the gay nightlife, we recommend choosing one of the gorgeous hotels along the prestigious Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals.

The Dylan – 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.

Pulitzer Amsterdam – 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. Tucked away in the back of the property is the cocktail bar and signature restaurant.

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.

Huygens Place – 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.

Jordaan Food Tour – 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.

Rijksmuseum – 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.

Canal Cruise – 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.

Red Light District – 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:


Upstairs Pancakes – 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.


Fabel Friet – 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 Andaz,  Dylan, 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.


Bakery Saint-Jean – 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!


New Dutch – 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.


Il Vicolo – 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.

Best Gay Bars & Clubs

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) is all about tulips in bloom and mild temps—ideal for sightseeing without the summer rush. Summer (June–August) is the peak season, offering long sunny days, buzzing energy, and some of the best LGBTQ+ events in Europe, but expect bigger crowds and higher prices. Fall (September–October) is a hidden gem—cooler weather, fewer tourists, and the perfect excuse to cozy up in a canal-side café.

For the best gay events, summer is where it's at:

Tropikali Festival (June) – A tropical, queer, and eclectic music festival, Tropikali celebrates diversity with multiple stages, immersive art, and an unbeatable outdoor party vibe.

Milkshake Festival (July) – A massive LGBTQ+ music and dance festival, Milkshake is where inclusivity meets outrageous fun. Expect incredible performances, over-the-top outfits, and a wild weekend like no other.

Amsterdam Pride (July/August) – One of the world’s most iconic Pride celebrations! With free music festivals, street parties, and the legendary Canal Parade floating through the city, Amsterdam Pride is an absolute must for every LGBTQ+ traveler at least once in their life.

How to Get Here

By air – Fly into Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (airport code: AMS), one of Europe's busiest and most well-connected airports. From there, hop on a direct train to Amsterdam Centraal Station—it takes just 15-20 minutes.

By train – Amsterdam is a major rail hub with high-speed connections to top European cities. Eurostar links Amsterdam to London in just under four hours, while Thalys offers quick routes to Paris, Brussels, and Cologne. Arriving at Amsterdam Centraal Station puts you right in the heart of the city, with easy access to trams, buses, and ferries.

Frequently Asked Questions & Travel Tips

Is Amsterdam LGBTQ+ friendly?

Absolutely! Amsterdam was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage and remains one of the most progressive and welcoming cities in the world. The city boasts a vibrant gay nightlife scene, inclusive culture, and numerous LGBTQ+ events year-round. You'll find rainbow flags flying proudly, especially in areas like Reguliersdwarsstraat and Warmoesstraat, two hubs of queer nightlife and community.

Can I drink on the streets?

Drinking alcohol in public spaces (like streets and parks) is technically not allowed, and you may get fined. However, at designated areas such as licensed terraces and canalside bars, you're free to enjoy a drink. If you want to sip a beer by the canals, grab a seat at one of the many outdoor cafés instead!

What's the best way to get around?

Amsterdam is one of the most walkable cities in Europe, but for longer distances within the city center, tram is your best bet. You can use your phone or contactless card to pay for trams, buses, and trains. Biking is also iconic here—rent a bike if you want to explore like a local, but be mindful of traffic rules and fast-moving cyclists!

Are museums and attractions open every day?

Most museums and attractions are open daily, but some have reduced hours on Mondays. Popular spots like the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum require advance booking, sometimes weeks ahead—so plan accordingly!

What's the weather like in Amsterdam?

 Given the weather can be unpredictable in Amsterdam, we recommend the following:

Do I need to know Dutch?

Not at all! Almost everyone speaks English fluently, especially in tourist areas. There are also tons of expats in the city, and English seems to be the common denominator for communication.

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