De Wallen sits in the historic centre, a five-minute walk from Centraal Station, and spreads out around the Oude Kerk. With its two canals and tangle of alleyways, it's hard to walk past without noticing. Go on foot, since transport is more hassle than it’s worth. Next up: how the famous windows actually work.
Short answer: it’s in the medieval centre of Amsterdam, a five-minute walk from Centraal Station, wrapped around two canals in a district called De Wallen. You can’t really get lost looking for it, but here is exactly where it is, how to get there, and the mental map you actually need.
Where it is
The main Red Light District is De Wallen, centred on two parallel canals, the Oudezijds Achterburgwal and Oudezijds Voorburgwal. It lies just east of Dam Square, in the oldest part of the city (the “Oude Zijde”, or Old Side). The landmark in the middle of it is the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam’s oldest church. If you can find the church, you’re there.
How to get there
- From Centraal Station: walk south down Damrak for two minutes, then turn left into the little streets before Dam Square. You’re in it. After dark, just follow the crowds.
- By tram/metro: get off at Amsterdam Centraal or Nieuwmarkt (metro 51/53/54). Both are a couple of minutes’ walk away.
- On foot: it’s about 10 minutes from almost anywhere in the centre. This is a walking city, so you won’t need transport.
The three red-light areas (yes, there are three)
Everyone means De Wallen when they say “the Red Light District”, but Amsterdam technically has three:
- De Wallen: the big, famous one in the old centre. This is what you came for.
- Singelgebied: a small strip around the Singel canal, not far from the flower market. It is far quieter, with far fewer stag parties.
- De Pijp (Ruysdaelkade): a handful of windows in a residential neighbourhood south of the centre. Strictly one for those in the know.
Getting your bearings
Picture a small grid, maybe 300 metres across. Two red-lit canals run roughly north to south, with narrow alleys laced between them. The Oude Kerk sits in the heart of it. Warmoesstraat runs along the western edge, and Nieuwmarkt square anchors the eastern end. That’s the whole map. It’s smaller than people expect: you can walk the entire district in fifteen minutes, though you’ll want to take far longer. Keep your phone in your pocket near the windows, because photographing sex workers is not allowed and will get you confronted.