Red Light District Amsterdam
Most of the world's larger cities have red light districts - if not in name, at least in purpose - but Amsterdam is one of the few to actively work to make a tourist district out of it. In the "Rosse Buurt" Dutch pragmatism meets human nature. Two centuries ago prostitution was legalized, and today it is a fully taxed, medically supervised industry with unionized workers. Tours of the district are available (during the day, of course) and offer a fascinating look into the neighborhood, its history and its life-style. For those who would prefer not to roam the streets there is a Sex Museum, which will probably tell you more than you want to know about the world's oldest profession - and the more prurient side of human nature. While you may be surprised at what you see here, chances are good that you will be most surprised at the matter-of-fact manner in which it is all presented. Whether or not you visit the museum or spend any money at all in the varied shops and other businesses of the district, you should at least take a walk down the neighborhood's busy streets to complete your tour of Amsterdam.