While the Netherlands and Thailand are often the first names associated with red-light districts, there are several other destinations around the world where this type of tourism has made a mark. From little-known neighborhoods in Asia to internationally famous hubs, the level of popularity varies significantly.
Sonagachi – Kolkata, India
Sonagachi is often described as Asia’s largest red-light area, with thousands of establishments operating in narrow lanes. Although not promoted as a tourist attraction, it is widely known in social research and media reports, raising issues related to public health and human rights.
Nairobi – Kenya
Kenya is famous for its safaris, but Nairobi is also known for its underground sex industry. Despite prostitution being illegal, the practice is common due to low costs and demand from foreign visitors. Health risks, particularly related to HIV, remain a major concern.
Calle Pedro Clisante – Sosua, Dominican Republic
This lively street is lined with bars and restaurants, making it a nightlife hotspot. Sex work exists on the sidelines, especially near large clubs, but many tourists simply enjoy the bustling atmosphere as part of Sosua’s identity.
Vila Mimosa – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Located near Rio’s famous beaches, Vila Mimosa has long been associated with the city’s adult nightlife. While some venues are notorious, the area also reflects the city’s mix of music, culture, and vibrant energy.
Angeles City – Philippines
Once catering to U.S. military personnel at Clark Air Base, Angeles has grown into a nightlife hub with neon-lit bars and clubs. Its bold and lively reputation continues to draw both locals and international visitors.
Batam – Indonesia
Located near Singapore, Batam has long been known as one of the major sex tourism hubs in Southeast Asia. Its bars, karaoke bars and brothels cater mainly to international tourists. Despite repeated crackdowns by the Indonesian government, Batam remains a special place on the region’s adult tourism map.
Susukino – Sapporo, Japan
Susukino is one of Japan’s largest entertainment districts, filled with bars, karaoke lounges, pachinko halls, and adult venues. The area is also famous for its Yokocho ramen alley and as a site during the Sapporo Snow Festival, blending nightlife with cultural charm.
Pigalle – Paris, France
Centered around the Moulin Rouge, Pigalle is Paris’s most famous adult entertainment quarter. Though prostitution is illegal in France, the area is known for cabaret shows, theaters, and nightlife that reflect the city’s artistic spirit.
Schipperskwartier – Antwerp, Belgium
This organized district resembles a commercial complex, with regulated venues such as Villa Tinto. Unlike other areas, Schipperskwartier is presented as safe and structured, attracting both curious tourists and locals.
Dongguan – China
Known as an industrial hub, Dongguan has also been nicknamed “China’s sex capital.” The city’s nightlife includes everything from karaoke bars to luxury hotels. Although officially illegal, its underground reputation is widely acknowledged.
Soho – London, UK
Since the 1950s, Soho has been at the heart of London’s nightlife. Once famous for sex shops, today it is more about trendy restaurants, theaters, and live music. Still, echoes of its adult past remain part of its identity.
Reeperbahn – Hamburg, Germany
Reeperbahn, often called the “mile of sin,” is lined with clubs, cabarets, and entertainment venues. Known for its theatrical nightlife, it is one of Germany’s most famous cultural and nightlife districts.
Nevada – United States
Nevada is the only U.S. state where prostitution is legal in certain rural counties. While Las Vegas itself does not permit brothels, the state regulates the industry with strict health checks and safety measures.
Tel Aviv – Israel
Tel Aviv is a nightlife capital in the Middle East, with hundreds of venues connected to adult entertainment. The city emphasizes regulation and visitor safety, making it a unique destination in the region.
Costa Rica – San José
Known worldwide for its rainforests and beaches, Costa Rica is also one of Central America’s leading destinations for adult tourism. The capital, San José, is the hub, attracting mostly North American visitors.
Tijuana – Mexico
Bordering the U.S., Tijuana is well-known for its strip clubs and adult nightlife. Popular among American visitors, the city’s reputation is mixed, with both vibrant nightlife and safety concerns.
Patpong – Bangkok, Thailand
Patpong is one of Bangkok’s most famous entertainment districts. Known for go-go bars, shows, and night markets, it is often considered one of Asia’s safest and most affordable red-light areas for tourists.
De Wallen – Amsterdam, Netherlands
At the very top is Amsterdam’s De Wallen, perhaps the world’s most famous red-light district. With its canals, historic buildings, and legalized adult venues, it has become a symbol of Amsterdam’s liberal culture, drawing millions of tourists every year.
For travelers curious about these destinations, it is important to keep in mind that regulations, safety standards, and cultural perceptions vary widely. Visitors are encouraged to stay informed, prioritize personal health, and respect local traditions and laws. Exploring responsibly not only ensures safety but also contributes to a more respectful and sustainable travel experience.
