You haven’t truly experienced Amsterdam unless you have been to the Red Light district. This square mile called ‘De Wallen’, is the oldest part of the city. A great area with the most amazing atmosphere and wonderful buildings (cafe ‘in t Aepjen’, VOC, the Waag and the Oude Kerk) along the canals. You can stroll through the district and on your way have ‘a bakkie leut’ (a cup of coffee) or something stronger to keep you going. The exciting red light district neighbourhood of Amsterdam is alive 24 hours a day.
The Amsterdam Red Light District leaves nothing to the imagination. You will have heard about this neighbourhood and to be frank, everything you will have heard is probably true! The locals call it the Rossebuurt, and is unlike anywhere else you have ever been. Guaranteed.
Certainly the Red Light District’s reputation is all about a place where Women of all nationalities parade their wares in red-fringed window parlours, many willing to offer more than a school boy peep-show in a private cabin. The Amsterdam Red Light District is crowded with packs of men, young and old, couples holding hands and pointing in shock of it all, giggling groups of women celebrating a hen night, and busloads of Japanese tourists carrying cameras.
But it is not just the parlours and bars that make this neighbourhood irresistible – it’s the fascinating people. To really put rumours to rest, go and check it out for yourself. Here some tips not to miss:
1. Smoke a joint
To get stoked up, go to the Green House Centrum; a garter’s toss from the red light district where serious smokers make a beeline for this canal-side coffee shop, which serves up an award-winning selection of skunk. The coffee shop is very popular so getting a chair can be a bit tricky. But not to worry as we have an insider’s tip; we booked the Smokeboat, and never had such a relaxing sightseeing tour, looking out onto the busy street. Great for people watching and to let your mind wonder……
The Smokeboat was exactly what it promised – a canal cruise whilst smoking a joint. Fun, positive, Zen, happy, relaxed….that’s how we felt cruising the canals of Amsterdam with a joint in our hand and some reggae music in the background. The tour had a very laid back vibe that we absolutely loved. We had a blast ,and a lot of fun seeing Amsterdam from a very different point of view. The boat is 70% covered and 30% open, so you can enjoy the agreeable effects of your spliff, without being knocked out by your neighbour’s reefer. The tour ends in the Red Light District so we decided to get some historical facts before hitting the district…..
2. Drink coffee at Quartier Putain
Quartier Putain
A café called Whore Quarter?? Oui oui oui!! This café offers amazing coffee and a top notch atmosphere. True to the name, this cafe in the De Wallen area is literally wedged between some red light erotic professionals, and the back wall of the Old Church. If you go early in the morning or later in the afternoon, you can view these fine sexual entrepreneurs as you sip some coffee at Quartier Putain. They have very fast Wi-Fi which is hard to come by in this city, and not to mention the people-watching in the red light district.
It is fun, hip, and happening, and when I went there the Jukebox was playing, drawing me in with the Hip Hopperige sounds. They also have delicious bakery items that are fresh and the Apple Pie is divine! There is seating right on the cobblestone street, and it was wonderful to sit there between all the windows, enjoying my coffee and pie, watching the extraordinary world in the Wallen go by! So drink your coffee in the most sinful street!
3. The Red light secret – Prostitute museum
No time to do a red light tour, but you do you have half an hour to spare? Then go and visit the world’s only Museum of Prostitution. A small secret gem which gives you a look at the history of prostitution in Amsterdam. An interactive quiz teaches some of the economics of prostitution, see a prostitute’s room, and the best part: you, too, can sit in an Amsterdam window and try to drum up business. Experience how it feels to ‘sit behind a window’, and photos are allowed! Every room you go into has been created to show you exactly how the workers live. An eye opening glance into the secrets of the famous Red Light District. I really had fun and found out a lot about the red light district. The wall of confessions was interesting to read, and for me it was well worth a visit! Step into a world that remains hidden. For curious adults only.
4. Peepshow
The first peepshow in Amsterdam was opened in the late 1960’s and proved a great success.
For people who are very interested in the subject the basic peepshow is a large, slowly-revolving platform on which a scantily-dressed, or naked woman, displays herself. The turntable is surrounded by cubicles with shuttered peepholes. When you insert a two euro coin into the slot machine, the shutter will open, allowing the visitor to gaze at the undressed woman for a few minutes. Go on, you’re in Amsterdam, where else are you going to get the chance to do this?
For just €2, you get a short, up-close taste of the action. Amsterdam’s last peepshow, is on the Oudezijds Achterburgwal, at the epicentre of the district.
Peepshow Oudezijds Achterburgwal 84-90 (every hour after 4pm, a couple show)
