Red Light District

Amsterdam
Red Light District
Visit this historic and famous area of Amsterdam, known for its many bars, brothels and adult entertainment venues.

Amsterdam’s Red Light District, De Wallen, has attracted travellers, locals and sailors for over 600 years with its offering of adult-only entertainment. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination as it symbolises the celebrated liberal attitudes and forward-thinking politics that characterise Dutch society. An open mind and common sense is all you need to bring with you to enjoy this area of the city.

Many visitors are surprised to find that De Wallen is actually one of the most beautiful parts of Amsterdam. Situated between Chinatown and Dam Square, the narrow cobbled streets are lined with charming gabled houses and cosy cafés. The area is home to the Oude Kerk, the Old Church, the city’s oldest stone building dating back to the early 13th century. Since March 2007, the bronze statue named Belle has stood outside the church, depicting the female figure of a prostitute standing in a doorway.

Ever since the 15th century, De Wallen has historically drawn many visitors, tempted by its notoriety. Prostitution, with the exception soliciting on the street, is a legalised industry in Holland nowadays, in line with the belief that “if you decriminalise it, you make it safer”. Regulations as well as taxation are now imposed on the city’s sex workers. Marijuana and hashish have also been treated with the same policy, and you can purchase small quantities for on-site consumption in the district’s many coffee shops.

The famous red-light windows displaying the many women only become truly visible after dark. Most locals barely acknowledge this spectacle, but you will always be able to spot the many groups of tourists gawping at the scantily-clad figures. Interspersed amongst these windows, you’ll come across all varieties of venues offering erotic shows, adult shops and sex museums. Should you choose to step in, be aware that these venues live up to their reputation!

De Wallen is a relatively safe area with a large police presence. However, do watch out for pickpockets that target tourists in crowded areas. Don’t take photos of individual women either, as this is considered to be offensive. The Red Light District is just a short walk from either Central Station or Dam Square.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Red Light District

This Hostel
This Hostel
2 out of 5
Warmoesstraat 14, Amsterdam, North Holland Province
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM413 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM413
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this hostel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (119 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

This Hostel
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam
5 out of 5
Dam 9, Amsterdam
The price is RM1,271 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
RM1,271
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy breakfast, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Anne Frank House and Dam Square ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam
Hotel Continental Amsterdam
Hotel Continental Amsterdam
1 out of 5
Damrak 40-41, Amsterdam
The price is RM423 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
RM423
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
5.6/10 (587 reviews)
"Staff very helpful, rooms basic but very clean, very central location. Steep stairs might not suit everyone. I will stay here again."

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2024

Hotel Continental Amsterdam
Hotel Old Quarter
Hotel Old Quarter
2 out of 5
Warmoesstraat 22, Amsterdam
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM563 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM563
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (998 reviews)
"Near the Amsterdam Central Station. Nearby restaurants. Great location. Stairs are a little hard to climb and rooms aren’t as big. However, water heater is excellent."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2024

Hotel Old Quarter
Hotel CC
Hotel CC
3 out of 5
Warmoesstraat 42, Amsterdam
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM595 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM595
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Hotel is located in ideal place in the heart of it all. Outside is very busy but it’s so quiet in the hotel it’s lovely. The room was lovely a clean and the bed is complete heaven just want you need after a lovey walk about. Hotel staff are very welcoming and friendly would come here again."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Hotel CC
Rho Hotel
Rho Hotel
3 out of 5
Nes 5-23, Amsterdam
The price is RM939 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
RM939
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"close to everything"

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2024

Rho Hotel
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.

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Dam Square showing a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

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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

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Grachtengordel-West


Red Light District