De Wallen is one of the most well-known city districts in the world. If you're not familiar with the name, perhaps you recognize it more as the infamous red-light district of
Amsterdam. This notorious neighborhood stands out with its bright brothels, unapologetic sex shops, and galleries of scantily-clad sex workers on full display. By this alone, the place sounds like a crime-riddled hotspot of debauchery, right? The truth, however, is that it's still a fairly safe place with a well-set system that doesn't make it as dystopian as other people make it out to be. Here's the real deal about Amsterdam's red-light district!
Is Prostitution Legal in Amsterdam?
First things first, it's worth knowing whether the usual activity in Amsterdam's red-light district is legal or not. Is prostitution legal in the Netherlands, specifically in Amsterdam? The answer is yes, it is, but it's heavily regulated and restricted. For one thing, the practice should only be done between consenting adults and is only legal in specific parts of the city, mainly
De Wallen, the famous red-light district. Most of the sex workers are considered self-employed, and though extremely lacking, they also have similar workers' rights to the rest of the city.
It's an Old Neighborhood
For the uninformed, De Wallen is also one of the oldest
neighborhoods in Amsterdam. Red-light districts aren't exactly new and have been around for centuries, but the way this place is so organized and has a well-put system in place makes it seem fairly new and modern. Hence, it's easy to think that De Wallen only became the district that it is today in either the late 20th century or the early 21st century. The truth, however, is that De Wallen has been around since the 14th century, and it became the red-light district in the 17th century. Fascinating, isn't it?
There's More to it Than Sex
Apart from its centuries-old history, Amsterdam's red-light district has a lot more going on than just its sex industry. It’s easy to get lost in the crimson glow of its brothels, sex shops, and strip bars, but this is still an urban neighborhood in the Dutch capital. It still has its fair share of popular restaurants, standard shops, and most famously, cool cafes. The place even has some of the best
luxury apartments to rent in Amsterdam, both for their central location and their awesome qualities and features. You'd be surprised at how many locals who live here have nothing to do with the after-dark activity that the district is known for.
Churches in De Wallen
In the most ironic of ironies, De Wallen features some of Amsterdam's most famous churches. One is the historic Oude Kerk, largely considered the oldest building in the Netherlands. It's even said that the
Old Centre of Amsterdam was built specifically to surround this place of worship, thereby leading to the creation of the Dutch capital. Though it doesn't necessarily operate as a church these days, the place still exudes a solemn atmosphere that's a world away from the nearby red-light district. The other notable church near De Wallen is the Co-cathedral Basilica of Saint Nicholas. Not only is it an architectural marvel, but it's also dedicated to the patron saint of the city.
A Great Place for Coffee
Apart from the red-light district, De Wallen is also known for its fabulous slew of cafes. The place features some of the best coffee shops in the city, which draw as many caffeine connoisseurs as it does spectators and potential clients for the workers nearby. While Amsterdam has several other coffee shops in other parts of the city, the ones here have become so popular that locals and tourists alike agree that De Wallen is
the place to get coffee in Amsterdam. Some of the must-try spots include:
- Greenhouse Effect Coffeeshop on Nieuwmarkt
- Black Gold Amsterdam on Korte Koningsstraat
- Goa Coffeeshop on Kloveniersburgwal
- Coffee & Cakes on Warmoesstraat
- De Koffieschenkerij on Oudekerksplein
- Trinity Cafe on Oudezijds Voorburgwal
Is it Safe in De Wallen?
Yes, it is! A common misconception about Amsterdam's red-light district is that it's one of the more dangerous parts of town. It's not necessarily an unfair assumption, considering that these sorts of areas do tend to be the sketchier parts of any big city. But De Wallen is an entirely different story. While it's far from the safest neighborhood in the Dutch capital, it's in no way a dangerous place. Even after dark, De Wallen remains a safe place for locals and tourists alike. This is largely thanks to the fact that
Amsterdam's crime rates are low to begin with, with the current general crime rate only at 29%.
Important Rules to Follow
Much like the rest of the city, Amsterdam's red-light district has a certain set of rules that visitors and spectators must follow when they're in the area. Don't forget that the sex workers here, even when they're scantily-clad for all the world to see, are still considered self-employed workers. What they do is technically illegal, and they deserve as much respect from the general public as businessmen, lawyers, doctors, and the like. As such, the city has established rules to ensure that they remain safe and are not violated while they work.
1. Follow these rules when you're in Amsterdam's Red-Light District.
2. Respect the sex workers, especially the ones in window displays.
3. Do not film or photograph the workers.
4. Do not stand in front of the window displays.
5. Do not tap on the windows of brothels.
6. Do not peek into the establishments unless you're a client.
7. Always practice proper hygiene if you want to partake in the services here.
8. Most transactions are paid in cash.
9. Always ask for consent.
De Wallen, the infamous red-light district in Amsterdam, is perhaps the most mythologized part of the city. Before deciding what kind of place it is, it's worth learning more and even checking out the neighborhood first.
