
Planning to explore Amsterdam’s Red Light District? Our free, interactive Red Light District map helps you navigate De Wallen with ease — highlighting top-rated bars, local restaurants, coffeeshops, museums, window brothels, and hidden historical landmarks.
The Amsterdam Red Light District—locally called De Wallen—is one of the most visited parts of the city. When using an Amsterdam Red Light District map, you’ll see it’s located right in the historic center, only a few minutes’ walk from Central Station.
This neighborhood is famous for its glowing windows, canals, and lively nightlife. But it’s also full of history, with churches, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old buildings around every corner.
When walking through with a map, remember this is more than a tourist spot. It’s a real neighborhood where locals live, shop, and work.
Quick facts to know before checking your map:
Dutch name: De Wallen
Location: City center, east of Dam Square
Best time to explore: Evenings for the full atmosphere, mornings for peace
Attractions: Windows, coffee shops, sex shows, museums, bars, smart shops, and historic landmarks – like De Oude Kerk

Moulin Rouge in Amsterdam.
The Red Light District covers a small area, so a map is the best way to make sure you don’t miss anything. The main streets in the Red Light District include Oudezijds Voorburgwal, Oudezijds Achterburgwal, and Warmoesstraat. These streets are full of shops, bars, and restaurants.
Using a Red Light District Amsterdam map makes it easier to explore without getting lost in the maze of narrow alleys. The canals often act as natural guides, helping you know where you are.
If you’re short on time, focus on the three key zones:
The main canals – the heart of the district
Side streets – hidden bars and shops
Nieuwmarkt Square – a popular spot to eat and relax
Navigation Tips Table:
| Spot | What You’ll Find | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oudezijds Voorburgwal | Ventanas famosas, vida nocturna animada | Calle más concurrida |
| Warmoesstraat | Coffee shops, bars, shops | Ideal para comida y bebida. |
| Nieuwmarkt | Market square, restaurants | Más tranquilo que las calles principales. |
El Barrio Rojo ofrece mucho más que vida nocturna. Un mapa del Barrio Rojo de Ámsterdam te muestra dónde están las principales atracciones para que puedas planificar mejor tu visita.
Top spots to add to your map:
Red Light Secrets Museum – Learn about the history of sex work.
The Oude Kerk – Amsterdam’s oldest church, right in the middle of the district.
Erotic Museum & Sex Museum – Fun and lighthearted stops.
Coffee Shops – Relax with a drink or something stronger.
The area is also full of quirky shops selling souvenirs, local art, and Dutch snacks. Many of these places are easy to miss if you don’t know where to look, so a map comes in handy.
Pro tip: Take a short walk to Chinatown, just next to the Red Light District, for authentic Asian food and unique shops.
Visiting the Red Light District can be fun if you follow some simple rules. Respect is the most important one. Always remember that the workers in the windows are real people, and taking photos of them is not allowed.
Here are a few must-know tips:
Don’t take photos of the windows. It’s considered very disrespectful.
Stay aware of your belongings, especially at night.
Go in small groups – large groups stand out too much.
Visit earlier in the day if you prefer a calmer vibe.
Best times to go:
Morning (9–11 AM): Quiet, great for walking and photos of canals.
Afternoon (1–5 PM): Lively but not too busy.
Evening (7–10 PM): Peak atmosphere, but most crowded.
Our Local Guide’s Insights
Our local guides have spent years exploring every nook and cranny of the Red Light District, uncovering hidden gems and sharing fascinating stories with our guests.
We find that Amsterdam Red Light District offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, entertainment, or simply soaking up the unique atmosphere.
From steamy red light windows to trendy bars or tantalising sex shows, the Red Light District has something for everyone.
The Red Light District maps listed below ensures you won’t miss a thing. Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a seasoned traveler, let us help you navigate this iconic neighborhood with confidence and excitement.
🎧 Want expert insights while you walk? Download our Red Light District Tour for a self-paced, GPS-based tour

The alley next to coffeeshop The Bulldog.
¿Buscas un mapa del Barrio Rojo de Ámsterdam y cómo llegar? Empieza tu inolvidable viaje con nuestra guía gratuita, la clave perfecta para explorar la zona más famosa de la ciudad.
El primer mapa del Barrio Rojo a continuación muestra todos los burdeles con escaparates ubicados en esta zona de Ámsterdam. El Barrio Rojo oficial de Ámsterdam, llamadoDe Wallen" en neerlandés, se destaca en rojo. Los logotipos rojos de nuestra empresa representan las direcciones donde se encuentran los edificios de los burdeles con escaparates.
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There are currently a total of 201 window brothels in the Red Light District and approximately 350 sex workers in this area. The red light windows can be rented twice a day; during the daytime and nighttime. Most sex workers prefer to work during the nightshifts between 8 pm and 4 pm.
Looking at the map is a great way to get familiar with the Red Light District, but if you’re wondering how to actually get there, we’ve got you covered. Check out these easy directions to the Red Light District with tips on how to reach the area by foot, bike, or public transport. It’s super helpful—especially if it’s your first time in Amsterdam!

Amsterdam’s Oudezijds Achterburgwal.
Zoom in and out on the Amsterdam Red Light District Map below and discover the area digitally. Below, a Red Light District map dedicated to the best restaurants, the best bars, the best coffeeshops (cannabis cafes) and erotic entertainment can be found beneath the Red Light District map with window brothels.
Additionally it includes a third map containing the best hotels in Amsterdam Red Light District with direct links to make a reservation.

A window brothel on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal.
La prostitución en escaparates se introdujo en Ámsterdam en la década de 1950. Esta forma de trabajo sexual también es legal siempre que se respeten las leyes y se realice en burdeles con licencia. Es algo indisolublemente ligado a Ámsterdam y al modo de pensar liberal de los holandeses.

Amsterdam has three Red Light District area’s. The Red Light District map below shows all the 201 burdeles con escaparates y aproximadamente 350 trabajadoras sexuales.Wallen‘ area. The biggest and most famous Red Light District of the world.
En su dispositivo móvil: combine dos dedos para desplazarse por el mapa.
© AmsterdamRedLightDistrictTour.com

El Barrio Azul de Ámsterdam durante el día. Aquí trabajan personas transgénero.
The blue light district in Amsterdam is an area within the Red Light District with several transgender sex workers. Some transgender prostitutes use blue lights in their window brothels to indicate that they are different as the female sex workers.
It concerns two or three streets in the Red Light District (De Wallen). It mainly concerns the Bloedstraat and the Gordijnensteeg.

Burdeles con ventanas iluminadas de azul en Ámsterdam.
La mayoría de las trabajadoras sexuales transgénero del Barrio Azul de Ámsterdam (aún) conservan sus genitales masculinos y reciben visitas de hombres. En la Bloedstraat (en el llamado Barrio Azul) se encuentran los burdeles con escaparates, donde se exhiben trabajadoras sexuales transgénero y prostitutas.
As local guides, we see the Blue Light District as a unique contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle. Despite its lively atmosphere, visitors can uncover a diverse community, including transgender sex workers, who play a significant role in its vibrancy.
More details can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions.
Exploring the Red Light District with our map and want to plan a safe meetup nearby? Use it to pick public first-meeting spots—like Dam Square, Nieuwmarkt, or Amsterdam Centraal—then follow our guide to finding a gay sex date in the Netherlands. You’ll learn which apps work best around these areas, how to set intent filters, swap a live photo, and agree on boundaries before you meet.

Learn everything about this fascinating area during a red light district tour with real stories from 22 experts. Download our Amsterdam Audio Stories app and become a real Amsterdam-connoisseur. Enhance your exploration with our Amsterdam Audio Stories app.
Immerse yourself in captivating tales from local experts as you navigate the Red Light District. Available now on our website or directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
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Here below you can find an interactive Amsterdam Red Light District Map containing restaurants, bars, coffeeshops and sex shows.
Or, discover the best hookup sites and get a sex date in Holland.
Blue = Restaurants | Yellow = Bars & Cafes | Green = Coffeeshops | Red = Sex Shows
© AmsterdamRedLightDistrictTour.com
Know the rules before you go, and consider the Audio Tour for a guided first visit.

We listed the 10 best sex shows in Amsterdam for men and women. The overview contains all necessary details like opening hours, prices, photos and a description of the shows. The sex shows include strip clubs, a peep show, a 5D porn cinema, lap dance bars, erotic theaters and even male stripteases for women. We offer the best entradas para el Moulin Rouge online.
There’s even a male strip club in Amsterdam with male strippers who give amazing shows for women.
10 SEX SHOWS IN AMSTERDAM >

Descubra nuestra cuidada selección de hoteles de primera categoría en el Barrio Rojo de Ámsterdam, adaptados a todos los presupuestos. Disfrute de la comodidad de alojarse en un entorno arquitectónico histórico, con opciones gastronómicas exquisitas, bares animados y cafeterías auténticas, todo a solo unos pasos de su alojamiento.
The map below contains a selection of the 10 best hotels in Amsterdam Red Light District. In the surroundings of all these Amsterdam hotels you’ll find some of Amsterdam’s oldest buildings, great restaurants, fun bars and coffeeshops.
© AmsterdamRedLightDistrictTour.com
Una de las principales ventajas de alojarse en el Barrio Rojo es su ubicación céntrica. Está a solo 10 minutos a pie de la Estación Central. ¡Además, siempre hay algo que hacer en el Barrio Rojo de Ámsterdam!!
Haga clic en el botón a continuación si desea ver 10 hoteles en diferentes categorías de precios.
AMSTERDAM HOTELS >
When planning your visit with our Amsterdam Red Light District map, it’s easy to see how centrally located and walkable this historic area is. For those wanting to explore the district by day and retreat to elegance by night, booking one of the luxury hotels in Amsterdam nearby can elevate your entire experience. Many of these upscale hotels are just minutes from iconic Red Light District spots like Oude Kerk and the canal-side windows, offering a seamless mix of cultural immersion and five-star comfort.
Familiarize yourself with the charming streets of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. From the bustling Warmoesstraat to the historic Oudezijds Achterburgwal, each street offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich heritage and vibrant culture.


¿Qué es el Proyecto 1012?
Lanzado por el Ayuntamiento de Ámsterdam en 2007, el Proyecto 1012 busca transformar el Barrio Rojo en un barrio más seguro y acogedor. Esta iniciativa redujo el número de escaparates de burdeles e introdujo boutiques, galerías y espacios culturales. Esta es una de las razones principales por las que el actual De Wallen ofrece una combinación única de encanto tradicional y modernidad.
The Red Light District map has significantly changed in the last few decades. Especially during the last 10 years. In 2007, the City of Amsterdam started with a gentrification-plan called Project 1012, named after the zip code of the Red Light District.

This is the Trompettersteeg – Amsterdam’s most narrow alley.
La intención del Proyecto 1012 era transformar el barrio, desmantelar la supuesta infraestructura criminal y gentrificar la zona. El gobierno local gastó millones de euros de impuestos para comprar a los propietarios de burdeles, de modo que los escaparates pudieran transformarse en tiendas de moda, galerías de arte, tiendas de alimentación, etc.
However, criminal practices were hardly found to be happening inside Amsterdam’s Red Light District but elsewhere in the Netherlands. For example; in illegal sex clubs, within the online prostitution business and in private houses. For those types of activities there aren’t any forms of regulated oversight or control like there is in Amsterdam’s Red Light District.

Moulin Rouge is one of the 10 sex shows in Amsterdam.
El Ayuntamiento de Ámsterdam no pudo cerrar ni un solo burdel por la delincuencia o la ilegalidad. Lo único que pudieron hacer para reducir su número fue comprar las costosas propiedades del centro y así cerrarlos.
Esta costosa política le costó al contribuyente holandés 108 million euroGracias a estas medidas, el municipio de Ámsterdam logró cerrar un total de 126 burdeles con escaparates en los alrededores del Barrio Rojo desde 2007, modificando significativamente el mapa del Barrio Rojo.
En la actualidad, en el Barrio Rojo de Ámsterdam quedan 201 burdeles con escaparates y aproximadamente 350 trabajadoras sexuales.

The main street in De Wallen has windows on both sides. It contains most of the sex shows too.
Is Amsterdam’s Red Light District Safe?
Sí, de hecho, es una de las zonas más seguras del centro de Ámsterdam. La zona está fuertemente vigilada con cámaras de seguridad, una visible presencia policial e iniciativas de seguridad financiadas por la ciudad. Tanto si la visitas de día como de noche, nuestro mapa del Barrio Rojo incluye rutas peatonales seguras señalizadas y consejos para que la explores con confianza.

The police, enforcers and hosts of the city are often visibly present in this neighborhood. In addition, there are also 50 police cameras present and there is a lot of social control from all the millions of yearly visitors and the 4,305 local residents. (source)
Learn more about Amsterdam’s most fascinating area and hear stories of 22 experts.
Historians, sex workers, police officiers, entrepreneurs and other experts explain everything you need to know about the Red Light District. Download the Amsterdam Audio Tours App now!
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Llegar al Barrio Rojo de Ámsterdam es fácil.
If you come by train, walk south from Amsterdam Central Station for about 10 minutes. Go towards Dam Square and then turn onto Warmoesstraat.
Allí verás el Barrio Rojo. Si tomas el tranvía, bájate en la Plaza Dam. Los tranvías 4, 14 y 24 paran aquí. Desde allí, el barrio está a un corto paseo.
Conducir hasta el Barrio Rojo de Ámsterdam no es buena idea. Hay mucha gente y el aparcamiento es limitado. Las pocas plazas de aparcamiento en De Wallen casi siempre están ocupadas. El aparcamiento más cercano es Parking Centrum Oosterdok.
Caminar es la mejor manera de ver el Barrio Rojo. Podrás apreciar mejor los edificios antiguos y las famosas luces rojas. Recuerda que este lugar es especial porque refleja la historia y la cultura abierta de Ámsterdam. Caminar te permite verlo y sentirlo todo.
Exploring Amsterdam’s Red Light District offers a blend of history and modern attractions. Besides the famous window brothels and vibrant nightlife, there’s a plethora of activities suitable for all ages. For a comprehensive guide on exciting activities tailored for younger visitors, including trendy bars, unique museums, and more, visit our list of things to do in Amsterdam for young adults.
Directions to Amsterdam’s Red Light District:
Public Transport:
The Red Light District is a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station. Exit the station from the main entrance and head south on Damrak towards Dam Square.
Continue walking for about 5 minutes until you reach the Beurs van Berlage, a large historical building. From there, turn left onto Warmoesstraat, which leads directly into the heart of the Red Light District. The walk takes approximately 10 minutes.
The three main streets are Oudezijds Voorburgwal, Oudezijds Achterburgwal, Zeedijk and Warmoesstraat. These streets form the heart of the district.
The main part of Amsterdam’s Red Light District, known as De Wallen, is located in the city center, close to Dam Square and Amsterdam Central Station. It spans several streets and alleys, primarily around Oudezijds Achterburgwal and Oudezijds Voorburgwal canals. This area is famous for its neon-lit windows, historic buildings, and vibrant nightlife. It’s easily accessible by walking from Central Station or by taking trams 4, 24, or 26 to Dam Square.
Getting here by tram: Take 4, 14, or 24 from Centraal for Dam Square/Rokin; 26 runs to IJburg. Trams 9/16 were discontinued in 2018. Check GVB live info for updates.
Los mejores momentos para visitar el Barrio Rojo de Ámsterdam
Parking in Amsterdam can be tricky; however, dedicated parking areas near the district are identified. The best approach is to use Park and Ride services, located on the outskirts, then transit into the city. For bike enthusiasts, rental options abound near the district. Secure bike parking spots are also well-marked, ensuring safety for your two-wheeled companion.
The nearest tram stop to the Red Light District is “Dam Square.” Trams 4, 14, and 24 stop here. From Dam Square, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the Red Light District. Head east along Damstraat, and you’ll find yourself entering the area. For bus-users, the “Amsterdam, Dam” stop is also conveniently located near Dam Square, serving several bus routes.
While it’s possible to reach the Red Light District by car, driving is not recommended due to limited parking and busy traffic. However, if you choose to drive, the closest parking facility is Parking Centrum Oosterdok, near Amsterdam Central Station. From there, you can walk to the Red Light District in about 10 minutes. Remember, the streets in the district are narrow and mainly pedestrianized, so walking is the best way to explore the area.
Getting lost can be managed easily. First, stay calm. Local businesses and cafes are friendly to tourists; asking for directions is recommended. Additionally, police and information kiosks are present to assist visitors. Returning to a known landmark or using a digital map can also help in reorienting yourself.
Yes, couples and even curious families often visit during the daytime. A map helps highlight not just the windows but also museums, churches, and cultural spots.
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65x Amsterdam Red Light District FAQ’s