Visiting the Red Light District
The famous Red Light District of Amsterdam needs no introduction. Located in the historic city center, this neighborhood is a high-energy area known for its window displays, coffee shops, quirky boutiques, and some of the city's most significant churches.
A mix of atmospheres
The Red Light District is one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam. By the 13th century, the city had become a major port, and the sex trade began to develop around that time. Today, the scope of adult entertainment has broadened, creating a singular atmosphere.
Prostitution: Behind some 290 red-lit windows, you will see women in revealing attire offering their services to passersby. Legalized in 2000, the trade is well-established here, with specific alleys catering to different demographics. At the same time, venues like Casa Rosso and Moulin Rouge host various sex shows and stripteases. Another option is the video-based peep shows.
The sex shops: Browsing these stores is a rite of passage for most visitors, whether for curiosity or actual purchases. You will find all manner of accessories and souvenirs. The most well-known is the Condomerie, located at 141 Warmoesstraat.
The bars and coffee shops: While cannabis consumption is tolerated under strict guidelines (typically under 5 grams) rather than strictly legal, you will find plenty of spots to purchase or consume it in various forms.
Several museums have also found a home in the neighborhood. The Erotic Museum focuses on sexual themes, housing a collection of erotic art from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings. The Prostitution Museum, or Red Light Secrets, uses documents and personal accounts to provide context on the history of the sex trade. The Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum offers a look at cannabis from cultivation to consumption, as well as the history and uses of hemp.
Perhaps most surprisingly, churches exist right alongside this environment. The landmark Oude Kerk (Old Church), built in the Gothic style, stands in the heart of the district between the dam and the port. There is also Amstelkring, a former clandestine Catholic church that is now a three-story museum celebrating the Dutch Catholic community.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
We took advantage of a little time without the kids to wander through this iconic Amsterdam neighborhood with some friends. We were curious to check out this area famous for its windows, but we quickly realized that this part of the city just wasn't for us. It is not so much because of the windows themselves, which sometimes feature very pretty women (you have to put aside any opinions or judgments on the subject), but rather because of the many street touts, who were sometimes pushy and approached us way too often. This neighborhood is far from the most interesting place to visit for tourists who want to discover the city.