I here chose Amsterdam as the Dutch city which is also the capital of the country famous for its rather different and rather tolerant behavior towards many things in life. Yet one thing that many tourists from the entire world come to see are its world-renowned well-known red-light districts. In this article we will take a closer look at the three biggest areas of prostitution in Amsterdam: De Wallen, Singelgebied and Ruysdaelkade.
1. De Wallen
De Wallen, or the ‘Rosse Buurt’ or the red-light district is the oldest district of Amsterdam. This sub area is said to be within the city central area and considered an area of prostitution with many brothels, sex shops and other adult facilities. This is an interesting combination of history and enlightenment, at least, one can see what makes the culture of Amsterdam.
The most popular attraction of De Wallen is the red-lit windows with sex workers who have no secrets about their professions. One has to note here that such people work in a very controlled climate and they have certain privileges.
Things to Do in De Wallen:
Go to the Prostitution Information Center to get information on this service and how it started.
- Stroll around the close-winding streets and canal side lanes that are called “gangen”.
- Stare at the beauty of the Oude Kerk (Old Church ), the oldest building in Amsterdam .
- Treat the locals and their food in the various bars and restaurants within the nearby region
2. Singelgebied
Singelgebied also known as the ‘Sunnypart of the Red Light District’ is slightly more liberate compared to De Wallen and is also not as expansive. Singel is a street of vibrant and bustling life situated close to the beautiful canal with the same name.
Singelgebied is famous among the tourists who like to avoid large number of tourists with staying at the same area while exploring the services of the district. The sellers offer numerous shops aimed at adult customers such as bordello and sex shops.
Things to Do in Singelgebied:
Then take a brief and relaxing walk to the Singel canal to witness beautiful views.
- Tour through the Museum of Prostitution to get the idea about the necessities of the enamored individuals
- Loosen up by visiting small local cafes and coffee houses and spend some time in there.
- Taste the night life in small groovy bars and pubs
3. Ruysdaelkade
Ruysdaelkade, in the upmarket De Pijp area, brings a different angle to that stereotype. Althoug it does not bear the same nostalgic value as De Wallen, it is well known for its relatively secretive and exclusive house of ill reputation.
People visit Ruysdaelkade as a local and or tourist who is willing to pay a little more and be attended to with little or no interference from others. There are back doors here and there leading to different houses where sex workers carry out their acts.
Things to Do in Ruysdaelkade:
Bos through the Albert Cuyp Market; a food and goods market well known to locals and tourists alike
- Located nearby is the Heineken Experience and you could learn more about the famous Dutch Beer.
- Have a nice picnic, take a stroll in the lovely Sarphatipark
Final Thoughts
Over the course of this assignment, two notable cultural tourism sites in Amsterdam have been examined: the red light districts. Whether you have developed a historic interest or would like to know the nightlife, or social and cultural life of the city, these districts can give you a peek of the existing reality in the city aside from what a regular tourist might see in the conventional tourist attractions. They emphasized to enter these areas with respect and wish to gain knowledge on the rights and freedom of people who are employed in this aspect of the industry.
