Where is Red Light district located in Amsterdam? When is it open? Red Light district rules, prices, things to do and NOT to do at the Red Light district in Amsterdam.
The Red Light District (or “De Wallen”) is the oldest part of Amsterdam. It’s famous for its vibrant atmosphere, coffee shops and strip club, as well as the red windows that display sex workers offering their services. It’s definitely a must visit during your trip to Amsterdam!
Visiting Amsterdam? Plan your trip
- Arriving to Amsterdam by plane? You can travel from the airport to the city center by train or bus.
- There are numerous nice hotels in Amsterdam for every taste. We recommend Ambassade hotel, Andaz Prinsengracht and other hotels on the canal belt of Amsterdam.
- Travel by public transport in Amsterdam with an unlimited pass for 1-7 days. With Amsterdam Travel ticket you can also travel from the airport.
- Plan your door-to-door trips with the Glimble app for iOS or Android.
- Alternatively buy the I amsterdam city card, which includes city transport, museums entrance, canal cruise and bike rental.
- Check out the things to do in Amsterdam and book museum tickets in advance.
- Make your trip to the Netherlands complete by visiting Giethoorn (the Dutch Venice), Volendam and Zaanse Schans.
Red Light District: how to get there?
The Red Light district is located between the Warmoesstraat and the Zeedijk, on and around the Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal and the Old Church (Oude Kerk). It’s easy to find and to visit even during a short transit stay in Amsterdam.
Red Light District main streets: Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal.
How to get to the Red Light District? De Wallen district is within a walking distance from Amsterdam Centraal Station. But if you are travelling from another place in the Netherlands, use the free Glimble planner app to plan the route to the Red Light district:
Red Light District on the map of Amsterdam
Red Light District in Amsterdam: things to do
The Red Light district in mainly known for the legal prostitution and coffeeshops that sell cannabis. Today Amsterdam’s Red Light District has 290 window brothels and 14 coffeeshops, including two of Amsterdam’s oldest ones. There are also numerous lively pubs, strip clubs, peep shows and a sex theater.
The starting price for negotiations with Amsterdam window prostitutes is usually €100 for 15 to 20 minutes.
The Red Light District also has a number of live sex shows, sex shops, strip clubs, a prostitution museum, a cannabis museum. The oldest erotic theatre in the area is Casa Rosso.
Here you can also find a Statue named Belle dedicated to sex workers in Amsterdam. The inscription on this statue says Respect sex workers all over the world.
Nearby there is also a and bronze relief of a hand caressing a female breast, made and placed by an unknown artist.
More things to do:
- join an Amsterdam Red Light District & Coffee Shop Tour. Check availability >>
- discover the secrets of Amsterdam’s most famous high-end sex club, Bonton with a former sex worker as a guide. Please note that Bonton is not located in the Red Light District. You will find them in an exclusive brothel in a discreet canal house next to the Heineken Experience. Check availability >>
- join the Amsterdam Red Light District walking tour with an expert and learn a lot about this iconic area of Amsterdam. Book Red Light walking tour here>>
Cultural tip!
Visit the Old Church, the oldest building in Amsterdam (Oudekerksplein 23, right in the heart of the Red light district), which often hosts art exhibitions inside, and Our Lord in the Attic Museum (Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38 – 40), a typical 17th century house with a hidden secret: a chapel that served as a Catholic church for over 200 years.
Photo: the Old Church
Photos: Our Lord in the Attic Museum
Red Light Secrets, Museum of Prostitution
The Red Light Secrets, Museum of Prostitution is located in a famous brothel in Amsterdam which is still in its original state. You’ll even get a chance to sit behind the window to experience what it is really like to be watched from the streets.
Is Prostitution Legal in the Netherlands?
Yes, prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, with the exception of street prostitution. The brothels in the Netherlands became legal in the year 2000.
Nowadays prostitution is regarded as an official profession. The prostitutes must pay income tax, rent and follow applicable regulations like people in any other job.
Red Light District opening hours: best time to visit
The Red Light District is open 24/7. There is no entrance or exit to this area, it can be visited any time. The window brothels are only closed for 2 hours a day between 6:00 and 8:00. However it’s definitely more spectacular, alive and vibrant during the evening time and at night, after the dark.
Red Light District rules: what is legal and what is not?
Every year approximately 5,4 million tourists visit the Red Light District. And everybody is welcome to experience this unique part of Amsterdam. But there are a few rules every visitor has to follow.
Important: new rules in the Red Light Distict! Starting from 25 May 2023 cannabis smoking ban came into effect in the Red Light District, Dam Square, the Damrak and the Nieuwenmarkt in Amsterdam. You’re not allowed to smoke weed in public here. Potential fine for smoking marijuana is € 100.
Please keep in mind, this is a residential area and a place where people live and work. You are welcome to visit their workplace, but behave, treat them with respect, treat them like you would like to be treated.
1. It is strictly forbidden to take photos or film women behind their windows. Be careful: if you try to take a photo, working women can become very aggressive.
2. Do not drink alcohol out in public spaces, you can get a fine of € 95.
3. Do not leave trash in the streets or canals.
4. Be respectful to the women, don’t tap on the windows or stay near the window for too long.
5. Watch out for pickpockets, as this is almost always a crowded area.
Is it safe in the Red Light District?
Yes, the Red Light District us a safe and well-controlled area of the city, with numerous policemen and bodyguards always on duty. Apart from pickpockets, is not a dangerous place to visit.
Hotels located directly in the Red Light District can also be a good place to stay for visitors looking to explore Amsterdam’s heart of night entertainment.
Enjoy your visit to the Red Light District in Amsterdam!
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This article is also available in German: Rotlichtviertel in Amsterdam
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those prices are outdated.
starting price for negotiations is 100€ for 20 minutes
Thanks for the update! Looks like the Red light district industry was also hit by inflation.