MUST DO: Amsterdam's Red Light District tour with a local
Description
Join this 2 hour walking tour and discover the famous the “Red Light District”. The first part of the tour leads through an old sailor neighborhood called the Zeedijk Street and Amsterdam’s famous Chinatown. This part of the Red Light District used to be a no-go area but has totally changed to a safe and friendly part of the city. In this area you will see sights like Amsterdam’s Buddist Temple, pub the Ape and the Waag. Then walk to the Old Church, the oldest building in Amsterdam, here we are in the center of the Red light District. In this area you will see many things like the narrowest street of Amsterdam, the first coffeeshop, an indoor prostitute street and many smartshops. Walk through the famous prostitute streets with the red lights and learn about the history and current situation of the Red Light District. Learn why prostitution is legalized and how the name “coffeeshop” was created.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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 narrow streets of Amsterdam with your private guide.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for travelers with limited mobility
Reviews(30)
Fun and informative tour with a wonderful guide. Very aware of the ages involved and was cognizant of informational impact.
Ben was the guide. Nice guy and we saw some unique events. He was too much of a story teller on tales that were off topic for the content of the tour.
Very interesting and informative. The tour guide Kathi has illuminated the topic in an excellent neutral way
Vielen Dank für Ihre tolle Bewertung! Es freut uns sehr, dass Sie die Tour als interessant und informativ empfunden haben und Kathi das Thema so gut vermitteln konnte.
It was a crazy day to do the tour as it was King’s Day. Guide was knowledgeable but unfortunately werenot able to see all the sites
Thanks for your feedback! King’s Day can definitely make the city extra busy, but we’re glad you still enjoyed the guide and the tour overall.
Highly recommend this tour. This is a big part of Amsterdam history. We did the 1800 tour that is more family friendly and was ideal for my 17 year old, the later tour I would keep for adults only. Our tour guide was amazing and we learnt a lot
Hi Robert, thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re delighted to hear the tour was a great learning experience for you and your family, and that your guide made it so memorable.
VERy BAD Experience. If you are in Amsterdam the pst 3-4 days, you know the weather is not good. It is very difficult to walk on an icy street. We arrived at the meeting place at 6:02. We suppose to meet at 6:00. I messaged the operator. I called. Meanwhile, i did not receive any updates or message from the operator. When we arrived the (small group) left. No one was there. We waited until 6:15. We were so disappointed. Bad Tour operator for not giving us a chance even for 2 mins. My other tours in Tripadvisor and Get your-guide give at least 5 mins allowance to wait…they call the clients… I am not doing anymore any Viator tour. What a shame!
The guide waited with the group until 18:10. In the mean time we tried calling you and texting but no response. We have processed a full refund for your booking. It's very unfortunate you left us such a review when we tried everything to resolve it with you.
The tour was rich in history as well as the tour of the red light district. Ben articulated history and related and well.
we did the tour with Ben he was grate. very informative. we arrived a little earlier for the tour so we when for a little walk in the area but after the tour walking the same route we had much more appreciation for the area and customs. highly recommend this tour if its your thirst time to Amsterdam then it is a must
Robin was an awesome tour guide. Gave a ton of history of the area and made the tour a lot of fun! Would highly recommend taking one of his tours. He also gave a lot of local tips and recommendations which we are extremely grateful for!
Robin was a Natural and told great stories and histories, leading confidently - Enjoyed his company and A-Dam RL District immensely🫶
