Amsterdam Sex Shops and Erotic Museums: What Tourists Really Find Inside

When you walk through Amsterdam's Red Light District, the glow from sex shops and erotic museums hits you fast. No shame here—these places are front and center, just steps from Centraal Station and on busy De Wallen streets. If you think these shops are just tacky, think again. They're part of daily life for locals and stacked with a rainbow of toys, lingerie, wild costumes, and more practical stuff like lubes and Dutch-made novelty gifts.

Sex shops here feel different than in other cities. Walk into Condomerie by the canal—it's actually pretty chill, with racks of playful (and useful) condoms, plus staff who actually know their stuff if you’ve got questions. Tourists drop in for funny souvenirs, but locals genuinely buy here too. And there’s really something for every taste, from high-end boutiques like Christine le Duc to quick novelty stops full of gadgets that make you laugh out loud.

• What To Expect in Amsterdam Sex Shops
• Inside the Erotic Museums: Not Just for Tourists
• Local Tips: Navigating the Red Light District Like a Pro
• Etiquette and Safety: How to Explore Respectfully

What To Expect in Amsterdam Sex Shops

The Amsterdam red light district is packed with sex shops that don’t care about playing it safe or predictable. These aren’t just tiny, shady corners—you’ll spot everything from sparkling clean boutiques with swanky windows to old-school classics plastered with neon signs. Many stores are open well into the night, some even 24/7, like Magic Touch on Warmoesstraat. Friendly staff speak decent English and are pretty chill when it comes to answering questions, even the awkward ones.

Inside, you’ll see way more than just shelves of toys. Expect floor-to-ceiling walls of vibrators, dildos, and fetish gear, brands you’d actually hear about on Instagram, and even bondage kits for the curious. At Condomerie, you literally find a wall covered in every type of condom you could dream up—including vegan, glow-in-the-dark, and even hand-painted Dutch designs. Christine le Duc is known for its stylish shop layout and high-end toys and lingerie. These places want you to browse and have a laugh, not just buy and run.

• Prices: Basic souvenirs like playful keychains start at around €3, while fancy vibrators and lingerie can go over €80. The Condomerie sells singles for €1–2 each, but multipacks are cheaper per piece.
• Age restriction: You need to be 18+. Shops will card you, especially in the busier stores right off Dam Square.
• Photo policy: Never take photos inside the shops—it’s seen as rude, and staff will call you out fast.

Some shops even have private areas or booths where you can see video previews. Don’t worry, you’re not expected to use anything on the spot—just check out what’s on offer and decide if you feel like splurging. Many stores have ‘try-me’ stations for things like whips and fluffy handcuffs (clean ones kept for demo), so you get a hands-on feel.

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll usually find in stock:

It’s common for people to browse as couples or even in groups of friends, laughing and sharing advice. No one’s rushing you, and it’s honestly one of the more relaxed parts of the Red Light District. If you’re not sure where to start, just ask—the shop workers genuinely see it all and won’t blink an eye.

Inside the Erotic Museums: Not Just for Tourists

Forget what you think you know about Amsterdam’s erotic museums. These spots aren’t just quick laughs or Instagram fodder for visitors—they also dig into how Dutch attitudes around sex got to be so open and chill. Right on Oudezijds Achterburgwal, the Erotic Museum is a classic stop. Step through the door and you're greeted by X-rated art, fantasy mannequins, vintage peep shows, and an entire floor dedicated to the Red Light District itself. People love taking pictures with the old-fashioned sex machines, but there’s also surprising history in there, even for locals.

Another must-see is the Sexmuseum Venus Temples on Damrak, which pulls in more than half a million visitors each year. Venus Temples claims to be the oldest sex museum in the world—it opened in 1985 and it’s packed with centuries-old photos, oddball statues, and handwritten love letters from another era. It’s way more than eye-candy—there’s context on the evolution of sex work, LGBTQ+ scenes, and how Amsterdam’s legal system shaped everything.

• Erotic Museum: Open daily, usually until midnight. Tickets run about €10.
• Venus Temples (Sexmuseum): Tickets are just €9 and you can walk in without booking ahead. They even do group discounts if you’re rolling with friends.
• BDSM & Fetish Museum: Smaller, but niche and quirky, for anyone wanting a deeper dive into kink culture and costumes.

The best part? These museums aren’t just for the giggles—they’re big on context. Expect to see:

• Recordings of old TV shows that fought for sex worker rights in the city
• Rotating exhibits on taboo-breaking artists and photographers
• Guides and audio tours in English, Dutch, German, and more

Here’s a quick look at the foot traffic numbers from last year for reference:

If you’re nervous about going, don’t be. Crowds are a mix of Amsterdam red light district tourists, couples, curious students, even solo travelers. It’s not embarrassing—people are just curious and want some real stories about what makes the city tick. Some exhibits are NSFW, so maybe leave the kids with a sitter. But overall, you can expect a fun, surprisingly informative time at any of these museums.

Local Tips: Navigating the Red Light District Like a Pro

First off, don’t treat the Amsterdam Red Light District like an adult Disneyland. It’s a real neighborhood—folks live here, get groceries, walk their dogs, and yes, show up for work just like anywhere else in the city. Keep your camera in your bag when passing the windows. You’ll see signs everywhere: photos are not allowed, and security may ask you to delete snaps if you forget.

The best time to walk through? Early in the evening around 7–8 p.m. when things are lively but not packed. After midnight, streets fill up fast, and it can feel overwhelming if you’re not into big crowds. Stay alert to bikes, too—those classic Amsterdam bikes whiz by, even in the narrowest alleys.

Cash is still king at many small Amsterdam red light district shops, especially at private booths or with independent performers. An ATM on Oudezijds Achterburgwal usually has a line, so plan ahead if you want to buy something or tip inside a peep show.

• Want local flavor? Try FEBO for croquettes from the wall or grab a snack at one of the late-night Turkish döner shops.
• Don’t be shy asking shop staff questions—they’re used to every kind of customer and speak excellent English. If you’re curious or need advice, just ask. No one will judge.
• Bars like Café Remember and Excalibur cater to both tourists and locals looking for a quick pint between shop visits. Some erotic museums even give discount vouchers for next-door coffee shops—worth checking out.

The Red Light Secrets Museum says it best:

"Respect is the most important thing you can bring to De Wallen. If you act politely, you’ll get the best stories and experiences."

Etiquette and Safety: How to Explore Respectfully

Nothing kills the vibe faster than acting like a clueless tourist in the Amsterdam red light district. The city's open-minded, but there are some unspoken rules and hard lines you shouldn't cross. Respect keeps the whole area running smoothly for everyone—from shop staff to museum hosts to working locals.

First off, maybe the biggest one: don't take photos of the windows, workers, or inside any of the sex shops and museums unless you’ve been told it’s allowed. This isn’t just politeness, it’s strict local law. Security or staff will tell you off or even ask you to leave. You’ll actually see signs everywhere reminding you about this.

Walking around late at night? Stick to busy, well-lit streets. The Red Light District pulls a big tourist crowd, so pickpockets drift here too. Keep your stuff close and leave flashy valuables at home. And if someone tries to sell you anything out on the street (especially drugs), a firm “no” and walking away is your best bet—the legal shops are the only safe places to buy anything.

• Always talk to staff if you’re confused or unsure. They’re used to questions and way more helpful than you’d think.
• Don’t act out or get rowdy while inside sex shops or museums. Laughing’s fine, being rude or filming isn’t.
• If you visit with friends, keep your group small and avoid blocking doorways or displays.
• Bring ID—some places check your age, especially for anything rated 18+.
• Consent matters everywhere: don’t touch what’s not for sale and absolutely never touch performers or staff.

Here’s a snapshot of basic do’s and don’ts for first-timers:

One last thing: Amsterdam locals have seen it all. The district is part of their home. Being polite and open-minded about what you see will get you friendlier help, and you’ll actually enjoy exploring without making things awkward for anyone else. If in doubt, just ask—staff don’t get fazed by much, and you might even pick up a fun story to tell back home.