Red Light District

You are now entering the most visited district in the city. Located right in the center, everything you’ve heard about this area is true—here, eroticism and sexuality are openly displayed, with prostitution being legal and accepted without any taboo. Here, you’ll even find a museum dedicated to the history of prostitution in Amsterdam, called Red Light Secrets. But beyond that, this is also one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, home to numerous museums, restaurants, bars, and of course, coffee shops. All of these make it one of the most vibrant areas of Amsterdam—if not the most lively, despite its rather unique atmosphere. In the 13th century, this area along the Amstel River was already one of Amsterdam’s most important zones, as it was here that the city’s port developed. This is precisely why prostitution first appeared around here, as there was a constant flow of people passing at all hours of the day. Also known as the Red Light District or De Wallen in Dutch, the area remains just as dynamic today, attracting countless visitors who come to admire its 14th-century buildings, to stroll along its canals, and experience an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world!