Amsterdam’s red light district is one of the city’s biggest attractions, as well as being one of Europe’s most unique and interesting areas. Like red light districts in many cites across the world, its origins date back to the 14th century when sailors arrived in port and were in need of some female companionship. What makes Amsterdam’s Red Light Zone different from others in the world, however, is that rather than try and criminalise and cover up the sex industry, Amsterdam has legalised and legitimised it – meaning a safer environment for industry workers and their customers alike.
Located just 10 minutes walk from Centraal Station, the Red light District consists of theatres, museums, bars, coffee shops, and perhaps the most recognisable Red Light District icon – the pouting prostitutes who stand in street-front windows, dressed in seductive lingerie and attempting to lure in passers by.
As the sun goes down, the red lights begin to glow, and the streets start to swell with tourists. Some are looking for some adult entrainment; many others are just intrigued as to what goes on in this unique part of the world.
Amsterdam’s liberal and forward thinking stance on prostitution has earned it equal amounts of praise and criticism. Many believe the selling of sex to be immoral, but Amsterdam points out that prostitution goes on in almost every city of the world and that by accepting it, rather than ignoring it, they have made the sex industry a safer place for workers and clients.
Hotels, apartments and other accommodation in Amsterdam can vary greatly in price, and while the areas around the Red Light District are especially popular, there is still a good mix from 5 Star luxury hotels to more modest budget options. Although the area is famous for its seedier side, there is much more on offer than sex; joining an organised tour will allow you to dig deeper into the intriguing world and enable you to learn more about the world’s oldest profession while getting the low-down on how the industry operates.
Another interesting new attraction that has only recently become available is the “Dine with the Dutch” option. Born out of tourist curiosity as to how local Dutch people live within the city, the Dine with the Dutch option allows tourists to visit a real Dutch local home, eat a traditional three course Dutch meal and experience genuine Dutch hospitality.
Whilst it may cause the more reserved amongst us to blush, Amsterdam’s Red Light District is one of the most important attractions of the city, bringing in thousands of tourists every week, and generating a huge amount of income for locals. Alongside the coffee shops, museum and galleries of the city, the Red Light District is a major attraction and a definite must-see, if only for the window shopping!
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