TripHip - Travel Tips and Advice for Traveling on a Budget

I probably don't have to explain what the Red Light district in Amsterdam is all about. It's a pretty world-famous "attraction", where prostitution is legal and on display in every window.

It may not be everyone's cup of tea for tourist sights, but visitors should realize that it is a very safe part of town and the crowds are made up of more tourists than customers. Don't be afraid to take a walk through, since it really is one of the things Amsterdam is famous for.

Besides, there is more to see than just the adult entertainment in this part of town. There are several historic churches to visit, such as the Oude Kerk. The district is known as de Wallen and you shouldn't have any trouble finding it.

A coffee shop does not just sell coffee in Amsterdam. Coffee shop owners in the Netherlands are allowed to sell soft drugs, provided it is no more than 5 grams per person and the buyer is over 18.

Remember however that the drugs are for personal use only. Importing, exporting and unlicensed selling of drugs are all serious offences in the Netherlands.

When visiting Amsterdam, you don't want to get these two terms mixed up. They may mean basically the same thing in North America, but they are two vary different places in Amsterdam.

A cafe serves alcohol, and might be called a pub or a bar elsewhere.

On the other hand, a coffee shop is an Amsterdam specialty that sells coffee as well as marijuana and hashish. You certainly don't have to buy or use any drugs while you at a coffee shop, but visitors should be aware of their nature so you're not shocked to see someone light up a joint at the next table.