Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostitution Amsterdam: Visitor Guide
A museum behind the windows of Amsterdam's Red Light District. Tickets, opening hours, what to expect and etiquette.
Address
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60, 1012 DP Amsterdam
Opening hours
Daily 11:00–22:30 (Fri–Sat 23:30)
Audio guide
Included, 6 languages
Best for
Adults, curious visitors
Duration
About 50 minutes
Book Red Light Secrets Museum Tickets
Standard admission and combinations. Each card shows what is included. Dates only open when you ask for them.
Red Light Secrets Museum: Entry Ticket
Entry with an audio guide in six languages, about 50 minutes. Free cancellation until 24 hours before.
View details on Tiqets →
Red Light Secrets + Hash Museum Amsterdam
Two museums on the same canal, booked once.
Check dates and availabilityView details on Tiqets →
Heineken Experience + Red Light Secrets
A brewery visit in De Pijp and a museum in the old centre on one booking.
Check dates and availabilityView details on Tiqets →
Red Light Secrets + Amsterdam Museum: Amsterdam in Motion
A museum about the district and a short introduction to the city's wider story.
Check dates and availabilityView details on Tiqets →Booking is handled by Tiqets. Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Why Book in Advance
The museum is small and can be busy in the evening and at weekends. Booking lets you choose a time, and free cancellation until 24 hours before your visit gives you flexibility. The museum is for adults, so check the listing for any age guidance.
What is the Red Light Secrets Museum, and why visit?
The Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostitution is a museum in Amsterdam's Red Light District that takes you behind the windows. Visit to learn how sex work is legal and regulated in the Netherlands, see a recreated window and room, and hear from the people who work there.
Why Visit the Museum?
Thousands of people walk through the Red Light District each night, but few know what happens behind the windows. The museum answers that question in a respectful, informative way, with an audio guide that explains the context.
It is a good option if you want to understand the district rather than only walk through it. The setting is a canal house in the heart of De Wallen.
Background
Prostitution has been legal in the Netherlands since 2000, and the district around the Oude Kerk has been a red-light area for centuries. Workers rent windows, are registered and are subject to regulation.
The museum explains how the profession is organised, how workers are protected and the debates around it.
Top Highlights
A Recreated Window
You can sit in a window and see what it looks like from the inside.
Rooms and Props
Rooms are shown with the details that work involves, in a glamorous or humorous style.
Videos and Stories
Short films feature people who work in the district talking about their lives.
The Confessions Wall
A wall where visitors can add anonymous confessions. The listing warns that some are shocking.
What to Expect
The route is guided by an audio guide in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian and Spanish. The tone is informative and a little playful. The content is for adults. Pets are not allowed, according to the listing.
How Much Time Do You Need?
About 50 minutes, according to the listing.
Etiquette
Treat the subject and the people it concerns with respect. Photography rules apply inside, and photographing workers in the windows outside is not allowed.
Visitor Information
- Address: Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60, 1012 DP Amsterdam.
- Opening hours: Daily 11:00–22:30, Friday and Saturday until 23:30. Last admission 45 minutes before closing.
- Ticket price: Around €15 or more. Confirm the price on the booking page.
- Cancellation: Free until 24 hours before your visit.
- Audio guide: Included in six languages.
- Pets: Not allowed.
Best Time to Visit
Daytime visits are calmer and the surrounding streets are quieter. The museum is open late, so an evening visit is possible, but the district is crowded and noisy at night.
How to Get There
The museum is in the old centre, about 10 minutes on foot from Amsterdam Centraal and from Dam Square. It stands on the Oudezijds Achterburgwal canal.
Local Insider Tips
- Do not take photographs of people in the windows outside.
- Keep your belongings secure in the crowded district.
- Visit in the daytime for a calmer walk.
- Combine with the Oude Kerk and the Hash Museum nearby.
- Use the audio guide for context.
Choosing the Right Ticket
The standard ticket is enough for most visitors. The Hash Museum combination suits a themed old-centre day. The Heineken combination mixes a brewery visit with the district, and the Amsterdam in Motion combination adds city history.
Who It Suits
Curious Adults
An informative way to understand the district.
Couples and Friends
A short, memorable stop.
Families
Not suitable for children.
Nearby Attractions
- Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum: on the same canal, a short walk away.
- Oude Kerk: Amsterdam's oldest building, in the heart of the district.
- Our Lord in the Attic: a hidden church nearby.
- Amsterdam Pub Crawl: an evening in the old centre.
For more options, browse our Amsterdam museums guide or compare the best museums in Amsterdam.
Suggested Itineraries
Half Day
Oude Kerk and Our Lord in the Attic in the morning, Red Light Secrets after lunch.
Old Centre Day
Red Light Secrets, Hash Museum and a canal cruise.
Evening Plan
Dinner, the museum around 8 pm and a walk through the district.
Red Light Secrets Museum FAQ
How long does the museum take?
About 50 minutes.
What are the opening hours?
Daily 11:00–22:30, Friday and Saturday until 23:30, with last admission 45 minutes before closing.
Is there an audio guide?
Yes, in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
Is it suitable for children?
No. The museum is for adults.
Can I cancel my ticket?
The listing offers free cancellation until 24 hours before your visit.
Where is the museum?
At Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60, in the Red Light District.
Is prostitution legal in the Netherlands?
Yes, since 2000. It is regulated.
Can I take photos?
Follow the museum's rules inside. Do not photograph people in the windows outside.
Can I combine it with the Hash Museum?
Yes. A combined ticket is listed on this page.
Do I need to book in advance?
Booking helps on busy evenings and weekends.
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Final Verdict
The Red Light Secrets Museum is a short, informative visit that answers the question many visitors have about the district. It suits adults who want context, and it pairs well with the other attractions in the old centre.
Who should visit: curious adults, couples and friends.
Who may skip: families with children and anyone who would find the subject uncomfortable.
Overall rating: 7.7 / 10