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Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 | 2027

Enjoy a beautiful experience this Winter at the annual Amsterdam Light Festival as the city is transformed into a living art gallery.

  • Event Dates

    From: Thursday, November 26, 2026
    To: Sunday, January 17, 2027

  • Key Highlights

    • Light Festival
    • Special Edition
    • Popular Artworks
    • Living Art Gallery
    • Beautiful Experience

Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 | 2027

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 26th November 2026 to Sunday 17th January 2027.
  • Amsterdam Light Festival celebrates its 15th 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 2026-27 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:

Banks Mansion,   Albus Hotel,   De L’Europe,   NH Doelen.

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.

Address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2, 1012 Binnenstad, The Netherlands

  • Elegant five-star hotel on the Amstel river in central Amsterdam
  • Historic building plus full luxury amenities (spa, fine dining)
  • Top-tier service from staff that go above and beyond
  • Rooms beautifully finished, some with river-views and balconies
  • Night noise possible—pick quieter room if sensitive
  • Website

Address: Vijzelstraat 4, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands

  • Historic 1920s building, fully refreshed in 2019
  • Central base beside the Flower Market
  • Modern rooms with coffee makers and plush beds
  • Big breakfast, Ter Marsch & Co on site, small gym
  • Great location with some street/canal noise risk
  • Website

Address: Vijzelstraat 49, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands

  • Central base by the Flower Market and Rembrandtplein
  • Modern rooms with rain showers and Nespresso
  • Senses Restaurant for inventive tasting menus
  • Green Key Gold sustainability program
  • Ask for a quiet room if you’re noise-sensitive
  • Website

Address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 24, 1012 Binnenstad, The Netherlands

  • Historic luxury hotel on the Amstel
  • Rembrandt lore, refined rooms, strong service
  • Steps to Dam Square and Rembrandt House
  • Canal-view rooms are the prize pick
  • Lower river rooms can get city noise
  • Website

Address: Utrechtsestraat 19, Amsterdam 1017 VH

  • Brunch-and-cocktail bar on Utrechtsestraat
  • Daytime café-vibe, nighttime queer-inclusive bar
  • Modern décor, welcoming staff, central spot
  • Great for brunch then drinks with friends
  • Relatively new, fresh energy in Amsterdam nightlife
  • Open: Monday–Wednesday 8am–10pm, Thursday 8am–12am
  • Friday 8am–1am, Saturday 9am–1am
  • Sunday 9am–10pm
  • Website

Address: Weteringstraat 60, Amsterdam 1017 SP

  • Relaxed café-bar near the Museum Quarter
  • Canal terrace for sunny afternoons
  • Comfort food at lunch and early dinner
  • Friendly staff and local hangout vibe
  • Easy base before Reguliers nightlife
  • Open: Daily 12pm–10pm
  • Instagram

Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 41, 1017 BK Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Popular gay bar on Reguliersdwarsstraat
  • Two floors with DJs drag and bingo
  • Friendly staff strong cocktails lively terrace
  • Mixed LGBTQ+ crowd plus friends
  • Best after 11pm Fri–Sat
  • Open: Mon–Thu 3pm–3am, Fri–Sat 2pm–4am, Sun 3pm–4am
  • Website

Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 44, 1017 BM Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Big party bar on the Gay Street
  • DJs, drag, dancers, strong pop energy
  • Gay crowd plus friends
  • Lively from late, busy at weekends
  • Easy hop from Bar Blend
  • Open: Thu 8pm–1am, Fri & Sat 8pm–3am, (Sun–Wed closed)
  • Website

Address: Zeedijk 63, 1012 Amsterdam, The Netherlands

  • Historic gay bar from 1927
  • Tiny space full of character
  • Friendly crowd and classic pop tunes
  • Good first stop before bigger bars
  • Feels like a piece of Amsterdam nightlife history
  • Open: Mon–Thu 4pm–1am, Fri–Sat 2pm–3am, Sun 2pm–1am
  • Facebook

Address: Amstel Fifty Four

  • Historic Amstel address, now a general bar
  • Compact room with a canal-side terrace
  • Pop/lounge soundtrack, relaxed pace
  • Mixed crowd, friendly staff
  • Good for a quiet pre-game near Rembrandtplein
  • Open: Mon–Tue 4pm–10pm, Wed–Sun 2pm–10pm
  • Website

Address: Elandsstraat 119-HS, 1016 RX Amsterdam

  • Historic gay-friendly café in the Jordaan
  • Legacy lesbian bar with warm brown-café decor
  • Pool, darts, strong beer range and mixed crowd
  • Inclusive, social and relaxed vibe
  • Great for a friendly drink rather than heavy clubbing
  • Open: Wed–Thu 4pm–1am, Fri 4pm–2am, Sat 12pm–2am
  • Sun 4pm–1am, (Mon–Tue closed)
  • Website

Address: Jacob van Lennepstraat 86H, 1053 HM Amsterdam

  • Gay-friendly bar in Oud-West
  • Cocktails, veggie bites, sunny terrace
  • Relaxed early, lively later with DJs
  • Artsy room with vintage character
  • Warm service, locals and visitors
  • Open: Tue–Thu from 5pm, Fri–Sun from 4pm
  • Instagram

Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 42, 1017 BM Amsterdam

  • LGBTQ-friendly club on the Gay Street
  • Three floors, pop/house/throwbacks
  • Gay crowd plus friends and allies
  • Theme nights with drag and dancers
  • Peaks after 12am on weekends
  • Open: Wed–Thu 11pm–4am Fri–Sat 11pm–5am
  • Sun 11pm–4am, (Mon–Tue closed)
  • Website

Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 129, 1017 BL Amsterdam

  • Small gay bar near Rembrandtplein
  • Karaoke bingo and drag nights
  • 80s/90s and Dutch pop soundtrack
  • Friendly staff and easy crowd
  • Lively from later evening on weekends
  • Open: Wed-Thu 5pm–1am, Fri-Sat 5pm–4am
  • Sun 3pm–1am (Mon–Tue closed)
  • Website

Address: Bilderdijkpark 12A, 1052 RV Amsterdam

  • Sunday-only, volunteer-run gay disco
  • Pop, disco, throwbacks, packed floor
  • Cheap drinks, no-photos culture
  • Community vibe, profits to causes
  • Expect a queue; worth it
  • Open: Sun 10pm–3am
  • Website

Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 42a, Amsterdam 1017 BM

  • Gay-bar on Reguliersdwarsstraat with full party mode
  • Pop/house music, DJs, shots and late dancing
  • Young, loud crowd and bold atmosphere
  • Not for quiet nights—expect energy and volume
  • Still open and active in 2025
  • Open: Mon–Tue 10pm–4am, Wed–Thu 9pm–4am,
  • Fri–Sat 9pm–5am, Sun 10pm–4am
  • Facebook

Address: Utrechtsestraat 4, 1017 VN Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Tiny gay bar with drag and karaoke
  • Warm staff and friendly crowd
  • Camp shows and lively Sunday karaoke
  • Arrive early on weekends
  • Great pre-club stop near Rembrandtplein
  • Open: Thu 9pm–12am, Fri & Sat 9pm–1am, Sun 8pm–2am
  • (Mon–Wed closed)
  • Facebook

Address: Spuistraat 109, 1012 SV Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Gay bar near Dam Square with pink décor
  • Cocktails, prosecco on tap, terrace seating
  • Lounge vibe early, party tempo late night
  • Friendly crowd of locals and visitors
  • Regularly featured among top gay bars in Amsterdam
  • Open: Mon–Thu 4pm–1am, Fri 4pm–3am, Sat 3pm–3am
  • Sun 3pm–1am
  • Website

Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 36, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands

  • Gay bar on the Gay Street
  • Pub vibe downstairs, party room upstairs
  • Pop and dance with DJs on busy nights
  • Younger crowd, buzzy and social
  • Great pre-club stop on weekends
  • Open: Wed–Thu 6pm–3am, Fri–Sat 6pm–4am
  • Sun 6pm–3am, (Mon–Tue closed)
  • Website

Address: Kerkstraat 4, 1017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands

  • Historic gay bar on Kerkstraat
  • Pool table, dark room and a warm hang-out vibe
  • Men-only naked night on Tuesdays, drag bingo Saturdays
  • Gay crowd looking to relax and meet rather than club
  • Old-school charm with friendly staff
  • Open: Tue–Thu 4pm–1am, Fri–Sat 4pm–3am
  • Sun 4pm–1am, (Monday: closed)
  • Website

Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 45, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands

  • Gay bar on Reguliersdwarsstraat with lounge and dance modes
  • Two levels with terrace and upstairs chill area
  • Weekly events: cocktails night, drag shows
  • Mixed gay crowd, friendly vibe, good cocktails
  • Smart stop before the late-night club scene
  • Open: Mon–Thu 4pm–3am, Fri–Sat 3pm–4am, Sun 3pm–3am
  • Facebook

Address: Zeedijk 20, 1012 Amsterdam, The Netherlands

  • Historic gay bar with canal views
  • Drag Queen Bingo Tuesdays plus shows and DJs
  • Small room lively vibe friendly team
  • Mixed locals and visitors near Central Station
  • Best later in the evening on weekends
  • Open: Mon–Thu 4pm–1am, Fri–Sat 4pm–3am, Sun 4pm–1am
  • Website

Address: Kerkstraat 52, 1017 GM Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Gay men’s club with nightly themes
  • Underwear nude and fetish parties
  • Lockers showers maze and play zones
  • Mixed ages friendly and flirty
  • Best late on Fri–Sat
  • Open: Tue–Sun from 9pm, late close (varies by event), Mon closed
  • Website

Address: Nieuwezijds Kolk 6, 1012 PV Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Gay men’s bar and cruise club in Amsterdam
  • Large basement with maze and play cabins
  • Free entry, drink purchase expected
  • Old-school vibe with friendly crowd
  • Ideal for late-night action rather than bar hopping
  • Open: Sun–Thu 1pm–1am, Fri–Sat 1pm–2am
  • Website

Address: Warmoesstraat 90, 1012 JH Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Gay men’s club with strong leather/fetish focus
  • Multiple levels: bar, lounge, dance floor, darkroom
  • Theme parties and live DJs late on weekends
  • Mostly gay men, mix of locals and visitors
  • Bold nightlife choice near Red Light District
  • Open: Thu 10pm–4am, Fri–Sat 10pm–5am, Sun 10pm–4am
  • (Mon–Wed: Closed)
  • Website

Address: Warmoesstraat 86, 1012 JH Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Gay men’s cruise bar and fetish spot on Warmoesstraat
  • Two floors with darkrooms, cabins and play areas
  • Bar early, cruising and play later into the night
  • Heavy fetish and leather cast, gay crowd
  • Strong late-night option after regular clubs
  • Open: Mon–Thu 8pm–3am, Fri–Sat 8pm–4am, Sun 8pm–3am
  • Website

Address: Amstel 178, 1017 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Men-only gay bar with nudity dress code
  • Relaxed lounge vibe and pool table
  • Friendly team and clear house rules
  • Late-night crowd, intimate energy
  • Canal-side location on the Amstel
  • Open: Thu 8pm–2am, Fri–Sat8 pm–3am
  • Sun 5pm–1am (Mon–Tue–Wed closed)
  • Website

Address: Sint Jacobsstraat 6, 1012 NC Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Gay bar aimed at bears and friends
  • Themed bear-friendly nights and cocktails
  • Men-only play area (unless event states otherwise)
  • Community-driven hangout rather than mainstream club
  • Opened May 2025 in former The Web location
  • Open: Mon–Wed 6pm–12am,Thu 1pm–1am
  • Fri & Sat 1pm–2am, Sun 1pm–1am
  • Website

Address: Rotates

  • Signature Amsterdam gay party series
  • International DJs and big production
  • Go-go dancers and show moments
  • Social, high-octane crowd
  • Dates and venue vary by edition
  • Event-based; typically 10pm–5am or 11pm–7am
  • Website

Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 48, 1017 BM Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Lesbian bar on the Gay Street
  • Compact room with a friendly crowd
  • Cocktails first, pop and R&B later
  • Women-focused, men welcome on regular nights
  • Great pre-party stop next to Blend XL
  • Open: Fri–Sat 8pm–3am, (Sun–Thu closed)
  • Website

Address: Damrak 61, 1012 LL Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Men-only gay cruise club on Damrak
  • Video cabins, darkroom and maze
  • Buy entry in the boutique downstairs
  • Discrete setup, locker options
  • Best later in the day
  • Open: Mon–Sun 12pm–7pm
  • Website

Address: Bilderdijkstraat 186, 1053 LD Amsterdam

  • Gay-friendly bar and creative hub
  • Art shows workshops DJs and pop-ups
  • Cozy room with a friendly mixed crowd
  • Good cocktails and easy service
  • Solid start before a bigger night
  • Open: Wed-Thu 4pm–1am, Fri-Sat 4pm–2:30am
  • Sun 4pm–1am (Mon–Tue closed)
  • Website

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

De L’Europe Amsterdam – The Leading Hotels of the World
Booking.com
  • 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

Booking.com
  • 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

Albus Hotel Amsterdam City Centre
Booking.com
  • 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

Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre
Booking.com
  • 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.

Hotel Pulitzer

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

Reguliersdwarsstraat Amsteram
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

Central Amsteram

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 Amsterdam

Amstel area (Rembrandtplein) a famous square with bars, cafes, & restaurants, a 10-minute walk from the centre.

De Pijp

De Pijp Amsterdam
Bohemian neighbourhood, perfect for foodies, with international restaurants, cafes, & the famous Albert Cuyp Market.

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