After the onsets of one of Amsterdam's famous cafe visits are well underway, its time to carouse down to where the lights are red, the minds are open, and the term 'window shopping' takes on a brand new meaning.
Now the thing to remember about the red light district is that while it is highly sexualized, it is not highly gratuitous. You won't see anything on these streets that you couldn't see in a Victoria Secret magazine, though that rule gets a bit shadier the deeper you head down the back streets.
Prepare to see men bartering for a better price, giggling couples pointing and staring, drug dealers trying to earn a quid (a simple no thanks should suffice), and women giving the wink behind their windows. The place is clean, safe and highly regulated. Don't be afraid, keep the photos to a minimum, and just go for the experience and you'll be fine.
Some of the funnier events that deserve a mention are: a football team of young guys bartering for a group special, accidentally walking the streets of the 'other red light district' - commonly known as the purple light district (not for the faint hearted), a working girl throwing a toy at a leaving customer, and getting hit up for i.d. after ordering a coffee........
Country - Netherlands
Cost - 50 euros and up
Links - amsterdam info
