't Mandje

Medieval Centre & Red Light District


Amsterdam's oldest gay bar opened in 1927, then shut in 1982 when the Zeedijk grew too seedy. But its trinket-covered interior was lovingly dusted every week until it reopened in 2008. Devoted bartenders can tell you about the bar's brassy lesbian founder Bet van Beeren. It's one of the most gezellig (cosy, convivial) places in the centre, gay or straight.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Medieval Centre & Red Light District attractions

1. Brouwerij De Prael

0.06 MILES

Brouwerij De Prael offers engaging behind-the-scenes tours of its brewery. Tours depart on the hour and last 40 minutes, followed by a sample (or four)…

2. Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder

0.06 MILES

Within what looks like an ordinary canal house is an entire Catholic church. Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Dear Lord in the Attic) was built in the mid…

3. Kuan Yin Shrine

0.08 MILES

Europe's largest Chinese Imperial–style Buddhist temple, built in 2000, is dedicated to Kuan Yin, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Enter through the side…

4. Zeedijk

0.09 MILES

This is one of Amsterdam's oldest streets. Initially a shipping district, it was a respectable place to be until the 17th century. Then the rich folk…

5. Red Light Secrets

0.12 MILES

Inside a former brothel in a 17th-century canal house, this museum fills a gap by showing curious visitors what a Red Light room looks like and answering…

6. Prostitution Information Centre

0.12 MILES

Established by a former sex worker, the PIC provides frank information about the industry to those in the trade, their customers and curious tourists. It…

7. Schreierstoren

0.13 MILES

Built around 1480 as part of the city’s defences, this tower is where Henry Hudson set sail for the New World in 1609; a plaque outside marks the spot. It…

8. Oude Kerk

0.13 MILES

Dating from 1306, the Oude Kerk is Amsterdam's oldest surviving building. It's also an intriguing moral contradiction: a church surrounded by active Red…