Tourist authorities acknowledge the 700-year-old red-light district -- a maze of narrow alleys and canals lined with shops, girls and marijuana-selling "coffee shops" -- is as much of a draw as other attractions such as the Van Gogh museum or the Anne Frank House.

Every night visitors throng the streets, looking at women sitting behind huge red-lit windows, and who sell their services for as little as €50. Amsterdam Red Light District prices are low compared to most other western cities.

If you want to take pictures yourself in this area, be very careful. You will see "No Photos" stickers everywhere and most girls hate to be photographed. If you get caught by them, verbal abuse is the least you can expect and you won't be the first person whose camera ends up in one of the canals.