Amsterdam

The heart of Amsterdam was bustling with activity every day. The metropolis changed dramatically in the late nineteenth century. More money was spent on culture and art, and the city almost doubled in size. This meant that more people were able to live there, and more shops, museums, and libraries emerged. And above all, the large crowds resulted in a vibrant nightlife.

Brothels were often located in the heart of the city and differed in luxury, appearance, and the number of sex workers employed there. They were simply situated between residential buildings and shops. Yet, it was difficult to tell from the buildings themselves that they were brothels, but they had to have their blinds closed. Some sex work was also done in the upstairs rooms of cafes; but this could not be visible from the outside because there was no room for this in the chaste Dutch society.

Click below for a verbal audio impression of daily life in Amsterdam. What sounds could be heard in the streets at the end of the 19th century?