Amsterdam: Red Light District guided tour (TOP RATED)
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Start this tour in front of the Amsterdam Voyager Hotel. From here you will walk to the famous Amsterdam Red Light District. First part of the tour leads through the old town area and Amsterdam's Chinatown. Here you get a insight of the history of Amsterdam and the area.
Then walk to the center of the Red Light District where the guide will tell you everything about the prostitution, coffeeshop culture and history of the Amsterdam Red Light District. Your guide will tell you how it is working as a prostitute in the Red Light District, the liberal laws and tell you many interesting facts.
Your guide will also tell you about the coffeeshop culture of Amsterdam. Learn where the name “coffeeshop” comes from and some of the weird laws we have on the consumption and production of soft-drugs.
Available options
Private tour
Choose this option for a private tour. <br/>Starting point:<br/>ParkBee Parking NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace, Prins Hendrikkade 59, 1012 AD Amsterdam, Netherlands
Group tour
Choose this option to join a group with a maximum of 15 people. <br/>Starting point:<br/>Voyager Hotel Amsterdam, Geldersekade 2, 1012 BH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Small group tour
Choose this option to join a group with a maximum of 8 people. <br/>Starting point:<br/>Voyager Hotel Amsterdam, Geldersekade 2, 1012 BH Amsterdam, Netherlands
What's included
Local guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Walk through the narrow streets and see all the sights that the Red Light District has to offer! Learn about the history and the current situation of the Red Light District and explore the streets of Amsterdam with your local guide.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
1. The dam, Also known as the City built on trees: Due to the soil in Amsterdam consisting of a thick layer of fen and clay, some buildings in the city are built on wooden poles that are fixed in a sandy layer that is approximately 11 meters deep. Since the old days, the houses in Amsterdam were known to have been built on wooden foundation piles that are driven deep into the clay, peat, and water until they reach the first layer of solid sand.
3
The area is a part of the Red Light District, tob e specific, part of the Old Town area. So this is the oldest part of the city that is why there is a lot of history as well.
4
Pub The Ape, also known as Int Aepjen in Dutch. Built around 1540 and one out of two remaining wooden buildings left in Amsterdam. Which is very special as there was a big fire in 1452 and after that point the government decided that buildings should have brick facades.
5
The Waag used to be one of the city gates of Amsterdam, a part of the defensive wall. It was built around the 1400s and is the second oldest building of Amsterdam. Later on it was used as a guild, craftsman’s organizations, situated themselves within the Waag and around the square.
6
The smallest house of Amsterdam was built around the 1700s and was first used as storage place for the VOC trading company. Later on people started living in the house for a very long time.
7
This is the world’s first condom shop special for condoms, in place here since 1987. You can get a size customized condom and all kinds of special condoms.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.6
390 reviews
5★
322
4★
29
3★
19
2★
8
1★
12
Tripadvisor
4.7
185 reviews
5★
147
4★
20
3★
12
2★
5
1★
1
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommended for travelers with limited mobility
Meeting point
Meet your guide in front of the entrance of the ‘Barbizon Palace Hotel NH collection’.
About Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is renowned for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Known as the 'Venice of the North,' the city offers a rich blend of art, history, and modern innovation, making it a captivating destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history. It houses an extensive collection of paintings, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Museum
2-3 hours
€20
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. It houses the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings in the world.
Museum
1.5-2 hours
€20
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution during World War II.
Historical
1 hour
€16
Dam Square
Dam Square is the central square of Amsterdam and a historic site. It is home to the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and various other landmarks.
Historical
1 hour
Free
Jordaan
Jordaan is a picturesque and lively neighborhood known for its narrow streets, canals, and vibrant atmosphere. It is a great place to explore, shop, and dine.
Neighborhood
A few hours to explore
Free to explore, varies for shopping and dining
Must-Try Local Dishes
Stroopwafel
A thin, round waffle made from two layers of baked dough joined by a caramel-like syrup filling
Dessert
Vegetarian, contains wheat and sugar
Bitterballen
Deep-fried, crispy balls filled with a creamy, spiced ragout, typically made from beef or veal
Snack
Contains meat, gluten, and dairy
Haring
Raw herring fish, traditionally served with onions and pickles, eaten by holding the fish by its tail and lowering it into your mouth
Dish
Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians
Poffertjes
Miniature pancakes made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, and yeast, served with powdered sugar and butter
Dessert
Vegetarian, contains wheat, eggs, and dairy
Popular Activities
Canal kayaking
Bike tours
Escape rooms
Canal cruises
Visiting parks and gardens
Spa and wellness treatments
Museum visits
Art galleries
Best Time to Visit
June to August
The peak tourist season in Amsterdam is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals, but it's also the busiest and most expensive period.
15°C to 22°C
59°F to 72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Dutch
- Widely spoken: English, German, French
- English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution
Amsterdam is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bike theft, can occur, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport
- • Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey
Getting there
By air
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol • 17.5 km from city center
By train
Amsterdam Centraal
By bus
Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Getting around
Public transport
Amsterdam's tram system is efficient and user-friendly, with 14 day and night tram lines. A single ticket costs €3.20, and day passes are available.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Amsterdam
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Jordaan
De Pijp
De Wallen (Red Light District)
Museumplein
Amsterdam-Noord
Day trips
Zaanse Schans
20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day
A picturesque and open-air museum featuring traditional Dutch houses, windmills, and workshops, showcasing the history and craftsmanship of the region.
Haarlem
20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day
A charming and historic city known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and vibrant cultural scene, often considered a smaller and more relaxed version of Amsterdam.
Utrecht
50 km from Amsterdam • Full day
A vibrant and historic city known for its beautiful canals, medieval architecture, and lively cultural scene, with a unique and charming atmosphere.
Festivals
King's Day (Koningsdag) • April 27 (or April 26 if the 27th is a Sunday)
Amsterdam Pride • Late July to early August
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) • Mid-October
Pro tips
- Use the OV-chipkaart for seamless and convenient public transport
- Rent a bike to explore the city like a local, but be aware of cycling rules and etiquette
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Explore the city's neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm
- Try local specialties, such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, and Dutch pancakes
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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