Red Light District Amsterdam

Guide to Amsterdam's Red Light District

By Katie Waller

One of the most talked about parts of the city, the Red Light District in Amsterdam is a must see.

Iconic or infamous - whatever the stereotypes, there's a lot more to this historic neighbourhood than its reputation suggests. Learn more with our guide to the Red Light District, Amsterdam and discover the history of the De Wallen district. 

Red light district in Amsterdam

What is the Red Light district?

Situated in De Wallen, Amsterdam’s medieval city centre, the Red Light District is a lively part of town that unlike most European city centres offers a whole list of usually taboo services. Everything from prostitution to legalized drugs, as well as sex shows and shops.

Having a close proximity to the city’s harbour, the area has long been a destination for those looking for services of a sexual nature whether it be sailors, soldiers or gentlemen since the middle ages. However, gone are the days when it was something to be ashamed of and now sex work is recognised as a legitimate form of employment.

You may question where the name has its origins. The name “Red Light District” comes from the use of neon red lights featured in the doorways of parlours. Street prostitution is illegal in the Netherlands so for many, the use of a red neon light in a doorway is a smart trick to attract customers.

Walking tour in Amsterdam

What’s on offer in the Red Light District?

The Amsterdam Pass will give you an in-depth tour into the city’s most controversial neighbourhood with a plethora of intriguing tales and noteworthy facts of the area. Starting at 7pm, these tours start as the sun sets and the area becomes alive.

Apart from the obvious offerings that spring to mind, the Red Light District also has a host of interesting shops, museums and shows. The majority of these may revolve around vice but there are also opportunities to enjoy fashion and culture.

With a number of former prostitute’s windows being transformed in the area, visitors can see a flurry of exhibition spaces and studios housing fashionable clothing stores, with cool shoe and streetwear brands lining the streets.

Amsterdam red light district neon sign

Did you know?

  • Regulation of sex workers health was not a recent government policy. Ever since 1810, when Napoleon controlled Amsterdam, prostitution was subject to health regulation with sex workers needing to pertain a permit to acknowledge they were healthy. Unfortunately this wasn’t to protect the workers from venereal diseases but rather soldiers, who were more likely to be the source.
  • There is estimated to be around 25,000 sex workers working in the Netherlands with the majority residing in the Red Light District.
  • Despite De Wallen being most famous for its Red Light District, it is also home to the city’s Chinatown if you’re looking for some tasty food from the Far East.
  • Dotted throughout the neighbourhood are small sculptures and works of art relating to the area’s sordid found fame.
Red light district in Amsterdam at night

How to act in the Red Light District

  • For years the Red Light District was a rough place to visit but after the legalisation of prostitution in 2000, the efforts of authorities have ensured that it has become a safe and vibrant place for tourists to visit.
  • However, there are some unwritten rules to follow. The women (and some men) working here are doing exactly that, work, so it is best not to film them directly or take pictures. In fact, earlier this year it was made illegal to stand and stare at sex workers when in a tour group.
  • Drinking and taking drugs on the streets in the area are also frowned upon and should be restricted to the numerous bars and coffee shops in the area. You are also reminded to not yell or cause disturbances while there.
  • Due to the areas affinity with all things vice, you are advised to refuse all offers from traders regarding drugs and bicycles. The police impose hefty fines on both the seller and buyer when caught.

How to get to the Red Light District Amsterdam?

As a popular destination you can take any one of these trams to arrive there: 2, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 24 Dam.

Being at the very centre of the old town, it’s hard to get lost but be sure to carry a map wherever you go. De Wallen, also known as Rosse Burt is popular part of the city for many who will happily point you in the right direction.

Katie Waller
Go City Travel Expert

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Best Bars in Amsterdam

Visiting Amsterdam and wondering about the bar scene? Wonder no longer, because we've put together a list of the best bars in town just for you. Read on, and discover your new favorite! Including: Door 74 Flying Dutchman Oedipus Taproom Gollum TonTon Club and more! Let's kick things off with cocktail bars. Here are our picks for the city's best! Door 74 Step inside the doors of this swanky speakeasy south of the city center, and you'll time-travel back to the Art Deco stylings of the roaring 20s. Sit down, and explore their amazing menu of cocktail classics and original mixes. Unfortunately, you'll have to take our word for it, as their website is bereft of a menu or any indication of what they offer. However, you can browse their socials and see what people have tagged. Plus, you can book a table through them with no problem. And, given the popularity of the joint, you might want to book ahead. Ideal for a couple of drinks or an entire evening, it's easily one of the best cocktail bars in Amsterdam! Flying Dutchman This swanky yet snug cocktail bar has more modern sensibilities in mind. Up the stairs at Singel 460, you'll find a small lounge facing a humungous bar. If you feel like counting, you'll clock over 800 unique bottles of booze. That's...a lot of drinking. When you're seated, you'll be able to pick from one of their awesome creations and sip on paradise. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, give the staff some information on the kinds of drinks you like, and they'll cook you up something holistic! Looking for something fruity? Give them a few flavors, and they'll whip you up a fruity treat. Prefer sweeter, desert-adjacent tipples? Let them know and see what they come up with. Bar TwentySeven This might be one of the pricier on the list, but hot damn, is it worth a visit if you're hankering for some sweet cocktails. The innards are almost palatial, in a kind of fantasy movie way. The bartenders will be happy to surprise you with holistic cocktails that were made for you. Grab a velvet chair, or luck out and lounge on the chez long. You'll feel truly pampered; no two ways about it. Words can't really do this place justice. As one of the best cocktail bars in Amsterdam, you'll just have to experience it for yourself. Now, let's explore the pub scene for you beer drinkers out there. Here are our picks for the best beer bars in Amsterdam. Oedipus Taproom Across the river to Amsterdam Noord, you'll find this bright, charming taproom/beer garden. Oedipus is one of the most prominent craft beer brands in Amsterdam, and you'll find their masterworks on many store shelves. But why not go to the source, and have a damn good time doing it? They have a rotating selection of their beers on tap, from tropical sours to Dutch favorites like witbier and blonde beers. If the day is sunny, and you fancy a free ferry ride from Centraal Station (something everyone should try at least once), then head to this summer delight and soak up the vibes. And if you're hungry after throwing back a few, they've got a burger pop-up on-site to satisfy your beer cravings. Gollum With multiple locations around the city, Gollum is one of Amsterdam's best. While their menus can change depending on where you go, you're likely to find a menu with tens of beers spread over multiple pages. Whichever beer suits your fancy, you're sure to find it within their revered tomes. Some locations, like the one in Entrepotdok, have board games should you fancy something to do. Oh, and their resident cat will be more than happy to sit sleeping next to you if you choose the right seat! Upstairs, they even play sports games, should you be in town during the Dutch soccer season, or during the summer months when international tournaments take place. Just don't expect the Superbowl; you're in The Netherlands, after all. O'Reilly's Irish Pub There are better pubs in the city, but sometimes, you just want a little slice of home. That's what you get at O'Reilly's, with all the familiar fittings of an Irish pub. Guinness on tap, western pub food on the menu, and jolly jigs on the jukebox. Plus, it's one of the city's most prominent sports bars, with plenty of soccer and other matches being blared from the big screen across the venue. And now, we'll end the list on quirky bars, if you're looking for something a little different. TonTon Club What do you get when you combine the lights and sounds of an 80s arcade with the smooth stylings of a modern bar, all wrapped up with an Asian menu? Well, you get the TonTon Club. Head to the magnificent Westerpark and see what all the fuss is about. With a handful of arcade cabinets, including Time Crisis and Mario Kart, as well as air hockey and foosball tables, you'll have a blast as you knock back drinks. Their menu of Asian finger food is also delicious, and includes burgers and larger plates should your stomach require. And with a generous amount of outside tables, it's the perfect summer haunt! Westerunie Bar and VR game site by day, club by night. Westerunie has it all. Once again located in Westerpark, you'll need to book ahead if you want to use the VR facilities. But my god, you'll want to. Taking place in the large hall where the club kicks off, you and 5 friends can suit up, literally, with a full-body tracking suit. Then, slip on the headset, and run around untethered as you explore haunted houses, facilities, and other monster-infested locations and shoot 'em up. Thanks to the suits, you'll see your pals running around in real-time and hear them scream as they're beset by shambling monstrosities. Then, when your session's over, check the scoreboard and gloat over a few drinks from the delightful bar. And, should you want the night to continue, you may well be there when the lights go out and the music kicks off. Easily one of the best bars in Amsterdam. And that was our list of the best bars in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley
shopping amsterdam
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Shopping in Amsterdam Guide

Vacationing in Amsterdam and have some extra cash you want to burn through? You'll need a guide to shopping in Amsterdam. But where will you find one that you can trust? Here, of course. Just scroll down and see what an authentic guide to shopping in Amsterdam really looks like! Including: De Bijenkorf Magna Plaza Nine Little Streets Haarlemmerstraat Albert Cuyp Market and more! Image courtesy of Travel-Fr/Shutterstock Where the labels lie Let's kick off our guide to shopping in Amsterdam with the big guns. If you're the sort to drip yourself in nothing but the biggest names and designer labels, spend your money more wisely! Just kidding, no judgment here. The good news is that Amsterdam more than caters to your opulent lifestyle choices thanks to De Bijenkorf, a chain of high-end department stores. They have stores all over the Netherlands, but you'll find their massive Amsterdam branch looming over Dam Square like a wealthy obelisk. Step inside its inviting revolving doors, and you'll be blown away by the number of floors on offer. Brands carve out their own territory here, defending it fiercely from neighboring competitors. Many, like Gucci, are so 'exclusive' that you'll have to wait by a rope cordon to be let in. Like a club, but no one's dancing or having fun. Still, if it's designer brands you want, it's designer brands you'll get, with countless big names calling this mausoleum to untethered consumerism home. A massive plaza Another structure that towers over Dam Square is the appropriately titled Magna Plaza, which roughly translates to Really Massive Place. Maybe. This grandiose building mirrors London's Parliament buildings, which was by design. Inside, you'll find a more rounded shopping experience, with food stores and restaurants cohabiting with fashion brands, cosmetics shops, and jewelry boutiques. And all of that sweet, sweet shopping is backed by the Magna Plaza's stunning interiors, which give every trip a sense of regality. Your bank account will feel pretty regal, too, because shopping is addictive, and you may have a problem. If you sit in Dam Square and squint hard enough, you can pretend that Magna Plaza and De Bijenkorf are facing off against one another, determined to be the best shopping complex on the block. Don't worry; they can't hurt you. Nine streets for nine treats Away from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam Central, you'll comfortably find some of the best shopping in the city. And better yet, given the city's size, you can easily walk there from Centraal Station in about 15 minutes. The Negen Straatjes, or 'Nine Little Streets' are, well, nine streets that emanate from Amsterdam's canal ring - colloquially called 'the ring'. Walk along these revered streets, and you'll find a wealth of unique boutiques, smaller designer shops from all over the world, as well as cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can rest your burdened feet. The perfect answer to the busyness of the aforementioned department stores, these streets are as much residential zones and daytime hangout spots as they are shopping destinations. So, head there, shop to your heart's content, and breathe in all that space and calm. Nice. Image courtesy of Harry Beugelink/Shutterstock Sound the Haarlem! Just a stone's throw from Centraal Station to the west, you'll find a quirky, calm, and clean shopping paradise to rival Nine Little Lanes! It's called Haarlemmerstraat, and along with its brother Haarlemmerdijk, it's one of the city's often overlooked gems. With a whole host of boutique shops, salons, and an underrated bar scene, it's a great place to spend your day, do some shopping, eat some food, and then experience the nightlife. Plus, you're so close to the water you might as well have a wander to Amsterdam's shores - you'll find even more bars, cafes, and restaurants there! Image courtesy of AsiaTravel/Shutterstock On the cuysp of greatness Of course, department stores and packed high streets aren't the only places for you to flex your plastic. You forgot about markets, silly. No self-professed guide to shopping in Amsterdam would be worth a thing without mentioning the city's brilliant market scene. And arguably, the jewel in its market crown is the Albert Cuypmarkt. Located in trendy De Pijp, it's one of Europe's biggest open-air markets, offering visitors and would-be shoppers a whole host of foods, clothes, accessories, and even flowers. If you're staying in an Airbnb, it's the perfect place to buy fresh groceries to cook up your own delights. Or, if the hotel is taking care of all that for you, go try some of the freshly cooked foods on offer! You'll find many uniquely Dutch treats available, including stroopwafels - the country's best. Image courtesy of Tupungato/Shutterstock Hoof it up the street Fashion seekers, beware. Some of Amsterdam's best shopping can be found at PC Hooftstraat, a short walk from the city's museum district. Arguably Amsterdam's most affluent shopping district, you'll find a wealthy world of designer brands from across the globe. Need some Mulberry in your life? Jonesing for some Chanel? PC Hooftstraat's got you covered. Plus, its location is a massive bonus if you want to combine your shopping shenanigans with a little culture. The Rijksmuseum, Moco Museum, and the Van Gogh Museum are right around the corner. And let's be honest, after all that swiping, you might require some calm and inspiring sights. Image courtesy of Harry Beugelink/Shutterstock Kalvern Klien? Kinda Another of Amsterdam's famous shopping streets, Kalverstraat is a more modest shopping experience. You'll find its beginning at the foot of Dam Square, because of course you will. Dam Square - the hub of many shopping opportunities. This one is arguably the busiest on the list, so strap in for some shambling. Unlike some of the others on this list, Kalverstraat is a more typical high street affair, with sneaker shops, affordable clothing stores, and well-known cosmetic spots. Nike, Lush, and Zara are just some of the many global brands you'll find on this list. While you could spend the whole day here, we'd recommend you know where you're going, get in, and get out - it simply draws too big a crowd to be considered a fun day out. Waterloo, baby We'll end this list on a bit of an oddity. Unlike Albert Cuypmarkt, Waterloopleinmarkt is a bit of a free-for-all. This flea market lets anyone come and set up a stall to flog their undesirables, so expect garage sale energy. However, anyone who's dared enter the realm of the garage sale knows this is no sleight. In fact, you'll find things at Waterloopleinmarkt you may not find anywhere else. Bargain hunt for rare toys, antiques, furniture, and other unwanted (and unvalued) items, snap them up in a pinch, and then sell them on to become a multi-billionaire. Chin up - anything is possible. And that's our guide to shopping in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley
Couple embracing in the rain in Amsterdam
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Things to do in Amsterdam when it Rains

Amsterdam is beautiful inside and out, meaning there’s still plenty of fun to be had when the heavens open and it’s just too damp to cruise the canals or whiz along slippery cobbled lanes on your bike. So don your wellies and mac and dive into our list of all the best things to do in Amsterdam when it rains…
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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