Weekends in Amsterdam Guide: 13 X local tips for this weekend

Obviously the Red Light District in Amsterdam is famous for its prostitutes in red-lit windows. But it is also home to one of the oldest Chinatowns in Europe and great restaurants. This multicultural place in the city center of Amsterdam is a must visit when you’re in town and you love Asian food. It’s easy to avoid the busy streets with the red windows and explore the area like a local.

When I just moved to Amsterdam I came there a lot because my university building was just around the corner of the Nieuwmarkt. On this square with the famous ‘Waag’ building there’s a great farmers market every Saturday. And being so close to the Dam square there are some very luxury hotels near the Red Light District, like: Hotel TwentySeven, Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky and Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam.

The Warmoesstraat and Zeedijk are lively streets in the area. Especially the Zeedijk is home to some great Chinese and Asian-Fusion restaurants and also my favourite Asian supermarkets. If you like vintage clothing the Oude Hoogstraat is a street not to miss.

Of course I understand it’s something you might want to tick off your bucketlist if you have never seen something like the Red Light District. But I highly recommend visiting the area with a tour and local guide so you really get an idea of how it originated. Never forget to treat the people working at the Red Light District with respect! I will share some popular tour and museums you can visit to really get an understanding of the neighbourhood.
⋙ Amsterdam: Private Red Light District and Food Tour
⋙ Red Light Secrets – Museum of Prostitution
⋙ Amsterdam: Red Light District Exclusive Night Tour
⋙ Erotic Museum
⋙ The BonTon Tour Tickets
⋙ Private: Amsterdam Red Light District & Coffee Shop Tour
⋙ Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum

After one of these tours don’t forget to explore the rest of Amsterdam, because there are many other things to see and do!

Are you visiting Amsterdam during the weekend? Make sure to check the one and only Amsterdam Weekend Guide that is updated with new weekendtips every week! And did you know there’s a complete complete neighbourhood guide and an amsterdam bucketlist to experience Amsterdam like a local.