Common questions about the Red Light District:

What Is The Red Light District In Amsterdam?

Red Light District is also known as De Wallen by locals. It’s named after the red neon lights that outline the many windows where women dressed in mostly lingerie do one of the oldest professions in the world – prostitution.

Prostitution has been legal here since 1810. It’s no surprise as Amsterdam is one of the most open-minded and progressive cities in Europe, if not the world.

Many sex shops, rowdy bars, sex shows, and smoked-filled coffee shops are located in the Red Light District of Amsterdam.

Where is Red Light District in Amsterdam located?

The Red Light District in Amsterdam is located in the city’s oldest area, very near to the main train station Amsterdam Centraal and just next to Damrak (the main street).

Most visitors enter through here or Dam Square. The most “action” is situated around the two parallel canals Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal.

Essentially, Red Light District is a small Amsterdam neighbourhood consisting of two canals and some connecting alleys.

How did Red Light District in Amsterdam become the centre of vice?

The Red Light District evolved around the 16th century as nearby docks have seen many sailors returning to shore after months on the sea, looking for entertainment, nightlife, and a good time.

This is why the Red Light District is located on the top of the historical centre today.

It’s hard to imagine that back in old times, this was where the city finished and boats sailed in. However, prostitution became legal only in 1810.

On average, the women charge between €50 – €100 for their service which usually lasts 15-30 minutes or less.

Most visitors to the Red Light District in Amsterdam come to satisfy their curiosity, but others come to participate in what is on offer.

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Things to do and don’t do in Red Light District

1. Do not take photos of the occupied windows! This is strictly forbidden and any attempt will be quickly stopped by security. Just don’t do it.
2. Always be respectful to the sex workers.
3. Look out for pick-pocketers. Red Light District gets busy in the evening so watch your stuff.
4. Do not drink alcohol out on the streets, it’s prohibited.
5. Don’t buy or try any illegal drugs and don’t buy anything from the dealers on the streets.
6. If you enjoy good nightlife, explore the Red Light District and then go bar hopping at Rembrandtplein or Leidseplein. These are much better areas for nightlife, as RDL might attract different types of people at night.

Don’t miss our EUROPE CITY GUIDES

• ROME 3 Days Itinerary
• VENICE 1-Day Itinerary
• FLORENCE 2 Days Itinerary
• AMSTERDAM 3 Day Itinerary

• PARIS 4 Days Itinerary
• BUDAPEST 2 Days Itinerary
• PRAGUE 2 Days Itinerary
• LONDON 1 Day Itinerary

• ATHENS 1 Day Itinerary
• BERLIN 2 Days Itinerary
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Attractions in the Amsterdam Red Light District

The Red Light District of Amsterdam is in the historical centre of the city, and it is close to many interesting attractions and architectural marvels such as:

• The Madame Tussauds wax figurines
• Rembrandt House
• Amsterdam Museum
• Oude Kerk
• Amsterdam dungeon
• Marijuana museum

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Brothel Tour – So, as you’re here reading about where is the Red Light District in Amsterdam, there’s a fascinating Brothel Tour with a Sex Worker Guide that I suggest you join. During the tour, you get to chat with an ex-sex worker and learn what it’s like to work in the sex industry. And discover the secrets and VIP rooms of one of Amerstam’s famous sex clubs.

Join a Food Tour – Amsterdam is a melting pot of culture, and the cuisine is so much more than just deep-fried FEBO snacks and chips with mayo or curry sauce (although both are delicious).

Food Tours in Amsterdam usually start at 11 am or midday, so it’s the perfect activity to do after you’ve visited Anne Frank’s Museum and Van Gogh Museum in the morning.

I recommend this Food Tour in Albert Cuyp Market, or the Walking Food Tour of Jordaan District.

Bike Tour – Discover the city like a local and take a bike tour! There are a few options to choose from. If you’re short on time, then this guided bike ride covers the city highlights. If you’ve got the time, I recommend this 3-hour Central Amsterdam guided bike tour.

Canal Cruise with Dinner – Enjoy an evening of fine dining on a 3-hour dinner cruise of Amsterdam’s canals. Depart from Centraal Station to see Amsterdam’s best sights while enjoying your choice of a 3-course meal with wine.

Take a Day Trip – There are too many to recommend individually, but if you’re interested in exploring the Dutch countryside, this list of awesome day trips is all you need.

Whether it’s windmills or stunning gardens you want to see or tasting Dutch cheese is more your style – there’s a day trip here that you’re going to love.

Get the I Amsterdam City Card

Amsterdam is a beautiful city and there are so many wonderful things to do here. If you’re planning to spend between 1- 5 days here to see as much as possible, then you should consider buying the I Amsterdam City Card.

It allows you to visit world-class museums and attractions for FREE, enjoy UNLIMITED access to Amsterdam’s public transport, and enjoy a FREE canal cruise.

Trust me, this card offers fantastic value for money as Amsterdam isn’t the cheapest city in Europe.

But if cheap countries in Europe interest you, then check out our post on the 10 Cheapest Countries in Europe to Visit this year.

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Where to Stay in Amsterdam

The best places to stay in Amsterdam are near Leidseplein, or Dam Square if you like to be in the centre of the city. This is close to bars. restaurants, and the top attractions. Amsterdam accommodation is expensive, there’s no way around it. It’s also good to know where is the red light district in Amsterdam as you probably don’t want to stay near it.

Also, you’ll find that many hotel rooms in the historic centre are very small. You could also stay away from the historic centre near the metro or tram stop and get a bigger or more comfortable hotel.

It all depends on your budget, but here are two suggestions below for well-located and comfortable hotels with good ratings.

Budget Accommodation: Hotel van de Vijsel – Great location, only 300 m from Leidseplein, near Vondelpark and museums. The hotel has excellent facilities with modern, stylish touches to provide a very comfortable stay for the price. Check rates from $330 p/night (I told you it’s not cheap).

Mid-Range Accommodation: Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky – Located in the heart of Amsterdam, situated on the edge of Dam Square. It is a top choice to enjoy a very comfortable stay in Amsterdam. Check rates from $380 p/night on Booking.com

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I hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about where is the Red Light District in Amsterdam and other interesting places to see here. You will see that Amsterdam is unlike any other destination in the world, and that’s why I love to return when I’m in Europe.

As I mentioned earlier, my ideal 3 day itinerary for Amsterdam has everything you need for an amazing experience in this city.

Travel Tips for Europe

We have many travel guides and tips for Europe— an incredible continent!

Are you travelling on a budget? These ten cheapest European countries will help you plan an itinerary that lets you see as much as possible while there.

Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.

Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across Europe, and our food map of Europe will inspire your culinary journey.

For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for foodies, a couple of them are located in Europe.

Here are 8 things to know about travelling to Eastern Europe and it’s good to know these 7 misconceptions about Eastern Europe too.

These top 6 travel hacks to save money are great to read when planning your travels.

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in Europe. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual European countries, or consider a regional eSIM for Europe (which covers 39 countries).

If your travels in Europe are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM. The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour. Check out our Group Tours first for any upcoming European departures, or view Tourradar for great deals on group tours in Europe.

Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.