Amsterdam's Red Light District

Description:

Opened in 1887 and restored in 2000, the city's somewhat gloomy, neo-Baroque main Catholic church, at no. 73, has twin towers and a high domed cupola. At the heart of what was once the old harbor, it started out as a place of worship for seafarers (of whom St. Nicholas is the patron). Inside, murals illustrate themes from the saint's life; the 1345 Miracle of Amsterdam, and the execution of the Catholic martyrs of Gorcum (Gorinchem).

Our Local Expert Says:

You may notice that not all the windows are red. The blue windows on Barndesteeg are windows for women who are women only from the waist up.

Description:

Quite possibly Amsterdam's most defining feature, the Red Light District is the place to see some truly unique things. If prostitutes in windows aren't enough, you can also find an Erotic Museum, which takes you through the history of prostitution, the Hash Marijuana and Hemp Museum, which tells you all you need to know about weed, and the Banana Bar, a bar where waitresses are highly skilled in the various ways of eating a banana. If you want to learn more about prostitution in the Netherlands, visit the Prostitute Information Centre, located next to the Oude Kerk. If this doesn't excite you, the Warmoestraat, which runs along the Red Light District, is full of coffeeshops, bars, hostels and gay S&M clubs. Walking through the Red Light District today you may notice that some windows contain out of place fashion exhibitions. This is a result of the city's efforts to "clean up" the streets.

Our Local Expert Says:

Quirkiest Church

Description:

During the Reformation, Catholics weren't allowed to openly practice their religion, so a hidden church in the attic of a house was established. Now known as "Our Lord in the Attic" Museum, it is the second oldest museum in Amsterdam. Guided tours are available. Every first Sunday of the month between October and April, you can join in an "attic celebration." The museum is open 10:00 to 17:00 Monday through Saturday, and 13:00 to 17:00 on Sunday and public holidays. Adults cost €8.00 and children ages 6 to 18 cost €4.00.

- Jessica E. Lipowski, Amsterdam Local Expert

Our Local Expert Says:

Quintessential Amsterdam Experience

Description:

The Oude Kerk, or Old Church, is Amsterdam's oldest church, dating from the1300s. The church is conveniently located in the old city center, walking distance from Centraal Station, which used to be the site of the city's main port. Sailors would stop in town for a night, visit the bars and prostitutes, then go to church to buy an indulgence, or "get out of hell free card", before heading back out to sea. It was important to buy this indulgence, as such sea journeys were very dangerous and many men never made it back. Ensuring they went to heaven in case of a tragic accident gave them peace of mind, and the Church's strategic position in the heart of the Red Light District earned it a great deal of money - everyone was happy.

These days the church is no longer active but serves as a center for art exhibitions. The famous World Press Photography exhibition starts its world-wide tour at the Oude Kerk each year in June. During periods of no exhibitions, the impressive church is worth a visit on its own.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best Red Light District Experience

Description:

The Old Church Coffeeshop is not to be confused with the city's oldest church, known as the "Old Church" and located right across from the coffeeshop. Grab a seat in the 2nd floor windows, or sit outside on a sunny day. Take a look at what's going on around you and you will see prostitutes in windows, police answering tourists' questions, and the city's most important church in front of you. All of this while you enjoy Amsterdam's specialty herb.

Description:

As its name suggests, this museum presents an allegedly artistic vision of eroticism; it focuses on prints and drawings, including some by John Lennon. There's a replica of a Red Light District alley, and an extensively equipped S&M playroom, both of which are rather antiseptic and serious. The only humorous note is an X-rated cartoon depicting some of the things Snow White apparently got up to with the Seven Dwarfs that Walt never told us about. Considering all this, it's ironic that the legend on the building's 1685 gable stone reads: God is myn burgh (God is my citadel).

Description:

This store on the edge of the Red Light District claims to be the world's first specialized condom store -- the start of a whole new protection racket. It stocks a vast range of these singular items, in all shapes, sizes, and flavors, from common brands to flashy designer fittings, all but guaranteeing your apparel of choice. Open Monday to Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from noon to 6pm, and Thursday from noon to 8pm. Note: At press time, the store was based at adjacent Sint-Jansstraat 33 while the Warmoesstraat store was being renovated. It was slated to move back to its original digs in November 2006, but this date might easily have slipped.

Our Local Expert Says:

Most Picturesque Square

Description:

Nieuwmarkt is a square that borders on many of Amsterdam's famous attractions, including the Red Light District and the Zeedijk (Amsterdam's Chinatown). The square is lined with café's, coffeeshops and bars and is a great place to grab a drink in the evening or a bite during the day. Many of the buildings around the square have interesting histories; the small café' "De Fontayn" on the Eastern side of the square was the city's most luxurious brothel in the 1800s.

Description:

Although currently a restaurant, this monumental building has served many purposes throughout its life. It started its life as a gate into the Medival city. Its best-known role is as a former weighing house ("Waag" means scale), the taxing point for those wishing to trade goods in the city. Among other roles, it has also played host to the city's many professional guilds, including the doctor's guild. As a result, Rembrandt's famous painting, the Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Tulp, was painted here.

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Best Quick Eats

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Developed within the past 20 years, this area is now the center of Amsterdam's large Asian community. Here you will find a variety of affordable restaurants, the largest Buddhist temple in Europe, and a spectacular Chinese New Year celebration.

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Best view in Chinatown

Description:

Bird first opened its snackbar at Zeedijk 77 in 1993, part of a new influx of Asian eateries taking over the formerly shady area of Amsterdam which is now known as the city's "China town." In 1998 they opened this restaurant across the street. Popular with locals and tourists alike, visitors can enjoy a Thai atmosphere and staff to acompany their traditional Thai dishes.

Description:

Winston Kingdom is an old hotel located in the Red Light District. Winston organizes a variety of performances from poetry readings on Monday to obscure underground-bands on other weekdays. On the weekends there are (house) parties with resident DJs who all have their own style and followers. Examples are Nova, Superfly, Polak and DR Wackenstein. The music they play varies from 70s disco to the latest underground house. The ambience is hot and steamy and appeals to musicians, groupies and artists as well as to locals and visitors.

Description:

Budget art hotel housed in a city-centre townhouse, 50 metres from Dam Square and 1.5 kilometres from the Van Gogh Museum. Individually decorated guestrooms feature contemporary murals and designer furnishings; all have desks and private bathrooms. Guests can relax over drinks in the beer garden and enjoy the live music and discounted prices at the underground nightclub. Dorm-style hostel rooms are also available. First floor houses a bar/restaurant with a beer garden and a popular small club.

Description:

Belushi's is attached to a hostel by the same name and Winstons Kingdom nightclub. Because of this it attracts a young backpacking crowd. It's a dark, long thin bar which feels more like a corridor to the hostel. At the back there's a terrace which is generally used as an outside smoking room. The basic food and drinks are a reasonable price, and includes burgers and fries and other fast or preheated items. Don't expect to have a quiet conversation as the soft-rock is belting out of speakers around the bar. Sports coverage is shown on mute around the clock on various wide screens. There's also free wifi available without a password.