Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Tour & Old Town Stories

Summary

Amsterdam’s oldest streets, hidden corners, and the Red Light glow

You’ll wind through Amsterdam’s oldest streets with a local guide who knows every odd angle and story — from Chinatown lanterns to leaning houses and the Red Light District itself. Expect real talk about coffeeshops and local laws, plus stops at places you’d never notice alone. There’s history everywhere here if you listen for it.

What’s the experience like?

You know that sound when your shoes slap old wet cobblestones? That’s what I remember first as we set off from in front of the Amsterdam Voyager Hotel, our guide waving us into this tangle of narrow streets. The air smelled like rain and something sweet — maybe waffles or just the city itself. We passed a guy on a bike balancing a crate of tulips, totally unfazed by the drizzle. Our guide (Marijke — she grew up here) started pointing out these buildings leaning at odd angles, explaining how Amsterdam sits on wooden piles driven deep into mud. I tried to picture it: houses floating on a forest underground.

We wandered through Chinatown, which I didn’t expect at all — red lanterns strung up above little grocery shops, the smell of incense mixing with coffee from somewhere close. Marijke told us about the fire in 1452 that changed how they built everything here. We stopped at this pub called Int Aepjen (she said it means “in the monkeys”), one of only two wooden buildings left after all those fires. Inside, people were laughing over beers even though it was barely noon. She told us sailors used to pay for drinks with monkeys they’d brought from overseas. Honestly, I still can’t tell if she was joking.

The Red Light District itself — well, it’s not what I thought. It’s busy but weirdly quiet too; you hear footsteps echoing more than voices sometimes. The windows are there, of course, but Marijke talked about what it’s actually like to work here and how strict the rules are. She answered every awkward question without blinking. Someone asked about coffeeshops and she grinned: “You want to know why we call them that? It’s not for coffee.” Li laughed when I tried to say ‘coffeeshop’ in Dutch — probably butchered it.

I keep thinking about that tiny house squeezed between two bigger ones — apparently it was storage for VOC traders before anyone lived there. The world’s first condom shop is just around the corner; you could walk right past if no one pointed it out (I almost did). By the time we circled back toward Dam Square, my head was full of odd facts and half-remembered smells: old wood, rain-soaked brick, something fried drifting out of a doorway. It felt like seeing behind a curtain you didn’t know was there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided walk through Red Light District

• Start at Amsterdam Voyager Hotel
• Walk through old town and Chinatown
• Learn history of Amsterdam and area
• See Dam Square and wooden foundations
• Pass Pub The Ape wooden building
• Visit Waag, old city gate
• View smallest house of Amsterdam
• Stop at world’s first condom shop
• Explore Red Light District center
• Learn about prostitution and laws
• Discover coffeeshop culture and laws

Top questions

How long is the Amsterdam Red Light District walking tour?

The exact duration isn’t listed but expect an immersive walking experience covering Old Town and Red Light areas with several stops along the way.

Where does the Red Light District tour start?

The tour begins in front of the Amsterdam Voyager Hotel.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

No, it is not recommended for travelers with limited mobility due to uneven streets and walking distance.

Does this day trip include Dam Square?

Yes, Dam Square is included as part of the walking route during this tour.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the starting point.

Is lunch included in this Amsterdam Red Light District tour?

No lunch is included; food stops are not specified in this walking tour.

Will we visit any historic buildings during this tour?

Yes, you’ll see historic sites such as Int Aepjen pub and The Waag building.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during this guided walk.

What’s included

Your walk includes guidance from a local expert who shares stories at every stop — from Chinatown through Old Town into the heart of Amsterdam’s Red Light District — plus time to see Dam Square and historic corners like Int Aepjen pub and The Waag before looping back toward your starting point.