Amsterdam is a lively city selling attractions, famous for its canals, taste and feeling, different from other European cities. One of such sites that have raised interest among travelers is the Amsterdam Red Light District. Famous for the red-lit glass that offers windows of various sex workers, it has already become the symbol of the city’s identity. However, people might get confused whether the Red Light District is operational or not. It will be informative now to take a look at the state of this contentious subject of discussion at the present time.

Sociology of the Red Light District

De Wallen or the Red Light District is nestled right in the middle of Amsterdam and spreads across several concentric circles within the city |. It is a conglomeration of black narrow lanes and bylanes filled with windows that have sex workers. This area must be functioning for centuries and becomes a part of city’s history and culture of Amsterdam. The district is popular among both tourists and residents because of relaxation of sexual related issues.

The History of Sex Workers and Prostitutes

Years ago, the procedures in the Red Light District had some changes. The city of Amsterdam want to safeguard the liberty in this industry but at the same time produce betterment and security for the sex workers.

Legal norms and requirements in the enterprise’s countries

Netherland legalized prostitution in the year 2000. However it carries a lots of flexible related to the industry. In 2007 the mayor of the city of Amsterdam made particular rules and regulations concerning the Red Light District, partly for combating such questionable practices as human trafficking and for the protection of the prostitutes.

Window Closures

Over the last few years though the municipality has been in the process of downsizing the area of the Red Light District and or refraining from actively endorsing thefacilitation of prostitution. In this regard, concerted step by step effort was made to reduce the number of licensed windows. Some of them have been converted into museums, shops or some other format of commercial usage.

Extent of Development of Red Light District

However, there is still a Red Light District and it continues to run in Amsterdam. It remains a popular tourist destination site to date, given that guests will be privileged to experience the lake. The shop windows remain historical ones, and the sight of them never ceases to impress as representative of the peculiarity of this region.

Window Licenses

This has meant that the city of Amsterdam still legalizes only a few brothel windows to guarantee safe and orderly practices of sex work. Finally, the areas licensed are illuminated with a blue light as opposed to a red light in most normal cases.

Positive Developments

The municipality has been working very hard to develop a more diverse downtown core. They bought up the existing buildings and changed some parts of the Red Light District into cultural and museum and art center. These developments complement the process of changing the image of the district and at the same time do not forget about the history of the area.

Tourist experiences of the Red Light District

If you are planning to visit Amsterdam and the Red Light District, it’s important to be respectful and follow the guidelines set by the city:

The subject is required to avoid invasive actions or intrusion into the lives or privacy of the sex workers. Photographing, making obscene remarks or gestures, or in any other way harassing individuals is prohibited.

All the time recall that the district is a working place and the ladies you are going to have relations with are legal prostitutes. It may sound silly but treat that area as you would any other professional environment.

All important And most importantly personal security, make sure that you are safe and do not engage yourself in quarrels or walk alone at night.

When in the Red Light District instead of worrying about windows and what they offer, one could also check out some of the historical landmarks like buildings, there are cafes, and shops that are uniquely set up in the area.

Like any tourist destination, it is mandatory to be a responsible and courteous tourists.

Conclusion

The district is still present in Amsterdam but has been changed for the past few years due to the formation of a more sustainable and diverse central business district. Since you can still feel the district’s vibes, however, you should be careful and do it with respect, knowledge, and acceptance of the culture. So you can have fun and at the same time respect the rights and integrity of sex workers who work in the Red Light District.