Braving The Amsterdam Red Light

Every year, approximately 42 million people come to Amsterdam thereby, boosting its reputation as one of the most popular travel destination not only in Europe, but also the world. These international tourists who come to Amsterdam come for entirely different reasons. Some tourists who are seriously interested in architecture come to this European city to look at its historic buildings and other attractions that showcase 17th century and modern architecture. Some come to look at its beautiful museums that showcases art works of popular Dutch painters like Rembrandt and Van Gogh. The brave and adventurous, however, come to prowl the famous or rather, infamous, Amsterdam red light district.

Unlike many other places in the world, Amsterdam, or the Netherlands, as a whole, takes a tolerant stance on prostitution and use of soft drugs. These two activities are highly visible and practiced in the Amsterdam red light district. Also called "De Wallen", this part of Amsterdam, is located south of Central Station and east of Damrak. Its name, when translated to English, literally means "the walls." As part of the defenses of the old Amsterdam city against external threat, walls and moats were once common in this area. Window prostitution is rampant in this area. Likewise, adult shops and peep show bars can be found within De Wallen. Prostitution, in itself, is limited only to some streets or alleys.

Despite the notoriety that the Amsterdam red light district has earned, it is still considered a residential area where bars and restaurants could be found. Since this is one of the oldest locations of Amsterdam, it also has historic building and museums in the vicinity. In fact, the oldest church in Amsterdam, Oude Kerk can be found in this place.

Aside from the bars and restaurants that are scattered within the Amsterdam red light district, coffeeshops are also very popular destinations especially for those who want to use soft drugs. Coffeeshops are legally permitted to sell soft drugs such as hash and marijuana. They are, however, closely monitored by police authorities so, it is next to impossible to buy hard drugs from these places. The selling of hard drugs along the streets is illegal in Amsterdam so, it is very important for tourists to firmly refuse peddlers who may approach them. Most of the time, fake drugs are sold to foreigners. In other cases, hard drugs are used by some criminal elements to lure unsuspecting and ignorant tourists to come to an isolated place supposedly to check the goods but instead, they will rob them there.

The Amsterdam red light district can however be considered safe for tourists because of the large number of police authorities that are deployed here. Moreover, security cameras are found in many places to monitor the peace and order situation in De Wallen. Despite this, tourists are advised to take safety precautions while within the Amsterdam red light area. If possible, come in groups and keep to the main streets. Also, it is important to remember that one should not take pictures of prostitutes. Do not do this even if you are just in the streets or else, someone might grab your camera without warning.

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