Queen's Day in Amsterdam

Throughout the Netherlands, the Dutch celebrate the (previous) Queen's birthday, known as Queen's Day, with a full-on party. Boosted by the arrival of over a million people, Amsterdam holds an internationally-renowned street party, which goes on through the night until the evening of the next day. The main areas of activity in Amsterdam are Damrak, Leidsestraat, Rokin and Spui. Vondelpark caters for children and bands play on Prinsengracht and Rembrandtsplein. Gay celebrations are centred around the Homomonument and Reguliersdwaarsstraat. There are also parades, craft shows, flea markets, children's parties, bands, street theatre and fireworks. For those who love second-hand shopping, all street trade is unregulated, giving rise to a nationwide car-boot sale. If you are a royal-watcher, there is the chance to catch sight of Queen Beatrix, who each year chooses one or two cities or towns to visit. Fly with a 'low cost' airline or Club Europe British Airways, we have all the fab flight deals, simply click here...

The best way to get around Amsterdam is do what the locals to do, bike it. It's the cheapest way and burns all those calories. I hired a bike for the weekend at Mac Bike www.macbike.nl All of their bikes are new with good locks.

There are cycling paths everywhere so it's safe and easy to get from A to B. Make sure you get a bike with brakes, pedalling backwards to stop requires a bit of practise. If you are looking for the gay bars walk through the flower market first, it's very pretty. The bars are just behind the market.

April, trendy gaybar, Barderij neighbourhood gaybar, big!, Camp Café Nice, day dishes & Bar. Cock & Feathers Gerards New Bar. Clubs: CockRing: always up for it and Exit: the biggest gay club with strippers! Check out www.gayamsterdam.com for information on Amsterdam!