Or, you can enjoy peaceful canal-side cafe relaxation or reading, seeing the works of the city's renowned artists at the many museums and galleries, browsing the stores in car-free pedestrian shopping streets and squares, or ambling the bike paths along tree-shaded waterways. Big circuit parties regularly roll into town throughout the year, especially during the gay holidays, and for leather events in the fall. Sex-work is legal and regulated, but with health issues in mind, rather than moral concerns. Sex, that other big North American taboo, is also less of a legal issue here, with live shows, and plenty of busy backrooms and regularly scheduled naked party nights. Magic mushroom and peyote grow-kits, ready to use magic truffles and cannabis products, along with sexual stimulants, are sold at " smart shops." Hash and pot smokers over 18 may still enjoy the freedom to buy and light up at one of over 200 Amsterdam " coffeeshops." Members of the coffeeshop union Bond van Cannabis Detaillisten ( BCD) operate with licences, shown by the display of official, green and white stickers in their windows. What does this mean for gay people? You won't find police roughing up guys in the cruising spots for one thing, and at one local park, De Oeverlanden, there are signs provided by the city, pointing to the cruisiest section.Īs for nightlife, there are plenty of cozy cafes, lounges and dance clubs for every taste, and as English is almost universally spoken there's no difficulty in meeting people. People don't look kindly on institutions, whether political party or religious denomination, that tell people what they can't do. Historically this is a live-and-let-live society, with this being the first country to allow same-sex marriage. See Netherlands nationwide measures, and for current Dutch entry restrictions: Reopen-Europa/Netherlands, Government of the Netherlands Covid-19, Travel Bans/Netherlands, and Shiphol Airport websites for updates.
Emergency measures in the wake of Covid-19: