mister-dam

Didier and his partner love hosting in Amsterdam. The Dutch capital may be a small city but it has a strong identity: romantic, bikeable and bursting with a lively gay night life. Check out Didier's tips for exploring Amsterdam, and discover the city's most popular events and hidden gems. Explore the world, experience your pride. 

How gay-friendly is your city? What’s gay life like there? 

Amsterdam is a small capital city, but it has the most different nationalities in the world. The city is multicultural and everybody speaks English. And for a city of the size of Amsterdam, we also have a very vibrant gay life. From huge dance parties and cruise/fetish bars, to gay restaurants and even gay city tours, there are plenty of options here. What's even better is that most of the gay bars/locations are within easy walking distance from each other.

What are the best gay events that take place in your city each year? 

The yearly Gay Canal Pride in the first weekend of August is something truly unique. There is a beautiful parade of boats which travel through the canals of Amsterdam along with a week of cultural and social activities and incredible parties. Amsterdam also has a Fetish Pride weekend, a Leather Pride weekend and even a Bear Pride. But next to that, our über-famous Kingsday is really something everyone should participate in at least once in their life!

We only have 48 hours in your city. What can’t we miss? 

Do a boat tour in one of the open boats/dinghys from the Friendship Boat Company. They serve local gin & tonics and offer a more localized experience than something you would get from one of the big tourist boats. The Amsterdam canals are UNESCO world heritage and are an absolute must-see - although when in Amsterdam it's hard not to miss them! Furthermore, you can borrow one of our guest bikes and bike around Amsterdam. This is the perfect way to explore the city and its neighborhoods likes a local.

What’s your favorite gay place to grab a bite for lunch? A nice dinner? 

Getto restaurant near Central Station is very cozy. They offer super nice cocktails, but the house specials are their infamous diva-licious burgers, which are each named after popular Dutch drag queens.  

Best gay place and day for a cheap beer or happy hour? 

Soho is an English pub-style bar which attracts all kinds of gay guys. For the rougher guys, I would recommend Dirty Dicks from 11pm onwards, or on Sunday afternoon/evening the Web bar is a good choice.  

We’re ready to party! What are the best gay clubs? 

Unfortunately, Amsterdam does not have many clubs anymore. Monthly/bi-monthly parties are becoming increasingly popular like Bear Necessity, Funhouse, Damage. Also Eagle Bar offers a small dance floor and DJs 

What are the best alternative gay bars and clubs where you live?

At the moment the most famous club in Amsterdam is De School, and this is a great option if you enjoy techno music. Here you will find a mixed, very open-minded crowd, and they often host gay nights. The club is housed in a very old-school building, adding to the fun.

Are there any places related to LGBT history? 

The homo monument is famous in Amsterdam, gay city tours are organized, the oldest wooden building in Amsterdam is in fact Eagle gay bar, and we also have an AIDS memorial statue which was recently constructed. Amsterdam is full of LGBTI history. 

Can you share a secret or little-known place to visit in your city? 

The Purse and Handbag Museum is my favorite spot for high tea, and it is set in a beautiful canal house. Make sure you reserve your table in advance though, high tea is very popular in Amsterdam. 

Any beaches, parks or best other places to chill-out?  

Zandvoort beach is only 20 minutes by train and has a gay venue at the end of the beach. Also Vondelpark and Westerpark are great places to relax for the afternoon.  

Where you can we get the best view of Amsterdam?  

In order to get a 360-degree view of the city, pick one of the Amsterdam Towers. If you go to the one behind Central Station you can really get a panoramic view of our city. The daredevils can even use a swing up there. ● 

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