An LGBTQ Travel Guide To Rotterdam

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

Bars and Clubs

1. Events

Cinema

Gay Film Night at LantarenVenter
Every first Tuesday of the month, Rotterdam’s LantarenVenter film theatre organises a movie night dedicated to gay cinema. The event has been running since 2007 and screens a wide variety of movies ranging from cult classics to contemporary blockbusters. LantarenVenter also hosts the Gay & Lesbian Summer Film Festival which takes place between August and September.
LantarenVenter, Otto Reuchlinweg 996, Rotterdam, +31 10 277 2277
Queer & Migrant Film Festival
As its name suggests, this weeklong film festival revolves around movies that deal with issues related to migration and queer identities. The festival mainly takes place in Amsterdam, but also screens movies in other cities in the Netherlands, including Rotterdam. The third edition of Queer & Migrant Film Festival (2018) will begin on December 3 and run until December 13.
Pride
Rotterdam’s Pride celebrations take place over an entire week at the end of September. This yearly, city-wide festival always includes a wide range of events that celebrate sexual diversity including street parties, movie screenings, seminars and parades.

Pride takes place at the end of September in Rotterdam | © lillen/Pixabay

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