RateItAll: The Opinion Network

Some of the girls look like Maxim models; two of them look like they didnt finish with their sex change operation. It was an interesting experience.

Well i think in the city of Hamburg, northern Germany has a more organised, tastefully decent made small red light district. So everybody can get what they want, there are also lots of bars, disco, cafes, resturantes, live bands, street festivals at different seasons. So students, younger population, and older polulation can find something they want. There are gays, transexuals, heterosexuals, typical german scenes and internation scenes and you find lots of many nationalities...try hamburg..email me to get more tips about accomodation and hotels, interesting sites and scenes, cheap travel across the city and country, cheap flights, cheap restuarants...ect..just23ke@yahoo.com

The thing that struck me when I first visited Amsterdam's redlight district was the tourists (mainly Japanese it seemed). They were taking pictures of anything and everybody. In those days pictures didn't get onto the web - but it could embarassed some people if they did!

It feels very safe in the red light district, at least during the day. The alleys can be a little intimidating at night but even then one feels perculiarly safe - yes it's not the best neighborhood, but everyone seems so happy.

Whatever your tastes, I would recommend visiting at least once. More, if your tastes lean in certain directions.

I made the mistake of touring the Red Light District in the early afternoon. Not many of the ladies were in the windows showing their wares, but a few were. If it interests you, go in the evening. Beware: they really dislike having their photos taken, and you risk getting strong-armed by a pimp seeking compensation for taking a photo. The area is a lot cleaner and nicer than some of the reviews below indicate.

I must remark on the fact that this item has far and away the most reviews of any of the attractions in Amsterdam. It's an experience worth seeing, and one you're not likely to see anywhere else, but if folks aren't taking in the rest of what this beautiful city has to offer, you're missing a lot. I hope the lack of reviews for the other attractions doesn't indicate that people aren't going to them. That would be a waste of opportunity.

I took a stroll through the Red Light district on a recent trip to Amsterdam, it was pretty memorable. Other than the leering, drunken tourists, it was pretty tastefully done. The architecture is stunning, the canals are stunning, and yes, the girls are stunning. I'm not exaggerating about the girls - they literally looked like supermodels.

The whole thing sort of reminded me of medieval times. These ancient buildings with scantily clad women beckoning through the windows. If I was a Dutch sailor back from an 7 month trip in 1700, I'd probably want to spend some time here.

But alas, I'm not. Prostution sort of bums me out - and probably not for the reason you would expect. I have no ethical issue with what folks choose to do with their own bodies. What bums me out is that some people have to pay for sex. That depresses me.

So, a stroll through was enough.

For those thinking of checking it out, you should. It's unlike anything I've ever seen before. Oh yeah, one final observation. I didn't see a single Dutch person hanging out this in zone (or in the pot coffee shops for that matter). They're way to busy zipping around on their bikes, and scheming how to build more land into the ocean to be bothered with these silly tourist vices. It's as if they like the ideology, but could care less about actually buying prostitutes or using drugs. I guess, sort of like me.

I lived there for 2 years and you have just got to check it out.

I was there in 79. I love it, love it, love it! Most laid-back place in the world.

wow this place is beautiful. i dont care for the prostitutes being a woman myself and not having a need for one, but damn ive never been anywhere in the world where bud was so easily aquired. the first time i went was at 16 and i was sold some dank KB at some random coffee shop and it blew my mind how easily it is aquired here. even if you dont like these liberal points of view, u should still come here for the expierence and open your mind a little i know my father brought me and hes not the typical old pothead hippie type. hes a successful business man and a republican. this is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Whether you believe in freedom or not, it works well in Amsterdam. You can buy marijuana from the coffee shops, magic mushrooms from the smart shops, you can watch live sex in one of the many sex clubs, or you can even have sex with one of the hookers that display themselves in windows along the streets. The streets are very well lit, the people are very friendly, and I felt very safe. For those uncomfortable with these activies, no one is forced to come here. You can still enjoy the tremendously beautiful and hospitable city of Amsterdam. Be sure to read DickDirk's comment below, which proves that freedom works in Holland.

Instead of these abodes of immorality, I propose what could be called a Green Light District, massive recreational areas that the entire family can enjoy. These areas wouldn't stand a chance if the world had even just one superhero, and should be shut down and corrected anyway.

One thing that surprised me was how tastefully set out and done the area was. It isn't a case of them walking all over the place being lewd. Of course I found it a bit weird walking past 'shop' windows seeing girls in their underwear there, but considering I'm used to seeing the female form (being a girl myself) and prositution is one of the oldest trades, I didn't find it overwhelming. The area itself is very pretty, and the canal bridges are lit up in red so you know where you are.

Proof that you can legalize drugs and prostitution and still have a beautiful and functional city. The canals are amazing, and the red light district is so much fun, what a unique experience.

One of Liberal Netherlands great achievments

Like many famous places, there are good aspects and bad aspects to the Red Light District. For those that find pornography, prostitution and pot-smoking abhorrent, stay away. Otherwise, the beauty of the canals and architecture coupled with the readily available vices that are governmentally controlled provide a safe environment to partake. At night, there is a bit of a seedy aspect, with all the vendors trying to sell hard drugs, and the drunken men who don't know how to enjoy life without getting tanked and being obnoxious. There is no other place like it on earth, and if you have an open mind, go see it.

I'm free to do what I want, any old time...

I do not do drugs and I have never been with a prostitute - but this is the only area of the world where I feel truly free as a human being; Any thought you want to have, any action you want to take (that doesn't harm others) is only possible in this great country in this great sector.

It's a place one must go to if in Amsterdam, simply because it's so unique. But majority of tourists are drunk men who like to hoot/harass women walking down the street.

If you are into paying for sex or just simply watching the unusual, the Red Light District will do it for you. The alleys and canals are lined with sex shows, bars, coffee shops, and doorways where women stand ready to provide sex. The women range from fat 50 year olds to she-males to drop dead gorgeous. The area can be a little bit seedy. It's probably not a good idea to go alone.

I was overwhelmed how open prostitution was there. I felt like I was in a grocery store shopping. I thought it was very degrading of the women and especially sleazy. I gave it a 4 because of how different and entertaining the whole experience was.

It's nice to see that there is a place where the party animals can "hang loose" in safety. I don't condone the goings-on, but at least one's vices can be put in a play area and not be exposed to children (I saw none there) or other helpless creatures.

Very overrated unless you are really into pornography. Very dirty place.

The chicks are all ugly and fat. Head to the coffee shops and museums. There are 75 different types of ganja in Amsterdam.

No need to explain here! World class herb, women and a great exchange rate.

I would not like to see the Red Light District in Amsterdam. However I wouldn't mind burning it to the ground.

A lot of beautiful women, and a lot of nasty women. A lot of marijuana. Intimidating Africans selling extacy and cocaine. It is pretty safe during the day, but a little bit sketchy during the night.

An assault on the senses. I'm not sure which people watching was better: the women in the windows or the people looking at the women in the windows. The whole place is a trip - a wildly diverse range of people, all kinds of hilarious stores, and an atmosphere of anything goes. If you're easily offended or don't have a sense of humor, steer clear.

as famous as the windmills

The red-light district is only one aspect of amsterdam. Drink fresh heiniekin on the banks of the amstel, and enjoy everything else this fine european city has to offer. Amsterdammers are know for their gracious hospitality.

Smoke some Thai-stick and take a stroll along the store fronts. Some of the finest prostitutes in the entire world. Noted for their friendly service and reasonable prices. Government programs ensure safety in regards to health issues.

Spend an evening at an outdoor cafe in the Red Light District watching men go in and out of the brothels. Women in the windows range from incredibly rude to incredibly hot.