De Wallen, Amsterdam’s Red-Light District Photo by Valasenko Wikimedia

Top 10 Fun Facts About Red Light District in Amsterdam


 

A Red Light District or Pleasure District is a part of an urban area where a concentration of prostitution and sex-oriented businesses, such as sex shops, strip clubs, and adult theatres, are found.

Red Light Districts are mostly associated with female street prostitution, however, in some cities, there are some areas with spaces for male prostitution and gay venues. Areas in many big cities around the world have acquired an international reputation as Red- light Districts.

1. It Can be Visited 24/7

A statue in honour of sex workers in Amsterdam, Netherlands Photo by Flickr Wikimedia

The fact that the Red Light District in Amsterdam can be visited and operated day and night makes it a fun fact. It is always open to visit 7 days a week, 24hour a day, partly because it is an inhabited neighborhood.

However, not everything or everywhere is accessible 24/7. The window brothels are closed between 6 am to 8 am, and most of the restaurants close at midnight, not forgetting the bars are open until 3 pm on weekends.

2. The Inhabitants are Increasing Over the Years

The Red light District Inhabitants are increasing over years. The population survey in 2019, gave 4,295 inhabitants in De Wallen. However currently inhabitants in 2022 are said to be 4,465 residents. This shows how the population is growing rapidly in the Red Light District.

According to the population survey department, the age distribution of the residents in De Wallen in 2022  was as follows:

  • 0-15 years:200 inhabitants
  • 15-25 years:695 inhabitants
  • 25-45 years:2,195 inhabitants
  • 45-65 years:940 inhabitants
  • 65years and above:425 inhabitants

3. Cannabis Shops Do Not Allow The Use of Tobacco

Coffeeshop Amsterdam IBIZA, best culture in Amsterdam Photo By Rebac Wikimedia

The cannabis Shops are as well known as Coffeeshops in Amsterdam. The CoffeeShop has prohibited the usage of tobacco in their shop at any cost even though our customer. In Netherland, the government as well denied smoking tobacco inside public buildings where many people gather for various reasons such as restaurants, Cafes, Museums, churches, hospitals, etc. However, smoking weed or hash is allowed.

4. When You Buy Cannabis At The Bulldog, Part of it goes to the Salvation Army

When you buy hash or weed at Amsterdam’s most famous coffee shop, part of the income automatically goes to charity work. Henk De Vries, the owner of the famous CoffeeShop The Bulldog, donates parts of his turnover to the Salvation Army every year. All workers of Bulldog must work at least one day of the year at Amsterdam’s Salvation Army for charity purposes.

The Bulldog owner, Henk De Vries was raised in the Red Light District but during his early teens, he was helped by the Salvation Army frontwoman who put him on the right ways. She made sure that he did the right thing and behaved well which helped him on his successful entrepreneurship journey in later life. This is the reason why he donates to the Salvation Army for being the source of his success and helping when he needed help.

As an eternal thanks for this, he continuously provides financial support to the Salvation Army. This organization provides shelter, food, and mental support for the homeless.

5. World’s First Stock Exchanges Was Founded Here

The first world stock Exchange was founded in the Red Light District in Amsterdam. The Dutch are known for their commercial spirit even in the past. The Dutch set up the first stock exchange in the world in the 17 century.

The stock exchange is still there to date. Right in the Red Light District, you can see the Amsterdam stock exchange. When you are in the Warmoesstraat it’s the building diagonally opposite the Condomerie.

6. The Oldest House in Amsterdam is Now a Gay Fetish Club

It is fun, interesting, and shocking at the same time to know that the oldest building in Amsterdam is now a Gay Fetish Club. On Warmoesstraat 90 the entrance street in the Red Light District you get to find the oldest building preserved house in Amsterdam.

The house was officially dated to be from 1485, and being the first building in the De Wallen, it is currently a gay club, and only men are allowed to get in or access the building.

7. The Originality of the “Red Light District” Naming

De Wallen, Amsterdam’s Red-Light District Photo by Valasenko Wikimedia

Originally, the red light was a sign that a house of prostitution was open and if the light were off it meant the house wasn’t operating at the moment. This led to the naming of Amsterdam street “Red Light District” since this is the place where the window brothels are located. Even today’s district where prostitution is legal still uses the name red fluorescent lights.

8. Cultural Activities

In the Red Light District, you will find some interesting museums. First, the brothel turned sex work museum the Red Light Secrets. It gives visitors a behind-the-scenes insight into the sex worker’s professions.

Secondly, is the Museum of Prostitution, here you get a chance to stand behind a window and watch by yourself not forgetting the Erotic Museum where you can among the others visit bondage exhibits. For those who want to dive deeply into the history of this place, there are several Museums to visit.

9. The Red Light District is Safe.

It is assumed that places where prostitution is practised are unsafe however it is different when it comes to Amsterdam Red Light District. In Amsterdam the Red Light District is safe you can see couples, tourists, students, and even families walking around out there at night. The area is harmless both day and nighttime.

There are polices patrolling the area as well to ensure safety, however, the place is always crowded and pickpockets take advantage. This is is the only major problem you can face in the area though you can afford it by keeping your essentials a safe place as you walk through the area.

10. Prostitutes Do Not Want to be Photographed

It’s fun to see prostitutes’ in denial, even though they do the job they have no courage to say or know the work they do. Sex workers lead a doubtful life. Not everyone or maybe no one in their area is aware of their work as prostitutes.

To protect their reputation they don’t allow any pictures to be taken. It is a rule in the Red light Districts brothels no one is allowed to take any kind of photograph. In other areas of the Red Light District, it is allowed to take photos of all other highlights.

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