Reguliersdwarsstraat Amsterdam: Gay Bars, Good Vibes & Great Food
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You don’t accidentally end up on Reguliersdwarsstraat.
Alright, so you might, or if you’re like Russ, you type in Gay Bars and watch his face light up.
Reguliersdwarsstraat is Amsterdam’s official gay HQ. A short street packed that looks like Cyberpunk with gay bars, great food, and a nightlife scene that doesn’t know how to call it a night.
It’s loud, it’s proud, and yes, EVERYONE is absolutely welcome here.
Whether you’re straight, LGBTQ+, curious, or just really thirsty. 🍸🌈
Here’s what to expect.
How to Get to Reguliersdwarsstraat from Centraal
Let’s get the admin out of the way.
You’ve got multiple options from Centraal Station, including trains and buses, but let’s cover the easiest and most popular:
- Walk it – takes around 25 minutes depending on how many shops you look in and pictures you take for the gram. This is the main issue with Amsterdam. You stop every 15 steps. It just keeps giving. Always allow plenty of time.
- You can take Tram 2 (towards Nieuw Sloten), Tram 12 (to Amstelstation) or Tram 17 (to Osdorp) — all three will get you to Koningsplein in about 11 minutes (just 4 stops from Centraal).
Trams run regularly, and the last one back to Centraal is hit or miss with up-to-date info. We’ve seen 11 pm on GVB and Google, yet it’s been 1.40 am ish (on a weekend)
Though by then, the booze legs are in full control.
“We can walk it, it’s fine.”
Cut to: a half-eaten kebab, a questionable detour because that way is definitely quicker. ‘Fu*k it, let’s do a Kev and get a taxi.
We’ve all been there. Multiple times. We’ll be there again.
Good to Know: Amsterdam’s public transport is stupidly easy to use — everything’s well signed, clear, and in English.
You can just tap on and off with your contactless card or phone (we use Monzo — no extra charges). There’s also a €10 daily cap, which means no matter how many trams, buses, or metros you hop on, you won’t pay more than €10 in a day.
Simple. No stress.
Gay Bars in Reguliersdwarsstraat, Amsterdam
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to gay bars here, so fill yer boots, or something like that…
Most spots have a cool, vibey, and welcoming atmosphere. But not all of them hit the mark.
We felt completely unwelcome in Taboo. The vibe was off, the staff practically ignored us, so I couldn’t get another drink, and honestly? It just wasn’t it. If you don’t want our money, then just say, instead of wasting my time, and we’ll fuck off.
Bellends.
We headed back next door to Blend, where one of the staff was a legend and even recommended a few of his own favourite spots.
Judging by some of the reviews for Taboo, we’re not the only ones who felt the cold shoulder. Shame really, because the street itself is pure fire… but there’s always one.
And just a heads up…
Reguliersdwarsstraat is rammed on weekends. I assume that’s not the only thing getting rammed, either. 😉
Looking For A Coffeeshop On Reguliersdwarsstraat? Hit up EasyTimes
Whoever opened a steakhouse next to a coffee shop. Or whoever opened a coffeeshop next to a steakhouse deserves a pat on the back.
Genius move.
If you’re more of a toker than a drinker, there are a few coffeeshops around Reguliersdwarsstraat, but EasyTimes hits different. It’s got the vibe, the reviews, the herb… and the merch.
When the staff uniform is that banging, buying one feels less like a souvenir and more like I FUCKING NEED THAT!
The Aussie guy (sorry if you’re a Kiwi, mate) knows his stuff and actually gives a toss about his customers.
And if you climb the steep stairs, there’s a golden little seat waiting up top. On a hot day, they swing open the balcony doors so you can chill, catch a breeze, and watch the world stumble by.
I mean… what more do you want?
Yes, we bought a tee. Expected it to be €40 when we asked. €25? Sold.
Dampkring is also just around the corner. Another highly rated OG coffeeshop.
Got The Munchies?
We didn’t eat here. It was more of a liquid dinner situation, with free nuts and nibbles from Bar Blend keeping us just about alive.
That said, one of the staff recommended The Secret Garden, and it looks unreal. The décor? Incred.
The ambience? Pure boujee. Probably a little too boujee for us ‘kids off the estate’, and the reviews back it up, too.
Beyond that, you’ve got plenty of food options lining the street, including a steakhouse that smells like actual heaven. Every time we walked past, I had to fight the urge to go full feral seagull and nick someone’s ribeye.
Don’t be afraid to veer slightly off-piste either — there’s a Korean BBQ joint tucked away on the street behind that’s got our name all over it next time, and we spotted an Indonesian place that looked like a solid shout too.
Alternatively, you can sprint back across town because you’ve been eyeing up a Chinese takeaway in one of those classic cardboard boxes the entire trip.
Yes, it was on the bucket list. Yes, it delivered. Sort of.
Russ even gave the chopsticks a proper go. Nailed it at first, gave up halfway because it was taking too long. Fair play though. A+ for effort.
Wok to Walk if you’re curious. Or just FEBO. FEBO always wins.
Looking For A More Saucy Gay Amsterdam Experience?
Looking for a more saucy experience in Amsterdam? Bars with dark rooms, that famous gay sauna, etc? Check out our post ‘Our Gay Amsterdam Adventure’
Final Thoughts
Reguliersdwarsstraat is one of those places that just knows its mission. Whether you’re here for the cocktails, the coffee shops, the mingling, the food, or just to people-watch from a balcony seat, it delivers.
Is it touristy? Yes. And hell no. You’ll find plenty of locals here too, especially the younger crowd on weekends. That said, there’s still a solid mix. Daddies, bears, twinks, dinks, and everyone in between, if that’s your thing.
If you’re after a night out in Amsterdam with personality, colour, and a bit of everything, this street’s your guy.
Just don’t blame us if you wake up with a hangover, a new friend, and a hoodie you don’t remember buying.
You May Also Like
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The world needs this tee – ‘Be Fuc*ing Nice’ tee here! All colours and sizes available x
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