Gay and Lesbian Amsterdam

Amsterdam has more than one hundred gay and lesbian bars, discos, saunas, video stores, bookshops, restaurants and hotels.

Gay hotels in Amsterdam

Gay Hotel Orfeo Amsterdam

Orfeo is Amsterdam's largest exclusively-gay hotel, established in 1969. Located in the center of the city, it is situated within a walk to the Leidseplein, the Kerkstraat gay scene, the Reguliersdwarsstraat gay scene, and Vondelpark.

Gay Hotel the Golden Bear

Proclaim itself Amsterdam's first exclusively gay-hotel since 1948. The hotel is located in Kerkstraat near Leidseplein, housed in two historic buildings dating from 1737.

ITC Hotel Amsterdam

A beautiful hotel housed in a monumental canal house offers charming accomodations with a canal view. Address: Prinsengracht 1051, Amsterdam, tel.: + 31 20 6 230 230

Gay Bed and Breakfasts in Amsterdam

Bed and Breakfast West Violet

Located in the heart of Jordaan, this B&B offers stylish accommodations in a historical and characteristic neighbourhood. Each room has been warmly decorated, and has its own particular character and is trendy - even down to the bathroom. This central location means that all the main attractions, museums and shopping streets are easily accessible. Address: Violettenstraat 4, 1015 NP Amsterdam www.westviolet.nl

Ostade Bed and Breakfast

This luxury private B&B is located in the trendy De Pijp area. It is right between the famous Alberty Cuyp Market and Museumplein! Address: Van Ostadestraat 66, 1072 TA Amsterdam Tel: 06 53 38 4723 www.ostadebb.com

Helpful Websites for more Gay friendly bed and breakfasts and apartments

A selection of gay owned and gay friendly B&B's and apartments, each with its own character and charm.

www.find-an-amsterdam-bed-and-breakfast.nl

Avvie - More Amsterdam B&B's

The worldwide bed and breakfast directory listing independent B&B's. Features a special selection for Amsterdam.

www.bed-and-breakfast.avvie.eu

Gay and Lesbian Nighbclubs

Gay night life There are a few main gay night-life areas in the city: around the square of Rembrandtplein: throught all Reguliersdwarsstraat, via Halvemaansteeg, and along Amstel. Then Warmoesstraat, which is a parallel street to Damrak, next to the Red Light District. Here you will find also many leather bars and rainbow-flagged saunas. For a great selection of gay venues see PiP's web site: www.underwateramsterdam.com

Cockring

Address: Warmoestraat 96, right behind the Dam. www.clubcockring.com

Queen's Head

Address: Zeedijk 20, is about 5 minutes walking from the Centraal Station www.queenshead.nl

Exit

Address: Reguliersdwaardstraat 42, zwischen Rembrandtplein und Koningsplein www.april-exit.com

Arc

Cocktail-Hour every day between 17 and 19pm, all cocktails for 5 Euros. Address: Reguliersdwaardstraat 44, between Rembrandtplein and Koningsplein www.bararc.com

Vivelavie

This cozy bar is home to a noisy, forward crowd of lesbians in their 30's. Address: Amstelstraat 7, 1017 DA Amsterdam Tel: 020 624 0114 www.vivelavie.net

Saarein

Started in 1978 as the first women's only bar, this traditional Dutch bar is now open to an eclectic and mixed gay crowd. Come for a drink, stay for the BINGO! Address: Elandsstraat 119-HS Amsterdam Tel: 31 20 623 4901 www.saarein.nl

Trut

Underground gay and lesbian disco night, open only on Sundays. The crowd is young and the drinks are cheap.

This place fills up quickly, so queue up in time (before 21.30, earlier on holidays).

Address: Bilderdijkstraat 165.

Gay and Lesbian Restaurants

The Garlic Queen

Its prime position on the main gay drag and delightful name means this place attracts lovers of the pungent bulb, and, (well, what did you expect?), queens aplenty. The name is well earned: one dish uses 60 cloves, so make sure you bring a packet of mints with you if you intend getting lucky elsewhere. Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 27, Southern Canal Belt Tel: 020 422 6426 www.thegarlicqueen.nl

Getto

The menu at Getto is based on a "home cooking" style. There is a seasonal menu with tons of international dishes and is great for vegetarians! Address: Warmoesstraat 51, Old Centre Amsterdam Tel: 020 421 5151 www.getto.nl

Kitsch

With a Virgin Mary in the window, this restaurant has downright naughty dishes. "Pussy and Potatoes" is oysters and chips! Whether you want a casual salad and burger or something more indulgent like Sevruga caviar - they've got it all! Address: Utrechtsestraat 42, 1017 VP Amsterdam Tel: 31 20 625 9251 www.restaurant-kitsch.nl

Pink Point

Gay and lesbian information and souvenir kiosk situated at the Homomonument, Westermarkt (on the Keizersgracht). Friendly and helpful volunteers will answer all your questions about gay Amsterdam. As well the best selection of gay gifts in Holland. Open daily 12.00 till 6 PM. www.pinkpoint.org

Gay monument

In 1987, the one and only gay monument in the world opened in Amsterdam, close to the Westerkerk and Anne Frank House. The monument is a symbol against discrimination.