De Wallen Amsterdam
Amsterdam's historic heart, known for its canals, medieval streets, and the world-famous red-light district.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
The district truly comes alive
De Wallen Amsterdam
Best Time
The district truly comes alive

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Amsterdam's historic heart, known for its canals, medieval streets, and the world-famous red-light district.
"A unique and historic area, but remember to be respectful and discreet, especially in the red-light district."
🚫 No Photos of Workers
Absolutely do not take photos of the sex workers. It's disrespectful and can lead to serious trouble.
🚶♀️ Walk, Don't Linger
Wander through, but avoid lingering or pointing. Be discreet and respectful of the working environment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Red-Light Windows
Various streets within De Wallen
Witness the unique, albeit controversial, display of sex workers in illuminated windows. A truly unforgettable sight.

Historic Canals and Bridges
Oudezijds Voorburgwal & Achterburgwal
Wander through charming streets lined with historic canals and picturesque bridges, offering a glimpse into old Amsterdam.
Traditional Brown Cafes
Throughout De Wallen
Experience the authentic Amsterdam atmosphere in cozy 'bruin cafés' (brown cafes) offering local drinks and a warm ambiance.
Planning Your Visit
Respect is Key in De Wallen
Navigating the Area & Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚫 No Photos of Workers
Absolutely do not take photos of the sex workers. It's disrespectful and can lead to serious trouble.
🚶♀️ Walk, Don't Linger
Wander through, but avoid lingering or pointing. Be discreet and respectful of the working environment.
💰 Be Aware of Prices
If you choose to engage services, be clear about prices beforehand to avoid misunderstandings.
📱 Keep Phones Away
Resist the urge to take photos or videos of the area. It's best to keep your phone put away.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚫 No Photos of Workers
Absolutely do not take photos of the sex workers. It's disrespectful and can lead to serious trouble.
🚶♀️ Walk, Don't Linger
Wander through, but avoid lingering or pointing. Be discreet and respectful of the working environment.
💰 Be Aware of Prices
If you choose to engage services, be clear about prices beforehand to avoid misunderstandings.
📱 Keep Phones Away
Resist the urge to take photos or videos of the area. It's best to keep your phone put away.
🤝 Respect the Workers
Remember that sex workers are professionals. Treat them with the same respect you'd offer any other worker.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
De Wallen offers a unique and historic glimpse into Amsterdam's culture, with its charming canals and traditional cafes. Visitors often find the red-light district itself to be a controversial but memorable aspect, emphasizing the need for respect and discretion. While some find it fascinating, others are put off by the commercialization and the explicit nature of the area.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
De Wallen is easily accessible by public transport. You can take trams or buses to stops near Dam Square or Nieuwmarkt. The Amsterdam Metro also serves the area, with the Nieuwmarkt station being a convenient option.
Walking from Amsterdam Centraal Station is also feasible, taking about 15-20 minutes.Yes, De Wallen is a very walkable district. The main areas are relatively compact, making it easy to explore on foot. Be prepared for cobblestone streets, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Driving in the city center of Amsterdam is generally not recommended due to narrow streets, one-way systems, and limited parking. It's best to use public transport or park at a P+R (Park and Ride) facility outside the center and take public transport in.
Exploring De Wallen on foot is the most immersive way to experience it. You can also consider a guided walking tour to gain historical context and insights.
While De Wallen is generally safe, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, to avoid pickpockets. The main rule is to be respectful and avoid taking photos of workers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, De Wallen is a public neighborhood and does not require tickets for entry. You can wander through its streets freely.
De Wallen is accessible 24/7 as it's a public area. However, the red-light windows are most active and visible during the evening and night hours.
While there are no age restrictions to walk through De Wallen, individuals must be 18 years or older to purchase or consume cannabis in coffee shops and to engage with the services offered in the red-light district.
There is no entrance fee to visit the red-light district itself. It's a public area.
Yes, various guided walking tours are available for De Wallen, which can offer historical context and insights into the area.
📸 📸 Photography
It is strictly forbidden to take photos of the sex workers in the windows. Doing so can lead to confrontation and confiscation of your device.
Photos of the general street scenes are generally tolerated, but it's best to be discreet.You could face a strong negative reaction, including verbal abuse, having your phone or camera thrown, or even being physically confronted. Some workers have been known to throw buckets of water.
The primary rule is to respect the privacy of the workers. Avoid any photography that could be seen as exploitative or intrusive.
Focus on the historic architecture, charming canals, and the unique atmosphere of the streets. The illuminated windows themselves are a sight, but photographing the workers within them is a no-go.
It's best to avoid using flash, especially in the evening, as it can be disruptive and intrusive. Be mindful of your surroundings and other visitors.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Drink
De Wallen has a mix of traditional 'bruin cafés' offering local beers and snacks, as well as various restaurants and cafes catering to different tastes.
You can also find street food options.Yes, there are several coffee shops in and around De Wallen where cannabis is sold. However, new regulations may restrict smoking in certain areas.
Shops in Amsterdam, including those in De Wallen, are banned from selling alcohol. You can still purchase drinks in bars and cafes.
Look for traditional Dutch snacks like bitterballen in the brown cafes. You can also find stroopwafels from street vendors.
While De Wallen is known for its red-light district, there are also many restaurants and cafes that are suitable for families, especially during the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be aware that some content may be explicit, so it's best to prepare children for what they might see or choose to visit only during daylight hours when the district is less active in its adult-oriented aspects. Many of Amsterdam's other family-friendly attractions are easily accessible from De Wallen, making it a convenient base for exploration.
couples
Avoid taking photos of the workers and refrain from any behavior that could be seen as disrespectful or intrusive. If you're interested in the unique aspects of the district, consider a guided tour that can provide context and ensure you navigate the area responsibly.
Budget Travelers
Be mindful of coffee shop prices if you plan to partake in cannabis, as these can vary. Also, remember that alcohol is not sold in shops, so if you're looking for drinks, you'll need to visit a bar or cafe, which will add to your expenses.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding De Wallen's History and Culture
The district is undergoing changes, with new regulations aimed at reducing overcrowding and improving the neighborhood's atmosphere. These include restrictions on cannabis smoking in certain areas and a ban on alcohol sales in shops. This reflects a broader effort by the city to manage tourism and its impact. Despite these changes, the core of De Wallen remains a vibrant and unique part of Amsterdam's identity, attracting visitors interested in its history and culture.
When visiting, it's crucial to approach De Wallen with an open mind and a strong sense of respect. The sex workers are professionals, and their workplace should be treated with dignity. Being mindful of local customs and regulations will ensure a more positive and less intrusive experience for everyone involved.
Navigating the Red-Light District Responsibly
Beyond photography, general conduct is important. Avoid lingering, pointing, or making loud or suggestive remarks. The area is a working neighborhood, and disruptive behavior is unwelcome. Be mindful of your belongings, as pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas. If you choose to engage with any services, clarify prices upfront to avoid misunderstandings.
De Wallen is more than just the red-light windows; it's also home to historic canals, charming streets, and traditional brown cafes. Exploring these aspects can offer a broader perspective of the area. By being a responsible and respectful visitor, you can experience De Wallen without causing offense or disruption.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit