In this two-part series, we will explore:. Part 1: the Amsterdam Red Light District of today , including what it is, its location, times to visit, how it works, and a little more information about prostitution in Amsterdam. Being the oldest neighborhood of Amsterdam, De Wallen, occupies the medieval city center. Read more about the historical context of De Wallen in part 2. The Red Light District is just a portion of this neighborhood and can be reached in less than 5 minutes on foot.
Check out the map below for the most accurate boundaries of the Amsterdam Red Light District. There are actually two other albeit less touristy areas that have the famous red light prostitution windows.
These two areas are where the locals typically go. Check the map below for their locations. The decision of when to visit the Amsterdam Red Light District is entirely dependent on what kind of experience you are looking for. The Red Light District is a touristy place which means there is a lot to do.
It also means that a family walking through is certainly looking for a different experience than a group of college men. Spring and summer is definitely the busiest time of year but you can find things to do all year round. In De Wallen section of the Red Light District, you can find up to one-room cabins with red lighted windows behind which prostitutes stand, enticing adventurous travelers and locals alike.
Aside from the famous red light windows occupied by prostitutes, you can also find several sex shops to buy sex toys and outfits, several brothels and sex shows. Head to the bottom of this article for the locations of these places. Aside from the sexy aspects of Red Light District, there are many bars and coffeeshops to either help you work up the nerve to approach a window or just a fun place to enjoy an interesting evening in a unique setting.
