Amsterdam

Trendy district

The heart of the gay scene beats in the Reguliersdwarsstraat, a small alley between Rembrandtplein and Koningsplein. Bars, cafés and clubs are lined up within a few hundred metres. For decades, the street has been considered the center of queer Amsterdam. Around the Amstel and on the Zeedijk in the old town there are other traditional restaurants where things are a little quieter and more mixed. At the Westermarkt, the homomonument commemorates persecuted homosexuals; In 1987, it was the first monument of its kind in the world, and to this day it is a meeting place for commemorative days and festivals.

Nightlife

A large part of the nightlife life is bundled in the Reguliersdwarsstraat, from relaxed cocktail bars to clubs that run until late at night. Classic restaurants have long been around the Amstel, where generations mix and the tone remains more cozy. On weekends, the scene is spread over the compact city centre. You can easily reach many things on foot or by bike. The atmosphere is open, pure scene addresses are right next to bars for everyone, and those who want to party will find something suitable from the early after-work round to the long club night.

Best time to visit

From May to September, Amsterdam is at its friendliest, with long days and mild weather for tours along the canals. The biggest date is Amsterdam Pride at the beginning of August, whose Canal Parade with boats across the waterways is considered unique in Europe and attracts hundreds of thousands to the city. If you like it quieter, travel in late spring or early autumn, when prices drop and there is less going on. In winter it gets wet and cool. On the other hand, museums and restaurants are noticeably less crowded, and the city seems almost intimate.

Arrival

From Germany, it is easy to take the train. Direct connections from the Rhineland and northern Germany end at the central Amsterdam Centraal station, from where you can reach almost everything on foot or by tram. Southwest of the city is Schiphol Airport, which is connected to the center by train in about a quarter of an hour. Amsterdam is also easily accessible by car, but parking spaces are scarce and expensive, which is why park-and-ride on the outskirts of the city is a good idea. Because the old town is small and densely built-up, the fastest way to get around is by bike, tram or on foot.

Safety & LGBT Rights

The Netherlands was the first country in the world to open marriage to same-sex couples in 2001, and legal equality ranges from adoption to protection against discrimination. Amsterdam is considered very open and relaxed, holding hands in the city center is commonplace and hardly noticeable. As in any big city, it's worth taking a look at bags and valuables in busy neighborhoods in the evening, especially around the train stations and in dense crowds. As a German citizen, you can easily enter the Schengen area with an identity card, and no additional registration is necessary for a short stay.