17 Best Amsterdam Red Light District Things to Do

Top 17 Amsterdam Red Light District Things To Do

Amsterdam Red Light District things to do made simple – skip the chaos, find the best spots now! Take yourself to the beating heart of old Amsterdam and be caught up in a whirlwind of sights, sounds and experiences you won’t soon forget. As one of Europe’s most iconic nightlife destinations, Amsterdam Red Light District offers an astonishingly vibrant cultural setting that is steeped in history. From coffee shops to theaters, bars and brothels, tourists, expats, and business travelers alike can expect to find multiple attractions within close distance of each other. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot or simply want to explore something unique – there’s plenty to entertain everyone! Last updated: 25 March 2026. Here are 15 fun things you must do while visiting the notorious area:

The Red Light District by Day vs at Night

The Red Light District is really two places in one. By day, De Wallen is a quiet, pretty corner of the old city – green canals, medieval churches, coffee spots and second-hand book stalls, with most window curtains still drawn. It is the best time to admire the architecture and to visit the museums without the crowds. After dark is when the district earns its name. From late evening the red – and a handful of blue and purple – windows switch on, the neon of the show venues reflects in the canals, and the lanes fill up, busiest at around 11pm. Many of the 17 things below are perfect in daylight; the shows, the bars and the full red-lit atmosphere belong to the night. If you can, come twice.

1 | Amsterdam Red Light District Tour

Amsterdam’s Red Light District has such a rich and diverse history that you simply can not grasp it by just walking around. Get to know this area with an amazing audio tour. Learn everything about legal sex work. Hear about window prostitution, negotiations-processes, safety measures, laws, local prices and whatnot. Get our Amsterdam Audio Stories app. It offers an amazing GPS guided Amsterdam Red Light Distric tour hosted by a virtual guide AND 22 experts. One of the experts is even a sex worker. Nowadays, this is only way to take a Red Light District tour. The municipality of Amsterdam has recently banned Amsterdam Red Light District tours with a group and tour guide. Fortunately, this app is here! Download it today and discover De Wallen with the best experts in your pocket. GET THE APP > The Oudezijds Achterburgwal at night. This Amsterdam Audio Tours App allows you to experience a GPS-guided tour in the Red Light District independently, affordable and at any time. All you need is a smartphone! Amsterdam Audio Tours included stories of almost 2 hours from 22 experts, plus a virtual tour guide, GPS and dozens of photos. Listen to interesting information from real prostitutes, police officers, historians, locals, sexologists, entrepreneurs and many others. Press play and turn your sound on! The Fokkens twins – who worked as prostitutes for 50 years – are two of the 22 experts in this red light district tour app. This clip gives an idea what our app is all about. Amsterdam Audio Tours cost 5 euro and can be listened in the Red Light District or at home as a podcast. GET THE APP >

2 | Sex Show at Moulin Rouge

One of the best things to do in Amsterdam Red Light District is to visit Moulin Rouge. Experience what this neighborhood is really known for: The great sex shows. At Moulin Rouge you can see 5 impressive sex shows in 1 hour. Experience female and male entertainers as you move close to the stage. If you’re exploring the best things to do in Amsterdam’s Red Light District, you’ll quickly notice that the area offers much more than bars and window streets. Many visitors look for an indoor activity to enjoy after walking around the neighborhood, and one of the most accessible options is visiting an erotic theatre. The Moulin Rouge on Oudezijds Achterburgwal is one of the district’s longest-running venues, known for its short, fast-paced shows with multiple acts each hour. It’s a seated experience, making it a good choice for couples or small groups who want a fun break from the busy streets outside. You can check show details and secure your Moulin Rouge Amsterdam tickets in advance, which is recommended since evening time slots often fill up quickly.

3 |  Climb Amsterdam Old Church Tower

A view from the Old Church Tower. This is one of the best kept secrets of the Amsterdam Red Light District! Even most locals don’t know that this is possible. The Old Church – in the middle of the Red Light District – has two entrances. A main entrance that gives access to the large and special ‘Oude Kerk’. And an entrance for the tower part. Most people only visit the Oude Kerk, but do not know that they can also climb the Old Church Tower. Experience a beautiful panoramic view over the oldest part of Amsterdam. During this half hour tour an expert explains everything about Amsterdam’s oldest building: The Old Church. Be advised that you’ll have to climb a lot of stairs to get to the top, but we believe the climb is definitely worth it!

Prices and Opening Hours

The tour costs € 8,50 per person. Climb the Old Church Tower between April and October. Monday through Saturday, from 1 pm till 7 pm. A reservation is not possible for this tour. Learn more today: Old Church Tour. Of all the Amsterdam Red Dight district things to do, this one is high on our list – mainly because of the beautiful view at the top of the building.

4 | Experience The Amsterdam 5D Cinema (permanently closed)

The 5D Porn Cinema closed permanently in October 2026. Read what it was on our page about the former 5D Porn Cinema, or pick a live show at Moulin Rouge Amsterdam instead.

5 | Visit The Last Amsterdam Hidden Church

Ons Lieve Heer op Solder – a hidden church in Amsterdam Red Light District. The Our Lord in the Attic Museum is a uniquely preserved seventeenth-century house dating back to the Dutch Golden Age. After exploring the original interior of a 17th-century house you’ll end up in the attic of the building, where you’ll find an entire hidden Catholic church. Back in 1663 it was prohibited to celebrate mass, however the Dutch authorities turned a blind eye. This building is the perfect symbol of Dutch tolerance throughout the last five centuries. BUY TICKETS >

6 | Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum

Founded by one of Holland’s most important cannabis pioneers. The Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum in Amsterdam is the most important and oldest museum in the world dedicated to just Cannabis Sativa L, the plant that is probably most known as hemp or marijuana. Inside you’ll find exhibits and a unique collection about all the aspects of cannabis. The museum also functions as a knowledge center and facilitates scientific research. This museum plays a serious and informative part in the world of cannabis. The Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum was founded by one the most important cannabis pioneers in the Netherlands: Ben Dronkers. He is also the CEO of Sensi Seeds – a successful company that sells seeds of cannabis. BUY TICKETS >

7 | Visit The Amsterdam Exchange Experience

World’s first stock exchange on the Beursplein in Amsterdam. Did you know that the first stock exchange in the world was built right here in Amsterdam? The back of the building can even been seen from the Warmoesstraat – in the Red Light District. What better way is there to learn more about stock exchanges than getting a guided tour about it in the city that started it all? At the Amsterdam Stock Exchange they offer tours every first Wednesday of the month. However, some months they offer the tour more frequently, check the schedule on the Amsterdam Exchange Experience website for availability and reservation.

8 | Play Games At The Ton Ton Club

Right in the middle of all the action in the Red Light District you’ll find one of the great arcade game experiences of Amsterdam. Play some classic boardgames, have a few (local) drinks, try air hockey, play pac-man and other classic arcade games. A great place to start a night out or to simply play around for a while. Learn more: Ton Ton Club Amsterdam.

9 | Try Dutch Herring

Wanna try real Dutch food? Get some herring with pickles and unions in Amsterdam. Preferably in the Red Light District – on the Zeedijk street – in the typical Dutch shop called “Amsterdamsche Visch Handel”. This shop is super small. It doesn’t even have a counter. The fish is only presented in the display window of the shop. Their kibbeling is also delicious!

10 | Experience Magic Truffles in Amsterdam

Kokopelli – one of smart shops in Amsterdam. Okey, this tip is not for everyone. But it is something that is legal in Amsterdam. So for those who want to know more about this: Kokopelli is Amsterdam’s first  smart shop. A smart shop is a place that sells Magic Truffels among others. This is a legal psychedelic drug that keeps you high for about 4 hours. Kokopelli is the place in the Red Light District if you’re interested in doing a little mind-exploration. Here at Kokopelli, they look to offer safe experiences to their customers and to provide good and reliable information about their products. In the back they have a space to relax. The lounge has a beautiful view over the water and the Damrak. The lounge is supurbly decorated and painted. 15 grams of Magic Truffels (a.k.a. Magic Mushrooms) go for around € 18,50 and is enough for 2/3 persons. Be sure to check out this unique place, even if you don’t want to use anything. The owner of Kokopelli – Veronique Verschueren – can also be heard in our Red Light District tour. In it, she explains everything about magic truffels, the Dutch drug policy and the history of smart shops in Amsterdam. Super interesting!

11 | Go on a Sex Date

Engaging in a sex date can offer a thrilling and liberating experience for many. It provides an opportunity to explore mutual desires, fantasies, and attractions in a non-committal setting. The spontaneity and novelty of a sex date can infuse excitement and adventure into one’s life, breaking the routine and letting individuals discover new dimensions of their sexuality. Moreover, the act of meeting someone with a clear, shared intention can lead to heightened anticipation, which many find exhilarating. When approached with mutual respect and consent, a sex date can be a fun way to connect, communicate, and explore shared intimacy.

12 | Buy Condoms At The Condomerie

World’s first condom store displays dozens of condoms in the shop window. The idea for the world’s first condom shop arrived at the start of the new HIV AIDS epidemic. The now owners of the shop realised that good sexual huigene and use of condoms would now become essential. Condoms were already available everywhere but there was a general lack of information and choice. The time had arrived for a specialised condom shop with quality service, information and of course a large collection of unique condoms. Great place to take a selfie, learn about safe sex and to get a souvenir.

13 | Sing Karaoke At Casablanca

Casa Blanca is an old and established Jazz Cafe in Amsterdam – located on the Zeedijk street. Since 1946 people have been dancing here to jazzy grooves. A new edition to the program are karaoke nights every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. In our opinion this one of the best karaoke bars in Amsterdam. The crowd is well mixed and the vibes are good! Check the massive list of song options and leave a note for the DJ. When it’s your turn step on stage and dazzle the crowd! (or not). Singing karaoke is really fun to do during a date in Amsterdam.

14 | Visit Amsterdam First Gay Friendly Pub

One of the first gay-bars in town. Cafe ‘t Mandje is located on the Zeedijk at number 63. The pub openend its doors in 1927 and it became the first gay friendly pub in Amsterdam. Other gay bars existed before that time in Amsterdam but they only catered to homosexuals or lesbians. t’ Mandy was new in letting all the people of Amsterdam mingle together and have a good time without prejudice. Experience the Dutch tolerance yourself and have a drink at this super cute, historic pub.

15 | Go see Nieuwmarkt

Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, Nieuwmarkt is a bustling square that marries the city’s rich history with its vibrant present. Flanked by quaint buildings and bustling cafes, the square is dominated by the striking De Waag, a medieval building that once served as a city gate and now houses a charming restaurant. A stroll around Nieuwmarkt offers a sensory delight, with the scent of fresh herring from street vendors, the sight of antique shops, and the sounds of laughter from locals enjoying the open-air terraces. Regularly hosting markets, including a popular organic food market on Saturdays, Nieuwmarkt is a must-visit spot for tourists looking to soak in authentic Amsterdam atmosphere.

16 | Visit Red Light Secrets, the Museum of Prostitution

If you want to understand what really happens behind the famous windows, Red Light Secrets is the place to start. It is the only museum in the world set inside a former working brothel, right on the Oudezijds Achterburgwal canal in the heart of De Wallen. You walk through the real rooms – the window workspace, the bedroom, the SM dungeon and the confession booth – while an audio guide voiced by a fictional sex worker named “Inga” explains what the job is actually like: the clients, the house rules, the money and the safety measures. It is the most on-topic thing you can do in the district, and it answers the questions most visitors are too shy to ask out loud. The museum stays open late into the evening, so it works nicely as a first stop before the surrounding windows come to life.

17 | Squeeze Through Trompettersteeg, the Narrowest Alley

Trompettersteeg is the narrowest alley in the Red Light District – barely a metre wide, so you often have to turn sideways to let someone pass. You will find it just off the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, right next to Coffeeshop The Bulldog. Its red-painted walls, the white Amsterdam coat-of-arms street art and the blunt “no photos” warnings make it one of the most atmospheric – and most photographed – corners of De Wallen. One word on etiquette: the windows along these tiny lanes are workplaces, so walk through, enjoy the atmosphere, but never photograph the workers. The alley itself is fair game – and it is the shot everyone comes for.

Practical Tips & Etiquette

The Red Light District is both a tourist hotspot and a working neighborhood. Knowing a few simple rules makes your visit easier and more enjoyable.

Looking to unwind in the area? See our pick of the top 10 erotic massage parlours in Amsterdam.

• No photos – Never take pictures of the workers in the windows. It’s strictly forbidden.

• Watch your stuff – Keep your phone and wallet close. The area gets busy at night.

• Use public transport – Closest stops are Nieuwmarkt and Amsterdam Centraal, just 5 minutes away on foot.

🚶 Best Times to Visit:

• Morning (9am–12pm): Calm streets, great for museums and coffee.

• Afternoon (12pm–6pm): Lively but still easy to walk around.

• Evening (6pm–10pm): Best atmosphere, safe and not too crowded.

• Late night (after 10pm): Party vibe, very busy, not for everyone.

💡 Tip: If you need a break from the crowds, head to Zeedijk (Chinatown). It’s only a few steps away and full of cozy Asian restaurants.

Amsterdam Red Light District: frequently asked questions

What is the number one thing to do in the Red Light District?

Taking a guided Red Light District tour is the best way to understand what you are seeing — the history, the rules and the stories behind De Wallen. After dark, a show at the Moulin Rouge is the area’s signature night out.

Can you do things in the Red Light District for free?

Yes. Wandering the medieval canals around the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, seeing the exterior of the Oude Kerk (Amsterdam’s oldest building) and finding the bronze Belle statue on the Oudekerksplein all cost nothing. Just remember: never photograph the window workers.

What is the best time to visit the Red Light District?

Evenings are when the red neon comes on and the area is at its liveliest. For a calmer, daylight look at the canals and architecture, go in the late morning.

Is the Red Light District worth visiting in 2026?

Yes — it remains one of Amsterdam’s most historic and fascinating neighbourhoods. Visit respectfully, follow the local rules, and stick to the main streets at night. ALSO READ: 10 Sex Shows in Amsterdam Amsterdam Red Light District Prices 35 Fun Things To Do in Amsterdam 20 Amsterdam Red Light District Etiquette Rules You Should Never Break