Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
This Queer Gay Historical Tour is about 400 year of gay history. How come the Netherlands was the first in the world with a homo monument in 1987 and gay marriage in 2001. Amsterdam as gay capital how did that happen?
Gay emancipation throughout times. How it was to be gay in the 17th Century. How did we get from being a sodomite in the 17th Century to LGBT now, the importance of language.
This 2 hour walk through Amsterdam is illustrated with stories about gay heroes, activist, writers, poetry and resistance fighters.
This is a circle story telling about the gay family, how we are all different but all belong to the gay community. This is the one and only LGBT Gay Tour in Amsterdam that will tell you that.
Straight people more then welcome
We start at the Homo monument and end at “het Mandje”, the oldest gay bar in the world on the Zeedijk.
Your guide Henk is a great historian and story teller according to earlier participants.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
As its a walking tour for about 2 hours you should be able to keep up. Wheelchairs is possible as we have had them in the tour.
What To Expect
Gay Monument
The start of the LGBT History Tour, for gay victims in past, present and future. Henk will tell how the Netherlands got to get the first monument in the world.
Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)
We will walk along the canals towards Dam square, looking at 17th Century houses. Explaining how it is the first example of city planning in the world.
Options
Gay History Tour Amsterdam, 2 hours walk about things all gay in Amsterdam.
What‘s Included
Tour escort/host
The tour includes only the tour guide, bring your own water and walking shoes.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
124 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Extremely authentic and emotional
g nthers9,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This LGBT History Tour is truly something special. You learn so much about past events that affect us all in the community. Who, historically speaking, stood up for us under dramatic and dangerous conditions... this is one of the topics that Henk presented to us in a very warm, authentic, and emotional way. Thank you so much, dear Henk! Highly recommended!!!
Superb
Happyhollandmama,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Informative and entertaining, passionate and thought provoking tour. So much I didn’t know, has made me more aware of the inequalities and the fight to get the community where they are today.
Comfort & courage - a tour that takes days to seep in, and perhaps years to feel
395gauris,Sep 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had the most wonderful and enlightening time with Henk, our lovely tour guide. Before going on the tour, I thought it would be about the queer struggle in the Netherlands, but instead, Henk made a very solemn and thought provoking connection to the Dutch political history at every step - and how queer people were always there, and were there for the country even when the country was not there for them. From his vast knowledge of dutch history and his dedication to the queer cause - my friend and i talked about it for hours after. This tour left me with questions that I will carry back to my own homeland - who were the queer heroes in my history? perhaps history books don't really carry the names of our queer historical figures, but they were a part of our freedom struggle nonetheless, they were there even if I don't know them. He not only made the queer dutch history relevant to everyone, no matter what our background is - international, dutch, straight or queer, and he kept it so grounded in the Dutch society. This was such a well thought out tour, because even if I forget the specifics, I'll perhaps always get a tiny bit of courage from the men and women who have constantly stood up for the things they believed in & the things that mattered, to them and to people they cared about.
Don't miss this tour if you are interested in history
Seaside51679194081,Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you are a history enthusiast, or if you are particularly interested in ww2 or the history of Amsterdam, this is an experience you should not miss. The tour offered a refreshing perspective on historical events I thought I already knew well. Having joined many walking guided tours across Europe, this was the first time I truly felt that history can look very different when viewed from another angle. The stories of people who were buried under layers of historical narratives deserve to be seen and remembered. I’m very glad I joined.
Not just a tour, a historical walk with a fast friend.
cd935,Aug 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing tour of the city! Henk blends his distinct experiences, historical knowledge, humor and community advocacy to create a tour that when it was over left you wanting more. Spending time with him felt like getting together for a discussion with an old friend. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the historical references tour pace and back and forth discussions. This is a tour for anyone that is in the LGBTQ+ community or anyone with interest in Amsterdam history as seen through the lens of one of our proud members.
Unique and brilliant!
T3206OOmichaelb,Aug 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an absolutely unique experience: Henk combines his wealth of knowledge about LGBT history with personal stories and experiences. And as a true proponent for the community he has a lot to share! I very much enjoyed the conversations throughout the tour - it was more than just learning about facts but instead diving into characters, evolutions and realities. Having done many guided tours I can truly say that this one is of outstanding quality! Thank you Henk!
Book this fascinating tour
denver71,Aug 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Henk's skill at bringing alive Amsterdam's LGBTQI+ forgotten hero's is praiseworthy. Amsterdam, the beacon of tolerance as we know it now. But learning of those who bravely fought for us and how their histories were sidelined is such a pertinent wake-up call. Henk is still a charming, inclusive and entertaining host.
Book this excellent tour
Nathanael C,Aug 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Book this tour. It was a privilege to be reminded of those powerful and brave people who fought for our rights before our time. To consider again our LGBTQ+ truths within a historical and future perspective. Bravo Henk.
Very interesting tour about the LBGT history of Amsterdam
marcusbR3604HO,Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a very interesting tour with a devoted and knowledgeable guide Henk. Well worth I think, thank you for a great tour!
Hank is very passionate...
Dauda G,Jul 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Hank is very passionate and knowledgeable. He is very much an advocate and it was an honor to be in his presence.
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Operated by Special Amsterdam Tours