How Safe Is Amsterdam?
Someone who's never been to Amsterdam may assume that such a bustling city and popular tourist destination would be predisposed to regular crime. Residents and repeat visitors know differently. Many travellers will be pleasantly surprised to find a comfortably secure atmosphere amid the lively buzz and tolerant nature of our city. In fact, Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in the world.
Survey says Amsterdam is safe, but why?
Practical points first: public transportation in Amsterdam is widely used and generally safe; English is largely spoken; violent crime is not common here. These facts helped Amsterdam rank 22 out of 215 world cities for personal safety, according to the 2008 Quality of Life Survey from international consultancy Mercer. Interestingly, Paris and London didn't even make the top 50.
Global-village feeling
But there's more to the relative worry-free ways of Amsterdammers and their guests. This isn't a huge city. The same first-timers who may not expect to feel so safe here may not realise that about 750,000 people live in Amsterdam. This smaller scale creates a cosy global-village feeling and a noticeable sense of community.
Of course, a community of any size is a reflection of its individuals. That said, Amsterdammers seem to have mastered the blend of being matter-of-fact and friendly, straightforward yet helpful. The result is a local live-and-let-live attitude that often spreads to visitors and seems to keep criminal behaviour at bay.
Women travellers
Harassment of women is not common in Amsterdam, and women in general are incredibly independent. Local ladies regularly walk (and bike, of course) solo throughout the city without incident.
Journeywoman.com, a long-established online resource for women travellers, calls Amsterdam 'female-friendly' and recommends it as a city where women travelling alone should feel comfortable and safe.
Common sense is the cure
Of course, as in almost any bustling city in the world, pickpockets and petty thieves do exist in Amsterdam. The best defence against them is common sense. Don't leave your bags and belongings unattended. Don't walk around with loads of valuables. Pay attention in crowded areas. When it comes to wandering at night, most Amsterdam neighbourhoods are safe for doing so.
But while it's filled with all types of people during the day, the Red Light District does attract seedier visitors and vagrants at after sunset. Women may want to avoid walking alone here or in parks at night.
Amsterdam Tourist Assistance Service
Review and print out this brochure Welcome to Amsterdam, with tips, do's and don'ts, contact info for Amsterdam Tourist Assistance Service (ATAS) and a handy map.
Just don't fall into a canal
Simply put, the risk that you'll be confronted in a harmful way in Amsterdam is roughly the same as the risk that you'll fall into a canal: while it could happen, it probably won't.
- Tell a friend
