Amsterdam's Tolerance
Amsterdam has a long history of liberal tolerance. That attitude is displayed in a number of ways. For visitors coming from North America or many other European countries, the difference will be obvious - if not startling. Of course many visitors choose Amsterdam as a travel destination for precisely that reason. Relaxed laws concerning drug use and legalized prostitution lure thousands to the city's cafes and infamous Red Light District. Marijuana may not be completely legal, but it is decriminalized and readily available in head shops and coffee shops. There are even museums and tours of production facilities.

So called, "soft-drugs" are also easily available in Amsterdam. Like any major city, harder, illegal drugs are also sold on the street. You may very well be approached in the Red Light District by someone offering to make a sale. These drugs are illegal in Amsterdam. The rest of the activity in the Red Light District is completely legal. If your interest does not lie in the direction of the women offering themselves there, you will find a very active gay community in the city. Most of Amsterdam's night club districts feature a selection of gay clubs.