I amsterdam - Best Girl's Night Out

Per Capita Quotient
This country might be famous for it’s dykes (boom, boom) and Amsterdam may well have a reputation as the Valhalla of everything lesbigay, but the first time you dip your toes into the lesbian scene, you might be a bit surprised. You see, there’s not much of it - especially when you put it next to the pick ‘n’ mix pleasures of what the boys have got. But let’s be fair: although Amsterdam is a world capital it’s only little, so the per capita dyke bar quotient actually doesn’t work out that badly.

Friday night fever
You’re guaranteed to enjoy Female Sensual, which takes place every weekend at Café Sappho. Ordinarily, this cool blue little bar near the Rembrandtplein is rather sedate, but from around 9pm each Friday night the place just pumps out estrogen! Around 200 women cram in (believe me – that’s a lot of lesbians in a little room) to dance to crowd-pleasing platters – from 80s to house with plenty of chart stuff in between. It doesn’t cost a cent to get in, it goes on til 3am, and it’s the perfect way to kick-start the weekend.

Jungle fever
If it’s sheer numbers you want, then Flirtation will impress. This quarterly club is strictly women only (so leave those male accessories at home) and pulls in around a thousand flirty misses every time. It’s run by Bianca (who once won Big Brother) and takes place in various cooler-than-average locations around town. The most recent (Jungle-themed) edition was held in Panama – Flirtation always sells out, and quickly. Check the website for up-to-date info and tickets.

Diva fever
Another peripatetic party to look out for is Venus Freaks. Hostesses Lot and Mo seem to be taking a break at the moment, but if it’s on (generally the first Saturday in the month) – you should certainly go. As far as I’m concerned, it’s Amsterdam’s best lesbian club night. There’s serious music from the likes of DJs Sandrien and Funki G; great graphics and video art; plenty of good looking, fashion-conscious girls and alternative, lezzy cabaret from the likes of the legendary Erin Tasmania. It’s thoroughly recommended and again, you should check on the website for details of their latest do’s.

Sappho: Vijzelstraat 103
Website: www.sappho.nl
(No phone)
Trams: 16, 24 & 25

Flirtation:www.letsbeopen.nl
Panama: www.panama.nl
Venus Freaks:www.venusfreaks.nl