What to Expect in Amsterdam Red Light District

Amsterdam is one of those cities that is known for its beautiful architecture, art museums, and of course, the red-light district. For many people, the red-light district is one of the top destinations when visiting this beautiful city. However, if you’ve never been before, it can be hard to know what to expect. In this blog post, we’ll give you an overview of what to expect in Amsterdam’s red-light district.

What is the Red Light District?

The Red Light District is an area in Amsterdam where prostitution is legal and women can advertise their services in windows with red lights above them. The district covers several streets, with the main street being Oudezijds Achterburgwal. While the red-light district may be seen as a tourist attraction, it’s important to understand that this is a place where sex workers conduct their business.

What are the Rules of the Red Light District?

There are certain rules that visitors to the red-light district must follow. One of the most important rules is that you are not allowed to take pictures. This is to protect the privacy of the sex workers, who can face discrimination even in the Netherlands, where prostitution is legal. You will also be asked to leave the area if you are causing a disturbance or acting inappropriately.

What Will You See in the Red Light District?

As mentioned, the main street is Oudezijds Achterburgwal, but there are several other streets that are part of the district. The area is full of window displays with red lights above them, which indicate that sex workers are available. You will also see tourists walking around and taking in the sights, as well as locals going about their daily business. Bars, restaurants, and coffee shops are also prevalent in the area.

Is it Safe to Visit the Red Light District?

The red-light district is generally safe to visit, as there are many tourists in the area, and the district is policed regularly. However, it’s important to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially when you are walking around at night. Pickpocketing can be an issue in any crowded tourist area, so make sure you keep your belongings close.

What to Keep in Mind When Visiting the Red Light District

While visiting the red-light district can be a unique and memorable experience, it’s important to remember that this is a place of work for sex workers. It’s important to be respectful and not stare or take pictures. Remember that these are real people, with families and friends, and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

Conclusion

Overall, visiting the red-light district in Amsterdam can be an interesting and informative experience. It’s important to understand the rules and be respectful of the sex workers who work there. While this area may not be for everyone, it’s a part of Amsterdam’s unique culture that’s hard to ignore.

Amsterdam: Insider’s Guide to the Red Light District

Amsterdam’s Red Light District is one of the most famous neighborhoods known for its notorious reputation, especially for its legalized prostitution, but this area has far more to offer than just its red lights. Located in the heart of the city, this district is also full of great food, artistic and cultural experiences, as well as events that will keep you intrigued and entertained. Here is an insider’s guide to the Red Light District and a few things you can expect while exploring there.

History of Amsterdam’s Red Light District

Before diving into the present, it’s essential to take a brief look at the history of the Red Light District. Located in De Wallen at the center of Amsterdam, this area from the Middle Ages used to be a booming port and had a significant role in Dutch sea trade. This district owes its name to the way brothel owners in the early 17th century marked their homes with lanterns to show that they were open for business. Today, visitors can take a walking tour of the area and learn about its history while exploring the district.

What to Experience in Amsterdam’s Red Light District

Thanks to its best-known reputation, many people only visit the Red Light District once the sun sets and the windows’ colors illuminate. However, this area offers many more exciting experiences beyond prostitution. Here are a few things you can try during your visit:

1. Red-Light Secrets Museum

The Red Light District is not just about sex, and the Red-Light Secrets Museum is a testament to that. Visitors can enter the room where a prostitute would usually entertain her clients and listen to audio recordings of various women telling their stories. Interactive exhibits help provide a better understanding of the lives of sex workers.

2. Visit a Coffee Shop

In Amsterdam, coffee shops serve something other than just lattes, and these shops, located throughout the city, offer a variety of cannabis products, from edibles to joints and high-quality hash. Smoking cannabis in public spaces is illegal, but coffee shops with their cozy and welcoming ambiance have become the perfect place to enjoy cannabis in Amsterdam.

3. Join a Pub Crawl

One of the best ways to experience Amsterdam’s nightlife is to join a Pub Crawl. These tours usually take you to five or more of Amsterdam’s best bars while giving you a true understanding of the city’s nightlife.

Where to Eat and Drink in Amsterdam’s Red Light District

Amsterdam’s Red Light District offers some of the best dining and drinking options in the city. Here are a few of our favorite spots.

1. De Blauwe Hollander

Located on the Nieuwmarkt, this Dutch pub offers excellent traditional Dutch cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

2. Café De Klos

Located on Kerkstraat, this place is a mecca for meat lovers. Pork ribs are the most popular item on the menu, and they are undeniably mouth-watering treats.

3. Wynand Fockink

A visit to Amsterdam must include a taste of Dutch gin, or jenever, and there is no better place than this 17th-century distillery. Here, you can try one of the 18 house-made flavors of jenever and enjoy the Dutch atmosphere.

Off the Beaten Track

Away from the bars and the sex industry, there’s much to be seen in this district that visitors aren’t typically aware of. Here are a few off-the-beaten-path suggestions for Amsterdam’s Red Light District.

1. Oude Kerk

The Oude Kerk is one of the oldest buildings in Amsterdam and serves as a prime example of 13th-century Dutch architecture, best known for the beautiful light that enters through its stained-glass windows.

2. Escape Room

One of the most exciting places to be is the Claustrophobia Escape Room, which is an immersive game in which players have to solve puzzles and use critical thinking to escape the trapped room.

3. The Dutch Resistance Museum

At the Dutch Resistance Museum, visitors can learn about the Dutch resistance’s history during World War II and its involvement in hiding Jewish children and other anti-fascist activities in occupied Holland.

Conclusion

The Red Light District can be a fantastic destination for adventurous travelers. It’s an area of Amsterdam that offers more than just legalized prostitution. With multiple dining options, cultural experiences, and traditional Dutch gatherings, there is always something for everyone. Make some unforgettable memories and ensure to respect and behave appropriately not only for the place but also for people who call this place their home.