De Wallen, Amsterdam | History, Culture, Nightlife & Visitor Tips

Plan your visit to De Wallen

Opening hours

De Wallen is a public neighbourhood and is open 24 hours a day, all year round. Shops, museums, bars, and guided tours follow individual schedules. The De Wallen windows are typically active from late afternoon until around 2am, with slightly earlier closing times on weekdays. Some venues reduce hours on public holidays, including King’s Day and Christmas.

Timings: Open 24/7
Seasonal changes: Busier evenings in spring and summer
Closed: No full closure, but individual venues may close on holidays

Best time to visit

The best time to visit De Wallen depends on what you want to experience. Late morning and early afternoon are calmer, ideal for photography, history walks, and learning facts about the Amsterdam Red Light District. Evenings bring brighter lights and nightlife energy. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Spring and early autumn offer comfortable weather and manageable crowds.

Best day: Tuesday to Thursday
Best time of day: Late morning or early evening

Check best visiting hours and crowd tips

What to do at De Wallen?

Walk through the De Wallen streets

Exploring De Wallen street by street is the core experience. Stroll along the canals, see the famous De Wallen windows, and notice how everyday life blends with nightlife. Walking is easy and flat, suitable for most visitors. Allow 60 to 90 minutes for a relaxed loop. Guided walking tours add cultural context and explain rules and etiquette.

Visit the Red Light Secrets Museum

The Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostitution offers an educational look into the lives of sex workers in the De Wallen district. You will step inside former working rooms, read real stories, and learn how the industry is regulated. This indoor experience takes about one hour and suits visitors who want facts about Amsterdam's Red Light District beyond surface impressions.

Book Red Light Secrets Museum tickets

Join a guided or audio tour

A guided walking tour or audio-guided tour helps you understand the history, laws, and social norms of the Red Light District in Amsterdam. Tours typically last one to two hours and are low intensity. A former sex worker–led brothel tour provides first-hand insight into daily life behind the De Wallen windows. Booking ahead is recommended in peak seasons.

Experience nightlife responsibly

Bars, pubs, and clubs in De Wallen range from relaxed cafés to late-night venues. A pub crawl introduces multiple spots in one evening and is social rather than strenuous. Visitors should follow local rules, respect workers, and remember that photography of the De Wallen windows is not allowed. Evening activities suit adults comfortable with crowds and nightlife.

What to see at De Wallen?

1/4

Oude Kerk

Oude Kerk stands at the centre of the De Wallen district. As Amsterdam’s oldest building, it contrasts sharply with the surrounding Red Light District streets. Visit during the day for architecture and exhibitions. Morning light is best for photos.

De Wallen windows

The iconic De Wallen windows line parts of Oudezijds Achterburgwal. The red lighting and reflections on the canal water create a striking visual scene after sunset. Observe respectfully from a distance and never take photos of workers.

Zeedijk street

Zeedijk is one of the oldest streets in Amsterdam and borders De Wallen. It is known for historic buildings, Chinese restaurants, and nightlife venues. Evening visits show the neighbourhood’s social energy without entering the busiest canal lanes.

Nieuwmarkt area

Nieuwmarkt sits just outside the core of the De Wallen district. The square offers open space, cafés, and views of De Waag. It is a good place to pause, especially during daytime walks through the De Wallen street network.

Frequently asked questions about De Wallen

What is De Wallen known for?

De Wallen is known as the Red Light District of Amsterdam, famous for regulated sex work, historic canals, nightlife, and cultural landmarks like Oude Kerk.

What are the must-do activities in De Wallen?

Walking the canals, visiting Red Light Secrets Museum, joining a guided tour, and seeing Oude Kerk are key experiences in De Wallen.

Do people actually live in De Wallen?

Yes, De Wallen is a residential neighbourhood. Locals live above shops, along canals, and on quieter side streets. This is why visitors are asked to keep noise low and respect the community, especially at night.

Has De Wallen changed in recent years?

De Wallen has seen gradual changes focused on reducing overcrowding, improving safety, and balancing tourism with local life. Some window areas have been reduced, while cultural venues, museums, and guided experiences have expanded.

Are guided tours allowed to walk past the De Wallen windows?

Yes, guided and audio tours legally pass through De Wallen streets, but they must follow strict conduct rules. Tour guides are required to avoid blocking doorways, discourage disrespectful behaviour, and ensure groups move quietly and smoothly.

Is De Wallen safe for solo travellers?

De Wallen is generally safe, even for solo travellers, especially during daytime and early evening. As with any busy urban area, visitors should watch their belongings, avoid intoxication, and stay aware of their surroundings late at night.

Can couples visit De Wallen together?

Yes, couples frequently visit De Wallen. Many choose walking tours or museums like Red Light Secrets to learn about the area’s history and regulation rather than focusing solely on nightlife.

Are children allowed in De Wallen?

De Wallen is a public neighbourhood, so children are legally allowed. However, due to the adult nature of the De Wallen windows, visiting with children is not recommended, particularly during evening hours.

Is photography allowed anywhere in De Wallen?

Photography is allowed in public areas of De Wallen, but taking photos or videos of the De Wallen windows or sex workers is strictly prohibited. Police actively enforce this rule, and violations can result in fines or confiscation of equipment.

What is the best season to visit De Wallen?

Spring and early autumn offer mild weather and manageable crowds. Summer is lively but busier, while winter is quieter and more local in feel.

How do you get around De Wallen?

Walking is the best way to explore De Wallen street by street. Trams and metro stops nearby connect the area to the rest of Amsterdam.

What should I pack for my trip to De Wallen?

Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a small bag are ideal. Bring a respectful mindset and awareness of local rules.

Is De Wallen wheelchair accessible?

Most main streets in the De Wallen district are flat, but narrow sidewalks and crowds can be challenging. Museums and guided walking tours vary in accessibility.

Are there rules visitors should know before entering De Wallen?

Yes, visitors must not photograph workers, drink alcohol in restricted street zones, or cause noise disturbances. Respectful behaviour is expected, and police regularly patrol the De Wallen district to enforce regulations.