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Europe

Bar, Gay entertainment in Europe

  1. A
  2. B

    FHQ

    In-fashion lesbian and female location in the heart of the Pink Triangle.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Soho

    Kitsch, huge, two-storey bar throbbing with a young, flirty, pretty clientele.

    reviewed

  4. D

    De Engel Van Amsterdam

    The ‘Angel’ draws a cruisey terrace crowd. On Sundays there’s a meet-and-greet with a singalong party.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Queen’s Head

    A beautiful, canal-view, old-world-style cafe once run by legendary drag queen Dusty. It’ a mixed gay-straight crowd now, with drag shows on Tuesdays.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Getto

    This groovy, long restaurant-bar is loved for its open, welcoming attitude, great people-watching from the front, and a rear lounge where you can chill.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Cuckoo’s Nest

    A small, busy bar said to have the largest ‘playroom’ in Europe. You could spend a whole night exploring the labyrinth of cubicles and glory holes.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Underground

    Downstairs on cosmopolitan John St, sports a relaxed crowd and, crucially, a free jukebox. You’ll be listening to indie rather than Abba here.

    reviewed

  9. I

    Montmartre

    Beneath outrageous ceiling decorations, patrons sing loudly to Dutch ballads and top-40 songs. It’s like a gay Eurovision. Regarded by many as the Benelux’s best gay bar.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Café de Barderij

    This very friendly beer bar draws a mixture of local gay regulars and tourists, and has killer views of the canal out back and Zeedijk in front, making it a must on Queen’s Day.

    reviewed

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  12. K

    Prik

    ‘Sexy snacks and liquids’ is the motto of this peppy retro bar with an ‘I’ve just redone my loft’ clientele of 20- to 30-somethings. Live DJs spin pop, house and dance discs.

    reviewed

  13. L

    Les Jacasses

    Girls looking for something a bit more authentic in the Marais should cross over rue des Écouffes to the 3W’s sister bar, which looks like it’s been transplanted from Normandy. Softer music, more hard-core evenings.

    reviewed

  14. M

    Delmonica’s

    Delmonica’s, in the heart of the Pink Triangle, is a popular bar with a bit of a predatory feeling of people on the pull. It’s packed on weekday evenings. Drop in here before heading on to the adjacent Polo Lounge, as they often give out free passes.

    reviewed

  15. N

    Le Duplex

    Attracting a crowd that is ni fashion ni folle (neither into fashion nor queeny), the (very) long-established Duplex is comatose during the week but fills up on weekends with ‘boys next door’ from out of town. Hosts interesting exhibitions too, agenda online.

    reviewed

  16. O

    Zum Schmutzigen Hobby

    Local trash drag deity Nina Queer presides over this louche den of kitsch and glam with decor, clientele and goings-on that aren't for the faint-of-heart (check out the porno wallpaper in the men's room). On Wednesdays at 9pm it's standing-room only for Nina's 'glamour trivia quiz'.

    reviewed

  17. P

    Café ’t Leeuwtje

    ‘The Little Lion’ stands out from the rest of the venues on this street – snazzy it ain’t, the music doesn’t thump loudly and the interior feels a bit like a brown cafe. A fairly extensive beer selection makes it a prime place to chat or chill with a newspaper.

    reviewed

  18. Q

    3w Kafé

    The name of this flagship cocktail bar-pub on a street with several lesbian bars means ‘Women with Women’ so it can’t be any clearer. It’s relaxed and there’s no ban on men (but they must be accompanied by a girl). On weekends there’s dancing downstairs with a DJ and themed evenings take place regularly.

    reviewed

  19. R

    Le Quetzal

    This perennial favourite gay bar – one of the first in the Marais – is opposite rue des Mauvais Garçons (Bad Boys’ Street), a road named after the brigands who congregated here in 1540. It’s always busy, with house and dance music playing at night, and cruisy at all hours; plate-glass windows allow you to check out the talent before it arrives.

    reviewed