Amsterdam Red Light District Experiences and Tours

You may have heard of Amsterdam's Red Light District, one of the oldest areas of the city famous for its liberal lifestyle where people are attracted by the pleasure of the forbidden. Despite its controversial origins, it is now a tourist attraction and one of the most eccentric places in Europe. Do you dare to enter the Red Light District?

Although historically Amsterdam' s Red Light District has been a centre of prostitution, gambling and alcohol consumption, you don't have to worry because today it is a safe place to visit on your own.

However, my advice is to take a guided tour of the Red Light District to learn in detail from a guide about the origins, main points of interest and curiosities of the oldest and most liberal neighbourhood in the Dutch capital.

Why visit the Red Light District

If you're curious about controversial stories, this tour of Amsterdam's Red Light District has plenty of surprising sights to see. You'll delve into the old part of the city and take a tour to learn about the beginnings and workings of the Red Light District, so called because of the huge amount of red lights and neon that adorn its colourful shop windows.

During the 2 hours of this tour you will have at your disposal a Spanish-speaking guide who will show you the most interesting streets of this peculiar district full of art galleries, cafes and other less conventional businesses such as coffee shops, smart shops and sex shops that have given this place so much liberal fame.

Also, since this is the old part of the city, you will have the opportunity to see the architecture of the area, its curious leaning buildings, the winding 14th century cobbled streets and canals as well as some iconic monuments such as the Oude Kerk (the oldest church in Amsterdam) or several sculptures that normally go unnoticed by tourists.

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While it is true that as a tourist you can see the Red Light District on your own, any guided tour is always much more interesting, enjoyable and complete than doing it on your own.

A highlight of this guided tour is that it is done in a small group, with a maximum of 15 people, which means that you will visit the Red Light District at your own pace and without missing out on any of the details.

In addition, in a small group it is always easier to approach the guide and listen to his explanations than in a large group. You will also receive closer attention, because if you have any questions during the tour, they will be answered immediately.

During the tour you will walk through the streets of Amsterdam's Red Light District with a guide to learn about its origins and how prostitution works in Amsterdam, that is, its history, its present and the legislation that regulates it, as it has been legal in the Netherlands since 1911.

You will also discover how the sex shops, the museums with different themes in the neighbourhood, the piercing and tattoo shops and the coffee shops (places where the sale and consumption of marijuana is legal) came about. The guide will explain the country's attitude to marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms and other drugs and how they are regulated in the city.

Key points of the tour

Can I take pictures during the tour?

During the tour you will be able to take photos of the visit but not of the prostitutes in the shop windows as this is strictly forbidden. You could get into trouble with the City Council if they are aware that you are taking photos of them as a tourist attraction.

To make sure that the Red Light District rules are respected, police and social workers circulate around the neighbourhood to make sure that they are.

Is the Red Light District safe?

Although the area is notorious for prostitution, drugs and vice, it is generally safe to visit alone or with a group. However, as with all tourist sites in a major European city, it is advisable to be wary of pickpockets and not to venture into lonely, dark streets at night.

For the past few years, the City Council has been considering transforming the Red Light District: restoring its architecture, opening new hotels, restaurants and shops to restore some areas and avoid tourist overcrowding in others, while ensuring respect for the hard-working women of the Red Light District.

In this way, what was once a seedy part of the capital is becoming one of the hottest spots in the heart of Amsterdam.

Be cautious during the tour

This is a very liberal place but anyone behaving inappropriately towards prostitutes or residents of the Red Light District can be banned from the tour. Be careful with certain attitudes!

What to wear when visiting Amsterdam?

In winter, temperatures tend to be very low (the average is 2°C), cold winds and rain are common, so bring warm, waterproof clothing. In summer, temperatures are higher, so light, cooler fabrics are more comfortable, but it's still a good idea to pack a mackintosh for rainy, grey days.

For a walking tour of Amsterdam I recommend wearing comfortable shoes as you'll be walking up and down many streets for hours on end.

Prostitution is known as "the oldest profession in the world". Already in the Middle Ages, the city's brothels were run by the chief of police and his trusted people.

When Amsterdam became the world's first port and an important economic centre in the 16th century, it was here that many sailors and merchants came ashore and went to the "Speelhuis" (gambling and dancing houses) to seek female companionship after months of loneliness on the high seas.

Over time, the business became more lucrative until in the 17th century the first prostitute shop windows appeared, generating a great deal of excitement and attracting the attention of potential customers, as there was a lot of competition in the city centre.

Later, new regulations were introduced requiring prostitutes to register with the police for medical checks, which the government supervised in order to eradicate sexually transmitted diseases.

With the arrival of the railway, due to its central location and proximity to the central station, visitors travelling by train to Amsterdam frequented the Red Light District and it gradually built up the reputation it has today.

This tolerance and open-mindedness towards prostitution made it possible for the famous coffee shops to be set up in the neighbourhood, when in the 1960s and 1970s Holland revised its drug policy and became a pioneer in the legalisation of cannabis consumption in this type of establishment.

Once you have finished visiting Amsterdam's Red Light District, it is time to visit other interesting places in the city.

If you enjoyed the experience of a guided tour, I recommend you take a look at the post The best tours in Amsterdam where you will find more ideas to make the most of your trip to the Dutch capital.

On the other hand, if you haven't already done so, it's always a good time to relax and take a cruise along the canals of the 'Venice of the North' and enjoy the beautiful views. Find out more about this experience at Amsterdam Canal Cruises.

And if you'd prefer to round off your visit to Amsterdam with an excursion around the country, I suggest you read this article on The best excursions from Amsterdam for a selection of the coolest ones.