page 1 of 6

Home of Heineken, Cannabis and Red Light District

With the Soca Warriors earning their very first World Cup point with a draw against Sweden, Trinis were standing proud. It was real celebrations going on in Germany, and with 5 days before we face off with England part of the TJJ crew decided to make a turn to good ole Amsterdam. And from of the looks of things when we arrived, we were not the only Trinis with the same idea ... we know Amsterdam never see so many Trinis at one time before!!

For some of us, it was our very first visit to this 'Sin City' and only one word could sum it all up... "WOW"! Besides being televised on one of their local TV programs when some Trinis took part in a sausage eating contest blind-folded, and doing all the other good tourist stuff the city has to offer, we will let the folks of Amsterdam Tourist Information tell you all about the infamous Red Light District and Coffeeshops. Pictures of the Red Light District (RLD) are courtesy of Amsterdam.info as we were not trying to get into any trouble. We just have to say one more thing... usually window shopping is a thing for women right? BUT Amsterdam's RLD is one place where window shopping is absolutely loved by men. They could shop 24/7 yes!! ;-)

Amsterdam Red Light District

From brothels to sex shops to museums, the Red Light District leaves nothing to the imagination. It is very likely that you will have heard about this neighbourhood and to be frank, everything you will have heard is probably true , but to really put rumours to rest, you have got to check it out for yourself. The Rossebuurt, as the locals know it, is unlike any other place. Guaranteed. Certainly, the Red Light District that everyone knows about is the one where women, of all nationalities, parade their wares in red-fringed window parlours, many ready to offer more than a school boy peep-show in a private cabin. Another familiar image of the Red Light District is of packs of men, young and old, couples holding hands and pointing in shock of it all, giggling groups of women celebrating a hen night, and busloads of Japanese tourists toting cameras (except not in the direction of the female entertainers! Strictly banned!). This is proof enough that the RLD deserves a visit, if not a little look in.

Perhaps what few really notice is that the Rossebuurt (Dutch for ‘pink’ or ‘red’ neighbourhood) is in fact one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of the city with its long winding narrow, cobbled streets and utterly charming 14th century architecture, such as the gothic Oudekerk, or Old Church. The Red Light District simply oozes charm and one cannot help but admire the old buildings that lean at odd-angles, and the tree-enshrouded canals. Music, especially during the summer season, invites you to linger just that little bit longer while the arrival of new classier eateries and great authentic restaurants such as Café Pacifico, one of Europe 's first Mexican restaurants, make it so appealing. Recently resurfaced streets, restored façades and trendier clientele to the area are now transforming what was once a dark and seedy part of town.

Amsterdam prides itself, and rightly so, on its wholly liberal and tolerant attitude, embracing the fact that people may be into prostitution, soft drugs and pornography-and this is only human. So instead of criminalizing everything, this very upfront city wears its heart on its sleeve-what you see is generally what you get. Enjoy the honesty of it all, as you won't find it anywhere else. So how do you get to it? It depends which RLD you are looking for as there are in fact three Red Light Districts in Amsterdam: the main area is in the Walletjes area (between Centraal Station and Nieuwenmarkt), and the other two, in Singel (between Raadhuistraat and Centraal Station) and de Pijp (behind the Rijksmuseum).

Amsterdam Coffeeshops

In Amsterdam, coffeeshop means a place where cannabis is openly sold and smoked. Thought soft drugs have not been legalized in the Netherlands, it is tolerated when used discretely. Hard drugs are strictly prohibited. The coffeeshops can legally store up to 500 g of marijuana and can sell up to 5 grams to adults over 18.

There are many different kinds of coffeeshops in Amsterdam, some are relaxed, some more vivid, with psychedelic decor or loud music. Since people around enjoy, any aggression will not be accepted. Also, it is not favourable just to hang around - a coffee, soft drinks and snacks are generally available, only few coffeeshops have an alcohol license. You can smoke from your own bag, you just have to buy something.

General rules that coffeeshops require to abide:

• Minimum age 18 years, identification duty
• No alcohol, no hard drugs
• No selling goods
• No mobile phones (in some)
• Aggression is not allowed
• No hanging around

Each coffeeshop offers several kinds of weed and hash, usually there is a "menu" to choose from. The prices vary according to the quality (about 5 EUR per gram) - be careful, the local skunk is strong, you can always ask the staff for the strength and the general effect. You may also want to ask for a pipe to use, rolling papers and filter-tips are available as well. Don't like smoke, you can always try a Sensi Shake or Space Muffin!! Good Stuff.