Red Light District, Amsterdam

During my short stay in Amsterdam the Red Light District was very "entertaining". Girls in the windows, guys bold enough to make deals, friends laughing nervously, couples smiling, and the tour groups made up of all kinds being shown the business of skin made the district quite an experience.
There were drug dealers a plenty which are easy to ignore and continue walking but what I couldn't believe was witnessing a drug deal go bad. Two guys were buying something from a dealer and were upset that what they wanted is not what they got. A bit of arguing for a minute and then the dealer gave the money back and the parties shook hands! What?
I am certainly not condoning drug use or the ease in which to get it in Amsterdam, I'm just pointing out the friendly attitude of the city, even in the "darkest places."

If you think you are going to Disneyworld,stay away. This is sex and drugs we are talking about. Don't go if you are a prude or slightly closed minded. Just look forward and don't even acknowledge the dealers. The natives don't condone anything harder than weed. I went on a Sunday afternoon and only saw two porkers in the windows. I guess a Saturday night is better to go.

Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam and the Red Light District is its epicenter. If you are conservative or are traveling with children, be warned. The prostitution and other sex-related business in the Red Light District are fairly blatant and out in the open. If you do not want to have to answer the resulting questions from your kids (Why is that woman sitting in the window in her underwear?, etc.), then don't visit that area of the city with the entire family.

Happened ********* years ago BD (Before Debs!)

WARNING: When "window shopping" be careful,
My cover (and I) were more than "blown" ,
I bought the whole window ------- and loved it,
But was attacked with the hoover when home !!!!!


Hehehehe. Worth it --- but be warned !!!!

I visited Amsterdam in 2004 and ofcourse hit the Red Light District. I had reas many of these posts earlier and kind of knew what to expect. I am from California and consider myself street smart. I didn't feel uncomfortable or intimidated as I walked alone through the RDL. As always, use commen sense and beware of your surroundings. I have no problem walking through Amsterdam. IF you really want to live dangerously, walk through South Los Angeles or East Los and see if you catch some ***. I am not trying to protray myself as a "Bad Ass American", but I'm jsut saying, be smart. The only minor thing I had while in the RDL, was some fool asking me for some money, and I told him no. He persisted and I basically told him that I wouldn't give hime any money and if he was ready to fight me for it to bring it. He punked out and that was that. The women in the RLD were pretty cool. I think the selection in Las Vegas is better, but when in Rome...

Peace,

Rob

It is probably the most known fact, but anyway...no photos in Red light area, if you want to see your camera again!! Except the Old church, of course :-)))))
During the day RLD is quite safe, when gets dark, it is better not go alone.

take a picture of the girls in the windows in the red light district at your own risk.Cameras are forbidden and if anyone catches you, they will either confisicate or destroy your camera.The same rules apply In the sex theatre.Also if you think this rule applies only to your camera think again.the same rule applies to Mobile Phones.
If you do decide to meet one of these girls in the window be polite,Dont forget that these girls are making a living and wont accept any abuse.Although you cant always see them a massive bodyguard always has his eyes on the girls.

The Redlight District in Amserdam is both famous & infamous.

In the coffeeshops they are allowed to sell various "light-drugs" as they call it.
Although alot of heavier drugs is availible out on the streets by walking drugdealers.
Many people find these, rather pushy, dealers circuling around the area as a big fear, but just act calm and you really have nothing do be afraid of.

When you meet these lawbending "gentlemen" on the street they will often lean against you and quietly reel the list of drugs they are selling. There is one thing you can do to completely get rid of these guys...guess what;

Ignore them! This will always work! Never allow them to get eye-contact with you because then they think you´re a possible buyer. Never start being polite: "No thank you", "im fine"..etc etc. Just keep walking and ignore them. Pretty fast you´ll get used to this and wont see this as a problem. Trust me.