Red Light District Travel Guide

Amsterdam

Red Light District
Red Light District
Red Light District
Red Light District
Red Light District showing a bridge, a city and a river or creek

For at least 600 years, locals, sailors and travellers have come to this part of Amsterdam for adult entertainment in the many bars, brothels and eateries.

Amsterdam’s historic Red Light District is called De Wallen (embankments), four of which make up this neighborhood. Visitors are often surprised to see that during the day De Wallen looks much like the rest of the inner city with cobblestone streets, narrow gabled houses and cozy cafés. Both the red lights and women displayed in windows become visible after dark. Go with an open mind if you are curious about this notorious adult entertainment district between Dam Square and China Town.

Sailors from all over the world have flocked to De Wallen since the early 1400s and these days prostitution is a legalized industry in Holland. The Dutch policy of “if you decriminalize it, you can make it safer” is also true for marijuana and hashish, which are sold in small quantities in the local coffee shops and bars.

The Red Light District is dominated by the 13th-century Old Church (Oude Kerk), one of Amsterdam’s earliest stone buildings. Step inside to see impressive decorations. Check out the statue of Belle outside, depicting a prostitute in a doorway, with a sign asking to “respect sex workers all over the world.”

While locals walk through De Wallen as if it’s just like any other neighborhood, most tourists can’t help gaping at the narrow windows displaying sparsely dressed women under red lights. Hundreds of women of many different nationalities try to sell their services by winking and gesturing at passers-by. Adult shops, sex museums and neon-lit erotic shows draw in curious — sometimes giggling — groups of sightseers. Be aware that these shows leave nothing to the imagination.

To get to the Red Light District, either walk from Central Station or Dam Square. De Wallen is a well-policed area, safer than some other parts of the city. Even still, pickpockets, beggers and drug addicts sometimes target unaware tourists. Be aware that it’s considered offensive to take photographs of the windows with prostitutes. To avoid confrontation, only point your camera at the general action on the streets and the buildings, instead of specific people, to capture the atmosphere.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Red Light District

Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center

Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center

4.5 out of 5
Rusland 17, Amsterdam
The price is £197 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
£197
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,025 reviews)
"Check in was a breeze that you Gonzolas"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center
Rho Hotel

Rho Hotel

3 out of 5
Nes 5-23, Amsterdam
The price is £110 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£110
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,032 reviews)
Location location location
"Clean room, a/c worked well. No noise from the street. Very good location"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Rho Hotel
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam

Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam

5 out of 5
Dam 9, Amsterdam
The price is £326 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
£326
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"The most amazing restaurant the white room the most memorable meal in my life"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam
Hotel Old Quarter

Hotel Old Quarter

2.5 out of 5
Warmoesstraat 22, Amsterdam
The price is £92 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£92
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"The view from the windows was excellent with the canal, exquisite architecture, nearby public transport, and shopping/restaurants. The front staff was friendly, helpful and spoke excellent English."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Hotel Old Quarter
Hotel Luxer

Hotel Luxer

3 out of 5
Warmoesstraat 11, Amsterdam
The price is £124 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
£124
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Walking distance to the central train station made for a quick and easy departure from Amsterdam."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Hotel Luxer
Hotel & bar Royal taste Amsterdam

Hotel & bar Royal taste Amsterdam

2 out of 5
47 Oudezijds Achterburgwal, Amsterdam, NH
The price is £119 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£119
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Dam Square and Van Gogh Museum are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (24 reviews)
"The bartender/check in dude Jack was awesome. Helpful in every way. Held our bags etc. This is a convenient location and for the price it's a decent option. I was traveling with teens so be aware that the downstairs bar is lively and the location adjoins the red light district. Not unsafe but a bit ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Hotel & bar Royal taste Amsterdam
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Red Light District

Dam Square showing a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

Old Town Amsterdam

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Old Town Amsterdam. Top attractions like Dam Square and Warmoesstraat are major draws. Catch the metro at Dam Stop or Nieuwezijds Kolk Stop to see more of the city.

Old Town Amsterdam
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Amsterdam City Centre

4.5/5(2,168 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Amsterdam City Centre. Top attractions like Dam Square and Nieuwmarkt Square are major draws. Catch the metro at Nieuwmarkt Station or Waterlooplein Station to see more of the city.

Amsterdam City Centre
Amsterdam featuring a river or creek, street scenes and a city

Binnenstad

If you're spending time in Binnenstad, check out sights like Dam Square or National Monument and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dam Stop or Paleisstraat Tram Stop.

Binnenstad
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Nieuwmarkt en Lastage

If you're spending time in Nieuwmarkt en Lastage, check out sights like Nemo Science Museum or Nieuwmarkt Square and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Nieuwmarkt Station or Mr. Visserplein Stop.

Nieuwmarkt en Lastage
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Grachtengordel-West

While you're in Grachtengordel-West, take in top sights like Herengracht Canal or Prinsengracht, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Westermarkt Stop or Koningsplein Stop.

Grachtengordel-West
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Grachtengordel-Zuid

While you're in Grachtengordel-Zuid, take in top sights like Reguliersdwarsstraat or Flower Market, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Muntplein Tram Stop or Rembrandtplein Stop.

Grachtengordel-Zuid


Red Light District Travel Guide

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