Welcome to one of the oldest neighborhoods in Amsterdam. Is it the monuments that attract the curious? Some no doubt, but in all honesty, those who come to De Wallen or Red Light District; two other names to designate this district; know that it is the Red Light District of Amsterdam.
The History of the Red Light District of Amsterdam
The Red Quarter is located near the Amstel River. It is therefore not surprising that the city of Amsterdam developed in the 13th century to become a port of great importance. Sailors, after months of traveling at sea, appreciated female company, which is why prostitution grew rapidly.
Whether it was legal or not, depending on the times, the authorities have always shown tolerance towards prostitutes; just as they are today for coffee shops; another of the city’s attractions. Soliciting in the streets to attract customers was banned in the 1960s. To compensate for this, red lights were installed in establishments so that customers knew that the girls were available. a>
The symbol has remained and we talk about the red windows of Amsterdam all over the world. No wonder the city attracts so many tourists and travelers, curious about this phenomenon or fans of adult entertainment of all kinds. To counter the security problems that harmed everyone, women as well as tourists and residents, great efforts were made to make the neighborhood safer both day and night.
Even if it is best known for the red windows and the women you can see in them, it would be very simplistic to only see the Red Light District through the prism sex. It is an astonishing place where, as we are going to see, we find historical monuments, including religious ones, of great beauty but also various shops such as the famous coffee shops.
It is this set of things that makes the Netherlands very visited and that Amsterdam in general and the Red Light District in particular are seen as cultural attractions not to be missed.
What to do when in the Red Light District of Amsterdam?
When you go to Amsterdam, it is easy to find a guide to explain the history of the city and the different districts and monuments. A good visit can last two hours. Generally, the Red Light District is mentioned. Curiosity can win out. To enjoy its special atmosphere, it is better to walk around it in the evening, to see the red lights in the windows…
attractions
If no one will ever say anything to a tourist who visits a church and takes photos to immortalize the moment, it will not be possible to do so once they arrive in front of the famous windows and the Red Light District in general. Usually, when this happens, the security service arrives and calls the stunned tourist to order.
Behind the windows, naked girls stand, under the gaze of passers-by, waiting for customers and remuneration for their charms. If the light is on, like before, it means the girls are available. This is not the case when the curtain is drawn.
If these windows are very well known to the general public, they are not, however, the only attractions of a sexual nature in this red light district which offers also shows and stripteases, like at the Moulin Rouge (not to be confused with the one in Paris) or the Casa Rosso (the red house, to stay in the theme of the neighborhood).
Do you want to know more about erotic art, in all countries of the world? You will find what you are looking for in the Red Light District since you can visit the Erotic Museum. To this end, it is full of drawings, paintings, and even sculptures evoking eroticism and how it is represented in the world. Far from being taboo, prostitution has its museum where you can find a host of documents retracing the evolution of sex workers in Amsterdam through the ages. If this interests you, just open the doors of Red Light Secrets.
The Condomerie (for the word condom, condom in English) is another crazy museum where you can find all kinds of condoms. Do any of them seem strange to you? Normally, they are not made to be worn but to attract attention and that works, just like visiting sex shops in which there is no obligation to purchase, but which can make you smile and have a fun or naughty moment depending on the people who accompany you during your stay in Amsterdam.
Bars and coffee shops: everything to relax in Amsterdam
The coffee shops are one of the curiosities of the Netherlands and mainly in Amsterdam. While you can find quite a few of these hashish and marijuana shops in the Red Light District, they are not necessarily the best in Amsterdam. Even if the welcome is good, it is less warm and welcoming than in other establishments in the city, and above all, the commercial aspect is largely highlighted. Prices are significantly more expensive in the Red Light District, as it is a very touristy place.
Here again, the police forces are relatively tolerant if you respect the rules in this area: it is impossible to consume in the street or even disturb public order, after having consumed. It is also not tolerated to have more than 5 grams on you. This is also the maximum that can be delivered per day and person, in a coffee shop worthy of the name.
The Dutch never cease to surprise us with their tolerance on many subjects. To be convinced of this, all you have to do is venture into one of the most original museums in the country: the Hashish, Marijuana, and Hemp Museum.
