Amsterdam’s Red Light District
A history of hedonism
Amsterdam is famous for its many canals, tulips, tolerant drug laws, and of course, the Red Light District. It’s likely that anyone who has heard anything about Amsterdam has heard about the peculiar combination of racy tourist attractions in this infamous area. A dizzying array of culture from prostitutes and sex shops to churches like the Oude Kerk, 14th century architecture and museums can all be found in the Red Light District of Amsterdam.
Internationally known as liberal and tolerant, Amsterdam and its citizens have accepted soft drugs and prostitution and they enjoy a long history of low crime rates. Along with hordes of tourists, groups of women celebrating bachelorette parties, roving bands of men, and of course women of all nationalities on the streets and in their windows, the Red Light District is a mesmerizing attraction in Amsterdam.
What is a red light district?A red light district is typically known as a place where prostitution and other elements of the sex industry thrive. The actual term “red light district” comes from the beginning of the 20th century United States, when placing a red light in the window of a home or store signified that business of a sexual nature occurred inside. It was an easily recognizable beacon to pure women and children who then could steer clear of the area. Amsterdam has turned its own spin on red light districts with its exclusive inclusion of “window prostitution.” Window prostitution refers to the practice of prostitutes’ usage of street-side rental rooms for day or night “business.”
Where to goVisiting the Red Light District by light of day isn’t the best way to get a feel for what life is really like in there. If you want an authentic District experience, visit at night when the windows are full of women and the streets are full of tourists. Red neon lights up the streets and tourists feel like they’ve stepped into the middle of a parade or festival. People feel safe wandering the main streets in pairs or groups because it’s a regulated area - the worst crime that may befall you here is that your pockets may be picked, so be alert!
What not to do- Do not take pictures of the occupied windows or prostitutes. This is strictly forbidden.
- Be aware of pickpockets. The Red Light District is crowded and makes tourists easy targets for the many pickpockets.
- You should only visit the area in groups of two or more, especially if you’re a woman.
- Don’t buy anything unless it comes from a store. The area is notorious for selling defective and illegal products, including drugs.
Amsterdam’s Red Light District
A history of hedonism
Amsterdam is famous for its many canals, tulips, tolerant drug laws, and of course, the Red Light District. It’s likely that anyone who has heard anything about Amsterdam has heard about the peculiar combination of racy tourist attractions in this infamous area. A dizzying array of culture from prostitutes and sex shops to churches like the Oude Kerk, 14th century architecture and museums can all be found in the Red Light District of Amsterdam.
Internationally known as liberal and tolerant, Amsterdam and its citizens have accepted soft drugs and prostitution and they enjoy a long history of low crime rates. Along with hordes of tourists, groups of women celebrating bachelorette parties, roving bands of men, and of course women of all nationalities on the streets and in their windows, the Red Light District is a mesmerizing attraction in Amsterdam.
What is a red light district?A red light district is typically known as a place where prostitution and other elements of the sex industry thrive. The actual term “red light district” comes from the beginning of the 20th century United States, when placing a red light in the window of a home or store signified that business of a sexual nature occurred inside. It was an easily recognizable beacon to pure women and children who then could steer clear of the area. Amsterdam has turned its own spin on red light districts with its exclusive inclusion of “window prostitution.” Window prostitution refers to the practice of prostitutes’ usage of street-side rental rooms for day or night “business.”
Where to goVisiting the Red Light District by light of day isn’t the best way to get a feel for what life is really like in there. If you want an authentic District experience, visit at night when the windows are full of women and the streets are full of tourists. Red neon lights up the streets and tourists feel like they’ve stepped into the middle of a parade or festival. People feel safe wandering the main streets in pairs or groups because it’s a regulated area - the worst crime that may befall you here is that your pockets may be picked, so be alert!
What not to do- Do not take pictures of the occupied windows or prostitutes. This is strictly forbidden.
- Be aware of pickpockets. The Red Light District is crowded and makes tourists easy targets for the many pickpockets.
- You should only visit the area in groups of two or more, especially if you’re a woman.
- Don’t buy anything unless it comes from a store. The area is notorious for selling defective and illegal products, including drugs.
