Red Light District

The Red Light District is the most liberal and catty area of Amsterdam, the Dutch Capital. This district is named after the colour of the showcases where the prostitutes stand trying to allure their clients. Unlike most European countries, in Holland prostitution is legal since 1815. The "red districts" are actually three. The most famous is surely Walletjes, near the Central Station. Moreover there are Singel and Pijp's Area near the Rijksmuseum. In all three areas you will find both brothels and strip tease clubs. There are also, obviously, hard core video rental shops and sexy shops. A part from these modern aspects, the district of Walletjes is one of the oldest in Amsterdam; all the houses that overlook the channels are built in perfect XIV century architectural style. In the Red Lights District you will find the Erotic Museum, 5 floors full of erotic memorabilia and curiosities, and the Condom Shop Het Gulden Vile, which is the museum of the condom. Before you enter this district please remember that you will not be allowed to take pictures of the girls in the showcases and that, since it is full of tourists, pickpockets are always in ambush. As other famous tourists places all over the world also in this district there is a flourishing presence of Chinese restaurants and shops, and now some Thai and Tibetan restaurants are flourishing offering different flavours. There is a plan in the near future for a redevelopment of the district in order to conquer again the tourists that have been pushed away by the degradation. The showcases should become history and there should be a thoroughly comprehensive requalification of clubs, restaurants and bars that nowadays are more committed in selling drugs than good coffee.

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