Amsterdam Urinals: Public Toilets with a Story

Amsterdam is a city known for its canals, culture, and open-mindedness — and yes, even its urinals. If you’ve ever wandered the city center late at night, especially around Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, or Red Light District, chances are you’ve noticed the oddly shaped, often open-air urinals. These aren’t just a quirky tourist curiosity — they’re a practical solution with history, controversy, and even some innovation behind them.

Why Are Public Urinals So Common in Amsterdam?

Let’s face it: Amsterdam is a party city. With millions of tourists, countless bars and festivals, and narrow historical streets, public urination has been a long-standing problem. To combat this, the city began installing outdoor urinals — some permanent, others temporary — to keep the streets cleaner and reduce the burden on public sanitation workers.

These urinals, called plaskrullen (urinal curls) or plasgoten (pee gutters), were introduced over a century ago and can be seen as part of Amsterdam’s practical urban design. Made of green painted cast iron or modern plastic, they are often placed in nightlife hotspots and busy areas to prevent men from using alleyways or canal edges as makeshift toilets.

The Famous "Curl" Urinals (Plaskrul)

The most iconic of Amsterdam’s urinals is the "plaskrul" — a spiral-shaped structure that offers privacy on one side while remaining open to the street. These historical designs are still in use and can be found near tourist-heavy areas like Dam Square, the Nieuwmarkt, and close to Central Station.

They are unisex in intent, but in practice, these structures have long been for men only. Their design is compact and effective — but that’s also sparked debate about accessibility and gender equality (more on that later).

Controversy and the Push for Gender Equality

In recent years, Amsterdam’s urinals have come under fire for being too male-centric. The issue made international headlines in 2017 when a woman was fined for urinating in public and argued that there were no adequate facilities for women. The court's response — that women could also use urinals — was widely criticized and sparked a debate on the lack of public toilets for women.

Since then, there’s been an increase in gender-neutral and female-friendly toilet facilities in parts of the city, including at major events, parks, and newer public restrooms. However, many locals and tourists still feel the city has a long way to go.

Eco-Friendly Urinals: The Green Pee Project

One of the most unique developments in recent years is the introduction of GreenPee urinals. These sleek, modern devices look like oversized planters and actually convert urine into fertilizer . Located in high-traffic zones like Waterlooplein and near the Rijksmuseum, they are designed to blend into the urban environment while serving a very practical purpose.

The GreenPee project is a great example of Amsterdam’s innovative approach to sustainability and urban hygiene. Bonus: they smell better and look far more appealing than the old-school plaskrul.

Where to Find Public Toilets in Amsterdam

If you’re visiting and nature calls, here are some useful tips:

• City-provided urinals: Look for green plaskruls or plastic stand-alone urinals, especially near nightlife zones and parks.
• Train stations: Amsterdam Central Station and Amstel Station have paid toilets (usually €0.50).
• Shopping centers: Malls like Kalverpassage have restrooms, often paid but cleaner and private.
• Museums and cafes: Most have facilities for customers. Buying a coffee is usually enough to use them.
• Apps: Download “Toilet Finder” or “HogeNood” to locate nearby toilets — free or paid — with user reviews.

Festival Toilets and Temporary Urinals

During King's Day, Amsterdam Pride, and various open-air events, temporary urinals — often four-way plastic stations — are scattered throughout the city. These are purely functional and not known for elegance, but they get the job done. Women’s portable toilets have become more common, with private companies and city partnerships offering clean, dedicated options.

These setups are dismantled after the events, but they show how seriously the city takes the need for public hygiene in high-traffic situations.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Bring coins: Some toilets (especially inside stations) are paid and may not accept cards.
• Don't pee in the street: Fines for public urination can go up to €140, and police do enforce them.
• Use Google Maps or a toilet app: Searching "public toilet" or using apps can save you time (and stress).
• Look for events: If you’re attending a major festival, check the event map for toilet locations beforehand.
• For women: Plan ahead — options are still more limited than for men, though slowly improving.

In Summary: Practical and Peculiar

Amsterdam’s urinals are more than just practical — they’re a reflection of the city’s attitude toward public space, inclusivity, and sustainability. Whether it’s the charming plaskrul from the early 20th century or the modern, eco-friendly GreenPee planter, these facilities are part of what makes the city uniquely prepared for life on the go.

So next time you spot one while wandering the streets, you’ll know it’s more than just a weird public fixture — it’s part of Amsterdam’s DNA.

FAQ: Amsterdam Urinals

• Are public urinals in Amsterdam free? Most are free, especially the outdoor ones. Indoor restrooms in stations or malls often charge a small fee.
• Can women use public urinals? Traditionally no, but there’s growing availability of gender-neutral or female toilets in newer facilities and at events.
• What’s a “GreenPee”? It’s an eco-friendly public urinal that turns urine into fertilizer while blending into the urban environment.
• Where are most urinals located? Around nightlife areas, near parks, in busy pedestrian zones, and at train stations.
• Are they safe and clean? They’re maintained by city services, especially in busy areas. Not luxurious, but generally usable.