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Amsterdam

Tulips are better than one.

If there's one place that's ideal for a gay vacation, whether it be a short weekend stay or an extended getaway break, Amsterdam is definitely one location you don't want to miss out on.

From its colourful and vibrant cafes to it's idyllic and picturesque canals, Amsterdam is a city steeped in history and buzzing with excitement.

About

Amsterdam is a remarkably compact city which is laid out amongst a variety of quaint canals that were built during the 17th century and is easy to explore by foot or bicycle.

The city today is remarkably progressive, tolerant and particularly welcoming to the LGBT community, you can find affirmation littered around the city from the pink granite triangles of the Homomonument, to the gay-specific tourist information booth called 'Pink Point'.

Whilst Amsterdam is no longer the largest gay city in Europe it nevertheless retains its status as one of the most important gay cities of the world and once you visited you'll undoubtedly be planning to visit again in the near future.

Where to Go

Your first port of call should be to the 'Pink Point' mentioned earlier, this LGBT information kiosk is located at the Homomonument Westermarkt (on the Keizersgracht). Friendly and helpful volunteers will answer all your questions about gay amsterdam as well as wide selection of gay gifts in Holland. Open Daily 12.00pm till 6pm.

There are a few main areas for gay night-life within the city, around the square of Rembrandtplein, through all the Reguliersdwarsstraat, via Halvemaansteeg and along Amstel.

The Warmoesstraat, which is a parallel street to Dwamrak, next to the Red Light District. Here you will find many leather bars and rainbow-flagged saunas

What to Do:

The sheer amount of canals in Amsterdam has led to the city being referred to as "The Venice of the North" and thus a trip to Amsterdam is not complete without a boat cruise. Canal tours can be intriguing and relaxing by day and romantic at night when many of the houses and bridges are illuminated.

The four main city center of canals are Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizergracht and Singel. There are also numerous smaller canals in the neighbourhood of Jordaan, of which the Brouwersgracht, the Bloemgracht and the Leliegracht are especially pleasant.