Amsterdam: Red Light District Tour in German or English

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Departure Date

November 01, 2024

Highlights

Discover Amsterdam's infamous red light district on a 1.5-hour tour with a German or English city guide. Learn more about the work of prostitutes, coffeeshops, and the history of the district.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.

Duration 1.5 hours

Live tour guide: English, German

Private group available

Experience

Itinerary

  • Starting location: National Monument
  • Condomerie Guided tour (10 minutes)
  • Oude Kerk Photo stop, Guided tour (15 minutes) 
  • Amsterdam Red Light District Guided tour (15 minutes)
  • Warmoesstraat Photo stop, Guided tour (5 minutes) 
  • Dancing Houses, Amsterdam Photo stop, Guided tour (5 minutes) 
  • Amsterdam Centraal Station Photo stop, Guided tour (10 minutes) 
  • Amsterdam Chinatown Guided tour (10 minutes) 
  • Coffeeshop The Jolly Joker Guided tour (15 minutes) 
  • Nieuwmarkt Square Guided tour (15 minutes)
  • Arrive back at: National Monument

Highlights

  • Explore the famed Red Light District with a witty, young German or English guide
  • Get a critical perspective on sex work in Amsterdam's Red Light District
  • Learn how sex workers earn a living and look behind the scenes in the district
  • Learn about the history, politics and culture of Amsterdam coffeeshops

Full description

Discover Amsterdam's infamous Red Light District on a fun tour with a German OR English guide. Learn how much on average a prostitute earns per night, how many customers they have per shift, and which sexual acts pay the largest sums. Additionally discover the history of coffeeshops in Amsterdam, what the political situation around them looks like and how coffeeshops in Amsterdam are regarded both a blessing and a curse for the city.

Red Light District Tour and Highlights

From the National Monument on Dam Square go to Warmoestraat, one of the most famous gay streets in Amsterdam. Pass the Condomerie, a fun condom store and learn about Amsterdams contraception history.

Take a look at the Oude Kerk, the oldest church of Amsterdam, and explore its paradox connection to the red light district.

Discover more about the process of negotiations between customers and prostitutes, about their income and expenses, prices, room rental and taxes, but also about the women's security.

Dive into the Red Light District’s origins and visit the harbor, the reason the red light district came about. Catch a photo opportunity in front of the “dancing houses,” one of the most picturesque spots in Amsterdam.

Learn more about the history and politics of the coffeeshop business in Amsterdam, how it was established, what issues the city has to tackle and what the future of coffeeshops in Amsterdam may look like. This tour does not include an inside visit of a coffeeshop. You will get the chance to explore them at your own pace after the tour if you wish.

Equip yourself with recommendations from your guide on how to keep exploring the Red Light District at your own pace. Get tips on visiting a 70s peepshow, which you can experience on your own after the tour.

Includes

  • Guided Red Light District tour
  • German or English-speaking city guide
  • €1.50 city tax (per person)
  • Snack
  • Beverages
  • Tip

Not suitable for

  • Children under 14 years

Meeting point

Meet your guide at the foot of the national monument on Dam Square (a large white pillar, which is similar to an obelisk). Your tour guide will be wearing a red name tag around their neck.

Important information

Not allowed

  • Cameras
  • Unaccompanied minors
  • Alcohol and drugs

Know before you go

  • This tour is offered in either German or English. It is not bilingual, so choose your option carefully
  • Since 2020 the tourism restrictions of Amsterdam prohibit tours in front of the red windows. The route has been adapted to the new rule but you will get the chance to see the windows in the heart of the district at your own pace
  • This tour does not include an inside visit of a coffeeshop
  • On Fridays and Saturdays a lot of tourists visit the Red Light District. If you would like a quieter tour please take the tour on another day
  • The tour will take place in any weather. Don't forget an umbrella for rainy days
  • Distance traveled is approximately 1.8 km or 1.2 mi at a comfortable pace during the city tour
  • It is forbidden to take photos of the sex workers