One of the few landmarks which you can nestle down inside with a beer, HJAB Baanders' extraordinary 1930s teahouse - a sort of UFO-hat hybrid that manages to confuse as many...

In contrast to the more image-concious gay bars surrounding it, the newest café on the block is a regular ol' boozer that aims for a nice, comfortable feel: on Tuesdays there...

One of the most scenic terraces on one of the prettiest canals, it's no surprise that waterside seats are snared early in the day, so patience - or an alarm clock in good...

A bunch of generally older gay guys come here to drink, chat and sing along to the Dutch hits blasting from speakers and on video screens, and things go even further every...

Occupying a prime spot on a side-canal of the Amstel, this bar's cavernous insides are filled with yuppies chowing down posh Dutch food and grooving to weekend DJs. But that's...

Still looking sleek and space age, ARC is well and truly established these days and continues to attract a stylish, moneyed, polysexual crowd who come to primp and pose. The...

A goblin's cave hiding behind the palace, there's barely room for 20 customers in here, but the atmosphere - enhanced by dripping candles - is intimate rather than cramped and...

The western islands feel like a secluded retreat from the city's bustle, and this modern glass cube is great for a break after aimless exploring. Food caters to all pockets,...

This busy, comfy and casual bar triples as a venue for theatre and music. Both bands and DJs tend to embrace the jazzy, world and urban side of sound, as demonstrated by...

Being 25 kilometres (15 miles) from the sea, Amsterdam was hardly anyone's choice for a beach holiday until sand was tipped on the artificial islands of IJburg, where 45,000...

A justifiably popular neighbourhood bar on the eastern fringes of the Pijp, the dark wood interior is enlivened with old posters and chandeliers. A kitchen pumps out...

The famous tasting house at the base of the Gooyer windmill, where wares from award-winning local brewery 't IJ can be sampled. Inside is bare (still retaining the look of the...

This long, low-ceilinged room has the feel of a wine cellar, albeit one with mood lighting and banquettes. There are more than 50 wines available by the glass and 180 by the...

Although there's an odd ski-chalet theme (complete with cable car cabin), the April is at its best when the sun shines and the sexy gay crowd spills out onto the terrace....