What Is A Privehuis? Amsterdam’s Private Brothels, Explained

Looking for a more private encounter in Amsterdam?

The neon-lit windows of the red-light district may be iconic, but they offer little in the way of discretion. For those who prefer a more low-key experience, dodging the crowds of walking tours, stag parties, and curious tourists can be a challenge. Not everyone wants their personal affairs to be on display while navigating the busy streets of De Wallen.

A privehuis (Dutch for “private house”) is a small, discreet brothel tucked away from the gawking crowds. You might even think of it as the anti-Red Light District experience!

Amsterdam’s Private Brothels

Private houses in the Netherlands are also known as privehuizen or privehuis brothels and are usually located outside of the city in quiet and discreet residential areas.

They are usually much smaller than the larger venues and have half a dozen rooms with a handful of ladies working their books.

You might be wondering why there’s a need for these establishments given the prevalence of red light windows, like in De Wallen, and the blatant sex work in the city centre.

Well, the whole point is privacy.

Amsterdam’s sex scene is famous all over the world. And with that fame comes a lot of tourist attention.

Between the camera-toting tourists, nosy guided tours, and that one drunk British stag party shouting “Oi, give us a smile!”, it can all feel a bit… public.

That’s where the humble privehuis comes in.

These private house brothels are designed for those who prefer a calmer, more curated experience. You won’t find flashing lights or shop-window girls beckoning you in. In fact, from the outside, you’d barely know a privehuis is a brothel at all… most look like ordinary homes or small businesses.

A subtle nameplate, maybe a buzzer, and perhaps a small sign showing which credit cards they accept.

That’s pretty much it.

Why Choose a Privehuis?

For starters, you’ll never see another client.

Sessions are timed and organized so you’re not awkwardly passing a fellow punter in the hallway. The service is calmer, the women are more relaxed, and the experience feels more like a cheeky rendezvous than a transactional quickie.

Compared to a Red Light window girl, a privehuis visit often gives you more time, more comfort, and less pressure. Instead of being ushered into a cramped cabin with plastic sheets and a ticking clock, you’re led to a proper bedroom with clean linens, soft lighting, and the chance to shower before (and sometimes with) your hostess.

Simply put: it’s more of a refined experience.

How Do Privehuizen Work?

Most private houses operate on a line-up system.

Once you’re buzzed in, you’re led to a lounge or private waiting room where the ladies will introduce themselves one by one. Generally, you’re not rushed or bundled towards whoever is available and free. You’ll just be asked which lady tickles your fancy.

From there, you agree on a time – typically 30, 45 or 60 minutes – and what services you’re after. Basic GFE-style sessions are the norm (oral with a condom + full sex), but many providers are open to extras for an agreed fee. The prices are clearly posted (or shown in a menu) and you’ll pay upfront before heading to the room.

Some brothels offer fancier rooms with jacuzzis, saunas, or themed setups if you’re feeling indulgent. Most are pretty no-frills establishments where, again, privacy is the main selling point.

And yes… you can walk out without paying a thing if none of the ladies catch your eye.

Getting Down To Business

Once you have settled on (and paid for your time with) the girl of your choosing then you will be shown to a private bedroom with clean sheets where you can take a shower to freshen up first. This is good etiquette as well as hygienic for the girl in question. You may be lucky, and your choice of hostess will join you in the shower.

Once clean, you can get down to the business at hand but don’t feel rushed about your prepaid time.

If you finish within this period then you are at leisure to fill the time how you wish. Again, unlike with the window girls in the city, you won’t be asked to leave moments after you have finished. Some girls will even allow a second service if you are up for it. The key is that you have paid for the room for an agreed time; shower, talk or relax as you please.

Once you do decide to leave, your hostess will ensure that the hallways and exit are clear of other clients so your experience remains a private one.

Where Are These Places?

So, here’s the thing… Private house brothels don’t advertise in the same way that the big boys do with neon lights, red lit windows and all the bells and whistles.

If you walked past them without knowing what goes on inside, you would be none the wiser from the unassuming frontages.

In fact, the only giveaway that these are places of business at all is usually a small nameplate indicating the house name and a symbol of the credit cards they take on the window.

Well, that and the trail of satisfied punters leaving with their wallets empty and their balls drained.

You’ll find most privehuizen in quiet residential neighborhoods or just outside the city centre. A few of the most reputable are:

• Park 118 – A favourite among both locals and tourists. Located near De Pijp, it’s clean, well-managed, and features a rotating cast of friendly, multilingual women waiting to please you. Starts at €80 for 30 minutes FS.
• Prive42 – A discreet brothel slash massage house known for slightly older ladies and a more ‘mature’ experience.
• Asmara – Legendary establishment in West Amsterdam; sadly now closed. It was known for offering a much more luxurious setting, and a huuuuge line-up.
• Club LV – A hybrid between a sex club and a private house, offering a glitzy gentlemen’s lounge vibe.

You can find details of some of the best private houses in our guide to Amsterdam’s brothels.

Getting There: Watch Out For The Taxi Hustle

Unlike sex clubs or some of the larger brothels in De Wallen, most private houses are situated out of town, and you will need to arrange a taxi to get to them or other public transport (unless you have a car).

The problem with this is that a lot of taxi drivers have arrangements with the taxi providers in the city whereby a commission is paid for every customer they bring to the house. It’s a good deal. The house knows that many tourists ask to be taken somewhere they can get a hooker, so they get the extra business, and the taxi driver cleans up.

Unfortunately, this means you end up picking up the bill for that commission when you settle up with the house.

To avoid paying extra, ask to be taken to an address near the private house you are visiting and walk the rest of the way.

Privehuis Pricing vs. The Alternatives

Beyond the basic appeal of privacy, there’s another leading factor behind why the punters love a privehuis arrangement: cost.

In a city where €7.50 gets you a limp beer and a dirty look, it’s refreshing to find something that still feels like good value.

The fact remains that with a private house, you pay significantly less for sex than a Red Light girl or an escort.

As you can see, Privehuizen hit the sweet spot.

You’re getting full-service attention, time to chill and clean up, no gawking passers-by, and often, a second pop if you’re feeling frisky and the blood’s still flowing.

Contrast that with a Red Light quickie in the capital, where the clock’s already running before your trousers are even halfway down… and she’s already looking past your shoulder for the next guy.

Oh, and the epic Walk of Shame getting papped by Chinese tourists lol.

Is it any wonder the privehuizen is in such high demand with the locals?!