Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Tour With Audio Guide

Amsterdam's Red Light District, also known as De Wallen, has a long and complex history dating back to the 14th century. The area was originally located outside of the city walls and was home to various industries such as shipbuilding, carpentry, and beer brewing. As the city grew, so did the number of sailors and merchants visiting Amsterdam, and prostitution became a part of the area's economy.

In the 16th century, Amsterdam became a major port and the Red Light District grew rapidly, with brothels and other sex-related businesses becoming commonplace. During the 18th century, brothels became regulated by the government and in the 19th century, prostitution was officially legalized, leading to the establishment of licensed brothels.

Today, the Red Light District is a popular tourist destination, known for its famous red-lit windows where sex workers offer their services. The area is also home to coffee shops, bars, and restaurants, and it remains a significant part of Amsterdam's cultural heritage.

Here are some of the most famous landmarks in Amsterdam's Red Light District:

• Oude Kerk (Old Church): This 14th-century church is one of the oldest buildings in Amsterdam and is located in the heart of the Red Light District. It is famous for its beautiful architecture and its role in the history of the area.
• Museum of Prostitution: This unique museum offers visitors an inside look at the world of sex work, including a chance to visit a recreated brothel room.
• Condomerie: This quirky store sells a variety of condoms in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and is located just a few blocks from the Old Church.
• Casa Rosso: This legendary sex theater has been a fixture in the Red Light District since the 1970s and offers a variety of erotic shows.
• Erotic Museum: This museum offers an interesting look at the history of erotic art and artifacts from around the world.
• Bulldog Palace: This famous coffee shop and bar is one of the largest in Amsterdam and is located in a historic building that was once a police station.

These landmarks, along with the many sex shops, bars, and coffee shops in the area, make Amsterdam's Red Light District a unique and memorable destination for visitors to the city.

The best time of day to take a walking tour of Amsterdam's Red Light District is in the evening or at night. This is when the area comes to life, with the famous red-lit windows glowing and the crowds of tourists and locals mingling in the streets.

Walking tours are usually offered starting from around 6 pm and lasting until late at night, providing visitors with the opportunity to see the district at its most lively and atmospheric. The night time atmosphere is also a more appropriate time to explore the Red Light District as many of the brothels and sex shops are closed during the day.

However, visitors should be aware that the Red Light District can be crowded and noisy in the evenings, and it may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to follow the rules and regulations of the area and to be respectful of the sex workers and their work.

• Learn about the history: The walking tour will provide you with a deep understanding of the history of the Red Light District, including how it has evolved over the years.
• Visit the iconic Red Light windows: You will get a chance to see the famous Red Light windows where the sex workers operate from.
• Hear stories from a guide: The guide will share stories about the lives of sex workers, their working conditions, and the challenges they face.
• See the narrow alleyways: The Red Light District is known for its narrow alleys, and the walking tour will take you through these alleys to see the unique architecture of the buildings.
• Learn about the coffee shops: Amsterdam is famous for its coffee shops, and the walking tour will provide an insight into the coffee shop culture and its relationship with the Red Light District.
• Explore the unique atmosphere: The Red Light District has a unique atmosphere, and the walking tour will allow you to experience it first-hand.
• Understand the laws and regulations: The tour guide will also explain the laws and regulations around prostitution in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.
• Discover the hidden gems: The Red Light District is not just about sex work, and the walking tour will take you to hidden gems like museums and art galleries.
• Try the local delicacies: The tour will give you an opportunity to try local delicacies like stroopwafels and Dutch fries.
• Experience the nightlife: Amsterdam is known for its vibrant nightlife, and the Red Light District is at the heart of it. The walking tour will give you a glimpse of the nightlife in the area.

It is generally not recommended to take photographs of the sex workers in Amsterdam's Red Light District. Many sex workers consider it a violation of their privacy and dignity, and it can also lead to legal issues. It is important to respect the autonomy and rights of the sex workers, and not treat them as objects of curiosity or spectacle. Some walking tours may have strict policies regarding photography in the Red Light District, and it is best to follow their guidelines. It is always better to err on the side of caution and be respectful of the people and community in the area.

Here are some improved versions of the walking tours in Amsterdam:

• Jordaan Walking Tour: Explore one of Amsterdam's most charming neighbourhoods, the Jordaan, with a guided walking tour. Stroll through its narrow streets, along picturesque canals, and discover hidden courtyards filled with vibrant art, local shops, and cosy cafes.
• Anne Frank Walking Tour: Immerse yourself in the story of Anne Frank with a guided walking tour through the Jewish Quarter. See the actual house where Anne and her family hid during World War II, and learn about her legacy as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
• Royal Palace Walking Tour: Admire the grandeur of the Royal Palace of Amsterdam with a guided tour of its opulent interiors. Marvel at the ornate decor of the Marble Hall, the Council Chamber, and the Oranjezaal, while learning about the palace's history and significance in Dutch royalty.
• Dutch Countryside Walking Tour: Take a break from the city and discover the beauty of the Dutch countryside with a guided walking tour. Explore charming villages, iconic windmills, and stunning landscapes, while learning about the history and traditions of rural life in the Netherlands.

Each of these walking tours offers a unique and immersive experience of Amsterdam's culture and history. From the charming Jordaan neighbourhood to the opulent Royal Palace, and from the story of Anne Frank to the idyllic Dutch countryside, there is something for every type of traveller.

Here are the popular Amsterdam day tours to book through us:

• Amsterdam Walking Tour
• Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans Day Tour
• Anne Frank Walking Tour
• Amsterdam Countryside Bike Tour
• Heineken Experience VIP Tour
• Amsterdam Private Bike Tour With A Local
• Walking Food Tour in Amsterdam
• Volendam Marken & Windmills Tour
• Giethoorn and Enclosing Dike Day Tour from Amsterdam

Here are the popular Amsterdam museum tickets to book through us:

• Nxt Digital Art Museum Tickets
• Stedelijk Museum Tickets
• NEMO Science Museum Tickets
• Eye Film Museum Tickets
• Body Worlds Amsterdam Tickets
• Rembrandt House Museum Tickets
• The Upside Down Amsterdam Tickets
• Red Light Secrets Museum Tickets
• Anne Frank House Museum Tickets
• Tropenmuseum Tickets

Here are the popular Amsterdam attraction tickets to book through us:

• Van Gogh Museum Tickets
• Moco Museum Tickets
• THIS IS HOLLAND Tickets
• The Amsterdam Dungeon Tickets
• NEMO Science Museum Tickets
• Anne Frank House Museum Tickets
• The Oude Church Tickets
• Muiderslot Castle Tickets
• House of Bols Tickets