Red Light District where Eccentricity and Domesticity Meet
The Oudezijde is the oldest part of Amsterdam and popular with tourists who enjoy strolling through the Red Light District and gawking at scantily clad women. The main shopping street is Warmoesstraat. Amsterdam’s Red Light District is one of the city’s tourist highlights. The ladies of pleasure sit behind illuminated windows in areas like Stoofsteeg and Trompettersteeg. During the day, the Red Light District is a regular neighborhood, with children going to school and locals doing their shopping. At night, the area is bathed in neon signs and illuminated windows. When the curtains are drawn, work is underway.
The Red Light District: Surprisingly Cultural and Full of Character
Amsterdam’s Red Light District is world-famous but often misunderstood. It is much more than window prostitution and rowdy bars. Behind the facades lie a wealth of culture, history, and creativity. In this district, you will find museums, charming cafes, a theater, and the city’s oldest church.
Surprising tips for the Red Light District
This neighbourhood has a reputation. Yet, it’s not a tourist trap, if you know where to go and what to see. The Red Light District is much more than just peeping Toms and drunken tourists. No need to avoid this part of Amsterdam, if sex shops and strip clubs do not interest you.
The Oude Kerk, the Heart of Historic Amsterdam
The Oude Kerk (Oudekerkplein 23) is the oldest building in Amsterdam, dating back to the 13th century. Originally a Catholic church, its opulent interior was removed by the Calvinists during the Reformation, and it now has a frugal interior. The church serves as a cultural centre, hosting exhibitions and gallery days featuring a wide range of international artists.
Museum Amstelkring, a Secret in the Attic
This museum is better known as Our Lord in the Attic (Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38) is a clandestine church where Catholics attended mass when their religion was banned by the Protestant government during the Reformation. It looks like a very ordinary canal house until you enter the attic, which has been converted into a church complete with altar, organ, pews, and a confessional.
Prostitution Museum, Secrets of the Red Light District
The Red Light District without mentioning window prostitution is only half the story. But gawking at scantily clad women is another extreme. The perfect solution is a visit to the Prostitution Museum: Secrets of the Red Light District (Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60). Here you will learn all about the history of the Red Light District and the impact prostitution has had and still has on this area.
Hash, Marihuana, Hemp Museum, Educational and Entertaining
Amsterdam without a mind-enhancing substance is unthinkable. But if using it yourself is a step too far, the solution lies in a visit to the Hash, Marihuana, and Hemp Museum (Oudezijds Achterburgwal 148). Here, the multifaceted history of the hemp plant comes to life. The museum offers a glimpse into the cultural, medicinal, and industrial significance of cannabis throughout the ages. Here you will discover how hemp was used for rope, clothing, and paper, and how marijuana played a role in art, religion, and medicine.
W139, Experimental Art
Warmoesstraat 139, this experimental exhibition space, a stronghold of Amsterdam’s underground scene, was founded in 1979 by a group of squatters who were disappointed in the mainstream art world. Although the original founders are long gone, W139 still honours the founders’ wishes by giving artists free rein in their exhibitions, allowing them to create works and installations that would not be possible anywhere else.
Condomerie Het Gulden Vlies, the First Condom Shop
Condomerie (Warmoesstraat 141) was founded in the 1980s to promote safe sex during the AIDS crisis. It was the world’s first specialty condom shop. Besides selling condoms in all shapes and sizes, the shop functions as a safe sex information centre, offering advice on everything from artificial lubricants to personal hygiene. While its aims are noble, Condomerie doesn’t shy away from humour and also sells a wide range of new items featuring cartoon condoms.
Café Latei, Vintage Charm
For vintage enthusiasts, it is impossible to leave cafe Latei (Zeedijk 143) empty-handed. The wall-sized collection of retro trinkets, lampshades, and retro want-to-haves is largely for sale. Latei is spread over two floors, decorated with shabby-chic furniture and curiosities, plus a small terrace with street-side seating. Latei primarily serves light lunch dishes, such as sandwiches, soups, and pastries, freshly prepared in the cafe’s small kitchen.
Frascati, Avant-garde Stage
Frascati(Nes 61) known for its innovative, avant-garde theater staging more than 500 productions annually, from both local talent and international companies. Because independent Dutch production companies regularly premiere their latest work here, Frascati is one of the best places in Amsterdam to discover the local drama, dance, and comedy scene. There is also a two-story bar serving snacks and Benelux-brewed beer.
