The Amsterdam Red Light District is not an attraction. It doesn’t have an entrance or an exit, but it’s simply a small neighboorhood. It basically consists of two canals and some connecting alleys. In the area, you’ll find a lot of 18+ entertainment, sex shows, sex shops and brothels in the form of windows.
What is the red light district in Amsterdam?
The name of “Red Light District” comes from the red neon lights that highlight the 300 windows where women are working. Amsterdam has three different Red Light Districts but the most famous and the most attractive is the one located inside the city center. Since October 2000, window prostitutes have been allowed to legally offer their services.
Why did sailors come to the red light district in Amsterdam?
In fact, sailors were coming to this area in order to enjoy some drinks in taverns and distilleries and also to enjoy girls. In Dutch, the Red Light District is called “De wallen” (the walls) because some of the canals located in the area and next to the old harbor used to be walled.
What is the narrowest alleyway in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam’s narrowest alleyway is called the Trompettersteeg (translated: trumpet alley). It has nine window brothels and is one of the highlights during our Red Light District Tours. Amsterdam, Red Light District, Oudezijds Achterburgwal. A pair of ducks resting besides the main canal of the Red Light District during the autumn season.
What does a blue light on a window mean in Amsterdam?
You might also notice windows with a blue light instead of a red one. This means that the person behind the glass is transgender or transvestite. There are around 400 such vitrines in Amsterdam, so you can imagine that the competition is fierce.