An Unforgettable 3-Day Friendly Adventure in Amsterdam
We stepped off the plane at Schiphol Airport, excited for our three-day adventure in Amsterdam. We hopped on a train to Amsterdam Centraal. Stepping outside Amsterdam Centraal, the first thing we noticed was the effortless blend of old and new—the 17th-century canal houses standing proudly alongside modern buildings. The air carried a slight chill, typical of early spring, but the buzz of cyclists and the sight of trams darting through the streets quickly warmed them. It was my first time in Amsterdam.
Arrival – Day 1: Exploring Amsterdam’s Heartbeat
We checked into the hotel W Amsterdam set out to explore. After a quick freshen-up, we started with a free walking tour by Dam Square. As we strolled through the city, we marveled at the narrow, tilted houses lining the canals. As I am the architecture enthusiast, explained, “These houses lean forward because they were designed to hoist goods up to the top floors. Pretty smart, huh?”
First stop? The Anne Frank House. Wandering through the somber yet inspiring museum, you find yourself deeply moved. “It’s hard to believe something so tragic happened right here.
After leaving the Anne Frank House, we wandered deeper into Jordaan, a former working-class district turned artistic hub. Along the canals, artists displayed their work, and small galleries tempted them inside.
While exploring Jordaan, we stopped upon a small hofje (inner courtyard) tucked away behind a nondescript doorway. These hofjes, dating back to the 17th century, were originally built to house widows and the elderly. Many of them are now beautifully maintained gardens open to the public. One gallery owner, a friendly man named Hans, greeted us warmly and shared stories of the neighborhood’s transformation over the years. “Jordaan wasn’t always this charming. It used to be a working-class neighborhood, and many of the canals were filled in during the 19th century because they were too dirty. Now, it’s one of the most desirable places to live in the city!”
Feeling peckish, we stopped at Winkel 43, famous for its apple pie. Sitting outside, we savored the warm pie with a dollop of fresh cream. “This might be the best pie I’ve ever had!”
First Night: LGBTQ Vibe in Full Swing
As the sun dipped lower, we headed to Restaurant de Kas, an upscale eatery housed in a former greenhouse. The farm-to-table experience was a feast for their senses, with each course highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.
At Spijker Bar, we found ourselves quickly drawn into conversations with locals. A man named Pieter, who had lived in Amsterdam his whole life, shared stories of the LGBTQ movement in the city. “Back in the ‘80s, things were very different,” Pieter said, taking a sip of his beer and pointed out an old photo hanging on the wall. “That’s from the 1970s when this place first opened,” he said. “Back then, being openly gay wasn’t as accepted as it is now. Places like Spijker were safe havens for the community. Today, it’s still a symbol of Amsterdam’s progressive spirit.” “We fought hard for our freedom, and now we can enjoy places like this without fear.”
Coming from a more conservative hometown, we marveled at how open and accepting Amsterdam felt. “You really feel the history here, but also the progress,” raising our glasses in a silent toast to those who had paved the way. We also learned that Reguliersdwarsstraat, the street where SOHO and other LGBTQ bars are located, was one of the first streets in the Netherlands to openly embrace LGBTQ nightlife. The street’s transformation began in the 1980s, and it quickly became a symbol of pride and acceptance in Amsterdam.
Arriving at Club Church, we were initially unsure of what to expect. The bouncer gave us a knowing smile and waved them in. Inside, the atmosphere was electric—bright lights, pulsing music, and a crowd dancing without inhibition. The theme for the night was “Angels & Demons,” and many attendees had embraced it with elaborate costumes.
At one point, we met a couple from Spain who had been traveling through Europe. They shared travel stories over drinks, and by the end of the night, we all promised to keep in touch.
Day 2: Pride and Remembrance. Art and Culture Immersion
Cycling through Amsterdam’s streets was an adventure in itself. The dedicated bike lanes made it easy to navigate, and they enjoyed the sense of freedom that came with it.
We began their day with a visit to the Homomonument, the world’s first memorial to LGBTQ individuals persecuted by the Nazis. Moved by the experience, we then lightened the mood with a canal cruise, taking in Amsterdam’s beauty from the water.
At Museumplein, while admiring the grand exterior of the Rijksmuseum, a guide we met shared an interesting fact: “The architect of the Rijksmuseum, Pierre Cuypers, also designed Amsterdam Centraal Station. There was a joke back then that Cuypers was trying to build cathedrals disguised as public buildings, which didn’t sit well with the Protestant elite.”
At Rijksmuseum, we took our time, admiring the works of Rembrandt and Vermeer. The famous painting The Night Watch left them speechless. “You can almost feel the tension in the room” standing before the massive canvas. Later, at Moco Museum, the playful and provocative art of Banksy brought a lighter, more modern touch to our cultural tour with some of the satirical pieces, guessing what each one meant.
A Culinary Adventure. In De Pijp, we discovered the diversity of the area. Street vendors offered everything from traditional Dutch snacks to international cuisine. As we browsed the Albert Cuyp Market, a vendor selling herring shared a fun bit of trivia: “You know why we eat raw herring with onions? It’s a tradition that started in the Middle Ages when the onions helped mask the fishy smell. Now, it’s just part of the flavor!”
At Foodhallen, we shared small plates of local favorites—bitterballen, mini pancakes called poffertjes, and fresh oysters. At one point, a local chef invited us to try a new dish he was experimenting with: a fusion of Indonesian spices and traditional Dutch ingredients. “This is what to love about Amsterdam, it is a melting pot of cultures.”
Night 2 Expanded: Drag Queens and Cocktails
As the evening breeze settled over the canals, we made our way toward Waterkant, a lively waterfront bar tucked beneath an unassuming parking garage. The open terrace was buzzing with laughter and the clinking of glasses, illuminated by soft fairy lights strung across the seating area. Over cold craft beers and Surinamese-style dishes—spicy roti wraps and fried plantains—we soaked in the eclectic mix of locals and travelers.
After dinner, with the night still young, we decided to head toward The Queen’s Head, a short stroll along the canal. The walk was serene, punctuated by the occasional cyclist and the soft rustling of water against the houseboats. By the time we reached the bar, we could already hear the vibrant energy spilling out into the street. Inside, the drag queens were in full swing, dazzling in sequins and bold makeup. The atmosphere was electric, and before we knew it, we were drawn into the night’s main event—Drag Queen Bingo. We both ended up winning small prizes, much to our delight. It was a seamless transition from a laid-back waterfront dinner to a night of glamour and laughter in one of Amsterdam’s most iconic LGBTQ venues. After the show, we chatted with one of the queens, Miss Coco Loco, who gave us tips on other LGBTQ friendly spots in the city. “If you’re up for something wild, check out Club NYX tomorrow night,” she suggested with a wink. Miss Coco Loco also a hidden detail about the bar’s décor: “See that old ship’s wheel behind the bar? It’s a nod to Amsterdam’s maritime history. This city was once the heart of a vast trading empire, and sailors brought in stories—and lovers—from around the world.”
We also learned that drag culture in Amsterdam has deep roots in the city’s history of resistance and freedom. During World War II, clandestine cabaret shows were held in hidden venues, often featuring drag performances as a form of defiance against the Nazi regime.
Day 3: Relaxation and Reflection
By their final day, we felt like we had seen and done so much, yet we knew there was still more to discover. At Vondelpark, we lay on the grass, watching locals walk their dogs and couples paddle small boats in the pond.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we wrapped up our afternoon in Westerpark. We had spent hours exploring the cultural hub of Westergasfabriek, where we enjoyed coffee and pastries at a trendy café while chatting with a local artist about the park’s transformation from an industrial site into a vibrant social space. While visiting a pop-up art exhibit showcasing works by LGBTQ+ artists, one artist, a young woman named Aisha, shared her inspiration behind her paintings. “Amsterdam gives you the space to be yourself,” she said. “That’s what I try to capture in my art.”
With the evening setting in, we opted for a nice dinner at Lion Noir offering Contemporary French dining in a charming, artfully lit space with dark walls & a large terrace. From there we went to Lellebel, a cozy and intimate drag bar known for its cabaret-style shows and welcoming atmosphere. The bar was already buzzing when we arrived, with performers dazzling the small but lively crowd. We found ourselves in conversation with a group of locals who suggested continuing the night at Taboo Bar on Reguliersdwarsstraat, Amsterdam’s main LGBTQ street. Taboo Bar didn’t disappoint. With upbeat music and a chic, energetic crowd, it was the perfect spot to enjoy a round of cocktails. The vibe was friendly and open, and we couldn’t help but smile at how effortlessly the night had unfolded. “One more stop?” .
Their final destination was Club NYX, a multi-level LGBTQ-friendly nightclub famed for its wild themed nights and eclectic music. As we danced beneath the vibrant lights, surrounded by people from all walks of life, we felt completely immersed in Amsterdam’s legendary nightlife. It was the perfect crescendo to a day that had started with serene park walks and ended with unforgettable moments in the heart of the city’s LGBTQ scene.
As we prepared to leave the city, we struck up a conversation with their hotel receptionist, who offered some advice for their next visit. “If you come back in summer, take a day trip to Zaanse Schans or Giethoorn. You’ll love the windmills and the water villages. And if you’re here during King’s Day, you’ll see Amsterdam at its craziest—everyone dresses in orange, and the whole city turns into one giant street party.”
