In this article, I present Amsterdam's famous Red Light Districtthe capital's hottest district.
Here you'll find
- A presentation of the Red Light District
- Facts and anecdotes about the neighborhood
- What you can do during a visit
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about this Red Light District, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Red Light District: article summary
Red light district, Amsterdam's pleasure district
There are many ways to visit Amsterdam !
Via its museums to discover the local culture, via its historical monuments (such as its royal palace) or opt for a pleasant stroll through the its parks or a cruise on its canals.
But many visitors go there with the aim of having fun and enjoying the pleasures that are freely available in the capital. For this, head for the Red Light District !
Introducing the Red Light District
The Red Light District is the nickname given to the neighbourhood De Wallenlocated in the heart of Amsterdam city center. When it comes to Quartier RougeThis is the one we're referring to, even if there are 2 smaller ones (at Oude Nieuwstraatfurther west, on the banks of the Singel, and at Ruysdaelkadein the south of the city).
This is Amsterdam's oldest district, and its facades will remind you of it. Typical of the area the pretty canals of the neighborhood and give this Red Light District its charm during the day. For a daytime stroll, it's very pleasant.
But this district owes its fame to vices and pleasures which has been found here for several centuries. Indeed, since the 16th century, brothels and street prostitutes have made their home here, and the very flexible legislation - it's 100 % legal in Amsterdam - for visitors to enjoy.
The rules have evolved over time and now.., sex workers are presented behind shop windows, illuminated by red lights. At night, the atmosphere is warm and the Red Light District is very busy.
This central zone is part of the Amsterdam must-sees and I invite you to visit it without fail, as its attractions are many. As I'll explain later, there's more to De Wallen than prostitution!
Facts and figures about this district
- Around 1920 that street prostitution was outlawed, giving way to the famous shop windows
- The color code is simple: colors red lights for female / male prostitutes blue lights for transsexuals
- It is forbidden to film or take photos
- Visit alcohol consumption in the street is also prohibited
What can you do in Amsterdam's Red Light District?
Contrary to popular belief, the Red Light District isn't all vice and pleasure. Of course it is, after 10 p.m.When the sun goes down, the atmosphere becomes hot, and family outings should be avoided, but on the whole, there's nothing to fear from visiting the red light district.
Here are a few suggestions for activities and features you won't want to miss!
The Museum of Prostitution
No matter what you think of the Red Light District in Amsterdam, you won't want to miss out. For the more curious, who would like to learn more about the history of this ancestral practiceA visit to this museum can be a rewarding experience.
It can be found at Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60H, 1012 DP Amsterdam12.5 entrance fee. Well done, this museum and its exhibits attempt to cover all the elements - both positive and negative - of prostitution in Amsterdam.
Bars and brasseries
Like any self-respecting nightlife district, the Red Light District very numerous bars. You'll come across tourists who've come to enjoy themselves, students accustomed to the warm atmosphere and locals delighted to spend some time in the district for which their city is famous.
To enjoy an excellent beer in AmsterdamI recommend De Prael microbrewery. Not only does it make quality beers, it also employs people in need. So you can make a gesture of solidarity while enjoying a good froth!
A wide choice of coffeeshops
Amsterdam is generally associated with several images: its naughty shop windows, its canals that have earned it the nickname of Venice of the North... and its coffeeshops ! The Red Light District is home to a wide choice of coffees to buy and consume cannabis freely, in a smoky setting that will delight enthusiasts.
To continue your exploration of this product, you should know that a Cannabis Museum, located in Damstraat 6, 1012 JM AmsterdamThis is the perfect way to expand your weed and hash culture. It's fun to do with friends, and you'll enjoy discovering the portraits of famous and unsuspected firecracker smokers!
A casino with free admission
Night owls will be delighted to know that they can go to the Casino city in the RedLight District, provided to be 21. Those who like to end the evening with a game of slot machines should appreciate it.
Some surprising cultural visits
If you're passing through this pleasure district during the day, there's plenty to do too. Starting with Amstelkring Museum and its underground church, a real hidden treasure of the area!
The church Oude Kerk is one of Amsterdam's must-see buildings, both for its structure and because it's the city's oldest building.
La ruelle de la Trompette
Looking for an unusual way to visit Amsterdam? Why not walk through the city's narrowest alleyway? This Trompettersteeg (or Ruelle de la trompette) is barely a metre wide. It's always fun to pass by and meet someone coming from the other direction...!
How do I get to the Red Light District?
To get to Amsterdam's Red Light District (De Wallen), you can :
- Walk from Amsterdam's main tourist areas (CF My interactive map)
- Use the tramway(line 4 or 14) to stop Dam / lines 2, 12, 17 and 26 to stop Centraal Station or line 13 to Nieuwmarkt
- Take the Metro(Orange, Yellow or Blue lines) to Nieuwmarkt
Good to know : The I Amsterdam City Card is a complete pass that includes free entry to many of the capital's places of interest, discounts and unlimited use of public transport. It's a great way to save money.
Red Light District: opening hours, tips and practical information
Here's some practical information you should know before visiting Amsterdam's Red Light District.
Opening hours
This district is open to day and night.
Stores, cafés and restaurants follow conventional schedules. The prostitutes work as they please, and the windows usually close in the early hours of the morning, around 4 or 5 o'clock.
Practical tips and information
It gets very crowded in the evenings, after 10pm. Be aware of this and opt for an earlier visit if you wish to avoid the crowds.
It is important to stay alert in the eveningbecause of the pickpockets who operate here. And don't buy anything on the street! You risk a hefty fine - and the police patrol constantly - or unnecessary trouble.
What to see and do in the area?
There's a lot to do from the Red Light District. Here are a few suggestions to keep you busy in the area.
- Continue your evening by heading to one of the Amsterdam nightclubs
- Aire une halte at the local FEBO to taste with meat croquettes of the capital and regain a little strength
- Walk to the Museum of Sex a 6-minute walk away, to keep with the theme
- Go to Dam Square (8-minute walk), to take advantage of the many attractions on offer, such as the Madame Tussauds
What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Amsterdam guide.
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