Event Dates
From: Thursday, November 27, 2025
To: Sunday, January 18, 2026
Amsterdam Light Festival 2025/26
Enjoy a beautiful experience this Winter at the annual Amsterdam Light Festival as the city is transformed into a living art gallery.
Amsterdam Light Festival 2025/26
Enjoy a beautiful experience this Winter at the annual Amsterdam Light Festival as the city is transformed into a living art gallery over seven weeks.
- For a fabulous, contemporary stay right along the canals, close to the light displays at the 122-room Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is unbeatable.
The Water Route
- Next Edition – Thursday 27th November 2025 – Sunday 18th January 2026.
- Amsterdam Light Festival celebrates its 14th anniversary this year!
- The festival illuminates the dark days Winter with joy and magic along the canals of Amsterdam. Visitors pass by the most popular artworks of the past nine editions.
- Typically, about twenty light artworks are places alongside the route. The works are a selection from a rich collection of light art. Each artwork naturally tells its own story, however, there are many common themes and stories to be shared, which you may enjoy via an audio tour on board.
- Stay in the heart of the city right on the canals and just steps from the best exhibits at the Pulitzer. The Hotel is spread across more than 5 town houses and has been completely transformed into a luxurious escape right in the centre of the city.
The Route
- Awaiting route of installations for the 2025-26 edition.
The Canal Cruise
- Experience Amsterdam Light Festival cruising the canals of Amsterdam
- Hop on board of a covered, heated canal boat and get carried away to the world of imagination with the official audio guide.
- De audio guide tells you all about the artworks, artists and theme, but leaves enough room to chat with your company. A cruise takes about 75 minutes and there are several boat companies and departure locations.
- Alternatively, experience the light artworks from up close, in an intimate group setting on an (semi) open or historic boat. Along the way, the skipper tells you all about the artworks and the theme.
The Walking Tour
- Taking a walk? This digital map will tell you the way with live location. All artworks are depicted with an icon, which you can click to get more information about the artworks and artists. Don’t forget to charge your phone! The route is about 6.5 km and can be started at any point.
- The walking route can be started at every artwork. Handy starting points are the information stands at Prins Hendrikkade by Amsterdam Central Station, or Blauwbrug, the historic bridge over the river Amstel.
Recommended Hotels in Amsterdam
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the city’s busy gay bars and top attractions:
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Hotel Pulitzer is where we stay when
we visit Amsterdam. Close to the gay bars.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Amsterdam Light Festival, Website
Gay Map of Amsterdam
The Amsterdam gay scene is constantly changing with bars opening and closing all the time. The Regulierswarstraat has seen a resurgence of late with many new bars opening. The sex and cruising bars are close to Dam square.
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2, 1012 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
De L'Europe Amsterdam offers luxurious accommodation along the Amstel River, in the heart of the city. This 5-star hotel includes a fitness area, spa and wellness facilities and a waterside terrace. Valet parking is available at an additional charge.
The guest rooms and suites blend a classic design, including a Carrara marble bathroom, with contemporary amenities such as Apple TV, A Bose surround sound system and motion detecting floor lighting. A nespresso machine
Vijzelstraat 4, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
Overlooking the flower market, NH Collection Amsterdam Flower Market is situated in the middle of the city centre, only 100 m from the Kalverstraat shopping area. NH Collection Amsterdam Flower Market offers free WiFi throughout the hotel.
Each air-conditioned room at NH Collection Amsterdam Flower Market features satellite TV, a work desk and tea and coffee making facilities.
Vijzelstraat 49, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
Each room in the 4-star Albus Hotel Amsterdam City Centre has a flat-screen TV with a special guest communication portal. The and are a 3-minute walk away.
This environmentally friendly hotel with Green Key Gold certification offers 75 rooms, all equipped with a Nespresso® machine, design furniture and modern wooden floors. The completely renovated bathroom has luxurious soap amenities, a rain shower, a heated and lighted mirror, an automatic lightening system and a bathrobe.
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 24, 1012 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
Built in the 17th century and therefore the oldest hotel of , the 5-star Doelen is a boutique style hotel located along the Amstel River. The renovated hotel offers luxury rooms and free WiFi. Dam Square is a 10-minute walk away.
All 81 rooms are stylishly furnished with modern amenities, including air conditioning. Guests can enjoy a drink from the minibar or make a cup of coffee or tea. Each room is also provided with a work desk and cable TV.
Prinsengracht 305, 1016 NM Amsterdam, Netherlands
This beautiful luxury apartment is located at one of the most desired locations in Amsterdam with canal view at the famous Prinsen Canal and nearly adjacent to the famous "9 Streets area". And features all amenities you would expect
Amstel 151, 1018 ET Amsterdam, Netherlands
Right in the heart of Amsterdam with views from the balcony of Amstel River. offering 2 bedrooms, a living room and a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, and 2 bathrooms with a bath or shower and a washing machine. Free WiFi
Singel 95, 1012 SR Amsterdam, Netherlands
This 18th Century ground floor canal house with patio/garden is close to Royal Palace offering 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and offers river views.
Amstelveld 3, 1017 JD Amsterdam, Netherlands
This Amsterdam city centre luxurious canal apartment offers 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, a patio with city views, free WiFi and a washing machine.
Utrechtsestraat 19, Amsterdam 1017 VH
● LGBT-friendly cafe-bar
● Ideal for breakfast, snacks, coffee, and wine
Monday-Wednesday 08:00 – 22:00; Thursday-Saturday 08:00 – 01:00;
Sunday 09:00 – 22:00
Weteringstraat 60, Amsterdam 1017 SP
● LGBT-friendly pub with a canal-side terrace
● Serves beer, sandwiches, and various other dishes
● Located between the Museum quarter and the Spiegel quarter with its antique shops
Monday 12:00 – 21:00; Tuesday-Saturday 12:00 – 24:00; Kitchen until 20:30
Reguliersdwarsstraat 41, 1017 BK Amsterdam, Netherlands
● New bar in Amsterdam's famous gay street
● Drag shows and bingo nights
Monday-Thursday 16:00 – 03:00 Friday, Saturday 14:00 – 04:00 Sunday 14:00 – 03:00
Reguliersdwarsstraat 44, 1017 BM Amsterdam, Netherlands
● LGBT-oriented, spacious bar with dance floor
● DJs and entertainment
Monday-Thursday 16:00 – 03:00; Friday, Saturday 14:00 – 04:00; Sunday 14:00 – 03:00
Zeedijk 63, 1012 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
● The grande dame of Amsterdam's gay & lesbian nightlife
● First gay bar in the Netherlands, opened in 1927
● Small cozy bar with mixed clientele
● Music: Dutch Schlager, chansons, Pop
Wednesday, Thursday 16:00 – 24:00; Friday, Saturday 16:00 – 02:00;
Sunday 16:00 – 24:00
Reguliersdwarsstraat 42a, Amsterdam 1017 BM
● Gay bar in 'après-ski' style
● Busiest after 01:00, mixed clientele
Daily 21:00 – 04:00; Friday, Saturday till 05:00
Utrechtsestraat 4, 1017 VN Amsterdam, Netherlands
● Small bar and safe space for the queer/trans community
● Trans/queer women owned and operated
● Events: open mic nights, drag shows, stand-up comedy, karaoke nights, live singers and bands
Thursday 20:30 – 01:00; Friday, Saturday 20:30 – 02:00; Sunday 19:00 – 01:00/02:00
Spuistraat 109, 1012 SV Amsterdam, Netherlands
● Popular gay cocktail bar with a modern and friendly atmosphere
● Snacks available, gets busy early
Monday-Thursday 16:00–01:00 Friday 16:00–03:00 Saturday 15:00– 03:00; Sunday 15:00 – 01:00
Reguliersdwarsstraat 36, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
● Big gay lounge bar with London pub style
● Street terrace in good weather
Thursday 20:30 – 01:00; Friday, Saturday 20:30 – 02:00; Sunday 19:00 – 01:00/02:00
Kerkstraat 4, 1017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
● Traditional gay jeans bar with pool table
● Over 40 years of history
Daily 16:00 – 01:00; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
Reguliersdwarsstraat 45, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
● Very busy gay bar with mixed ages
● Weekly drag shows and popular street terrace
Monday-Thursday 15:00 – 03:00; Friday 15:00 – 04:00; Saturday 14:00 – 04:00; Sunday 14:00 – 03:00
Zeedijk 20, 1012 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
● Friendly gay bar with weekly drag shows and eccentric bingo shows
● DJs on weekends and canal view nook in the back
Daily 16:00 – 01:00; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
Kerkstraat 52, 1017 GM Amsterdam, Netherlands
● 2 floors of dance and play space.
● Different theme nights six times a week – check the program on the Church website.
● Admission: 7-15 €
Wednesday 20:00 – 01:00; Thursday 22:00 – 04:00; Friday, Saturday
22:00 – 05:00; Sunday 16:00 – 20:00
Nieuwezijds Kolk 6, 1012 PV Amsterdam, Netherlands
● Started in 1984 as a leather bar, now without fetish and dress codes.
● The cruising labyrinth in the basement is quite busy in the late evening.
● Minimum consumption: 1 drink
Daily 13:00 – 01:00; Friday, Saturday till 02:00
Warmoesstraat 90, 1012 JH Amsterdam, Netherlands
● Gay cruise bar.
● Traditionally associated with leather and denim, but open to all types of gays.
● Minimum consumption: 1 drink
Thursday 23:00 – 04:00; Friday, Saturday 23:00 – 05:00; Sunday 23:00 – 04:00
Warmoesstraat 86, 1012 JH Amsterdam, Netherlands
● Small gay cruise bar.
● A bit fetish-oriented, but without dress codes (except for special parties).
● Busiest after midnight.
● Minimum consumption: 1-2 drinks
Daily 20:00 – 03:00; Friday, Saturday till 04:00
Amstel 178, 1017 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands
● New bar in Amsterdam for gay men as well as trans and non-binary people.
● (Un)dress code naked!
● With lounge and pool table.
● Admission: 5 €
Thursday 23:00 – 04:00; Friday, Saturday 23:00 – 05:00; Sunday 23:00 – 04:00
Sint Jacobsstraat 6, 1012 NC Amsterdam, Netherlands
● Gay bar in the center of Amsterdam.
● Some cruising upstairs.
● Minimum consumption: 1 drink
Thursday 23:00 – 04:00; Friday, Saturday 23:00 – 05:00; Sunday 23:00 – 04:00
Lijnbaansgracht 234-A, 1017 PH Amsterdam, Netherlands
● Big and popular gay nightclub with themed nights
Reguliersdwarsstraat 48, 1017 BM Amsterdam, Netherlands
● This is a new lesbian bar in Amsterdam that’s on the gay street
Thursday 20:00–1:00 Friday Saturday 20:00–3:00
Damrak 61, 1012 LL Amsterdam, Netherlands
● drake’s cruising is a popular award winning amsterdam cruising venue frequented by a mixed crowd. it has a spacious cruising area. it’s a popular and safe place where travellers and locals meet during the day and evening in a nightclub like atmosphere. there are free lockers and wifi.
Monday – Sunday 12:00 – 19:00
Recommended Hotels in Amsterdam By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels Amsterdam that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
De l’Europe
5 Star – Central Location
- 5 Star, Waterside Terrace, Spa Facilities
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Carrara marble bathroom, Apple TV
- Classic design meets contemporary luxury, complete with fitness area, spa facilities, and a beautiful waterside terrace.
NH Collection Doelen
5 Star, Readers Choice
- 5 Star, Amsterdam’s Oldest Hotel
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Stylish furnishings, modern amenities, air conditioning
- Nestled in a historic 17th-century building, offering stylishly furnished rooms with modern amenities in a central location.
Albus Hotel Amsterdam
4 Star – Great Amenities
- 4 Star, Environmentally Friendly, Green Key Gold
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Nespresso machine, rain shower
- Eco-friendly with modern rooms featuring Nespresso machines, rain showers, and an innovative air conditioning system.
Inntel Hotel
4 Star – Perfect Location
- 4 Star, Near Amsterdam Central Station
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Satellite TV, air-conditioned, modern decor
- Offers comfortable, modern rooms close to Central Station, with free Wi-Fi, and stylish bar.
Video Of Amsterdam Light Festival
Highlights of the past Light Festivals in Amsterdam.
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Amsterdam
Gay life in Amsterdam is woven into the fabric of the city, and there are several areas which are home to LGBTQ+-friendly businesses, each with a distinct vibe. The town welcomes gay travellers with open arms, offering a vibrant and inclusive cityscape filled with diverse nightlife, cultural treasures, and a rich history of acceptance and celebration.
Reguliersdwarsstraat | The Gay Street
Photo: Reguliersdwarsstraat is home to the city’s busiest gay bars with new additions every year.
- A vibrant street located just south of the Rembrandtplein is approximately a 10-minute walk from Dam Square.
- Reguliersdwarsstraat has a rich history of LGBTQ+ activism and was one of the first streets in Amsterdam to become known for its LGBTQ+ scene.
- The street hosts several parties during Amsterdam Pride and Kings Day.
- Find the best hotels close to Reguliersdwarsstraat.
- Discover the best things to see and do.
Amsterdam Centrum
Stay in the centre, close to Dam Square, Anne Frank House, & gay-popular Warmoesstraat part of the Red Light District.
Jordaan
Trendy, hip neighbourhood with charming streets, picturesque canals, boutique shops, art galleries, & cosy cafes
Amstel
Amstel area (Rembrandtplein) a famous square with bars, cafes, & restaurants, a 10-minute walk from the centre.
De Pijp
Bohemian neighbourhood, perfect for foodies, with international restaurants, cafes, & the famous Albert Cuyp Market.
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