Explore Amsterdam by Mokumboot sloepje on the Amstel — Rent a boat

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Red Light District route

For most of us and every visitor, this is the most famous part of Amsterdam: the Red Light District. Discover Amsterdam’s Red Light District from the water with the Red Light District route. The streets are always busy with many tourists, but from a boat on the water you have plenty of space to view this old part of the city. In the Red Light District you can see prostitutes behind the windows 24 hours a day. The exciting and lively atmosphere in this Amsterdam district in combination with the rich history of this part of the city makes it definitely worth a visit. Along the way you will sail past the impressive Old Church (Oude Kerk in Dutch), a museum with contemporary art and you will come across various heritage buildings. Please note: sail clockwise on the Red Light District route. It is one-way traffic on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal.

Enjoying Amsterdam’s Canals in a Mokumboot Small Boat

Book easily online

Are you excited about this route? Click on the button below to reserve your boat. We recommend that you reserve a boat at the Amstel or Weesper boarding location. These locations are nearby, so you can start this beautiful route almost immediately.

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Download our sailing map

The Red Light District is marked in orange on our sailing map. Anyone who rents a boat from Mokumboot will also receive this sailing map prior to his or her trip. Would you like more information about this route? Then read on below. We would like to give you a short impression of this beautiful route:

Mokumboot small boat by the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam canal

the Old Church

The route starts at the De L’Europe Amsterdam hotel, a luxurious 5-star hotel from the 19th century overlooking the Amstel River. Turn left here and sail along the Rokin and the Grimburgwal, towards the Oudezijds Voorburgwal. On your left you will find the Old Church (Oude Kerk in Dutch) of Amsterdam. The Old Church is the oldest building in the city and was built in 1306! This church is also used for church services every Sunday, but also offers space for high-profile exhibitions, numerous activities, permanent archive presentations and wonderful concerts.

The Red Light District is located directly opposite the Old Church. The Red Light District is a prostitution area located in the oldest part of Amsterdam. Within this area, window prostitution is practiced at more than 300 workplaces, but numerous sex shops are also located.

Mokumboot Tugboat at Schreierstoren in Amsterdam

The Schreierstoren

The Schreierstoren is located at the end of the Oudezijds Voorburgwal. The Schreierstoren is a defense tower that used to be part of the city wall of Amsterdam. The tower was built around 1487 on the corner of the IJ and the east side of the city, and is the only preserved defense tower in Amsterdam. The tower has now been converted into a café in a beautiful old style. Just after this tower you enter an open stretch of water, the Open Harbor Front.

Mokumboot small boat cruising near NEMO Science Museum

The Oosterdok

Once you arrive at the Open Havenfront, turn right and sail towards the Oosterdok (Recht Boomsloot is closed at the time of writing, current information can be found on the municipality’s website) where you will find the NEMO science and technology museum. In the NEMO Science Museum, everyone, from young to old, discovers how fascinating science and technology are. On five floors full of exhibitions, experiments, demonstrations and workshops, visitors experience how special everyday things are. The building opened its doors to visitors in 1997 and is now an unmissable part of the Amsterdam skyline.

Mokumboot small boat near Montelbaanstoren in Amsterdam

The Montelbaanstoren

From the Oosterdok you sail past the Montelbaanstoren. A 16th-century defense tower, once part of the city walls, with tower bells and a clock from 1606. Sail back towards the Amstel via the Oudeschans or Uilenburgergracht. The route ends here. Try a different route? View more routes below.

Berlage route

At the beginning of the 20th century, architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage designed a plan for the area south of the center of Amsterdam. Until then, this part of the city was still underdeveloped. Berlage used the Amsterdam School style for his design: stones with different colors, shapes and textures; rounded corners and undulating rooflines, and striking decorations on the exterior of the building. The Berlage route passes many of his buildings; rent a boat and see for yourself whether you can discover all the elements of Berlage’s style in Oud-Zuid.

Mokumboot tugboat sailing on the Amstel near the iconic Magere Brug under a clear blue sky in Amsterdam

Canal route: 2 hours

Amsterdam is known for its many canals. The waters of the canal belt that demarcate the city center are the best known: the Singel, the Herengracht, the Keizersgracht and the Prinsengracht. On the shore you will find the architecture of the Golden Age: narrow, high buildings with stepped gables and traditional ornaments. Discover this beautiful piece of Amsterdam history while sailing one of the many canal routes. Since 2010, the Amsterdam canal belt has been on the World Heritage List thanks to the unique and irreplaceable character of the canals. You can easily rent a boat at Mokumboot.

Mokumboot small boat with friends enjoying the water in central Amsterdam

Canal route: 3 hours

Small Mokumboot rental boat on the Amstel river in Amsterdam, approaching the iconic Magere Brug on a sunny day.

Plantage route

The Plantage route takes you along the greenest areas of Amsterdam. During this ‘city safari’ you will see that the city is greener than you thought, with the highlight being the botanical garden – Hortus Botanicus – with more than 6,000 tropical trees and plants. You can even spot exotic animals from your boat, such as elephants and giraffes. The sailing route runs past Artis, so you can catch a glimpse of the oldest zoo in the Netherlands. You will also sail past the interactive NEMO museum and the Tropenmuseum, with exhibitions about the Dutch slavery past.

Sail the Red Light District route yourself

Call Mokumboot directly for more information about renting a boat or book directly via our online reservation system. Mokumboot is open 7 days a week from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Book a boat Call 020 210 5700

What is the Red Light District route offered by Mokumboot?

The Red Light District route is a boat tour through Amsterdam’s most renowned area, allowing you to explore the historic Red Light District from the water. This route offers a unique perspective on the city’s vibrant atmosphere and rich history, including sights like the Old Church and various heritage buildings. Please note that navigation on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal is one-way; therefore, it’s essential to sail clockwise on this route.

More information about Red Light District route

How can I book the Red Light District route with Mokumboot?

You can easily book the Red Light District route online by visiting Mokumboot’s booking page. It’s recommended to reserve a boat at the Amstel or Weesper boarding locations, as they are conveniently located near the starting point of this route, allowing you to begin your journey almost immediately.

More information about Red Light District route

Do I need a boating license to navigate the Red Light District route with Mokumboot?

No, you do not need a boating license to navigate the Red Light District route with Mokumboot. The electric boats are easy to operate, making them ideal for exploring Amsterdam’s canals without prior boating experience. Before departure, you’ll receive sailing instructions and a route map to ensure a smooth journey.

What are the operating hours for renting a boat with Mokumboot?

Mokumboot is open seven days a week, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This schedule provides flexibility to plan your boat trip at a time that suits you best, whether it’s a morning cruise or an evening exploration of Amsterdam’s canals.

Are there any specific navigation rules I should be aware of on the Red Light District route?

Yes, when navigating the Red Light District route, it’s important to sail clockwise, as the Oudezijds Voorburgwal operates as a one-way canal. Adhering to this direction ensures a safe and smooth experience while exploring this historic part of Amsterdam.

What notable landmarks will I see along the Red Light District route?

Along the Red Light District route, you’ll pass several notable landmarks, including the Old Church (Oude Kerk), Amsterdam’s oldest building dating back to 1306. Additionally, you’ll encounter various heritage buildings and museums showcasing contemporary art, offering a blend of historical and modern sights during your journey.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the boat during the Red Light District route?

Yes, you are allowed to bring your own food and drinks on the boat during the Red Light District route. However, please note that playing music on board is not permitted to ensure a pleasant experience for all canal users and residents.

Is there a map available for the Red Light District route?

Yes, Mokumboot provides a sailing map where the Red Light District route is marked in orange. This map is given to all renters prior to their trip, helping you navigate the canals and identify key points of interest along the way.

What is the starting point for the Red Light District route?

The Red Light District route typically starts near the De L’Europe Amsterdam hotel, a luxurious 5-star hotel from the 19th century overlooking the Amstel River. From there, you’ll turn left and sail along the Rokin and the Grimburgwal, heading towards the Oudezijds Voorburgwal.

How long does it take to complete the Red Light District route?

The duration of the Red Light District route can vary depending on your pace and any stops you choose to make along the way. However, renting a boat with Mokumboot starts from € 97,50 for a 2-hour period, which is typically sufficient to complete this route and enjoy the sights.