Hai N.

Just a delightful and fascinating area to visit. Besides the famous red light district, there were many other attractions as the "coffee shops" which aren't exactly serving coffee as I peaked in lol. Amazing bars that serve Heineken from tap! And ferries you can take to explore its history and vast canals. Area is very safe and clean. Lots of couple of all ages and backgrounds visiting this place.

Sunil R.

I had a couple of hours to do a walk about in the city center of Amsterdam. A local mapped out a walking route that included the Palace, Rembrandt square, Leidse square, the canals and a walk through De Wallen back to Amsterdam Central Station. Maybe I am a prude but this was the least fun part of the tour. It was early evening when I went there and it was packed with tourists including families with young kids. I can see the fascination to this spot for young adults but for everyone else, it's not worth it. There's so much more to see in Amsterdam.

Pavel V.

Reviewing the Red Light District felt odd at first, but this area is such a large part of Amsterdam. I feel like the red light district and Amsterdam are synonymous. You have not seen all of Amsterdam unless you see the bad with the good. Many women solicit prostitution in brightly red windows. It is hard not to walk through here because it is an intersection to many other destinations. During the day there may be some women in the windows but at night the red light goes as far as the eye can see. It is hard to ignore especially because the women bang on the glass to get your attention. Even if you try to avoid the bulk of it, there are some random windows placed away from the main street that you might run into. The area also has live sex shows and sex stores, so in all fullness, I would not recommend this area at night with kids or people sensitive to this environment. There is a red light museum in this area that I hear is very informative of the life and history of the district. I gave it four stars because I am not sure how to rate it since I am just a passerby but it is very much part of Amsterdam. I was permitted to take a photo of this empty room. Important: Do not take pictures of windows with women or there will be a lot of aggression. This is due to women's anonymity and the dangerous pasts they may be fleeing.

Andrea U.

We had to walk around the red light district. I saw red lights on & attractive young women in the windows. There were porn shops, strip clubs, coffee shops & signs to keep the noise down as people live here. There was a prostitution museum & an erotic museum.

Alexander H.

Walking through Amsterdams Red Light District is high on every must-do list when in this city. Of course so did we. We went in daytime, knowing there is less "action" than in nighttime. But it was during Covid-19, so it was a lot less busy anyways and we didn't really need to see all the party folks at night. There are lots of these windows, where the sex-workers are presenting themselves. During Corona a lot windows were empty. Lots with stickers: "For Rent". Since it wasn't our goal to stare at these ladies (and some gentlemen) that was fine for us. But it just gives you a glimpse, how many of them there were (or will be again). It's interesting to see, but once would be really enough. Next time in Amsterdam there's no reason to check out these windows. At least be respectful and don't make any pics of them. There are signs clearly stating that, but that won't stop many tourists. Besides that this District is nice for a walk. The two bigger canals (Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal) are worth a look and make for some nice pics and a good stroll. It's the Amsterdam you know from all the pics and promotions. Of course it's a hugely touristy area, but it was nice to see and there are some interesting buildings in the area to check out. Some cafés, restaurants and lots of shops around. Like I said, surely a must-do. But Amsterdam offers a lot more. Check this district out, but probably only on your first visit. So you can focus on other sights the next times.

Louisa M.

I live in Las Vegas, and I am far from a prude. I'm a-ok with sex workers (as long as they aren't being abused and are consenting adults who are working in the profession because they want to, NOT because they are forced to). That being said, I have never been quite as disappointed in such an over-hyped "attraction" than I was with Amsterdam's Red Light District. It wasn't at all like I expected, and I am not sure if that's a good or bad thing. Hubby and I went down around 11:30 pm, hoping that was a good time to catch the most hubbub (not too early, not too late). It was. The District was hopping and the eerie glow of red light bulbs emanated from glass-walled rooms. As we walked closer, two things became clear: 1. the streets were clogged with gawking tourists and 2. staring at the women in the windows wasn't as interesting as you'd think. The women all looked the same, and it was weird because almost all of them had on Buddy Holly style glasses. I guess they think it makes them look smart? Who knows. All were clad in lingerie in various states of undress, while college bros and Japanese tourists giggled and laughed and pointed with mouths agape. Yes, I was staring too: but I also tried to treat the women with as much respect as I could afford, considering I was a voyeur outside of the fishbowl. Hubby got super uncomfortable as the women would openly flirt with all the guys outside her window, with one even making contact with him while rubbing her privates. They tend to taunt the shy guys the most, which is amusing in itself. He kept looking sheepishly at the ground until I practically held his eyes open and his head up and screamed "we came all this way so you need to look at this or you will regret it!!!" Remember guys: these women are willingly putting themselves on display, so you don't have to feel like a gross pervert for taking a gander at what they're selling. Doesn't mean you have to partake, but at least get your eyes full. I know I did. I'm the naturally curious type, so I really enjoyed this aspect of the Red Light District. Even more curious was seeing the customers coming out of the rooms. It was just...weird. The craziest thing I saw was when a young dude came sprinting out in nothing but his boxers (no shoes), frantically running with his ATM card to the nearest cash machine! I'll likely be chuckling about that for years to come. What I really didn't like about this part of Amsterdam is the general vibe of the area. It felt like a skeevy adult Disneyland that exudes a greasy, dirty, and gritty Ron Jeremy aura, except with tons of pot shops and trash everywhere. Pickpocketing is rampant here and is a huge problem, so hold onto your valuables. Better yet, leave them back in the hotel safe. The entire area stunk of stale urine, and the shop keepers in many of the stores were super creepy and just stood outside on their stoops and stared inappropriately (especially at women). I'm a pretty strong feminist, but I was very happy I had a guy with me and I would have felt even more unsafe alone or with a group of my female friends. Do take the time to window shop or even go inside to browse at the sex toy shops. The condom varieties alone are more than I have seen in my entire lifetime. Some of the shops sold some merchandise that made our eyes pop super duper far out of our heads (like the full size realistic hermaphrodite sex dolls -- yeah, dolls with both boobs and wieners)! Now THAT'S something you certainly don't see every day.

Sanjay G.

Just come here once to get the experience. its legal and window sex workers are new to watch which I am not sure any other city offers. It's near to central station, narrow streets led to many shops-bars- strip clubs, sex toy stores, and hyped sex workers red windows. I felt like I am visiting some kind of fair, have seen there many families with kids, couples enjoying, folks roaming with booze in hand. It was totally like some kind of small county fair scene. Marijuana smell is everywhere. It gets crowded at night and Police are there to control. 95 % of crowd - they are just scrolling through like me. I had read that photos are not allowed and I did not take any risk. There is even one-way street in this district to accommodate the crowd. Funny. Different experience. Had fun with friends.

Adam H.

Gotta at least see it. I don't want to ruin the surprise for anyone, but I will share some details in case you're thinking about visiting. First off, it's exactly what you think it is. They are prostitutes, and they are out there to solicit business. That means that they will stare at you, they will wink at you, they will try to call you in, so if that is something you will not like then do not walk down the streets. But if it is something you are curious about and just want to see how other cultures handle prostitution, it's a very interesting experience and I highly recommend it just to open up your eyes to a different way of doing things. The entire area is themed with different sex shows, strip clubs, and of course the actual booths that have the prostitutes themselves. It gets very busy and very touristy at night. So be prepared. It's still pretty cool so I would recommend visiting and honestly it's one of those iconic parts of the city. So walk down the streets with an open mind and enjoy.

Leah M.

As for a play on words, what's the big F'in deal? OK its the oldest profession in the world, here its legalized and hopefully safer because they have healthcare. Who knows, it was no big deal. Women standing in the window selling their wares and goods. Some of them looking as if this is something that they choose others look as though they are making a sale I under duress. The history behind the creation of the red light district is fascinating it actually makes sense. I can only conclude that this display remains as it is an attraction for tourists. I would just think in this day and age it would just be more lucrative to run your own business. Either through a PayPal account or Apple Pay etc. Work in a location that offers security or where you can add security. But whatever, if they like it I'm sure the man who makes a purchase loves it. There was nothing unusual about the women they were all basically the same, there was one that was a little older but not different. If men are looking for a variety I guess they would have to go somewhere else. Go into a local bar and buy a chick a drink you might save some money and a headache. But for tourists I guess this is interesting. The windows are clean I can't say that much for a girls because I don't know. But I guess you make a purchase at your own risk!

Amber H.

My favourite spot to hang out in Amsterdam has got to be the red light. Besides all the naked ladies in the windows there's a lot of great bars and places to hang out. Once night hits the atmosphere changes drastically, all the party people come out. You'll notice many bachelor or bachelorette parties and lots of Guy groups just there to get wasted and have a good time. I've been here 3 times now and I've never had any issues, you'll get lots of some what homeless guys telling you their story about how they came to Amsterdam and lost their way and that they need money. They're friendly not viscous so no need to worry. Each bar is different some close at 2-3-4 or 7, you don't need to call an uber all the bars are super close to each other. I suggest doing a boat tour as it's the best way to see all the gorgeous buildings.

Rhonda W.

We were in the area for 4 nights and we went to the red light district every day or night .. it's very different in the day .. but there are still some prostitutes in the windows .. not as many. It didn't feel like an unsafe area even at night. They keep the area clean up of trash. In the time we were there we didn't see any fights or violence. I think everyone is so high on pot they are pretty peaceful. Never smelled so much pot or cigarettes which was rough on my asthma. some very odd museums .. like prostitution museum and sex museum . one about Pot .. too .. wow this puts Vegas to shame.

Chris E.

The area was definitely more 'hyped up' than what we encountered when my girlfriend and I walked thru it for the 1st time. Prior to my arrival in Amsterdam, my expectation was that it was not the safest area and that prostitutes would be walking around trying to solicit men to come with them, but it was nothng like that. On the contrary, the area was pretty clean, safe, laid back and made for some interesting photo opportunities. To give readers the REAL rundown on what goes on in the Red Light District, in terms of the prostitution, basically prostitutes rent single-room 'cabins', which have windows/doors. As people walk thru the Red Light District, especially thru the alleys, there will be red lights lit up by the doors and the prostitutes will just stand by the door (on the inside) and stare at passerbys, hoping to catch the eye of men who are willing to pay for their services. Actually, it was kind of creepy with the women staring back and not making much movements. They almost looked like mannequins --- with really big boobs and lots of makeup. We got a chance to visit the district a few times and although it was much more lively during the evening hours, there were still prostitutes who were working in the single-room cabins during the day. If anything, our opinions were that it was quite entertaining and humorous watching the prostitutes standing on the inside of windows and gawking at passerbys, hoping to catch their attentions. Besides the prostitutes, there was a sex museum, theaters, peep shows and numerous sex shops. It was really nothing but harmless entertainment and a good time!