AMSTERDAM HOME TO THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT
AMSTERDAM HOME TO THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT
Welcome to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, specifically to its capital Amsterdam. Amsterdam is favoured for its open-minded policies and Red Light District (De Wallen). It is also the second most popular and visited city in the world. This article will share some tips and information from my visit to Amsterdam home to the Red Light District (as I like to refer to it) and, might I add, cannabis-filled air. None can compete or compare with Amsterdam. Please continue reading and share the article if you find it helpful.
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ENTRY INTO AMSTERDAM/THE NETHERLANDS
Entry into Schiphol International Airport was smooth and hassle-free. The airport is in the capital Amsterdam, one of the two capitals in the Netherlands, the other being The Hague. T.S.A. and Customs checks were smooth, and the exit to transport was all stress-free. The officers were quite pleasant and welcoming. The airport is quite huge and user-friendly.
Even though the airline issued an advisory on their booking site regarding operating issues and long waiting times at the airport. I experienced no such incidents so my arrival and departure from the Schiphol International Airport were smooth and hassle-free.
TRANSPORT OPTIONS TO THE CITY
Transport from Schiphol International Airport to the city is plentiful and affordable according to your budget and choice of transportation. If you can afford it, the most expensive and convenient way to get to the city is by taxi. Likewise, the fastest and most affordable way is to use the train, which costs 5.00 Euro and takes 15 minutes to arrive at Central Station. Additionally, hotel pickups are at 20.00 Euro, the bus costs 7.00 Euro and takes 30 minutes to the city.
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Amsterdam Home to the Red Light District Cont...
ABOUT AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is famous for its beautiful canals, architecture, and thriving nightlife. Most prominent is what I refer to as P & P – pot and prostitution. We know Amsterdam for its Red Light District where prostitution is legal, and also for cannabis usage. This district highlights scantily dressed women behind glass windows offering their services, live sex shows, strip clubs, sex shops, and brothels. From my observation, the city attracts many young people from around the globe. The freedom and uninhibited lifestyle it offers, attract the younger crowds. The streets are clean and walkable, so, no need to drive around the city in a rented car.
MY RED LIGHT DISTRICT ADVENTURE
I remember the day I walked around the Red Light District with my video camera on, ready to capture a glimpse of anything. So, there I was, strolling down this narrow street, looking for the showcases where the ladies sat on display. I was super excited. However, I was unsure whether or not I was on the right street. Suddenly I heard a loud shout from the window on my right “Camera Camera”, the sound of a curtain quickly drew, and some expletives followed.
Because of this, I nearly dropped my phone because they caught me off-guard, and also as a rule, you should not take videos or photos of the “workers”. Honestly, I was nervous, so I put away the phone and dashed down the street, not looking left or right, just in case they called the police. I was not about to let them charge me for violating the rights of any sex worker.
Anyhow, after a few minutes, composure, knowing I found the correct street. “Madam. Explorer” trudged back up the street to gaze at these ladies. It was like what we refer to in the Caribbean as “never see, come see”. I stopped and stared at these scantily dressed women in the glass cases, and I was giggling like a child because they were staring at me and I at them. Maybe they were thinking, “am I going to do a woman today?” who knows hahaha. I could not believe the time I stood there looking at each of them, and FYI, no, I am not a lesbian, neither do I have any interest in such profession.
One possibility is I was high off the stench of weed permeating the air in Amsterdam. Of course, as expected, men entered those doors if they were going to a store to purchase a pair of shoes.
Amsterdam Home to the Red Light District Cont...
INFO. YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Below are some additional information and tips you might find valuable before your visit.
- Get an Amsterdam Pass. It can assist with the reduction of transportation costs. Additionally, it offers free public transport and free entrance to many major museums.
- Euro is the currency of The Netherlands
- Language spoken – Dutch
- Amsterdam is not a 24/7 city. Many shops and grocers close from 6 pm to 8 pm, and some do not open on Sundays. Bars go up to 4 am.
- Smoking marijuana and cigarettes are illegal in public indoor places (regular bars included), and drinking alcohol IN PUBLIC is also illegal. They have designated bars that allow smoking and drinking indoors. Search for one!
- Watch out for pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. (even though the city is safe).
- Many or most W C (Water closets) aka toilets are easily accessible and free for men, but women have to search for and pay to use them.
- Amsterdam tap water is safe to drink, so walk with your reusable Lifestraw bottle (it comes with a built-in filter) and enjoy safer water.
Rules for Visitors to the Red Light District (aka De Wallen)
- No drinking of alcohol in this area nor drunkenness.
- They forbid all from taking photos or videos of sex workers.
- Street prostitution is illegal.
- Urinating in the canals is illegal and carries a fine.
You don’t want to inadvertently break the law in other countries even though it might not be against the law in yours. See 32 weird customs laws and gestures worldwide.
ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND SECURITY
Netherlanders are tall people; this was quite surprising to me. They are also very helpful, polite, and outgoing. Who knows, maybe they are all high from second-hand cannabis smoke?! ha! Seriously though, Amsterdam seems to be a tourist-friendly city.
Amsterdam is a safe city. I felt safe but played it on the cautious side because, like many other cities, pickpockets take advantage of any opportunity they get in crowded tourist areas. Besides this, where serious crimes are concerned, you have nothing to worry about, just be vigilant because no city is 100% safe. (See 28 safety tips for solo travellers)
Amsterdam Home to the Red Light District Cont...
HOW EXPENSIVE ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS, MEALS, AND TRANSPORT?
Accommodation, meals, and transport in Amsterdam are not cheap, and neither are they expensive. The prices for accommodations such as hostels and mid-range budget hotels are manageable.
Transportation in the city varies and is fairly- priced. The transport options in the city are taxis, Uber, Trams, and the metro, which can get you around the city at the lowest price. If you are on a budget, avoid taxis. Moreover, purchase the Day Pass if you will move around the city a lot because buying a single-use ticket a few times a day can overwhelm your budget. Alternatively, you can rent a bike to explore the city. Amsterdam is a perfect city for cycling, and at Euro10 a day it can save a lot of transport and sightseeing costs.
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THE NETHERLANDS’ FOOD
The Netherlands’ cuisines comprise lots of vegetable meats, cheeses, and bread. Even though they control a big part of the spice market, their food is not spicy, but to put it mildly, the flavor train somehow missed it. If you love spicy food, I will advise you to try one of the Asian restaurants in the city. Below are some of the traditional dishes you must try when visiting the Netherlands.
THE NETHERLANDS FOODS YOU MUST PARTAKE OF
- Poffertjes – (small baked pancakes, served with melted butter and dusted with icing sugar).
- Stamppot (mashed potatoes with carrots, turnips, or leafy greens such as kale or spinach served with smoked sausage).
- Erwtensoep (a thick version of split pea soup).
- Bitterballen (balls of finely chopped veal or beef seasoned with spices and deep-fried).
- Stroopwafel (thin layers of dough filled with hot caramel syrup, and pressed on a griddle).
- Satay or Sate (skewered pork or chicken served with spicy peanut sauce).
Amsterdam Home to the Red Light District Cont...
MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR ALL TRAVELLERS
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MUST-VISIT SITES OF INTEREST IN AMSTERDAM/NETHERLANDS
- Canal Cruise (open boat cruise – see many sites in the city from the waters).
- Nieuwmarket (oldest and most popular market in Amsterdam).
- Visit the Red Light District (even if out of curiosity).
- Oude Kerk (visit the oldest church in Amsterdam).
- Madam Tussauds (internationally famous music star and film scenes).
- Volendam, Edam, & Zaanse Schans Day trip (leave the city and take a guided tour to the countryside).
- Van Gogh Museum (one of the most popular artists and attractions).
- Ann Frank Museum (Museum dedicated to Jewish writer Ann Frank).
SUMMARY
Amsterdam is a beautiful and picturesque city with lots to offer. It is affordable to all, even the budget traveller. However, for even more savings and lower prices, travel during the low travel period is advisable. If you are a backpacker or budget traveller like myself, avoid peak season, prepare to budget your finances on no-frills accommodation, entertainment, and restaurants, and skip the shopping. It is not a super expensive city, but neither is it a city I will add to my budget-friendly list.
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