Red Light District in Amsterdam
The De Wallen neighborhood, in central Amsterdam, houses the city’s largest Red Light District with red-colored window displays where women sell their services.
Amsterdam’s Red Light District is located in the Old Town and is the most visited neighborhood of the capital, attracting thousands of curious tourists.
A historic district
Prostitution is believed to be the world’s oldest profession. In the Middle Ages, the brothels in Amsterdam were administered by sheriffs and their trusted men.
In the capital of Holland, the first brothel window displays appeared in the seventeenth century. The window displays of the past were very similar to those nowadays.
Is it legal?
In 1911, the Dutch government made this profession legal. Amsterdam is one of the thirteen Dutch towns with Red Light Districts.
Prostitutes rent one-cabin rooms with a window display and pay their taxes like any other working citizen living in Holland.
A must-see
Strolling through the streets of the Red Light District is a must in Amsterdam. It is one of the most touristy areas of the city, and it is also packed with iconic landmarks like the eight-hundred-year-old Oude Kerk and the Amstelkring Museum.
Unlike other cities, Amsterdam’s Red Light District is normally full of people and quite safe; nevertheless, be careful of pickpockets.
Guided Tour
If you would like to book a guided tour of the Amsterdam Red Light district click here.
Transport
Tram: Dam, lines 4, 9, 16, 24 and 25; Nieuwmarkt, line 51.
Nearby places
Oude Kerk (146 m) Our Lord in the Attic Museum (211 m) Dam Square (388 m) Nieuwe Kerk (474 m) Rembrandt House Museum (475 m)
