Netherlands · Walking Tour

Red Light District group tour

2 Hours Round trip from Amsterdam Easy pace

Canal of the Red Light District in Amsterdam.

Stripclub at Red Light District in Amsterdam.

Condom shop in Amsterdam Red Light District.

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Learn about the history of the Red Light District and sex work in Amsterdam
02 Discover how Amsterdam developed its liberal attitude toward sex and coffeeshops
03 Walk past key surrounding locations including Dam Square, Warmoesstraat, Zeedijk, and Nieuwmarkt
04 Hear stories about Chinatown and one of Amsterdam’s oldest streets
05 Understand the legalization of prostitution and challenges faced by sex workers today
06 Get insight into coffeeshop culture and legal status
07 Receive a map for the final self-guided stretch of the district
08 Includes a small gift at the end of the tour

Explore Amsterdam’s most talked-about neighborhood on a guided walking tour that goes beyond the clichés. Learn how the Red Light District developed, why it is located where it is, and how Amsterdam’s long-standing culture of tolerance shaped its approach to sex work and coffeeshops.

Along the way, your guide shares the history, controversies, and present-day realities of the area as you walk through nearby streets and landmarks including Beursplein, Dam Square, Warmoesstraat, Zeedijk, Nieuwmarkt, and Kloveniersburgwal. Because guided tours inside the Red Light District have been prohibited since 2020, you’ll finish with a map to explore the final stretch independently.

Because guided tours inside the Red Light District have been prohibited since 2020, you’ll finish with a map to explore the final stretch independently.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Yes

City Amsterdam

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Beursplein

Discover the rich history of the Red Light District and prostitution and learn why sex workers chose to settle in this sacred place. Learn how and why Amsterdam developed its reputation for a liberal attitude towards sex.

Dam Square

Discover the place where the concept of the coffee shop originated and what was once the center of Amsterdam's tolerance and freedom.

Warmoesstraat

Discover one of Amsterdam's oldest streets, which now serves as an entertainment center. Also catch a glimpse of the Old Church.

Zeedijk

Discover Chinatown, once the most dangerous place in Amsterdam during the 1970s. Learn about its decline and how the street has now transformed into one of the favorite spots for many Amsterdammers.

Nieuwmarkt

Learn about the legalization of prostitution and the challenges faced by sex workers today.

Kloveniersburgwal

Gain insight into the renowned coffeeshops and their cultural significance, learn everything about their legal status.

Paulusbroedersluis

Receive the map with information about the Red Light District and discover the famous area yourself!

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Amsterdam 1 city · 2 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

1,5 hour walking tour around the Red Light District in Amsterdam
Map with information for the last stretch of the tour
Small gift guaranteed to bring a smile to your face

What's Not Included

Guided tours in the Red Light District have been prohibited since 2020, so our guide will take you to the outskirts. At the end of the tour, you will receive a map with information so you can explore the last stretch of the Red Light District by yourself.