Amsterdam has a famous district called the Red Light District which is an adult entertainment area popular among night revellers. It is normal if this will be your first time visiting the area or if this is out of your territory of familiarity or if you are going around the district during the night. In the following article, we will discuss how safe it is to stroll around in Red Light District of Amsterdam during the night.
The Basics of the Red Light District
The Red Light District or De Wallen is a neighborhood of Amsterdam where prostitution is legal and orderly. The district has red-lit windows through which the sex workers display themselves to their potential clients. The city is famous for its architecture, especially the old part encompassing the canals, coffeeshops, nite life and many tourists visit the place.
Nighttime Safety Measures
Although the Red Light District is presented as a fun and illuminated area, there must always be a concern about your safety when you are strolling at night. Here are some safety measures to consider:
Stick to Main Streets
Limit yourselves to the illuminated crowded areas like Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal Streets, which are the tend main arteries of the area. The last thing you want is to be caught in a dark alley or any place with little or no lighting as often as you can.
Stay Alert
Wherever you may find yourself, being observant and vigilant forms part of the etiquette. Protect your assets and do not pay attention to persons crowding around you with tempting proposals or heaven-sent demands.
Stay Away From Walking Alone at Night
Based on the status, one of the most effective ways to move around the Red Light District is in the company of a group of people or a friend in particular at night. It is always good to have someone nearby to protect you, or at least make you feel safer.
Police Presence
For the Amsterdam police, the specifics of the RLD and possible difficulties are far from being a mystery. Therefore, they operate their vehicles with constant patrols within the area so as to protect the residents and the tourists. You can always run to the police if you want to or seek help from them in whatever you are a suspect of.
: From 1995 to 1998, 67% of TAP users sold drugs and 66% of them participated in one or more types of illicit activities.
However, it should be said that while purchasing marijuana is legal and unbashful in Amsterdam, other types of drugs are not. Using unlawful products or commits a criminal offense and is detrimental to the human body, thus should not be practiced. Do not engage yourself in any unlawful business while you are in the country.
Personal Responsibility
In addition to being having general safety measures taken, it is important that people take responsibility of their own safety whenever they are in the Red Light District. Use your heads and act properly, treat this area and its people well, and remember the culture and laws of this land.
Conclusion
Strange as it may sound, safety in the Red Light District at night remains relative depending on some aspects like your actions and strict observance of precautions. If you keep your wits about you, don’t wander off alone, and take some basic precautions, then you will find your experience in the Red Light District of Amsterdam very agreeable indeed.