De Wallen

Local Flavor · Oudezijde

3

@afar

"A Stroll Through the Red-Light District The red-light district in Amsterdam is a very busy place with an odd mix of life in one small neighborhood. In a peculiar way it’s very beautiful—there’s so much happening both visually and mentally it takes a bit to process it all as you wander through the rouge-colored alleys. It's hard to look at the scene without thinking “What if…” And: "How do women end up here? Do they want to be here? In another life, could I be standing in their place?" There’s so much to think about while walking through this area. Even stranger perhaps is that this area is such a major tourist attraction. If you're looking for seedy, scary alleys, you won't find them here. But you will see tour groups, families, restaurants, and sex shops."

The Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands Get directions

3 Postcards

See full details

More Places For You

Rijksmuseum

Art museum · Museumkwartier

Step into the stunning Rijksmuseum, where 19th-century charm meets an impressive collection of Dutch masterpieces and rich European art.

18 Postcards

Tolhuistuin

Cultural center · Volewijck

A riverside hotspot, this unique venue seamlessly combines concerts, films, and delicious bites with a chill cafe vibe and stunning water views.

0 Postcards

Owl Hotel

Hotel · Vondelbuurt

Nestled on a charming, tree-lined street near Vondel Park, this cozy hotel exudes warmth with bright, simple rooms and a lovable resident cat.

0 Postcards

the Otherist

Store · Grachtengordel-West

This charming Amsterdam shop brims with curious treasures and unique gifts, from dazzling preserved insects to eclectic antiques, making it a must-visit.

1 Postcard

Shelter City Hostel Amsterdam

Hostel · Oudezijde

Simple dorms in an unassuming Christian hostel with group activities, a cafe & free breakfast. In a charming, historical townhouse, this low-key, Christian hostel is a minute away on foot from a metro stop, 17 minutes' walk from the Anne Frank House museum and 2 km from the famed Rijksmuseum. Basic, single-sex dorms sleep from 4 to 16 guests, and offer free Wi-Fi, bunk beds and lockers. Gender-segregated bathrooms are shared. Upgraded dorms add en suite facilities. Breakfast is complimentary. Other amenities include a quaint garden, which has a water feature, and a cafe with a games area. There are group activities, bikes for hire, and computers for guests' use.

0 Postcards

Bar Bukowski

Bar · Oosterparkbuurt

Tucked in Amsterdam Oost, Bar Bukowski is a hip café by day and lively cocktail bar by night, serving burgers, flammkuchen, and a vibrant atmosphere.

2 Postcards

Hotel The Exchange

Hotel · Nieuwe Zijde

Stylish rooms in a fashionable boutique hotel offering a cafe & lounges with sewing machines. Set in 3 buildings dating back to the 17th century, this stylish boutique hotel in the Red Light District is a 4-minute walk from buzzy Dam Square, a 7-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal Railway Station and a 15-minute walk from the vintage shops at De Negen Straatjes. The trendy rooms have been individually decorated by fashion students and feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Upgraded rooms come with Nespresso coffeemakers and/or balconies with city rooftop views. Amenities include a hip, vibrant cafe, as well as 2 quirky lounges with sewing machines for guests' use.

1 Postcard

Canvas

Restaurant · Weesperzijde

Perched on the seventh floor of the trendy Volkshotel, this lively spot serves up panoramic views of Amsterdam, creative cocktails, and transforms from a relaxed daytime café to a bustling nightclub by night.

2 Postcards

Amsterdam Cheese Museum

Museum · Jordaan

Discover Amsterdam's charming Cheese Museum, where you can sample a wealth of Dutch cheeses, learn about their rich history, and snag delicious souvenirs.

4 Postcards

Foodhallen

Food court · Kinkerbuurt

Housed in a former tram depot, this buzzing food hall serves up a world of global eats, from gourmet burgers to Vietnamese banh mi, perfect for casual gatherings.

5 Postcards