Visiting the Red Light District in Amsterdam


Red Light District in Amsterdam


Are you planning a trip to Amsterdam? You’ve probably heard of the Red Light District in Amsterdam. If you’re looking for sex, drugs and rock and roll, the Red Light District in Amsterdam is the place to be.
Red Light District Amsterdam
Red Light District Amsterdam

 The Red Light District, also known as De Wallen or Rosse Buurt, is sited in the heart of Amsterdam. This area, full of sex shops, peep shows, sex museum, brothels, condom shop and prostitutes in red-lit windows, is bustling with visitors and groups of tourists. If you want to go here, it is best to travel in a pair or in a group. Although safety is key here and there is 24-hour of video surveillance, be aware of pickpockets. They tend to target crowds of distracted tourists, so keep an eye on your belongings. Furthermore there are certain rules in place to ensure the safety of prostitutes and visitors to the Red Light District. It is forbidden to take photos of the women, and this is strictly enforced. Respect their neighbourhood, and do not yell or cause disturbances. So grab a map and explore the area or take one of the many organised tours to learn some more about the district.

Near the Red Light District


At the moment the Red Light District is undergoing a clean-up. The city authorities are reducing the types of businesses that are conducive to crime and halve the number of prostitutes by permitting prostitution in just two areas. This way they try to attract a classier line-up of conventional restaurants, cafés, shops and tourists, because the Red Light District and the heart of Amsterdam have more to offer. The Red Light District is actually the oldest part of Amsterdam and has some great restaurants, pubs, designer shops and the city’s most charming canals. The Nieuwmarkt square, Oude Kerk (old church), Chinatown, Zeedijk and Oudezijds Armsteeg, with some beautiful restored Delft Blue houses, are some sites you should visit if you’re near the Red Light District in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam hotel tip:

Hotel ibis is located in Amsterdam's Old Town, close to the main railway station with all forms of public transport and just a 10-minute walk from Dam Square. A very nice location to explore the city. A very good breakfast is served every morning in the breakfast room and this 3-star hotel has non-smoking rooms. Directly in the area there is a large choice of bars and restaurants. Free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms and in all public areas. 
More information ibis hotel Amsterdam