Hi all,

I’ve been a regular visitor to Amsterdam for what must be close to 20 years now—maybe a bit less—but I’ve also been a long-time lurker and occasional poster here.

My last trip was in 2023, and to be honest, I found it a bit disappointing compared to previous visits. The overall cost of the trip had noticeably increased, and I also saw a clear reduction in the number of windows, which definitely affected the overall experience.

That said, I’ve recently started feeling the usual annual urge to plan another visit—probably looking at September.

Can anyone give me an up-to-date situation report on how things are at the moment? I’m especially interested in:
• The general vibe in the city and RLD area
• Current state of the window scene (number, locations, quality)
• Typical costs and availability these days

Thanks

Well,

The general vibe has not changed much since 2023. It is not what it was pre-Corona, and it is not ever likely to be that way again. International tourism is down, but Dutch visitors to Amsterdam are up, and the total numbers are a wash. Be aware of Dutch school holiday weeks. Museums and events will be packed!
Prices are up, and are especially brutal in the Centrum. Getting out of that area, sometimes only by 2-3 blocks, significantly reduces food and alcohol costs. You can't buy alcohol from a store in the Wallen after 1600 on weekends, so stock up early, or walk a few blocks to a different neighborhood, where they don't have that silly rule. Getting out of Amsterdam entirely can be a breath of fresh air. The farther away you get , the more it feels like what I remember from the good old days. There is still plenty to do in the city. Museums, festivals, and public transit are still great. You just have to plan a little.
The window scene is changing fast. Except for the Wallen, prices are pretty standard at 50E/15, 100E/30, 200E/60.
This is true in Alkmaar, Singel, the Pijp, Antweerp, Den Haag....Most of these RLD's are about 2/3 full daytime, less nights and weekends. Service is what you would expect, and many of these areas are growing at the expense of the Wallen.
The Wallen is a mine field. Stunning EE girls will negotiate with you at the window, where you will find costs of 100-150 to get in the door after negotiations. Unfortunately, once in the door, and money has changed hands, the problems begin. A recurring theme is for the girl to produce a "menu" with additional costs for the previously negotiated fun. Some of these secret charges are hundreds of euros. The Wallen is the most expensive and least reliable place to shop at the moment. It is frequently cheaper to have an hour of incall through Kinky.nl than to have a 15 minute session in the Wallen. Ugh!
Service in the SIngel and the Pijp is much better, though the girls tend to be older. The best girls in these areas are very busy ,and can fill an entire day with regulars that make appointments by phone. To meet them, you will have to show up at the begining of a shift (10:30 AM works well). You may have to settle for a date later in the day, but that is just the way it is now. If you have a good time, get that phone number!

Thank you Weasel

I appreciate your reply and information

Do you live there ?

I am thinking of visiting Antwerp for the first time . Do you have any general advice ?

Can you recommend me any other areas in the Netherlands ?

It sounds like the Singel and De Pijp have not been affected much at all and remain the exact same by day but busier, that information has just confirmed my trip .

What is the Old Church area like these days in the day and night ?

That area was always full

Thanks

No, unfortunately I don't live there.
I spend 3-4 months a year there, and hope to be there half time in 2026.

I can't help with Antwerp. There are good recent reports, but I haven't been there since Sexsklavinnen night ended. Thanks, Covid!

I always recommend Alkmaar, but few people make the 40 minute trip. Early evening (1800-2200) there are many good choices.

Old Church plein still has the African girls. Days were quiet on the few times I was there. Nights were not as crowded on the plein as a few years ago, but OZA and the sidestreets are bad.

Weasel

I come to Amsterdam frequently and stay each time around 10 days. This time I would like to stay for a month or two.

Could you suggest long term stay options, not too expensive but decent. Even if it is far from city center or in suburbs. Thanks.

This is the hardest question I have had in a long time.
Lodging is a disaster.
There has been very little housing construction for years, and...Surprise, there is a huge housing shortage.
Rent control schemes have only made the problem worse. Some news outlets blame expat workers, foreign students and refugees (None of these groups are eligible for subsidized or rent-controlled housing, and they are the most frequent victims of housing scams). That said....
This will be expensive,.
Sure, you could try to live in a backpacker hostel for a month, but I wouldn't recommend it.
AirBNB has been pretty much destroyed by the Hotel Industry and the local politicians that take their money, though Amsterdam based Bookings.com has been quietly left alone. This is a good place to start.
Catered or "serviced" apartments are an option. They require stays of 30 days minimum, so they avoid all the short stay rules. I haven't done this in many years. You get some housekeeping, possibly a parking space. Better than a dorm room, but not near as nice as a hotel. They tended to be near business parks on the ring road.
Short term rentals are rare, and you usually need a Dutch bank account and a BSN (EU Social Security Number), so only possible if you are coming from another EU country.
Boats. There are a lot of boats in the Netherlands. I've stayed on several, Most rent by the week. Getting 4+ consecutive weeks you have to book a year or two in advance.

The real truth is that the best places are found by word of mouth, from friends and relatives. Without that help, you are at a huge disadvantage. Be creative, and be prepared to move around. Maybe 3 or 4 different places on a trip that long.

The other sad truth from a Dutch Realtor "If you can't afford to buy the place, you surely can't afford to rent it!"

Good Luck!

Weasel