Amsterdam Plans Red Light District Move to Europa Boulevard

In a bid to enhance the livability of Amsterdam for its residents, city officials have revealed plans to relocate the iconic red light district to Europa Boulevard in the south district. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema considers Europa Boulevard, situated on the edge of the main business district, as the most suitable location for the proposed Erotic Center, a key element of the city’s ongoing efforts for urban revitalization.

The envisioned Erotic Center, with 100 rooms for sex workers, aims to be more than a traditional red light district. It will provide dedicated space for LGBTQ+ individuals and host cultural events related to eroticism, such as feminist lectures and tantric yoga classes. The center will also feature sex shops, theaters, bars, and restaurants on the ground floor.

As part of the plan, approximately 100 of the current red light district’s 249 licensed prostitution windows will be relocated to Europa Boulevard. While the proposal is set for review by Amsterdam’s city council early next year, some locals have expressed dissatisfaction. A petition opposing the Erotic Center gained traction over the summer, with sex workers voicing concerns about displacement and safety.

If the proposed location receives approval, construction of the Erotic Center is expected to span several years, with an anticipated opening date in 2031. In a separate development, Amsterdam officials recently announced an increase in flight capacity at Schiphol Airport, responding to concerns about noise pollution after previous mitigation efforts proved unsuccessful.