Brothels

Düsseldorf has a long history of legal sex work. The city offers a wide range of establishments — from traditional walk-in Laufhaus buildings near the main train station, to upscale nightclubs on Rethelstraße, to sauna clubs on the southern outskirts.

Red-Light Geography

• Central Station area: The streets around Bahndamm and Worringer Straße host the best-known walk-in Laufhaus venues. This district has been active continuously since the 1960s.
• Rethelstraße ("Red Mile"): Historically the strip for upscale erotic nightclubs, though the scene has thinned out since 2020.
• Southern suburbs (Reisholz/Hassels): Modern clubs and FKK sauna clubs in commercial zones, easily reached by car.

Legal Framework

• Sex work has been fully legal in Germany since 2002.
• The Prostitute Protection Act (ProstSchG) of 2017 introduced mandatory registration, health counseling, and operating permits.
• Condom use is mandatory for all sexual services — no exceptions.
• Licensed venues hold an official permit. Stick to legitimate, regulated establishments.
• Prices and services are always negotiated directly with sex workers beforehand.

Tips for Visitors

• Polite, respectful behavior is a baseline expectation everywhere.
• In Laufhaus buildings, you knock on a door — a "no" means no.
• In venues with a bar or lounge, ordering a drink is standard etiquette.
• Cash is the preferred payment method at all venues.