Amsterdam for Gay and Lesbian:

Amsterdam is a city of hyperbole; the most enlightened and liberal gay mecca in Europe, perhaps in the world. The gay community is so socially integrated, that it is difficult to distinguish a gay/lesbian ‘style and scene’ that differs from Amsterdam’s own traditional tolerance and acceptance.

AREAS
Even though there are bars, clubs, cafes, and hotels all over the city, there are four specific gay areas:

The Reguliersdwarsstraat area is Amsterdam's street of trendy gay bars for well-groomed men and women. Especially in summertime, on warmer evenings the street in front of the bars is a favorite hangout for many locals.

The bars along the Amstel River and the adjacent Halvemaansteeg draw a cheerful mix of clones, older guys, and anyone else who loves to sip their beer in tuneful surroundings.

The cruisier and more 'leather-specified' Warmoesstraat, is in the heart of the red-light district. Many leather bars are located here and you can also find the famous leather shop 'Mr. B.' for all your toys and clothes.

The Kerkstraat area is one of the oldest gay areas in town, and is situated near the Leidseplein. The Kerkstraat is a cozy, gay-friendly neighborhood with some pleasant gay cafes, and a few neighborhood bars.

WHERE TO GO
Gay nightlife in Amsterdam is so diverse and because gays are welcome everywhere, the popularity of bars and clubs is ever changing and largely based on the crowds they draw.

BARS
A good place to start your night is at the Amstel Taveerne
(Amstel 54, Tel.: +31 20-623-4254) the oldest gay bar in Amsterdam.
Around the corner, the Montmartre (Halvemaansteeg 17, Tel.: +31 20-620-7622)
Café De Steeg has live shows on Saturdays. (Halvemaansteeg 10, Tel.: +31 20-620 0171)
he lower key Gaiety (Amstel 14, Tel.: +31 20-624 4271),
Mix Café attracts an older male crowd, (Amstel 50, Tel.: +31 20-420 3388)

HOT BARS
The April (Reguliersdwarsstraat 37, Tel.: +31 20-625 9572), you are sure to hear the music and see the crowds out front halfway down the street. This 'American-style' bar, with its open patio doors and revolving back bar is traditionally the most popular of pre-clubbing hangouts, and the place you are most likely to meet fellow travelers. However, the two-story Soho (Reguliersdwarsstraat 36, Tel.: +31 20-330 4400) just down the block is drawing the trendy young boys.
Havana also attracts a fun international crowd.
(Reguliersdwarsstraat 17, Tel.: +31 20-620 6788)
The Exit, a disco, two floors, with a hot crowd (Reguliersdwarsstraat 42, Tel.: +31 20-625 8788)
Bar De Spijker You will find a quieter scene in the friendly neighborhood (Kerkstraat 4, Tel.: +31 20-620 5919).
Cosmo worth a visit for an unique late-night drink with an older crowd and a feel for what bars where like in Amsterdam in the sixties. (Kerkstraat 42, Tel.: +31 20-624 8074)

DANCING
IT (Amstelstraat 24, Tel.: +31 20 625-0111).
Exit (Reguliersdwarsstraat 42, Tel.: +31 20 625 8788).
The COC (The National Gay & Lesbian Organization) Rozenstraat 14, Tel.: +31 20-626 3087).
De Trut (Bilderdijkstraat 165, Tel.: +31 20-612 3524) organizes gay and lesbian dance parties.

LEATHER SCENE
The Cuckoo's Nest (Nieuwezijds Kolk 6, Tel.: +31 20-627 1752)
The Web (Sint Jacobssteeg 6, Tel.: +31 20 623 6758),
The Argos (Warmoesstraat 95, Tel.: +31 20-622 6595),
The Eagle (Warmoesstraat 90, Tel.: +31 20-627 8634)
Dirty Dick's (Warmoesstraat 86, Tel.: +31 20 627 8634).
The Cockring (Warmoesstraat 96, Tel.: +31 20-623 9604).

WOMEN BARS
Saarein (Elandsstraat 119, Tel.: +31 20-623 4901),
Vandenberg (Lindengracht 95, Tel.: +31 20-622 2716),
Vive-La-Vie (Amstelstraat 7, Tel.: +31 20-624 0114) a
You II (Amstel 178, Tel.: +31 20-421 0900).

Gay marrige:
Gays and lesbians in Holland won the right to get legally married in 2000. They can serve in the military, not worry about social or legal discrimination, and generally display affection in public without fear of harassment. Likewise, legislation has made it legal for gay and lesbian couples to adopt children. As for tourism, gays are not only welcome but also officially encouraged to come. What other European city would erect a Gay Monument, the world's first monument to honor persecuted gay men and lesbians?

In order to get married in Holland, one of the persons getting married must be a Dutch citizen. For more information, please contact your nearest Netherlands Consulate General.

Gay Amsterdam Tourist Guide - http://guide.gayamsterdam.com/

Gay & Lesbian Groups

The 'Gay Capitol of the World' has several organisations for the homosexual and bisexual community, including the largest chapter of the  COC, the Netherlands' Federation for integration of homosexuals.

COC Amsterdam
Address: Rozenstraat 14
Tel: +31 (0)20 626 30 87
email: info@cocamsterdam.nl 
Website:  www.cocamsterdam.nl/  or www.cocamsterdam.nl/clubcoc/
The countries largest member of the federation for the integration of homosexuals, the COC Nederland. They focusing on lesbian women and gay men from within and outside the Dutch culture, providing help, support ,assistance and has a special club, Club COC, with disco and café nights.

Love Exiles Foundation / Stichting Love Exiles
The Love Exiles Foundation educates the public about immigration issues facing same-sex couples and provides support and outreach to bi-national same-sex couples. The local group in the Netherlands organizes regular social events and provides a support network for same-sex couples who have moved or are planning to move to the Netherlands.
Email:exiles@xs4all.nl
Website: www.loveexiles.org

Women Out
Email:  womenout@yahoo.com
Website: www.womenout.net

Gay Swim Amsterdam
The best way to get to know us is to come and swim. To participate in training sessions, come to the swimming clubs' entrance of the Sloterparkbad (President Allendelaan 2, within easy reach of the last stop of tram lines 13 and 14). Be there a good quarter of an hour before starting time. One of the welcoming committee will tell you everything there is to know about GSA. For your first visit to our training a contribution of EUR 3 will be asked.
Tel: +31 (0)62 417 3268 
Email:  gayswimadam@hotmail.com
Website:  www.gayswimamsterdam.xom

Women's Groups
Women's organisations and clubs with international, supportive and/or professional atmospheres.
Women with Dutch Partners (WWDP)
WWDP is a large active group of women who live in Amsterdam, come from all over the world and all have one thing in common - they have Dutch partners. The group meets every month (usually on the first Friday of the month) at one of its members' homes and have a pre selected topic to discuss and exchange views on.
Tel:  +31 (0)20 412 5444 
Website: wwdp4u@yours.com

American Women's Club Amsterdam
Founded in 1927, the club now has approximately 550 members from the greater Amsterdam area. At the monthly meetings, featured speakers present topics of political, economic or cultural relevance. AWCA members receive the monthly magazine, 'Tulip Talk', and have the opportunity to take part in classes and lectures, community service projects, newcomer activities, cultural events, tours, Moms, dads and tots events, and social events such as art on the move, book clubs, family excursions, gourmet groups, idea salons.
Tel:  +31 (0)20 644 3531 (answering machine) 
Email:  membership@awca.nl
Website: www.awca.nl

International Women's Contact, Amsterdam
The aim of the IWC is to facilitate and foster friendship between women of all nationalities, living in and around Amsterdam. They help members who come to Holland settle in, enjoy their new environment and gain a better understanding of Dutch life and culture. A Welcoming Committee is on hand to help newly arrived members make contact with women from their own countries, and give help and information on life and living in the Netherlands.

Email: iwc_amst@euronet.nl 
Website: www.iwcamsterdam.nl

Women Out
Social club that organises venues for expatriate and Dutch lesbians and bisexual women to meet other women.
Email: info@womenout.net
Website: www.womenout.net

Women with Dutch Partners (WWDP)
WWDP is a large active group of women who live in Amsterdam, come from all over the world and all have one thing in common - they have Dutch partners. The group meets every month (usually on the first Friday of the month) at one of its members' homes and have a pre selected topic to discuss and exchange views on.
Tel:  +31 (0)20 412 5444
Email: wwdp4u@yours.com