The Red Light District (also known as "De Wallen") is the largest and best-known red-light district in Amsterdam (there are other lesser-known ones in the city). It is famous as being the Sin City center of Amsterdam. It is useful to bear in mind that in the words of Amsterdam.org. "Amsterdam prides itself, and rightly so, on its wholly liberal and tolerant attitude, embracing the fact that people may be into (certain activities). And that it is only human."

If one would like to see the Red Light District in all its glory, then predictably the night is the best time when it really comes alive. During the day the district is less lively. The peak is around 11 pm. The atmosphere remains energetic until around 2 am or 3 am when the crowds start to die and the businesses start to shut.

What Made The Red Light District Red?

The area is close to the harbor and has attracted services for the sailors since medieval times. From late Medieval times, married men and priests were forbidden to enter the area. The practices were forbidden until 1811 in the Napoleonic period and sanitary regulation was introduced.

The network of alleys contains around 300 hundred one-room cabins for adult services. Workers advertise their services behind a window to glass door illuminated with red lights and blacklight.

  • Most Lively Time: Around 11 PM
  • Pictures: It Is Forbidden To Take Photos Of People
  • Tip: Watch Out for Pick Pocketers

According to Amsterdam.info "everything you have heard (about the Red Light District) is probably true.... the Amsterdam Red Light District has it all. But contrary to what a lot of people might think, the Amsterdam Red Light District has a very friendly atmosphere and isn't as dangerous as it used to be." So remember: this is not a family-friendly destination.

Related: 15 Photos (Shared By Travelers) That Show What Amsterdam Is Really Like

Accommodation And Other Activities In The Red Light District

If looking for accommodation in or around the Red Light District the best booking engine is probably "Booking.com". There one will find a full list of hotels, hostels, houseboats, and apartments up for rent. If one would like a unique experience and isn't too concerned about comfort or general hygiene, consider staying in Hans Brinker Hotel.

Hans Brinker Hotel is a short walk from the Red Light District and is the self-declared "Worst Hotel in the World. But while it may be worse than "a sleeping bag on the side of the motorway" or "an abandoned mineshaft", it is better than sleeping in "an unmarked grave."

There is much more to the Red Light District than the famous (or infamous) adult activities. Other more savory activities include their renowned Red Light District Pub crawls and their electric nightlife.

Some of the other sorts of attractions are the Amsterdam dungeon, The Madame Tussauds wax figurines, Body Worlds (where human bodies are directed), and Rembrandt House.

The Amsterdam Dungeon

One of the more exciting activities in Amsterdam is visiting the Amsterdam Dungeon. It follows a similar format to other famous dungeons around Europe like London Dungeon and Berlin Dungeon. It attempts to show history through an interactive adventure.

Here one can see live actors, enjoy a ride, see shows and special effects that simulate the dark historic times.

There are several attractions within the dungeon-like the Torture Chamber. In the Torture Chamber a female torturer lines up the visitors (aka "prisoners') against the wall picking out a young visitor. She then sets them up into a chair surrounded by torture devices, such as an appendage cutter. Following that, she demonstrates how various instruments were once used.

Other attractions at the dungeon demonstrate the practices of press-ganging, old ship's doctor's surgeries, the Spanish Inquisition in the Netherlands, animated ghost stories of a woman burned at the stake, the Great Plague, and more.

  • Online Regular Ticket: 21 Euros ($23)

Related: Only Have 48 Hours In Amsterdam? Here's How To Spend Those Two Days

The Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam is one of the networks of Madame Tussauds around the world. It is a wax museum and is located on Dam Square near the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. It consists of a collection of wax figures of celebrities like the Golden Age of Dutch history, movies, music, and sport. Two of the greatest wax museums in the world are Madame Tussauds and Hollywood Wax Museum.

  • Tickets: 21.50 Euros (or $24) For a Standard Single Online Ticket
  • Exclusive: From €84.80 (Around $100) For An Exclusive FAME Experience

Examples On Display:

  • World Leaders: Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama
  • Actors/Actresses: Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Sean Connery, Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe
  • Singers: Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Robbie Williams, Lady Gaga
  • Marvel Superheroes: Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Spider-Man, Captain America

Next: Wondering How To Navigate The Vegas Strip? Here's A Guide