Amsterdam's highly developed gay culture has been allowed to flourish thanks to the Dutch policy of tolerance. This culture is evident in Amsterdam's urban landscape. There are four main gay districts, each catering to a certain gay population.

Reguliersdwarstraat (right) is home to at least 6 fashionable bars, clubs and coffeeshops, and tends to attract a fairly young, trendy, and often international male crowd.

The Amstel district, on the south bank of the Amstel river, has a mix of women's bars and so-called 'sing-along' bars which attract middle-aged local men, as well as French and Belgian ex-patriats.

Near the Leidseplein is the Kerkstraat area, which is the oldest gay district in town. It has more of a "neighborhood" feel, and caters to a middle-aged local crowd.