Cafe Marly at the Louvre in Paris

Cafe Marly at the Louvre in Paris
Relax with a glass of wine at Cafe Marly overlooking the pyramid entrance to the Louvre.

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Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Tourism and Sex in Amsterdam


A new spin on window-shopping! Prostitution has been regulated and, of course, taxed in Amsterdam since 1984, and even has its own union. Along the narrow streets of the Red-Light District, women and some men wait in windows for their next customer. The storefront rooms have curtains that are closed when “business” is being conducted. You’ll see lots of foreign businessmen and tourists milling around (many very drunk). Be careful at night as the area is a prime pickpocket spot. By the way, don’t even think about taking photos. Your camera will likely be confiscated. (Can you believe that it has a web site?) Info: De Walletjes/De Wallen (Red-Light District). Behind Dam Square between Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal. http://www.red-light-district.nl/.

From sex clubs to live sex shows (especially the famous Casa Rosso at 106 Oudezijds Achterburgwal), sex is a big part of Amsterdam’s tourist industry. Locals don’t bat an eye at any of this, but you might. If you’re not interested in seeing any of it, stay away from the Red-Light District and the area around it. You can easily visit Amsterdam’s other wonderful sights without encountering any of the sex industry.

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