There are many different things to do while visiting the wonderful city of Amsterdam, and one area of the city shouldn't be missed. With it's quaint shops, pubs, cafes and window shopping it's sure to amaze and tantalize you. Oh, did I mention that the cafes serve from a menu of exotic cannabis and hashish? Or that you can actually try on the 'mannequins' in the windows? Well if you haven't figured it out by now I am talking about the Red Light District of Amsterdam.

While you certainly shouldn't be taking the kids here, and even though there are certainly some rules of conduct, this part of town shouldn't be missed. With its open brothels and cannabis cafes, as well as it's many other attractions, any one looking to indulge themselves in a little 'forbidden fruit' will be pleased as they walk the quaint streets and alleys. While there are some ladies that will be sure to tickle your fancy during the daylight, things don't start really hopping until around eleven at night local time.

The neon lights come on, the crowds begin to gather, and the city's oldest profession emerges in all its glory. The sex shops and shows open up and try to get tourists interested in the girls inside. Whatever you may be looking for, you are sure to find relief here. And if you prefer some other attraction, then perhaps visiting Het Gulden Vlies condom shop. It has condoms in all kinds of shapes, sizes, flavors, as well as some that are hand painted. Not only does it have many volumes of books on the subject, but they even have a condom museum! Another museum of interest would also be the hashish musuem.

There are some rules and recommendations when visiting here. While you can sample from many of the windows, do not take pictures of the ladies you see within. It is against the law, and extremely enforced. It could get extremely messy and you don't want to spend the rest of your holiday behind bars. Watch out for pick pockets, especially where there are large bustling crowds, it's best to secure you valuables in your front pockets or a closely guarded pack. Even though many things are legal here, buying anything from street dealer is strictly prohibited. It is a good idea to travel in groups or at least with someone to avoid unwanted problems. While the idea that all soft drugs are legal here, they are not, and what is legal is strictly controlled.

When you are planning your visit to Amsterdam, you may want to consider renting an Amsterdam apartment, rather than a hotel. You will find that many of these accommodations are comparably priced to a hotel, and you get many more benefits. You can buy and cook your own food, and that's always a big plus when visiting a foreign city. If you are visiting as a family holiday or with friends, you will have much more privacy than having to share a hotel suite.