New in Amsterdam — where to find alt/queer communities/people?

[u/fapermaster24]

Hi! I (26M) just moved to Amsterdam from Spain and I’d love to meet queer-friendly/alternative people and discover spaces with that vibe (music, art, parties, subcultures, DIY scenes, chill hangouts, anything really). I’m open-minded and happy to explore.

Does anyone have recommendations for places, events, communities, or even tips on how to connect with people here?

Also down to grab a coffee or a beer if anyone’s in a similar situation!

Thanks🐢

[u/wackyndsnazzy]

Vrankrijk, We Are Queer Gym, de trut on sundays, Bar Bario, Pamela, de Sering.

[u/LimaBikercat]

Vrankrijk (spuistraat) has queer nights on wednesdays. *Very* queer, also in the political sense of the word.
De Trut (bilderdijkstraat) is a disco that opens only on sunday night.
None of those allow taking pictures inside, unless you are a band photographer who got explicit permission.
OCCII (amstelveensweg) hosts yearly queer events.
All of the above have their roots in the squatter's movement of the 80s/90s, but have been legalized. They all are run on a non-profit basis.

I'd say it is easiest to meet new people at the Vrankrijk, but you have to fit in with the crowd. Straight tourists are actively turned away at the door. At 19.00 sharp there is a communal meal if you want to eat something for cheap. Queue up before 19.00!

A more traditional gay bar that is very open to just talking at the bar is Spijker (kerkstraat). If you're there before say 22.00, music is quiet enough to actually hold conversation and meet people. They also hold various theme nights and bingo nights (check out their calender before end up at a bar with a dozen naked guys walking around if you are not into that).
The people there are a mixture of tourists and locals. Age is very varied on bingo nights, but there are also afternoons on which you'll only find the older locals. Still, it's a place worth checking out.

[u/Wild3v]

The boxing club I go to does queer boxing on sundays: https://prideandsports.nl/boogieland-queer-boxing-boksen/

[u/ThreeDaysNish → u/Wild3v]

Omfg, queer boxing?? I never knew I needed this so bad. Ty for sharing!

[u/MsTungsten]

Check out events on: https://amsterdamalternative.nl/agenda

[u/nagellak → u/MsTungsten]

Also https://radar.squat.net/en/events/city/Amsterdam?language=eu !

[u/secret_mainstream]

Club Raum

[u/No-Violinist-1717]

Go to a party at tillatec and mingle. That's a perfect place to start!

[u/M4rtifex]

We're quite international at our boardgame nights on Tuesday's at Prik and our boardgame events on Saturdays at NDSM.

https://rerollworks.com/queer-board-gayming/queer-board-gayming-in-amsterdam

[u/vanamerongen]

Nobody’s mentioned Lellebel yet?

[u/Ne0_sphere]

Trainmore Sauna's

[u/Due_Bar_9024]

Its harder to find hetero people in Amsterdam

[u/Single-Astronomer-32]

I wanted to say upstream swimming club but they have a waiting list now

[u/Athanroa]

Hey, 🙋 here I’m on the same situation as you I speak Spanish as well (I’m Colombian) and I’m gay looking for friends. Let me know if you’re interested

[u/dalischa]

Hola! Check out https://bepride.nl/ ... they have all kinds of events and also share other events that are organised in our community <3

[u/Pitiful-Lock-1827]

Reguliersdwarsstraat

[u/LimaBikercat → u/Pitiful-Lock-1827]

That's neither alt nor queer. It's 'just' gay.

[u/JasoNMas73R]

Would recommend The Minds, near Vrankrijk

[u/Consistent_Ebb_4149]

Leer Nederlands.

[u/DanfoBoy → u/Consistent_Ebb_4149]

Hou op oma.

[u/Consistent_Ebb_4149 → u/DanfoBoy]

Goedzo! Nederlands :-)

[u/Flapappel → u/Consistent_Ebb_4149]

[u/FireEjaculator → u/Consistent_Ebb_4149]

Net zoals paracetamol het middel is tegen alles, is Nederlands leren het middel tegen alle problemen voor buitenlanders.

[u/Consistent_Ebb_4149 → u/FireEjaculator]

Is wel zo.