Obviously you have to walk through this area when you visit Amsterdam. During the day it is not too busy but after dark it is rammed with people - we were shuffling shoulder to shoulder with everyone down one side of the canal, then over a bridge to walk up the other side in a one-way system and there is a lot of security in place. The girls seem to be bored/stoned and lots are just on their mobiles. I suppose it's good that the sex trade is regulated and they are given health checks and cared for but it has a really tragic feel to the place. Avoid the bars and restaurants in this area unless you are there for a stag/hen party as they are very overpriced.

It is an iconic part of the city, unique to Amsterdam and worth a visit for that reason. I've visted in the day (albeit 25 yrs ago) and night and the latter is much more what its about with the red lighting abd the girls in lot up doorways. The girls looked bored and uninterested, mostly on their phones. It’s also crowded, dirty and my teenage son was offered coke, he heard the 'pssst, coke' and I didn't walking next to him. We walked the streets for 30 mins or so and although I do feel its safe, I felt on high alert for pickpockets.

Pretty cool place. Everything is walkable withing the area. It's a bit crowded but plenty of places and things to see. Soo many restaurants, bars, and shops. Reminds me a little of pirates of the Caribbean ride. Maybe because of all the canals, dim lights, and crowds. It's not what you expect. Lots of families with kids walking around, as well as young and old people, and of course the usual people you'd assume would visit. It's not like in the movies where everyone is naked dancing in the windows. Are there people dancing in front of windows? Yes. Are they all naked? Not at all. Some are in underwear, topless, or fetish gear. It's not at every corner or alley. You can avoid some it by walking through other streets. But once you enter the actual main area, its a bit crodwed but a fun place to grab a drink or smoke, eat, and people watch.

We all know what the street is about.. but you still go.. I see the street as live art on display. There was some good displays and some not so good. Overall it was an interesting walk.. pro tip- it isn’t just one street it’s the alleyways also

Fantastic place to visit - at the age of 18 46yrs ago, coming across the Red Light District I certainly had my eyes opened! We went around on an open topped double decker, believe me we didn't know what we'd see next! During my marriage we've been back countless times - the Dutch are the friendliest Europeans you could come across. Living in Germany for 2-3yrs meant we went more often, now we're out the army it's a nice change every now and again. Just go to enjoy the country and the people.

This is all part of the Amsterdam experience! We took a night time stroll through the red light district where we learnt about the culture of Amsterdam. The whole area is walkable and does look pretty with all the lights reflecting into the canals. It can get pretty crowded as it gets dark but there are plenty of streets to wonder up and down

I visited this area just to see what really takes place there. I walked down the street and stare in amazement at the view and lifestyle of these ladies behind glass windows. It is truly something to see and ponder. Mixed with the sight, is the strong stench of weed. It is truly an eye opening experience. Live and let live is what I thought after seeing this..

Strolling through this red light district is a must experience in Amsterdam. The atmosphere is a surreal one, especially for those coming from countries with a Catholic background, the young ladies who lurk through the red doors merely luring passers-by with glances contrasting with the district's beautiful architecture and canals, as well as the many families with children strolling peacefully by. In the evening hours, the district becomes extremely crowded and I do not recommend visiting it at those times because it becomes difficult to even pass through the crowds on the way to other districts.

I went in the morning. I might scratch this review and rewrite it if I decide to go at night. It is genuinely a really fascinating place to visit, even if one is not keen on exploring the nightlife here. Sex workers would stand in a window near a door and pose at any passer-by, even myself (who is obviously not the clientele for their business). I went to a free, five-minute exhibition that was showing the photos of individuals who live in the Red Light District: families, old people, women, young people. It was the most explicitly overt place I have ever walked around in my life, and I have been to other 'red light districts' in other countries. If the building was a place to solicit sex, it was a store to buy items related to it. Really fascinating, would recommend to all mature tourists, even those uninterested in partaking in the activities offered.

Pablo Pascal was the best tour guide. This tour is set in a context of an historic introduction into Amsterdam central areas including an informed view of the red light district. Pablo was so informed and so interesting to listen to. I hope you are lucky enough to get him.