Cuckoo’s Nest

The Cuckoo's Nest is a neighborhood institution in the heart of Amsterdam, opened in 1984 during the golden age of leather and still going strong today under a more casual, mixed patronage of gay and bisexual men. Its main draw is the sprawling underground play space, one of the largest darkrooms in all of Europe, a genuine labyrinth of private cabins and passageways best explored with a bit of local knowledge (the bar's own site provides a map). Free to enter with just a drink purchase, it's a relaxed spot equally suited to an after-work drink at the bar or diving straight into the catacombs below, with a guarded cloakroom for peace of mind and a serious house commitment to consent and safe sex. Popular across the age spectrum and especially loved for its laid-back, no-attitude vibe, it's a central, essential stop on Amsterdam's cruising circuit.