The Amsterdam Red-Light District
You have probably heard about the Amsterdam Red-Light District as this is a very famous section in the Netherlands. Much to your surprise, what you may have heard is true! Here are some facts about the Amsterdam Red-Light District, a place unlike any place else.
Amsterdam prides itself on its wholly liberal and tolerant attitude. The city embraces, with the Amsterdam Red-Light District, the fact that people may be into prostitution, pornography and soft drugs. So, instead of criminalizing everything, Amsterdam wears its heart on its sleeve. What you see is generally what you get.
It has been servicing the personal needs and desires of locals and visitors for five centuries, and thanks to the old buildings leaning at odd angles overlooking the tree-enshrouded canals that a certain charm tempts you to linger longer in the area. In this district, music of every genre can be heard along the streets from a dozen or more places late at night. And, it is the classier restaurants, redone streets, and revamped facades that transform what once dark and dingy into one of the most attractive parts of town – the Amsterdam Red-Light District.
The famous Amsterdam red light district is also well known as the “Rossebuurt,” covering a large area in the oldest part of the city. It consists of three sub-districts: the main area is in the Walletjes located between Centraal Station and Nieuwenmarkt; the Singel, located between Raadhuistraat and Centraal Station; and de Pijp, situated behind the Rijksmuseum.
Prostitution in the District
Did you know that prostitution is legal in the Netherlands? Yes, it is! It is most concentrated in the Amsterdam Red-Light District where it has enjoyed a long tradition of tolerance. It has been reported that since October 2000, window prostitutes have been allowed to legally ply their trade. Much to your surprise, the prostitutes in the Netherlands are also taxpayers. However, discrimination is still very much part and parcel in this kind of trade as a number of the prostitutes reported that some banks even refuse to grant them mortgages.
Women of all nationalities parade their wares in red-fringed window parlors. Many of these women are ready to offer more than a school boy peep show in a private cabin. The Amsterdam red light district is also well-known for the pads of men, young and old, couples holding hands, giggling groups of women celebrating a hen night, as well as busloads of Japanese tourists toting cameras. Be aware, though, that pointing your camera in the direction of the female entertainers is strictly banned. In Amsterdam’s red light district, that is one thing you might get trouble for doing.
As a legal profession, the government ensures that all prostitutes are able to access medical care and work in better conditions by way of regulating and monitoring working practices and standards. Also, it is worth noting that contrary to the popular belief, the Amsterdam Red-Light District is actually the safest area in the city as clusters of policemen and private bodyguards employed by the girls themselves are always on duty.
Several Hotspots in the Red Light District
De Bananenbar
De Bananenbar is owned by the owners of the Casa Rosso, another famous red light hotspot. Here, active audience participation is highly encouraged as bananas are transformed into erotic devices by the hostesses. It is basically due to this kind of entertainment that De Bananenbar was made popular among tourists and stag parties. Also, there is a semi-negotiable cover charge here; however, once you are in, the drinks are on the house.
Casa Rosso
Casa Rosso is actually the hottest spot in the Amsterdam red light district. It is the most famous and certainly the largest night club, which is located in the middle of the red light district. This place is well-known for its clean and comfortable erotic theater, which manages to create a family atmosphere, making it a must see for every tourist. Also, in this particular area of Amsterdam red light district, live shows with audience participation are present every night.
Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rouge is another hotspot in the Amsterdam red light district well-known for its erotic theatre. The erotic theater of the Moulin Rouge embraces the tradition of its famous Paris counterpart, which features striptease and live shows.
Absolute Danny
If what you are after is a sex shop in Amsterdam red light district, Absolute Danny deserves a special mention. This is actually one of the first shops managed entirely by a woman, and the atmosphere here is said to be distinctly different from the basic shop. As commonly noted, the orientation in this place is towards fetish clothing, with a number of clothes, lingerie and corsets in rubber, PVC, see-through and leather. Also, in this shop, accessories abound. You will also find books, jewelry, videos, erotic art, and the traditional sex articles like the one and only Tarzan vibrator.