Planning An Amsterdam Gay Getaway? Your Comprehensive Guide

Are you planning a gay vacation to Amsterdam? SIXT.VN offers this guide with tips on the gay scene, the best gay bars, parties, events, and more to plan a fabulous and unforgettable trip. Enjoy a seamless travel experience with SIXT.VN’s reliable services, ensuring you explore Amsterdam with ease and comfort. Whether it’s airport transfers, hotel bookings, or guided tours, SIXT.VN provides the tools you need for an exceptional adventure in Amsterdam. Explore the vibrant gay scene, discover historical landmarks, and enjoy the city’s unique charm with confidence.

1. What Makes Amsterdam a Top Destination for Gay Tourism?

Amsterdam stands out as a premier destination for gay tourism due to its progressive and inclusive atmosphere. The city is renowned for its vibrant gay scene, historic landmarks, and liberal culture, making it a welcoming and exciting place for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Amsterdam is famous for its “coffeeshops” and world-class museums, but it also boasts a distinctive urban landscape with 165 canals and around 500 bridges. The Canal Ring, a 17th-century historic old town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adding to the city’s picturesque charm. Amsterdam is not only visually appealing but also culturally rich, offering a blend of history and modernity that attracts a diverse range of tourists.

1.1 Why Is Amsterdam Known as a Gay-Friendly City?

Amsterdam is known as a gay-friendly city due to its long history of tolerance and acceptance. It was one of the first cities in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001, setting a precedent for LGBTQ+ rights. According to a study by the Pew Research Center in 2019, 86% of Dutch citizens believe that homosexuality should be accepted by society, underscoring the country’s inclusive values. The city’s progressive laws and open-minded culture make it a safe and welcoming destination for gay travelers.

1.2 What Are Some Key Landmarks That Showcase Amsterdam’s Gay History?

Amsterdam features several key landmarks that celebrate and commemorate its gay history. The Homomonument, a large pink triangle memorial, honors gay men and women persecuted during World War II and was the first gay memorial in the world when it opened in 1987. Adjacent to the Homomonument is the Pink Point, Amsterdam’s official gay and lesbian information kiosk. These landmarks serve as important symbols of the city’s commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and remembrance.

The Homomonument memorial of Amsterdam in full taken from above

1.3 Where Is the Main Gay Street in Amsterdam Located?

The main gay street in Amsterdam is Reguliersdwarsstraat. Located just outside the city center in the Canal Ring, this street is the heart of Amsterdam’s gay scene, featuring numerous gay bars, shops, clubs, and cafes. Reguliersdwarsstraat is known for its lively atmosphere and inclusive environment, making it a must-visit for LGBTQ+ travelers.

2. What Are the Best Gay-Friendly Hotels in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam offers a variety of gay-friendly hotels that cater to different preferences and budgets. These hotels are known for their welcoming atmosphere, excellent service, and convenient locations near the city’s gay scene and major attractions. Some of the top-rated gay-friendly hotels in Amsterdam include The Hoxton, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, and Quentin Golden Bear Hotel. SIXT.VN can help you find and book the perfect accommodation for your stay.

2.1 What Makes a Hotel “Gay-Friendly”?

A hotel is considered “gay-friendly” when it openly welcomes LGBTQ+ guests and ensures a comfortable and inclusive environment. According to a 2022 survey by Community Marketing & Insights, 93% of LGBTQ+ travelers consider a welcoming and respectful attitude from hotel staff to be the most important factor when choosing accommodation. Gay-friendly hotels often have staff trained in LGBTQ+ sensitivity, inclusive policies, and may support LGBTQ+ events or organizations.

2.2 Can You Describe the Hoxton Amsterdam and Why It Is Popular Among Gay Travelers?

The Hoxton Amsterdam is a trendy and stylish hotel spread across five traditional canal houses in the city center. It is popular among gay travelers for its stunning design, excellent bar and restaurant, and central location. The hotel offers cozy, chic rooms and a restaurant, Lotti’s, that serves modern takes on European and Dutch classics. According to reviews on TripAdvisor, guests appreciate the hotel’s cool vibe and proximity to major attractions like the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.

2.3 What Are the Highlights of Staying at the Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam?

The Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam offers a luxurious experience in the heart of the Red Light District. Highlights include its Michelin-starred restaurant, Bridges Dining, which focuses on seafood, a historic atmosphere, a city-center location, and private boat tours on the canals. The hotel features 177 rooms and 52 suites, an indoor swimming pool, a salon, and a library. The So Spa area offers various treatments and experiences, making it ideal for relaxation.

2.4 What Are the Advantages of Staying at the Quentin Golden Bear Hotel?

The Quentin Golden Bear Hotel is a great budget option in the center of Amsterdam, close to museums, bars, and nightclubs. Although it is no longer exclusively a gay hotel, it remains very gay-friendly and welcomes all travelers. The hotel offers wonderful value rooms, a friendly staff, and is located near the gay hub of Leidseplein. According to Booking.com reviews, guests appreciate its central location and proximity to major attractions.

3. Where Can Gay Travelers Find the Best Coffeeshops in Amsterdam?

Gay travelers can find some of the best coffeeshops in Amsterdam along Reguliersdwarsstraat, the heart of the city’s gay culture. These coffeeshops offer a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where visitors can enjoy coffee and other products in a safe and inclusive environment. Some popular options include The Otherside and Free I.

3.1 What Is the Difference Between a “Cafe” and a “Coffee Shop” in Amsterdam?

In Amsterdam, a “cafe” is a place where you go for coffee and other beverages, while a “coffeeshop” is a place where you can legally purchase and consume cannabis products. This distinction is important for tourists to understand to avoid any misunderstandings. According to the official Amsterdam tourism website, coffeeshops are regulated and require customers to be 18 years or older.

3.2 Can You Describe the Atmosphere and Offerings at The Otherside Coffeeshop?

The Otherside is a popular gay-friendly coffeeshop known for its chilled atmosphere and mix of gay locals and tourists. It offers delicious coffee, freshly baked cakes, and a variety of cannabis products. The shop’s trendy decor and mood lighting make it a great spot to relax and enjoy the Amsterdam vibe. The Otherside identifies as LGBTQ+ friendly and is praised for its welcoming environment.

The Otherside is our favourite gay friendly coffee shop in Amsterdam, with a cool mix of locals and tourists

3.3 What Is Unique About Free I Coffeeshop?

Free I is another LGBTQ+ friendly coffeeshop in central Amsterdam, known for its gritty basement smoke room and fun tiki-inspired vibe upstairs. It offers a variety of cannabis strains and helpful staff to assist customers in choosing the right product. The crowd here is chilled and tends to be gay-friendly, making it a welcoming spot for LGBTQ+ travelers.

4. What Are the Must-Visit Gay Bars in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam’s gay scene is best experienced through its diverse array of gay bars, ranging from classy lounges to lively clubs. These bars offer a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ travelers to socialize, enjoy drinks, and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife. Some must-visit gay bars in Amsterdam include SoHo, Café Montmartre, Prik, Amstel 54, Bar Blend, and Dragshowbar Lellebel. Consider booking a Gaily night tour to discover the best spots.

4.1 What Kind of Atmosphere Can You Expect at SoHo Gay Bar?

SoHo is an exotic, charming, and friendly gay bar that is so lively on weekends that it could even be described as a club. The bar’s old-world aesthetic and central location make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Visitors love the international clientele and the bar’s proximity to other gay hubs.

SoHo is one of Amsterdam

4.2 What Makes Café Montmartre a Long-Standing Favorite?

Café Montmartre is one of the oldest gay bars in Amsterdam, going strong since 1982. It recently moved to a new location on Reguliersdwarsstraat and offers a variety of events, including Break The Week on Wednesdays, Thank God It’s Friday, and live music on Sundays. It’s an institution on the Amsterdam gay scene, offering a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.

Cafe Montmarte gay bar in Amsterdam.

4.3 What Is Unique About the Gay Bar Prik?

Prik is a cultured and sophisticated gay bar that proudly flies the rainbow flag. It attracts a more erudite type of gay guy and is ideal for sitting and chatting rather than wild partying. Prik offers delicious food and cocktails and is known for its friendly and inclusive atmosphere.

The Prik Pride party in Amsterdam

4.4 What Can You Expect at Amstel 54?

Amstel 54 is a classy bar situated on the corner of Rembrandtplein, with a cool terrace that’s an ideal spot for people-watching. The bar is known for its excellent drag shows, which are legendary in Amsterdam and showcase the bar at its gayest and most fabulous.

Amstel 54 is a fun gay bar in Amsterdam which also has some excellent drag shows

4.5 What Makes Bar Blend a Progressive Choice?

Bar Blend is a trendy gay bar spread across two floors with one of the best terraces in the gay district. The bar is inclusive and welcomes people from all walks of life, regardless of who you love, race, or gender. With friendly staff and an inclusive atmosphere, Bar Blend is one of the most progressive bars in Amsterdam.

Blend is a trendy gay bar with a lovely terrace to enjoy in summer

4.6 What Kind of Entertainment Is Offered at Dragshowbar Lellebel?

Dragshowbar Lellebel is a fabulous mix of café and bar, where fierce drag performances reign supreme on Friday and Saturday nights. The bar offers a welcoming atmosphere and is open on Sundays specifically for the transgender community as a safe space for support groups. Karaoke is also available earlier in the evenings.

A group of fierce drag queens posing together at Dragshowbar Lellebel in Amsterdam.

5. Where Are the Best Gay Clubs and Parties in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam boasts a vibrant gay club scene with options for all tastes, from non-stop dancing to more erudite experiences. The city’s clubs are known for their fun-loving atmosphere, amazing music, and chic spaces. Some of the best gay clubs and parties in Amsterdam include Club NYX, FunHouse XL by Rapido, Shelter is Burning @ Shelter, Backdoor Party Circus @ Melkweg, The One @ Eagle Amsterdam, Tropikali Festival @ NDSM-Werf, and Bear Necessity.

5.1 What Makes Club NYX a Popular Choice for Gay Clubbers?

Club NYX is spread across four fabulous floors at the heart of Amsterdam’s gay district, making it a playground for gay boys visiting the city. The club features drag queens, contortionists, and leather-clad bears, offering a fun, funky, and unapologetically weird experience.

Nyx is a huge and exciting gay club in Amsterdam you won

5.2 What Can You Expect at FunHouse XL by Rapido?

FunHouse XL by Rapido is Amsterdam’s biggest and best gay party night, situated in a huge nightclub in the city’s Wild West area. Each night is themed, with surprises ranging from sassy zombies to a full-on indoor beach. The parties are wild, excessive, and unapologetically gay, organized by the gay events group Rapido.

5.3 What Is the Vibe Like at Shelter is Burning @ Shelter?

Shelter is one of Amsterdam’s coolest clubs, bringing in some of the biggest names in house, techno, and beyond. Shelter is Burning is the nightclub’s gay night, offering a musical and trendy crowd. The dancing goes on until the early hours, and the clientele are known for their hedonistic and “anything goes” style of partying.

5.4 What Makes Backdoor Party Circus @ Melkweg Unique?

Taking place at Melkweg, one of Amsterdam’s most legendary live music venues and nightclubs, Backdoor Party Circus is a wild circus-themed night. The night features handsome clowns, dancers, and plenty of vodka teapots, offering great electronic music, performance art, and hedonistic fun.

5.5 What Is Special About The One @ Eagle Amsterdam?

Eagle Amsterdam is a legendary gay venue set across three floors, with discreet spaces. It attracts gay boys of all types and sizes, both locals and tourists. The One is a particularly special event when Eagle Amsterdam turns into something truly unique with sassier outfits and a wilder ambiance.

5.6 What Is the Tropikali Festival and Where Does It Take Place?

Tropikali Festival takes place in the hip neighborhood of NDSM-Werf and is accessible via a free ferry from Centraal Station. It is “a big queer hot paradise” or a full-day music festival designed for LGBTQ+ music fans and open-minded allies. The festival features DJs, performers, and bands from around the world, with an eclectic lineup including tropical grooves and Balkan beats.

5.7 What Kind of Crowd Does Bear Necessity Attract?

Situated in the 1150-capacity Panama nightclub, Bear Necessity has become a staple of the Amsterdam gay party scene thanks to its fun vibe and unpretentious clientele. It attracts cool, cute bears, and their admirers, making it a must-visit Amsterdam gay party experience.

6. Where Can You Find Gay Cruising Spots in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam offers several gay cruising spots, both indoors and outdoors. These spots provide a discreet and adventurous way to explore the city’s gay scene. Popular gay cruising clubs include Eagle Amsterdam and Club ChUrch. For outdoor fun, notorious spots include Nieuwe Meer lake at Oeverlanden, Oosterpark, Vondelpark Rose Garden, and Zandvoort nudist beach.

6.1 What Facilities Does Eagle Amsterdam Offer for Cruising?

Eagle Amsterdam is a men-only gay cruising club spread over 3 floors, complete with a dance floor, wet & piss areas, douche facilities, darkrooms, showers, slings, and more. It is open Tuesday to Sunday until 4 am (5 am on weekends) and is located at Warmoesstraat 90.

6.2 What Kind of Themed Nights Does Club ChUrch Offer?

Club ChUrch organizes various themed nights every day, such as Blue drag nights on Thursdays, Zonderbroek underwear party on Fridays, SOS, and more. ChUrch is located at Kerkstraat 52. Check their website for details of the latest events and opening hours.

6.3 What Makes Nieuwe Meer Lake a Popular Cruising Spot?

Nieuwe Meer is a small lake in Oeverlanden Park, just outside Amsterdam. It has a clothing-optional sunbathing area, making it a popular spot in the summer months. As this is the only place where cruising is officially recognized and tolerated, you can find action happening both night and day.

6.4 What Should You Know About Cruising in Oosterpark?

Oosterpark is a large park in Amsterdam East that gets cruisy after dark in the area next to the Tropenmuseum. You should take care here when cruising at night, as robberies and stabbings frequently take place.

6.5 Where Is the Vondelpark Rose Garden and When Is It Most Active?

Vondelpark Rose Garden is a public urban park in Amsterdam South with a popular gay cruising spot on the right-hand side of the park towards the end, known as the “Rose Garden”. Cruising usually happens after dark, but during the summer months, you can see some daytime action as well.

6.6 What Makes Zandvoort Nudist Beach a Good Spot for Cruising?

Zandvoort is a beach resort town around 30 minutes by train from Amsterdam Centraal, followed by a 30-minute walk south to the official nudist beach, which is in front of the Adam en Eva (Adam and Eve) beach pavilion. Surrounded by dunes, it is popular for cruising.

7. Where Can Gay Travelers Find Saunas and Bathhouses in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam offers a variety of gay saunas and bathhouses, providing a relaxing and social environment for LGBTQ+ travelers. These establishments feature amenities such as saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas, creating a comfortable space to unwind and connect with others. The main gay sauna in Amsterdam is Sauna Nieuwezijds.

7.1 What Amenities and Events Does Sauna Nieuwezijds Offer?

Sauna Nieuwezijds is conveniently located in the Canal Ring, close to Amsterdam Centraal station. It offers events like “Mellow Mondays“, “No Towel Tuesdays”, and a bear night on the last Saturday of each month. It is open every day from midday until 6 am the next morning (extended to 10 am on weekends).

Bear themed party at the Nieuwezjids gay sauna in Amsterdam

8. What Gay Pride Events and Festivals Take Place in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam hosts several gay pride events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and promoting inclusivity. These events attract visitors from around the world and offer a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Key events include Amsterdam Bear Pride in June, Milkshake Festival at the end of July, Amsterdam Gay Pride in August, Amsterdam Leather Pride in October/November, and the International Queer & Migrant Film Festival (IQMF) in December.

8.1 What Does Amsterdam Bear Pride Involve?

Amsterdam Bear Pride includes pub crawls, parties, fun cruises down the canal, and the election of “Mister Bear Netherlands“. Bears, cubs, daddies, chubs, admirers, and chasers from around the world gather in Amsterdam every June for one of the best Bear weekend parties in Europe.

8.2 What Is the Focus of the Milkshake Festival?

Milkshake is a multi-genre music festival that takes place in the hip Westerpark area of Amsterdam at the end of July. The festival features 9 stages per day over two days, with genres ranging from house, disco, pop, and techno to R&B and dancehall. The festival is about working towards global unity, love, peace, and acceptance, welcoming all body shapes, skin colors, sexual preferences, and gender identities.

8.3 What Makes Amsterdam Gay Pride World-Famous?

The Amsterdam gay Pride parade in early August is world-famous because it is the only one that takes place on the water, with 80 boat floats making their way through the canals. Also not to miss during Pride are the street parties, particularly on Reguliersdwarsstraat.

8.4 What Kind of Activities Are Featured at Amsterdam Leather Pride?

Amsterdam Leather Pride is the biggest leather party in all of Holland and one of the best in Europe. Thousands of leather fans head to Amsterdam every October for some of the best uniform-themed parties. This exciting festival also includes the crowning of the new “Mister Leather Amsterdam“, the “Mister Leather Netherlands” and the big one: “Mister Leather Europe“. All the big leather clubs and shops get involved, including Church, Black Body, the Eagle Amsterdam, and MLN.

8.5 What Is the Purpose of the International Queer & Migrant Film Festival (IQMF)?

The International Queer & Migrant Film (IQMF) festival was founded in 2015 and has been going from strength to strength since. It is a festival for queer & migrant-related movies. As well as film screenings, the festival also includes art exhibitions, workshops, masterclasses, and debates.

9. Where Can Gay Travelers Find Unique Shops in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a hotspot for gay fashion and offers numerous gay-exclusive boutiques. These shops provide a variety of clothing items, from denim to leather, catering to different styles and preferences. Some awesome gay shops in Amsterdam include Mister B, Black Body Shop, and House of Riegillio.

9.1 What Kind of Items Does Mister B Sell?

Mister B sells everything from leather to toys and everything else in between. The collection of leather, rubber, and neoprene items on sale is as good as anything you’d find anywhere else on the planet. They have an incredibly wide array of toys and even a space in the basement for testing these out in both long and short sessions.

Mr B is a fab gay shop in Amsterdam that sells everything from leather to toys and even has an area to test things out in!

9.2 What Specializes Black Body Shop In?

Black Body Shop specializes in rubber and leather goods. Boots, masks, chains, trousers, shirts, suits, vests, and so much more are on offer at this store. The staff are friendly and down to earth and are more than willing to offer professional, practical advice should you need any.

Black Body gay shop in Amsterdam

9.3 What Can You Find at House of Riegillio?

House of Riegillio is the flagship store of the Mr Riegillio clothing brand! It is a place by queers for queers, where you can find all your gear, underwear, and accessories. From a broad collection of ‘naughty’ gear to casual streetwear, the House of Riegillio features brands such as MR. Riegillio, Alpha Industries, Barcode, Adidas, and many more.

The interior of House of Riegillio in Amsterdam with black pvc clothing on hangers next to a potted plant.

10. Where Can Gay Travelers Find the Best Restaurants in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a mix of excellent restaurants to suit everyone, whether you’re vegan, looking for pizza, or simply counting the calories. In the gay area of Amsterdam, there are a handful of culinary gems we recommend trying out. We’ve set out some of our favorites right here. Some recommended restaurants include Restaurant Bougainville, Garlic Queen, and The Pantry.

10.1 What Kind of Dining Experience Does Restaurant Bougainville Offer?

Restaurant Bougainville is an incredibly chic restaurant located in Hotel TwentySeven, with a stunning view of Dam Square and mouthwatering gourmet dishes. The gastronomic experience here is amazing, with a choice of a taster menu or a la carte and the impeccable service you would expect for a Michelin-starred establishment.

The very chic interior of Restaurant Bougainville in Amsterdam.

10.2 What Is Unique About the Garlic Queen Restaurant?

Garlic Queen is committed to the use of garlic in almost every single dish. Visitors can indulge in some innovative dishes such as garlic soup or the delicious garlic ice cream in chic surroundings at the heart of Amsterdam’s gay district.

Gay travellers to Amsterdam who like garlic will love the gay Garlic Queen restaurant!

10.3 What Kind of Cuisine Does The Pantry Serve?

The Pantry serves traditional Dutch cuisine in the heart of Amsterdam. Close to the gay area, they serve up hearty fare such as smoked eel, herring, and Dutch sausages alongside an array of delicious beers at reasonable prices.

The Pantry is our favourite gay friendly restaurant in Amsterdam for traditional hearty Dutch food

11. Top Activities to Do in Amsterdam

11.1 Is a Gay Tour of Amsterdam Worth Taking?

Yes, this gay tour of Amsterdam is an absolute must for those interested in learning more about the gay history of the Dutch capital. Our guide took us on a private walking tour of the gay hotspots Jordaan and De Wallen, talking us through keystone moments for the city’s LGBTQ community. From the oppression during the 1930s/40s to the freedom movements in the 1980s and 90s this gay tour provided us with an in-depth look at gay Amsterdam from a deeply personal perspective.

Find out all of Amsterdam

11.2 Why Should I Cruise on the Canals of Amsterdam?

Enjoying a cruise on the canals of Amsterdam is a definitive experience in this city and one that provides a unique perspective on the place. With a deep affinity to its canals, Amsterdam is surely a city best seen from the water. Taking in the famous Skinny Bridge, the Golden Bend, and much more, the Amsterdam city canal cruise is a 75-minute odyssey through what has to be one of Europe’s most stunning capitals.

Cruising Amsterdam

11.3 How Can I Learn About Anne Frank in Amsterdam?

One of Amsterdam’s most famous ever residents, Anne Frank will forever be remembered for the poignancy and tragedy of her book The Diary of a Young Girl. Paying a visit to the Anne Frank House is one of the most popular and affecting experiences of any trip to Amsterdam. Now you can also do a walking tour to learn more about the short but powerful life of this fierce young woman and what Amsterdam was like for her before the war.

Learn about Anne Frank in Amsterdam by joining a tour and/or visiting the Anne Frank House museum

11.4 What Is the Red Light District Tour Like?

Uncover the secrets of Amsterdam’s seediest district during this two-hour walking tour of the Red Light District. Offering heaps of insight into famous spots such as the Erie and The Old Church, this private journey through the RLD will shock, amuse, and inspire you to your core! For those who err on the more alternative side of things(!), a visit to a few leather hanky panky stores is included in the tour, allowing ample time to purchase any ‘souvenirs’ that might take your fancy. Even if you don’t do a tour, make sure you visit the enlightening Red Light Secrets Museum to learn more about the history of the area.

Amsterdam

11.5 How Can I Explore the Countryside near Amsterdam?

Make like the Dutch and jump on a bicycle for this four-hour tour of the countryside surrounding Amsterdam. On our tour, we explored fishing villages, country fields, and farmlands as well as learning about the windmill industry of old Holland. Although Amsterdam is a stunning city, it can be relaxing to get out of the hustle and bustle for a few hours and gain an understanding of what rural life is like in the country.

If you

12. Planning Your Trip to Amsterdam

12.1 Do I Need Travel Insurance for Amsterdam?

Yes, you should get travel insurance before your trip to Amsterdam so you’re protected in the case of missed flights, lost luggage, or anything else that could go wrong along the way. We have been using Heymondo Travel Insurance for years and recommend them to other travelers. Their cover is comprehensive and affordable, plus it’s easy to make a claim online if the need arises.

12.2 How Can I Get to Amsterdam from the Airport?

Many budget airlines offer affordable flights to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. You can also reach the city from within Europe via train or bus. When we fly into Amsterdam, we always aim to pre-book a private airport transfer with Welcome Pickups to ensure an English-speaking driver will wait for us in the Arrivals Hall. Always the best way to start any trip: zero stress!

12.3 What Are the Visa Requirements for Visiting Amsterdam?

Travellers from the United States, Australia, and New Zealand don’t need a visa for stays in the Netherlands for up to 90 days, so you can easily visit Amsterdam. Members of the Schengen Zone can also travel freely in the Netherlands, but if you’re coming from somewhere else (or just want to be sure), make sure you check your personal visa requirements beforehand.

12.4 How Can I Get Around Amsterdam?

While it’s lovely to just wander around Amsterdam, it can get tiring as it’s bigger than it might seem. Luckily Amsterdam has an excellent public transport system consisting of trams, buses, metro, and ferries. Pre-purchase a combined GVB card for up to 7 days for unlimited travel on all of them.

12.5 What Currency Is Used in Amsterdam?

The currency used in the Netherlands (and therefore Amsterdam) is the Euro, like most countries in Europe. Generally, €1 converts to around $1.10 US or about 89 pence in British Pounds.

12.6 What Is the Tipping Culture Like in Amsterdam?

There isn’t a strong tipping culture in the Netherlands, although you can always round up your bill or leave some extra change if you receive good service in a restaurant or cafe. Read this for some more information on tipping in the Netherlands.

12.7 How Can I Access the Internet in Amsterdam?

The Netherlands has excellent internet, and you’ll be able to find lots of free, reliable WiFi hotspots in Amsterdam. Nearly all museums, restaurants, bars, cafes, libraries, and hotels will also provide free WiFi (you may need to ask for the password though). If you will need reliable internet access to work and don’t want to go searching for WiFi, then we recommend renting a portable WiFi device for your trip.

12.8 How Can I Find the Best Accommodation in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has plenty of fabulous places to stay beyond our personal favorites which we’ve talked about here. We always use Booking.com when planning our trips because they have an excellent selection at the best prices and often free cancellation is included. It’s also easy to book online, and they offer 24/7 support.

12.9 How Can I Book Sightseeing and Adventure Activities in Amsterdam?

For more fun activities and interesting tours in Amsterdam, we recommend GetYourGuide. They also have an easy-to-use online booking system and so many great choices!

12.10 When Is the Best Time to Visit Amsterdam?

The Netherlands can be quite cold and wet during autumn/winter so we’d choose to visit Amsterdam either in spring (for the tulips!) or summer for the warm weather and the awesome Amsterdam Pride in August! Alternatively, Amsterdam is quite magical around Christmas time, with lots of markets, ice-skating rinks, and a special light festival on the canals until mid-January.

13. Gay Map of Amsterdam

This is our gay map of Amsterdam to show you where everything we’ve mentioned in this article is located. Use it to plan your own fabulous gay holiday in Amsterdam!

Use our gay map of Amsterdam to plan your own fabulous visit to this super gay city

14. Read More Travel Adventures Like This in Our Book!

We’ve published our very own gay travel book called, ‘Out in the World’. It has all our practical safety tips, first-hand advice, and travel stories from some of our favorite destinations. We hope it inspires you to have a fun and safe trip!