Café ‘t Mandje

This legendary gay club was Amsterdam's first. Opened in 1927 by openly gay local character Bet van Beeren, 't Mandje (or 'the basket') was a popular hangout for the city's LGBT community until it closed its doors in 1982. Just before its later owner (Bet's younger sister, Greet) died, she put the wheels in motion to have the club restored and re-opened – which it was, finally, in 2008, bringing 'the basket' back to its bustling best. Look out for the ties pinned to the ceiling – cut off by Bet to punish naughty behaviour among past patrons.