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Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Tour 2025

Free cancellation | Instant ticket delivery | Reserve now & pay later

from:
€ 27
2 hours
Expert guide
Private or small group
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About Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Tour

Go on an Amsterdam Red Light District walking tour and learn all about the oldest district of Amsterdam. Explore the famous coffee shops, walk down the narrowest street in Amsterdam, and learn about its history. A local guide will also take you to Amsterdam’s Chinatown, Nieuwmarkt Square, and Oude Kerk. This tour is available in a small or private group.

DISCOVER THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT

Go on a tour through one of the most well-known neighborhoods in Amsterdam. See important landmarks, like the 13th-century Oude Kerk, the city's oldest church. Discover the history of the area, from its beginnings to its development into a vibrant center of culture.

THE NARROWEST STREETS IN AMSTERDAM

Explore the Red Light District, which has some of Amsterdam's narrowest streets. Your guide will explain the significance of these cramped spaces, how the city's layout shaped its evolution, and the reasons why these alleys have been so important to Amsterdam's history and local culture.

EXPLORE AMSTERDAM’S CHINATOWN

Enter Chinatown, a lively, culturally diverse area of Amsterdam's Red Light District. Visit the beautiful He Hua Tempel, a traditional Buddhist temple, and learn about the historical relationship between the growth of Amsterdam and Chinese immigrants.

INSIDE AMSTERDAM’S COFFEE SHOP SCENE

Discover the history of Amsterdam’s coffee shops, starting with one of the most famous, The Jolly Joker. Learn how the Dutch government helped make coffee shops an important part of the city's liberal reputation.

AN EXPERT GUIDE

An expert local guide will join you on the tour and share fascinating insights about the landmarks you’ll see. For example, you’ll learn how the harbor was the birthplace of the Red Light District and what types of techniques the city uses to preserve the architecture of the colorful houses lining its canals.

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Learned so much on this tour

Visiting He Hua Tempel in the middle of the Red Light District was such a unique experience. I didn’t expect to see such cultural diversity in this area. Our guide, Pieter, was great! He explained the connection between Chinatown and the district in such a way that it was one of the most memorable parts of the tour for me. Amazing tour experience!

Hubert

The best tour in Amsterdam!

Honestly, this was the best Amsterdam tour we booked! We were lucky to be the only ones on the tour, which made it feel even more personalized. Jack went out of his way to tailor the tour to our interests, focusing on the history of the Red Light District rather than its more sensational aspects. It was interesting to hear all about the 'liberal' culture. Thank you for the fantastic tour!

Ginny

DESCRIPTION

Amsterdam Red Light District Tour

EXPLORE CHINATOWN AND NIEUWMARKT SQUARE

Your Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Tour will begin in Amsterdam’s Chinatown, a lively neighborhood with a diverse range of cultural influences. Next, you’ll walk through Zeedijk Street, which is lined with traditional shops and is known for its unique architecture. The street will lead you to the He Hua Temple, one of the biggest Buddhist temples in Europe. As you make your way to Nieuwmarkt Square, you’ll see the ancient Waag, and your guide will talk about how this 15th-century structure served as a city gate before becoming a weighing house.

DISCOVER THE HEART OF THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT

The tour will then move to the heart of Amsterdam's Red Light District. Your guide will share the ingenious ways of using space in Amsterdam's oldest neighborhoods as you pass one of the smallest houses in Europe, a tiny structure that is only one meter wide. See the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam's oldest church, which dates back to the 13th century, as your guide talks about its intriguing placement in the heart of the Red Light District. You’ll also stop by Casa Rosso, another location famous for adult entertainment.

WALK THROUGH WARMOESSTRAAT

Continue your Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Tour through Warmoesstraat, a lively street filled with stores, pubs, and restaurants, where you will be able to take in the vibrant ambiance of the District. The tour also offers an optional visit to The Jolly Joker, one of the most well-known coffee shops in the city. This is where you’ll be able to learn about the coffee shop’s background and significance in Amsterdam's liberal reputation. To spice up your visit to Amsterdam, consider booking Heineken Experience tickets for an interactive look at the city’s most iconic beer brand, or get Ice Bar tickets Amsterdam for a drink in sub-zero surroundings — a fun and unusual way to end (or start!) the day. After your Red Light District tour, it’s smart to have your next fun stop planned.

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FREE CANCELLATION UP TO 24H IN ADVANCE!

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Receive a complete refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the selected date!

Red Light District Walking Tour

Why is the Red Light District so famous?

Located in the Red Light District, Casa Rosso, established in 1968, has been a symbol of Amsterdam's liberal attitude. Famous for its adult entertainment shows, it draws in tourists from all over the world who want to experience the city's accepting culture.

The theater has grown to be a vital component of Amsterdam's modern identity as a symbol of individual freedom and choice. Its performances have helped shape the district's changing history by providing ideas for discussions regarding entertainment. Today, Casa Rosso continues to be a symbol of Amsterdam's strategy to challenge social norms, offering a unique experience to visitors who wish to see the city's diverse culture.

Book the Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Tour and learn about the city's history on a walking tour with an expert guide!

Good to know before you go

  • If you plan to visit coffee shops in the district, you must be at least 18 years old.
  • Bring an ID or a passport with you as you might be required to show them as proof of age.
  • You can reserve now and pay later for the Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Tour.
  • Free cancellation is available, just like with most of our Amsterdam tours.
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Meeting Point

The meeting point varies depending on the option booked. They are all conveniently located around St. Nicolas's church, which is located at Prins Hendrikkade 73.

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FAQ - Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Tour

Is the Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Tour suitable for all ages?

The tour is recommended for adults, with a minimum age of 18, especially if visiting coffee shops. The content covers Amsterdam’s open-minded culture, so it's ideal for mature audiences.

Can I take photos during the Amsterdam Red Light District Tour?

Yes, photography of landmarks and architecture is, of course, allowed during the tour, but it’s important to respect people's privacy. Avoid taking photos of workers in the Red Light District without permission, and be sensitive to the environment.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Tour involves walking through the Red Light District and nearby areas. The pace is moderate, and there are occasional stops to hear stories and learn about the landmarks, so you can expect enough breaks to be comfortable.

Is the Amsterdam Red Light District Tour only about the Red Light District?

While the tour primarily focuses on the Red Light District, it also touches on the area’s history, the development of coffee shops, and how Amsterdam’s open-minded culture has shaped its reputation over time. You'll also explore Chinatown and other key sites and learn about their historical significance. It’s a fun tour with a serious side — educational and historical, while still engaging and memorable.

What else to do and experience in Amsterdam?

While you're here, take time to explore some of the world’s most iconic museums. Book your Van Gogh Museum tickets, Rijksmuseum tickets, or Moco Museum tickets — and if you plan to visit several of them, consider getting the Amsterdam Museum Pass. There are plenty of fun things to do and lots of Amsterdam attractions beyond museums and canals. For something playful and photo-friendly, grab tickets for Madame Tussauds Amsterdam and meet lifelike figures of celebrities and royals. If you’re into food, don’t miss the Dutch Food Tour Amsterdam, a tasty way to experience local flavors.

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  • Reserve now & pay later
  • Free cancellation
  • Private tour available
  • Easy booking process

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