Boltin' About

"Tales from yet another traveller"

Red Light District - Amsterdam

Many ports around the world are famous for being red light areas since the location makes them accessable for sex-starved sailors in olden times, however the Red light district in Amsterdam is famous the world over. Not because it has a sordid quality that compares with the "Reeperbahn" in Hamburg, or the Red light areas in Bangkok, but because it has an almost carnival atmosphere due to the way that the real live models are presented in their shop fronts. The reality of it however, despite how much fun it seems to be to go around that area looking and interacting with all the models, behind many of the fronts there are some stories of exploitation something that can be easily forgotten when you see that way the girls interact with their potential clients. Due to the liberal attitude red light disctrict of Amsterdam, the hoertjes or prostitues operate completely legally and are regulated by the government , ensuring that they have access to medical care. There is even a sort of union for the prostitutes to help lobby the government when needed.

The red light area in Amsterdam is concentrated around the area between Zeedijk and Warmoesstraat around the Oude Kerk Church, (the Old Church, Amsterdam). It is around 5 minutes walk from the train station past St. Nicolaas Church. Each street has its own speciality in terms of the geographic origin of the girls offering their services and the tastes of the more discerning clientele. The most "classy" prostitutes can be found on on a small street which lies right next to one of the canals.

Along the canals are some of the big sex shows. The Casa Rosso and the Banana Bar are the most famous. (no explanations needed there).

One leaves the place wondering why in some places such as Amsterdam, such activity is not only legal, but also seems to be condoned or even encouraged. It is