Amsterdam Prostitution

The “world’s oldest profession” has flourished in Amsterdam since the city’s inception in the 13th century. Prostitution has always centered on what today is the Red Light District, though it is practiced elsewhere in the city as well. The Red Light District originally grew up in the 13th century around what is now known as Zeedijk, where prostitutes congregated to service sailors who came into port. Window prostitution, which grew out of the practice of prostitutes showing off their goods from the front windows of private houses, was officially legalized in 1911. In 2000, the law outlawing brothels was taken off the books, making informal streetwalking the only prohibited form of prostitution.

Keep It Movin’. Feel free to look at window prostitutes, but unless you intend to engage in a business transaction, don’t stop and stare. You will most likely elicit an angry reaction.

Legal prostitution in Amsterdam comes in three main forms. By far the most visible is window prostitution, where scantily clad women tempt passersby from small chambers fronted by a plate-glass window. These sex workers are self-employed and rent the windows themselves, and, accordingly, each sets her own price. This form of commercial sex gave the Red Light District its name, as lamps both outside and inside the windows emit a red glow that bathes the whole area by night. The most popular spot for window prostitution in the Red Light District is between Zeedijk and Warmoesstraat. There are two more areas: in the Nieuwe Zijd, between Spuistraat and Singel, and in De Pijp along Ruysdaelkade. Those in the Nieuwe Zijd and De Pijp tend to be more discreet and frequented more by Dutch men than by tourists. Whether shopping or “just looking,” be sure to show the women basic respect. Looking is fine and even necessary, but leering and catcalling are absolutely uncalled for. Keep in mind that prostitution is an entirely legal enterprise, and windows are places of business. Most of the prostitutes whom you see belong to a union called “The Red Thread” and are tested for HIV and STIs, although testing is on a voluntary basis. While it’s okay to look, do not take photos unless you want to explain yourself to the angriest—and largest—man you’ll ever see. If you’re with a group of tourists, don’t crowd in front of a window for a long time; this tends to discourage customers and is thus frustrating to the prostitute.

If you’re interested in having sex with a window prostitute, go up to the door and wait for someone inside to open it. Show up clean and sober; prostitutes always reserve the right to refuse their services. Anything goes as long as you clearly and straightforwardly agree on it beforehand. Specifically state what you get for the money you’re paying—that means which sex acts, in what positions, and, especially, how much time you have in which to do it. Window prostitutes can set their standards; by no means are they required to do anything you want without consenting to it in advance. Negotiation occurs and money changes hands before any sexual acts take place. Always practice safe sex; a prostitute should not and will not touch an uncondomed penis. Be aware that once your time is up, the prostitute will ask you to leave. Don’t ask for a refund if you are left unsatisfied; all sales are final. There is no excuse for making trouble; if anyone becomes violent or threatening with a window prostitute, she has access to an emergency button that sets off a loud alarm. Not only does it make an ear-splitting noise, but it also summons the police, who invariably side with prostitutes in disputes. If you feel you have a legitimate complaint or have any kind of question about commercial sex, head to the extremely helpful Prostitution Information Centre (below) and discuss it there.

Increasingly popular are the recently legalized brothels, which come in two main flavors. The term usually refers to an establishment centered on a bar; there, women—or men—will make your acquaintance and are available for hour-long sessions. These brothels, also called sex clubs, can be pricey. In addition to costly drinks in the bar—solicitors are encouraged by the management to entice patrons into buying bottles of champagne—they charge a cover just to enter the building. A less expensive and more confidential alternative to the sex club is the variation known as the private house. In contrast to the bars, in a private house you enter a room and the currently available women walk by for your inspection. Select the one you like (or don’t—there’s no problem with walking out if none of the prostitutes are to your taste) and rent a room (the cost of which includes the woman’s or man’s services). Most of these establishments are located in Amsterdam’s southern districts. Escort services are legal in Amsterdam as well. Offering even more discretion than private houses, these services arrange for a call girl or boy to visit you at your home or hotel room.

The best place to go for information about prostitution in Amsterdam is the Prostitution Information Centre, Enge Kerksteeg 3, in the Red Light District behind the Oude Kerk. Founded in 1994 by Mariska Majoor (once a prostitute herself), the center fills a crucial niche in connecting the Red Light District with its eager frequenters. Its friendly, helpful staff can answer any question you might have, no matter how much you blush when you ask it. You can also pick up copies of several informative publications: The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Amsterdam’s Red Light District, a basic guide to the ins and outs of the window prostitution scene (€2.50); Best Places to Go in Amsterdam, five pages of top-shelf establishments (€3.50); and the Pleasure Guide, a magazine with ads and articles about commercial sex in the city (€3). The center sells handmade souvenirs and has its own mock-up of a window brothel interior, where you can take pictures—something you can’t do at real window-prostitution booths. If you come to poke around, leave a donation; the Prostitution Information Centre is not state-supported and depends on the generosity of visitors to continue its work. An informative way to benefit its worthwhile cause is to take one of its tours of the Red Light District. (☎420 7328; www.pic-amsterdam.com. Open Tu-Sa noon-7pm. 1hr. tours W 7pm and Sa 5pm; €12.50.)

Sex shops and live sex shows are related elements of the industry. The former litter the Red Light District, vending pornos (mags and videos), dildos, lubricants, stimulants, lewd souvenirs, and the like. Porn theaters abound here as well, where an hour of lurid on-screen sex costs only as much as a movie ticket. Sex shops and porn theaters cluster along Reguliersbreestraat, just off Rembrandtplein, as well. Live sex shows are venues where the “performers” on stage will strip and engage in intercourse before your very eyes. There are quite a few live sex show establishments in the Red Light District, but the most famous (and, by some accounts, “classiest”) is Casa Rosso.