Homesick sailors and weary travellers have been finding sweet relief in Amsterdam’s Red Light District for around 600 years. Today the area is equally popular with tourists, curious to catch a glimpse while keeping a safe distance.This area between Dam Square and Chinatown is known locally as De Wallen, or “the embankments”, and during the day its narrow cobbled streets and pretty gabled houses lend it much the same appearance as any other part of the city. At night, as the red lights begin to glow in the windows, the atmosphere is charged with something a little more risqué. Prostitution is legal in Holland, which is known for its tolerant attitude to certain practices classed as criminal in other countries, but visitors are often still shocked at the flagrancy of the sex trade. However, if you keep an open mind, a visit to De Wallen is an important piece in the jigsaw of Amsterdam culture.Before you lose yourself in the maze of streets, pause at the 13th-century Old Church (Oude Kerk), one of the city’s earliest stone buildings, to admire the beautifully decorated interior and the famous prostitute statue outside, offering a timely reminder to respect the world’s sex workers.Although for the locals a walk through the Red Light District is just another unremarkable route home, it’s a very different experience for international tourists unused to the sight of scantily clad women in garishly lit windows. Young women of many different nationalities compete to catch the attention of open-mouthed sightseers and the streets are lined with adult shops, erotic shows and sex museums. While these are often popular with groups on a wild weekend, their explicit nature may not be to everyone’s taste.The Red Light District is no longer the den of iniquity that some visitors may fear in fact the strong police presence actually makes it one of the safer parts of the city. However, it does attract its share of beggars and pickpockets, so take sensible precautions such as leaving unnecessary valuables at home. It is also considered offensive to take close-up photographs of the quarter's workers, although general views of this colourful area and its historic buildings are perfectly acceptable.
Red Light District Travel Guide
Popular places to visit
Warmoesstraat
Learn about the local history of Amsterdam with a stop at Warmoesstraat. Discover the acclaimed theatre scene in this vibrant area or seek out the cycling trails.
Amsterdam Chinatown
During your visit to Amsterdam, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Amsterdam Chinatown. Discover the fascinating museums and churches in this vibrant area.
Nes
Learn about the local history of Amsterdam when you spend time at Nes. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Rokin
You can learn about the history of Amsterdam with a stop at Rokin. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.
St. Nicholas Church
You can find out about the history of Amsterdam with a trip to St. Nicholas Church. Discover the acclaimed art galleries in this vibrant area or seek out the cycling trails.
National Monument
Once a camping spot for hippies, the huge monument in Dam Square commemorating those who have fallen in war is now Amsterdam’s center of the annual Remembrance Day.
Activities
Amsterdam: Windmill, Cheese, and Countryside E-Bike Tour
Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Windmills Day Trip from Amsterdam
Amsterdam: Open Boat Cruise with Unlimited Drinks Option
Amsterdam: Evening Canal Cruise with Unlimited Drinks Option
Amsterdam: 3-Course Meal in Historic 1st Class Waiting Rooms
Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Guided Tour with Entry
Our pick of the best Red Light District Hotel Deals
Reviewed on 24 Sep. 2024
Reviewed on 23 Sep. 2024
Reviewed on 27 Sep. 2024
Reviewed on 23 Sep. 2024
Reviewed on 24 Sep. 2024
Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2024
Other neighbourhoods around Red Light District
Old Town Amsterdam
Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Old Town Amsterdam. Top attractions like Dam Square and Anne Frank House are major draws. Catch the metro at Dam Stop or Nieuwezijds Kolk Stop to see more of the city.
Amsterdam City Centre
Known for its fascinating museums, charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Amsterdam City Centre. Top attractions like Dam Square and Anne Frank House are major draws. Catch the metro at Nieuwmarkt Station or Waterlooplein Station to see more of the city.
Binnenstad
If you're spending time in Binnenstad, check out sights like Dam Square or National Monument and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dam Stop or Paleisstraat Tram Stop.
Burgwallen Nieuwe Zijde
If you're spending time in Burgwallen Nieuwe Zijde, check out sights like Dam Square or Amsterdam Museum and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Paleisstraat Tram Stop or Spui Stop.
Nieuwmarkt en Lastage
If you're spending time in Nieuwmarkt en Lastage, check out sights like Nemo Science Museum or Nieuwmarkt Square and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Nieuwmarkt Station or Mr. Visserplein Stop.
Grachtengordel-West
While you're in Grachtengordel-West, take in top sights like Anne Frank House or Herengracht Canal, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Westermarkt Stop or Koningsplein Stop.
- Places of interest
- Hotels Near Amsterdam, North Holland
- Which hotel chains are in Red Light District?
- More holiday ideas