Amsterdam Red Light District: €2 Peep Show & Live Sex
Last Updated on 29/03/2025
Amsterdam’s Red Light District (De Wallen) has long been one of the most controversial and tourist-heavy areas of the city. But the story of this district goes far beyond the women behind the red-lit windows. The Red Light District is not just about the sex industry—it also represents the Netherlands’ open attitude towards sex work, legal regulations, and even the contradictions within its tourism culture. This article shares my observations and thoughts as a visitor, helping you decide whether the Red Light District is worth a visit.
Netherlands Articles：Amsterdam Travel Guide｜Things to Do in Amsterdam｜Day Trips from Amsterdam｜Amsterdam City Pass Comparison｜Amsterdam Red Light District｜Amsterdam Coffee Shop (Weed)
Amsterdam Passes：I Amsterdam City Card｜GoCity Amsterdam｜Museum Card｜Amsterdam Transport Pass
The Legality of Sex Work in the Netherlands
In many countries, the sex industry operates in a grey area or is outright illegal. However, in the Netherlands, it is a government-regulated profession. Sex workers in Amsterdam’s Red Light District must have licences and operate under official regulations to ensure their safety and rights. The government provides access to healthcare, tax registration, and other legal protections, allowing sex workers to work in a safe and controlled environment.
This open policy is rooted in the Dutch approach of “pragmatism over prohibition.” Instead of driving the sex trade underground, the government chooses to regulate it, reducing exploitation and crime. However, local opinions on the Red Light District remain divided: some see it as an integral part of the city’s culture, while others believe it has become overly commercialised, catering purely to tourists.
What Will You See in Amsterdam’s Red Light District?
When you step into Amsterdam’s Red Light District, you’ll quickly realise that it’s not just a workplace for sex workers but also a bustling tourist hotspot. Here’s what you might encounter:
Window Workers
The red-lit windows are the most iconic feature of the district. Sex workers, dressed seductively, stand behind the glass, attracting potential clients. Prices typically start at €80–100. When a worker is with a client, the curtain is drawn; when not, you might see them scrolling through their phone.
Adult Entertainment
The district is home to Casa Rosso, a theatre offering live sex performances, as well as the famous €2 Peep Show, where you can watch a strip performance through a small window for a few minutes.
Cannabis Culture
Numerous coffeeshops in the area sell cannabis, making it another key part of the Netherlands’ liberal policies.
What’s It Like to Experience a Peep Show & Live Sex Show?
Beyond the red-lit windows, Amsterdam’s Red Light District also offers various types of adult performances, the most famous being:
€2 Peep Show
A classic “coin-operated peep show,” where each room fits up to two people. Once inside, you’ll see an opaque window. After inserting 2 euros, the window becomes transparent, allowing you to watch the performance.
The show takes place on a rotating 360-degree stage, so you can see the dancer undress from every angle. After 2 minutes, the window closes, and if you want to continue watching, you’ll need to insert another coin. If there are viewers in the opposite room, you can also see their reactions.
- Opening Hours：13:00-02:00
Casa Rosso Live Sex Show
This is a genuine “live sex show,” with tickets priced at €65 (2024 price, may vary). The performance lasts about 90 minutes, with different performers taking turns on stage. The cast comes from a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds, including white, black, and mixed Asian, so there’s something to suit various tastes.
The show includes both solo and duo performances. In the solo acts, female performers, all with stunning bodies, dance in lingerie, gradually undressing to the beat of the music. There’s also an interactive part where performers invite audience members to join, which can include removing the audience’s pants or having them eat a banana placed in a particular spot.
In the duo performances, the action takes place on a rotating stage, starting with light touching and intimacy, eventually leading to sexual acts. Alongside the live sex scenes, the show also features pole dancing, chair dancing, and more.
- Find Casa Rosso on Google Map
- Opening Hours：19:00-02:00
Is the Red Light District Worth Visiting?
If you’re interested in the Netherlands’ open-minded culture, then the Red Light District is definitely worth exploring.
Beyond the sex industry and live shows, the Red Light Secrets Museum offers an inside look into the daily life of sex workers. You can even stand in a mock-up window to experience what it feels like to be on display.
As a female traveller, I respect all forms of work and fully support bodily autonomy. However, I can’t ignore the contradictions within this district: while sex workers are professionals, many tourists treat them as mere attractions rather than individuals with jobs. This raises important ethical questions.
If you plan to visit, keep in mind:
- Respect the workers: follow the rules and never take photos.
- Approach with an open mind: don’t visit out of morbid curiosity, but instead try to understand the cultural and legal aspects. Avoid making judgments about the workers.
- If visiting with a partner, discuss it beforehand: ensure you’re both comfortable with exploring this area together.
Ultimately, the Red Light District is not just about the sex industry, it reflects broader societal attitudes towards sex and personal freedoms. If I become a parent in the future, I believe that sex education should not be a taboo. Teaching children about sex and respect from an early age is far more beneficial to society than treating these topics as forbidden.
EN 
ZH_TW