**NSFW images further down the page**
Did you know Amsterdam has a rather popular Red Light District Museum?
Amsterdam has a very lively (particularly at night) Red Light District. While sightseeing in Amsterdam this August, I went to the Museum of Prostitution, the world’s first of its kind. #redlightsecrets
But before I tell you about the Museum, shall we take a look at its neighbourhood?
What is the Red Light District?
Amsterdam’s Red Light District, known locally as “De Wallen” or “Rosse Buurt,” has roots dating back to the 14th century when sailors frequented the area for drinks and paid ‘companionship’ near the old harbor.
This historic district is absolutely beautiful, with winding cobbled streets, typical (charming) 14th-century architecture, and picturesque canals (did you know Amsterdam has over 250 bridges? In comparison Venice has about 400).
While the area is (obviously) famous for its sex workers, it has evolved significantly and now it includes some nice restaurants, loads of sex shops, and many beautiful restored facades.
Sex workers use red lights because is the most flattering light and it minimises imperfections.
If you are about, I strongly recommend browsing its attractions since there is something for everyone, from strip clubs to shops, to sex theaters, to peep shows!
Some of the most famous places for live sex shows are Casa Rosso and the Moulin Rouge. If you are the shy type, maybe opt for peep shows, plenty of those too.
The district also features eclectic and kinky shops (lots of gags, whips, and latex) and a rather vibrant gay scene (lots of dildos, pet play accessories, and more) centered around Warmoesstraat (literally next door).
There are many sex shops in the area, took a few snaps of a couple of them 🙂 the pink one is Pure Lust, which is a common chain in the Netherlands.
If you would like to learn more about the Red Light district, the wiki page is pretty detailed. it also has a rather interesting geo map showing where prostitution is legal and where it’s not.
Let's take a tour of the museum
What should I expect?
The museum is located in the Red Light District, in an ex-brothel house. This very much looks like a classic Dutch house from the outside, and it has kept most of its original state.
The place can get pretty busy throughout the day, and the guests come in waves; however, I don’t think there is need to book, I simply waited outside for five minutes and then walked in.
The cost is pretty affordable with a ticket of €14.50 (£12.50), which I believe to be reasonable, and it’s aligned with a lot of other tourist attractions in Amsterdam.
The ticket cost includes a little guide as well as a pocket size gadget that connects in each room to give you a little story. All narrated by Inga’s voice, a Russian prostitute 🙂
Standard adult ticket goes for €14.50 (£12.50) and it includes a guide and a little gadget (on loan) to listen to the museum’s guided tour
Picture of the ticket cause I thought it was cute
Ta-daa! What it looks like from the outside.
There was a map inside, to show where things are. Pretty neat.
What's the tour like?
The tour starts on the lower ground floor, goes all the way up to the first floor and then ends on the ground floor. It takes you through the various rooms and areas of the museum, while explaining you more about local regulations as well as details about the every day life of a sex worker.
There are quite a few signs with fun facts as well as FAQs about sex workers in the Netherlands.
Some interesting facts!
There was a confessions wall, and you can add your own.
This is what an office used to look like (more below)
What do I think?
All in all, took me just an hour to do the whole tour, and I found it pretty informative as well as fun. It’s very interactive and Inga (the voice of the tour guide on the other side of the little speaker gadget) was a fun listen.
There is also a photobooth at the end, if you wish you take home a memento of the tour.
If you are about in Amsterdam, I think it’s worth paying a visit 🙂
More interesting facts 🙂
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