10 Do's and Don'ts For The Red Light District of Amsterdam
Posted on: January 1, 2024
Top 10 Amsterdam Red Light District Do’s & Don’ts
If you’re going to visit Holland’s capital then you should not miss the Red Light District. It’s the most interesting part in town and it represents the liberal & openminded Dutch culture.
Nowhere else in the world one can find window brothels in opposite of a church, sex workers just behind a Buddhistic temple or a store where they display all kinds of condoms in the window.
Before you go to ‘De Wallen‘ you don’t want to breach Amsterdam social etiquette. If you want to blend in like a local when exploring the capital, keep these 10 Amsterdam Red Light District Do’s and Don’ts in mind.
This is the most narrow alley in Amsterdam.
10 Do’s in Amsterdam Red Light District
1 | Download this Amsterdam app, listen to real stories of 22 experts and become a Red Light District connoisseur.
2 | Be respectful towards the sex workers.
3 | When visiting a prostitute; make clear agreements upfront and pay in advance.
4 | Do experience the Museum of Prostitution. It’s fun and interesting!
5 | Do check out world’s first specialised condom shop: The Condomerie. Founded in 1987.
Cafe Aen ‘t Water in the Red Light District of Amsterdam.
6 | Do have a drink in Cafe In ‘t Aepjen, Cafe Aen ‘t Water or Mata Hari – traditional Dutch bars where you can meet locals.
7 | Do check out Chinatown in the Red Light District.
8 | Do enter the oldest building of Amsterdam, The Old Church.
9 | Do see the Nieuwmarkt and The Waag.
10 | Do experience one of the sex shows in Amsterdam
The Old Church Square with ‘De Oude Kerk‘ left and window brothels right.
10 Don’ts in Amsterdam Red Light District
1 | Do not take pictures of sex workers! Sure you may photograph the streets or canals but do not takes pictures of the prostitutes in Amsterdam. They all want to stay anonymous because most of them have not told their family or friends about their profession. Please respect that.
2 | Don’t stare at sex workers. That’s rude! Rather smile politely.
3 | Don’t cause noise disturbance (after 11 pm). Think of the residents in the Red Light District. More than 4000 people live here.
4 | Don’t stand too long in front of the window brothels. Especially if you don’t want to go inside. It’s rude to block the business of the sex workers and they might get annoyed if you do so.
5 | Don’t throw rubbish on the streets or into the canals. It’s disrespectful, bad for the environment and you will be fined. Please check Amsterdam Red Light District Laws for further information.
The Oudezijds Achterburgwal attracts most of the visitors.
6 | Don’t combine magic truffles with alcohol or marijuana.
7 | Don’t drink alcohol on the street. A fine will cost you 95 euros.
8 | Don’t buy drugs from street dealers. They (mostly) sell fake-drugs. Moreover, it’s illegal!
9 | Don’t use the streets as a public toilet. You’ll be fined. Rather go to Sexy Loo – a toilet that look like regular red light window brothels.
10 | Don’t have unprotected sex with prostitutes. Sex workers in Amsterdam Red Light District do not even allow this. For them safety is more important than money. So do not even think of asking this.
The same goes for Amsterdam escorts. In general, they do not allow sex without contraceptives.
One of the many alleys with window brothels in Amsterdam.
Do you still have unanswered questions about the Red Light District in Amsterdam? Please discover the FAQ page.
ALSO READ:
10 Amsterdam Red Light District Hotels
13 Amsterdam Red Light District Laws
2 Responses to 10 Do's and Don'ts For The Red Light District of Amsterdam
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I’d like to take a tour with a guide when my family an I are in Amstserdam. It would be my husband 50, me Mom 40 and our 20 yr old son, Tyler
We’re traveling to Amsterdam via Thalys train on July 3 and aren’t sure which area is best to stay in. Can you recommend an area in which we should call base camp in a hotel?
We’d definitely like to see the red light district and hit up a coffe/cannibis shop along with other secret spots. Also, how much for a tour and what times are available on July 3 or 4?
Thanks
Useful list indeed! Your website is really helpful. Will definitely book a tour when corona is over. Cheerio!