Red Light District

Amsterdam

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

Visit this historic and famous area of Amsterdam, known for its many bars, brothels and adult entertainment venues.

Amsterdam’s Red Light District, De Wallen, has attracted travellers, locals and sailors for over 600 years with its offering of adult-only entertainment. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination as it symbolises the celebrated liberal attitudes and forward-thinking politics that characterise Dutch society. An open mind and common sense is all you need to bring with you to enjoy this area of the city.

Many visitors are surprised to find that De Wallen is actually one of the most beautiful parts of Amsterdam. Situated between Chinatown and Dam Square, the narrow cobbled streets are lined with charming gabled houses and cosy cafés. The area is home to the Oude Kerk, the Old Church, the city’s oldest stone building dating back to the early 13th century. Since March 2007, the bronze statue named Belle has stood outside the church, depicting the female figure of a prostitute standing in a doorway.

Ever since the 15th century, De Wallen has historically drawn many visitors, tempted by its notoriety. Prostitution, with the exception soliciting on the street, is a legalised industry in Holland nowadays, in line with the belief that “if you decriminalise it, you make it safer”. Regulations as well as taxation are now imposed on the city’s sex workers. Marijuana and hashish have also been treated with the same policy, and you can purchase small quantities for on-site consumption in the district’s many coffee shops.

The famous red-light windows displaying the many women only become truly visible after dark. Most locals barely acknowledge this spectacle, but you will always be able to spot the many groups of tourists gawping at the scantily-clad figures. Interspersed amongst these windows, you’ll come across all varieties of venues offering erotic shows, adult shops and sex museums. Should you choose to step in, be aware that these venues live up to their reputation!

De Wallen is a relatively safe area with a large police presence. However, do watch out for pickpockets that target tourists in crowded areas. Don’t take photos of individual women either, as this is considered to be offensive. The Red Light District is just a short walk from either Central Station or Dam Square.


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 P13,169 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P13,169
P16,000 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Fantastic stay. Been to Amsterdam many a time, but first time here. Great service, comfortable rooms, hotel spotless throughout."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam

Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam

5 out of 5
Dam 9, Amsterdam
The price is P21,979 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P21,979
P26,704 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Perfect! In the center, easy to get to everything. Clean, they had everything we needed."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam
Rho Hotel

Rho Hotel

3 out of 5
Nes 5-23, Amsterdam
The price is P7,252 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P7,252
P8,811 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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! (1,012 reviews)
Friendly staff, great location
"Fantastic central location"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Rho Hotel
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Staff were really helpful and able to accommodate anything we asked for."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Hotel Old Quarter
Hotel Luxer

Hotel Luxer

3 out of 5
Warmoesstraat 11, Amsterdam
The price is P7,957 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P7,957
P9,668 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Five minutes from the train station, great location, comfy rooms, 24/7 bar, I'd definitely stay again"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Hotel Luxer
Hotel & bar Royal taste Amsterdam

Hotel & bar Royal taste Amsterdam

2 out of 5
47 Oudezijds Achterburgwal, Amsterdam, NH
The price is P7,642 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P7,642
P9,285 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Dam Square and Van Gogh Museum are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (24 reviews)
"The bartender/check in dude Jack was awesome. Helpful in every way. Held our bags etc. This is a convenient location and for the price it's a decent option. I was traveling with teens so be aware that the downstairs bar is lively and the location adjoins the red light district. Not unsafe but a bit ..."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Hotel & bar Royal taste 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 which includes 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

3.5/5(4 area reviews)

Dam Square and Nieuwmarkt Square are a few top attractions in Amsterdam City Centre. Hop around the city on the metro at Nieuwmarkt Station or Waterlooplein Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, charming cafes, and popular shops.

Amsterdam City Centre
Amsterdam featuring a river or creek, a city and street scenes

Binnenstad

While you're in Binnenstad, take in top sights like Dam Square or National Monument, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Dam Stop or Paleisstraat Tram Stop.

Binnenstad
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Nieuwmarkt en Lastage

While you're in Nieuwmarkt en Lastage, take in top sights like Nemo Science Museum or Nieuwmarkt Square, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Nieuwmarkt Station or Mr. Visserplein Stop.

Nieuwmarkt en Lastage
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Grachtengordel-West

If you're spending time in Grachtengordel-West, check out sights like Herengracht Canal or Prinsengracht and hop on the metro to see more the city at Westermarkt Stop or Koningsplein Stop.

Grachtengordel-West
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Grachtengordel-Zuid

If you're spending time in Grachtengordel-Zuid, check out sights like Reguliersdwarsstraat or Flower Market and hop on the metro to see more the city at Muntplein Tram Stop or Rembrandtplein Stop.

Grachtengordel-Zuid

Red Light District