Reguliersdwarsstraat — Central Amsterdam Gay Street Heritage in Amsterdam – GayOut Guide
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Reguliersdwarsstraat — Central Amsterdam Gay Street

Heritage Trail 1985 Still active

Central Amsterdam's dedicated gay-nightlife street since the mid-1980s — pedestrianised, with 12+ queer bars in a three-block span.

Google (638) 4.2
What reviewers say

Visitors often praise the friendly staff and lively atmosphere on the bustling Reguliersdwarsstraat, with some enjoying the cozy interior and drag shows. However, some reviewers report feeling unwelcome or discriminated against, with one experience of being asked to leave due to their ethnicity and another noting a perceived shift away from a genuine LGBTQ+ space.

84
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GayOut Score
G4.2
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Reguliersdwarsstraat, 1017 BM Amsterdam, Netherlands

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About this place Reguliersdwarsstraat — Central Amsterdam Gay Street

Reguliersdwarsstraat runs three short blocks between Koningsplein and Rembrandtplein in central Amsterdam. Since roughly 1985 — when Café April opened at number 37 — it has been the city's dedicated gay-nightlife street: a shorter, denser, more central counterpart to New York's Christopher Street or London's Old Compton Street. The street is pedestrianised, sidewalk terraces spill outward, and evening crowds mix locals with the international travellers who make Amsterdam Europe's most-visited queer destination. The present anchor venues are Café April (still at number 37, running since 1985), the Exit dance floor (opened 1989, now Church), Prik (opened 2007), and the Soho English pub (opened 1993). The street's cluster of gay bars is more compact than any other in continental Europe — you can walk the entire strip in three minutes and see the front doors of a dozen venues. The street's history is inseparable from the Homomonument three canals north. Reguliersdwarsstraat's political function is minimal — it's a nightlife strip, not a monument row — but during the June Pride Week (Amsterdam's "Pride at the Canals" boat parade always finishes here) and 4 May Remembrance Day, the street's bars host the Amsterdam Pride opening drink and other community rituals. Free, open 24/7 as public street. The gay bars open roughly from 16:00; peak crowd 22:00-01:00 nightly. Rembrandtplein tram stop is at the eastern end. Combine with a walk north to the Homomonument via the Herengracht for a full central-Amsterdam queer geography.

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Google Reviews

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4.2
638 reviews

Based on 638 Google reviews.

Daniel
Daniel Jul 2026

The atmosphere is fantastic. It's right on the famous Reguliersdwarsstraat, a bustling street with lots of people passing by. So, if you like a lively and sociable atmosphere, this is the place for you. The staff is very friendly, kind, and helpful. A guest wasn't feeling well outside, and instead of asking him to leave, the staff kindly brought him a glass of water. Very commendable and considerate. You feel truly welcome here, no matter who you are. If it gets a bit chilly outside, there are also small patio heaters, and if it's warmer, small fans at the tables. I'll definitely be back.

stefano k.
stefano k. Jul 2026

Friendly staff, delicious Aperol Spritz, free snacks like ice cream ♥️

Fabian van 't Zand
Fabian van 't Zand Jul 2026

I had a delayed flight and had to wait until the next morning to catch my train. Once I arrived at Taboo, the bouncer indicated that I could put my suitcase behind the bar, provided I discussed it with the manager. The manager thought otherwise. I indicated that I found his treatment unfriendly, after which he called the bouncer to kick me out. I walked upstairs to place my suitcase above the lockers (on the bouncer's advice, in case I couldn't fit it behind the bar). Afterwards, I spoke with the bouncer and explained that I had told the bar manager that I found him unfriendly and was immediately asked to leave the bar. Eventually, I talked it out with the bar manager outside, during which he clearly indicated that he was the one who decided how things were done. I complied and apologized, and then I was allowed back inside after all (I had to wait out my time until the first train anyway). Otherwise, I had a fine evening, and the bar manager simply came to provide me with beer. However, at the end of the evening at 3:00 AM, everyone was ordered to leave within a minute (I am not exaggerating). Drinks could be poured into plastic cups (though you had to arrange these yourself from behind the bar). A woman who indicated she wanted to use the restroom because she was getting her period was refused entry because the bouncer 'wanted to go home'. I experienced all of this because I just needed to pack my suitcase. When I pointed out that I found it strange that people were ordered outside so quickly, the answer I received was: 'I want to go home.' All in all, I found the staff absolutely not hospitable and would rather recommend spending an evening at the other gay bars in the Reguliers.

Thiago
Thiago Jun 2026
Roberto Cozzarin
Roberto Cozzarin Jun 2026

Very rude staff

Abdulhamed
Abdulhamed Jun 2026

I've been coming here for years and it used to feel like a genuine LGBTQ+ space where I felt comfortable and at home. Lately, I've noticed that the atmosphere has changed. I see more and more straight couples, and while everyone should be welcome, I no longer feel the same sense of belonging that I used to. For me, it's not about excluding anyone, but about preserving the feeling of a space that was created primarily for the LGBTQ+ community. Because of that, I find myself coming here less often than before. It's a shame, because this used to be one of my favorite places in Amsterdam.

Anyi paola Castro
Anyi paola Castro Jun 2026

Good place

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Last updated on 21 August 2026

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