Red light district in Amsterdam

Red Light District is the neighbourhood that is world-renowned for the prostitution, hot disco clubs and exclusive nightlife. In fact, its name comes from the term that was recorded for a first time in the United States in the end of the 19th century, in an article from 'The Sentinel', a newspaper published in Milwaukee. According to the story, the meaning of the 'red light' comes from the red lanterns that were carried by railway workers who left them outside brothels when entering, so that they could be easily located in case of an immediate need to move the train. According to another version, the origin of the term is connected to the red paper lanterns that were standing outside brothels in ancient China to identify their purpose. The red colour itself is said to be sensual and associated with the prostitution, even in the Bible: as the story of Rahab, a prostitute whose house was recognised and marked by the spies of Joshua with a scarlet rope. In the war period there were many brothels on the territory of Belgium and France. The red light was used to indicate brothels meant for the lower ranks, different from the ranks of the officers who were to follow the blue lights. Still, today there are red lights hanging in front of brothels in certain districts.

Everyone has heard about this district but until you see what it looks like, you can't really picture it. A variety of coffee shops, bars and restaurants with first-class cuisine are concentrated there, giving you a wide choice for your evening programme. During the day the area is completely different – business offices and shops are working instead of the clubs offering erotic entertainment. Crowds of tourists flood the street, walking up and down on both sides of the canals. In the evenings, however the Red Light District turns into a bosom of the sex industry and the erotic emotions, giving complete freedom to the visitor to taste the wild and the unknown.

Moreover, the district is charming with its old buildings and alleyways with trees, recently renovated paths and streets which turned the Red Light District from a dirty and dingy place into one of the most attractive areas in the city. There are various restaurants offering excellent meals of the local and international cuisine. In the China town you are guaranteed a real Chinese food and attractive supermarkets where you can find many interesting items.

But most of all, it is famous for the “dressing windows” where girls advertise themselves. The district offers also peep shows in live as well as video booths presenting all types of erotic entertainment. The prostitutes in Amsterdam have been licensed recently and work legally. Medical care is provided and there is a Prostitution Information Centre, located in the same area.