Amsterdam: Biking and the Red Light District

4/20/2023

Today I've decided to be like a native and bike around the city.

Man, I was NOT prepared.

Besides that I've only recently been on a bike twice since I was a child and my legs were hurting/tired. I didn't know the etiquette of the road. Here in AMS, it's bikes first, then cars then peds. Also, there are one way streets! If cars are one ways, bikes are one ways. Look for the photo of a bike on the street to know. So YES, you will have to go all around a corner instead of just crossing the street. The bike lanes can get narrow and you subject yourself to getting hit with very fast oncoming traffic. Now some small side roads are 2-way with the opposite lane smaller, otherwise there is no bike path and you follow cars on the one way.

Helmets are frowned upon.

They make it easy for you to bring your bike up the stairs! Simple and helpful.

And there are some ped only areas where you must walk your bike and they don't allow bike parking, such streets are like the shopping area 'Kalverstraat'. Ride and park on Rokin instead. Most stores have 2 opposite entrances here anyways. Here you can find stores like Uniqlo, Urban Outfitters, H&M, Victoria Secret and Mango. If you want boughie like D&G, Versace and Tiffany's, you go to PC Hooftstraat near Vondelpark.

The bike ride was amazing though. I got from point A to B so quickly and smoothly that I am upset I spent 20 mins walking around blocks to get to Central Station yet it was pretty much 2-3 straight shots and 8 mins by bike. Parking is easy - basically, look for bikes! There are safety precautions - if you have a hotel bike, they are less likely to steal, but there is a built in wheel lock. Now if you think someone could walk away with the bike (ie. you don't see many other bikes around), then there is a secondary lock to put to a post. Do NOT post to lamp or sign post. Overall, it was fun and I highly recommend using a bike in Amsterdam over walking in the event that you are trying to move around.

I ended up taking the bike to the Rijks museum and jumping on a boat cruise - it was ok, wish it was more personable.

The Infamous Red Lights and Prostitution

Skip the museum! Sorry, not much going on there and super small. If you are with friends, I'd recommend first, keep your belongings close! Second, do the Red Lights city tour and then stay in the district when the lights go down. Expect music and drinking. Visit the sex shops, porn cinemas and weed museum as you please. It's all legal and no judgement. I'm not sure how many brothels there are. For hetero women like myself, sorry, no gigaloos here. For men and non-hetero women, they do offer services from what I hear. Have fun!