An LGBTQ Travel Guide To Rotterdam

Rotterdams skyline
Rotterdam's skyline | © 3093594/Pixabay
Tom Coggins

Much like other major cities in the Netherlands, Rotterdam features many organisations, hangouts and stores that cater to LGBTQ individuals and communities. Read on to discover highlights from the city’s LGBTQ scene.

Social and leisure

Gay Sauna Finland
Rotterdam’s only gay sauna has been in business since the early 1980s and is located on northern side of the city’s Charlois district. The establishment features several spa facilities including jacuzzis, saunas and private cabins. Although it usually costs €16 to enter Gay Sauna Finland, the sauna offers several discounted packages.
Gay Sauna Finland, Grondherendijk 5-7, Rotterdam, +31 10 223 5895
Ketelbinkie
Rotterdam’s Ketelbinkie is among the largest and most popular LGBT sports clubs in the Netherlands. Ketelbinkie was established in the 1990s as a volleyball club, but has since grown into a multi-associations organisation that caters to eight different sports including football, badminton and swimming.
Ketelbinkie, Frederikdwarsstraat 8, Rotterdam
COC Rotterdam
COC Rotterdam is a LGBTQI advocacy organisation that coordinates several social, educational and support projects in the city. The group organises community gathering throughout the calendar month including events for LGBTQI migrants and trans people in Rotterdam.acti
COC Rotterdam, Schiedamsesingel 173, Rotterdam, +31 10 414 1555

Rotterdam at night

Bars and Clubs

FERRY
This popular multi-purpose venue opened in 2014 and features several, interconnected cultural projects including a bar, restaurant, gallery and a bookstore. At the weekend FERRY hosts club nights and keeps its bar open until around 2am.
FERRY, Westblaak 127, Rotterdam, +31 10 750 5324
Café Strano
Café Strano ranks among the oldest running gay clubs in the Netherlands and has been in business for over twenty years. The club continues to attract large crowds throughout the week, due to its famous cocktails, first-rate DJs (with a penchant for classic dance-hits) and welcoming atmosphere.
Café Strano,Van Oldenbarneveltstraat 154, Rotterdam, +31 10 412 5811
Themoodsbar
This three-storey bar on ‘s-Gravendijkwal regularly hosts discrete, themed parties that cater to specify sexual preferences and features many sensual facilities including an erotic cinema. For more information about the Mood’s diverse roster of club nights and events, make sure to check the bar’s calendar!
Themoodsbar, ‘s-Gravendijkwal 92, Rotterdam, +31 10 225 1725
Bar de Regenboog
Bar de Regenboog (or Bar the Rainbow in English) lies within walking distance from Rotterdam’s Central Station and many other nighttime hangouts in the city’s centre, including Café Strano. The bar’s decked out in some seriously awesome, old-school disco lights and plays an eclectic mix of hits from the 1970s onward. The bar also hosts a popular karaoke night every Wednesday.
Bar de Regenboog, Van oldenbarneveld straat 148A, Rotterdam, +31 6 34569724
Café KeerWeer
This central café keeps beer flowing until 6am every night of the week and continues to receive plenty of clientele throughout the early hours of the morning. The café organises blowout events throughout the year, including massive parties during Pride and Kings Day.
Café Keerweer, Keerweer 14, Rotterdam, +31 10 413 1217

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