10 Best Bars in Red Light District, Amsterdam

If you need to gain a little confidence by drinking jenever, as the British slur goes, head straight for this charming cocktail bar. Owned by the dynamic duo Tess Posthumus and Timo Janse, who are also behind the excellent (neo)classical cocktail bar Flying Dutchmen ( Singel 460) and the Amsterdam Cocktail Week every September, you can sample over 150 jenevers and many jenever-based cocktails here. There's also a nifty kopstootjesautomatiek, a type of vending machine that dispenses a so-called kopstootje: a shot of jenever and a cold local beer—a potent combo.

Right in the heart of the Red Light District, this cozy specialty beer bar has 14 beers on tap and more than 120 bottled brews. Engaging staff and a relaxed, mixed crowd of locals and tourists are only too happy to abide by the eponymous 11th commandment "thou shalt enjoy."

You won't find Her Majesty the Queen here, but a mainstream crowd, fun-loving princes enjoying DJ beats, theme nights, drag bingo, and parties that pour out onto the sidewalk.

On the edge of the Red Light District sits this neighborhood institution, which dates back to the 1940s. For better or worse, cracks have started to appear in its jazzy foundation, as the programming has become dominated by karaoke and DJ sets. Open until 4 am on weekends it's a good late night bet.

In this small sawdusted and kitsch-strewn haven, students, late night revelers and alternative types don't mind yelling over the latest in loud guitars and funky beats. They also enjoy a pool tournament every now and then.

Founded in 1974, this must be the oldest fetish bar in Amsterdam. Today, this self-proclaimed "sleaze pit" offers a darkroom on two floors, cabins, slings, a golden shower bathtub, and free condoms, among other features.

At this friendly Red Light District café, you'll find an excellent selection of beers on tap and tasty and sustainable food. Despite its name, which means "foolish things" in Dutch, the place has a Christian identity, but if you're not looking for it, you probably won't see it. Either way, it's a good spot to contemplate the serious "sinning" taking place behind the red-lit windows nearby.

Another Cannabis Cup darling—and a not uncommon docking station for celebrities like Rihanna and Snoop Dogg as evidenced by the many celebrity pics on the wall—this chain is renowned for quality weeds and seeds. An earthy color scheme provides a restful background and cannabis-footed storefront tables let patrons take in a breath of fresh air. There are five other locations.

This unpretentious, minimalist bar sandwiched between the Red Light District and Chinatown is best known for its karaoke and mojitos at very reasonable prices, especially during happy hour (before 9 pm).

Run by students, this artsy cultural café on the Zeedijk attracts a young, alternative crowd. They serve tasty, well-priced food, and three times a week there is live music, including jazz on Sunday.