Amsterdam’s Red Light District (aka De Wallen) has been a familiar haunt for pleasure seekers since the 14th century. Though certainly not an area for everyone, the Red Light District has more to offer than just sex and liquor. For underneath its promiscuous façade, the area contains some of Amsterdam's prettiest canals, excellent bars and restaurants, and shops of all kinds. It also consists of windows with sexy girls, dressed in eye-popping underwear.
The best places for window-watching are along Oudezijds Achterburgwal and in the alleys around the Oude Kerk (Old Church), particularly to the south. The atmosphere throughout is much more laid-back than in other red-light districts. Families, lawyers, young couples, senior citizens - all types of locals live and socialize here, in stride with the surrounding commerce. You’ll probably find yourself on Warmoesstraat and Zeedijk at some point, both commercial thoroughfares chock-a-block with shops and restaurants.
While you’re wandering around, look up at the gorgeous gables and you’ll realize this district is also stunningly attractive. Its lovely architecture simply gets lost in the shuffle.
The Red Light District is located just south of Centraal Station, around Oudezijds Achterburgwal and Oudezijds Voorburgwal - also known as De Wallen (the Walls) or De Walletjes (the Little Walls). To get there, take the tram to the Dam, then pass behind the Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky.
Keep in mind to exercise caution when visiting the area. Stick to the busy streets and beware of pickpockets at all times. Also, do not take photographs of the women in the windows, for there are large, observant men on the lookout, who won’t hesitate to take your camera and throw it in the canal.
