Red-Light District, Amsterdam

The Red-Light district, or De Wallen as it is called in Dutch, is one of Amsterdam's oldest neighborhoods (and specializing in the world's oldest profession). Although walking around the red light district can feel a bit voyeuristic, it is proof of Amsterdam's liberality and social tolerance and merits a quick tour. The area, which operates at all hours, is its most vibrant at night, when both customers and tourists come out to walk the streets. Red lights line the windows facing the canal, where women stand in order to advertise to their clientèle. (Note: it is illegal to take pictures or video of the windows.) The streets surrounding the Red-Light district also offer shopping and theatres, as well as a museum devoted to erotica.