Looking for Amsterdam Red Light District map & Red Light District directions? Start your unforgettable journey with our free guide, the perfect key to exploring the city’s most famous area.
Discover the vibrant streets where history and modern allure meet, offering a captivating experience. Let’s begin your exploration of this iconic district together.
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Moulin Rouge in Amsterdam.
Our Local Guide’s Insights
Our local guides have spent years exploring every nook and cranny of the Red Light District, uncovering hidden gems and sharing fascinating stories with our guests.
We find that the district offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, entertainment, or simply soaking up the unique atmosphere.
From steamy red light windows to trendy bars or tantalising sex shows, the Red Light District has something for everyone.
The Red Light District maps listed below ensures you won’t miss a thing. Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a seasoned traveler, let us help you navigate this iconic neighborhood with confidence and excitement.
The alley next to coffeeshop The Bulldog.
The first Red Light District map below shows all window brothels located in this area of Amsterdam. Outlined in red is the official Red Light District of Amsterdam which is called “De Wallen” in Dutch. Our company’s red light logos represent addresses where window brothel buildings are located.
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There are currently a total of 201 window brothels in the Red Light District and approximately 350 sex workers in this area. The red light windows can be rented twice a day; during the daytime and nighttime. Most sex workers prefer to work during the nightshifts between 8 pm and 4 pm.
Amsterdam’s Oudezijds Achterburgwal.
Zoom in and out on the Amsterdam Red Light District Map below and discover the area digitally. Below, a Red Light District map dedicated to the best restaurants, the best bars, the best coffeeshops (cannabis cafes) and erotic entertainment can be found beneath the Red Light District map with window brothels.
Additionally it includes a third map containing the best hotels in Amsterdam Red Light District with direct links to make a reservation.
A window brothel on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal.
Window prostitution in Amsterdam was introduced from the 1950s. This form of sex work is also legal as long as the laws are followed and as long as it takes place in licensed window brothels. It’s something that is inextricably linked to Amsterdam and the liberal way of thinking of the Dutch.
Amsterdam has three Red Light District area’s. The Red Light District map below shows all the 288 window brothels of the so called ‘Wallen‘ area. The biggest and most famous Red Light District of the world.
On your mobile device: combine two fingers to scroll through the map.
© AmsterdamRedLightDistrictTour.com
The blue light district in Amsterdam during the daytime. Transgenders work here.
The blue light district in Amsterdam is an area within the Red Light District with several transgender sex workers. Some transgender prostitutes use blue lights in their window brothels to indicate that they are different as the female sex workers.
It concerns two or three streets in the Red Light District (De Wallen). It mainly concerns the Bloedstraat and the Gordijnensteeg.
Blue-lit windows in Amsterdam.
Most transgender sex workers in the blue light district (still) have their male genitals and are visited by men. In the Bloedstraat (in the so-called Blue Light District) are the window brothels with transgender sex workers as well as female prostitutes.
As local guides, we see the Blue Light District as a unique contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle. Despite its lively atmosphere, visitors can uncover a diverse community, including transgender sex workers, who play a significant role in its vibrancy.
More details can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions.
Learn everything about this fascinating area during a red light district tour with real stories from 22 experts. Download our Amsterdam Audio Stories app and become a real Amsterdam-connoisseur. You can listen to it at home or in the Red Light District of course. Get it via our website or directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
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Here below you can find an interactive Amsterdam Red Light District Map containing restaurants, bars, coffeeshops and sex shows.
Or, discover the best hookup sites and get a sex date in Holland.
Blue = Restaurants | Yellow = Bars & Cafes | Green = Coffeeshops | Red = Sex Shows
© AmsterdamRedLightDistrictTour.com
We listed the 10 best sex shows in Amsterdam for men and women. The overview contains all necessary details like opening hours, prices, photos and a description of the shows. The sex shows include strip clubs, a peep show, a 5D porn cinema, lap dance bars, erotic theaters and even male stripteases for women. We offer the best Moulin Rouge tickets online.
There’s even a male strip club in Amsterdam with male strippers who give amazing shows for women.
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The map below contains a selection of the 10 best hotels in Amsterdam Red Light District. This map offers both expensive and cheap hotels. In the surroundings of all these hotels you’ll find some of Amsterdam’s oldest buildings, great restaurants, fun bars and coffeeshops.
© AmsterdamRedLightDistrictTour.com
One of the main advantages of staying in the Red Light District is that it’s centrally located. It’s just a 10 minute walk from Central Station. Moreover there is always something to do in Amsterdam Red Light District!
Click on the button below if you want to see 10 hotels in different price categories.
10x RED LIGHT DISTRICT HOTELS >
All streets in Amsterdam Red Light District are described below.
Bloedstraat, Boomsteeg, Dollebegijnensteeg, Geldersekade, Heintje Hoeksteeg, Koestraat, Korte Niezel, Korte Stormsteeg, Lange Niezel, Molensteeg, Nieuwebrugsteeg, Nieuwmarkt, Oudezijds Armsteeg, Oudezijds Voorburgwal, Oudezijds Achterburgwal, Oudekerksplein, Oudekennissteeg, Papenbrugsteeg, Spooksteeg, Sint Jansstraat, Sint Annendwarsstraat, Trompettersteeg, Warmoesstraat, Zeedijk.
The Red Light District map has significantly changed in the last few decades. Especially during the last 10 years. In 2007, the City of Amsterdam started with a gentrification-plan called Project 1012, named after the zip code of the Red Light District.
This is the Trompettersteeg – Amsterdam’s most narrow alley.
The intention of Project 1012 was to change the neighbourhood, shatter supposed criminal infrastructure and gentrify the area. The local government spend millions of euros of tax money to buy out brothel owners, so that window brothels could be changed into fashion stores, art galleries, food shops, etc.
However, criminal practices were hardly found to be happening inside Amsterdam’s Red Light District but elsewhere in the Netherlands. For example; in illegal sex clubs, within the online prostitution business and in private houses. For those types of activities there aren’t any forms of regulated oversight or control like there is in Amsterdam’s Red Light District.
Moulin Rouge is one of the 10 sex shows in Amsterdam.
The City of Amsterdam wasn’t able to close down a single window brothel because of crime or illegality. The only thing they could do to bring down the number of window brothels was to buy the expensive city centre property and close down window brothels that way.
This expensive policy costed the Dutch taxpayer 108 million euro. Through these measures, the municipality of Amsterdam was able to close down a total of 126 window brothels around Amsterdam Red Light District since 2007, thus significantly altering the Red Light District map.
Currently there are 201 window brothels left in Amsterdam’s Red Light District and approximately 350 sex workers.
The main street in De Wallen has windows on both sides. It contains most of the sex shows too.
Yes, it’s safe! During your visit you’ll notice that’s safe here. You’ll see that it’s not dirty and not seedy.
The police, enforcers and hosts of the city are often visibly present in this neighborhood. In addition, there are also 50 police cameras present and there is a lot of social control from all the millions of yearly visitors and the 4,305 local residents. (source)
Learn more about Amsterdam’s most fascinating area and hear stories of 22 experts.
Historians, sex workers, police officiers, entrepreneurs and other experts explain everything you need to know about the Red Light District. Download the Amsterdam Audio Tours App now!
GET THE APP >Getting to the Red Light District in Amsterdam is easy.
If you come by train, walk south from Amsterdam Central Station for about 10 minutes. Go towards Dam Square and then turn onto Warmoesstraat.
You will see the Red Light District there. If you take the tram, get off at Dam Square. Trams number 4, 14, and 24 stop here. It’s a short walk to the district from there.
Driving a car to the Red Light District is not a good idea. The streets are very busy and there’s not much parking. The closest parking place is Parking Centrum Oosterdok.
Walking is the best way to see the Red Light District. You can see the old buildings and the famous red lights better. Remember, this place is special because it shows Amsterdam’s history and open culture. Walking around lets you see and feel all of this.
Exploring Amsterdam’s Red Light District offers a blend of history and modern attractions. Besides the famous window brothels and vibrant nightlife, there’s a plethora of activities suitable for all ages. For a comprehensive guide on exciting activities tailored for younger visitors, including trendy bars, unique museums, and more, visit our list of things to do in Amsterdam for young adults.
Directions to Amsterdam’s Red Light District:
Public Transport:
The Red Light District is a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station. Exit the station from the main entrance and head south on Damrak towards Dam Square.
Continue walking for about 5 minutes until you reach the Beurs van Berlage, a large historical building. From there, turn left onto Warmoesstraat, which leads directly into the heart of the Red Light District. The walk takes approximately 10 minutes.
The main part of Amsterdam’s Red Light District, known as De Wallen, is located in the city center, close to Dam Square and Amsterdam Central Station. It spans several streets and alleys, primarily around Oudezijds Achterburgwal and Oudezijds Voorburgwal canals. This area is famous for its neon-lit windows, historic buildings, and vibrant nightlife. It’s easily accessible by walking from Central Station or by taking trams 4, 9, 16, 24, or 26 to Dam Square.
Best Times to Visit Amsterdam’s Red Light District
Parking in Amsterdam can be tricky; however, dedicated parking areas near the district are identified. The best approach is to use Park and Ride services, located on the outskirts, then transit into the city. For bike enthusiasts, rental options abound near the district. Secure bike parking spots are also well-marked, ensuring safety for your two-wheeled companion.
The nearest tram stop to the Red Light District is “Dam Square.” Trams 4, 14, and 24 stop here. From Dam Square, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the Red Light District. Head east along Damstraat, and you’ll find yourself entering the area. For bus-users, the “Amsterdam, Dam” stop is also conveniently located near Dam Square, serving several bus routes.
While it’s possible to reach the Red Light District by car, driving is not recommended due to limited parking and busy traffic. However, if you choose to drive, the closest parking facility is Parking Centrum Oosterdok, near Amsterdam Central Station. From there, you can walk to the Red Light District in about 10 minutes. Remember, the streets in the district are narrow and mainly pedestrianized, so walking is the best way to explore the area.
Getting lost can be managed easily. First, stay calm. Local businesses and cafes are friendly to tourists; asking for directions is recommended. Additionally, police and information kiosks are present to assist visitors. Returning to a known landmark or using a digital map can also help in reorienting yourself.
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65x Amsterdam Red Light District FAQ’s