The seedy underbelly of a foreign city, hazy lights and forbidden alleys… if the magnetism of a red light district has sparked your curiosity, you may want to read on. While these areas usually focus on the sex industry, they exist all over the world – so knowing where they are and what they entail will come in handy on your travels. While not all of them are necessarily legal, some are must-see tourist attractions. Under a few of our own bright neon lights, we drew up a work-friendly list for the intrepid traveler to view some of these infamous areas.

1. Kabukicho

Image source: Lodimup / Shutterstock.com

Where it is: Japan
If you’ve ever seen an episode of, or read a book with Japanese anime characters, you already know they’ve got a – let’s say strange set of fascination. Their red light districts are no different. Since they cater to locals, they’ve got some crazy fantasies going – as a tourist, you may find them disturbing! The place came into existence some time after World War 2 and houses themed clubs with all sorts of freaky costumes.

Look out for: Entrance fees! We know you’re too decent to do anything other than check these out – but you may be asked to pay when you leave, even if you just pop your head in!

2. Soi Cowboy

Where it is: Thailand
It may be in Thailand, but it’s name comes from the American T.G. Cowboy, an airman who opened bars in the area, way back in the 70s. What started off as a colloquial, casual term for the area quickly became its name. It’s as seedy as they get – even for Thailand! From go-go bars to street dancing, this is a very colorful place.
Look out for: The sex shows. It’s not your regular red light area – so don’t be surprised if things seem to jump out at you – literally.

3. Pigalle

Flickr: Stephen & Claire Farnsworth

Where it is: Paris
Ah Paris. The home of love and… red light districts?! Yes, the quaint city is not all that innocent. In fact, it’s home to one of the most frequented red light districts in the world, more or less translating to Pig Alley (named by soldiers during World War 2) and is home to sex shows, alleys of crazy lights and sounds and a lot of chaotic culture.
Look out for: The peep shows and strip clubs. Be careful though, it’s not as tourist friendly as it sounds – though it IS like a circus built for adults.

4. Patpong

Where it is: Thailand
You’re never quite done when you’re talking about red light districts and Thailand, so we thought it deserved two spots on our list. Another very famous red light area is that in Bangkok – Patpong. It mostly caters to tourists, so you may be better off visiting this if you’re looking for a safer area. You can see world famous ‘stunts’ and a lot of the traditional massage parlors.
Look out for: Souvenirs! You get strange, slightly overpriced and very quirky souvenirs in this red light district. You know, just in case you’d like a constant reminder of your visit, because, well, why wouldn’t you?

5. Antwerp

Flickr: Amaury Henderick

Where it is: Belgium
No surprises here – Amsterdam is known for being the land of debauchery, and it’s home to red light districts in plenty, the one in Antwerp being the most famous. Since prostitution is legal here, it’s a pretty safe and clean area! It’s home to the most famous brothel, Villa Tinto, which is so high-tech, it even has biometric scanners to identify workers!
Look out for: The animal-based sex shows – some of them can be quite appalling!

6. Pascha

Image source: www.ninemsn.com.au

Where it is: Germany
Have you ever been to a red light district with senior citizen discounts? If not, you’ve never visited Cologne, in Germany. The brothel in the area is extremely high, with floors and floors of – you guessed it, sex workers.
Look out for: Member tattoos! The Paschal logo tattoo actually gives people access to the area for free – for life!

7. Reeperbahn

Image source: Wikimedia

Where it is: Germany
Another red light area in Germany, this time in Hamburg, this area also has bars and restaurants – and theatres and clubs too! So you could be visiting it without actually intending to go to any of the sex shops. There are also sex museums and exotic theaters, so check what you’re walking into before you do!
Look out for: The Beatles Square! Yes, the area was actually made famous because it was one of The Beatles’ favorite strip clubs.

8. De Wallen

Where it is: Amsterdam
We’re sure you’re not surprised that Amsterdam gets a second mention in our list. The safe, clean area is a tourist hotspot and is filled with street walkers, sex workers and a lot of shows. You won’t be able to enter to view though, since everything is paid for, right at the doors.
Look out for: The heavy people traffic. It’s a very crowded place, so beware while walking through.

9. Las Vegas

Image source: pedrosala / Shutterstock.com

Where it is: United States
While there are no particular street names, we couldn’t leave this off our list. It’s home to casinos and luxury hotels – but it’s also home to some of the biggest sex shows and strip clubs the world has to offer.
Look out for: The exotic dancers, if full-fledged strip shows make you queasy!

 

Nicole

A poet with a penchant for prose and the itch to travel, Nicole Reed is an assistant editor and features writer for a daily newspaper, struggling to find a way out of the concrete mess by dreaming of one day living and breathing off words in an idyllic country setting somewhere. Having been editor of her college magazine, written for a number of publications including Shamiana’s short film newsletter and as a current student of Literature from the University of London, Nicole sees writing like travel - an adventure – a journey to find her place, to define and redefine who she is over and over again and to live and learn through the process.

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