Cozy & Queer: Amsterdam’s Best Gay Bars for Afternoons and Evenings
- Sanne Pols
- Oct 1
- 10 min read
Amsterdam has long been one of Europe’s most welcoming cities for LGBTQ+ travelers. From the Homomonument to world-famous Pride on the canals, the city celebrates queer life year-round. But the soul of queer Amsterdam often reveals itself in its bars.
Some perfect for a relaxed afternoon drink, winding down after work, or a short, cozy night out, and others made for full-on dancing and all-night revelry.
This article focuses on the chill and laid-back queer bars. The spots where you can linger over cocktails, catch up with friends, and soak in community without the pressure of a late-night party scene. For those seeking bigger, dance-oriented venues, don’t worry: a separate guide will cover Amsterdam’s vibrant queer clubs and nightlife for nights that stretch until sunrise.
Since Amsterdam has so many gay bars to explore, I’ve included a handy table of contents so you can jump straight to the bars you’re curious about. New to the scene? Read through the full article to get the full picture and discover some hidden gems along the way.
Café ‘t Mandje
Prik
Bar Bario
Pamela
Saarein
Bar Buka
Bar Lellebel
Spijker Bar
Nate
Vrankrijk
Café R. de Rosa
Honorable mentions
Amsterdam’s chill gay bars: for drinks, stories, and community
Café ‘t Mandje
First opened in 1927 by the legendary Bet van Beeren, Café ’t Mandje holds a cherished place in queer history as one of the very first openly gay bars in Amsterdam. Its walls, lined with photos and memorabilia, tell stories of resilience, community, and decades of chosen family. More than just a bar, it’s a living time capsule where locals and visitors alike feel the echoes of generations past. Today, it remains what it’s always been: a safe, joyful corner of the city where love and belonging take center stage.
Vibe: Cozy, historic, and legendary. Opened in 1927 by Bet van Beeren, one of the first openly lesbian bar owners in Amsterdam, Café ‘t Mandje is more than just a bar — it’s living history. The interior is decorated with memorabilia from nearly a century of queer life.
Crowd: Mixed ages, locals and tourists, LGBTQ+ and allies. It’s a bar where people come to talk, share stories, and feel the continuity of queer history.
Opening times: Usually early afternoon until around midnight.
Trans-friendliness: Warm and welcoming, thanks to its long tradition of inclusivity.
Why go: For the atmosphere of a true community hub. Many travelers say it feels like sitting in someone’s living room, with beer on tap and history on the walls (and on the ceiling!).
If you wanna know more about this bar, join my Queer City Tour!
Prik
Prik opened in 2006 with a simple mission: to create a warm, non-judgmental space in a city where queer nightlife was still divided between niche venues. The name itself playfully nods to the Dutch word for “fizz,” and prosecco on tap quickly became its trademark.
What began as a cozy living-room style bar has since grown into one of the most awarded gay bars in Amsterdam, recognized multiple times as the city’s best LGBTQ+ venue. Prik’s story is also one of community and resilience—its terrace has been targeted by homophobic harassment in recent years, yet the bar remains a symbol of visibility and belonging. For many locals and travelers alike, Prik isn’t just a place for cocktails, it’s a place to feel at home.
Vibe: Sparkling, stylish, and a little cheeky. Known for its pink-themed cocktails, its delicious snacks with themed named sandwiches, and its friendly service, Prik is often a first stop for queer travelers.
Crowd: Trendy, social, with a mix of locals and tourists. Slightly more men than women, but still inclusive to all genders.
Opening times: Open daily from mid-afternoon until late, with DJs on weekends.
Parties: “Funky Sunday” is a popular weekly get-together with cocktails and dance beats, more about community than clubbing. If you are a karaoke-enthusiast, they regularly organise karaoke nights. For more specific information about their parties and events, you can check out their Instagram.
Trans-friendliness: Very inclusive, with a reputation for being non-judgmental and welcoming to all.
Why go: Perfect for starting the night with friends, or for an easy evening without heavy clubbing.
Bar Bario
Opened in 2021 by Sierra Durgaram at just 22, Bar Bario was born from a clear vision: to give Black, queer, trans, and BIPOC individuals a place to truly belong in Amsterdam’s nightlife. Its name, meaning "neighborhood" in Papiamentu, signals the warmth and care woven into every corner. Here, exhibitions coexist with cocktails, karaoke with warmth, and community with creativity. More than a bar, it’s a living, breathing home for those who’ve rarely felt at ease on city nights. And for many, it’s exactly the living room they’ve been searching for.
Neighborhood: Oud-West (Bilderdijkstraat)
Vibe & Crowd: Cozy, intentional, socially minded. A hub for queer and POC communities, with an emphasis on cultural creativity.
Opening Times & Events: Hosts spoken-word, panels, visual art events, and casual evenings.
Trans-Friendliness: Deeply inclusive. A voice for marginalized queer identities.
Why Go: If you want your nightlife mixed with culture, art, and progressive spirit, this is your spot.
Pamela
Since opening in 2017, Pamela has stood as a glittering ode to queer joy in Amsterdam’s nightlife. Inspired by 80s Miami aesthetics and unapologetic camp, the bar radiates pink neon warmth and a playful spirit that invites everyone to let loose. Known for its themed parties, drag shows, and DJ nights, Pamela is both a stage and a safe haven where self-expression takes center spotlight. It’s a space that doesn’t just welcome the queer community; it celebrates it, with a wink, a shimmy, and a dance floor that always feels like home.
Neighborhood: Oud-West
Vibe & Crowd: Bright, 90s sexy décor, friendly, with strong appeal to queer BIPOC communities.
Opening Times & Parties: Functions as a café, queer workspace by day, transitions into soirée bar at night. Often hosts queer-positivity events.
Trans-Friendliness: Particularly welcoming toward trans and marginalized queer groups.
Why Go: For inclusive vibes, vegan-vegetarian food, and a space that blends day-to-night warmth and creativity.
Saarein
Café Saarein began in 1978, when ten radical feminist women (members of movements like Dolle Mina and Lesbian Nation) rescued a fading brown pub in the Jordaan from oblivion, naming it after its former owners, Saar and Rein. What started as a women-only safe space for beer, billiards, and conversations about liberation soon became a political and social hub of the queer-feminist community.
In 1999, Dia Roozemond breathed new life into Saarein by opening its doors to all queer-minded people while preserving its historic charm. For nearly a quarter-century, she ran the bar with courage and care (earning Amsterdam’s Andreaspenning for LGBTQ+ emancipation) before stepping down.
Recently, a new generation has successfully run a crowdfunding campaign to transform Saarein into a foundation, hoping to ensure this living gem remains owned and shaped by the community itself. A huge success, and now, the bar is a queer-intersectional foundation, where Marsha P Jonhnson can be seen on the walls, you may even hear her say her iconic slogan: “No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.”
Neighborhood: Jordaan, a charming canal district with a local feel.
Vibe: Classic brown café meets queer-feminist history — warm, low-lit, and full of character.
Crowd: Mixed LGBTQ+ community, with roots in lesbian and feminist activism.
Opening times: Late afternoon until late night, busier on weekends.
Parties & Events: Pool nights, cultural events, fundraiser nights, and Pride gatherings.
Trans-friendliness: Strongly inclusive, with deep activist roots.
Why go: For a drink in one of Amsterdam’s most historic queer spaces, where legacy and community still set the tone.
Bar Buka
Opened in 2019, Bar Buka quickly made its mark as the first women-focused queer bar in Amsterdam. Created by and for queer women, it’s a lively space that overflows with laughter, flirtation, and friendship. With everything from DJs to spoken word nights, it blends celebration with connection, making sure every guest feels seen and supported. Just like its name (Buka means open in Indonesian), Bar Buka isn’t just a place to grab a drink; it’s a vibrant meeting point where queer women’s stories, identities, and joy shine unapologetically.
Neighborhood: De Pijp (Albert Cuypstraat)
Vibe & Crowd: Playful, arty, and community-centered. A lively mix of queer women and allies, drawn by rotating art exhibitions, themed nights, and a sense of creative freedom.
Opening Times & Parties: Hosts pub quizzes, disco events, game nights, kinky FLINTA nights, drag and poly speed-dating nights… always with a creative twist! Note that they have occasional “Silver nights” for queer women* of 50+.
Trans-Friendliness: Very inclusive. They created a safe space for non-binary people and queer women across the spectrum.
Why Go: A vibrant contrast to traditional gay bars. A place to mingle over cocktails surrounded by art, games, and conversation.
Bar Lellebel
They define themselves as “the only tiny alternative indie grunge rock queer bar in Amsterdam”.
Tucked in the heart of the city, Bar Lellebel has long been a home for drag, cabaret, and boundless self-expression. Known for its cozy intimacy and campy performances, it’s the kind of place where a night out feels like joining a family gathering full of sparkle, laughter, and sequins. Here, queens, kings, and everyone in between find a stage and a spotlight, while guests are welcomed with open arms. It’s not just a bar; it’s an Amsterdam institution where authenticity always takes the lead.
Neighborhood: Near Rembrandtplein (Utrechtsestraat)
Vibe & Crowd: Intimate and theatrical. Small and cozy, yet world-embracing — reservoir of performance and queer community.
Opening Times & Parties: Regular drag, comedy, and karaoke nights, including a beloved Sunday “living room” karaoke.
Trans-Friendliness: Exceptionally inclusive. Trans-owned, hosts Trans United events, and even appears in Pride canal parades.
Why Go: For heartfelt storytelling, trans visibility, and live micro-performance in a warm, intimate setting.
Spijker Bar
Spijker Bar opened its doors in 1978, at a time when openly queer spaces in Amsterdam were still rare and brave. From its early days, it became a refuge for those seeking connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging, long before Pride parades or mainstream acceptance shaped the city’s nightlife.
The wood-paneled walls and cozy fireplace have seen decades of whispered confessions, first dates, and laughter spilling into the early hours. Over time, themed nights like drag bingo and the infamous ‘Naked Tuesdays’ added playful rituals that keep tradition alive while inviting new generations to the fold.
Walking through Spijker today feels like stepping into a living archive of queer history; a place where every corner tells a story, every drink carries memory, and the spirit of community pulses quietly but insistently.
Neighborhood: Near Leidseplein district
Vibe & Crowd: Cozy, dive-y, and authentic. Retro “brown café” with wood-panel interiors, pool table, and fireplace. Draws a laid-back crowd of locals and tourists, especially during themed gay nights.
Opening Times & Parties: Opens at 4 p.m. and closed on Mondays. Known for Saturday drag bingo and men-only “Naked Tuesdays.” Small, intimate, and personal.
Trans-Friendliness: Mainly gay men crowd, trans men accepted, and women tolerated as long as the ratio favors men*.
Why Go: For authentic gay history, dive-bar charm, and a drink before heading to Club ChUrch. Clothing optional and cruising experience.
Nate (formerly known as “Brug 34”)
Freshly opened under its new name, Nate has reimagined the beloved Brug 34 into one of Amsterdam’s newest queer havens. With its sleek yet welcoming design, the bar strikes a balance between stylish cocktails and easygoing community vibes. Its programming (spanning DJ nights, art, and pop-up collaborations) signals a space in motion, ready to grow with the city’s queer scene.
More than just a rebrand, Nate feels like a fresh chapter: a place where regulars and newcomers alike can find connection, creativity, and nights that linger long after last call. They also offer various mouth-watering snacks. They welcome group-reservation for a get-together, birthday or team dinner.
Neighborhood: Near Rembrandtplein (Utrechtsestraat)
Vibe & Crowd: Sleek and welcoming. A modern refresh of a beloved bar, drawing a mixed queer crowd that’s stylish yet laid-back.
Opening Times & Parties: Regular DJ sets, pop-up events, and collaborations with queer artists and collectives, keeping the calendar fresh and dynamic.
Trans-Friendliness: Intentionally inclusive, with a strong focus on creating a space where all gender identities feel seen and celebrated.
Why Go: For a new chapter in Amsterdam’s queer nightlife; polished drinks, creative energy, and a community vibe that grows with every visit.
Vrankrijk: WTF Queer Wednesdays
Born from Amsterdam’s squatter movement, Vrankrijk has long stood as a fiercely independent, anarchist stronghold in the city’s center. Since the late 1980s, it’s been more than a bar; it’s a collective space for activism, art, and underground culture.
While always queer-friendly, its weekly Wednesday queer nights have become a staple: riotous evenings of concerts, DJs, and dance floors buzzing with radical, intersectional energy. Here, queerness and resistance intertwine, offering a night that feels less like nightlife and more like a revolution set to music.
Neighborhood: Spuistraat, near the Jordaan
Vibe & Crowd: Anarchist and alternative. Queer-coded all week, with a raw, DIY feel that attracts a radical, leftist crowd.
Opening Times & Parties: Every Wednesday is queer night—packed with live concerts, DJs, and riotous energy. Expect a mood that’s sweaty, political, and joyfully rebellious.
Trans-Friendliness: Deeply inclusive and community-minded, with a long history of supporting queer, trans, and activist spaces.
Why Go: For a night that feels like resistance in motion. Come ready to dance, shout, and sweat. Just remember: it’s cash only.
Café R. de Rosa
Nestled in the winding streets of the Jordaan, Café R. de Rosa has quietly grown into a hub for Amsterdam’s queer community over the past years. What began as a cozy neighborhood café has evolved into a space where activism, celebration, and everyday connection coexist. Its rainbow flag at the door signals more than welcome; it marks decades of creating moments where queer lives, rainbow—or not—families, and causes are honored.
From intimate queer speed-dating nights for those 30+ to fundraisers supporting international causes, each event layers new stories onto the café’s warm, lived-in walls. Sitting here, sipping natural wine amid laughter and animated conversation, you sense that R. de Rosa is more than a bar; it’s a small, steadfast sanctuary where queerness, community, and care are always on full display.
Neighborhood: Jordaan
Vibe & Crowd: Warm, welcoming, and community-focused. A cozy neighborhood café with a vintage charm, featuring natural wines, hearty snacks, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Opening Times & Parties: Hosts a variety of queer events, including queer speed-dating nights for 30+, fundraisers, and themed gatherings, fostering a sense of belonging for the queer community.
Trans-Friendliness: Actively queer-branded and inclusive, with events celebrating queer life and intersectional causes.
Why Go: For a laid-back, inclusive hangout where queer community and friends (allies), conversation, and connection come first.
Honorable Mentions
While the bars above are perfect for laid-back afternoons or evenings, a few queer favorites deserve a nod for their dual personality. Places like Blend and Taboo (Kantine) lean more toward the party side of nightlife, but they often strike a balance — chill for an afternoon drink, then danc-y once the lights go down. They’re part of Amsterdam’s charm: bars that effortlessly shift gears from cozy to electric as the night unfolds.
The more laid-back and chill gay bars of Amsterdam: Wrapping up
As an Amsterdammer, I’m beyond proud of the inclusiveness trans and non-binary people experience throughout the bars quoted in this article.
Amsterdam’s queer bar scene is as diverse as the city itself, offering everything from neighborhood “living rooms” to high-energy dance floors. If you’re after more of the latter, check out our companion guide on Amsterdam’s best gay dance bars and clubs! Because sometimes, the night calls not just for connection, but for movement too.
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