De Wallen

Overview and Location

De Wallen — colloquially known as the Red Light District — is Amsterdam's oldest neighborhood and the most recognizable adult entertainment district in the world. Located in the heart of the city center, it occupies a compact area of medieval streets and canals roughly bounded by Centraal Station to the north, Nieuwmarkt to the east, Dam Square to the west, and the Kloveniersburgwal canal to the south.

The district takes its name from the old city walls (wallen) and its characteristic feature is the series of window units — glass-fronted rooms illuminated by red neon — where licensed sex workers are visible to passersby along the narrow canal-side streets.

De Wallen is simultaneously one of Amsterdam's most historic neighborhoods (the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam's oldest building, stands at its center) and its most famous tourist attraction, drawing millions of curious visitors each year.

Legal Status

De Wallen operates under the most regulated and transparent adult entertainment framework in the world. Window prostitution was formally legalized with the lifting of the brothel ban in 2000, though it had been tolerated for centuries.

Key regulatory elements:

• Licensing: Workers must obtain a license from the city. They must be at least 21 years old and EU citizens or legal residents
• Registration: Workers must register with the municipality and undergo regular health consultations
• Window rental: Window spaces are rented from building operators who hold separate licenses
• Inspections: Municipal authorities conduct regular inspections of both working conditions and building safety
• Health services: The GGD (municipal health service) provides free sexual health testing and counseling

The City of Amsterdam has reduced the number of available window spaces over the past two decades, from approximately 480 to around 330, through a program called Project 1012. This remains politically contentious, with worker advocacy groups arguing it reduces safe, regulated working environments.

Street-Level Detail

Oudezijds Achterburgwal — The main canal street running through the heart of De Wallen. The longest continuous stretch of window units is found here. The canal provides a natural walkway with windows on both sides.

Oudezijds Voorburgwal — A parallel canal street with additional window units. The Oude Kerk (Old Church) occupies a prominent position between the two canals.

Trompettersteeg — One of Amsterdam's narrowest alleys, connecting the two main canals. This short passage contains window units on both sides and is one of the most photographed (from the outside) locations in the district.

Moudesteeg and Bethlemsteeg — Short connecting streets with additional windows.

Goldbergersteeg — A quiet alley connecting to the Zeedijk area.

Sint Annendwarsstraat / Sint Annenstraat — Streets connecting De Wallen to the Nieuwmarkt area, with some window units and various shops and restaurants.

The overall area is compact — the entire circuit can be walked in 15-20 minutes at a leisurely pace. The streets are narrow, cobblestoned, and can become extremely crowded on weekend evenings.

Enforcement

De Wallen has one of the highest police-to-civilian ratios of any neighborhood in the Netherlands:

• Uniformed and plainclothes officers patrol continuously
• CCTV cameras cover all major streets and alleys
• Every window unit is equipped with an emergency button connected to police dispatch
• Municipal enforcement officers address public order issues
• The PIC (Prostitution Information Centre), run by former sex workers, provides information and advocacy

Enforcement focuses on:

• Photography prohibition — actively enforced; workers may confront photographers
• Public order — noise, obstruction, urination, drug use
• Unlicensed operators
• Trafficking indicators
• Pickpocketing

Safety

De Wallen is, paradoxically, one of the safest neighborhoods in Amsterdam due to the level of policing and surveillance:

• Violent crime is rare
• Pickpocketing is the primary risk — narrow, crowded streets are ideal for thieves
• Keep wallets in front pockets; do not use phone while walking in dense crowds
• Watch for bicycle traffic at the edges of pedestrian areas
• Canal edges have no railings — intoxicated visitors fall in every year
• Drug dealers operate at the margins of the district — avoid engagement

Cultural Norms and Etiquette

De Wallen has strict behavioral expectations that are both legally and socially enforced:

• No photography or filming of workers. This is the single most important rule. Workers will react — sometimes aggressively — to cameras pointed at them. Enforcement officers issue fines. Even taking a selfie with windows in the background is problematic
• Do not block doorways or windows. Workers need clear access to their doors. Standing in front of a window gawking impedes business
• Move through at a reasonable pace. The narrow streets cannot accommodate stationary groups
• Keep noise reasonable. Residents live in the upper floors of the buildings
• Do not knock on windows unless you intend to inquire about services
• Respect workers' decisions. If a worker declines a client, that decision is final
• Do not haggle. Pricing is generally standardized; attempting to negotiate lower is disrespectful

Scam Warnings

De Wallen itself has relatively few scams, as the regulated environment provides transparency. Risks are more general:

• Pickpocketing — the number one issue. Groups of thieves target distracted visitors in the narrow streets
• Street drug dealers selling fake or dangerous substances. Avoid entirely
• Overpriced drinks at tourist-trap bars along the canal streets. Check menus before ordering
• Unlicensed "guides" offering tours for tips — may direct you to affiliated businesses
• Confusion about pricing — the standard window visit has a set price and duration. Confirm these at the door before entering

Nearby Areas

Zeedijk — A street running from Centraal Station to Nieuwmarkt that forms the boundary of De Wallen. Features Amsterdam's small Chinatown, excellent restaurants, and a mix of bars.

Nieuwmarkt — A large square at the eastern edge of De Wallen with cafes, restaurants, and the historic Waag (weighing house). A pleasant area for a meal before or after visiting the district.

Dam Square — Amsterdam's central square, a 5-minute walk west. The Royal Palace and the National Monument are here.

Warmoesstraat — Parallel to the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, this is one of Amsterdam's oldest shopping streets and has a concentration of LGBTQ+ bars and coffee shops.

Best Times

• Weekday evenings (8 PM - midnight): Less crowded, easier to navigate. Workers are more available
• Weekend evenings (10 PM - 2 AM): Very crowded, party atmosphere. Can feel overwhelming
• Afternoon: Some windows are active, but most activity begins in the evening
• Summer: Maximum activity and maximum crowds. Longest operating hours
• Winter: Fewer tourists, more locals. Earlier closing times. A different, quieter experience

What Not to Do

• Do not photograph or film workers under any circumstances
• Do not stand in front of windows staring — either engage or move on
• Do not block the narrow passages by standing in groups
• Do not buy drugs from street dealers
• Do not consume excessive amounts of alcohol or cannabis before visiting
• Do not attempt to negotiate prices below the standard rate
• Do not touch workers without invitation
• Do not visit with a large group expecting a party atmosphere — it is a place of business
• Do not fall into the canal — watch your step along unprotected edges