Red Light District tour in Amsterdam
Description
This offers an unique and authentic look into the heart of Amsterdam’s most fascinating neighborhood. The guide will give you a deeper understanding of this fascinating and often misunderstood area. Discover the day-to-day realities of sex workers, the history of this centuries-old profession, and the Netherlands’ famously tolerant approach on prostitution and drug policies. Along the way, enjoy captivating stories and surprising anecdotes about the district’s past, its present, and even its recent controversies. While guided tours inside the Red Light District are no longer allowed (as of 2020), this tour takes you around its outskirts. You’ll leave with a handy map to explore the final stretch on your own, plus a small gift that’s sure to make you smile!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover the rich history of the Red Light District and prostitution and learn why sex workers chose to settle in this sacred place. Learn how and why Amsterdam developed its reputation for a liberal attitude towards sex.
Discover the place where the concept of the coffee shop originated and what was once the center of Amsterdam's tolerance and freedom.
Discover one of Amsterdam's oldest streets, which now serves as an entertainment center. Also catch a glimpse of the Old Church.
Discover Chinatown, once the most dangerous place in Amsterdam during the 1970s. Learn about its decline and how the street has now transformed into one of the favorite spots for many Amsterdammers.
Learn about the legalization of prostitution and the challenges faced by sex workers today.
Gain insight into the renowned coffeeshops and their cultural significance, learn everything about their legal status.
Receive the map with information about the Red Light District and discover the famous area yourself!
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This walking tour takes 1,5 hours. In between passing the highlights, the group explores the city on foot while the guide discusses various topics along the way.
- Niet aanbevolen voor reizigers die slecht ter been zijn.
Reviews(172)
Our guide was very friendly and introduced herself personally to everyone. Knowledgeable about the area and the circumstances of the women and the efforts of the govt to provide safety for them. Also very aware of the risks for tourists being in the area. Would certainly recommend her if you want comprehensive information of a complicated situation.
My husband and I thought the tour was very informative and very interesting and gave us a better understanding about the red light district!
Very pleasant, pace not too hectic. David is knowledgeable and engaging. Gave us very interesting information.
Dear Joan, Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re so glad you enjoyed the relaxed pace and David’s engaging way of sharing his knowledge. We’ll happily pass your kind words on to him! With kind regards, Team Guidance Travel
Knowledgeable guide, interesting and easily walkable. Also felt very safe while on our own. Would recommend.
Dear Lorraine, Thank you so much for your recommendation! We’re happy to hear you enjoyed the tour and had a comfortable, enjoyable experience exploring the area. We really appreciate you taking the time to share this with us! With kind regards, Team Guidance Travel
David is an excellent guide! He explained the history of the Red Light District in a very entertaining manner. We felt 100% safe walking through the area.
Dear Catherine, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that David made the history of the Red Light District both interesting and entertaining, and that you felt completely at ease throughout the tour. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to him! With kind regards, Team Guidance Travel
David did a great job...had a lot of fun!!!
Dear Greg, Thank you so much for your lovely review! I'm so happy to hear you had a great time with David and enjoyed the tour. I'll be sure to pass your kind words on to him. :-) We hope to see you again on your next visit to Amsterdam! Warm regards, Team Guidance Travel
David was very informative. I learned a lot about Amsterdam and the history of the Red Light District as well as the current culture.
Dear Trish, Thank you so much for your kind review! I'm delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour with David and learned more about both the history and the present-day culture of the Red Light District. I'll be sure to pass your lovely words on to him. :-) We hope to welcome you back to Amsterdam again someday! Warm regards, Team Guidance Travel
They canceled our reservation less than 5 hours before the start time without any messages. That is very disappointing.
Dear Lois, Thank you for your feedback, and we're very sorry for the disappointment this caused. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we had to cancel the tour. We do everything we can to avoid cancellations, as we know how frustrating they can be. The booking platform did send a cancellation notification in advance, but we're sorry to hear it was missed. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and hope you still had a pleasant stay! Warm regards, Team Guidance Travel
Manouk is an amazing person and she is very knowledgeable and passionate about the history and current events of the red light district and my name is Kudakwashe Williams aka Kodak and I am a fashion designer and manger at Harrods and it was a pleasure to hear her insight about the fashionable side of the district designs.
Dear Kodak, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was such a pleasure meeting you, and I really enjoyed our conversations throughout the tour. I loved hearing about your work in fashion as well, so it was great to exchange perspectives. I hope you had a fantastic birthday trip in Amsterdam, and I'd love to welcome you back someday! Warm regards, Manouk
So fun! And everything we wanted to know! Our guide was so informative and accommodating. We had a ball!
Dear Trina, Thank you for your kind words! It was so much fun having you on the tour, and I loved seeing how well you connected with the rest of the group. :-) I had a great time guiding you all. Hope you had a great stay, would love to welcome you back someday! Warm regards, Manouk
