Amsterdam Red Light District (De Wallen) Tours
73 Reviews
Most famous for its streetside brothels, Amsterdam's Red Light District (De Wallen) also houses scenic canals, bustling restaurants, bars, and plenty of shopping. While this controversial neighborhood may not be for everyone, its winding cobblestone streets and narrow alleys evoke Amsterdam’s rich history and laid-back culture.
The Basics
The Red Light District is best explored on foot or by bike. Walking tours typically provide a deep-dive into the neighborhood’s history and culture, while bike tours provide a broader overview of the city and allow you to visit the Red Light District along with attractions such as the Van Gogh Museum or New Market Square. Depending on your preference you can choose to visit by day or by night, when the district is especially lively.
Some tour options include admission to popular attractions such as the Sex Museum, the Red Light Secrets museum, Madame Tussauds Amsterdam, or one of the Netherlands’ legendary coffee shops. Opt for a walking tour led by a former police officer to learn about the district’s storied police history, or take a group pub-crawl tour to explore local watering holes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Although the area's once-dangerous streets are now much more welcoming, be aware of your surroundings as pickpockets are still common.
- Taking photographs of sex workers in the windows is strictly forbidden. If you do, you may find yourself fishing your camera out of a canal.
- Nearby, the commercial thoroughfares of Warmoesstraat and Zeedijk are filled with shops and restaurants.
How to Get There
Also known as De Wallen (the Walls) or De Walletjes (the Little Walls), Amsterdam’s Red Light District is located just south of Centraal Station. While guided tours allow you to avoid the hassle of navigation, it’s also possible to arrive via tram or bus.
When to Get There
You can visit the Red Light District year-round—just don’t forget your rain jacket if you’re headed there during winter. Arrive after dark to see the area’s bustling nightlife.
Alternative Amsterdam
The famous laid-back Dutch attitude is very prevalent in the Red Light District, especially in the form of cannabis and sex work. While smoking marijuana is illegal in the Netherlands, it is widely tolerated, and you may purchase or possess up to five grams. You may be surprised that this carnivalesque neighborhood is also where families, young couples, and senior citizens reside and socialize.
Address: Amsterdam, North Holland Province, Netherlands
Admission: Free
98 Tours and Activities to Experience Amsterdam Red Light District (De Wallen)
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Sex Worker Guided Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Tour
Discover Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District during this small-group guided walking tour. Led by a sex worker, this tour sheds light on the often misunderstood area that has made Amsterdam so famous. She explains all about her job, how prostitution functions in the Netherlands and more while you stroll along the canals and alleyways of the area.
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From
$49.16
From
$49.16
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Amsterdam Red Light District 1.5-Hour Walking Tour with Local Guide
Discover the buzzing nightlife and racy reputation of Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District on this walking tour. Wind your way through the streets of Amsterdam’s most iconic neighborhood and embrace the weird, wonderful and wacky! Along the way, see oddities like the world’s first condom shop and the Museum of Prostitution; weave through colorful Chinatown, and snap photos of Amsterdam’s scenic canal ways.
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From
$29.07
From
$29.07

Private Tour: Amsterdam Red Light District and Coffee Shop Tour
Feel the pulse of Amsterdam’s Red Light District and coffee shops on a private walking tour with a local guide. As you stroll the cobbled lanes, see red-lit windows, sex shops, and erotic theaters; and listen as your guide separates facts from fiction about the area’s past and the legalization of prostitution in 2000. Discover Amsterdam's coffee shop culture or upgrade to include admission to the Sexmuseum, whose exhibits chart eye-popping erotica through the ages.
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From
$81.30
Price varies by group size
From
$81.30
Price varies by group size
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Luxury River Boat - Small Group - from AnneFrank House
Glide through Amsterdam's canals in style and comfort aboard a luxury open-air boat with no windows or walls between you and the sights. Settle into comfy cushioned seats, and warm up with provided blankets and a drink from the cash bar if the weather is chilly. The cruise departs multiple times daily from the Anne Frank House, so it's easy to fit into most sightseeing itineraries.
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From
$22.12
From
$22.12
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Food Tour
Discover the truth behind the famous Amsterdam Red Light District on a private 2-hour tour, a great way for first-time visitors to orient themselves in the Netherlands’ capital. As you stroll along the UNESCO-listed Amsterdam Canal Ring, you’ll pass Oude Kerk (Old Church) and explore Chinatown. Plus, stop to sample three Dutch specialities, including cheese, kroket (croquette), and stroopwafel (thin waffles).
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From
$99.76
Price varies by group size
From
$99.76
Price varies by group size
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Classic River Boat With Drinks & Dutch Cheese
Cruise down the famous canals of Amsterdam during this 75-minute boat tour. Hop aboard the classic wooden saloon boat and sit back and enjoy the beautiful city pass you by. See landmarks while nibbling on Dutch cheese and having a drink.
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From
$35.64
From
$35.64
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Private Amsterdam Red Light District tour including sex museum
Explore Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District and see a side of Dutch culture many visitors miss on this private walking tour. With your guide to lead the way, walk through the narrow streets and discover local landmarks like the Oude Kerk (Old Church)—Amsterdam’s oldest building. Gain insight into the city’s liberal sex industry, and find out about the city’s thriving café culture. Admission to the Sex Museum is included.
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From
$105.88
Price varies by group size
From
$105.88
Price varies by group size
Taking safety measures

Amsterdam City Bike Tour
Enjoy an alternative sightseeing experience of Amsterdam on an exciting bike tour of the dazzling Dutch capital. Follow a professional guide through the quaint waterways and winding cobbled streets of the city and discover an eclectic selection of sights off the conventional tourist trail. Delve into the rich history and 'coffee shop' culture of the city with your knowledgeable guide and get local recommendations from your local guide.
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From
$43.02
From
$43.02
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use

Amsterdam Small-Group, Guided Evening Canal Cruise with Bar on Board
Come and join us on one of our legendary and Tripadvisor top 3 boat tours and get ready to cruise along the Amsterdam canals on our unique, electric boats. We have small open boats so you are able to enjoy the full experience!
On our 1 hour evening cruise you will explore Amsterdam, its famous landmarks, culture, and rich trading history whilst relaxing on our luxury boat. At night all the bridges light up in the city so it will feel like sailing through a fairytale. The cruise will be done with a small group of people, so expect an interactive tour, with enough space for questions and any needed recommendations for your further stay in Amsterdam. Our canal cruise is a great alternative compared to those old-school tourist canal boats that your grandma probably recommended.
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From
$22.12
From
$22.12
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Amsterdam 1-Hour Canal Cruise from Central Station
Discover the beautiful city of Amsterdam, known as the ‘Venice of the North,’ from the water on this sightseeing cruise. After reserving your preferred departure time, skip past any lines and set off on the UNESCO-listed waterways aboard a glass-topped canal boat. Glide under pretty bridges, past 17th-century buildings and landmarks like the Anne Frank House, and learn about the city’s history from the audio guide. Upgrade your canal cruise with a 1-Day Amsterdam Public Transport ticket which is valid on trams, buses, ferries, and the metro.
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From
$15.98
From
$15.98
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Private Amsterdam walking tour of the Red Light District and Old Town
Meet your guide in front of the Central Station of Amsterdam at the tram B sign. From here you will walk to the “Red Light District”. The first part of the tour leads through an old sailor neighborhood called the Zeedijk Street and Amsterdam’s famous Chinatown. This part of the Red Light District used to be a no-go area but has totally changed to a safe and friendly part of the city. In this area you will see sights like Amsterdam’s Buddist Temple, pub the Ape and the Waag.
Then walk to the Old Church, the oldest building in Amsterdam, here we are in the center of the Red light District. In this area you will see many things like the narrowest street of Amsterdam, the first coffeeshop, an indoor prostitute street and many smartshops. Walk through the famous prostitute streets with the red lights and learn about the history and current situation of the Red Light District. Learn why prostitution is legalized and how the name “coffeeshop” was created.
…More
From
$230.45
per group
From
$230.45
per group
Taking safety measures

Amsterdam Highlights Small-Group Walking Tour
This small-group walking tour, limited to just 12 people, gives you an intimate and insider’s view of the beautiful city of Amsterdam. An informative guide leads your group around Amsterdam’s historical center and past top attractions including Dam Square, the Royal Palace, Nieuwmarkt, and the infamous Red Light District. During this morning stroll, learn intriguing historical background and snap photos of the UNESCO-listed canals and 17th-century gabled houses.
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From
$39.87
From
$39.87

Last Chance!! Amsterdam Red Light District: Guided Night Walk and Party
Explore Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District on an approximately 2-hour guided evening walking tour. Stroll by the red-lit window cabins of the cobbled alleyways of De Wallen, and learn about the area’s history and Amsterdam’s progressive approach to prostitution. Sample a traditional jenever Dutch gin at a distillery. Your guide will make your tour educational and fun, cultivating a party mood while expanding on the area's history.
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From
$31.96
From
$31.96

1.5 Hour Walking Tour of Amsterdam’s Red Light District with a Local
Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District is high on the must-see list for first-time visitors, but it can be hard to know where to start without a guide. Discover the best bars, clubs, and coffee shops on this evening walking tour, pass unique sights such as the world’s first condom shop and the Erotic Museum, and learn more about Amsterdam’s free-spirited culture.
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From
$40.56
From
$40.56
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Open boat tour - All drinks included - 60 Minutes - Live guide
The best way to explore the UNESCO-listed Amsterdam Canal Ring is indisputably by boat. Get a different perspective of the Dutch capital while avoiding the crowds on land during this relaxing canal cruise that, unlike other similar tours, includes unlimited Heineken beer, wine, and soft drinks for a budget-friendly price. Plus, several departure times throughout the day mean you can slot the cruise into almost any schedule.
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From
$28.02
From
$28.02
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Small-Group Amsterdam Bike Tour
Cycle along Amsterdam’s flat and open city streets on this small-group guided bike tour. Explore the historic city at a leisurely pace as you pedal alongside the UNESCO-listed canals and visit the green oasis of Vondel Park. Pass top attractions like the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum, and check out Amsterdam’s oldest neighborhood, the Red Light District. This small-group tour is capped at 12 people, ensuring you receive personalized attention from your informative guide.
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From
$30.11
From
$30.11

Private Amsterdam Red Light District tour with food tastings
Explore Amsterdam's notorious Red Light District and also learn about Dutch food culture while you walk from Central Station to Dam Square. This private tour gets you away from the crowds with a dedicated guide to share knowledge of Dutch law, including topics like prostitution. Along the way, taste foods such as a kroket, Dutch cheese, and stroopwafel.
…More
From
$112.11
Price varies by group size
From
$112.11
Price varies by group size
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Amsterdam Red Light District Private Tour with a Local
Discover the stories and secrets of Amsterdam’s most notorious neighborhood on a private tour of the Red Light District. Break away from the curious tourist throngs as a savvy local guide ushers you through hedonistic alleyways and past bars and cafes. Learn the history behind the city’s famously permissive culture and explore hidden spots beyond the glowing red lights and windows.
…More
From
$52.85
Price varies by group size
From
$52.85
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Amsterdam Red Light District Guided Walking Tour - Private Tour
Explore the epicenters of 'vice' in Amsterdam with this informative and entertaining 2.5-hour guided walking tour of the city's red-light district and its famous coffee-shop culture. Learn about the history of prostitution in Amsterdam and the currently policies about it. And then learn what coffee shop culture is here and the city's relationship with recreational drug usage.
…More
From
$89.89
Price varies by group size
From
$89.89
Price varies by group size
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Amsterdam Red Light District Small-Group Guided Walking Tour
Satisfy your curiosity about Amsterdam's notorious Red Light District during this walking tour. With a small group limited to eight people, get to know the history and modern iteration of this urban area, where prostitution and drug consumption are famously legal.
…More
From
$89.89
Price varies by group size
From
$89.89
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Half-Day Tour of Red Light District and Jordaan District with Private Guide in Amsterdam
Get the inside scoop on some of the Dutch capital's most fascinating neighborhoods with a private, 5-hour walking tour of the Red Light District, Jordaan area, and other sights. Learn the background behind the city’s famously liberal attitudes towards prostitution and drug use, and let a local show you other urban highlights like the Anne Frank House, Rembrandtplein, the Begijnhof, and the lively Albert-Cuyp Market.
…More
From
$137.03
Price varies by group size
From
$137.03
Price varies by group size
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Skip-the-line Van Gogh Museum & Red Light District Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max
Combine a walking tour of Amsterdam's Red Light District with skip-the-line access to the popular Van Gogh Museum. First, bypass the crowds to tour the Van Gogh Museum and then learn about the unique culture of the Red Light District. This small-group tour is limited to just eight people, and your museum tickets are good for a full day.
…More
From
$220.17
Price varies by group size
From
$220.17
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Amsterdam Red Light District tour in German
Meet your guide in front of the Central Station of Amsterdam at the tram B sign. From here you will walk to the “Red Light District”. The first part of the tour leads through an old sailor neighborhood called the Zeedijk Street and Amsterdam’s famous Chinatown. This part of the Red Light District used to be a no-go area but has totally changed to a safe and friendly part of the city. In this area you will see sights like Amsterdam’s Buddist Temple, pub the Ape and the Waag.
Then walk to the Old Church, the oldest building in Amsterdam, here we are in the center of the Red light District. In this area you will see many things like the narrowest street of Amsterdam, the first coffeeshop, an indoor prostitute street and many smartshops. Walk through the famous prostitute streets with the red lights and learn about the history and current situation of the Red Light District. Learn why prostitution is legalized and how the name “coffeeshop” was created.
…More
From
$61.45
From
$61.45
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Secret Food Tours Amsterdam w/ Private Tour Option
Skip the impersonal large-group tours and gain a rare perspective on this food and culture tour through Amsterdam’s Jordaan district. Going with a guide ensures you hear little-known anecdotes about top landmarks and get a behind-the-scenes look at hidden gem eateries loved by locals. Break up the walking tour with food and drink tastings along the way.
…More
From
$261.54
From
$261.54
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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