Posted on: januari 1, 2026

Top 20 Amsterdam Red Light District Rules

Amsterdam Red Light District rules can be confusing for first-time visitors. It’s easy to unknowingly cross a line in this unique and historic part of the city. That can lead to awkward situations—or worse.

This guide walks you through 20 simple rules so you can explore confidently, respectfully, and enjoy everything the district has to offer.

Photography & filming rules (windows, workers, and “identifiable” shots)

In Amsterdam’s Red Light District (De Wallen), filming or photographing sex workers is not allowed and is actively enforced. This rule exists because workers have a right to privacy and safety, and unwanted images can lead to harassment or doxxing.

Definition: Identifiable means a person can be recognized (face, tattoos, outfit, window location, or even a clear close-up). A good rule: if someone could say “that’s me,” don’t take the shot.

What you can usually photograph (safer choices):

• canals, bridges, buildings, street signs

• wide shots where no workers/windows are the subject

• daytime architecture shots away from window areas

What you should not do:

• point your camera at windows (even “just for the lights”)

• take selfies with windows behind you

• film people entering/exiting adult venues

Quick “safe photo” checklist (step-by-step):

1. Look around: are there windows/workers in frame? If yes, stop.

2. Reframe upward (rooflines) or downward (water/cobblestones).

3. Keep distance and avoid zooming toward windows.

4. If staff/police ask you to stop, stop immediately.

Simple “risk math” to remember:
Expected trouble = Chance of conflict × Impact
If the chance is high and the impact is big, it’s not worth it.

Public behavior & nuisance laws (street drinking, noise, urinating, blocking streets)

De Wallen is a real neighborhood where people live, so the city focuses on reducing nuisance (loud groups, mess, blocking streets). Nuisance means behavior that disturbs residents or makes streets unsafe.

Two common rule types are:

• Alcohol-ban zones (“alcoholverbodsgebied”): in these areas you may not drink alcohol on the street, and you also can’t carry opened alcohol containers. Terraces are the exception.

• Overlastgebieden (nuisance areas): police can issue a temporary stay-away order if someone keeps causing trouble.

Public urination is a major enforcement focus. The city explicitly says it’s never allowed and urges people to use public toilets. Beyond fines, it creates unsafe canal-side situations at night.

What “good behavior” looks like (easy checklist):

• Keep voices down after midnight

• Don’t stop in big groups in narrow streets

• Use bins (don’t drop cups/cans)

• Use a toilet (look for urinals/toilets nearby)

Budget equation (why this matters):
Total night cost = transport + entry + drinks + (fines if any)
Even one fine can cost more than a ticket or a full dinner.

Age limits, ID checks & access restrictions (18+, door policies, and venue rules)

Amsterdam’s adult venues are strict about age, mostly because they risk losing licenses if they let minors in. Coffeeshops also require 18+ and ID.

Definition: Valid ID usually means passport, EU ID card, or driver’s license that staff can verify. Photos of IDs on your phone often won’t be accepted.

Dit kan je verwachten:

• Door checks are common in De Wallen, especially at busy times

• Some venues may refuse entry if you’re too drunk, aggressive, or in a disruptive group

• Rules can change for holidays, major weekends, or city measures

Quick age-and-access table:

How to avoid getting turned away (step-by-step):

1. Bring physical ID.

2. Arrive sober enough to follow rules.

3. Keep your group small and respectful in queues.

4. Follow house rules (phone policy, seating, dress code).

Cost equation (why planning helps):
Wasted cost = travel time + entry attempt + missed slot
A simple ID check can save you from losing the whole night.

Top 20 Amsterdam Red Light District Rules

Before visiting Amsterdam it’s important that you are informed about the Red Light District rules and etiquette that play an important role in De Wallen bent..

You do not want to come across as an annoying visitor but as a decent guest. Follow these 20 simple Red Light District etiquette rules.

1 | Maak geen foto's van prostituees in Amsterdam 

A really important Red Light District etiquette rule is to not take pictures of sekswerkers. They value their privacy and sometimes come after you if they see you taking a picture.

Meeste sekswerkers lead a double life. Their family and friends do usually not know that they do this. Please eespect their privacy and safety.

During our visits to the Red Light District we regularly see tourists who secretly and unsolicitedly take photos of sex workers. We don’t think that’s polite. During our contact moments with sex workers, we were told that this is one of the biggest annoyances of sex workers.

It’s okay to take pictures of buildings, streets or (empty) raambordelen though.

2 | Respecteer sekswerkers

Always show respect for the women and transgenders standing in the window brothels. Laughing at them is really frowned upon in Amsterdam! Also in the Red Light District.

Treat the prostitutes as you would like to be treated yourself. Be kind!

Dus of je nu een afspraak maakt met escorts in Amsterdam or visit a window prostitute. Be respectful, kind and clear.

3 | Gooi geen peuken of joint-restjes op straat of in de grachten

Ondanks de hoge prijs van een pakje sigaretten en de gezondheidsschade wordt er toch gerookt. Weet je wat echt niet cool is en slecht voor het milieu? Je restjes op de stoep gooien.

Did you know that the cellulose acetate of a cigarette filter is difficult to degrade? It takes at least 10 years! Do not let someone else clean your mess but clean it up yourself and throw it in an ashtray.

4 | Zeg hallo tegen anderen met een glimlach

Als je langer dan een paar seconden oogcontact maakt met iemand buiten, wordt een vriendelijke glimlach als reactie in Nederland op prijs gesteld.

5 | Knik naar Sekswerkers

The same goes for sekswerkers when making eye-contact. Give them a friendly smile and nod. When we pass the ladies in the red light windows and eye contact is avoided, we always try to nod to the sex workers with a friendly smile.

This is how we show our respect to them. To us, this feels like the correct standard of interaction.

6 | Wees niet luidruchtig

Schreeuw niet als je op straat loopt. De Wallen in Amsterdam is een gewone wijk zoals elk ander deel van de stad waar gewone mensen wonen, werken en slapen.

7 | Neem Contact Mee

Sex workers generally do not accept credit cards or other forms of digital payment. Most banks and transaction-companies do not want to be active in the sex-industries, which frustrates the sex workers in the Red Light District.  

If you want to visit a prostitute in Amsterdam, make sure to bring enough cash money (euros). Cash is king!

8 | Onderhandel met respect

Another Red Light District etiquette is that you do not start a negotiation with a sekswerker with an a price offer that is too low. This can be taken as an insult.

De startprijs voor elke serieuze onderhandeling met een raamprostituee is 50 euro. Laat de sekswerker de onderhandeling starten. Dit voorkomt ongemakken.

9 | Loop aan de rechterkant

Fietsers in Amsterdam gaan vaak hard in Amsterdam, zelfs in sommige straten van de Wallen! Houd hier rekening mee als u over straat loopt en geef altijd voorrang aan fietsers.

Tip: Maak je minder zorgen om de fietsers. Ze hebben jou al veel eerder gezien dan jij hen. Als je gewoon aan de rechterkant (van de stoep) blijft lopen, is er niks aan de hand.

10 | Wees Zichtbaar

When you have a rental bike zorg ervoor dat zowel je koplamp als je achterlicht werken! Dit is wettelijk verplicht en de politie kan u hiervoor een bekeuring van 55,- euro geven.

The Oudekennissteeg in the Red Light District.

11  | Cycle On Cycle Paths

If you rent a bicycle in Amsterdam, make sure that you only cycle on the designated bicycle lane, not on sidewalk. It’s unsafe and frowned upon to cycle on sidewalks. Also check these free tips on How To Cycle in Amsterdam.

12 | Neem altijd je ID mee 

Everybody in the Netherlands is required by law to have their ID’s on them. If you can’t identify yourself, you can be fined.

13 | Geen alcohol voor minderjarigen 

Alcohol drinken in Nederland is legaal vanaf 18 jaar.

14 | Praat Met De Bewoners

De meeste Nederlanders vinden het leuk om buitenlandse en binnenlandse toeristen te helpen of een praatje met ze te maken. Vooral degenen die de etiquette van de Amsterdamse Wallen en de Nederlandse wetten respecteren. Maak een praatje.

Amsterdammers spreken over het algemeen geen Frans, Spaans, Italiaans of een andere vreemde taal. Probeer niets in een andere taal dan Engels (of Nederlands) te vragen. Het wordt niet op prijs gesteld om zomaar iets in het Frans te vragen aan een Nederlander – ervan uitgaande dat hij of zij ook Frans spreekt. Nederlanders zullen je raar aankijken en zich afvragen waarom je geen Engels spreekt.

15 | Reserveer Bij Restaurants

De Oudezijds Voorburgwal next to De Oude Kerk..

It’s common practice and appreciated to make a reservation at restaurants in Amsterdam and in the Red Light District.

16 | Respecteer de huisregels

Maak geen ruzie of vecht niet met uitsmijters. Het is tijdverspilling en als puntje bij paaltje komt. Bouncers zullen je schoppen. Als je hun huisregels niet leuk vindt, ga dan gewoon ergens anders heen (en schrijf online een negatieve recensie).

17 | Drink geen alcohol op straat op de Wallen

De Oudezijds Achterburgwal in the early morning photographed by our local guide.

Het is wettelijk verboden om alcohol te drinken op de straten van De Wallen in Amsterdam. De boete bedraagt ​​95 euro. Bovendien stellen de meeste bewoners het niet op prijs als mensen in het openbaar of aan de grachten alcohol drinken.

18 | Overtreed de minimumleeftijd niet

Je mag een (cannabis) coffeeshop niet betreden als je jonger bent dan 18 jaar. Weet ook dat coffeeshophouders hun deuren moeten sluiten zodra de politie merkt dat er minderjarigen aanwezig zijn.

19 | Negeer straatdealers in Amsterdam

Koop geen drugs bij straatdealers. Dit is illegaal en ze verkopen meestal nep drugs .

20 | Eet iets voordat je wiet rookt

Before you light up, make sure you know the local rules. Here’s the simple breakdown: Is weed legal in Amsterdam? (where you can smoke, where you can’t, and coffee shop limits).

If you don’t have any experience in smoking cannabis, but want to try it whilst visiting the Red Light District, make sure that you have a filled stomach before you start.

Whilst smoking weed have some sugary drink (cola) on hand for when you might feel dizzy. Also check 10 tips voor drugsgebruik in Amsterdam.

Top 20 Amsterdam Red Light District Rules Summary

1 | No photography – Taking photos or videos of sex workers is strictly forbidden.
2 | Respect sex workers – Treat all workers with dignity and professionalism.
3 | No littering – Don’t throw cigarette butts, joints, or trash into streets or canals.
4 | Greet respectfully – A smile or nod is polite, but don’t stare or loiter.
5 | Keep noise down – Walk quietly and avoid shouting, especially at night.
6 | Carry cash – Many services require cash; cards are not always accepted.
7 | Negotiate respectfully – Let workers set prices; haggling is frowned upon.
8 | Stay to the right – Keep foot traffic moving and avoid blocking paths.
9 | Use bike lights – If cycling at night, front and rear lights are mandatory.
10 | Always carry ID – Dutch law requires valid identification at all times.
11 | Legal drinking age is 18 – Do not consume alcohol if you’re underage.
12 | Use English or Dutch – Basic language helps with communication and courtesy.
13 | Reserve dining spots – Popular restaurants often require reservations.
14 | Respect venue rules – Follow the policies of coffee shops and clubs.
15 | No drinking on the street – Alcohol consumption is allowed only in licensed venues.
16 | Age limits apply – You must be 18+ to enter or engage in Red Light services.
17 | Avoid street dealers – Only buy cannabis in legal, licensed coffeeshops.
18 | Don’t block windows – Don’t stand or loiter in front of brothel windows.
19 | Use public restrooms – Public urination is illegal and heavily fined.
20 | Eat before using cannabis – Helps prevent uncomfortable or unsafe experiences.

De Wallen bezoeken met een date, of juist niet?

Visiting Amsterdam Red Light District with a new date can be a unique and exciting experience for both individuals. The vibrant atmosphere, stunning architecture, and intriguing history of the area provide a backdrop for a memorable night out. Exploring the district together and experiencing all that it has to offer, from the famous raambordelen in Amsterdam to the bustling bars and cafes, can help to break the ice and foster a sense of adventure and spontaneity.

Het is aan te raden om deze 20 regels te volgen die horen bij de etiquette van De Wallen in Amsterdam.

Over de auteur — Martijn

Martijn writes practical guides about Amsterdam and the Netherlands, with a focus on nightlife, visitor etiquette, and how local rules affect tourists. He explains sensitive topics in a factual and respectful way so visitors know what to expect and how to stay safe.

• Focus: city-centre planning, nightlife options, visitor rules
• Standards: clear, neutral, updated when rules change
• Transparency: affiliate links may apply (no extra cost)

Last updated: January 2026
Based in: Amsterdam, Netherlands

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