In this article, I present Amsterdam's Red Light Districtthe famous Red Light District and its restless nights.
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Amsterdam's Red Light District
- Things to see and do in the neighborhood
- How to reach him easily
- Practical information for visiting
- What you can discover in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Amsterdam's red light district, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Quartier Rouge: article summary
What is Amsterdam's red light district?
When it comes to Amsterdamwe quickly think of its channels, of its coffee shops and its famous red-light district. Although there are actually 3, it's the one I'm presenting here that is generally referred to as Amsterdam's Red Light District.
This Red Light District can be found in many De Wallenin the oldest part of the city and is one of the major attractions for those who come to visit. visit Amsterdam. Why? For its hundreds of prostitutes on display and its unique night-time atmosphere.
Introducing the red-light district
The Red Light District is Amsterdam's oldest ! From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, it was enclosed and protected by ramparts - hence its name, meaning Les Remparts - and extends over some 6,500 m2.
As early as the 16th century brothels and street prostitutes, but it wasn't until the following century that the tradition of the shop window appeared.
It wasn't until the beginning of the 20th century, around 1920, that a law bans street prostitution or soliciting at the bottom of buildings. In this way, girls who wanted to sell their charm decided to do so by showing off behind shop windows, as we still see today.
While this activity is the main attraction of the Red Light District in the evening, the place is also worth a visit for its attractive architecture, its beautiful facades and its small canals !
Facts and anecdotes
- There are approximately 300 private cabins rented by prostitutes
- Visit red lampsThe red lights, which could be seen through the curtains behind the windows, indicated that a girl was free. Nowadays, the curtains are gone, but the red lamps are still there, and it's they that have given this district its nickname.
- Visit blue lights indicate transsexual sex workers
Let's take a look at the other attractions of Amsterdam's red light district, which is not limited to its prostitute windows!
What to see and do in the Red Light District?
This Rouge district is a visit not to be missed and offers two distinct atmospheres, day and night. Here are the main attractions you won't want to miss!
The Oude Kerk church, the city's oldest building
Right in the heart of the red-light district, you'll see this astonishing basilica, whose name means Old Church. Its construction dates back to 1302, making it the oldest building in Amsterdam! From the outside, it's astonishing, and a fine example of the city's open-mindedness, between religion and liberated mores!
Admission is charged (12 euros), but the interior is well worth a visit, not least for its superb wooden ceiling.
The Amstelkring Museum and its underground church
It's a seemingly classic house, yet it's home to an underground church which is said to have housed up to 150 worshippers when Catholicism was banned in the town. A place full of secrets for an unusual and unusual visitI invite you to take part!
At full price, admission costs 14 euros, but the visit is included in theI Amsterdam City Card !
Het Gulden Vlies, the world's craziest condom store
An astonishing boutique that also answers to the name of Condomery. Would you like to find condoms in a variety of shapes and tastes? Bring back a unique souvenir of your stay in the capital? Go to the following address: Warmoesstraat 141, 1012 JB Amsterdam
The very narrow Trompettersteeg alley
Trompettersteeg, or the ruelle de la Trompette, is one of the narrowest (even the narrowest) of the city, with its small meter width.
Located right next to the Café Buldog, it looks a bit squalid, but don't hesitate to take a stroll, as the experience is fun, especially when you pass someone in the opposite direction...!
The Museum of Prostitution
Find out more about the world's oldest profession and better understand the concept of the showcases and the motivations of sex workers, this museum is fascinating. It deals with both the negative and the positive aspects of the profession, without taboos, and leaves you with plenty of food for thought.
A little pricey for the visit (12.5 euros) but very informative ! You'll find it at : Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60H, 1012 DP Amsterdam
The Cannabis Museum
A small museum that will delight smoking enthusiasts and the curious, who want to learn more about cannabisand its derivatives and consumption methods. We come across portraits and quotes from illustrious consumers, from Victor Hugo to Bob Marley, not forgetting Snoop Dogg, as well as well-thought-out explanations, plants and goodies of all kinds.
Admission costs 10 euros, and you're in and out in no time. For enthusiasts only!
Address: Damstraat 6, 1012 JM Amsterdam
Tips, rules and recommendations for visiting Amsterdam's red light district
Amsterdam's red light district a unique placeAnd as such, it raises doubts and questions. I'll try to answer them as fully as possible, so that your stay in Amsterdam goes off without a hitch!
Is prostitution legal in Amsterdam?
Yes, prostitution is legal in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands. Prostitutes are workers like any others, who pay taxes in the country and therefore enjoy the same rights as all workers in the country.
Is the red light district safe at night?
Yes, the red light district is relatively safe at night, thanks to the presence of numerous police and security guards. On the other hand, it is quickly crowded (after 10 p.m.) and the air is thick with the stench of marijuana. Better to know.
Prefer a visit in pairs or groups and if you feel uncomfortable, stick to daytime visits.
It's also important to know that you shouldn't buy anything to street dealers because you risk big fines and/or trouble.
Can families visit it?
You can visit this red-light district as a family, with children...the day ! When the daylight fades and the lights start to come on, it's best to stay between adults...!
What are the rules?
No filming, no photos ! Of course, respect is the order of the day, so don't linger in front of shop windows or point your finger.
It's also forbidden to drink alcohol in the street.
How do I get to Amsterdam's Red Light District?
To get to Amsterdam's Red Light District (De Wallen), you can :
- Walking from Amsterdam's main tourist areas
- Borrowing 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
Quartier rouge: opening hours and practical information
Here's some practical information you should know before visiting the Red Light district.
Opening hours
The red-light district is open day and nightand the 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.
It's busy both during the day and in the evening, but the type of visitor varies according to the time of day!
Practical information
All activities related to sex and soft drugs are reserved for for adults. Proof of identity may be required in sex or coffee shops.
What to see and do in the area?
Thanks to its central location, Amsterdam's red light district is a great place to visit the surrounding area. Here are a few suggestions:
- The big one Dam Square which is less than 400 metres away!
- Visit Amsterdam's Jewish quarterknown as Jodenbuurtjust a 14-minute walk away
- Visit museum of sex and eroticismfor a fun-filled visit!
- Madame Tussauds Amsterdam and its strikingly realistic wax statues!
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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