The Netherlands was one of the first countries in Europe to decriminalise homosexuality (way back in 1811), as well as the first to legalise same-sex marraige (in 2001), and the Dutch have long held liberal values with regard to sexuality and personal freedoms. And its largest city has famously been a magnet for visitors seeking both (although of late it has been scaling that back a bit, with a new public weed-smoking ban in the red-light district - which however doesn't affect its notorious "coffee shops" - and plans to move the district's also notorious "window brothels" to the city's outskirts).
But anyway, if you’re a clubber, you can knock yourself out at the many gay bars and clubs across the city, or by visiting Milkshake, the enormous summer music festival at the end of July, featuring a wide variety of live bands, drag acts, and DJs. Other blockbuster events include a huge Pride celebration ( this year August 4-6), including a boat parade on the Amstel River starting at the Scheepvart museum on the east side of the city out to Westerdok canal.
If you're into lower-key pursuits, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy yourself here, starting with A' dam's abundance of picturesque canals (top) and tulips, which are shipped around the world, making it a romantic destination for couples of any gender or sexuality. Check out the Homomonument on the Prinsengracht canal, and the main public library's IHLIA LGBTI Heritage, one of the world's largest archives queer literature and history; many of Amsterdam’s art galleries also feature a wide range of queer exhibitions for LGBT art connoisseurs.
Read more in Tripatini contributor Alex Belsey´s post A Pride Month Special: 3 of Europe´s Most LGBTQ-Welcoming Cities.
Comments