Gay cruising amsterdam centraal

They’re a people so inviting you may be caught off guard by their kindness. Internationally known for their liberal do-as-you-please laws, it should be no surprise that Amsterdam is a favorite destination for the LGBTQ+ society.

On the flip side, Amsterdam is currently dealing with the strain of over-tourism. The capital may be more postcard-perfect than Disney World, but this popular destination is no theme park — it’s abode to around , residents who hope you to respect them as much as they respect you. From marijuana dispensaries (known as coffeeshops) to stay sex shows, it can be simple to over-indulge.

Rather than spending your entire vacation in the Red Beam District, check out hip neighborhoods love De Pijp, Oud-West, and NDSM wharf. Moreover, try traveling outside of summit season — July and August — and enjoy the benefits of fewer crowds and cheaper deals by taking a trip sometime between March and April or September and November.

• A brief history of LGBTQ+ scene in Amsterdam
• The best lgbtq+ bars
• Th
  
  

  John’s Guide for Gay Cruising in the Dutch Capital, Amsterdam

  But of course, a vacation in Amsterdam is not “only” about intimate encounters and cruising. Besides its unique cultural heritage with many historical buildings and museums, Amsterdam has a strong connection to nature. Be it the world-famous canals, the parks, or the Northern Sea around the corner, it’s not going to be boring during your trip to the Dutch capital city.

  For many European travelers from the LGBTQ+ group, Amsterdam is one of the most LGBTQ+ welcoming and gay-friendly cities in the world. So don’t forget to bookmark this Amsterdam Gay Cruising Reference for your next queer adventures!

  Do you want to know more about our gay travels around the world? Stay tuned on Facebook, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. See you again in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, or somewhere around the world! Karl & Daan & John.

  Do you like it? PIN IT!

  
  
  

  Gay Cruising in Amsterdam

  Amsterdam has one of the largest gay cruise club scenes in Europe.  Most cruise bars and fetish shops are located in the Warmoesstraat area.  These include The Web, Cuckoo’s Nest, Dirty Dicks, Eagle Amsterdam, etc.

  Club Church in Kerkstraat hosts a popular men-only dance & cruise party every weekend, with dress codes (e.g. underwear, naked, leather, boxers, jockstrap, sportswear).

  But obviously, gay cruising does not get place only inside the bars.  Over the years, several outdoor areas in/near Amsterdam have turn into known as popular gay cruising spots where men meet and have fun. In one park, Oeverlanden, there is even an official cruising area.

  Oeverlanden / Nieuwe Meer

  Perhaps the most popular cruising spot in Amsterdam. Oeverlanden refers to the park area, and Nieuwe Meer is a minor lake located just outside the city centre. This recreational area gets crowded in the summer.  Clothing-optional sunbathing is allowed, and swimming in the lake is also possible.

  This is the only place where cruising is officially recognised and tolerated, as

  Amsterdam’s queer scene rivals that of the greats; up there with Berlin, Madrid, Brighton and more. And we’re not just talking about Reguliersdwarsstraat (Amsterdam’s celebrated Gay Street) – the LGBTQ+ party scene here stretches across the city. 

  From the city’s legendary first gay club Cafe ‘t Mandje to tiny flamboyant bars with karaoke, Amsterdam has it all. Just don’t be surprised to see some open-minded unbent people frequent these joints – these are some of the best clubs in a city renowned for its nightlife, after all. Everyone is welcome. So whatever your vibe, here are the finest gay bars and clubs in Amsterdam. 

  RECOMMENDED:
  🍹 The best bars in Amsterdam
  🪩 The best clubs in Amsterdam
  🌿 The best coffeeshops in Amsterdam
  📍 The best hotels in Amsterdam
  🏠 The best Airbnbs in Amsterdam

  Derek Roberston is a writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers. Find more in our editorial guidelines.

  Been there, done that? Th