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Amsterdam Red Light District

Information about the world-famous Amsterdam red-light district

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Probably you have heard about the Amsterdam Red-Light District as this is a very famous section in the Netherlands. Much to your surprise, what you may have heard is true! Here are some facts about the Amsterdam Red Light District, a place unlike any place else, also known as just Amsterdam Red Light.

The Oldest Part of Amsterdam

The famous Amsterdam Red Light District covers a large area in the oldest part of the city. It has been servicing the personal needs and desires of locals and visitors for five centuries, and thanks to the old buildings leaning at odd angles overlooking the tree-enshrouded canals that a certain charm tempts you to linger longer in the area. In this district, music of every genre can be heard along the streets from a dozen or more places late at night. And, it is the classier restaurants, redone streets, and revamped facades that transform what once dark and dingy into one of the most attractive parts of town – the Amsterdam Red-Light District.

Taking photos or camera recording is not allowed along Amsterdam's Red Light District streets.
So you will find the above video a bit jarring, although rather clearer than many of similar videos.

Prostitution in Amsterdam Red-Light District

Did you know that prostitution is legal in the Netherlands? Yes, it is! It is most concentrated in the Amsterdam Red Light District where it has enjoyed a long tradition of tolerance. It has been reported that since October 2000, window prostitutes have been allowed to legally ply their trade. Much to your surprise, the prostitutes in the Netherlands are also taxpayers. However, discrimination is still very much part and parcel in this kind of trade as a number of the prostitutes reported that some banks even refuse to grant mortgages for instance.

Now, as a legal profession, the government ensures that all prostitutes are able to access medical care and work in better conditions by way of regulating and monitoring working practices and standards. Also, it is worth noting that contrary to the popular belief, the Amsterdam Red-Light District is actually the safest area in the city as clusters of policemen and private bodyguards employed by the girls themselves are always on duty.

The Chinatown in Amsterdam Red-Light District

The Amsterdam Red Light District is one of the few places on earthy where you can authentic and really tasty Chinese food. The restaurants in this district are easy to find as cooked Duck is typically hung in the front window. However, Chinatown in itself is misleading as there are also dozens of Malaysian, Indonesian and Thai restaurants and cafés scattered along the beautiful canals. Besides the restaurants, there are other Chinese businesses in the Amsterdam Red-Light District, including a well stocked supermarket across from the Waag, near the Nieuwemarkt.

The Red-Light District Today

Amsterdam now prides itself on its wholly liberal and tolerant attitude. The city embraces, with the Amsterdam Red Light District, embraces the fact that people may be into prostitution, pornography and soft drugs. So, instead of criminalizing everything, Amsterdam wears its heart on its sleeve. What you see is generally what you get. So, how do you get to it? The answer basically lies on which Amsterdam Red Light District you are looking for. There are actually three Red Light Districts in the city: the main area is in the Walletjes area, the Singel, and de Pijp.

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Amsterdam Articles

  • Amsterdam Holland - Amsterdam is a lively, vibrant, and liberal city, built on 90 islands and connected by 400 stone bridges, across 100 kilometres of canals.
  • Amsterdam Netherlands - The center of the 17th century world economy, Amsterdam is also highly acclaimed for its rich heritage and tolerant character.
  • Amsterdam Weather - Typically weather forecast for Amsterdam ranges from a little freezing in winter to beautiful sunny days in the summer.
  • Flight to Amsterdam - There are several reputable web sites that provide online booking services for Amsterdam flights.
  • Cheap Flight to Amsterdam - You will also find several well known websites providing online bookings for Amsterdam cheap flights.
  • Amsterdam Airport - What sets Amsterdam Airport Schiphol apart from other European airports is that it offers a number of great attractions.
  • Amsterdam Hotels - Whether it's business, passing through, or staying for a holiday, you will find an Amsterdam hotel the most convenient accommodation.
  • Amsterdam Netherlands Hotel - Although more pricey, Amsterdam hotels enjoy high occupancy, so it's good to book well in advance or your arrival.
  • Victoria Hotel Amsterdam - As one of the most remarkable historical and architectural Amsterdam buildings, Victoria Hotel offers luxury and name.
  • Swissotel Amsterdam - Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the Swissotel offers 4-star personalized service to make your holiday in Amsterdam enjoyable.
  • Cheap Amsterdam Hotel - If budget is on your mind then you will find that cheap Amsterdam hotels can provide great accommodation, often in the heart of the city.
  • Cheap Hotel in Amsterdam - It's worthy to note that Amsterdam offers a wide selection of cheap hotels. These include Renaissance, Park, Ibis, and Marriott hotels.
  • Amsterdam Red Light - A very popular place in the Netherlands, Amsterdam Red Light district embraces all the virtues and vices known to people.
  • Amsterdam CoffeeShops - The primary commodity in the Amsterdam coffeeshop is cannabis. And yes, they do sell coffee, too.
  • Amsterdam Live - There are many acclaimed live music and entertainment hotspots. From Paradiso and Jazz Cafe Alto, to Kashmir Lounge and Boom Chicago.
  • Amsterdam Map - To get around this great city, you will need a good Amsterdam map, offered by several web sites, to help you find places of interest.
  • Amsterdam Vacation - The city of Amsterdam has an instant appeal, is easy to look at, pleasant to walk around, and with a welcoming attitude towards visitors.
  • Amsterdam Travel - You can get to Amsterdam by air, train, or bus. To get around the city, use bus, metro, tram, bicycle, and of course go on foot.
  • Amsterdam Marathon - As an extremely well-organized event, the Amsterdam Marathon is classified in the Golden League category by the IAAF.
  • University of Amsterdam - Founded in 1632, the University of Amsterdam is one of Europe's major universities, with over 20,000 students in 60 disciplinary fields.
  • Amsterdam Apartments - Some of the best holiday accommodation offered in the heart of the city can be found at different Amsterdam apartments.
  • Amsterdam Hostels - Hostels in Amsterdam offer good accommodation and services, often amongst the best, within walking distance to many city's attractions.
  • Amsterdam Bed & Breakfast - Countless and charming Amsterdam bed and breakfast houses are located in the heart if the city, offering good accommodation.
  • Amsterdam Accommodation - A number of sites will help you find the right Amsterdam accommodation deals in hotels, apartments and bed & breakfast places.
  • Hostels in Amsterdam - Good accommodation can be found at hostels Cosmos, AnneMarie, Lucky Lake, as well as Stayokay Vondelpark and Amigo Hotel.
  • Amsterdam Tours - Amsterdam offers a whole variety of interesting tours. Apart from the 'red light district', there are great museums, libraries, and restaurants.
  • Ajax Amsterdam - The Ajax Amsterdam football club is a world famous club with a very rich history, winning the national championship 27 times.
  • Amsterdam Printing - At some stage you too have received a direct mail envelope, which had Amsterdam postmark, or a return address in the Netherlands.
  • Amsterdam News - New York City's original name was New Amsterdam. Accordingly, one of New York's first and leading newspapers was The Amsterdam News.
  • New Amsterdam Theatre - One New York's oldest theatres was named The New Amsterdam Theatre, which opened in 1903, as Broadway's oldest theatre house.

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