The Red Light District is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Amsterdam and earlier mentioned it is visited by millions of tourists. A visit to this famous district can be enjoyable and insightful all at the same time but as you try to explore the area independently, please be prepared for a whole world of rushing. Luckily, there are some free walking tours that will show you around pointing out some of the history, general information and distinctive characteristics that the area has to offer. The following blog post will provide an overview of the Amsterdam Red Light District Free Walking tour.
What does Amsterdam Red Light District actually mean?
De Wallen is another district of Amsterdam that has been accredited to involve prostitution activities as legal and well Veterinary forms of business. It is typified by numerous network of narrow streets that has windows wherein the prostitutes display their advertisements. However, the district is not only the red-light district but also contains a number of bar, restaurants, shops and other cultural sites.
Why Take a Free Walking Tour?
Visiting the Red Light District independently can be a tad tricky, particularly if you are lost in the city. Still, this is where a free walking tour comes in handy. By joining a guided tour, you can:
Gain historical and cultural insights: Understand the historical development of the district and why it became legal to start operating as a prostitute.
Discover hidden gems: Dive into the narrow-street and the courtyard that are not easily noticeable without a local guide.
Ask questions: Talk to friendly guides who will be always willing to respond to your questions regarding some areas of the district.
Ensure personal safety: As expected, tourists therefore often report high congestion in The Red Light District especially during these hours. It is also recommended to take a guided tour because the tour guide can guide you past the crowds and protect you from pickpockets.
Meet fellow travelers: Group tours provide an opportunity to socialize with people in the like group and share with them certain experiences.
Free Walking Tour – How to Choose
It is also possible to find a free tour but it should be noted that the one to choose should meet the criteria preferred by a particular client. Here are a few things to consider:
Tour Length and Schedule
Look at the time and time it takes to do the tour and make sure that is okay with you. Some tours take about 1-2 hours but depending on the varieties some may take longer periods.
Group Size
Discover how many people can be accommodated in one group for the tour. It is always preferred to be in a small group because you are able to deal more with your guide.
Guide’s Expertise
Check for other people’s comments or seek to find for any details about the guide familiarity with the location. No matter how interesting a site might be, having an informative, pleasant guide can make the difference.
Additional Features
While travelling on a free tour, there may be extras such as food sampling or visits to other sites of interest. Use the following when making your decision:
Tour Etiquette and Tips
When joining a free walking tour in the Red Light District, keep the following tips in mind:
Respect the area and its inhabitants: Always bear in mind that the Red Light District is a real community that still has people working every day. These include the integrity of the privacy of the persons who live and work in those buildings.
Follow the guide’s instructions: Do not leave the group and follow your guide’s directions to make it safe and comfortable for everyone.
Ask questions: Do not be shy of speaking to your guide and feel free to ask questions. If you go there, they are there to make sure you get the best experience.
Dress appropriately: Red Light District is rather heterogeneous, so it is necessary to cherish the traditions of the Dutch country. Extremely skimpy clothing for women, appropriate dress for men, or clothing with depictions of American symbols should not be worn.
Be cautious with photography: It will be important to copy,” Photography regulations may differ from one area of the district to another. This means that the sex workers should never be photographed without getting their consent first.
Conclusion
Visiting the area of Amsterdam Red Light District by a Free Walking Tour is an even more exciting experience when one wants to get acquainted with the peculiarities of the district. As with anything, there is right way and a wrong way to go about it, so whether it is a tour or visiting a sanctuary you want to make sure to do it correctly while having fun. Do not rush, do not worry to ask for help and lost your time along with a taste of the history and culture of this famous area in Amsterdam.
