Red Light Secrets Museum image

Red Light Secrets Museum

Tourist attraction Museum

Quirky museum offering exhibits on the history of Amsterdam's sex-work industry. People often mention museum, interesting, visit, history, district, Amsterdam, experience, light, worth, audio,


Address

Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60h, 1012 DP Amsterdam, Netherlands

Website

www.redlightsecrets.com

Contact

+31 20 846 7020

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (17.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 11 AM to 11:30 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 11:30 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Monday: 11 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 11 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM to 10:30 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (40) interesting (18) visit (16) history (14) district (12) Amsterdam (12) experience (12) light (11) worth (11) audio (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Alok A. 3 months ago on Google • 234 reviews New
    I will give 5 star for many reasons Learnt many things about Red light district area in Amsterdam I really sympathise with their life The tour was amazing Some people said its boring But I can tell you that its great You see girls in window and can do Window shopping But what is the reality Why they are in this profession Why they had to pick this profession Understanding the dark side of their life They're human and we need to see them as human and not as toys So I loved the tour and the country
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 kirthika v. 1 year ago on Google
    Will definitely recommend visiting this museum if in Amsterdam. It’s very close to the Amsterdam central and the museum ticket is not really expensive. Each and every story narrated by the sex workers and their confessions were very painful to hear. But this place should be a must visit if you’re in Amsterdam in order to absorb the essence of Amsterdam’s red lights district.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 joseph A. 4 years ago on Google
    The area starts getting busy around 9 pm...lots of bars, food, cannabis, tourism and much much more. The women are up at their windows around 10 pm. So much to do in the area. It felt safe, but I am sure pocket pickers are around. Lots of historic landmarks. Everywhere I went to at the red light takes Euros, so make sure you get your cash transferred to Euros or you can use your debit and credit card.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 BIJU T. 4 years ago on Google
    Enjoyment of this visit depends upon the mindset of the visitors. To me, it is waste of time and money. Better to have a walking through the street instead of spending time here. But it doesn’t mean nobody will enjoy it. Nothing special to see than you see in the street walk.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Pranav R. 1 year ago on Google
    It is an overall a good museum, explains a lot about the inside life of the red district. There is a 15euro fee, wait time upto half an hour, only 20 people can go at a time. No car parking is available nearby what so ever. And a very crowded surrounding all together. Can be easily finished in half an hour. The information is available in both Dutch and English.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Didi A. 10 months ago on Google
    Absolutely loved this museum. We went during the day and the line was quite long. But definitely worth the wait. We waited around 20 min as they let a few ppl in at a time. It's extremely narrow so if your like me and stop to read everything, maybe go at the end.... From the history of the red light district, to stories of the girls and more. It was worth the visit in my opinion ♥️
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Victoria S. 2 months ago on Google • 96 reviews New
    This wonderful museum (tragic story) is definitely worth a visit for everyone! Many of you will wonder what it’s like to be on the other side and perhaps people will begin to judge women less and respect women more! Women are the most beautiful creatures on earth, men - appreciate it! ♀️
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Madeleine W. 1 year ago on Google
    The staff were friendly and approachable. The museum was very interesting, and the audio guide gave it a nice, personal touch, which I think helps the person empathise more with the working girls and their situations. Overall, I walked out of the museum in a contemplative mindset. It really makes you think.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vismay A. 4 years ago on Google
    Amsterdam offers quite unique experiences and this is no exception. A must visit place. Book the tickets online and go before 1pm to get cheaper tickets, you will save money and the place won't be crowded. You can take a picture at the end of the museum and it gets printed for free! I liked this bonus.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexandra D. 6 months ago on Google • 73 reviews
    This was a great experience. It took about a half hours to walk through. It shows you behind the scene of what the work is like. You get a small handheld guide that explains each room and what goes on. I really enjoyed this leaning experience and I have much respect for the women in this trade.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle A. 1 year ago on Google
    The Ticket is 15€ for an Adult but its worth it! A lot of interrsting facts! Sometimes you get the feeling that you are one of the sexworkes in this district. it's made so realistic! I loved it
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Frazer P. 2 months ago on Google • 170 reviews New
    Fantastic and informative. A must see place while I'm Amsterdam. Great price and was awesome to see an actual brothel with a detailed script from a working girl. Love it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laura V. 4 years ago on Google
    I loved it. The audio guide is a MUST. The stories she told were interesting and explains so much about this profession. Walk through the rooms was cool just to see how it all actually looks. Definitely stop and read confession wall. It is a must if you visit Amsterdam
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kaitlyn K. 10 months ago on Google
    really educational and interesting! the set up was really cool too. went by pretty quick, about 30/45 min. read through the confessions v spicy 👀
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ramona D. 1 year ago on Google
    It was a very interesting experience, the audios were quite insightful and it was rather eye-opening to experience the night life from the other perspective. I gotta say the window where characters walk by and stare you down was my favorite point. It's also important to acknowledge the dangers that come with this type of job and the stigma which I think the museum did justice too. I wouldn't hesitate to go again. Highly recommended 👌 👍
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ashton M. 1 month ago on Google • 76 reviews New
    Slightly on the pricier side but insightful museum depicting the regulations and framework surrounding the Red Lights District. No wait time, spent about 50 minutes. Comes with an audio guide with a funny narrator. Hallways are tight so can definitely get a bit crowded when trying to read the various displays.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Helen J. 6 months ago on Google • 74 reviews
    Very fun but informative experience! Little on the pricey side, I thought it would be a bit bigger than it was. Got an audio tour + lots to read which made it a bit distracting to do both at the same time. It was very interesting finding out the laws and how the process of the red light district works. Worst part for me was how cramped it was, I know it’s a small building but I felt bad standing reading things like I was holding people up. The secrets at the end were wild !! Entertaining if you have an hour spare!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Waél M. 2 years ago on Google
    Funny& nice place to have a look !
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pavel K. 7 months ago on Google
    Must see museum in Amsterdam and just steps away from the Red Light District famous street. Very well prepared, entertaining, shocking, serious, sad, funny!!! You will experience it all! Top experience - See the world through the Red Light District "shop window"!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Anna W. 2 years ago on Google
    Not worth €12.50pp. The audio guide was interesting and I enjoyed learning about the politics and safety measures at the Red Light District. However it only takes about half an hour to walk through and read everything and there’s not very much to actually look at. The displays feel a bit outdated and tatty.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jenny c. 1 year ago on Google
    This museum was amazing. I’d definitely recommend visiting this museum as it is a part of dutch culture. I learned a lot from their exhibits and have so much respect for the women of the Red Light District! This is an interactive museum with a virtual tour guide.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Akshay 2 years ago on Google
    Everyone who comes to Amsterdam will explore this place. Mostly crowded during night. There is museum of red light secret which tells about the history of this place like how it started and all. Place is safe to visit no need to worry because there are guards who keep a watch. No photo or video allowed to protect the privacy.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kirsty V. 3 months ago on Google • 46 reviews New
    This is such a fascinating and well presented place! It was amazing to learn more about the industry and individual stories! The audio guide was amazing as well very entertaining. Definitely worth a visit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Mariana Corina I. 7 months ago on Google
    Quite expensive for a what it is, small museum, a bit intresting to see what is behind the door and how are they feeling, the confessions at the end are very good, sometimes different. The lady from audio book is very bad, quite hard to pay attention to what she's saying
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alana B. 4 months ago on Google
    A great attraction to visit. Heard mixed reviews about it, but it was worth the visit. It's interesting with lots to listen to and read. If you're not in the mood to read, then it's kinda pointless, and you'll walk around it very quickly, but if it's your kinda thing, then you'll be a while. Before visiting, I thought that there were confessions of people who worked in the industry, but it turned out to be everyday folk, and well, some of the confessions were eye openers, haha!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ethan W. 3 months ago on Google New
    This museum is a staple of Amsterdam. It gave tons of information and was very well done, especially on something that is not universally accepted. I appreciate their openness to reality along with the history lessons they provided. I highly recommend a visit, and it is somewhere you definitely need to go when you visit the red light district.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Daniella 1 year ago on Google
    Very overpriced (15€ per an adult). Very not creative and short (50 mins in total). Kind of a tourist trap. The nice things were the real accessories that are shown in the museum. Generally not recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Senco t. 2 years ago on Google
    someone told me ... its 50euro !?
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Paige L. 1 year ago on Google
    I really enjoyed the museum and the perspective it provided of those working within the Red Light District. Similar to other reviews, it did feel a bit overpriced, but I know that museums require upkeep and employees need to be paid.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 George Foxley (. 1 year ago on Google
    Very insightful. Enjoyed the museum a lot more than I was expecting one of the highlights of my trip to Amsterdam.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John J. 2 years ago on Google
    Such friendly staff, great experience, lots to learn! Very insightful and educational audio tour. Worth the price
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arnau F. 2 years ago on Google
    Really interesting museum, worth each second of the visit. Helps you understand a little bit better what happens behind the glass and completely changes your perspective.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michael 7 months ago on Google
    Surprisingly informative and interesting museum. Really enjoyed the audio guide and also the different perspectives of various players in the industry. Less a star for the overcrowd, and also the ventilation. It's stuffy and can only imagine it being way worse in summer.

  • 4/5 Fiona De L. 2 years ago on Google
    Interesting information about how the Red Light workers operate and a little bit of history. The questions on the tablets and the confession walls were a good way of interaction, the place is quite small so sometimes the other people want to see somehting at the same time.

  • 5/5 Ben S. 8 months ago on Google
    The red light district is such an usual place. I had so many questions about how it all works, and this place answers them all for you! You have an audio guide throughout your tour around the museum by a lady of the night and she tells you the in and outs of the business. It's a must visit when you are there

  • 5/5 Nisha K. 6 months ago on Google
    Really interesting museum about the history and facts around the red light district. Its all set up in an interactive and informative way and really opens your eyes up to the reality of the work! We went at midday where it was quiet but I did notice it get busy when we passed by it later in the day. It's not huge inside so it would be better to go earlier in the day if you want to take your time. Would recommend

  • 5/5 Laura S. 8 months ago on Google
    Absolutely brilliant. What better way to learn about the history of the red light district than from the women themselves? I loved that there was a myriad of stories, from women who loved what they do but also women with regretted it. It was heartbreaking to see just how many prostitutes are subjected to abuse, as well as the 100s that have been murdered. The final wall of confessions from visitors is sure to have you leave with a smile!

  • 5/5 Petra R. 5 months ago on Google
    Nice little museum, you get to learn the story of the girls and the history of the red light districht.

  • 4/5 Simina S. 2 years ago on Google
    Overall an interesting museum, offering behind the scenes information. Small museum so the price felt a bit high. Still worth a stop if you're walking through the Red Light District.

  • 5/5 Grainne D. 1 month ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    This is great museum to open your eyes into some home truths. Very interesting stories about the red light district and the workers. We enjoyed exploring & of course we got a photo at the end, why not 😎 The little control thing where you scan and listen to real life stories is a huge bonus to the museum. 👏🏻

  • 5/5 Joe 2 years ago on Google
    Sad side of life... Exibiting own flesh for survival?..... Whatever it is Government should take some steps to end this....

  • 5/5 Martin H. 2 years ago on Google
    Very interesting and detailed fact that you would never get to know. Must visit

  • 5/5 Vladislav B. 3 years ago on Google
    I short introduction into history. Worth to try.

  • 5/5 N 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing! Worth the money! Unique experience!

  • 5/5 Girish (. 2 years ago on Google
    Well thought out display. Plan to spend atleast 45 minutes here.

  • 4/5 Zain B. 2 years ago on Google
    This was a great way to understand the history and workings of the Red Light District. No bother getting a guide around the area, just come to the museum for some eye-opening stories and experiences. There needs to be some updates on their website and here on Google however- entry is now €14.50, not €13.

  • 5/5 hill s. 1 year ago on Google
    An insightful and unique experience. The museum is meticulously curated in a way that makes you feel like an active participant more than an observer.

  • 5/5 The reviewer g. 2 years ago on Google
    Really great museum!! Found out so much information that I didn’t know before. The lady running it was really nice!

  • 4/5 Rashmi P. 10 months ago on Google
    I would have liked the design to be a big more spacious, but I guess the real quarters are cramped

  • 5/5 Julie M. 1 year ago on Google
    Super informative and interesting. I highly recommend visiting so you have the full context of its history, and all sorts of interesting information.

  • 4/5 Lorena J. 1 year ago on Google
    This museum is absolutely great. You see and hear interesting things. Stuff is very polite. I would recommend buying tickets in advance because sometimes they might sell. The only thing that i didn't like is that there's no student discount.

  • 4/5 Kevin B. 1 year ago on Google
    Pretty good, more informative than I was expecting. Not expensive. Docked a star because one of our audio guides wasn't working so we shared the other.

  • 5/5 Netty E. 1 year ago on Google
    This museum is well worth a visit. It was not busy although does get busy at night. Very insightful and makes you see the Red Light District in a different way.

  • 3/5 R. G. 1 year ago on Google
    I understand there is only so much the museum can offer due to the space restriction of the old building, but I don't feel like the contents justify the price of the ticket. What was there was interesting, but it comes to a very sudden stop just as it feels like it's getting started. You get a nice 65 page booklet with the ticket (contains basically everything you will see and hear in the museum), valued at 3 euro, which is probably one of the reasons the price is higher than other nearby museums. I was hoping the gift shop would be more interesting.

  • 4/5 Paiten M. 1 year ago on Google
    Slightly disappointed. It was very crowded and rooms were small. For the price we visited the entire museum within 15 minutes. The most history and information I received was from the quick 3-5 minute video at the end of the tour. Wish there was more history.

  • 5/5 Rodney W. 1 year ago on Google
    Great museum. A lot of good art work. The museum is entertaining and informative, but doesn’t glorify. Recommend getting there before 1700 after that it gets busy because it’s in the middle of the Red Light

  • 1/5 Asher Gavin C. 1 year ago on Google
    Very tiny. It's actually a tiny house with 4 rooms. One person can't pass the other. It just has some photos and information that you can easily find online. Being to so many museums around the city, this was a disappointment. Expected a lot more about history, types of sex and so on. There are way more information to put on display. But space is a concern.

  • 3/5 Dan L. 1 year ago on Google
    Fairly cheap, decent price for being a small and quick experience. Did speak to the sex industry from the worker rather than owner perspective. A little underwhelming considering how famous the Red Light district has been in Amsterdam's history.

  • 5/5 Brave lil' R. 1 year ago on Google
    Compact though informative. Despite not going to 'sex therapy' I am very happy for the share of information. This is a special topic, no doubt about it. Some may have misunderstood sex therapy and therefore this is an essential museum to experience. I understand much better now. Sex therapy is also the word that we need to use. Sounds good and healthy for those who need it. Year 3000 a space ship will launch with a single language crew. Eventually this crew will be in the need of the aforementioned therapy either by reality or with a special kind of simulator. Either way, this act will have been derived from the sport of sex therapy that we have mastered here on earth. This therapy is a faculty worth studying for the sake of humankind. Do not look down at it rather understand it. Have a good one.


Call +31 20 846 7020 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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