15x Must See in Amsterdam Red Light District in 2024
Posted on: December 1, 2024
Top 15 Must See in Amsterdam Red Light District
A must-see in Amsterdam Red Light District tops the list when visiting this iconic city. You don’t want to miss the highlights and have a less-than-stellar experience, right?
Imagine hearing friends talk about an unforgettable spot they visited in Amsterdam, and you missed out! Here’s the solution: an overview of the top 15 must-sees in Amsterdam’s Red Light District.
Two of the red light district windows in Amsterdam Red Light District.
1 | Sex Shows
Step into the bold and liberating world of Amsterdam’s famous sex shows, a highlight of the city’s liberal culture. Explore Amsterdam’s famously progressive attitudes towards sex through vivid live performances, showcasing a unique blend of artistry and adult entertainment renowned for its boldness and creativity. While there, absorb the historic ambiance of the Red Light District, one of Amsterdam’s oldest and most infamous areas, rich in history and character. Feel the excitement of experiencing provocative and boundary-pushing performances in one of the most iconic and vibrant neighborhoods. Add this unique and enlightening experience to your Amsterdam itinerary. Book your tickets early to ensure you witness this unforgettable part of the city’s cultural heritage.
A visit to the Red Light District isn’t complete without visiting one of the sex shows in Amsterdam. We’d recommend visiting Moulin Rouge.
The Moulin Rouge in Amsterdam’s Red Light District is a historic adult entertainment venue, known for its burlesque shows and racy atmosphere. Tourists should see it for a glimpse into Amsterdam’s controversial and legendary nightlife. The venue has a rich history, having been in operation since the late 19th century, and has become a well-known landmark in the Red Light District. Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere with engaging performances from talented dancers and musicians. Although not for everyone, the Moulin Rouge in Amsterdam’s Red Light District offers a unique and memorable experience that provides a window into the city’s notorious and vibrant nightlife scene.
For those who’re into exciting shows, tickets to Moulin Rouge in Amsterdam should be high on your list. One of the best decisions you can make when purchasing tickets is to buy them online ahead of time. Online tickets come with several advantages over getting tickets at the door; most importantly, they guarantee entry into the show: just print off your tickets and go! And if that wasn’t enough, tickets purchased online are great as a gift for your friend, partner or colleague! So don’t miss out on a great opportunity; save yourself some hassle and purchase tickets to Moulin Rouge online today!
2 | Window Brothels
The windows brothels are definitely a must see in Amsterdam Red Light District.
The best must see in Amsterdam Red Light District is of course a window brothel, or 288 window brothels if you’re lucky enough to find them all. Amsterdam and prostitution are inextricably linked. Prostitution has been legal in the Dutch capital since 1811 and prostitution has always taken place in De Wallen area. This is one of the few places on earth where you can see this. Learn more about this unique part of the Netherlands during a Red Light District with a licensed guide or with the Amsterdam Red Light District Tour app.
Discover the Amsterdam Red Light District map with all window brothels. It also contains great bars, hotels and coffeeshops. Do you want to see it?
YES, SHOW ME THE MAP!3 | Coffeeshops
The first cannabis shops in the world are definitely a must see in Amsterdam.
Cannabis coffeeshops in Amsterdam’s Red Light District are a unique feature of the city’s liberal drug policy and are popular destinations for tourists. Visitors should see them to experience Amsterdam’s relaxed attitude towards marijuana consumption and to learn about the city’s progressive drug policies. Coffeeshops offer a comfortable and safe environment for adults to purchase and consume cannabis products. They also provide an opportunity to learn about the various strains of marijuana and the different forms it can be consumed, such as through edibles, vaporizers, or traditional smoking methods. With their unique atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, cannabis coffeeshops in Amsterdam’s Red Light District offer a one-of-a-kind experience for those interested in learning about the city’s progressive stance on drug use. Amsterdam has 164 coffeeshops. The first one was founded in 1972. Back in the 1990’s there used be over 400 coffeeshops in the Dutch capital.
We asked more than 200 frequent coffeeshop visitors which coffeeshop they think is the best coffeeshop in town. This resulted into a list of 10 best coffeeshops in Amsterdam. Are you curious which received the most votes?
SHOW ME! >4 | Condomerie
Since 1987, this shop sells condoms only.
The first shop in the world completely dedicated to condoms. The idea came to the owners at the start of outbreak of the HIV-Aids epidemic in the 1980’s. They were of the opinion that the public needed a store with professional staff that could give advice on condoms. At the time you could already buy condoms at pharmacy but there were too few option, hardly any choice or any good information. Thus the Condomerie was born and it is a featured highlight on our Red Light District tour. Theodoor van Boven is the founder of the Condomerie and one of the 22 experts in the app Amsterdam Audio Tours.
GET THE APP >5 | Old Church Amsterdam
Religious or not. De Oude Kerk is a must see in Amsterdam!
Amsterdam’s oldest building the Old Church stands proudly between the window brothels and coffeeshops. This church dates back to the founding of Amsterdam. The first records of the church come from the year 1213. A lot has happened since then and the church has undergone numerous reconstructions and a switch from Catholicism to protestantism. The wooden ceiling, which is the largest of its type in Europe, is made from Estonian oak and dates back to 1390. Very special!
6 | Narrow Alleys
Nine windows in Amsterdam’s most narrow alley.
The Red Light District is home to the narrowest alley in Amsterdam. At its narrowest point this alley is just 1 meter wide. Besides being very narrow it also has nine window brothels so this is quite an intimate experience.
DISCOVER RED LIGHT DISTRICT >7 | The Waag
Amsterdam’s second oldest building.
The 15th century former city gate still stands beautifully at the center of the Nieuwmarkt Square. The building has had many different functions throughout its life. These include being a guild house, a museum, a fire station an anatomical theatre, and currently it’s The Waag Restaurant. Rembrandt even made one of his art works here. The famous painting by Rembrandt called “The anatomical lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulip” shows an anatomical dissection taking place inside The Waag.
8 | FEBO
FEBO is Holland’s most famous snack-bar with typical Dutch food.
Food lovers pay attention. This is the most iconic snack-bar in the Netherlands. FEBO is a popular Dutch fast food chain known for its automated vending machines that serve up delicious and affordable snacks and meals. Tourists should visit FEBO because it offers a unique dining experience and a taste of authentic Dutch cuisine. With its convenient locations and 24/7 availability, FEBO is a great option for those looking for a quick bite or a late-night snack. Its iconic yellow and red vending machines, which dispense classic Dutch treats like kroketten (croquettes) and frikandellen (fried sausages), are a must-try for anyone visiting the Netherlands.
Walk on in and pull a deep fried snack from the automatique. Try out local delicacies like the kroket – a breaded deep fried cow or veal meat ragout which is super crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside.
9 | Amsterdam 5D Cinema
The 5D Porn Cinema next to the church, window brothels and a day-care.
The first 5d Porn Cinema in the world! This truly unique experience is a must for those who want to have a laugh. Inside the theatre you take a seat in moving chairs as a 3d porn movie is projected on the screen. The movie is about someone who visits the Red Light District for the first time. A plethora of other effects including wind, foam and water are then added in sync to the pictures on screen. This is a fun ride that you can only experience Amsterdam.
BUY TICKETS >10 | Our Lord In The Attic
The last hidden church is definitely a must see in Amsterdam.
A hidden church museum right in the middle of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. This church is located in the attic of a completely restored 17th century canal house. This little hidden church is a great symbol of tolerance in Amsterdam. Back in those days celebrating mass was forbidden, but in the case of hidden churches they were tolerated. This museum is a must for those who’d like to see the inside of an old canal house and learn about world famous Dutch tolerance. You can find more information or buy your tickets via the link below:
BUY TICKETS >11 | Museum Of Prostitution
Red Light Secrets on the famous Amsterdam Red Light District street.
Ever wondered what a brothel looks like from the inside? The Red Light Secrets museum is actually a repurposed former brothel. Inside you get to see the many different luxurious rooms. You even get the option to sit in a Red Light District window brothel. Try and find out if any of the passer-byes are interested in your flirting-skills.
12 | Chinatown
Amsterdam, Red Light District, Zeedijk.
Amsterdam has its very own little Chinatown. It was first established in the year 1911 and is the oldest Chinese neighbourhood on European soil. Since the year 2000 the area has had a Fo Guang Shan He Hua Tempel which is the largest Chinese style religious building in Europe. Visit this temple for free!
Besides this highlight this is the place you want to be for asian food. All types of Asian restaurants can be found in this area including Thai, Indonesian, Japanese and Malaysian food.
13 | Sex Worker Statue
Belle statue. Respect sex workers all over the world.
There are only two places in the world where there are statues for sex workers and one of them is in the middle of Amsterdam Red Light District – just next to The Old Church. The Dutch are quite tolerant and open-minded. Just two reasons why you can find this sex worker statue here, right in the old city centre.
14 | Amsterdam’s Oldest House
On one of the oldest streets in the capital you can find the oldest house. Funny thing is is that this house was only discovered to be the oldest house back in 2010. The old house with a wooden skeleton dates back to 1485 but stands hidden behind a facade dating back to 1800. Before this discovery the wooden house at the Begijnhof was considered to be the oldest house in Amsterdam. Amsterdam’s oldest house is currently functioning as a gay club named Dirty Dicks.
Or try the Frikandel, a minced meat deep fried snack that can be covered in a sauce of your liking. Tip: try it with mayonaise, curry and unions.
15 | Street Art
One of the many boobs you can see in the Red Light District.
De Wallen is filled with street art from graffiti to actual bronze items. This bronze plaque was placed secretly at night on the street of the Oudekerksplein. After noise complaints from the neighbourhood from people stepping on the plaque it was removed by the municipality. The secret artist came forward and a deal was struck with the municipality. The plaque was placed at another spot and the artist remains anonymous.
We made a great app that offers a Red Light District tour with audio from 22 experts who share their expertise about Amsterdam. This piece of street art is one of the 30 highlights. The app contains almost two hour of audio with beautiful picture and cost just 5 euro. You can list to it at home or in De Wallen. Do you want to learn more about Amsterdam?
De Wallen Amsterdam
First of all, some basic information: De Wallen – the Dutch name for the Amsterdam’s Red Light District – is the oldest and most fascinating part of Holland’s capital. And, it’s one of the three prostitution areas in the capital. The other two are located on the Ruysdaelkade and the Singel and the Spuistraat.
The Dutch liberal and open-minded culture can be seen everywhere in the Red Light District. Only here you can see a church that’s surrounded by window brothels with sex workers, coffee shops, beautiful houses and a 5d porn cinema with a daycare next door.
Amsterdam’s oldest canal.
This list contains 15 must see in Amsterdam Red Light District items that everyone will like. Whether you’re into architecture, art, Dutch culture, history, religion, food or (erotic) entertainment. There’s really something for everyone. It’s not without reason that more than 4000 people from different parts of society live in this part of town.
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