Every tourist has heard about the Red Light District prior to arriving in Amsterdam, it’s world famous! And the district (area “Oude Kerk” or Old Church) certainly lives up to its name: red lights burn in abundance. Prostitution is legalized in the Netherlands, prostitutes pay taxes and they are unionized. Word of caution … taking photographs of the ladies is forbidden and you’ll get in trouble if you try!

All that aside, the area is a very pretty part of town and worth wandering around. It’s pretty safe and the atmosphere is laid-back.

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