Is The Red Light District Safe? - Ultimate Party Experiences (2024)

Is The Red Light District Safe? - Ultimate Party Experiences (1)

Is The Red Light District Safe?

Amsterdam’s nightlife is as diverse as the city itself, offering everything from vibrant clubs to cozy bars where the party never stops. Whether you’re a solo traveler, part of a group, or simply looking to experience the best of what Amsterdam has to offer after dark, we’ve got you covered. Ultimate Party Amsterdam presents our curated list of the top 5 must-visit bars in the city, each with its unique charm and appeal. From lively DJ sets to cozy corners perfect for a chat, these spots are where unforgettable nights begin.

St Christopher’s at The Winston, also known as Belushi’s, is more than just a hostel; it’s a vibrant bar and restaurant where the atmosphere ramps up as the night progresses. With a DJ spinning tracks that keep the energy high, Belushi’s offers a lively and international vibe perfect for starting your night. It’s a place where travelers and locals mingle, making it an ideal spot for solo visitors looking to make new friends.

Join our Red Light District Pub Crawl to kickstart your evening at Belushi’s with a bang.

2. Red Light Bar

Located in the heart of Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District, the Red Light Bar offers three floors of entertainment. Shoot some pool on the first floor, relax in the seating area on the second, or dance the night away in the small club on the top floor, which opens its doors for the weekend crowd. The Red Light Bar is a must-visit for those looking to dive deep into the Red Light District’s unique nightlife.

Discover our Red Light District adventures and make the Red Light Bar a highlight of your night.

3. Bar Twenty Two

Bar Twenty Two, nestled in the bustling Leidseplein, is a cozy yet vibrant spot to enjoy a drink. With a DJ setting the mood in the evening and an inviting outdoor area, it’s the perfect place to either start your night or wind down after an evening of exploration. The atmosphere here manages to strike a delightful balance between energetic and relaxed, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors.

Explore our Leidseplein Pub Crawl and include Bar Twenty Two in your Amsterdam nightlife experience.

4. Big Ben Bar

Big Ben Bar is a staple in the Red Light District, known for its sports-centric vibe with plenty of screens displaying football and other games. Beyond sports, the bar boasts music, unique paintings on the walls, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a fantastic spot to catch a game, enjoy some tunes, and soak in the local culture.

Experience the Red Light District with us and don’t miss out on the vibrant ambiance of Big Ben Bar.

5. Cafe De Buurvrouw

Tucked away in a small, hidden street of the Red Light District, Cafe De Buurvrouw offers a cozy escape from the hustle and bustle. Known for its friendly bartenders and intimate setting, this bar is perfect for those looking to enjoy a quiet drink while picking up some insider tips about Amsterdam. It’s small, charming, and epitomizes the warmth of Dutch hospitality.

Join our Pub Crawl and let Cafe De Buurvrouw be one of your cozy stops.

Wanting to visit the Red Light District but concerned about safety? Relieve your worries and read on…

The Red Light District is Amsterdam’s most notrious neighbourhood. De Wallen, as it is known to locals, is often cited as offering a shocking viewof the city’s famous liberalism like no other, when it comes to the policies oftolerance for prostitution and soft drugs. Given its reputation for vice, it’s no surprise that this part of town has become such a popular destination for tourists – but is the Red Light District safe? Find out more below.

The Red Light District is the based in the heart of Amsterdam, in the cit’ys most historic quarter and is one of the best knownneighbourhoods for tourists who come to see the city’s naughty side.

Although in many cities around the world, areas that are known Red Light Districts can be extremely dodgy, the Amsterdam Red Light District is actually pretty safe. Although there are someproblems with pickpocketing, petty theft and drug-dealing, the area has a constant police presence (there are also a number of undercover cops) and you will see everyone from tourists to elderly couples and families walking around at all times. Although issues with antisocial behaviour have increasingly been a topic of contention in recent years, the area is pretty safe. As long as you keep your valuables hidden, avoid interaction with dodgy characters and ignore street dealers, you’re unlikely to come across trouble in the Red Light District.

Some people expect the area to be hidden away and a bit lawless but this couldn’t be further from the truth – Amsterdam’s Red Light District is right in the centre of the city, just a stone’s throw from central station. Yes, there are drugs, yes there are prostitutes, sex clubs and everything that goes with it but there is no reason to be scared of visiting this part of town – just take the same sensible precautions as you would in any city at night. For more information on staying safe in Amsterdam, check out our blog, ‘Is Amsterdam Safe’ for all our top tips to make sure your trip is as fun and safe as possible.

And if you are concerned about safety but do wish to check out this fascinating and infamous part of the city, consider joining a Pub Crawl. You’ll be able to meet plenty of drinking buddies (safety in numbers, after all!) and our staff will be on hand if you have any issues.

Share

Prev

Next

Is The Red Light District Safe? - Ultimate Party Experiences (2024)

FAQs

Is The Red Light District Safe? - Ultimate Party Experiences? ›

Yes, there are drugs, yes there are prostitutes, sex clubs and everything that goes with it but there is no reason to be scared of visiting this part of town – just take the same sensible precautions as you would in any city at night.

How safe is the Red Light District? ›

Walking around, you will pass "red light" windows and some sex shops but no one will make you look or go inside if you are not curious. I would not stay there because it sounded to me that it would be noisy and unpleasant at night but not physically dangerous.

How do you negotiate in the Red Light District? ›

Another Red Light District etiquette is that you do not start a negotiation with a sex worker with an a price offer that is too low. This can be taken as an insult. The starting price for any serious negotiation with a window prostitute is 50 euro. Let the sex worker start the negotiation.

Why can't you take pictures in the Red Light District? ›

Respect the Privacy of Sex Workers

Therefore, it is generally considered inappropriate and disrespectful to take photos of the sex workers in the Amsterdam Red Light District.

What happens in a Red Light District room? ›

In the Red Light area Known as “De Wallen” (pronounced Day Vaw-len) to the Dutch, you'll find prostitutes offering their “services”, from behind a window. Along with that, the area is known for its many live sex shows, sex shops, brothels, and strip clubs.

Do couples go to the Red Light District? ›

Not the most romantic date tip, but if you are intrigued by the famous red-light district and have a leaning to spice up your relationship some of the women are open to couples if you go to them. Also, there is the famous Casa Rosso, an erotic theatre that has been running live sex shows for over 50 years.

What time do girls come out in Red Light District? ›

During the day, the district is less lively and even less attractive as the more messy aspects reveal themselves in natural daylight. Although there are women tapping on the windows even during the light hours, most of the action takes place around 11pm.

What are the three key rules to negotiate? ›

What Are The Three Key Rules to Negotiate?
  • First Key Rule: Preparation.
  • Tips for Effective Preparation.
  • Second Key Rule: Communication.
  • Tips for Effective Communication.
  • Third Key Rule: Flexibility.
  • Tips for Being Flexible.
Oct 20, 2023

Do you need cash for Red Light District? ›

Do You Need Cash in the Red Light District? Other than that though, there's no cost to walk through the streets of the Red Light District. For those hiring sex workers, cash is needed. They do not tend to accept credit cards.

Is it safe to go to the Red Light District alone? ›

As long as you keep your valuables hidden, avoid interaction with dodgy characters and ignore street dealers, you're unlikely to come across trouble in the Red Light District.

Is alcohol banned in Red Light District? ›

Currently, the sale of alcohol from shops, liquor stores and cafes in the red light district is illegal from Thursday to Sunday after 4pm. Now, the council will ask vendors to completely remove alcohol from their shopfronts during that time, or hide them from view.

Where are the girls in the windows in Amsterdam? ›

In the Red Light District, prostitution is legal and regulated. The sex workers occupy small “windows” where they basically just have a bed, a bathroom, and a window with a curtain. Customers knock on the “window,” which is really just a glass door, to initiate a business transaction.

Is Amsterdam safe to walk at night? ›

While Amsterdam is generally safe at night, it's essential to remain cautious and take necessary precautions to ensure your personal safety.

Where to avoid staying in Amsterdam? ›

Areas to Avoid in Amsterdam: A Guide for First-Time Visitors
  • The Red Light District (De Wallen) The Red Light District is one of Amsterdam's most famous neighborhoods, known for its notorious nightlife and legalized prostitution. ...
  • Bijlmer. ...
  • Burgwallen-Nieuwe Zijde. ...
  • Bos en Lommer. ...
  • Oosterparkbuurt. ...
  • In Summary.

Do red light districts reduce crime? ›

In cities that licensed the prostitutes permitted to work in these tippelzones, rapes and sexual abuse dropped by as much as 40 percent, while the reductions in sexual violence were slightly lower in zones that did not enforce the licensing of sex workers.

How much do Red Light District workers get paid? ›

Typically, sex workers in the red light district earn between 200 and 600 euros on an average evening. Less than €200 is seen as a bad night, which does happen. Bad weather, off-peak season, major events and more can stop people from utilising the services within Amsterdam's red light district.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Madonna Wisozk

Last Updated:

Views: 5794

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Madonna Wisozk

Birthday: 2001-02-23

Address: 656 Gerhold Summit, Sidneyberg, FL 78179-2512

Phone: +6742282696652

Job: Customer Banking Liaison

Hobby: Flower arranging, Yo-yoing, Tai chi, Rowing, Macrame, Urban exploration, Knife making

Introduction: My name is Madonna Wisozk, I am a attractive, healthy, thoughtful, faithful, open, vivacious, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.