Amsterdam - Walletjes

In the oldest part of Amsterdam, between the O.Z. Voorburgwal and the Achterburgwal, in the triangle formed by the central station, the Dam and the Nieuwmarkt, lie "de Walletjes", the red light district. The "oldest profession" was officially sanctioned here as far back as the 14th C. Along the romantic canals and in the small side alleys the prostitutes sit in their "shop- windows" and offer themselves for sale. If the red light is out and the curtains are drawn the ladies are busy.

"De Walletjes" seem strangely sedate with their bizarre mixture of scantily clad girls, sex shops and little old lady shopkeepers, tourists and locals (not all of whom are clients by any means).