Red Light District Travel Guide

Amsterdam

Red Light District
Red Light District
Red Light District
Red Light District
Red Light District showing a bridge, a city and a river or creek
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


Top hotels in Red Light District

Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center

Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center

4.5 out of 5
Rusland 17, Amsterdam
The price is ₹18,994 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹18,994
₹23,078 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"The location was perfect for our visit to Amsterdam. Our room was court side with a lovely view of the covered courtyard. The free breakfast was very nice with a buffet and a la carte options.The restaurant/bar was very nice and provided a nice meal for our first night in town. The hotel staff were ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam

Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam

5 out of 5
Dam 9, Amsterdam
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹20,871 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹20,871
₹25,358 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel and staff and location. 5 star"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam
Hotel Old Quarter

Hotel Old Quarter

2.5 out of 5
Warmoesstraat 22, Amsterdam
Stay at this hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Excellent stay"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Hotel Old Quarter
Hotel CC

Hotel CC

3 out of 5
Warmoesstraat 42, Amsterdam
The price is ₹9,496 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹9,496
₹11,538 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Great property."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Hotel CC
This Hostel

This Hostel

2 out of 5
Warmoesstraat 14, Amsterdam, North Holland Province
The price is ₹5,616 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹5,616
₹6,823 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (275 reviews)
"Good place"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

This Hostel
Hotel & bar Royal taste Amsterdam

Hotel & bar Royal taste Amsterdam

2 out of 5
47 Oudezijds Achterburgwal, Amsterdam, NH
The price is ₹11,338 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹11,338
₹13,777 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Dam Square and Van Gogh Museum are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (22 reviews)
"The bartender/check in dude Jack was awesome. Helpful in every way. Held our bags etc. This is a convenient location and for the price it's a decent option. I was traveling with teens so be aware that the downstairs bar is lively and the location adjoins the red light district. Not unsafe but a bit ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Hotel & bar Royal taste Amsterdam
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Red Light District

Dam Square showing a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

Old Town Amsterdam

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Old Town Amsterdam. Top attractions like Dam Square and Warmoesstraat are major draws. Catch the metro at Dam Stop or Nieuwezijds Kolk Stop to see more of the city.

Old Town Amsterdam
Default Image

Amsterdam City Centre

4.5/5(2,168 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Amsterdam City Centre. Top attractions like Dam Square and Nieuwmarkt Square are major draws. Catch the metro at Nieuwmarkt Station or Waterlooplein Station to see more of the city.

Amsterdam City Centre
Amsterdam featuring a river or creek, street scenes and a city

Binnenstad

If you're spending time in Binnenstad, check out sights like Dam Square or National Monument and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dam Stop or Paleisstraat Tram Stop.

Binnenstad
Default Image

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
Default Image

Grachtengordel-West

While you're in Grachtengordel-West, take in top sights like Herengracht Canal or Prinsengracht, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Westermarkt Stop or Koningsplein Stop.

Grachtengordel-West
Default Image

Grachtengordel-Zuid

While you're in Grachtengordel-Zuid, take in top sights like Reguliersdwarsstraat or Flower Market, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Muntplein Tram Stop or Rembrandtplein Stop.

Grachtengordel-Zuid


Red Light District Travel Guide