The BEST Red Light District Tours for 2024 – With Reviews!
How to do a Red Light District Tour in Amsterdam?
Welcome to Amsterdam, a city known for its rich history, artistic heritage, and picturesque canals. Beyond its cultural offerings, Amsterdam has another side, one that’s both intriguing and notorious—the Red Light District, or De Wallen. To truly understand the culture and history of this district, join us on a journey through our comprehensive Red Light District tours.
In this guide, we’ll explore the advantages of taking a Red Light District tour in Amsterdam, share expert tips for an unforgettable experience, and answer the seven most frequently asked questions about this enigmatic destination.
Too long to read?
Do you want to know our recommendation for the BEST tour of the Red Light District in Amsterdam? Here it is:
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Includes: Snacks, shots & guide accompaniment
- Language: English, German and Dutch.
- Price: Less than 30 Euros
- Program: The main and most historic points of the Red Light District in Amsterdam with lots of information, jokes and curiosities.
- Payment: Book now and pay later or pay now and have free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Disadvantage: It’s not a small group tour, usually around 15 people take part.
Why is this the best tour? Because it’s a basic, low-cost, and comfortable option. In the course of 1.5 hours you REALLY learn a lot about the Red Light District and then you can explore on your own feeling much more confident.
How was my Amsterdam Red Light District Tour?
Incredible. I opted for the “Amsterdam Red Light District & Coffee Shop Tour” which started at 8 p.m. As it was summer, it was still daylight, but soon the sun went down and we had the experience of seeing all the red lights shining in the dark. The tour guide was very attentive and incredibly funny and it lasted almost 2.5 hours. The group was small, 6 people, so we could ask a lot of questions. One great piece of advice for you guys: engage with the guide, ask questions, and seek recommendations. They often have insider knowledge that can lead you to hidden gems or help you make the most of your time in this iconic part of Amsterdam.
Book the 2 Hours- Red Light Tour
Compare the TOP 5 Amsterdam Red Light District Tours
Are you still wondering? Then here’s a comparison of the 5 best Tours in Amsterdam. Compare, choose, and book!
Most Popular After Dark Red Light District Tour | My Tip Amsterdam Red Light District & Coffee Shop Tour | Red Light District Tour | Private Red Light District and Food Tour | Amsterdam: Red Light District Pub Crawl | |
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Duration
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Duration | 1,5 Hours | 2 Hours | 2 Hours | 2 Hours | 5 Hours |
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Guide
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Guide | 🇺🇸 🇩🇪 🇳🇱 | 🇺🇸 🇪🇸 🇩🇪 🇳🇱 | 🇺🇸 🇩🇪 🇪🇸 🇳🇱 | 🇺🇸 🇩🇪 🇪🇸 🇳🇱 | 🇺🇸 |
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Price
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Price | 28 EUR | 37 EUR | 37 EUR | 95 EUR | 25 EUR |
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Info
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Info | Free Snacks & Shots | Minimum age 18 to enter the coffee shops | - | Tasting of 3 Dutch dishes | Entrance nightclub/4 pubs /drinking games/vodka shots (30 min) |
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Website
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What are the advantages of an Amsterdam Red Light District Tour?
- Insightful Narration: Our knowledgeable guides provide historical context, personal anecdotes, and detailed insights, making your tour both informative and engaging.
- Safety: Although the district is generally safe, a guided tour offers a structured way to explore, ensuring you avoid potential pitfalls and feel comfortable.
- Local Knowledge: Discover hidden gems, from the best bars to unique shops and eateries, that you might otherwise overlook as a visitor.
- Understanding the Culture: Gain a deeper understanding of the district’s history, the societal context, and the lives of the sex workers, demystifying the often misunderstood world of De Wallen.
- Respectful Exploration: A guided tour promotes responsible tourism by educating visitors on the rules and regulations while encouraging respect for the district’s residents.
Reviews of the Best Red Light District Tours in Amsterdam
Do you want to know more about Amsterdam Red Light Tours? Here you’ll find a long list of tours that go far beyond sex workers, legal marijuana consumption or the bohemian life of Amsterdam. Here you’ll find food tours, cultural tours and other facets of Amsterdam’s Famous Neighborhood.
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01
Amsterdam: After Dark Red Light District Tour
Walking Tour in Red light DistrictOur highlight
The Amsterdam After Dark Red Light District Tour is a highly recommended experience for tourists. It offers a fascinating journey into the heart of Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District. This 1.5-hour guided tour, provided by The Oranje Umbrella Company, lets you explore the district when it truly comes alive at night.
Your resident guide, well-versed in English, German, and Dutch, takes you through historical secret areas and back alleys of De Wallen. You’ll visit coffee shops, learn intriguing stories, and even meet local workers.
The tour provides a captivating blend of history, humor, and mystery, creating an unforgettable Amsterdam experience. From the oldest building in Amsterdam to iconic red lights and a glimpse into the area’s future, you’ll be enchanted by the fascinating stories. Enjoy local flavors and tantalizing Dutch snacks at a quaint coffeehouse. You’ll even get to see Amsterdam’s oldest building, the historic oude kerk.
For those who want to explore the hidden charms and secrets of the Red Light District, this tour is a must. It’s a unique opportunity to understand the history and the future of this enigmatic and entertaining district. The After Dark Red Light District Tour combines knowledge with local experiences, making it a memorable adventure.
Please note that cameras are not allowed, ensuring a respectful and immersive experience. This tour operates at your own risk, and personal expenses such as drinks and souvenir purchases are not included.
This tour is highly recommended for anyone looking to explore the captivating Red Light District in Amsterdam. It’s a fascinating and eye-opening experience that offers insights into a unique part of the city’s culture and history.
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02
Coffee shop and Red Light District tour in Amsterdam
Walking Tour in Red light DistrictOur highlight
Do you want to learn more about the hedonistic party culture in Amsterdam? Then this beautiful walking tour of Amsterdam’s Red Light District is for you! With a local guide, you’ll stroll through the city’s historic alleys and understand how and why Amsterdam got its reputation as a liberal city towards sex and drugs.Along the way, you’ll be able to poke holes in the guide and hear from a local about the cultural significance of the coffee store scene, as well as learn more about the lives of the sex workers who wait for their next clients in the neighborhood’s infamous red-lit windows. I find it all super exciting and I’m sure you do too!
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03
Red Light District Tour in English
Walking Tour in Red light DistrictOur highlight
Discover the curiosities of the Red Light District of Amsterdam in English. In addition to a complete walking tour that shows you the most important sights of the district, you will also learn more about the lives of the sex workers. The Red Light District tour takes place in a small group and you will learn stories, facts and information that you would not discover on a walk through the district on your own. The English speaking tour through the Red Light District has a limited number of participants, so book in advance.
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04
Amsterdam Small-Group Walking Tour
Walking Tour in De Wallen
Ever wondered how the Netherlands Amsterdam grew from a humble riverside village to a world-renowned city? There’s no better way to find out than by pounding its historic pavements. On foot, you’ll get up-close views of its intricate architecture and iconic sites, allowing you to soak in every detail.
If this is something that you’d like to do, consider joining the “Amsterdam Small-Group Walking Tour.” But, be warned, this isn’t just another short walk around the block; it’s a curated journey through history and culture. On the tour, you’ll navigate the bustling Dam Square, appreciate the architectural splendor of the Oude Kerk and the Royal Palace, and take a moment of reflection at Westerkerk.
Guided by an expert well-versed in Amsterdam’s past and present, you’ll unearth tales from its golden age of trade to the moving story of Anne Frank. Overall, it’s a comprehensive look at Amsterdam, offering both the broad strokes of its evolution and the finer details of its daily life.
So, tie up those walking shoes and dive deep into Amsterdam’s heart, one step at a time. By the tour’s end, you’ll see the city through a fresh lens, enriched with stories and insights.
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05
Amsterdam Walking Tour with Cheese Tasting
Walking Tour in De Wallen
Cheese lovers will revel in this 3.5-hour tour that begins with a walking journey through downtown Amsterdam, where you’ll uncover hidden stories and history. And the best part is that the tour concludes with a delightful 1-hour cheese and wine-tasting session at an iconic Dutch cheese factory. From tales of Amsterdam’s muddy origins to its evolution as Europe’s trading hub, this tour serves a perfect blend of history and experience, all guided by an experienced expert. We recommend this food tour for those looking to deepen their understanding of the city while indulging their taste buds.
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06
Amsterdam: Red Light District and Local Pub Tour
Walking Tour in Red light District
Exploring Amsterdam’s Red Light District in the evening was an interesting and educational experience. We had a great time with friends. This 2-hour tour delves into the district’s history, prostitution business, and some of the oldest local pubs in Amsterdam.
Our guide, Pedro, was knowledgeable and engaging. He provided insights into the history of Europe and evolution of the area, making the tour both informative and fun. We started in the Old Town District, learned about the city’s history like museums, church, and finally we visited famous pubs. The tour took us through narrow streets, revealing curiosities like the classics strip clubs in Amsterdam, coffee shops, and the unique Red Light District.
It’s fascinating to hear about the sex work industry, peep shows, and the district’s liberal laws. The tour concludes at Dam Square, passing by landmarks like the Condomerie and the Royal Palace.
For travelers looking to understand this part of Amsterdam’s culture and history, this tour is highly recommended. One tip: Remember to tip your guides; they enhance the experience with their insights.
Exploring Amsterdam’s Red Light District in the evening was an interesting and educational experience.
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07
Amsterdam: Red Light District Pub Crawl
Walking Tour in Red light District
This five-and-a-half hour (or two day, depending on the option you book) bar crawl will take you to four different pubs, and end with free entry to a top club in Amsterdam!
You’ll be treated to unlimited shots for half an hour at the beginning of the night, and you’ll be given another free drink every time you enter a new venue.
And although the pub crawl itself will end at the nightclub, your night doesn’t have to! You can continue to party long after the official experience is over.
This is an awesome chance to dress up; since backpacks, shorts, sportswear, sandals, and flip-flops aren’t allowed. And you’ll be meeting up with the party in De Wallen!
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08
Amsterdam: Ultimate Food and History Guided Tour
Walking Tour in De Wallen
For our next tour, you’ll find yourself on a 3.5-hour trek that takes you to the heart of Amsterdam’s food and history. On this journey, you’ll stroll through three of the city’s historic neighborhoods, uncovering stories behind iconic eateries while indulging in delightful creations. From the oldest bakery to a family-owned delicatessen, you’ll sample over 10 tastes across 8 family-run businesses. Enjoy stroopwafels, Dutch apple pie, raw herring, kibbeling, fries, and Dutch cheeses accompanied by the knowledgeable narrative of your English-speaking guide.
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09
Amsterdam: Walking Tour with Dutch Pancake Lunch
Walking Tour in De Wallen
For the next adventure, set out on a 2.5-hour tour to unravel Amsterdam’s best pancake spots. With a limited group of just 10 participants, you’ll have an intimate experience while strolling around iconic landmarks, including the Royal Palace, Dam Square, and the Anne Frank House. As you explore these historic sites, soak up the city’s rich history and cultural significance. Before you leave, finish your tour with a traditional Dutch pancake lunch, ideal for foodies and history buffs looking to experience the city’s sweeter side.
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10
Rainbow Bar Stroll: Sashay through Amsterdam
Walking Tour in De Wallen
An Amsterdam pub crawl that focuses completely on the best gay bars in the city, this is the ultimate party pub crawl for the LGBTQ+ community. You’ll be taken to multiple different venues as the two hour long bar crawl progresses. And you’ll be given plenty of opportunities to party, dance, and have a great time along the way!
Free shots won’t be included with this experience, but you can expect to get some discounts for specialty drinks in some of the venues. And furthermore, there’s no dress code for this bar crawl,. So feel free to let your personal style shine through.
The meeting point will be in Downtown Amsterdam!
FAQs About Amsterdam's Red Light District Tours:
Is it safe to do a Red Light District Tour in Amsterdam?
Yes, it’s generally safe to take a Tour in Amsterdam. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who are familiar with the area and its norms. However, it’s wise to stick with your group and follow your guide’s instructions. While the area is safe, it’s also known for its bustling nightlife, so typical precautions apply. It’s better to experience this unique district with a guided tour, as your guide can provide valuable insights and ensure you have a safe and respectful visit.
Are there age restrictions for the Amsterdam Red Light District tours?
The age restrictions for Red Light District tours in Amsterdam can vary. Many tours have a minimum age of 18, as the district can be explicit. However, some offer “light” versions for those aged 16 and up, focusing more on the history and culture rather than the explicit elements. Always check with the specific tour operator for their age requirements to ensure a suitable experience for your group.
Can I take photos during the Amsterdam Red Light District tour in Amsterdam?
Photography rules during Red Light District tours can vary by tour operator. In most cases, it’s not allowed to take photos of the sex workers for privacy and security reasons. However, you can often take pictures of the area, canal-side views, and historic architecture. Always respect the rules and privacy of those in the district, as it’s essential to be a responsible and respectful tourist.
Can I interact with the sex workers during the tour?
Interacting with sex workers in Amsterdam is generally discouraged. These individuals are working, and approaching them can be invasive and disrespectful. It’s crucial to be a responsible and considerate tourist, respecting their privacy and the local culture. The tours are primarily for educational and cultural insight rather than personal interactions with the workers.
Should I tip the tour guide of the Red Light District Tour in Amsterdam?
Tipping your Tour guide in Amsterdam is a kind gesture but not mandatory. If your guide provided a fantastic experience, sharing a tip to show appreciation is always welcomed. A standard practice is for tour guides to offer around 10-15% of the tour cost. However, tipping amounts are ultimately at your discretion, and you should feel comfortable with the decision you make.
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