Exploring the Historic Heartbeat of Amsterdam: De Wallen

• HelloHallo
  [hah-loh]
• GoodbyeTot ziens
  [toht zeens]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNee
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeAlsjeblieft
  [ahls-yuh-bleeft]
• Thank youDank je
  [dahnk yuh]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [soh-ree]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het?
  [hoo gaat het]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [khoot. en met yow]
• Do you speak English?Spreek je Engels?
  [sprayk yuh eng-gels]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ick buh-grayp het neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMag ik de menukaart zien, alstublieft
  [mahg ihk duh meh-noo-kahrt seen ahl-stew-bleeft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ick ayt khayn flays]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk wil graag betalen, alstublieft
  [ick vil khraahg buh-tah-luhn ahl-stew-bleeft]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Ga weg!
  [gah vekh]
• Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [buhl duh poh-lee-tsee]
• Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [buhl ayn dohk-tuhr]
• I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ick ben vur-dwahld]
• I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ick ben zeek]

• I'd like to buy...Ik wil graag kopen...
  [ick vil khraahg koh-pun]
• I'm just lookingIk kijk alleen maar
  [ick kike ahl-ayn mahr]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hoo-vale kost het]
• That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [daht is tuh dur]
• Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?
  [kunt yoo duh preis vuh-raah-ghun]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hoo laht is het]
• It's one o'clockHet is een uur
  [heht is ayn uhr]
• Half past (10)Half elf
  [hahlf elf]
• MorningOchtend
  [okh-tuhnt]
• AfternoonMiddag
  [mi-dahkh]
• EveningAvond
  [ah-vohnt]
• YesterdayGisteren
  [khi-stuh-run]
• TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-khun]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [tway]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [veer]
• 5Vijf
  [vayf]
• 6Zes
  [zehs]
• 7Zeven
  [zay-ven]
• 8Acht
  [ahkht]
• 9Negen
  [nay-khun]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is de...?
  [vahr is duh]
• What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vaht is het ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u mij laten zien (op de kaart)?
  [kunt yoo may laht-uhn zeen op duh kahrt]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [vahn-eer is duh fohl-huhn-duh bus]
• A ticket (to ....)Een kaartje (naar ....)
  [ayn kahrt-yuh naar]

De Wallen, known as the oldest section of Amsterdam, traces its origins back to the late 12th century when it was established as a trading post. The area developed around the city's original dam and became a hub for commerce, influencing the growth of Amsterdam as a significant trading center in northern Europe.

By the 14th century, De Wallen began to evolve into a red light district, reflecting the city's progressive attitudes towards sexuality and trade. The combination of sailors arriving in port and the bustling commerce fostered an environment where sex work became a notable part of the local economy.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Protestant Reformation impacted societal views on morality and sexuality. In De Wallen, this led to increased regulation of sex work and the establishment of brothels under municipal oversight. As Amsterdam flourished during the Dutch Golden Age, the district maintained its reputation as a center for vice, yet coexisted with cultural advancements.

The Nazi occupation during World War II brought significant hardships to De Wallen, as many sex workers faced persecution. Post-war, the district struggled with stigma but gradually began to reclaim its identity as Amsterdam’s red light district, reflecting a more open and tolerant society.

In 2000, the Netherlands legalized sex work, leading to stricter regulations and protections for sex workers in De Wallen. This shift aimed to enhance the safety and rights of workers, highlighting Amsterdam's ongoing commitment to progressive policies regarding personal freedoms and human rights.

De Wallen is centrally located in Amsterdam, making it easily accessible from other neighborhoods. From Amsterdam Central Station, you can walk to De Wallen in about 10 minutes. Alternatively, take tram lines 4, 9, or 14 to the Dam stop, which is a short walk to the neighborhood. Buses also service the area, with stops near the Red Light District.

De Wallen is a compact area best explored on foot. The cobbled streets can be narrow, so walking allows you to appreciate the local architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Bicycles are another popular mode of transport in Amsterdam, and bike rental shops are plentiful. Public transport options include trams and buses, which can be used to venture further afield.

While De Wallen is generally safe, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas like the Red Light District. It is advisable to stay vigilant and keep your belongings secure. Avoid poorly lit alleys at night, and be cautious around the more seedy establishments, particularly along the canals. Always trust your instincts and avoid confrontational situations.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. For non-emergency police matters, you can contact 0900-8844. The nearest hospital is the Amsterdam UMC, which is accessible by tram. Always carry a copy of your travel insurance and identification in case of emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually; however, avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in religious sites. Religion: Do respect the local customs, particularly in churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and be courteous to fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on trams and buses. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Hallo' or 'Goedemorgen', and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like stroopwafels and Dutch pancakes. Don't engage in loud or disruptive behavior in cafés or restaurants.

To experience De Wallen like a local, consider visiting the smaller, lesser-known cafés and bars rather than the tourist-heavy spots. Explore the area's rich history by taking a guided tour that delves into the stories behind the buildings and the infamous Red Light District. Visit the Oude Kerk, a historic church that offers a glimpse into Amsterdam's past. Additionally, check out local events or exhibitions at nearby cultural venues to immerse yourself further in the local scene.