Oudezijds Achterburgwal: Amsterdam Red Light District Guide

Posted on: February 1, 2026

Oudezijds Achterburgwal is the busiest canal in Amsterdam’s Red Light District — and the hardest to read if you don’t know what you’re looking at: which windows are which, where the museums sit, how old the water really is. This is the core street of De Wallen, so here is what is actually on it — the history, the landmarks and the venues, from someone who walks it most weeks.

Last updated: 30 September 2026

The canal was dug in 1367, which makes it more than 650 years old — one of the older canals in Amsterdam’s medieval centre (the parallel Oudezijds Voorburgwal is older still). It runs from the Grimburgwal in the south to the Zeedijk in the north, where it becomes the Oudezijds Kolk. Amsterdam Centraal is a short walk from the canal’s northern end.

What Does Oudezijds Achterburgwal Mean?

Oudezijds Achterburgwal is a Dutch name that can be broken down into three parts:

1. “Oudezijds”: In Dutch, “oude” means “old” and “zijds” means “side.” Therefore, “Oudezijds” translates to “Old Side” or “Old Part.”
2. “Achter”: “Achter” means “behind” or “back” in Dutch.
3. “Burgwal”: “Burgwal” refers to a fortified wall or rampart that once surrounded the city.

Combining these elements, “Oudezijds Achterburgwal” can be translated as “The Old Side Behind the Rampart” or “The Old Part Behind the Wall.” It reflects the historical context of the canal, situated on the old side of Amsterdam and positioned behind the former city fortifications.

Historical Significance

The canal dates from 1367, so it has been part of the city for more than 650 years — dug when Amsterdam was still a small port behind its medieval wall.

The stand-out landmark is the Oude Kerk, also known as the Old Church, which dates back to the 13th century. This impressive Gothic structure is not only the oldest surviving building in Amsterdam but also stands as a symbol of the city’s heritage.

The canal is also lined with historic canal houses from different eras, some now converted into museums, galleries or small hotels.

Red Light District

Most of the windows in De Wallen are on and around Oudezijds Achterburgwal, the busiest stretch of the Red Light District.

The Red Light District is known for its legalized sex work, which is a unique aspect of Amsterdam’s society. The area is regulated and monitored to ensure the safety and well-being of the sex workers, while also providing a controlled environment for visitors.

Amidst the neon-lit windows, visitors can find a variety of establishments, from traditional Dutch bars called “brown cafes” to smart shops, sex-toy shops and museums dedicated to the topic.

It is essential to respect the privacy and dignity of the workers and approach the area with cultural sensitivity.

Nightlife on the canal

After dark this is one of the busiest parts of De Wallen. You will find bars, sex shows and the Moulin Rouge on the canal, next to quieter brown cafés — the Top 10 below lists the specific venues. Two of them sit five minutes apart, and we compare them in Moulin Rouge vs Banana Bar. At number 97 the old Hospital Bar now trades as Amor Rosso, compared here in Moulin Rouge vs Amor Rosso.

Top 10 Places on Oudezijds Achterburgwal

Here are 10 venues located on the Oudezijds Achterburgwal in Amsterdam, including reasons to visit and one reason to avoid each:

Tour

Prefer to explore on your own? Our self-guided Red Light District tour walks you along Oudezijds Achterburgwal and the alleys around it, with the history and the rules explained as you go — at your own pace, no group.

Moulin Rouge on Oudezijds Achterburgwal

1. Location: Moulin Rouge is located on Oudezijds Achterburgwal, a historic canal in De Wallen, Amsterdam’s Red Light District. The exact address is Oudezijds Achterburgwal 5-7, 1012 DA in Amsterdam.
2. History: Moulin Rouge is a live erotic-show theatre that has run on Oudezijds Achterburgwal for many years.
3. Shows and Performances: It offers a variety of exciting shows and performances. Expect adult-themed entertainment. The shows are adult-themed live performances set to music.
4. Admission and Reservations: To attend a show at Moulin Rouge, it is recommended to make reservations in advance. Get the best Moulin Rouge tickets on our website. We are the only official online ticket supplier. Please note that Moulin Rouge has age restrictions and entry policies that visitors should be aware of before making a reservation.
5. Cultural Sensitivity: The Red Light District, where Moulin Rouge is located, is a unique area with its own cultural and social dynamics. It is important to approach the district with an open and respectful mindset, recognizing the legal framework and regulations surrounding the adult entertainment industry. It’s crucial to respect the performers, staff, and local customs while visiting Moulin Rouge or any other establishment in the area.
6. Nearby Attractions: Moulin Rouge sits on the busiest stretch of the Red Light District, with bars, shows and cafes within a few doors. Visitors can explore the historic streets, canal views, and landmarks like the Oude Kerk and the window fronts of De Wallen. Additionally, there are numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants in the vicinity where you can enjoy a meal or a drink.
7. Safety and Security: Like any busy area, it’s important to be mindful of personal belongings and take general safety precautions while exploring the Red Light District. It is recommended to stay in well-lit areas, follow any guidance from local authorities, and be aware of your surroundings.

How long is the Oudezijds Achterburgwal?

Oudezijds Achterburgwal is a short central canal. It runs from the Grimburgwal in the south to the Zeedijk in the north, where it becomes the Oudezijds Kolk. Amsterdam’s own records don’t give an exact length, but it is only a few hundred metres.

How old is the Oudezijds Achterburgwal?

The canal was dug in 1367, which makes it more than 650 years old — among the older canals of the medieval centre, though not the single oldest.

About the author — Martijn, Amsterdam guide

Martijn has guided hundreds of tours through Amsterdam’s Red Light District and De Wallen over the past years. He writes from first-hand experience — the shows he has seen, the bars he knows and the streets he walks every week — and his tours and photos also feature on TripAdvisor. Everything here is checked against what he and our local guides see on the ground.

• Experience: years guiding Red Light District & De Wallen tours in person
• Standards: first-hand, checked on location, useful for real visitors
• Transparency: some links are affiliate links (no extra cost to you)

Based in: Amsterdam, Netherlands  ·  Meet our guides →