Red Light Secrets (Museum of Prostitution)
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60H, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1012 DP
Housed in a traditional 17th-century canal house and former brothel, the Red Light Secrets: Museum of Prostitution is dedicated to the intriguing world of commercial sex work and is the only museum in the world devoted to such profession. Visitors learn the history of prostitution in the Netherlands and gain fascinating insight into daily life as a sex worker in Amsterdam’s Red Light District.
The basics
Discover the secrets of one of the world’s oldest professions with a tour of the Red Light Secrets Museum. Tour the museum on your own or as part of a walking tour of Amsterdam’s Red Light District also known as De Wallen. Purchase tickets in advance to save on museum admission or get discounted admission with the I amsterdam City Card at the museum.
Things to know before you go
- Visit the world’s only prostitution museum housed in a former brothel.
- Hear real-life stories from sex workers in their own words.
- Experience what it’s like to sit behind one of Amsterdam’s famous windows.
- If weary about exploring the Red Light District on your own, consider taking a guided walking tour.
- Red Light District tours are only suitable for adults and some tours may require proof of age.
How to get there
The Red Light Secrets Museum is located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Red Light District just steps from the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam’s oldest church. The museum is only a 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station and 5-minutes from Dam Square. From anywhere in central Amsterdam, take tram lines 4, 14, or 24 to Dam Square or take the metro to Nieuwmarkt.
When to get there
Amsterdam’s prostitution museum is open daily from 10am until midnight. If you’re a solo traveler or apprehensive about visiting Amsterdam’s Red Light District, visit during the daylight hours before the district really comes to life. If you’re curious to see the district in action, the best time to visit is in the early evening before it gets too crowded, but you still get to see the red neon windows lit up at night.
Attractions in the Amsterdam Red Light District
Amsterdam’s Red Light District is more than just brothels and sex shops; it’s the oldest part of the city filled with gorgeous architecture and historic sites. Amsterdam’s oldest church, the Oude Kerk, is located in the center of it all and you can climb the church tower for fantastic views of the city. Attractions such as the Amsterdam Dungeon, Body Worlds, and the Rembrandt House all border the district.
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