Amsterdam is a city of contradictions. Its canals and cobblestones tell tales of centuries past, while neon-lit windows and drug policies continue to spark international conversation. At the heart of this duality lies De Wallen, Amsterdam’s most famous – and misunderstood- neighborhood: the Red Light District.

Whether you’re planning to visit or simply curious about its layered history, understanding this district means seeing beyond the window displays and tourist crowds. It’s about respect, rights, and recognizing a part of the city’s heritage that’s often whispered about but rarely understood.

A Short History of De Wallen

De Wallen, nestled around the Oudezijds Achterburgwal canal and surrounding streets, is one of Amsterdam’s oldest neighborhoods. As early as the 14th century, this area was already a hub of sailors, merchants, and brothels. Over the centuries, the city’s approach to prostitution has shifted, fluctuating between tolerance, regulation, and stigmatization.

Publications like Ons Amsterdam (Note: Dutch website) magazine have detailed stories around this district, from medieval “tolerance zones” to 19th-century crackdowns and modern legalization in the year 2000. The presence of window brothels, neon signs, murder stories, and the world’s first sex worker monument (“Belle”).

Today, the district includes around 300 windows, sex shops, peep shows, museums, and a thriving nightlife scene. But it’s also home to residents, churches, community centers and a growing debate about its future.

Rights, Respect & Real People Behind the Red Light District Windows

While prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, that doesn’t mean it’s free of challenges. Many sex workers face housing discrimination, financial exclusion, and social stigma.

Thankfully, Amsterdam is also home to powerful advocacy groups.

The Prostitution Information Centre (PIC), founded by former sex worker Mariska Majoor, offers tours, lectures, and support to empower sex workers and educate visitors.
Mainline Foundation advocates for harm reduction and health-based approaches, especially among marginalized communities.
PROUD, the Dutch union for sex workers, works to protect labor rights and influence national policy.

If you want to be a respectful visitor to the Red Light District, here are a few key tips:
✔️ Don’t take photos of sex workers – it’s a violation of their privacy and dignity.
✔️ Keep your voice down – this is also a residential neighborhood.
✔️ Don’t gawk or loiter – if you’re not there for business, move along respectfully.
✔️ Use legal, regulated services and always agree on clear boundaries and fees.

A New Direction? The Controversial Erotic Centre

Mayor Femke Halsema has proposed building a new Erotic Centre outside the city center, with the goal of reducing over-tourism and public harassment in De Wallen.

The planned location near Europaboulevard, close to the RAI convention center, would feature secure workspaces, sex worker support services, restaurants, and event spaces. Its aim? To create a more respectful environment – away from drunken bachelor parties and gawking tourists.

But not everyone agrees.
Many sex workers and residents have criticized the move, saying it pushes sex work to the margins, puts safety at risk, and could damage livelihoods. As one sex worker told Het Parool, “We’re not the problem – drunk tourists are.”

Protests have taken place at City Hall, led by sex workers who argue that the district needs smarter regulation, not forced relocation.

Experience Amsterdam With More Understanding

Tours that go right through the Red Light District are no longer allowed by the City of Amsterdam but there are many other worthwhile tours to enjoy! For a broader view of Amsterdam’s rich social and cultural history, hop on a Yellow Bike Tour. You’ll not only explore the city’s hidden corners, but hear real stories from local guides about Amsterdam’s progressive past and its current challenges.

How You Can Support Sex Workers in Amsterdam

🎗️ Donate or volunteer at advocacy organizations like PIC, Mainline, or PROUD.
📢 Use your voice to support smart, human-centered policies that prioritize safety and autonomy.
💛 Engage respectfully, both online and in person. A little empathy goes a long way.

The Red Light District is more than a tourist attraction

It’s a living, breathing part of Amsterdam’s story. One filled with contradiction, resilience, and ongoing change.

By learning more, supporting sex workers’ rights, and being a respectful visitor, you become part of a more thoughtful, inclusive city.

Because Amsterdam isn’t just to be seen, it’s to be understood!