Gay Amsterdam travel guide: where to go, move, drink and shop
Amsterdam, the city of canals, is not only famous for its stunning architecture and cultural heritage but also for its thriving queer scene. The town offers a sheltered and accepting environment for the LGBTQ+ community, making it a popular destination for gay travelers. From legendary bars and clubs to exciting events, this Gay Amsterdam Reference is here to help you find the best that the city has to offer.
Our Male lover Guide to Amsterdam shows you how to plan an unforgettable trip –
with tips on the gay scene, the best bars, parties, events, and more.
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The capital of the Netherlands has been a bastion of LGBT+ customs for centuries and has seen its community survive and thrive despite political and social adversity. Today, Amsterdam is home to some of the optimal gay clubs, bars and hotels in the world, offering gay travelers a truly unique and exciting visit. The Netherlands is of course the first country in the world to show marriage equality, queer people living in and visiting the Netherlands are so well accepted and integrated that at first there might not seem to be much o
No matter where you are in Bangkok — the markets, subway cars, restaurants or bars — you’ll see elderly male tourists with young Thai men and women. It’s no secret that gay or unbent, sex tourism is a huge pull for many Westerners visiting Thailand, especially Bangkok.
Prostitution is a part of most cultures, but for me, it’s not nearly as the empowering or liberating in Bangkok as it is in a place love Canada or the US. I first learned this after watching Michael Glawogger’s film, Whores’ Glory, which features Thailand as one of its subjects.
I’ve wandered through one of the straight red-light districts in the city, Patpong, where women in lingerie are out in the streets luring men into their bars. There is a gay red-light district too, on Soi Twilight (or “Soi Pratuchai” in Thai), which I recently went to for the first time.
It’s a tiny alleyway northeast of the Patpong Nighttime Market, but it’s so small that it doesn’t production up on Google Maps. As I approached via Thanon Surawong, I was assaulted by a clutter of neon signs reading things like, “Dream Boys,” “Hot Male” an
Amsterdam
Interview with a Male Sex Worker in Amsterdam
Posted on: January 1, 2025
The Things You Always Wanted to Know From A Male Sex Worker in Amsterdam
In September 2015, we met with Lyle Muns, who is a male sex worker in Holland’s capital. We met each other at De Koffieschenkerij in Amsterdam Red Light District. Lyle is 21 years old and does sex work part-time. The rest of the week he’s busy studying Political Science. It was really interesting to listen his stories and experiences to gain a superior understanding of prostitution in the Netherlands. Here’s what we asked him:
1 | When did you commence working as a sex worker?
Three years ago. Now Iâm 21 so I started when I was 18.
2 | Where did you live back then?
I was born in Maastricht, in the South of the Netherlands. When I started working as a sex worker, I lived in a small village in Belgium and was going to school at the same time so thatâs pretty contrary. I worked for a couple of months as a prostitute to save some money and alternated with traveling in South-America. Since one year now, I live, study and operate in Amsterdam.
3 | What is the difference between being a male sex worker in Bel
Queer Nightlife in Amsterdam: Your Ultimate Guide to Gay Bars, Clubs & LGBTQ+ Hotspots
Amsterdam, the âVenice of the North,â isnât just known for its iconic canals, charming bridges, and wealthy cultureâitâs also a mecca for the LGBTQ+ community. Whether youâre a gay traveler visiting for the first time or a seasoned local seeking same-sex connections, Amsterdamâs gay bars, nightlife, and queer-friendly venues promise unforgettable experiences. From Nieuwmarkt and the Red Light District to De Pijp and Jordaan, thereâs a place for everyone to dance, beverage, and feel at home among same-sex communities.
To dive deeper into the LGBTQ community and connect with like-minded people, download the Lex App.
Best Gay Bars and Clubs in Amsterdam
1. PRIK â Where Cocktails & Dance Meet
Address: Spuistraat 109, 1012 SV Amsterdam
PRIK is one of the most famous same-sex attracted bars in Amsterdam, known for its laid-back atmosphere during the day and high-energy dance parties at night. The drink specials are unbeatable, and on weekends, the bar transforms into a mini gay club, drawing a crowd of locals and male lover travelers alike. Don't forget to endeavor their signature cocktailsâespecially