Ever land in Amsterdam and feel like the city is humming with energy—canals, bicycles, and something delightfully queer under the surface? That vibe extends into the steamy, hidden world of its gay saunas, where events link directly to the city’s festivals and party spirit.

Sauna Nieuwezijds – Where Heat Meets Pride

There’s really just one name that floats to the top: Sauna Nieuwezijds. Nestled in the heart of the city, just around the corner from Centraal Station, it’s practically legendary among locals and visitors alike.

Inside, it’s unexpectedly roomy—Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, a steam room, an eight-person jacuzzi, private cabins, a dark room, even a cozy bar for post-sauna chat over a beer. It’s very much a one-stop playground—relax, mingle, maybe get lost in the steam or the spice of it all.

And the events space? That’s where it becomes more than just a sauna. Every week, there’s something new: Monday nights kick off with “Mellow Mondays”—snacks, soft tunes, maybe a lighter vibe. Tuesdays turn into “No Towel Tuesdays,” letting things get a little bolder. Midweek, “Queer Night” (sometimes called “The Night Is Young” on Thursdays) brings a rowdier crowd, and weekends lock in something wilder—bear nights, themed steam ceremonies, you name it.

Prices are pretty reasonable too. Entry generally comes with a drink; younger visitors (under 26) score a lower rate, and early-week nights can be a bargain. All that to say—it’s a place where Pride season never really ends... but it definitely spikes during the first week of August.

Pride, Festivals & Sauna Synergy

Amsterdam Pride, every early August, spills over the canals—giant rainbow-decked boats, fluorescent crowds, street parties in Reguliersdwarsstraat and Rembrandtplein—electric, messy, joyful. Now, imagine sliding into a sauna the day after. Steam replaces dancing, bodies crowding the Finnish room instead of the parade floats. The vibe is quieter but still luminous—carry-over from all that celebration and freedom.

Meanwhile, Bear Pride in June brings another layer of playful tension—cruises, voting, themed club nights, boat parties—so walking into Sauna Nieuwezijds during that weekend feels like continuing the fun in slow motion. Warm bodies and quiet conversations instead of pop blasts and strobe lights.

And if you’re around for Milkshake Festival in late July? That’s inclusive mayhem in Westerpark—house, disco, R&B, techno, all handed out with love, acceptance, and absolutely zero judgment. A sweaty, musical festival day sort of bleeds into a steamy late-night sauna escape. It feels like rest and intimacy reborn.

Beyond Sauna Nieuwezijds—Did We Miss Something?

Let’s be real: Amsterdam’s sauna map isn’t sprawling. A few places exist besides Nieuwezijds—Damrak Sauna (more intimate, same vibe), Club Church with its sauna-ish cruise offerings—but none rival the reputation of Nieuwezijds. Every other local and tourist guide tends to come back to this one, which says something. That’s not necessarily a problem, just a quirky fact: Amsterdam doesn’t need dozens of saunas when one hovers with qualities that mesh with the city’s queer magic.

A Sauna Narrative, Not a Guide List

So this isn’t a step-by-step itinerary. It’s more like: you’re wandering through Pride’s rainbow light, through canals misting in morning breeze, and then you stumble upon this warm, dark portal—Sauna Nieuwezijds. Sounds dramatic, but in a gentle way.

You slip in, cloak blending with low lighting, the echo of conversation and water. You might laugh quietly when the “No Towel Tuesday” lens hits differently mid-week. Or you might share a slow moment in the jacuzzi post-Bear Pride parade.

There’s music or maybe silent steam. A drink in hand, maybe stories—could be new friends, could be remnants of the festival crowd still buzzing. It's intimate, not showy. Serious, not serious. And when you finally step back outside, dawn or dusk, your skin hot and your mind wild—you’re still in Amsterdam, still riding the queer wave.

Why This Spot Stays at the Top

For years, Nieuwezijds has blended everything—heat, relaxation, flirtation, and a rotating calendar of events—into one space that feels stitched into the fabric of the city’s queer nightlife. Dark rooms, themed nights, private cabins, sauna, steam, jacuzzis, bar vibes—right where history, nightlife, and community meet.
Here are a couple of the popular ones;

Nieuwezijds Sauna (NZ) located at Nieuwezijds Armsteeg 95 1012 NB Amsterdam is a modern and upscale sauna catering to the gay community in central Amsterdam. The facility boasts amenities like a sauna, steam room, whirlpool, private cabins and a bar where patrons can socialize over drinks. They frequently host themed nights and special events.

Damrak Sauna situated at Damrak 54 1012 LL Amsterdam is an more intimate sauna close to Amsterdam Central Station. It provides a setting with features such, as a Finnish sauna, steam room, showers and private cabins. Guests can relax with drinks and snacks at the bar while mingling with both locals and tourists.

	Sauna Nieuwezijds	Sauna Damrak	Thermos Sauna	Club Church
Location	Centrum	Centrum	Centrum	Kerkstraat
Facilities	Sauna, Steam room, Jacuzzi, Bar	Sauna, Steam room, Jacuzzi, Bar	Sauna, Steam room, Jacuzzi, Bar	Sauna, Steam room, Jacuzzi, Bar
Google Rating	4.6/5	4.4/5	4.3/5	4.2/5
Facebook Rating	4.5/5	4.3/5	4.2/5	4.1/5
Gayout Rating	8.5/10	8.2/10	8.0/10	7.8/10
Price Range (per visit)	€20 - €35	€15 - €30	€25 - €40	€18 - €30
Special Features	Dark rooms, private cabins, themed events	Themed nights, dark rooms, glory holes	Dark rooms, private cabins, themed events	Dark rooms, sling, themed events
Hours of Operation	Mon-Sun: 12pm-10pm	Mon-Sun: 12pm-11pm	Mon-Sun: 10am-10pm	Mon-Sun: 12pm-2am
Address	Nieuwezijds Armsteeg 95, Centrum, Amsterdam	Damrak 54, Centrum, Amsterdam	Raamstraat 33, Centrum, Amsterdam	Kerkstraat 52, Amsterdam
Contact Number	+31 20 623 1380	+31 20 330 2363	+31 20 624 0803	+31 20 623 3686
Reviews Summary	"Great atmosphere, friendly staff."	"Awesome atmosphere, clean facilities."	"Fun and friendly environment, good music."	"Nice sauna with a welcoming vibe."

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