A red light district is a neighborhood where prostitution and other businesses in the sex industry flourish. The term “red light district” was first recorded in the United States in 1894, in an article in The Sentinel, a newspaper in Milwaukee. Other mentions from the 1890s are numerous, and located all over the United States. The famous Red light district of Amsterdam is called “De Wallen”.

Tourist Attraction

De Wallen is the largest and best-known red light district in Amsterdam and a major tourist attraction. It is located in the heart of the oldest part of Amsterdam, covering several blocks south of the church Oude Kerk and crossed by several canals. The red light district is a network of alleys containing a little less than three hundred tiny one-room cabins rented by female prostitutes who offer their services from behind a window or glass door, typically illuminated with red lights. The area also has a number of sex shops, sex theatres, peep shows, a sex museum, a cannabis museum, and a number of coffee shops that sell marijuana.

Origin of the red light district

The red light district has existed since the 14th century and formerly contained many distilleries, mainly catering to sailors. The name Wallen (walls) refers to the medieval retaining dam walls in the old center of Amsterdam.

Prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, with the exception of streetwalking. However, only EU citizens can work legally in the industry, since no working permits are given for prostitution.

While health and social services are readily available, sex workers are not required to undergo regular health checks. A study conducted before 2006 found that about 7 percent of all Dutch prostitutes (including street prostitutes) have HIV/AIDS. Brothel owners and room operators often require health certificates before employing or leasing rooms

Latest legislation

In September 2007, the city council of Amsterdam at the behest of mayor Job Cohen, concerned about trafficking and pimping in the area, forced the owner Charlie Geerts to close 51 prostitution windows, reducing the total number of windows in De Wallen by a third. Amsterdam authorities bought 18 properties from Geerts, with the aim of developing the area with fashion designers and other up scale businesses.

Mariska Majoor of the Prostitution Information Centre and representatives of the sex worker rights group De Rode Draad have decried the decision, claiming it would not reduce crime but would only lead to higher rent and more competition for the remaining windows.

In January 2008 the city council announced plans to close the Casa Rosso live sex theatre and the Banana bar strip club in the area. Local business owners have formed the group “Platform 1012″ (named after the zipcode of the area) to oppose the efforts of the Amsterdam government.

Wanna walk through

In my previous post I recommended some tours in Amsterdam which will take you to pass through the Red Light District.

There are a lot of tour operators who offer Amsterdam Tours. But which one is better than his competitor? How do you choose between all these operators. The Amsterdam Tours can be divided in area of interests. Do you like a walking tours, bike tours, canal cruises or museums. I’ll give you a selection of some great Amsterdam Tours.

Walking Tours in Amsterdam

Personally, I prefer walking, before cycling. But hey, that’s just me. But if you are just a bit like me, take a walking tour across Amsterdam. You’ll see lots of great things and in a slow tempo. And if you’re a bit adventurous take the Night Walking Tour of Amsterdam! A tour through Dark Amsterdam can be rather illuminating because of the visit to the famous Red Light District. Which is probably the most interesting part of the tour. If you’re thinking that this is slightly dangerous, I can assure you: it’s not. You’re accompanied by a very trustworthy guide.

Duration: approximately 2 hours

Bike Tours in Amsterdam

If you’re more fond of cycling then I would like to recommend the Orange Bike & Boat Tour. This tour combines all three highlights of Amsterdam, buildings, canals and art, in one package! Your tour starts with a self guided bike tour through the Jordaan, Amsterdam canal cruise and Van Gogh Museum. Get ready to get on your bicycle all day and take a lovely tour through Amsterdam. By the way: your ticket to the Van Gogh museum can also be used on another day of your stay.

Duration: all day from 09:00 till 18:00.

Oh yeah, you don’t need to bring your own bike. They’ve got one you can loan, but you’ll have to return it before 18.00h.

Floating Dinner Tours in Amsterdam

A nice way of exploring Amsterdam by night is a dinner cruise. It’s lovely to sail through the illuminated canals of Amsterdam, while drinks are served aboard. And after an hour or so, you’ll board near a good restaurant, for a starter. Then you’ll set off to sail again, to see more of Amsterdam. Later on you’ll board again for the main course. Then off to sail again, and to have desert aboard. When you return it’s time to see Amsterdam’s famous nightlife. Maybe go to the Red Light District, which you remember from your night walking tour, the night before!

Duration: approximately 3 hours

Amsterdam Museum Tours

Well as I mentioned before, there are a lot of museums in Amsterdam, so take your pick. If you want to go the most popular museums, take a peak a Amsterdam museum tour. If the low profile museums attract to you, read my post: 10 Museums in Amsterdam others forget to tell you about.

Duration: as long as you like.

The most popular Amsterdam Tour Operators:

• Tours and Tickets
• Amsterdamcitytours.com
• Amsterdamtours.nl