Shopping & districts
De Wallen
De Wallen
De Wallen is the red-light district of Amsterdam. Visitors go here to observe the city's legal sex work industry, explore the historic canal-side architecture, and experience the local atmosphere of openness and tolerance.
Getting There
The district is located within the central part of Amsterdam. From the city center or Centraal Station, it is accessible via a short walk or by using the city's tram network. The journey typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes depending on the starting point.
Duration of Visit
A walk through the main streets and canals usually takes between 1 and 3 hours. This allows enough time to navigate the narrow alleys and observe the surrounding area without rushing.
When to Visit
The area is active throughout the year. While it can be visited during the day, the district is most characteristic at night when the window displays are illuminated. It becomes very crowded, particularly in the evenings and on weekends, with high volumes of pedestrian traffic.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its central location, this area can be combined with several other sites within walking distance:
- Oude Kerk (0.1km)
- Nieuwmarkt (0.2km)
- Our Lord in the Attic Museum (0.2km)
- Defence Line of Amsterdam (0.4km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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