The Red Light District is one of the oldest sections of Amsterdam. It dates back to the 14th Century, when sailors would arrive longing for female companionship. The district houses some of the oldest, most beautiful buildings in the city and the walkways are narrow and lined with restaurants, hotels, doctors and lawyers along with brothels, bars, cinemas and sex shops. There are now about 175 windows where scantily clad girls dance and display their offerings. There were more until September 2007, when the city eliminated about one-third of the windows in an effort to cut back on mischief like sex trafficking and pimping.
The residents and professionals in and around the Red Light District are a very tolerant community. By day, it is a relatively calm section with little activity that is out of the ordinary. Tourists might even want to stop by to view the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam's oldest church, which is located in the heart of the Red Light District. Live music fills the street, especially in the summer. The district's restaurants are renowned for their authentic food, including the Cafe Pacifico, one of the first restaurants in Europe to specialize in Mexican fare.
But by night, the feeling in the air changes as the windows light up and sex shop signs begin flashing to draw tourists their way. It is a lively vibe with virtually no behavior considered taboo. Whether it's peep shows, a live porn show, a drag queen performance, strippers, prostitutes or X-rated movies you desire, or merely a sex shop souvenir, the Red Light District can offer it. Prostitution has long been openly allowed in the Netherlands, although the country's 2,000-plus brothels were officially legalized in late 1999. "Window shopping" for prostitutes is the norm, but photography is strictly prohibited.
The Red Light District is located just south of Centraal Station, the main train station. It is about a 10-minute walk. Visit it on your next trip to Amsterdam and take in the condom shop, the phallic fountain or simply the old, elegant architecture.
