Red Light District

Amsterdam

Red Light District
Red Light District
Red Light District
Red Light District
Red Light District featuring a bridge, street scenes and a river or creek

For at least 600 years, locals, sailors and travellers have come to this part of Amsterdam for adult entertainment in the many bars, brothels and eateries.

Amsterdam’s historic Red Light District is called De Wallen (embankments), four of which make up this neighborhood. Visitors are often surprised to see that during the day De Wallen looks much like the rest of the inner city with cobblestone streets, narrow gabled houses and cozy cafés. Both the red lights and women displayed in windows become visible after dark. Go with an open mind if you are curious about this notorious adult entertainment district between Dam Square and China Town.

Sailors from all over the world have flocked to De Wallen since the early 1400s and these days prostitution is a legalized industry in Holland. The Dutch policy of “if you decriminalize it, you can make it safer” is also true for marijuana and hashish, which are sold in small quantities in the local coffee shops and bars.

The Red Light District is dominated by the 13th-century Old Church (Oude Kerk), one of Amsterdam’s earliest stone buildings. Step inside to see impressive decorations. Check out the statue of Belle outside, depicting a prostitute in a doorway, with a sign asking to “respect sex workers all over the world.”

While locals walk through De Wallen as if it’s just like any other neighborhood, most tourists can’t help gaping at the narrow windows displaying sparsely dressed women under red lights. Hundreds of women of many different nationalities try to sell their services by winking and gesturing at passers-by. Adult shops, sex museums and neon-lit erotic shows draw in curious — sometimes giggling — groups of sightseers. Be aware that these shows leave nothing to the imagination.

To get to the Red Light District, either walk from Central Station or Dam Square. De Wallen is a well-policed area, safer than some other parts of the city. Even still, pickpockets, beggers and drug addicts sometimes target unaware tourists. Be aware that it’s considered offensive to take photographs of the windows with prostitutes. To avoid confrontation, only point your camera at the general action on the streets and the buildings, instead of specific people, to capture the atmosphere.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


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 €250 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€250
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,017 reviews)
"Great walkable location -- loved the extra water bottles, borrow-able umbrellas and how clean everything was."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center
Rho Hotel

Rho Hotel

3 out of 5
Nes 5-23, Amsterdam
The price is €105 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
€105
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,019 reviews)
"It simple but effective Location was amazing"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Rho Hotel
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 €352 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
€352
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 center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"It’s well located in center. Breakfast was very nice with many options. Highly recommended to everyone for stay."

Reviewed on 22 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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Excellent stay"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Hotel Old Quarter
Hotel Luxer

Hotel Luxer

3 out of 5
Warmoesstraat 11, Amsterdam
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Location is very good. At 5 am, my door was opened by somebody with his lady. That was a problem in which an answer was never provided. Good snacks , coffees, and water."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Hotel Luxer
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam

5 out of 5
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197, Amsterdam, North Holland
The price is €482 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
€482
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (998 reviews)
"A very historic convent and city hall tastefully converted into a lush, quirky and private oasis in the middle of Amsterdam. Staff was accommodating and the spa was a relaxing break!"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Sofitel Legend The Grand 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 heritage architecture, a city 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
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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 city, street scenes and a river or creek

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
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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

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
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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

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