Posted on: January 1, 2026

Could Amsterdam’s Red Light District Move? The Future of De Wallen Explained

Amsterdam’s Red Light District — known locally as De Wallen — has been world-famous for centuries. But in recent years, the city has been asking a bold question:

Should part of the Red Light District move out of the historic centre?

The proposed solution: a new “Erotic Centre” — a modern, regulated building where sex work could continue legally, but outside the crowded medieval streets.

This guide explains what the plan means, why it’s being discussed, what locals think, and what visitors should expect in the future — in clear, neutral language.

What Is the Amsterdam “Erotic Centre”?

A quick definition

The Erotic Centre is a planned large building outside the city centre that would include:

• Licensed sex-work spaces

• Security & controlled access

• Healthcare access

• Social work support

• Bars, restaurants, or nightlife (in some versions of the plan)

Think of it as a safer, centralized alternative to the current scattered windows in De Wallen.

Why this idea exists

City leaders say the Erotic Centre aims to:

• Reduce over-tourism and nuisance in the historic core

• Improve working conditions and safety for sex workers

• Protect resident quality of life

• Spread tourist traffic more evenly across the city

Sex work would remain legal — but where and how it happens would change.

Why Is Amsterdam Considering Moving Part of De Wallen?

Rising pressure from residents

Locals living in De Wallen have raised concerns such as:

• Late-night noise

• Crowds blocking narrow streets

• Drug and alcohol nuisance

• “Party tourism” behaviour

• Rising rent & housing displacement

For many residents, the area has become too busy to live in comfortably.

If you want to explore the district in a respectful and informative way, our self-guided red light district tour shares real stories, history, and context — without disturbing residents or workers. Learn more here: red light district tour

Worker safety & dignity concerns

Some sex workers have supported the idea because the new centre may offer:

• Controlled entry to reduce harassment

• Private entrances

• Improved safety systems

• Clear rules

• Less stigma than “being on display” in a window

Others strongly oppose it — more on that below.

A broader tourism rethink

Amsterdam has already introduced:

• A ban on street cannabis smoking in De Wallen

• Guided tour restrictions

• Earlier closing times (in some cases)

• Responsible-tourism campaigns

The Erotic Centre proposal fits into this larger shift toward “balanced tourism.”

Who Supports the Erotic Centre — and Who Opposes It?

Supporters include

✔ Some residents
✔ Some sex-worker advocates
✔ City officials
✔ People worried about nuisance tourism

They argue:

• It protects livability

• It improves safety

• It reduces harassment

• It keeps sex work legal and regulated

Opponents include

❌ Other residents in proposed new locations
❌ Some sex workers
❌ Business owners
❌ Heritage campaigners

They worry about:

• Losing foot traffic & income

• Being pushed out of historic spaces

• Safety in new fringe areas

• Creating a “red-light mega-complex”

• Moving problems, not solving them

So the debate is complex — not simply “for or against sex work.”

Where Might the Erotic Centre Be Built?

The city has considered several locations outside the medieval centre — usually near transport links.

Final site selection and approval depend on:

• Local council votes

• Community consultation

• Urban-planning review

• National legal frameworks

So while the concept is real, the final version — and timeline — are still developing.

When Could These Changes Happen?

This is not an overnight change.

Urban planning in Amsterdam typically takes:

• Consultations

• Permits

• Budget approvals

• Construction time

So expect years — not months.

Meanwhile, De Wallen remains open and active — with evolving rules and crowd-management.

What Would Happen to De Wallen?

Important point:

The plan is not to “delete” the Red Light District.

Instead, the idea is to:

• Reduce the number of windows

• Spread activity across locations

• Lighten crowd pressure

• Maintain historic De Wallen identity — but with balance

Cultural history and tourism will still exist — just in a more managed way.

What This Means for Visitors

If you visit now

You should still expect:

• Crowded narrow streets

• Strict no-photos rules

• Cannabis smoking bans in public

• Increased security presence

• Residential areas mixed with nightlife

Respectful behaviour is key.

In the future

You may be able to choose between:

🏙 A historic district visit
❤️ A modern Erotic Centre visit

Each with different atmospheres and safeguards.

What This Means for Sex Workers

Potential benefits include:

• Safer work environments

• Better access to support

• Less crowd harassment

Concerns include:

• Loss of autonomy

• Fear of stigma changing — not disappearing

• New dependency on centralized landlords/operators

Their voices must remain central to the conversation.

Why Responsible Tourism Matters More Than Ever

Whether De Wallen changes or not, one truth remains:

This is a real neighbourhood — not a theme park.

Visitors should:

✔ Be respectful
✔ Avoid filming people
✔ Keep noise low
✔ Follow local laws
✔ Support local businesses
✔ Remember people live & work here

That respect shapes the future more than anything else.