Red Light District

Let’s be honest: If you mention Amsterdam’s Red Light District, most people’s eyebrows rise before they say anything at all. For some, it’s a curiosity. For others, it’s a bold cultural statement. But there’s far more behind those red-lit windows than risqué postcards and bachelor parties. In fact, the Red Light District - known locally as De Wallen - is one of the oldest and most fascinating neighbourhoods in the city.

Today, you can explore the hidden layers of this iconic area through the StoryHunt audio walk through Amsterdam - a self-guided tour that peels back centuries of history, scandal, and culture through immersive narration. Before you plug in your earbuds, here’s a deep dive into what makes this area tick.

What is the story behind the Red Light District?

Amsterdam’s Red Light District isn’t a modern invention - it dates back to the 14th century, when sailors, merchants, and adventurers first flocked to this port city. Back then, De Wallen was a gritty cluster of alleys where trade, taverns, and temptation met - and the city tolerated it all in the name of commerce.

The term “Red Light” emerged much later. The name comes from the distinct red lanterns hung outside brothels, believed to be more flattering than white light (and easier on the eyes after a few drinks). Over the centuries, prostitution became regulated in Amsterdam rather than criminalized. Today, sex workers rent their windows and operate as independent entrepreneurs - something that shocks some visitors and impresses others.

But De Wallen is more than just sex work. It’s home to medieval churches, art galleries, hidden courtyards, and some of Amsterdam’s oldest architecture. Want to meet the nuns who once walked these same streets or find out why Rembrandt hung out nearby? The StoryHunt Discover Amsterdam tour has you covered with audio tales straight from the past.

What does the Red Light District do?

Today, the Red Light District functions as a regulated area for legalized sex work, with hundreds of “windows” where workers legally operate. But it's also a lively neighbourhood where real people live, work, and socialize.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Window prostitution: The most iconic element - workers rent windows and advertise their services.
• Museums and attractions: Visit the Museum of Prostitution, Erotic Museum, and even the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum for deeper cultural context.
• Nightlife: Think late-night bars, live sex shows, quirky theaters, and coffee shops.
• History and heritage: Oude Kerk (Old Church) stands at the heart of the district, serving as a quiet, sacred contrast to its neon-lit surroundings.

Can tourists go to Red Light District?

Absolutely - the Red Light District is open to all, and in fact, it’s one of the most visited parts of Amsterdam. Tourists walk through daily, whether to explore its cultural sights or just out of curiosity.

That said, some basic etiquette applies:

• Be respectful. This is not a theme park - it’s a functioning neighbourhood.
• Don’t gawk or laugh at workers. They're professionals, not exhibits.
• Avoid overly loud or intoxicated behavior - Amsterdam locals have grown weary of this kind of “party tourism.”

Want to explore without being that tourist? Start with the StoryHunt audio guide to navigate the area with insight and empathy.

Can you take pictures of girls in Red Light District?

No - photography of sex workers in the windows is strictly prohibited, and enforcement is serious. Many workers have tinted windows or motion sensors that trigger alarms if someone aims a camera.

Why so strict? Because it’s about dignity, safety, and consent. Workers have the right to privacy and security in their workplace, and that includes not being photographed by strangers.

If you’re eager to document your visit, feel free to snap pictures of the architecture, canals, or neon signs - but steer clear of windows and always ask for permission if someone is in frame.

What not to do in Red Light District?

Here are a few critical no-nos for visiting the Red Light District:

1. Don’t take photos of workers – As mentioned, it’s disrespectful and illegal.
2. Don’t behave like you’re at a frat party – Loud, drunken antics may get you fined or kicked out.
3. Don’t assume all women in the district are sex workers – Many are just locals going about their day.
4. Don’t ignore signage – Certain streets are restricted at night or require quiet walking.
5. Don’t wander without context – Without background, you’ll miss the deeper meaning.

Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll find a complex, fascinating neighborhood worth experiencing. For the full cultural context, follow the StoryHunt walking tour and get a local’s lens on the area.

Is it worth seeing the Red Light District?

Yes - but not for the reasons many assume.

The Red Light District is worth visiting because it offers a rare mix of history, controversy, and modern progressive policy. It challenges assumptions and invites you to think critically about sex work, freedom, morality, and urban planning.

What makes it extra special is the way it layers centuries of stories in one tight neighbourhood. One minute you’re admiring a Gothic church, the next you're hearing about 17th-century sailors or 21st-century debates about regulation and ethics.

If you want to see Amsterdam in full colour - not just the canal house version on postcards - this is where to start. And if you want to do it thoughtfully, start with the StoryHunt Discover Amsterdam audio walk, which makes sure you hear the stories behind the spectacle.

What else is nearby Red Light District?

You don’t have to wander far from De Wallen to discover more gems:

• Oude Kerk – Amsterdam’s oldest building, now a modern art space with a layered past.
• Nieuwmarkt Square – A great spot for cafés and people-watching near the medieval city gate, De Waag.
• Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder – A hidden Catholic church in a 17th-century canal house.
• Chinatown & Zeedijk – Home to Amsterdam’s Buddhist temple and some fantastic Asian cuisine.
• Canal-side photo ops – This area is home to some of the most photogenic canal bridges in the city.

The district is walkable and compact, and with the StoryHunt tour, you can wander with purpose while unlocking layers of the city’s character.