So after spending 3 days in Svalbard, only 800 km from North Pole and doing a week-long road trip across Norway; we landed in the sin-capital of the world : The AMSTERDAM !!
Located in the heart of the city, the Red Light District consists of several streets and alleys lined with brothels and sex workers standing in windows, inviting customers inside. Although prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, it is heavily regulated, with strict laws in place to protect sex workers and ensure their safety. In this blog we are going to tell you about things you may not know before visiting Red light district in Amsterdam
In addition to the sex industry, the Red Light District is also home to a vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants catering to visitors. And of course, the area is famous for its coffee shops, where tourists and locals alike can legally purchase and consume cannabis products.
While the Red Light District may be controversial, it remains an important part of Amsterdam’s culture and history. In this blog, we will explore the history and development of the Red Light District, the regulations in place to ensure safety and protect the rights of sex workers, and provide tips for first time visitors on how to respectfully navigate this unique part of the city. So, join us on this journey as we delve into the fascinating world of the Red Light District!
Table of Contents
How it is all started
Also known as De Wallen, this district is one of Amsterdam’s oldest districts. Prostitutes are said to have provided services in the district since the 13th century.
In the Middle Ages, married people and priests were not allowed into the area, but the trade was never outright illegal. It was after the Protestant Revolution that fornication became illegal in Amsterdam. Prostitution still existed, but it went underground. During this time, Holland was building an empire with countless ships serving only the Red Light District. It was in 18th century that large brothels became commonplace in Amsterdam. Finally, under Napoleon’s rule, prostitution was legalized and prostitutes were required to have their health checked regularly.
From where the name came
This is one of the most fundamental things you should know about Red light district Amsterdam. Originally, a red light was a sign that a brothel was open, and when the light was off, it meant that the house was currently vacant. This led to the naming of the ‘Red Light District’ of the streets of Amsterdam, as this is where the window brothels are located. Even today’s districts where prostitution is legal still use same name.
How many people live in Red Light district
Before visiting the place, we didn’t know the Red Light District was a residential area. We assumed it to be reserved for windows, clubs and bars.
The population of the district is increasing year by year. In the 2019 census, the place had 4,295 inhabitants. However, that number is 4465 as of 2022.ย
Most famous coffee-shop
The Bulldog ,ย is the must visit coffee shop when you are in this part of the world.
When you buy hash or weed from one of Amsterdam’s most famous cafes, a portion of your money automatically go to charity. Henk De Vries, owner of the famous coffee shop Bulldog, donates a portion of his sales to the Salvation Army each year. All Bulldog employees are required to work at least one day a year for the charity work of the Amsterdam Salvation Army.
Henk De Vries grew up in the red light district, but a Salvation Army front woman helped him start on the right path in his early teens. She made sure he was doing the right thing and behaving well, which helped fuel his subsequent entrepreneurial success. For this reason, he is donating to the Salvation Army. Because they are the source of his success and help when he needs help.ย ย
Birthplace of worldโs first stock exchange
The world’s first stock exchange is established in Amsterdam’s red light area. The Dutch have always been known for their business inclination. They founded the world’s first stock exchange in the 17th century.
The stock exchange is still there today. You can see the Amsterdam Stock Exchange in the Red Light District. If you are on the Warmoesstraat, you can locate the building which diagonally across the Condomerie. ย
Must pay a visit to Prostitute Information Centre (PIC):
The Prostitution Information Center was founded in 1994 by the young and intelligent Mariska Major, who started working as a sex worker at the age of 16 and played a key role in changing the Dutch law on prostitution. Located in the heart of the red light district, the non-profit foundation has set itself the task of informing the public about the social status of women in the sex industry. PIC defends the rights of sex workers, fights for their respect and seeks to change their social situation by introducing new laws to protect them. ย
Cash in King:
Sex workers generally do not accept credit cards or other digital payment methods. Most banks and trading companies do not want to be involved in the sex industry, which frustrates sex workers in red-light districts.
However the conclusion is if you are planning to visit a club or avail any service in Red Light District, you can only do that in Cash
Few more things you may not know about Red light district Amsterdam
TEE Tip:ย
- High number of police – when you walk along the streets and canals of Red Light area, you will see a lot of police stationed all around the area. This makes the place safe for sure. However you shouldnโt discount the chance of pickpocket, we suggest to remain extra careful with your belongings. Most importantly, donโt break any rules by yourself
- Avoid street dealers: If you want to have a weed or smoke or planning to visit a bar/club, avoid engaging with someone on the street offering them. Always go to a decent place like The Bulldog, Casa Roso, Banana Bar for your wish list. When you buy from street dealers, you donโt know what you are getting into. There are instances where street dealers were selling heroine. You can call Police (112) in case you need any help.
- No open smoke or drink: Though it is completely to smoke a joint in Amsterdam, donโt ever try to do that in open street. Also avoid having alcohol in open. Keep your smoke and drinks inside the bar or cafรฉ, you will enjoy the vibe inside and avoid creating disturbance for people outside
- ย Respect the neighbourhood, as many live there. Avoid shouting and loud musics on the roads
- Finally, pay respect to the sex workers and avoid photographing them
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