Red Light District Exploration

Discover Amsterdam’s Red Light District with a local guide. Uncover its history, myths, and modern-day realities. Get insider tips and a special souvenir.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Red Light District (De Wallen) - Explore the rich history of the Red Light District and prostitution, and understand why sex workers chose this revered location. Discover how Amsterdam earned its reputation for a liberal stance on sex.

  • Dam Square - Uncover the origins of the coffee shop concept and learn about what was once the heart of Amsterdam’s tolerance and freedom.

  • Warmoesstraat - Visit one of Amsterdam’s oldest streets, now a hub of entertainment. Also, catch a glimpse of the Old Church.

  • Zeedijk - Explore Chinatown, which was the most dangerous area in Amsterdam during the 1970s. Learn about its decline and transformation into a favorite spot for many locals.

  • Nieuwmarkt - Understand the legalization of prostitution and the current challenges faced by sex workers.

  • Kloveniersburgwal, Amsterdam - Gain insights into the famous coffeeshops and their cultural importance, and learn about their legal status.

  • Paulusbroederssluis - Get a map with information about the Red Light District and explore the renowned area on your own!

What's Included
  • 1.5-hour walking tour around the Red Light District in Amsterdam
  • Tour in small group
  • Map with information for the last stretch of the tour
  • Small gift guaranteed to bring a smile to your face
What's Not Included
  • Tours in the Red Light District have been prohibited since 2020, so this tour goes to outskirts
Additional Information

Explore the iconic Red Light District in a group led by a knowledgeable local guide who calls this vibrant neighborhood home.

Your guide will share fascinating insights into the district’s past and present, covering everything from the origins of sex work to the latest controversies. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of Amsterdam’s progressive stance on prostitution and coffee shops, all while debunking common myths about this famous area.

Due to city regulations prohibiting guided tours within the Red Light District since 2020, our tour takes you through the surrounding areas instead. At the tour’s conclusion, you’ll receive a detailed map and insider tips, allowing you to confidently explore the heart of the district on your own. Plus, you’ll get a special souvenir to remember your visit—a little token that’s sure to make you smile.

Join us for an educational and eye-opening adventure, and see the Red Light District through the eyes of a true local!

  • This walking tour takes 1,5 hours. In between passing the highlights, the group explores the city on foot while the guide discusses various topics along the way.
Location
Beursplein 1
Beursplein
The tour starts at Beursplein 1, in front of Bistro Berlage / the golden Sherlocked sign. The guide will be holding a paper or digital logo with 'Guidance' on it.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(26 Ratings)
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Della_b
Sep 13, 2024
Red light review - Our guide was exceptionally knowledgeable on the area and its history and was also very open to share information and answer questions about the industry. This is a great tour.
Review provided by Viator
Paula_e
Sep 9, 2024
fascinating full of interesting facts - This tour was wonderful the knowledge I guide knew was fascinating. She was so professional and kind. I would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Marilyn_b
Sep 2, 2024
Local guide with expert knowledge. - We had an excellent tour with Manouk! She is very knowledgeable about the area since she lives there. I appreciated her details and stories about the history of the red light a district and the coffee shops as well as the issues of today. She offered suggestions for dinner in the charming china town district. I would recommend this tour with such an expert guide!
Review provided by Viator
Adriana_g
Aug 31, 2024
Tour - Tour was amazing, very knowledgeable and kind. Guide was aware of excisiting laws and answered all questions.
Review provided by Viator
Julie_l
Aug 29, 2024
Good tour - Very interesting tour with a local that understands the district in a way others wouldn’t. Highly recommend from a standpoint of gaining a better understanding of the culture.
Review provided by Viator
Juanita_t
Aug 22, 2024
A Great Way To See and Understand The Red Light District - This was a great tour, definitely worth the money. Manouk added insight and history as we walked through the Red Light District. She had a depth of knowledge and kept it interesting and entertaining. We definitely know the difference between a coffee house and a coffee cafe. The area itself is vibrant, lively and full of rich history. The area is not "seedy" as some expect.
Review provided by Viator
Maureenparker
Aug 18, 2024
Take this tour! - Manouk is an excellent guide - knowledgeable, personable, ethical, and passionate about her city. This was the optimal tour experience.
Review provided by Viator
Beletra_t
Aug 14, 2024
Great way to learn & explore Red Light District - The guide was very knowledgeable. She lived in the area so she was able to offer a lot of historical insight as well as current events. It was a great tour. I could have spent another hour asking questions. I highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Arlyn_b
Aug 3, 2024
Highly recommended guide - our guide Manouk was very knowledgeable and gold us interesting stories about the red light district. I definitely recommend doing the walk through with her for a fun experience of Amsterdam.
Review provided by Viator
Pamela_f
Jul 15, 2024
Great introduction to the history of the Red Light District - Manouk lead is on a wonderful tour through the Red light Neighborhoods. I have done previous tours and was pleasantly surprised with new facts I hadn’t known.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 12 guests
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September 2024
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