Last updated: July 2026.

Planning your first visit to the Red Light District Amsterdam? It is easy to feel unsure. The alleys get packed, the rules are strict, and one wrong photo can turn an evening into a confrontation. Guess your way through and you miss the best of it. This 2026 local guide to De Wallen gives you the map, the rules, the prices, and the best things to do, so you walk in knowing exactly what to expect.

Last reviewed: June 22 2026
Checked against: City of Amsterdam guidance on prostitution policy, De Wallen visitor rules, and current city-centre measures.

Key Facts: Red Light District Amsterdam

• Local name: De Wallen
• Location: around Oude Kerk, Oudekerksplein, Oudezijds Voorburgwal, and Oudezijds Achterburgwal
• Distance from Central Station: about 5 to 10 minutes on foot
• Best visit length: 45 to 60 minutes for a relaxed walk
• Best time to visit: daytime for architecture and calmer streets, after dark for the classic atmosphere
• Typical costs: walking is free; a window visit starts around €50; a live sex show is roughly €50 to €60
• #1 rule: do not photograph or film sex workers or occupied windows
• Street rules: no public drinking in alcohol-ban zones; street cannabis smoking is restricted in the Wallen area; always follow signs on the street

Where Is the Red Light District in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam’s main Red Light District, De Wallen, lies in the city’s medieval old centre, about a 5-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal. It centres on the Oude Kerk and the Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal canals.

The Red Light District Amsterdam is in the oldest part of the city centre. The historic core of De Wallen sits around the Oude Kerk and the two old canals Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal. It is Amsterdam’s best-known red light district and one of three licensed window prostitution zones in the city.

The area is within easy walking distance of Amsterdam Central Station, Dam Square, Nieuwmarkt, and the Waag. That central location is a big reason why so many visitors include it in their Amsterdam itinerary.

How to Get to the Red Light District from Central Station

• Exit Amsterdam Centraal from the main front entrance.
• Walk toward Damrak and the old city centre.
• Head into the side streets toward Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal.
• Within a few minutes you will be in the historic core of Red Light District Amsterdam.

It is an easy walk, but the streets get crowded at night. Keep your phone secure and avoid stopping on narrow bridges or in front of windows. For a turn-by-turn route, see our full guide to Red Light District directions from Centraal Station.

Red Light District Amsterdam Map & Suggested Route

● Shows & museums you can book   ● Landmarks & sights · Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

A simple first visit is to walk a loop through the main canals rather than diving straight into the narrowest alleys. That gives you the best mix of architecture, atmosphere, and orientation.

1. Start at Centraal Station and walk into the old centre.
2. Follow Oudezijds Voorburgwal south for canal views and historic houses.
3. Pause near the Oude Kerk and Oudekerksplein.
4. Cross to Oudezijds Achterburgwal and continue along the water.
5. Finish near Nieuwmarkt for bars, food, or a break at the Waag.

Best route tip: late afternoon to early evening is often the sweet spot for first-time visitors — enough atmosphere, but usually less chaotic than the busiest late-night hours.

Rules & Etiquette in Red Light District Amsterdam

The Red Light District Amsterdam works best when visitors remember it is not an open-air theme park. People live here, work here, and move through these streets every day. Respect matters.

• Do not photograph or film sex workers or occupied windows.
• Keep moving; do not gather in big groups near windows or doorways.
• Keep voices low, especially late in the evening.
• Do not block bridges, alleys, or entrances.
• Follow all local signs on alcohol, smoking, and crowd rules.

Street cannabis smoking and street drinking are restricted in the Wallen area, and the city has stepped up enforcement to reduce nuisance in the historic centre. You can read the official visitor rules on the City of Amsterdam code-of-conduct page. For a deeper breakdown, see our guide to the 10 Red Light District rules.

Is the Red Light District Amsterdam Safe?

Generally, yes — especially on the main canals where there are lots of people, businesses, and lighting. The most common visitor problems are pickpocketing, distraction theft, and pushy offers, not serious crime. Keep your phone and wallet secure, stay on the main streets at night, and walk away from anything that feels off.

Solo travellers and women: De Wallen is one of the busiest, most-policed parts of Amsterdam, and walking through alone is normal day or night. Stick to the lit main canals if you feel unsure, and skip the emptiest dead-end alleys late at night.

• Keep your phone out of easy reach.
• Watch your bag in crowds.
• Ignore pushy street offers and unlicensed “guides”.
• Use licensed venues only.
• At night, stick to the main canals if you are unsure.

If you need help: emergency 112; Dutch police non-emergency 0900-8844.

How Window Prostitution Works in De Wallen

Sex work is legal and regulated in the Netherlands. In De Wallen, sex workers rent a window cabin and work as licensed, independent professionals — not under a pimp. The legal age to work is 21. A red or white light marks most windows; a blue light traditionally indicates a transgender sex worker. Curtains closed means occupied, and prices are agreed directly and privately before anything else.

Best Things to Do in Red Light District Amsterdam

The best version of a visit to the Red Light District Amsterdam is not just walking past windows. There is plenty to see here besides the nightlife itself.

• Oude Kerk – Amsterdam’s oldest church, right in the middle of the district
• Red Light Secrets – museum inside a former brothel
• Our Lord in the Attic – a hidden 17th-century church museum
• Nieuwmarkt & De Waag – ideal finish point for food and drinks
• Canal walks along Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Achterburgwal
• Condomerie – the world’s first specialist condom shop

After dark, the district’s adult entertainment draws the biggest crowds. The famous live sex shows in Amsterdam and Amsterdam strip clubs are minutes apart on Oudezijds Achterburgwal. The two best-known venues are Moulin Rouge and Casa Rosso, where it is worth booking tickets ahead on busy nights.

Popular tickets

What Does a Visit to the Red Light District Cost in 2026?

In 2026, expect to pay roughly €50 for a short window visit, €50 to €60 for a live sex show such as Moulin Rouge or Casa Rosso, €12 to €15 for a museum, and €6 to €8 for a beer. Walking through the area is free.

Walking through and soaking up the atmosphere of the Red Light District Amsterdam costs nothing. You only pay for what you choose to do:

• Window visit: from around €50 for a short visit (agreed directly with the worker)
• Live sex show: roughly €50 to €60 at Moulin Rouge or Casa Rosso
• Museums: about €12 to €15 (Red Light Secrets, Our Lord in the Attic)
• A beer in a bar: around €6 to €8

History of the Red Light District Amsterdam

De Wallen is one of Amsterdam’s oldest neighbourhoods, with roots going back to the 14th century. Its location beside the old harbour made it a natural meeting point for sailors, and a long-standing area of nightlife and adult commerce. The Oude Kerk, consecrated around 1306, still sits at its heart. Today Amsterdam has three window prostitution zones, with De Wallen the main and best-known one.

Best Time to Visit Red Light District Amsterdam

If you want the classic atmosphere, visit after dark. If you prefer to focus on the canals, architecture, and layout of the area, go during the day. For many first-time visitors, late afternoon into early evening offers the best balance.

• Daytime: calmer, easier to explore on foot, better for photos of streets and canals
• Evening: more atmospheric, busier, more nightlife energy
• Late night: liveliest, but also the most crowded and noisy

Staying close by makes an evening visit easy. See our pick of hotels near the Red Light District in Amsterdam’s centre.

Can You Take a Guided Tour in the Red Light District?

Not in the way many visitors assume. Amsterdam places strict rules on guided tours in the city centre. Group tours are heavily restricted and are no longer allowed to stop at or pass the prostitution windows. That is one reason self-guided options now make more sense than old-style walking tours in De Wallen.

The Best Way to Explore: Self-Guided Audio Tour

If you want context without joining a restricted group tour, our Amsterdam Audio Tours app is the easiest option. It lets you explore Red Light District Amsterdam at your own pace while learning the history, architecture, rules, and local stories behind De Wallen — a far better fit for today’s city-centre rules than a traditional live tour.

What Has Changed in 2026?

The big news: in June 2026, Amsterdam’s new city coalition dropped the long-debated plan for a single “Erotic Centre” outside the centre, after years of resident protests and stalled locations (NL Times). Instead, the city is now looking at smaller-scale measures to ease pressure on the historic centre.

So the Red Light District Amsterdam is staying put — but it keeps evolving. Recent years have brought stricter visitor measures, crowd management, smoking and drinking limits, and tighter tour rules, and you should expect the city to enforce respectful behaviour more actively than in the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

How we keep this page updated

We review this page whenever Amsterdam changes city-centre rules, visitor restrictions, or prostitution policy. Key points are checked against official City of Amsterdam pages and other authoritative local sources.

About Tours in Amsterdam

• Independent local publisher since 2010
• Content reviewed by our Editorial Team
• Focused on practical, respectful travel guidance
• We correct errors quickly via our contact form

Also read: 10 Amsterdam Red Light District Rules · Museum of Prostitution Amsterdam · Red Light District directions

The post Red Light District in Amsterdam: All You Need To Know in 2026 appeared first on Tours in Amsterdam.

Last updated: 2 January 2026

This page compiles the latest verified figures on Heineken’s revenue, net revenue, operating profit, global beer volume, and employees. All numbers are sourced from HEINEKEN’s FY2024 results and Annual Report. A short methodology and full sources are included below.

Heineken started as a small family-owned brewery in Amsterdam to one of the largest brewers in the world. In 1864, at the age of 22, Gerald Adriaan Heineken bought the Haystack brewery in Amsterdam. Despite his young age and inexperience in brewing, Heineken was armed with courage, self-confidence, and entrepreneurial spirit. 

Key 2024 Results (Heineken N.V.)

• Revenue (IFRS): €35,955 million (FY2024)
• Net revenue (IFRS): €29,821 million (FY2024)
• Operating profit (IFRS): €3,517 million (FY2024)
• Organic growth (beia): Net revenue +5.0%; Operating profit +8.3% (FY2024)
• Beer volume (organic): +1.6% in 2024
• Average employees: 88,497 FTE (2024)

Notes: HEINEKEN reports both IFRS and “beia” (before exceptional items and amortisation) metrics. 

Although the Dutch were brewing ale, brown, and porter, Heineken focused on brewing lager. Nine years down the line, he opened a second Heineken brewery in Rotterdam. With breweries in two major port cities, the Dutch beer market felt the brand’s presence. 

The company invested a lot in research, experiments, and implementing the latest beer technologies. This resulted in A-yeast and the production of Heineken pilsner, which had a unique pure character, taking the brewing world by storm and scooping awards.

After the Prohibition ban was lifted in the USA in 1933, Heineken became the first beer import to re-enter the country. It embraced the American art of advertising, and in four years, exports to the country grew by 600%. Today, it’s one of the most loved beers in America. Below are some essential Heineken revenue and production statistics you should know. 

Key Heineken Stats

• Heineken has 167 breweries in 70 countries worldwide, but it’s active in 190 countries.
• In 2020, the company produced 186 million barrels of beer, equivalent to 221.6 million hectolitres. Of these, 35milion (41.8mhcl) barrels were Heineken.
• The annual Heineken revenue amounts to 24 billion euros. 
• 88,497 employees work at Heineken worldwide.

Heineken Annual Revenue Growth 

The total company revenue worldwide amounted to 23.8 billion euros. That includes 11 billion euros from the European operating segment. This was a 16.11% decrease from 2019.

In 2019, Heineken had annual revenue growth of $26.845B, a 1.16% increase from 2018.

In 2018, Heineken had annual revenue growth of 26.538%, a 7.27% increase from 2017.

Operational Review

In 2019, the net revenue per hectolitre grew in all regions based on geographic basics. As a result, the net income grew by 5.6% organically. This included a 3.3% net increase in revenue per hectolitre and a 2.2% increase in consolidated revenues. In the fourth quarter of the year, Heineken volume growth increased by 12.0%, closing the year by 8.3% growth, which was the highest growth rate in over a decade. 

The tables below will help you understand the operational growth based on regions.

The chart below shows Heineken’s annual growth since 2008

Heineken Breweries

Heineken sells over 300 brands in more than 190 countries worldwide. The company mainly brews ciders and beers, which include local and regional brands and international ones. As of 2019, the brewing company had more than 165 breweries span in over 70 countries worldwide, divided into four global regions.

Heineken AMEE (Africa, Middle East, and Eastern Europe)

Heineken imported its first beer in Africa in 1900, and today, it operates in 23 countries within the region. In 2019, the company earned net revenue of 3.370million euros and an operating profit of 408m euros. In the same year, the company produced a total beer volume of 43.7mhl in the region.

Source: Heineken

Americas

Heineken has an extensive portfolio of craft beers in North America. It had net revenue of 7.49m euros and operating revenue of 1.204m euros. That amounted to 29.1% profit. They produced a total of 85.6mhl of beer in the region. 

Source: Heineken

Asia Pacific

The company is experiencing exponential growth in the region. There are 26 production facilities in the area. Of these are:

• 23 are breweries
• One water plant
• One cider plant, and 
• One soft drink plant

As of 2019, it had net revenue of 3.205m euros and an operating profit of 1.085m euros. They produce a total of 31.1mhl of beer in the region. 

Source: Heineken

Europe

Heineken is the leading beer brand in Europe. In 2019, the company started with net revenue of 10.629m euros and had an operating profit of 1.436m euros. They produced a total beer volume of 81.0mhl in the region.

Source: Heineken

How Many People Work at Heineken

As of 2020, Heineken has 84,000 employees, a 1.18% decrease from 2019, when they had 85,000. The table below shows the annual worldwide employee count from 2015 to 2020.

In 2024, Heineken employed about 88,497 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees worldwide. This figure comes from the company’s 2024 full-year results, which show a slight decrease from the previous year.

Here’s an table showing the Heineken employee count since 2015:

Salaries

The average compensation at Heineken for an entry-level job is $28,000, $53,000 for a junior manager, $59,000 for a manager, and $114,000 for a senior manager. 

Sources: Heineken, Macrotrends, emolument

Above are the key figures about Heineken revenue and production statistics. Hopefully, the information is useful in helping you understand Heineken growth history. 

How Many Calories Are in a Pint of Heineken Beer?

A pint of Heineken beer contains around 300 calories. The average person needs around 2,000 calories per day to stay healthy. If you drink a pint of Heineken every day, you would be consuming around 600 extra calories each week.

If you want to lose weight, you should try to cut down on the amount of alcohol you consume. Alcohol has been linked to obesity and other health problems.

ALSO DISCOVER:

History of Alcohol in the Netherlands

Amsterdam App

Red Light District Amsterdam

The post Heineken Statistics: Revenue, Breweries, Employees | 2008-2025 appeared first on Tours in Amsterdam.

Are you not completely satisfied with your sex life? Finding the ultimate sex toy is quite a challenge. All those functions, different prices and different sizes make it really difficult to choose. Where do you start?

We have listed the best sex toys for you. As far as we’re concerned, these gems are the best at their job: giving you a spectacular orgasm.

There’s no shortage of sex toys available on the market these days, but Holland is home to some of the best. From high-end luxury products to budget-friendly options, there’s something for everyone. And with so many different types of sex toys to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one for you.

Whether you’re looking for a vibrator, dildo, or something else entirely, you’ll be able to find it in Holland. So if you’re in the market for a new sex toy, be sure to check out the selection from Holland. You won’t be disappointed.

What is the difference between a dildo and a vibrator?

Dildo

A dildo is very straight forward (literally, that is) a toy in the shape of a penis. You have them in different types, sizes, colors and materials, you can think of it as crazy as they are there! Think of different skin colors, with or without balls, of glass or rubber and of course from modestly small to ehh… intimidatingly large?

Vibrator

Vibrators are similar to dildos, only they have one important difference: vibrators vibrate. This can be done in different modes, from very soft to (extremely) hard, but also from constant to pulsating and everything in between.

Who invented the vibrator?

The vibrator has been around since 1869. Invented by American physician George Taylor, it served as a medical device to help hysterical women. The steam-powered device was used by doctors to massage a woman until she had an orgasm.

Best Sex Toys In Holland

1 | LELO Air Pressure Vibrator

This clitoral stimulator uses special sound waves that fully stimulate sensitive parts and everything around it. It has a total of eight positions that can be operated with the push buttons on the handle. Fun to use yourself, but maybe even more fun to enjoy together.

2 | Oh my rabbit vibrator

The best of both worlds. The Fifty Shades Darker oh my rabbit vibrator provides precise clitoral stimulation combined with penetration. With 8 different waves and pulsations and 12 levels of intensity, the possibilities are endless.

Bonus: your G-spot will thank the slightly curved top.

3 | Vibrating egg

Does this look familiar to you? This is not very crazy. This sex toy became known through the movie Fifty Shades of Grey. This vibrating egg has ten vibration speeds that you can control with the remote control – which works up to 20 meters away!

In addition, it is waterproof, so you can let your partner go crazy wherever you are and whenever you want.

4 | Satisfyer Pro 2 Next Gen Couples Package

Still looking for a good sex toy? This pack contains the wildly popular Satisfyer Pro 2, playful dice, a cock ring and a bottle of lubricant. The perfect package for an exciting evening.

5 | We-Vibe Unite

Good sex is all about intuition, movement and experimentation until you find just the right touch to surrender to. And with that conviction they made the chorus. Believe us: this is the crème de la crème among couples vibrators.

This vibrator provides hands-free stimulation on both sides. With ten different vibration modes, this We-Vibe Unite provides a more intense climax for both you and your partner.

6 | Eva Queen Pro Air Pressure Vibrator

This silent vibrator brings pleasure to you and your partner. With the twelve different positions you will have an unforgettable time without a doubt.

7 | Rozie Vibrating Cock Ring

This toy stimulates both you and your partner and provides extra fun between the sheets for both of you. Another plus is that the ring is completely silent. What else do you want?

8 | Satisfyer Multifun couple vibrator

You can use this couple vibrator in at least fourteen different ways, alone, but also together with your partner. With ten different modes and three different engines, you can make more than 100 different combinations. In addition, this Satisfyer is waterproof, USB rechargeable, body safe and easy to clean.

9 | Pleasurelab Moonshake stimulation package

This package contains a Pleasurelab Moonshake Massager: you can use this for a massage, but also for during sex. In addition, you also receive the corresponding attachments in this package. This turns the massager into a partner vibrator. So there are plenty of opportunities to have a good time.

10 | Teazers Couple Vibrator

Looking for something fun that will stimulate both you and your partner? This multifunctional toy can be used on both ends. Win win!

Best Gay Sex Toys

The Netherlands is home to some of the best gay sex toys in the world. From vibrators and dildos to cock rings and prostate massagers, there is something for everyone.

The Dutch know a thing or two about pleasure, and they have used this knowledge to create some of the most innovative and effective gay sex toys on the market.

So whether you are looking for a new way to spice up your sex life or you simply want to explore your own sexuality, be sure to check out the gay sex toys that the Netherlands has to offer. You won’t be disappointed.

1 | Flechjack

Fleshjack’s masturbators are specially designed for gay men. Each Fleshjack has a penetrable sleeve with an opening designed after the openings of several famous (gay) porn stars. There is a wide choice of replicas of, for example, the ass, anus or mouth. Each Fleshjack has a structure that has been selected and/or composed by the model itself and is therefore always unique.

As with the original Fleshlights, the stimulating sleeves are hidden in a housing that resembles a regular flashlight. As a result, the Fleshjack is not recognizable from the outside as a sex toy and no one will find out that you have a toy at home!

“Every Fleshjack is a replica of a famous (gay) pornstar.”

2 | Home Ace Prostate Vibrator

Do you want to (further) discover prostate stimulation? With a prostate stimulator – also called a prostate vibrator – you stimulate the pleasure nodule of the man simply and effectively; the prostate. Prostate stimulators can be recognized by a thick, spherical head and a slight curvature in the shaft!

Due to this curvature, the toy automatically moves towards the prostate with its spherical head when inserted, which presses lightly against the prostate gland. Precisely because of this, the prostate is stimulated! By moving the toy back and forth slowly or faster, you stimulate the prostate even more during use.

Benefits Prostate Sex Toy

A prostate massage also has many health benefits. By massaging the prostate regularly, there is a chance that you can prevent prostate complaints. Bacteria can build up in the prostate if the prostate fluid is not released regularly.

Because this happens, complaints can arise in men, for example a burning sensation during urination. By massaging the prostate or perineum with a prostate stimulator, for example, you rinse the prostate clean, as it were, so that it remains in good and healthy condition.

3 | Cockring

A cock ring is slid around the penis and in some cases also around the balls, but then we often talk about a ball stretcher or testicle spreaders. This allows you as a man to maintain your erection for longer, resulting in a firm and long-lasting erection!

Cock rings are also useful when you sometimes have trouble maintaining your erection, but also nice for your partner. But of course you can also just wear the cock ring to make sex last longer, without experiencing or getting any physical discomfort. After all, he can enjoy your firm erection for longer!

Planning to explore Amsterdam’s best sex toys while you’re in town? Pair your shopping with real-world connection by planning a respectful, consent-forward gay sex date in the city’s LGBTQ+ friendly venues. Use the toy guide to pick body-safe materials, match lube types (silicone vs. water-based), and choose travel-sized options; then use the date resource to find inclusive spaces, learn local etiquette, and set boundaries.

Together, these tips help you prep a fun, well-communicated night out—complete with the right gear and safer-sex planning.

4 | Buttplug

A butt plug is another toy for anal insertion. Butt plugs have a wide end that closes the anus during use. When the butt plug is inserted, it stays there too, leaving you with both hands to do whatever you want!

Just like dildos, butt plugs also come in different sizes, so you can always find the right fit. Unlike dildos, butt plugs have a smaller insertion depth, so these toys are also suitable for beginners in the field of anal stimulation. As a beginner, you might want to start with butt plug sets to get used to the feel and size of them.

Where To Buy Sex Toys in Holland?

There’s no need to be embarrassed about buying sex toys in Holland – they’re sold openly in many shops and there’s a wide range available to suit all needs and budgets. If you’re not sure where to start, try one of the popular chain stores such as Tweka or Beate Uhse.

These stores have a good selection of products and knowledgeable staff who can offer advice and guidance. Prices vary depending on the type of product, but you can expect to pay around EUR 20 for a basic vibrator and up to EUR 150 for a more advanced model. So whatever your budget, there’s sure to be a sex toy to suit you in Holland!

What should you pay attention to when buying sex toys?

5 things to look out for when buying a sex toy!

Who will use it?

The first question to ask yourself is: for who is the sex toy? Are you planning to basically only use it yourself? Or is there perhaps a partner involved? Or, is it a gift?

If you do not only buy the vibrator for yourself, it is good to involve your loved one in the purchase, because he or she may also have certain preferences. In addition, it may be that you operate it yourself or your partner, and that also causes differences in choices. He might be interested in a prostate vibrator. go for it!

Where do you want to use sex toys?

The next question is where you want to use it. And we are not talking about the place on the body, but the room in which you want to use the vibrator. If you want to use a sex toy in the shower or in the pool, it must of course be waterproof.

What is your budget for sex toys?

Perhaps the most important question: what should it cost? Vibrators are available in all price categories, ranging from a few to hundreds of euros.

More expensive does not always mean better, but what you can generally assume is that the ones between 60 and 150 euros have a more powerful engine and last longer than those between 10 and 30 euros. In addition, the material is often finer, the design is less flat and the various options are larger.

This does not mean that there are no good sex toys for a proper price. It completely depends on what you want and can spend. We recommend that you start with a cheaper model and later expand to a more expensive version. Then you know better what you like and don’t like.

What do you like?

It is also important to take into account what exactly you like and how you want to use it. Only internally, also clitorally, or maybe anal? And how important do you think different positions are?

When you have chosen a sex toy, it is also good to know that most webshops send their package in discreet packaging. That way your neighbors don’t have to see what you’ve spoiled yourself with (when you aren’t home).

Can vibrators be used during pregnancy?

Yes! If you are pregnant in a healthy way and your midwife/doctor has not told you not to have intercourse, a vibrator can do no harm.

If you’re using it to penetrate, don’t be too rough and don’t push too deeply. Always make sure your vibrator is clean.

Black Friday

If you’re looking for sex toys, Holland is the place to be. The Dutch are known for their liberal attitude towards sex, and this extends to their sex toy industry. There are plenty of sex shops in Holland, and they’re usually well-stocked with a wide range of products.

And if you’re looking for a bargain, Black Friday is the perfect time to buy sex toys in Holland. Many shops offer discounts of up to 50% on sex toys, so it’s a great time to stock up. So if you’re in the market for sex toys, Holland is definitely the place to be.

Tip for using sex toys

For dildos, vibrators and actually all sex toys, warming up is key. So don’t just put that thing inside, but warm up the area around the vagina and/or anus first. And for convenience, also indicate this to your partner if you use it together 😉

Foreplay

Warming up can be done in different ways, from kissing and gently massaging to fingering, eating pussy or banging. The important thing is that you and your partner are excited enough and feel completely ready. Especially when it comes to a first (or second, or third…) time. And remember: nothing has to be done, everything is allowed.

Tip: do you find it a bit exciting or do you just want to be on the safe side? Then use lubricant.

Cleaning Sex Toys

Not keeping sex toys clean can lead to infections. The better you keep the sex toys clean, the better for you and your sex toy.

How often do you clean sex toys?

You should clean it after every use. Most people don’t. Or worse: people put the sex toy in a bathroom cabinet between the dust nests and the stray (dog) hair. And that’s all going to sit on those toys.

How to clean sex toys?

Clean your sex toy with a bit of soap and warm water.

It is important to know what your sex toy is made of before cleaning: Porous, or non-porous material.

• Non-porous materials are: silicone, metal or glass and they are usually easy to clean.
• Porous materials are jelly or elastomer.

If you have a toy made of non-porous materials, you can also boil them for three to five minutes, then you can be sure that all the bacteria are gone. But this does not apply if your toy runs on batteries or electricity. Some non-porous sex toys can also be washed in the dishwasher.

Extra Cleaning tips:

• Read the package leaflet, because it is often described there how to clean it.
• Make sure that it is completely dry before you use it again or store it again, otherwise you may soon have to deal with mold.

Toy Cleaners

There are good toy cleaners with natural ingredients on the market. A good sex toy cleaner is Intimate Earth, which contains guava bark. That is antibacterial but also purely natural, so better for the vagina.

Do prostitutes in Amsterdam use sex toys?

Yes, they do. Escorts, window prostitutes, webcam sex workers use sex toys to fulfill the needs of their clients. Not all sex workers in The Netherlands use these because not all like to work with sex toys.

Discreet Delivery & Tracking Tips

When browsing the guide on the best sex toys shared by this blog post — from clitoral stimulators to couples’ kits — it’s just as important to keep an eye on the package arriving at your door. That’s why using the best parcel tracking app becomes a smart move: you’ll know exactly when your discreetly‑shipped purchase is scheduled to land, avoid surprises, and ensure your package is received with privacy and confidence. With delivery updates and easy tracking at your fingertips, you pair your pick of quality pleasure items with reliable logistics.
In short: pick your toy, then pick the right tracking tool — the combo helps you stay in control from “add to cart” to arrival.

Sex Toys Conclusion

So, if you’re still on the fence about picking up a sex toy, we hope this article has helped sway your opinion. Sex toys can provide an exciting and adventurous sex life, as well as some much-needed relaxation.

They can also create unforgettable memories with your partner that will last long after the novelty of the toy has worn off. If you’re looking for something new to spice up your bedroom routine, or just want to add a little more excitement into your life, investing in a good quality sex toy is definitely worth considering.

And don’t worry – there’s no need to be ashamed! Millions of people around the world use them without any issue, so you can rest assured that.

ALSO DISCOVER:

Top Sex Dating Apps In Holland

Amsterdam Red Light District Online Guide

10 Sex Shows In Amsterdam

The post The 14 Most Pleasant Sex Toys For Spectacular Orgasms appeared first on Tours in Amsterdam.

This overview contains 10 interesting drugs facts from the Netherlands that reflect the liberal Dutch drug policy. Alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, magic truffles and other things are part of this sheet with drugs facts, statistics and sources.

1 | Number of Coffeeshops in Amsterdam: 164

People often ask: How many coffeeshops are in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has currently 164 coffeeshops. In the Netherlands, coffeeshops are businesses where the sale of cannabis for personal consumption by the public is tolerated by the Dutch authorities.

In Amsterdam, coffee shops are well-known for selling weed. Customers can purchase weed in the form of hash, weed grinders, and edibles. The coffee shops also typically sell clothing and other items with weed-themed designs. In addition to weed, coffee shops also sell food and drinks. While some coffee shops only sell non-alcoholic beverages, others also sell beer and wine. All of the coffee shops in Amsterdam are required to post signs that indicate that smoking weed is only allowed inside the coffee shop.

The number of coffeeshops in Amsterdam has drastically decreased. In 1993 there were more than 400 coffeeshops in Amsterdam. This decreased from 283 in the year 2000, from 222 coffeeshops in 2011, to 174 at the end of 2015 (a decrease of 39% ). At present there are 164 coffeeshops in Holland’s capital. (Source)

In the Netherlands it is illegal to grow cannabis for (commercial) sale. It’s only allowed to have a maximum of 5 cannabis plants for own use. Because of this Dutch opium law, coffeeshop owners in the Netherlands are forced to buy their cannabis illegally from criminals.

2 | Low Cannabis Use In The Netherlands

With cannabis easily available a lot of people expect that the Dutch are heavy cannabis users. But research from 2016 by Holland’s most preeminent drug addiction treatment authority showed that 1,6% of the Dutch population smoke on a daily basis.

This around 270,000 persons on a population of around 17.2 million. 4,1% indicated that they had used cannabis in the last month. Overall 23,7% of the Dutch have used cannabis at least once in their life. (Source)

3 | The Netherlands Is Biggest XTC Producer In The World

The Netherlands holds the global top spot when it comes to the production of XTC. In 2017, research estimated that a total of 1 billion XTC pills were produced each year in the Netherlands. In total Dutch criminals produced at least € 18.9 billion of ecstasy and amphetamines in 2017 (Holland’s defence budget is around € 11 billion). (Source)

This position can be explained by, among other things, the great location and infrastructure of the Netherlands. The Dutch tolerant attitude towards the use and production of synthetic drugs also plays a major role. There currently is a shortage of detectives, as a result the chances of getting caught are small. And the penalties for drug crimes are relatively low in the Netherlands.

Drug Prices in the Netherlands

The production cost of a single XTC pill is around 0,20 euro cents in the Netherlands. One XTC pill can easily bring in around 25,- euros in Australia. You can get XTC comparatively cheap in Amsterdam. In the Netherlands, the average market price is 4 Euro for a high quality XTC pill. (Source)

4 | There Are 31 Drug Testing Centers In The Netherlands

In the Netherlands there are 31 drug testing centers where people can get their illegal drugs tested. Most of these drug testing centers are located in the major cities in the country. Amsterdam has a few. These legal businesses test the content of illegal drugs (XTC/MDMA, amphetamines, cocaine, LSD etc.) and it’s 100% legal.

These drug tests + advice cost around 2,5 euro per test. These organisations share their knowledge, the content of the drugs, the effects and risks.

Harm Reduction Model

The use of drugs is not without risks. It is therefore good to inform yourself about the effects and health risks of a substance. Fortunately that is possible in the Netherlands. Therefore it is recommended you always gets the drugs tested so that you know what and how much is in it.

This is the Dutch approach on informing people about drugs: harm-reduction. In Amsterdam there are two official drug test labs called GGD and Jellinek. These drug testing centers are mostly visited by locals. For 2,50 euro per drug sample one can get illegal drugs tested legally in Amsterdam. In other Dutch cities – Hilversum, Amersfoort and Utrecht – these drug testing services are even free. (Source)

XTC pills can sometimes be recognised on the spot in the drugs-database of GGD/Jellinek. In that case one immediately gets a test result. Unrecognised XTC pills and all other types of drugs must be sent for a lab analysis.

5 | Free Addiction Treatment Programs In The Netherlands

Addiction care falls under everyone’s health insurance policy in the Netherlands. If one need help getting rid of any addiction, the costs will be fully reimbursed by Dutch health insurers. This also applies to clinic admissions.

A large part of the treatments at Holland’s largest and most known institute for addiction care – Jellinek – are based on cognitive behavioural therapy. One can also follow treatments based on the Minnesota-model. Jellinek offers all types of addiction treatments; alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, gaming, gambling, tobacco, sex, etcetera. All are fully reimbursed by Dutch health insurers.

There are even (Dutch) addiction-clinics in South Africa that are also fully reimbursed by Dutch insurance. A person only needs to pay its deductible amount – usually between 300 and 450 euro. (Source)

6 | Low Heroin Use In The Netherlands

According to a latest estimate in 2012, there are 14.000 problematic opiate users in the Netherlands. In addition to opiates, this group uses almost all also crack cocaine. In 2009, there were an estimated 3.023 problematic opiate users in Amsterdam.

At the start of the 1970’s there were 0 heroin addicts in the Netherlands, in 1980 there were 10,000 heroin addicts in Amsterdam alone and 30,000 in the Netherlands. A true public health crisis!

Most heroin addicts in the Netherlands use a method whereby heroin is burned on aluminum foil and the vapour is inhaled. The heroin users who inject the drugs is 30% in the Netherlands. (Source)

7 | Alcohol Consumption In The Netherlands

Alcohol is also a drug and should therefore be mentioned in this sheet with 10 drugs facts.

In 2017, 79,5% of all Dutch adults had drunk alcohol in the past year. That’s 11 million people. In the general population (15 years and older), the Netherlands is one of the EU member states where the least liters of alcohol per head are consumed. Alcohol consumption is more common among the highly educated than among the lower educated. 88.4% of highly educated Dutch people say they sometimes drink alcohol, compared to 67.3% of those with a low educational level. (Source)

Research done in between 2007 – 2009 showed that the Netherlands had almost 400.000 alcohol abusers and 82.400 alcohol addicts. In 2015 a total of 29.374 people were registered with addiction care in the Netherlands, with alcohol consumption being the primary problem. (Source)

9 | High Cocaine Use In The Netherlands

In 2017, approximately 1.8% of the Dutch population aged 18 and older had used cocaine in the past year. Approximately 250,000 people. This percentage is only higher in the United states, United kingdom and Australia. (Source)

The percentage Dutch that had ever used cocaine rose from 5.2% in 2017 to 5.62% in 2018. The number of young users at festivals and in clubs is increasing. However, the number of problem users is decreasing. Daily cocaine consumption in the Netherlands amounts to around 8-10 kg per day. Amsterdam alone takes up 4 kg of that. (Source)

Dutch Cocaine Factory

From 1870 till 1919 cocaine was legal in the Netherlands. In the 1910’s the Netherlands was actually a global market leader in the production of cocaine. The Dutch Cocaine Factory was located in the South-West of Amsterdam and people could even invest in this cocaine factory via stocks. Even though cocaine became an illegal substance in 1919 due to the Dutch Opium Law, it could still be produced for export and medical purposes. In the early 1920’s the Dutch Cocaine Factory produced 20% of the world’s cocaine. (Source)

Learn more about the Dutch Cocaine Factory and get many interesting drugs facts during our exciting Amsterdam Drugs Tour.

10 | Drug Smuggling In The Netherlands

A lot of drugs is smuggled into and from the Netherlands. In 2019, the amount of seized cocaine in the port of Rotterdam doubled. 38,000 kilos cocaine was intercepted in 2019, compared to 19,000 kilos in 2018. A 100% increase! In the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp combined a record amount of almost 100,000 kilos of cocaine was intercepted. In 2018 the total was 74,000 kilos. Almost all cocaine that enters via Belgium’s harbours is first transported to the Netherlands before being distributed to Europe. (Source)

It’s estimated that only 10% of the drugs that enter the Netherlands are actually consumed here. The vast majority goes to the rest of Europe.

Amsterdam Drugs Tour

Hear more drugs facts during our super interesting audio tour called: Amsterdam Audio Stories. Learn everything you should know about the Red Light District, drugs, history and the liberal Dutch culture.

ALSO READ:

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What Drugs Are Legal in Amsterdam?

Strictly speaking, no recreational drugs are fully legal in the Netherlands — the country runs a tolerance policy known as gedoogbeleid. Cannabis is decriminalised and sold openly in licensed coffeeshops (up to 5 grams per person), and magic truffles are legal to buy. Hard drugs such as cocaine, MDMA, ecstasy, heroin and magic mushrooms remain illegal, and street use is increasingly restricted, including in the Red Light District.

The post 10 Jaw-Dropping Drugs Facts From The Netherlands You Didn’t Know appeared first on Tours in Amsterdam.

Just Eat Takeaway.com was created at the start of 2020 when two of the worlds leading food delivery services: the Dutch company, Just Eat, and the Danish company, Takeaway.com, merged.  

Together, Just Eat Takeaway.com became one of the most popular online food delivery companies, servicing a global marketplace that links its 98 million active consumers with over 580,000 local restaurants via their user-friendly platform.

The company operates in 25 countries, some of which include the Unit­ed States (US), the Unit­ed King­dom (UK), Cana­da, the Nether­lands, Ger­many, France, Italy, Switzerland, Por­tu­gal, Spain, Israel, Aus­tralia, and New Zealand, as well as part­ner­ships in South America, including Brazil and Colombia.

Just Eat Takeaway’s 2021 gross transaction value (GTV) for orders was $32.1 billion, up 31% compared with 2020.

The company is listed on Nasdaq, the London Stock Exchange, and Euronext Amsterdam (NASDAQ: GRUB, LSE: JET, AMS: TKWY). However, Just Eat Takeaway recently reported they will be delisted from Nasdaq in 2022 “to reduce complexity and costs.”

The major shareholders of the food delivery company with 3% or more of holdings include the following:

Read on to discover more of the latest statistics on Just Eat Takeaway (JET). You can find a breakdown of the following categories below:

How Was Just Eat Takeaway Created?

Pizzas play an important role in the creation of Just Eat. Jitse Groen was hungry during a family party in the northern part of North Holland in 1999, but it soon became apparent that the pizza he wanted to order could not be delivered to his temporary address.

This gave the Business Information Technology student at the University of Twente an idea: to create a website with as many restaurants as possible for ordering food online. Jitse Groen registered the domain name Thuisbezorgd.nl and bought a handbook for novice programmers.

JET Usage Statistics

• JET completed over 1.1 billion orders in the last 12 months, worth $32.1 billion in gross transaction value (GTV) for orders in 2021. 
• The company reported a 33% increase in orders, and a 31% increase in GTV compared with 2020, reassuring its financial forecasts for 2022. 
• JET cooperates with over 580 thousand restaurants serving over 98 million consumers. 

JET Stock Price

Learn more about the current company value by checking the stock price on Google Finance.

Why is Just Eat Takeaway stock falling?

There are a few potential reasons for why Just Eat Takeaway stock is falling. One possibility is that investors are worried about the company’s ability to continue growing at its current pace.

JET has been one of the fastest-growing companies in the food delivery space, but there are concerns that the market is becoming saturated and that Just Eat Takeaway will not be able to maintain its high growth rate.

Another possibility is that investors are concerned about the company’s ability to compete with larger rivals such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo. Just Eat Takeaway does not have the same scale or brand recognition as its larger rivals, and it faces an uphill battle in terms of competing for market share.

Finally, it is also possible that investor confidence has been shaken by recent news reports which have raised questions about the company’s business practices.

JET has been accused of using aggressive marketing tactics and delivering substandard customer service, and these allegations could damage the company’s reputation and deter customers from using its services.

JET Global Markets 

JustEatTakeaway.com is currently the most dominant food delivery company outside China. It operates in 25 countries, with its leading market being the UK. The company operates in:

The company also has developing part­ner­ships in Colombia and Brazil.

Source: Just Eat Takeaway.

JET Customers & Demographic 

JET has 98 million users as of June 2021. Its most significant age demographic is 18-34 year-olds, and on average young families make up most of the orders. 

Source: Business of Apps.

JET Restaurants 

The food delivery company has over 580 thousand affiliate restaurants across 25 countries, with new merchants applying consistently. 

Source: Just Eat Takeaway. 

JET Delivery Couriers

The company’s couriers can choose between flexible or stable contracts. Their hourly wage varies depending on the country of employment; however, it is usually above minimum wage. In addition to the courier’s salary, they may receive tips from customers, and the brand offers social benefits and bonuses. 

There is no available data regarding the exact number of global JET couriers. 

Source: Just Eat Takeaway.

JET Total Orders

The company processed 274 million orders in Q1 of 2021, representing a 14% increase compared with the same period of 2020.

At the end of 2021, JET processed 1.1 billion orders, a 33% increase compared to the previous year. 

Source: Just Eat Takeaway, 

JET Marketplace GTV

The company’s gross transaction value for the orders was $32.1 billion in 2021, making a 31% increase compared with 2020.

Source: Just Eat Takeaway.

JET Market Share in the UK

According to Edison Trends, JET dominates the UK food delivery service market with 45% of its market share. Among the top food delivery companies in the country are UberEats with 26%, and Deliveroo with 27%, which share the remaining market share. 

Source: Edison Trends.

JET Market Share in the US 

In 2021, JET acquired the US-based Grubhub for $7.5 billion. Grubhub is a rival to the US market’s top food delivery company, DoorDash.

According to Edison Trends, DoorDash holds over 50% of the US market share while Grubhub has only 17%. However, the company is optimistic about its growth potential in the country. 

Source: Fortune.

JET Total Revenue

In 2020 Just Eat Takeway.com made a total revenue of $2.7 billion, a 54% increase compared with $1.8 billion in 2019. 2020’s numbers went up 33% for the company in 2021 with a total revenue of $5.8 billion.

A breakdown of the company’s sales per term are as follows:

Despite their competitively low fees, the company’s introduction of delivery fees comprised 11% of Just Eat Takeaway’s total revenue in 2020. 

Other drivers of their revenue increase were the merge of Takeaway.com with Just Eat, the increase in orders, significant growth in Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands, and the expansion of delivery fees to other European markets in 2020. 

Source: Just Eat Takeaway.

JET Head Office Expenses

Head office expenses include non-allocated expenses and major operating expenses, i.e., staff costs, and global support teams, such as legal, finance, human resources, board, and more. 

The brand’s head office expenses increased from $136 million in 2019 to $187 million in 2020. The main drivers of the increase were investments the company made to expand their global teams to support the brand’s growth and implement business efficiency. 

Source: Just Eat Takeaway.

JET Employees

In 2021 the food delivery company had 15,000 employees across 25 countries worldwide, an increase from 5,423 employees in 2020. 

In December 2021 Jitse Groen – CEO of Just Eat Takeaway said:

It is very satisfying to set up a company with 20,000 employees. I think you can compare it to working on the railways in the nineteenth century. You can say later: I was there when we only had 200 kilometers of track, or when that one locomotive arrived. That’s the way you have to see it, now is that time.

Jitse Groen. Source: FD on 25 December 2021.

Source: LinkedIn, Forbes. 

JET CEO Jitse Groen

Jitse Groen is a Dutch entrepreneur who founded Just Eat Takeaway (known as Thuisbezorgd.nl in The Netherlands) in 1999. The idea of Thuisbezorgd.nl came to mind during a family gathering in 1999. He tried to order Chinese online, but was unsuccessful. He saw a gap in the market and registered at the Chamber of Commerce.

Jitse Groen Quotes

Our biggest expense is marketing.

Source: Podcast Fast Moving Targets | 2015.

Every year I get promoted to a company that is 50% bigger.

Source: Podcast Fast Moving Targets | 2015.

Those 500 men (staff) are on average 29 years old. So actually it’s a big miracle that it’s going so well.

Source: Podcast Fast Moving Targets | 2015.

Our biggest competitor is still the telephone.

Source: Podcast Fast Moving Targets | 2015.

I’m always glad I didn’t start a screw website. Then it might have become a little less successful.

Source: Podcast Fast Moving Targets | 2015.

If I had not had a student grant, Thuisbezorgd.nl would no longer exist.

Source: Manners Magazine | 2021.

The first seven hundred restaurants I really had to beg to be on my website.

Source: Manners Magazine | 2021.

I think we spent about 100 times more in Germany than I ever thought we could have spent there.

Source: Podcast Fast Moving Targets | 2015.

If I was doing it for the money, I would have sold when the company was worth 10 million.

Source: Interview Quote | 2020

Acquisitions by Jitse Groen

• Bistro.sk
• Grubhub (Founder Matt Maloney, now Member of the Management Board)
• Just Eat
• Pizza.de
• Foodora (from Delivery Hero)
• 10bis.co.il
• BGMenu.com
• Oliviera.ro
• Foodarena.ch
• Pizza.pt
• Justeat.be
• Just-eat.nl
• Food-express.com
• Tantebep.nl
• Resto-in.be / Resto-in.de
• Lieferando.de (Founder Jörg Gerbig founded, now COO)
• Pyszne.pl (Co-Founder Arkadiusz Krupicz, now Country Manager and Piotr Czajkowski, now Director Program Management)

Source: Podcast Jong Beleggen

Cat Rock

Cat Rock Capital Management is an investment firm that focuses on delivering strong returns for its investors. The firm was founded in 2013 by hedge fund veteran Adam Wyden, and it has since become one of the most successful cat-themed investment firms in the world.

Cat Rock’s investments are primarily focused on the public equity markets, and the firm has a strong track record of delivering outsized returns. In addition to its investment expertise, Cat Rock is also known for its unique culture and approach to business.

The firm is headquartered in New York City, and it has a team of more than 30 professionals.

Conclusion 

The Just Eat Takeaway Brand has various partnerships and services in the works. One of its main focuses is to continue developing its Takeaway Pay service worldwide, which allows businesses to provide their employees with meal stipends or discount cards for ordering lunch from the wide variety of restaurants that affiliate with them. This service has been massively adopted and successful in its Israeli market. 

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The post How Many People Use Just Eat Takeaway in 2026? appeared first on Tours in Amsterdam.

Why is prison escape not a crime in the Netherlands?

Two Dutch prisoners escaped a prison in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, on Tuesday 21 June 2022. Convicts with a so-called terbeschikkingstelling – TBS – sentence are in this correctional facility. TBS can be translated to the discretion of the state. Also known as under the Dutch Entrustment Act.

It is primarily a security measure that the courts can impose to protect society if a person has committed a crime while suffering from “defective development or morbid disorder of his mental faculties” and there is a fear of recurrence. For example, there may be a personality disorder or psychosis.

They will not receive an additional penalty for this prison escape alone. Escaping from a prison or closed institution is not punishable in The Netherlands. Here you can read how that works.

Lawyer Explains Dutch Laws

Dutch researchers and lawyers assume that people’s natural urge for freedom cannot be suppressed. “Everyone strives for the right to freedom“, criminal lawyer Desiree de Jonge van Cleerdin & Hamer lawyers explains to the Dutch news site NU.nl.

According to lawyer De Jonge, it is unreasonable to criminalise prison escape.

The Dutch criminal lawyer makes a comparison with the right to remain silent that suspects have. “It is also not mandatory to, by talking, contribute to your own punishment.” If you don’t take advantage of an opportunity to escape, you are in effect contributing to your own punishment.

Consequences Legal Prison Escape

Making prison escape a criminal offense will probably not lead to fewer escape attempts. In 2019, the Dutch cabinet had the option of making escape a criminal offense to be investigated by the University of Amsterdam.

The researchers argue that punishment has no clear added value. Moreover, according to them, the number of escapes in the Netherlands is limited.

Number Of Prison Escapes in Holland

Between 2010 and 2015, there were about 10 attempted prison escapes per year in the Netherlands, of which almost three quarters failed.

Prison Sentence For Mentally Disordered Offenders

A Dutch prison specially equipped for so-called TBS sentences is also a form of deprivation of liberty, escaping from this is also not punishable. “The government already has all the power in its hands, because they can detain you,” says Dutch lawyer De Jonge.

“If guards aren’t paying attention and leave a door open, it would be inhumane to punish you for walking out. Anyone would do that.“

Assisting Prison Escape Is Punishable

Providing help with an escape attempt is punishable in the Netherlands. De Jonge gives one of her clients as an example. The man was suspected of aiding in a failed prison escape attempt with a helicopter from the Dutch prison in Roermond in 2017.

During the attempt, the police shot and killed one of the suspects. De Jonge’s client was sentenced to years in prison.

Criminal Offenses During Escape

Criminal offenses that you commit during a prison break in the Netherlands also simply result in punishment. In practice, it almost never happens that you walk outside unhindered. During a prison break you almost always do something that is not allowed.

“A prison is of course built to make escape as difficult as possible,” explains lawyer De Jonge. “If you force a door or take a guard hostage in order to escape, you are committing a criminal offense. punishment for.“

Cutting an ankle bracelet is also a criminal offence. That is seen as destruction. Your sentence will not be extended, but may be increased after a capture attempt.

Prison Escape Example

A prisoner who tried to escape from a prison in Veenhuizen in 2019 had to spend two weeks of his remaining sentence in solitary. He also lost the chance to be released from prison due to his escape attempt.

Prisoners who try to escape also run the risk of being transferred to the Extra Secure Institution (EBI) in the Netherlands. Leaves and other privileges are then revoked.

It is still unknown what the consequences are for the TBS-prisoners who escaped in The Netherlands in June 2022. We do not yet know whether they committed any criminal offenses during their escape. A fence has been destroyed, but it is not yet known who exactly did it.

How many prisons are there in the Netherlands 2021?

There are 26 prisons in the Netherlands. This is apparent from the infographics of the Dutch Department of Judicial Institutions from 2021.

How many crimes in Amsterdam?

In 2021, 63,531 crimes were recorded by the police in the municipality of Amsterdam. The number of crimes in Amsterdam has fallen considerably in recent years. In 2012, there were still 97,727 crimes committed in the Dutch capital. This is shown by research from AlleCijfers.nl

ALSO DISCOVER:

Amsterdam Red Light District: Definitive Guide

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The post Jailbreak in The Netherlands Is Not A Crime (Here’s Why) appeared first on Tours in Amsterdam.

Cocaine, heroin and opium: it’s hard to imagine now, but these drugs were completely legal in Amsterdam at the beginning of the 20th-century. It was even produced here! Learn everything about drugs in Amsterdam here below.

Dutch Cocaine Factory in Amsterdam

On the corner of the Eerste Schinkelstraat / Schinkelkade in Amsterdam stood the Dutch Cocaine factory, where cocaine was made from Indian coca leaves. Completely legal from 1900 to the early 1960s. Intended for medicinal use, but it is not hard to imagine that it was soon abused.

Definition of Cocaine

Cocaine is a white crystalline alkaloid derived from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylum coca). It is used primarily as an illicit stimulant drug.

Cocaine Factory in The Netherlands

People could even invest in the Dutch Cocaine Factory by buying stocks.

But far before the Dutch Cocaine Factory, cocaine in Amsterdam was already a widely used medicine for all kinds of ailments. Already in 1870, a man named José Alvarez owned his own drug lab on Zeedijk 16 (a street in Amsterdam Red Light District) where he produced cocaine and sold it in pill form in his shop. Completely legal! The pills were a great success.

Designer Drugs

The coolest Amsterdammers, however, were not using cocaine pills. At the end of the 19th century, the young writers and poets of the Eighties-renewing literary movement took advantage of a now-unknown substance known as ‘Broomkali’, a strong tranquilizer.

It ensured that Dutch poet Willem Kloos became completely paranoid and tried to kill his colleague Pet Tideman in a fit of madness. They lived together with co-editor Hein Boeken in what is nowadays known as the Witsenhuis, Oosterpark 82 – in the east of Amsterdam. Their downstairs neighbor was painter Isaac Israëls who went crazy because of the gentlemen’s nocturnal drinking and drug sessions.

Eventually Willem Kloos ended up in the madhouse where he was helped by electroshocks from alcohol and drugs. That was at the expense of his writing, because after that Willem Kloos didn’t write much.

Alcoholism in Amsterdam

Nonetheless, also in in that time, alcohol was the intoxication that was used most and caused most nuisance too. Figures from the Dutch police from 1915 show that 20% of all trials were verbally related to public drunkenness.

Government campaigns of the time were aimed at combating alcohol abuse, and there were several associations that advocated total abstention. Of these, ‘De Blauwe Knoop’ was the best known. The expression ‘being a member of the blue knot’ has been a character for years for someone who does not drink alcohol.

It is not strange that alcohol was a problem back then: Amsterdam has a long history with alcohol. From the earliest beginnings of the city – from the 13th-century -, beer has been the most drunk beverage for centuries. The locals drunk alcohol from the early mornings until late in the evening. Back then, there was no clean drinking water and tea & coffee were not yet known.

Alcohol fact:

Dutch people drank 300 liters of beer per year, nowadays it is 70 liters.

Although the beer back then was on the slack side – alcohol content around 3% – it must have been noticeable that the entire city from young to old was in a permanent, slightly misted state.

And everyone walked around smelling of alcohol all day long, on top of the smell of unpolished rotten teeth. In addition, people smoked a lot of tobacco in that time. The tobacco was very heavy back then and the effect was comparable to cannabis.

Alcohol Use Among Elderly

On the basis of the most recent data in the Netherlands, it can be concluded that the number of clients who primarily seek help for alcohol in addiction care is almost as high as the number for cannabis, cocaine, opiates, ecstasy (XTC), amphetamine, GHB and other drugs combined. (Source: Trimbos)

Alcohol Statistics Netherlands

Fact: 8 out of 10 Dutch people over the age of 18 sometimes drink alcohol. 1 in 12 (8.2%) adult Dutch drink excessive (figures 2018). That is, they drink more than 14 (women) or 21 (men) glasses of alcohol per week.

Cannabis use in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, coffeeshops are businesses where the sale of cannabis for personal consumption by the public (>18 years) is tolerated by the Dutch authorities.

Cannabis made its appearance in the 1960s. In 1972, this led to the founding of the first coffeeshop in Amsterdam, Mellow Yellow on the Weesperzijde. During the last day of 2017, the first coffeeshop in Amsterdam had to close its doors because it was too closely located to a hairdressing academy.

The government implemented a new law and decided that coffeeshops are not allowed to be closer than 250 meters to schools anymore. That meant for Mellow Yellow – founded in 1972 – that it had to close down their business for some students – mostly adults – who want to become hairdressers.

Drugs Facts

Fun fact: 7.2% of the Dutch adults used cannabis last month and 1% uses cannabis daily. (Source: Trimbos).

Fun fact: Did you know that in Amsterdam’s Red Light District it is not allowed to drink alcohol in the streets, but one can use cannabis on the streets?

Read these interesting 10 laws in Amsterdam’s Red Light District.

Cannabis Laws in the Netherlands

Because soft drugs are less harmful to the health than hard drugs, other rules sometimes apply in the Netherlands. Coffeeshops may sell cannabis under strict conditions. They are not prosecuted for this. This is the essence of the tolerance policy (or gedogen-beleid in Dutch).

People will not be prosecuted in the Netherlands if they have 5 gram (or less) of cannabis.

Amsterdam Coffeeshop Laws

For the sale of hash & weed, coffeeshops in the Netherlands must adhere to rules (the tolerance criteria). A coffeeshop must meet the following conditions which are stated in Dutch laws:

• No more than 5 grams of cannabis may be sold per person per day.
• Hard drugs (like cocaine, XTC, etc.) may not be sold.
• It’s illegal to sell cannabis to people under the age of 18.
• Minors may not be admitted to a coffeeshop.
• It’s not allowed to serve alcohol.
• Coffeeshops may not advertise its drugs nor its store.
• No nuisance may be caused to the neighborhood.
• The cannabis stock of coffeeshops may not be more than 500 grams.

Coffeeshops are allowed to create their own product and service assortiment. As long as all national & local drugs laws are adhered. Clothing, food, drinks, weed grinders, mugs and other weed accessoires are frequently offered by coffeeshops in The Netherlands.

Number of Amsterdam Coffeeshops

The number of coffeeshops in Amsterdam has drastically decreased. In 1993 there were more than 400 coffeeshops. This decreased from 283 coffeeshops in the year 2000 to 174 at the end of 2015 (a decrease of 39%). Nowadays there are 164 coffeeshops in Amsterdam. (Source: Parool)

Read this article for 10 free tips for cannabis use in Amsterdam.

Heroin in Amsterdam

While (soft) drugs – like cannabis – were initially fun and harmless, the 1970s caused hardening due to the arrival of heroin. The heroin trade landed in Amsterdam and concentrated on the Zeedijk, a street in the Red Light District – just next to Central Station. The Zeedijk street was filled with street dealers, drug addicts and the corruption among police officers was quite high.

Definition of Heroin

Heroin is an opiate derived from morphine that has been chemically modified. It is used for its analgesic properties.

The Chinese mafia from Hong Kong and Singapore brought very cheap heroin to the Dutch market. At the time, heroin was even cheaper than hash, speed and opium. Because of this, very many people became addicted in a very short time. In 1980, Amsterdam had more than 10.000 heroin addicts. (Source: Jellinek)

The Zeedijk street was a no-go area for many years. But therefore also attractive for people that you would not immediately expect.

Chet Baker

Chet Baker was an American jazz musician who played trumpet and flugelhorn. He was also known for his distinctive style of playing, which included a wide vibrato and a unique sound.

Baker was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, on March 31, 1930. His father was a trombone player in a local band. At the age of five, he began taking piano lessons. In 1946, at the age of 12, he joined the Miles Davis Quintet.

He left the group in 1949 to pursue a solo career. He recorded several albums during the 1950s and 1960s, including The Sidewinder, Chet Baker Plays the Music of Charlie Parker, and The Real Thing.

Death

The world-famous American trumpet player Chet Baker could be found on and around the Zeedijk street a lot. Baker had become famous in the 1950s, playing with the best music artists in the world.

But in the 1980s he had turned into an old junkie who was always looking for his next shot. And that was nowhere easier to arrange than in Amsterdam. Baker had no fixed place of residence and stayed in hotels on and around the Zeedijk, among other places.

On Friday, May 13, 1988, half past three in the morning passers-by found an elderly heroin killed on the sidewalk in front of the Prins Hendrik Hotel at the end of the Zeedijk. It turned out to be Chet Baker, fallen out of the window of his hotel room under the influence of drugs.

The story goes that many people stepped over the dead body of Chet Baker that night. Only after a while the police was called in. This is how incredibly rough this neighborhood in Amsterdam was during that time.

Chet Baker was the Keith Richards of jazz music; a brilliant trumpeter. His most popular tracks are ‘I fall in love too easily’ (played more than 38 million times on Spotify) and ‘It’s always you’ (over 26 million plays).

The text reads: Trumpet player and singer Chet Baker died here on May 13th, 1988. He will live on in his music for anyone willing to listen and feel.

Due to deterioration, diseases, overdoses, addiction and perhaps also due to the death of Chet Baker, heroin acquired a very negative image. The popularity among the young people decreased rapidly and there were hardly any new heroin users in the Netherlands.

Ecstasy in Amsterdam

In the mid 1980’s, a new drug was introduced: Ecstasy or XTC. Originally developed in the 60s as a medicine to lose weight, but 20 years later by followers of the Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh widely introduced in Europe as a stimulant.

From 1983 to 1992, the Zorba the Buddha disco – the ‘Bhagwan disco’ – was located on Oudezijds Voorburgwal 216 – a street in Amsterdam’s Red Light District. The disco was operated by followers of Bhagwan. The staff were dressed in red and walked around with dustpans to immediately clean any cigarette butts.

Zorba the Buddha disco had a futuristic snow-white interior and looked like an avant-la-lettre lounge club. They also conducted a joint meditation session a few times a night. According to various sources, there was an unknown substance in circulation around 1985 that made one very happy. It is the earliest known use of the ecstasy drug in Amsterdam’s nightlife.

The revenue of 180.000 Dutch guilders – the currency before the Euro – that was made here monthly in 1984, went directly to the community, where followers could even live for free at some point. It is now a generally accepted fact that the Bhagwan followers were the first to bring ecstasy to Europe. In the late 1980s, the emerging dance scene discovered this new drug and formed an inseparable bond with it. (Source)

Fun fact: Did you know that The Bulldog Hotel is nowadays located in the building where this disco used to be?

XTC Use in The Netherlands

According to the report ‘De achterkant van Amsterdam’, drugs are bought for around 5 million euros during the five-day festival Amsterdam Dance Event.

The number of Dutch adults who have ever used ecstasy is 8.4%. Almost a quarter of 20-24 year olds and almost one in five 25-29 year olds have experience with ecstasy. And 13.1% of all adults have used XTC last month (measured in 2018 by Trimbos: Source).

The Netherlands is one of the largest XTC-producing countries in the world. This is due to the tolerant policy and the low penalties. The average consumer price for one 1 XTC-pill is 5 euro.

Learn more about drugs during our Amsterdam Drugs Tour.

Cocaine Use In the Netherlands

More than a hundred years after the first legal cocaine factory, much has changed in 2019: a distinction has been made between hard and soft drugs in the Netherlands, where hard drugs (like cocaine, XTC and amfetamines) are illegal but soft drugs (like cannabis and magic truffles) are tolerated.

The term soft drugs has since become somewhat outdated due to the high THC-content (16.8%) in Dutch weed. Alcohol remains a big problem, although ‘De Blauwe Knoop’ no longer exists.

The Netherlands does not have a cocaine factory anymore, but in a recent interview, Chief Commissioner Frank Paauw said that Europe is being flooded with cocaine – through the harbors of Rotterdam and Antwerp:

“There is a very large supply of cocaine, making it easier to enter that market. There are also elements of being able to make a career very quickly.”

Frank Paauw

According to the National Drug Monitor, 5.4% of all Dutch adults (= 700.000) have ever used cocaine, 1.6% (250.000) used it last year and 0.6% (80.000) used cocaine last month.

Every year between 7,000 and 8,000 people seek professional help for their cocaine addiction. In the Netherlands, all addiction care (except for tobacco) is fully reimbursed by Dutch health insurers. 1 gram of cocaine cost about 50 to 60 euro in the Netherlands.

ALSO READ:

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The post Astonishing Facts About Cocaine, Cannabis And Other Drugs in Amsterdam appeared first on Tours in Amsterdam.

The number of jobs in the tourism in the Netherlands sector increased by 27.000 in 2018 to a total of 79.,000, according to the CBS (Dutch Statistics Office) on Wednesday following an investigation done at the request of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Tourism spending in the Netherlands amounted to a total of 87.5 billion euros, which is 6.4 percent higher than the previous year, 2017.

Tourism Industry in the Netherlands

The economic importance of tourism for the Netherlands continues to expand. Tourism share of the Dutch economy grew to 4.4%. An increase of 0.1 percent in 2018.

The added value of the sector totalled 30.4 billion euros in 2018, 7.1 percent more than the prior year. Adjusted for inflation, that increase was 5 percent, while the Dutch economy grew by just 2.6 percent in 2018. The hospitality industry in particular contributed to the added value of the sector with an increase of more than 12 billion euros.

Dutch Tourism Statistics

Spending growth was due to spending by both foreign and domestic tourism. For Dutch tourists in their own country, spending was 2.7 billion euros higher than the prior year, with a total of 51.9 billion euros. This means an increase of 5.5 percent, which was mainly due to the lengthy hot summer. The Dutch mainly spent more on drinks and food in the hospitality industry. Spending on fuel, sports and entertainment are the next major spending categories.

Dutch people who travel abroad often first spend their money on accommodation and transport in the Netherlands. Spending amounted to 6.6 billion euros, a 5.9 percent higher amount than in 2017.

Foreign Tourism in the Netherlands

Foreign tourists increased their spending in the Netherlands by 2.5 billion euros compared to the prior year, which resulted in a total amount of 32.5 billion euros. Spending growth of this group was 8.2% higher than that of Dutch tourists. This increase is mainly due to the large number of overnight stays, but also to a growing number of foreign tourists who booked their stay or a ticket through Dutch companies. “A large proportion of these tourists did not actually travel to the Netherlands, but Dutch companies did make money from these bookings,” states the CBS.

Increase In Tourism Jobs In the Netherlands

The number of jobs in the tourism sector increased by 3.6 percent to 791.000. The tourism in the Netherlands sector now covers 7.5 percent of the total number of jobs in the Netherlands.

Amsterdam Tourism Statistics

In 2019, the Amsterdam tourism sector accounted for 69,424 jobs. In 2018 there were 69,195 jobs in the tourism-industry which was 5% more than in 2017.

In Amsterdam, 11% of all jobs are in tourism (source). In other words: 1 out of 9 jobs in Amsterdam are in the tourism sector.

This growth is due not only to the increase in the number of tourists, but is also attributable to leisure activities among Amsterdam residents. Example: in 2018, attraction park the Efteling had 5.3 million visitors. The Red Light District was visited by 3.1 million people (source). The Rijksmuseum had 2.3 million visitors and the Keukenhof attracted 1.3 million visitors. (source)

The hospitality industry is the most widely represented, followed by sectors such as aviation, travel mediation, art and culture, sports, recreation and gambling. Retail, public transport and taxi services are the last to follow. The tourism in the Netherlands sector offers many part-time jobs. If those hours are converted to full-time jobs, the sector would account for a total of 474,000 jobs in the Netherlands in 2018.

Others who read this article also read: Rembrandt Paintings Explained and The Five Best Canals in Amsterdam.

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