Can you smoke in Amsterdam Red Light District?
"No smoking cannabis in public!" read signs hung around Amsterdam's red light district, or De Wallen, as it is called in Dutch. According to a new law that went into effect in May, tourists and locals caught smoking marijuana in and around this neighborhood could now get a fine of €100 ($112).
AMSTERDAM, May 25 (Reuters) - A ban on smoking marijuana on the streets of Amsterdam's red light district went into effect on Thursday, part of a push by the city's first female mayor to clean up the area.
Under the new rules, those smoking in public spaces in these areas will first be issued a warning. If ignored, they will be penalised with a 100-euro fine. Amsterdam's famous red-light district became a smoke-free zone for cannabis users on May 25.
3) Don't smoke on the street
Although you're not going to get thrown in jail for smoking a joint on the street, it isn't technically legal and an easy way to really annoy the locals or get a hefty fine.
While you can't walk around and smoke cannabis freely in public places in Amsterdam, you can still enjoy it in designated areas, such as coffee shops or smoke-friendly accommodations. Remember to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of each establishment and be respectful towards others.
Everyone is welcome to visit the Red Light District, although, always be respectful and never take photographs or record videos. Please note it's prohibited to drink alcohol and smoke cannabis in public. This behaviour will not be tolerated and will result in fines.
In most places, areas that sell sex/prostitution can be quite dodgy/dangerous. However, the Red Light District is in some way safe and alright. You will see many tourists, young/old couples, groups of students and even families walking around the Red Light District even late at night.
Special smoking areas have been created. There are designated smoking pillars, which is basically a high ashtray, where you can smoke and extinguish your cigarettes. The fine for smoking outside this area is €25, and throwing your cigarette butt on the platform can cost you €40o.
Know the Rules for a Memorable Night Out
Most nightclubs and bars in Amsterdam do not allow the consumption of cannabis, even in smoking areas. By respecting these rules and choosing coffee shops for your cannabis enjoyment, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable night out in the city.
Anyone caught lighting up a joint or smoking a bowl on the street can be fined 100 euros. The ban applies to the entire De Wallen area, including the Red Light District, and extends to Dam Square, Damrak and Nieuwmarkt. "As far as the VVD is concerned, drug tourism should be a thing of the past.
What is a hash joint in Amsterdam?
In a “Jonko” (Joint). Most people that consume hash in Amsterdam smoke it rolled into a joint with tobacco in it. Usually the tobacco is straight from a sigaret. The ratio is about 90% tobacco and 10% hash usually but is up to personal preference.
Outdoor terraces of regular cafes (and restaurants) allow the smoking of cigarettes and cigars, not cannabis. Some bars and restaurants have a smoking room. Some bars ignore the rules and allow smoking after a certain time in the evening...
From 25 May 2023, it will be illegal for both visitors and Amsterdam residents to use soft drugs in the old city centre (Red Light District, Nieuwmarkt and Dam Square.
The rules for visitors and tourists
Most coffeeshops sell non-alcoholic drinks. Smoking tobacco has not been allowed inside Dutch cafés, restaurants and hotels since 2008, so tobacco-marijuana mixes may not be smoked inside coffeeshops.
Cigarettes all over Amsterdam (including at the Airport) are 6-8 euros per pack of 20, depending on the brand. So for a pack of 200 just multiply this amount by 10.
4 Don't smoke tobacco
You're not allowed to smoke tobacco inside, that covers tobacco in both cigarettes and joints. If you want something to mix with your hash and weed, a lot of coffeeshops will have a sort of herbal mix (an alternative to tobacco) at the counter that you can use for free.
noun. an area in which prostitution is officially tolerated.
There's the myth that there's a Blue light district in the Red light district in Amsterdam. But this apparently ended up. This blue light district is supposedly an area featuring only transgender sex workers, which could be identified by BLUE light (aka blacklight) in their windows instead of a red light.
In the narrow alleys of the Red Light District, you will find all imaginable (and unimaginable) types of sexual services. The ladies usually charge between 50€ and 100€ for 20 minutes. In the next part, you'll learn where to find the red light district and get tips for the best strip clubs, sex shows and pubs.
It is one experience you would never want to miss. Something different and unique, something you would never see or experience in any other part of the world. Worth a visit, worth a view! I personally loved taking a walk here after the sunset and would like to tell all that you should too.
Can couples go to Red Light District Amsterdam?
Not the most romantic date tip, but if you are intrigued by the famous red-light district and have a leaning to spice up your relationship some of the women are open to couples if you go to them. Also, there is the famous Casa Rosso, an erotic theatre that has been running live sex shows for over 50 years.
Well, the good news is that it's considered one of the safest cities in the world, ranking 6th in The Economist's Safe Cities Index 2021. This takes many things into account, including personal safety, environmental safety, and even digital security.
"No smoking cannabis in public!" read signs hung around Amsterdam's red light district, or De Wallen, as it is called in Dutch. According to a new law that went into effect in May, tourists and locals caught smoking marijuana in and around this neighborhood could now get a fine of €100 ($112).
Basic Etiquette
It is considered rude to keep people waiting. It is polite to cover your mouth when yawning. It is rude to speak whilst chewing gum. Knock before entering a room if the door is shut.
Legally you can vape anywhere in the Netherlands as long as you are outdoors, even though at one stage the use and importing of e-cigarettes was close to being banned.
References
- https://www.quora.com/Whats-the-most-common-way-to-smoke-hash-in-Amsterdam
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g188590-d190584-r39225643-Red_Light_District-Amsterdam_North_Holland_Province.html
- https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/travel-stay/visitor-information/rules-and-regulations
- https://nltimes.nl/2023/09/07/amsterdam-mayor-confirms-fines-cannabis-smoking-ban-cops-intervened-700-times
- https://www.amsterdam.info/tips/avoid/
- https://www.mr-amsterdam.com/attractions-sights-red-light-district-amsterdam.htm
- https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/travel-stay/visitor-information/sex-workers-and-red-light-district
- https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/dutch-culture/dutch-culture-etiquette
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- https://weareamsterdam.com/weed-dos-and-donts-amsterdam/
- https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-blue-light-area
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- https://www.flyingpig.nl/travel-blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-amsterdam-coffeeshops-for-beginners/
- https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/amsterdam-enforces-ban-on-smoking-cannabis-in-public-4073952
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/amsterdams-red-light-district-starts-marijuana-smoking-ban-2023-05-25/
- https://gocity.com/en/amsterdam/blog/is-amsterdam-safe
- https://www.dw.com/en/how-amsterdam-wants-to-change-its-image/a-66247071
- https://paradoxcoffeeshop.com/can-you-smoke-in-amsterdam-nightclubs-know-the-rules/
- https://www.dictionary.com/browse/green-light-district
- https://beoriginaltours.com/can-you-walk-around-and-smoke-in-amsterdam/
- https://www.vapouround.co.uk/news/do-tourist-destinations-allow-vaping/