Neighbourhoods
De Wallen (Red Light District)
Amsterdam's oldest quarter is a tangle of medieval lanes and canals around the Oude Kerk — and the heart of the Red Light District. By day a fascinating historic centre; by night famously frank. A real, working neighbourhood with clear rules.
- Historic
- Nightlife
- Lively
The oldest part of Amsterdam, De Wallen is a tangle of narrow medieval lanes, canals and centuries-old buildings — and the heart of the famous Red Light District. It's far more than its reputation: by day it's a fascinating historic quarter, home to the city's oldest building, with bars, cafés and street life around every corner.
See & do: Visit the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam's oldest building (1306), now also a contemporary-art space; wander the atmospheric lanes; and read up before you go — this is a working neighbourhood with clear rules. Photographing the windows is forbidden, and respect goes a long way; see Etiquette & rules and the After dark guides. Eat & drink: The nearby Zeedijk is the city's little Chinatown, full of Asian restaurants, and the area is dense with bars and cafés. Browse Eat & Drink and Nightlife. Who it's for: History lovers and curious wanderers — by day for the medieval city, by night for its famously frank nightlife (with respect).
Best for
- Medieval history & the Oude Kerk
- Chinatown's Zeedijk eateries
- Central nightlife
- Curious wandering
Avoid if you want
- A family-quiet evening
- To photograph the windows (forbidden)
- A polished, sanitised feel
Frequently asked
- Can I take photos?
- Not of the windows or workers — it's forbidden.
- Is it safe?
- Generally yes, but busy at night; see [Etiquette](/useful-info/etiquette).
- Oldest building?
- The Oude Kerk (1306).