Cafe ‘t Mandje

Posted on: augustus 3, 2025

Cafe ‘t Mandje in Amsterdam Red Light District

If you want to experience a real Amsterdam place, Cafe ‘t Mandje is an absolute must. It has been a part of the Red Light District for nearly 100 years. It’s known for being the first gay friendly bar in Amsterdam, everyone is welcome here.

Tourist or local, male or female, straight or gay, it doesn’t matter here. In this cafe you can just be yourself and have a super fun evening in the middle of one of the oldest streets of Holland’s capital.

Do you only hear Dutch inside? Don’t be afraid, feel free to enter. They enjoy seeing new faces in this cafe.

Cafe ‘t Mandje is owned by Diana van Laar who is also the niece of the original founder.

Historical Background

Café ‘t Mandje first opened its doors in 1927. It sits on Zeedijk Street, right in the heart of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Back then, the area was a hub for sailors, artists, and outcasts. The bar quickly became a hidden gem for those looking for an open-minded place to relax.

This little bar was ahead of its time. It welcomed people of all backgrounds, genders, and orientations long before it was common. That made it a safe space in a city that was still very traditional.

During World War II, the bar closed, but the spirit remained. After the war, it reopened and carried on its legacy. It became a symbol of freedom and expression in Amsterdam.

Diana van Laar

diana van laar

‘Hi, my name is Diana van Laar, and welcome in the best bar in town. Café ‘t Mandje is a place where everybody can be his- or herself. My famous aunt Bet van Beeren, the Queen of the Zeedijk, opened this place in 1927. In those days, running a pub was one of the few things an unmarried woman could do if she wanted to be economically independent…

… Some people call us the first gay bar of Amsterdam, but that is not true. My aunt thought you should respect all walks of life, including gays and lesbians, but ‘t Mandje was also a haven for sex workers, sailors and pimps alike, and in those early days kissing was strictly forbidden. We are the oldest gay friendly bar in Europe though, as far as we can trace.’

Diana is one of the 22 experts in the Amsterdam Red Light District tour app in which she tells the whole story of this special cafe. Download the app and learn everything about the Red Light District.

nice bars red light district
The Zeedijk street.

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Cafe ‘t Mandje Historic Interior

Cafe ‘t Mandje was started back in 1927 by Bet van Beeren, a lesbian, and she didn’t hide it from anyone. It was her openness about her sexuality that has made the café an important symbol in Amsterdam’s gay history. This little café was included in the canon of Amsterdam as a symbol of tolerance through the centuries. When the original bar got closed down a replica with all the original interior parts was shown in the Amsterdam Museum.

In 2008 the youngest sister of Bet, Greet, decided to re-open the original cafe which had been preserved and the interior parts were moved back in. So besides visiting a fun bar you are also visiting a part of museum quality Dutch tolerance in the flesh!

zeedijk amsterdam cafe 1976
Cafe ‘t Mandje on the Zeedijk in Amsterdam in 1976.

Zeedijk Amsterdam

Cafe ‘t Mandje is located on the Zeedijk in Amsterdam’s very own (little) China Town. You can find all kinds of Asian restaurants close by. So why not combine having dinner in this area and closing off with some drinks in this historic cafe? Our asian restaurant tips that are located close to Cafe ‘t Mandje: Thai restaurant Bird, Malaysian restaurant Wau en Chinese restaurant Chuan Yan.

Cafe 't Mandje Amsterdam

Cultural and Social Importance

Café ‘t Mandje isn’t just a bar. It’s a symbol of Amsterdam’s open and tolerant spirit. Long before gay bars were common, this place welcomed the LGBTQ+ community with open arms.

It stood strong through hard times—like the Nazi occupation and post-war repression. Even when it was closed, its reputation lived on.

Today, it represents freedom of speech, expression, and love. Tourists come not just for a drink, but to experience a piece of living history. Locals come to honor what it stands for.

It’s often featured in walking tours of the Red Light District for its cultural value.

Why It Matters:

Early LGBTQ+ safe space in Europe
Landmark of inclusivity and freedom
Still active in promoting tolerance and equality

What to Expect Today

If you visit Café ‘t Mandje today, you’ll find it much like it was decades ago. The atmosphere is warm and friendly. Staff are happy to share stories about the bar’s past.

It’s not a flashy party bar. Think of it more like a historic pub where locals and tourists mix. Music plays softly, drinks flow, and people chat easily.

Events are rare but meaningful. Sometimes there are small gatherings or talks related to LGBTQ+ history.

Visitor Info Table:

Detail	Info
Locatie	Zeedijk 63, Amsterdam
Openingstijden	12:00 PM – 1:00 AM daily
Dress Code	Casual
Vibe	Relaxed, inclusive, historical
Kid-Friendly?	Not really, it’s a bar