Page 21 iGap travelguide 2023
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iGap Travel Guide
21
Olena Znak / Shutterstock.com
THE OLDEST PROFESSION
It is what it is. The tradition of Dutch tolerance prevails
when it comes to Prostitution in the Red Light District,
where it has been legal since 2000. Prostitutes
are supposed to have work permits and enjoy the
protections of the country’s labour laws. In addition
to preventing forced prostitution, the aim is an open
and honest approach. Sex workers here have their
own union, plenty of police protection, an information
centre (for visitors as well), frequent monitoring and
testing and professional standards.
It is forbidden to take photos of the women in the
Red Light District. As surreal as it is seeing barely clad
women in red lit windows, taking a picture is just
weird anyway and could end in your camera being
confiscated. Also, be aware of pickpockets. There is 24
hour surveillance but thieves will target large groups.
Many families and people who need to get up for
work the next morning live in this area. Respect
their neighbourhood, and do not yell or cause
disturbances. Bike Lanes – there are loads of them so
be careful walking the streets as you do not want to
tangle yourself in the spokes of an Amsterdammer.
When the world decided to do something about
second hand smoke, Amsterdam faced a problem
on its drug culture. When the Netherlands, like many
of its European neighbours, imposed restrictions on
smoking in public places a battle ensued as coffee
shop owners warned a ban would put them out of
business. Eventually a compromise was reached
which meant the ban was exempt in coffeeshops,
much to the relief of pretty much every tourist.
Alex Segre / Shutterstock.com
If you want to seek out an authentic experience then
why not get yourself on two wheels. The law does not
require you to wear a helmet and practically no one
does. You are, however, required to have a light and a
bell on your bike. If you choose to drive a car, it is illegal
to use a mobile phone while you drive, and if you run
into a bicycle, Dutch law places the responsibility on
the driver of the car. So, if you go to a coffee shop,
better not drive a car, or even a bicycle.
21
Olena Znak / Shutterstock.com
THE OLDEST PROFESSION
It is what it is. The tradition of Dutch tolerance prevails
when it comes to Prostitution in the Red Light District,
where it has been legal since 2000. Prostitutes
are supposed to have work permits and enjoy the
protections of the country’s labour laws. In addition
to preventing forced prostitution, the aim is an open
and honest approach. Sex workers here have their
own union, plenty of police protection, an information
centre (for visitors as well), frequent monitoring and
testing and professional standards.
It is forbidden to take photos of the women in the
Red Light District. As surreal as it is seeing barely clad
women in red lit windows, taking a picture is just
weird anyway and could end in your camera being
confiscated. Also, be aware of pickpockets. There is 24
hour surveillance but thieves will target large groups.
Many families and people who need to get up for
work the next morning live in this area. Respect
their neighbourhood, and do not yell or cause
disturbances. Bike Lanes – there are loads of them so
be careful walking the streets as you do not want to
tangle yourself in the spokes of an Amsterdammer.
When the world decided to do something about
second hand smoke, Amsterdam faced a problem
on its drug culture. When the Netherlands, like many
of its European neighbours, imposed restrictions on
smoking in public places a battle ensued as coffee
shop owners warned a ban would put them out of
business. Eventually a compromise was reached
which meant the ban was exempt in coffeeshops,
much to the relief of pretty much every tourist.
Alex Segre / Shutterstock.com
If you want to seek out an authentic experience then
why not get yourself on two wheels. The law does not
require you to wear a helmet and practically no one
does. You are, however, required to have a light and a
bell on your bike. If you choose to drive a car, it is illegal
to use a mobile phone while you drive, and if you run
into a bicycle, Dutch law places the responsibility on
the driver of the car. So, if you go to a coffee shop,
better not drive a car, or even a bicycle.
