Red Light District
Red Light District
4
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Amsterdam’s De Wallen area is home to one of the world’s most famous red light districts. Take a stroll to soak up the rousing yet beautiful lights, or visit the Red Lights Secrets Museum to learn more about Amsterdam’s sex work profession. The district is also known for its trendy coffee shops, bars, and clubs. The best time to see the district is in the early evening or at night, when the lights begin to illuminate the narrow streets. The area is safe, but it can get very busy, and taking photos or videos of workers is illegal. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Neighbourhood: Centrum
Amsterdam’s buzzing hub, with its sprawling network of tram rails and a seemingly constant flow of tourists and commuters, yields convenient access to some of the best sightseeing, shopping, and street life in Europe. Closest at hand are the Royal Palace, the quaint shops of Haalremmerdijk, the pedestrianized zones Kalverstraat and Dam Square with popular neighborhoods such as the Red Light District, and the Canal Ring hardly more than a moment’s stroll away. With the well-connected Centraal Station as Centrum’s base, it's easy to travel farther afield via one of the city’s iconic trams.
How to get there
- Nieuwmarkt • 3 min walk
- Centraal Station • 7 min walk
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
5,231 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,084 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- Josie IinoCambridge, United Kingdom705 contributionsReally interesting place to goI went in the morning. I might scratch this review and rewrite it if I decide to go at night. It is genuinely a really fascinating place to visit, even if one is not keen on exploring the nightlife here. Sex workers would stand in a window near a door and pose at any passer-by, even myself (who is obviously not the clientele for their business). I went to a free, five-minute exhibition that was showing the photos of individuals who live in the Red Light District: families, old people, women, young people. It was the most explicitly overt place I have ever walked around in my life, and I have been to other 'red light districts' in other countries. If the building was a place to solicit sex, it was a store to buy items related to it. Really fascinating, would recommend to all mature tourists, even those uninterested in partaking in the activities offered.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 21 September 2023
- JENNY WNew Delhi, India13 contributionsSuper interesting perspective of the red light areaPablo Pascal was the best tour guide. This tour is set in a context of an historic introduction into Amsterdam central areas including an informed view of the red light district. Pablo was so informed and so interesting to listen to. I hope you are lucky enough to get him.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 October 2023
- amuda suvyaDelhi, Canada5 contributionsAdult tourism activities with friendsI stayed there for say about a week, it was a fun travel for recreation and sightseeing and much with friends. It is a open display of world about alternate fun in a healthy way. Alot of shops about sex toy, alcohol, marijuana and other smoke, paid fun ladies, crowd with similar vibe. I made few new friends who shared about their personal intimate experience at Delhi India with Omyale Pippa an Companion (nice and friendly crowd from all over the world), Kind of average experience.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 20 October 2023
- Brandon X3 contributionsSexy Girls and excellent serviceBetter than other places many exotic provider from various countries (may be i was lucky enough), met one asian girl (shared contact of Ojasvi Love from Delhi, Indie) from and another european both were talented and beautiful. Cindrella from Latvia was another good contact, Blisha from Holland is too welcoming. I must go place to try your luck about flings! I really liked the service, crowd, toy shopping and food. Solo traveller never feel like solo here, so many things to keep you busy. A must try for seekers looking for Adult open-ness.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 21 October 2023
- Culture70815338 contributionsAwesome Holland!!What a fabulous city Amsterdam is.. history..Modern-day..easy to move around ( watch out for the Bikes though..so much to see and do. A wonderful place if you want to bade and visit some of the other countries..Paris.. 4 hrs away..Brussels 3 ish hrs away..easily accessible. The Trains were comfortable/clean. I felt safe walking the city.. cant wait to get back and explore more of the city and countryside..Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 October 2023
- Nowis75Nottingham, United Kingdom54 contributionsSexy Beautiful Red LightsWe visited Amsterdam with an open mind, unsure what to expect. Well. It was great. The city is beautiful with its canals, buildings and bars. The red light disitrict is in the heart of the city, easy to get to and 15-20 min walk from Central station. We had a giggle in the sex shops but our first place was the Sex museum opposite the Central Station. It was brilliant with diaplays and history through the years with some eye ( watering ) openers too. We had a good laugh in there. Not as much window shopping as we had expected, dont laugh or point at the girls, its frowned upon. We went in the sex palace several times for the peep show at 2 euros a go. Think my wife enjoyed it more than i did. Lokking at minge as she called it. Again, a laugh and a giggle, tongue in cheek. Some of the girls ( ladies ) were entertaining, smiling, some of the older ones didnt look to happy to be there. Expect to pay between 6 and 10 euro for a beer. 10 to 15 for gins/mixers, irish coffee etc. Paid 8 euro for a spliff and 9 euro for a space cake. No more than felt a bit floaty, happy. Giggly. Stay away from the street sellers. They're easy to spot a mile off.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 November 2023
- Shane BTe Awamutu, New Zealand812 contributionsStill has a real buzz to it.As people watching is one of our favourite pass times this was right up our alley so to speak. Went there both during the day and night, noting it stretches beyond the one street during the day there were lots of families strolling around and had a family atmosphere about it. Night time bit busier windows full. There are lots of places to eat and drink in and around it and we found prices reasonable. Recommended for nearly all ages especially if you have not seen or experienced any thing like this before. Was there 40 years ago and doesn't seemed to have changed muchVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 November 2023
- Shaun PSouth Wales, United Kingdom230 contributionsWorth a look.We walked the Red light district and to be honest it’s quite a dirty area. A lot of rubbish on the side of the canal. The smell of weed was nice mind. I don’t use it but it’s a nice smell. Busy area and plenty of things to see 🫣Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 December 2023
- cannonaterSalt Lake City, Utah1,432 contributionsNow that was different…Had heard all about this part of town but you’ve just got to experience it to believe it.. Not as dirty and gross as you’d probably imagine it to be. Very interesting and it got old quite quick. The women in the windows were quite amusing and would get very angry with you fast if you weren’t a customer. Glad we made the stroll and can now say that we’ve been there.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 January 2024
- Nathan&GemmaLondon, United Kingdom199 contributionsIt’s what Amsterdam is about right?A must visit when you come to Amsterdam, it is all part of the culture! The canals are beautiful and the actual area itself is nice. This is where you will see the various small “windows” where the ladies are within. It does have that strange feeling, however the general atmosphere was good. Definitely worth a visit.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
31,856 reviews
Excellent
10,595
Very good
10,903
Average
7,322
Poor
1,802
Terrible
1,235
mickplaice
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK208 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Been visiting Amsterdam for quite a few year now 6 out of 7. Visited Sun/Mon 22/23 February. Ongoing road works (3 years), streets flooding badly not coping with the rain, shop rubbish strewn everywhere with fag ends....this city centre is distinctively looking a dirty city. The current mayor wants rid of tourists well this will ensure that. It’s now very expensive for premium beers e.g x2 pints Blonde in Red light District £19. Bars seem to make up higher prices for tourists. One positive is the fast food burger outlets serve excellent burgers. Probably give this city a miss from now on.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HE_Kuiper
Dublin, Ireland11 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
My personal opinion is that the majority of the women provide a necessary service. However, of the many I have seen only two of them meet my standards of appearance and attractiveness of women I would speak to with the intent of getting to know them.
The above is not the reason for my low rating, the people that stop and stare is the most distasteful aspect of the area. Parents bring small children and just stand and stare for 2 to 5 minutes. These parents need to be disciplined.
Then you find many tourists that simply come to stare, thus hampering the women and their customers from engaging in their business. Yes, pleasure is a business.
The streets and alleys where the men/women are plying there trade needs to be respected by the tourists and the tourists need to respect the signs that say ‘No Photos.
As a local, I am forced to push my way through the tourists lacking in respect.
The above is not the reason for my low rating, the people that stop and stare is the most distasteful aspect of the area. Parents bring small children and just stand and stare for 2 to 5 minutes. These parents need to be disciplined.
Then you find many tourists that simply come to stare, thus hampering the women and their customers from engaging in their business. Yes, pleasure is a business.
The streets and alleys where the men/women are plying there trade needs to be respected by the tourists and the tourists need to respect the signs that say ‘No Photos.
As a local, I am forced to push my way through the tourists lacking in respect.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon
Truro, UK54 contributions
Nov 2019
Tacky Tourism at its worst! It’s tacky, dirty & full of groups of drunk / stoned men, families and couples. It feels like a safe area but we only walked through before 7pm, already there were men urinating in the streets and vomit on the floor. Unfortunately there will always be a market for this and by un-licencing or moving it from the City centre will just drive it underground where i'm sure conditions for the workers would only get worse.....if it could. Don't be fooled into thinking these girls enjoy their work....just read the internet
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Temer2
Horley, UK1,015 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
A group of 4 of us (2 couples) wandered through the Red Light District at around 9pm on a Saturday night and I have slightly mixed feelings about the area. It's nowhere near as sleazy as some make it out to be and is actually quite an organised and I think good way of ensuring the safety of these ladies. Some are beautiful and all are barely dressed, and it's obviously their job, but most smile as you walk past, though some did look a bit bored as they were looking at their phones. The ladies are literally standing (or sitting) in a person shaped window selling their wares with something to cater for all tastes. I didn't feel uncomfortable at all visiting with my husband- only for a walk through the area - and my only concern is whether the ladies are all selling themselves because they want to, but that would be the same for anywhere in the world. At least in Amsterdam, it's a legitimate industry and these ladies are more protected than in other areas. The whole area felt fairly safe to walk through though I wouldn't want to do it on my own and you could smell weed far more strongly in this area than the other places we visited.
Written 24 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CathyGilman
London, UK948 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
We accidentally happened on this area by very briefly taking a wrong turn- its grim. Very rough looking women dancing in windows and shops full of grubby looking clothing, toys and devices. I'm sure for some people its erotic, others it's funny I thought it was sad.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben
Preston, UK21 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
I wouldn’t class the Red Light District as a tourist attraction as it isn’t. It is a place of work for a lot of women and men in Amsterdam. It is eye opening as in many country’s there isn’t a legal place like this where women are protected and can work with protection of the law.
Don’t take any photos of the women no matter how good looking you think they are... you wouldn’t want random people taking pictures of you whilst you’re at work...
Don’t take any photos of the women no matter how good looking you think they are... you wouldn’t want random people taking pictures of you whilst you’re at work...
Written 23 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea Lehotska Travelblogger
Milan, Italy486 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
Impossible to visit Amsterdam and not to pass an evening in Red District: weekends are busy here so leave your bike somewhere at the corner and enjoy a walk while admiring almost naked bodies of all shapes, styles, colors, weight and age.
Girls (some biological, some not yet:))) dance behind glassed tiny shop windows, some smoke, some watch series on cells, others are bored or half asleep. If the curtains are drown, then there is probably going on a business inside:)
U also can enjoy cheap peep shows in single cabins where with 2€ coins u may watch a dancer getting naked. Don’t stick to close to the walls; not all people inside that tiny cabin have only been “watching” lol.
There is an erotic museum to be seen to, and lot of small shop, souvenirs, or coffee shops where u can enjoy a joint or just a hot tee.
Funny place!
Girls (some biological, some not yet:))) dance behind glassed tiny shop windows, some smoke, some watch series on cells, others are bored or half asleep. If the curtains are drown, then there is probably going on a business inside:)
U also can enjoy cheap peep shows in single cabins where with 2€ coins u may watch a dancer getting naked. Don’t stick to close to the walls; not all people inside that tiny cabin have only been “watching” lol.
There is an erotic museum to be seen to, and lot of small shop, souvenirs, or coffee shops where u can enjoy a joint or just a hot tee.
Funny place!
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TimeTraveler1st
London, UK874 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Beautiful Girls Show them Selfs in window displays they rent the space of 80 euros a day so you can negotiate a price for the level of service you wish to receive. Then the rest is up to you the curtain is drawn closed and off you go. I had my wings clipped years ago and was with my wife😤but a real eye opener for a legal activity in Amsterdam. Strangely we saw no guys offering girls the same service. 🤔
Personal we saw no harm in it for those who want to try there luck. We should legalise in it in the U.K. in this day and age who cares.🤪
Personal we saw no harm in it for those who want to try there luck. We should legalise in it in the U.K. in this day and age who cares.🤪
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma H
Isle of Wight, UK18 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Interesting and colourful, many spectacles to see.
Lots of British stag dos! Many warning signs - No photos or filming and No young children allowed.
Interesting and not what I expected but a definite must for visitors without children.
Lots of British stag dos! Many warning signs - No photos or filming and No young children allowed.
Interesting and not what I expected but a definite must for visitors without children.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tasha
Reading, UK32 contributions
Dec 2019
A must visit when in Amsterdam to experience the vibrant atmosphere and experience the area itself. It is more alive during the evening time and is good to people watch and explore the areas and alleys. No pictures are allowed and definitely have to be open minded visiting. Lots of security at the ends of each alley make it feel that bit more secure
Written 24 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What age is it to visit a sex worker
Written 25 September 2022
What age is it to visit a sex worker
Written 25 September 2022
If you need to ask you’re too young.
Written 14 October 2022
Bruce
California
Generally speaking, how much money would you need for one night in the Red Light District?
Written 10 September 2022
All about sex down here.its up to yourself what you want after that.Basic service 50 euro after that the sky is the limit
Written 26 September 2022
Hi, I was considering visiting the RLD in the new year. Are the ladies easy to approach? Taken into consideration the peak times. What would be the best time to visit? Thank you.
Written 4 September 2022
I'd say go when you feel like it. As this is their livelihood... The Dutch are very friendly but beware the men also doing the same job! Maybe a shock on the first visit but still fun to watch. Good booze over there with plenty pubs, a lot selling food. Make the most of it but think about them at the same time.
Written 8 April 2023
Yes they do, but don’t fall for their scam. Usually they all are scammers who will ask you for a 50 or 100 and then you will end up paying even more than that.
Written 23 July 2022
J.P.P.
Rumilly, France
T es certainement très belle et mon couple mène aux pauses ,comprends tu celà? Non sweulement la femme ,l'hommed est aussi malheureux!
Written 16 December 2020
? pas sur d'avoir compris la question
le quartier rouge est au centre, comme tous ces genre de lieu c'est hyper sécurisé car si c'était dangereux les gens n'iraient plus donc le business en pâtirait. Mais c'est complètement dépassé avec tout ce qui se passe et se trouve sur internet.
Quand à y aller en couple cela dépend du consentement mutuel. C'est plutôt un lieu pour les hommes car on y trouve pas son pendant pour les femmes, les escorte boys
Written 17 December 2020
Planning a trip for January 2021, and I’m wondering how easy is it to find some good ecstasy there? The wife and I would definitely like to indulge while there
Written 25 August 2020
I don’t know to be honest with you as that’s not my thing. I don’t think trip advisor is the place to be asking about illegal drugs either. But have a good trip and enjoy Amsterdam it is very beautiful.
Written 25 August 2020
Planning on a trip to Amsterdam, would I be able to travel with Viagra for personal use?
Written 7 April 2020
Hola tengo 17 años, como la onda para entrar a un coffe? Siempre te piden dni?
Written 11 February 2020
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