How Many People Visit Amsterdam Red Light District?
Posted on: January 1, 2025
Amsterdam Red Light District visitors are often discussed, but how many people actually visit the area each year? With ongoing policy changes and evolving tourism patterns, understanding who visits—and why—is more relevant than ever. This article explores the latest data, trends, and insights shaping one of Amsterdam’s most visited neighborhoods.
1. How Many People Visit Amsterdam’s Red Light District Each Year?
The Amsterdam Red Light District, or De Wallen, attracts an estimated 8 to 10 million visitors annually 1. It remains one of the most visited places in the Netherlands, drawing a diverse mix of international tourists, students, journalists, and curious locals.
Research by NBTC Holland Marketing (the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions) and the City of Amsterdamhas shown that nearly half of all tourists who visit the city also explore the Red Light District 2. The busiest months are between April and October, especially during weekends and holidays.
Amsterdam as a whole welcomes 20+ million visitors each year 3. That means almost 1 in every 2 tourists ends up walking through De Wallen—whether it’s for sightseeing, nightlife, history, or cultural reasons.
Key takeaway: The Red Light District remains a major tourist magnet, rivalling other iconic attractions like the Rijksmuseum or Anne Frank House.
2. How Visitor Numbers Have Changed Over Time?
Over the past 20 years, the number of Red Light District visitors has shifted in response to public policy, global events, and changing tourism trends.
In the early 2000s, liberal policies and rising global travel caused a sharp increase in tourist traffic. By 2018, Amsterdam officials warned that mass tourism was overwhelming the city, especially in De Wallen. In response, several reforms were introduced:
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2020: Guided tours in front of sex workers’ windows were officially banned 4
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2020–2021: COVID-19 travel restrictions led to a dramatic drop in visitors
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2023: A new campaign called “Stay Away” targeted rowdy, nuisance tourists 5
Since the easing of pandemic restrictions, visitor numbers have rebounded. However, tourism is still being carefully regulated. For example, city officials recently voted to move window prostitution out of the city center to a new “erotic center” elsewhere in Amsterdam 6.
Key takeaway: Policy changes and social awareness are actively reshaping the way tourists experience the Red Light District.
3. What Do Visitors Actually Do in the Red Light District?
Many people assume that tourists visit De Wallen primarily for sex-related reasons—but the data says otherwise.
According to a 2021 report by the City of Amsterdam, most visitors come out of curiosity, for historical exploration, or simply to experience one of Europe’s most famous neighborhoods 2. Popular activities include:
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Discovering sex shows like Moulin Rouge Amsterdam, Sex Palace Peep Show, Bananenbar or Amsterdam 5D cinema
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Visiting cultural sites like the Oude Kerk (Old Church) and the Red Light Secrets Museum
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Exploring nearby coffee shops, bars, and late-night eateries
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Taking photos of the canals, architecture, and narrow alleys
Only a minority of visitors actually engage in paid sexual services. In fact, the number of tourists visiting windows has declined as awareness grows and the city promotes more ethical, educational tourism.
Key takeaway: Most tourists are not there to buy sex—they’re there to learn, explore, and experience something culturally unique.
Economic and Cultural Impact of Tourism in the Area
Tourism in the Red Light District significantly contributes to Amsterdam’s economy. Visitors to the district spend an average of €182, slightly higher than the city’s average tourist expenditure of €150. This spending supports local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and cultural institutions.Skift+1Skift+1
However, the influx of tourists has also raised concerns among residents. Issues such as overcrowding, noise pollution, and the commercialization of historic areas have sparked debates about the sustainability of current tourism levels. In December 2024, residents protested against mass tourism, highlighting challenges like inflated real estate prices and diminished quality of life. Latest news & breaking headlines
Balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation remains a complex challenge for city officials, as they strive to maintain the district’s unique character while addressing the concerns of its inhabitants.
5. Future Outlook: Safety, Regulation & Responsible Tourism
Amsterdam is in the middle of a major transformation. In recent years, officials have taken steps to balance tourism with quality of life for residents, while still allowing visitors to enjoy the city responsibly.
Key initiatives include:
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New laws banning smoking cannabis on the streets of De Wallen (2023) 8
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Earlier closing times for bars, clubs, and sex work venues
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Relocation of sex work to a proposed “erotic center” outside the city center 6
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives like the “Stay Away” campaign aim to discourage disruptive behavior among tourists. The St Andrews Economist+2Skift+2Wikipedia+2
