15 Must See in Amsterdam Red Light District
Posted on: June 1, 2026
Top 15 Must See in Amsterdam Red Light District
Picking what’s actually a must see in Amsterdam Red Light District is harder than it sounds. Get it wrong and you go home hearing friends rave about places you walked straight past. I’ve done the walking for you. Below are the 15 sights in De Wallen I’d never skip, from sex shows and window brothels to the Old Church and Chinatown.
Last updated: 1 May 2026
Two of the red light district windows in Amsterdam Red Light District.
1 | Sex Shows
Why: It’s the district’s most famous nightlife experience and neon scene.
Tip: Check age/ID rules and prices before entering. No photos inside.
Live sex shows are the district’s best-known night out, and they lean into Amsterdam’s liberal attitude to sex. Expect bold, choreographed adult performances on a small stage.
A visit to the Red Light District isn’t complete without visiting one of the sex shows in Amsterdam. We’d recommend visiting Moulin Rouge.
The Moulin Rouge in Amsterdam’s Red Light District is a historic adult entertainment venue, known for its burlesque shows and racy atmosphere.
It has run since the late 19th century, which makes it a genuine Red Light District landmark.
Expect live dancers and musicians and a deliberately racy show. It won’t suit everyone, but it’s a real slice of the city’s nightlife.
For those who’re into exciting shows, tickets to Moulin Rouge in Amsterdam should be high on your list. One of the best decisions you can make when purchasing tickets is to buy them online ahead of time.
Buying online guarantees your entry, so you skip the door queue.
2 | Window Brothels
The windows brothels are definitely a must see in Amsterdam Red Light District.
The best must see in Amsterdam Red Light District is of course a window brothel, or 288 window brothels if you’re lucky enough to find them all. Amsterdam and prostitution are inextricably linked.
Prostitution has been legal in the Dutch capital since 1811 and prostitution has always taken place in De Wallen area. This is one of the few places on earth where you can see this.
Learn more about this unique part of the Netherlands during a Red Light District with a licensed guide or with the Amsterdam Red Light District Tour app.
Discover the Amsterdam Red Light District map with all window brothels. It also contains great bars, hotels and coffeeshops. Do you want to see it?
RED LIGHT DISTRICT MAP!3 | Coffeeshops
The first cannabis shops in the world are definitely a must see in Amsterdam.
Coffeeshops are where Amsterdam tolerates the sale of cannabis, and De Wallen has several of them.
Adults can buy small amounts and smoke on site, and the staff will talk you through the menu.
You’ll find different strains, sold to smoke, vape or eat as edibles.
Amsterdam has 164 coffeeshops. The first one was founded in 1972. Back in the 1990’s there used be over 400 coffeeshops in the Dutch capital.
We asked more than 200 frequent coffeeshop visitors which coffeeshop they think is the best coffeeshop in town. This resulted into a list of 10 best coffeeshops in Amsterdam. Are you curious which received the most votes?
SHOW ME! >4 | Condomerie
Since 1987, this shop sells condoms only.
The first shop in the world completely dedicated to condoms. The idea came to the owners at the start of outbreak of the HIV-Aids epidemic in the 1980’s.
They were of the opinion that the public needed a store with professional staff that could give advice on condoms. At the time you could already buy condoms at pharmacy but there were too few option, hardly any choice or any good information.
Thus the Condomerie was born and it is a featured highlight on our Red Light District tour. Theodoor van Boven is the founder of the Condomerie and one of the 22 experts in the app Amsterdam Audio Tours.
GET THE APP >5 | Old Church Amsterdam
Religious or not. De Oude Kerk is a must see in Amsterdam!
Why: Amsterdam’s oldest building and the calm heart of De Wallen.
Tip: Walk the square to feel the contrast of quiet and buzz.
Amsterdam’s oldest building the Old Church stands proudly between the window brothels and coffeeshops. This church dates back to the founding of Amsterdam.
The first records of the church come from the year 1213. A lot has happened since then and the church has undergone numerous reconstructions and a switch from Catholicism to protestantism.
The wooden ceiling, which is the largest of its type in Europe, is made from Estonian oak and dates back to 1390. Very special!
6 | Narrow Alleys
Nine windows in Amsterdam’s most narrow alley.
The Red Light District is home to the narrowest alley in Amsterdam. At its narrowest point this alley is just 1 meter wide. Besides being very narrow it also has nine window brothels so this is quite an intimate experience.
DISCOVER RED LIGHT DISTRICT >7 | The Waag
Amsterdam’s second oldest building.
Why: Medieval city gate, lively square, weekend markets.
Tip: Coffee stop + people-watching after museum visits.
The 15th century former city gate still stands beautifully at the center of the Nieuwmarkt Square. The building has had many different functions throughout its life.
These include being a guild house, a museum, a fire station an anatomical theatre, and currently it’s The Waag Restaurant. Rembrandt even made one of his art works here.
The famous painting by Rembrandt called “The anatomical lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulip” shows an anatomical dissection taking place inside The Waag.
8 | FEBO
FEBO is Holland’s most famous snack-bar with typical Dutch food.
FEBO is a Dutch fast-food chain famous for its automatiek: a wall of little hatches you open to grab a hot snack. You pay, open the door, and pull out your food. Most branches stay open late, so it’s a good stop after a night out. Its iconic yellow and red vending machines, which dispense classic Dutch treats like kroketten (croquettes) and frikandellen (fried sausages), are a must-try for anyone visiting the Netherlands.
Walk on in and pull a deep fried snack from the automatique. Try out local delicacies like the kroket – a breaded deep fried cow or veal meat ragout which is super crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside.
9 | 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.
10 | Our Lord In The Attic
The last hidden church is definitely a must see in Amsterdam.
A hidden church museum right in the middle of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. This church is located in the attic of a completely restored 17th century canal house.
This little hidden church is a great symbol of tolerance in Amsterdam. Back in those days celebrating mass was forbidden, but in the case of hidden churches they were tolerated.
This museum is a must for those who’d like to see the inside of an old canal house and learn about world famous Dutch tolerance. You can find more information or buy your tickets via the link below:
BUY TICKETS >11 | Museum Of Prostitution
Red Light Secrets on the famous Amsterdam Red Light District street.
Ever wondered what a brothel looks like from the inside? The Red Light Secrets museum is actually a repurposed former brothel. Inside you get to see the many different luxurious rooms. You even get the option to sit in a Red Light District window brothel. Try and find out if any of the passer-byes are interested in your flirting-skills.
12 | Chinatown
Our local guide took this photo of this temple on the Zeedijk street.
Amsterdam has its very own little Chinatown. It was first established in the year 1911 and is the oldest Chinese neighbourhood on European soil. Since the year 2000 the area has had a Fo Guang Shan He Hua Tempel which is the largest Chinese style religious building in Europe. Visit this temple for free!
Besides this highlight this is the place you want to be for asian food. All types of Asian restaurants can be found in this area including Thai, Indonesian, Japanese and Malaysian food.
13 | Sex Worker Statue
Belle statue. Respect sex workers all over the world.
There are only two places in the world where there are statues for sex workers and one of them is in the middle of Amsterdam Red Light District – just next to The Old Church. The Dutch are quite tolerant and open-minded. Just two reasons why you can find this sex worker statue here, right in the old city centre.
14 | Amsterdam’s Oldest House
On one of the oldest streets in the capital you can find the oldest house. Funny thing is is that this house was only discovered to be the oldest house back in 2010. The old house with a wooden skeleton dates back to 1485 but stands hidden behind a facade dating back to 1800. Before this discovery the wooden house at the Begijnhof was considered to be the oldest house in Amsterdam. Amsterdam’s oldest house is currently functioning as a gay club named Dirty Dicks.
Or try the Frikandel, a minced meat deep fried snack that can be covered in a sauce of your liking. Tip: try it with mayonaise, curry and unions.
15 | Street Art
We took this photo of this piece of street art at the Oudekerksplein.
De Wallen is filled with street art from graffiti to actual bronze items. This bronze plaque was placed secretly at night on the street of the Oudekerksplein.
After noise complaints from the neighbourhood from people stepping on the plaque it was removed by the municipality. The secret artist came forward and a deal was struck with the municipality. The plaque was placed at another spot and the artist remains anonymous.
We made a great app that offers a Red Light District tour with audio from 22 experts who share their expertise about Amsterdam. This piece of street art is one of the 30 highlights. The app contains almost two hour of audio with beautiful picture and cost just 5 euro. You can list to it at home or in De Wallen. Do you want to learn more about Amsterdam?
De Wallen Amsterdam
First of all, some basic information: De Wallen – the Dutch name for the Amsterdam’s Red Light District – is the oldest and most fascinating part of Holland’s capital. And, it’s one of the three prostitution areas in the capital. The other two are located on the Ruysdaelkade and the Singel and the Spuistraat.
The Dutch liberal and open-minded culture can be seen everywhere in the Red Light District. Only here you can see a church that’s surrounded by window brothels with sex workers, coffee shops and beautiful houses, with a daycare next door.
Amsterdam’s oldest canal.
This list contains 15 must see in Amsterdam Red Light District items that everyone will like. It packs architecture, art, Dutch history, religion, food and erotic entertainment into a few compact streets. More than 4000 people from all walks of life still live here.
Food and Drink Near De Wallen
You’ll find quick bites and sit-down meals close to every sight. For a fast start, grab stroopwafels, kaassoufflé, or fries with mayo. They’re easy to eat while walking and friendly on the wallet.
Zeedijk offers Indonesian rice tables (rijsttafel), Chinese noodles, and dim sum. Many places take cards, but small cafés may prefer debit. For drinks, try a brown café—classic Dutch pubs with wood interiors and local beer.
Tasty options
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Street fries with satay or mayo
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Indonesian rijsttafel to sample many dishes
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Chinese hand-pulled noodles on Zeedijk
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Apple pie with whipped cream in a café
Food planner
| Meal | Where | Budget tip |
|---|---|---|
| Snack | Street stands near Dam/Nieuwmarkt | Share a large fries |
| Lunch | Zeedijk noodle or rice bowls | Look for day menus |
| Coffee | Brown café or bakery | Skip soda, order tap water |
| Dessert | Wafels or pie | Ask for “slagroom” (whipped cream) |
Respect café rules: order if you sit, and don’t bring outside food to indoor tables. Leave cash for tips if you enjoyed the service.
Nightlife and Shows in De Wallen
Night in De Wallen is busy, colorful, and loud. Plan ahead to avoid long lines. Many venues sell timed tickets online or at the door earlier in the day. Check age limits and ID requirements.
Expect small stages, cabaret-style seating, and short sets between acts. If a place looks crowded or pushy at the entrance, move on.
Evening ideas
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Live music bars and cozy pubs
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Cabaret and variety shows
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Comedy clubs in nearby streets
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Night canal cruise for lights and views
Night plan cheat sheet
| 19:00–20:00 | 20:00–22:00 | 22:00–00:00 |
|---|---|---|
| Dinner on Zeedijk | Timed show or comedy set | Drinks at a brown café |
Know your limits. Stay hydrated, keep your group together, and plan your route home. Trams and metros run late, and taxis are easy to find near Dam and Central Station.
After the main sights, plan a proper sit-down dinner rather than another street snack. If you’re craving something warm, filling, and easy to tailor to your spice level after a long evening of sightseeing, use this guide to find a great Thai restaurant amsterdam pick (think curries, noodle soups, and classic wok dishes), so you can end your route with a sit-down meal or quick bowl before heading back to your hotel.
More Must See in Amsterdam
Need more tips? Discover these 15 things to do in Amsterdam for young adults.
Indoor Things To Do in Amsterdam
When the weather is bad it’s best to go inside. Discover these 10 fun indoor things to do in Amsterdam and get the most out of your trip.
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