Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of Europe's most beloved LGBTQ+ capitals — a city of canals, liberal culture, and a Gay Pride that floods the waterways each August. The Reguliersdwarsstraat and Warmoesstraat are the axes of a scene that ranges from mainstream gay bars to leather establishments, with the city's famous tolerance extending a genuine and historic welcome to queer visitors from across the world.
Amsterdam is arguably the most naturally LGBTQI+-welcoming city in Europe. The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage in 2001, and that progressive spirit is woven into daily life here. You'll find rainbow flags year-round, not just during Pride, and the city's famous canal houses cast a beautiful backdrop for one of the world's great LGBTQI+ travel destinations.
The main gay street is Reguliersdwarsstraat, a short walk from the Rijksmuseum, lined with bars, clubs and restaurants catering to a mixed LGBTQI+ crowd. Highlights include Taboo Bar and Club NYX. For the leather and bear crowd, Warmoesstraat in the Red Light District has a cluster of dedicated venues. The Pijp neighbourhood has a more relaxed, neighbourhood-bar vibe.
The highlight of the LGBTQI+ calendar is Canal Pride (usually late July / early August), a boat parade through the city's UNESCO-listed canal ring. Floats from LGBTQI+ organisations, embassies, and corporations sail past hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the banks. Book accommodation months in advance — the city fills completely during Pride weekend.
The Jordaan and Canal Ring are ideal bases — central, beautiful, and walkable to everything. De Pijp (south of the centre) is more residential and hipster-leaning, great for brunch spots and coffee. Accommodation in the centre is expensive; consider staying in De Pijp or Oud-West for better value without sacrificing access.
Amsterdam is extremely walkable and bikeable — renting a bike is the local way to get around, and the flat terrain makes it easy. The tram network covers the rest. Dutch people almost universally speak excellent English. The city can be crowded with tourists in summer; shoulder season (April–May, September–October) offers better prices and fewer crowds while still being warm enough to enjoy the canal terraces.
Amsterdam has been a beacon of LGBTQI+ rights for decades. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2001 — the first country in the world to legalise it. Public displays of affection are widely accepted. The Reguliersdwarsstraat and Warmoesstraat are the main gay streets. Exercise standard urban awareness at night.
The Netherlands is very safe for LGBTQ+ travellers — the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage (2001). Amsterdam has one of Europe's most celebrated gay scenes, and the culture is openly welcoming throughout the country.
9.7km away
