Amsterdam Red Light District Tours

You may have heard of Amsterdam's Red Light District, one of the oldest areas of the city famous for its liberal lifestyle where people are attracted by the pleasure of the forbidden. Despite its controversial origins, it is now a tourist attraction and one of the most eccentric places in Europe. Are you up for a guided tour of the Red Light District?

The best option

Amsterdam Red Light District Tour

Delve into the history of Amsterdam's Red Light District

Discover one of Amsterdam's most eclectic neighbourhoods with this small-group walking tour, accompanied by an expert local guide.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

From RM147 at Hellotickets

On this guided tour of Amsterdam's Red Light District you will explore the narrow cobbled streets of one of the Dutch capital's most iconic and controversial neighbourhoods. Led by a local guide, you'll learn about the history of the neighbourhood, the evolution of sexual freedom in the city and discover such curious locals as the Condomerie, the oldest condom shop in the world.

As well as exploring Warmoesstraat, one of Amsterdam's oldest and liveliest streets, you'll visit landmarks such as Dam Square and the National Monument, not forgetting the historic canals that criss-cross this vibrant neighbourhood. The activity is run in small groups for an up-close and personal experience.

Why I like this option: Because it offers an authentic and unbiased view of the Red Light District, exploring both its history and its current role in Amsterdam's culture.

Recommended if... You want to discover all the secrets and curiosities of this emblematic neighbourhood in a small group and with a guided tour.

Although historically Amsterdam' s Red Light District has been a centre of prostitution, gambling and alcohol consumption, you don't have to worry because today it is a safe place to visit on your own.

However, my advice is to book a guided tour of the Red Light District to learn in detail from a guide about the origins, the main points of interest and the curiosities of the oldest and most liberal neighbourhood of the Dutch capital.

During this 1 hour and a half tour you will have a local guide at your disposal who will show you the most interesting streets of this peculiar district full of art galleries, cafes and other less conventional businesses such as coffee shops, smart shops and sex shops that have given this place such a liberal fame.

Also, since this is the old part of the city, you will have the opportunity to see the architecture of the area, its curious leaning buildings, the winding 14th century cobbled streets and canals, as well as some iconic monuments such as the Oude Kerk (the oldest church in Amsterdam) or various sculptures that normally go unnoticed by tourists.

Private tour option

If you prefer a more exclusive and personalised experience, this private tour of Amsterdam's Red Light District is the ideal option. Accompanied by a local guide just for you and your group, you will discover all the secrets of this iconic area at your own pace, without rushing or large groups. For about 2.5 hours, you'll walk through historic streets like Warmoesstraat, admire the famous shop windows with the iconic red windows and learn interesting facts about everyday life, the legality of the sex industry and the origins of the neighbourhood.

While it is true that as a tourist you can see the Red Light District on your own, any guided tour is always much more interesting, enjoyable and complete than doing it on your own.

A highlight of this guided tour of the Red Light District is that it is done in a small group, with a maximum of 15 people, so you will visit the Red Light District at your own pace and without missing any details.

Moreover, in a small group it is always easier to approach the guide and listen to his explanations than in a large group. You will also receive closer attention, because if you have any questions during the tour, they will be able to answer them immediately.

During the tour you will walk through the streets of Amsterdam's Red Light District with a guide to learn about its origins and how prostitution works in Amsterdam, i.e. its history, its present and the legislation that regulates it, as it has been legal in the Netherlands since 1911.

You will also discover how the sex shops came to be, the museums with different themes in the district, the piercing and tattoo shops and the coffee shops (places where the sale and consumption of marijuana is legal). Your guide will explain the country's attitude to marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms and other drugs and how they are regulated in the city.

Key points of the tour

Can I take pictures during the tour?

During the tour you can take photos of the tour but not of the prostitutes in the shop windows as this is strictly forbidden. You could get into trouble with the City Council if they are aware that you are taking photographs as a tourist attraction.

To check that the Red Light District regulations are being respected, police and social workers circulate around the district to make sure that this is the case.

Is the Red Light District safe?

Although it is an area known for prostitution, drugs and vice, it is generally safe to visit alone or in a group. However, as with all tourist sites in a large European city, it is advisable to be wary of pickpockets and not to venture into the dark and lonely streets at night.

For the past few years, the City Council has been considering transforming the Red Light District: restoring its architecture, opening new hotels, restaurants and shops to restore some areas and avoid tourist overcrowding in others, while ensuring respect for the working women of the Red Light District.

In this way, what was once a seedy part of the capital is becoming one of the hottest spots in the heart of Amsterdam.

Be cautious on the tour

This is a very liberal place but anyone behaving inappropriately towards prostitutes or residents of the Red Light District may be ejected from the tour. Be wary of certain attitudes!

What to wear when visiting Amsterdam?

In winter, temperatures tend to be very low (the average is 2°C), cold winds and rain are common, so warm and waterproof clothing is recommended. In summer temperatures are higher, so the most comfortable clothes are made of light, cool fabrics, but it's still a good idea to pack a mackintosh as there are usually rainy, grey days.

For a walking tour of Amsterdam , I recommend wearing comfortable shoes as you'll be walking up and down many streets for hours on end.

Prostitution is known as "the oldest profession in the world". Already in the Middle Ages, the city's brothels were run by the chief of police and his trusted people.

When Amsterdam became the world's first port and an important economic centre in the 16th century, it was here that many sailors and merchants came ashore and went to the "Speelhuis" (gambling and dancing houses) to seek female companionship after months of loneliness on the high seas.

Over time, the business became more lucrative until the first prostitute's windows appeared in the 17th century, generating a great deal of excitement and attracting the attention of potential customers, as there was a lot of competition in the city centre.

Later, new regulations were introduced requiring prostitutes to register with the police for medical checks, which the government supervised in order to eradicate sexually transmitted diseases.

With the arrival of the railway, due to its central location and proximity to the central station, visitors travelling by train to Amsterdam frequented the Red Light District and it gradually built up the reputation it has today.

This tolerance and open-mindedness towards prostitution made it possible for the famous coffee shops to be set up in the neighbourhood, when in the 1960s and 1970s Holland revised its drug policy and became a pioneer in legalising the consumption of cannabis in these types of establishments.

Once you've finished visiting Amsterdam's Red Light District, it's time to explore other interesting places in the city.

If you enjoyed the experience of a guided tour, I recommend you take a look at the post The best tours in Amsterdam where you'll find more ideas to make the most of your trip to the Dutch capital.

On the other hand, if you haven't already done so, it's always a good time to relax and take a cruise along the canals of the "Venice of the North" and enjoy the beautiful views. Find out more about this experience at Amsterdam Canal Cruises.

And if you'd prefer to round off your visit to Amsterdam with an excursion around the country, I suggest you read this article on The Best Excursions from Amsterdam, where you'll find a selection of the coolest ones.