safe amsterdam

Is Amsterdam Safe?

Explore without a hitch with our guide to staying safe in Amsterdam!
By Dom Bewley

From avoiding petty crime to staying safe on the go, get the lowdown on how to explore Amsterdam like a pro.

Amsterdam is a city on many people's bucket lists. With plenty of unique things to do, see, and experience, everyone should try it at least once! But is Amsterdam safe? Let's talk about it!

Including:

  • How safe is Amsterdam?
  • Common threats to safety in Amsterdam
  • Neighborhoods to avoid
  • Is Central Amsterdam safe?
  • Is public transport safe in Amsterdam?
  • and more!
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How safe is Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is one of Europe's most celebrated cities, and as such, it's a popular tourist spot. People from all over the world come to Amsterdam to see the sights, experience the nightlife, and perhaps partake in some of the city's unique vices. But how safe is Amsterdam?

Well, the good news is that it's considered one of the safest cities in the world, ranking 6th in The Economist's Safe Cities Index 2021. This takes many things into account, including personal safety, environmental safety, and even digital security. However, it's worth noting that Amsterdam's 'personal security' ranking has it 2nd in the entire world. So if we're simply taking that into account, you can't get much safer!

This is despite, or perhaps because, of the city's approach to sex work and cannabis use, which other cities often demonize. Maybe they should take a leaf out of Amsterdam's book if they want to boost their safety rating!

Common threats to safety in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's most frequent crimes are petty theft. And, like most tourist hotspots around the world, vacationers are usually the target. There are three main types of theft you could potentially experience in Amsterdam.

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Pickpocketing

Pickpocketing is one of the biggest ones directed at tourists, and as the holiday season kicks in between June-August, the number of chancing thieves increases. The sneaky ruffians!

They tend to operate in the city's central areas, where many of the city's tourist attractions are based. But this is the same in any major tourist city, so if you've been abroad before, you probably know how to stay safe.

For those in the back who are too nervous to raise their hands, let's go over some top tips to stay safe anyway!

  • Keep your bag, purse, or clutch close to you at all times
  • Try and avoid carrying large amounts of cash - most places will accept card, even if it's from a different country
  • Don't leave coats, jackets, wallets, or phones unattended when you're having a drink, getting a bite to eat, or going up to the counter to collect your order
  • Be aware of distraction techniques. Thieves often work in pairs, so while one may strike up a conversation, ask directions, or 'accidentally' fall into, the other may well be attempting to swipe your goodies
  • Avoid using paper maps when out and about. If you know where you want to go, use your phone's GPS and then stick an earbud in and listen for directions. You'll blend right in
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Bike theft

Arguably the most common form of theft in the country for residents, bike theft is big in Amsterdam. It's hardly surprising in a city that has more bikes than people, but it's sadly a fact. Many residents resign to buying cheap bikes so they don't have to heavily insure them, or risk their expensive two-wheeler being nicked.

While getting around Amsterdam on a bike is brilliant, it might not be your preferred mode of transport if you're visiting the city. Still, if you're bringing a bike or planning to rent while you're out there, here are some tips to keep it safe!

  • Use two different locks to lock it up
  • Splurge on a solid, decent lock. If not two, then at least one, arguably with a steel chain as their more difficult to cut
  • Avoid U-shaped locks
  • Attach the frame to a pole, or one of the city's many bike racks
  • Take a picture of the bike and the frame number should the worst happen, it will help the police potentially track it down
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Theft from cars

Thieves may break into cars and steal valuables. So, if you're renting a car while you're over, keep all your valuables hidden, or stashed away in your accommodation. This includes phone or satnav chargers, as they may point towards more valuable items within.

Neighborhoods to avoid

While Amsterdam is almost completely devoid of violent crime, it doesn't mean it's some kind of 1950s paradise where you can leave your front doors unlocked!

And, while most neighborhoods are about as safe as each other, there's one area in particular you may want to avoid. Given its relative distance from the center of the city, you may never even come across it on your vacation.

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Amsterdam Zuidoost

Amsterdam Zuidoost, or Amsterdam Southeast, is the city's most poverty-stricken area. And, while there are ongoing plans to renovate the area and improve livability for residents, it's sadly the most crime-saturated part of the city.

However, this is predominantly due to theft rather than violent crime. Most violent crime is shared between criminal organizations, so residents or tourists are hardly ever involved.

However, Amsterdam Zuidoost is still relatively safe to visit during the day, though you may have little reason to. We recommend you avoid going there at night, or travel in groups of two or more if you must!

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Is Central Amsterdam safe?

Amsterdam's most popular tourist destination, Amsterdam Central is where you'll find the red light district, myriad cannabis cafes, bars, clubs, and multiple tourist attractions. Overall, it is considered a very safe part of the city. With pickpocketing peaking there, it is worth keeping your belongings safe and following our guidelines above.

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Is public transport safe in Amsterdam?

With a huge network of buses, subway trains, taxis, and trams, Amsterdam gives you multiple ways to get about. Public transport is considered very safe, but be aware of pickpockets. Keep your bags and coats close at all times, and don't flash wads of cash!

Like any city, there's always a higher chance of crime at night, so bear that in mind. However, as Amsterdam is such a compact city, you might choose to walk or cycle everywhere anyway!

So, is Amsterdam safe? We'd say so! Put your anxiety to rest and go enjoy the city! Looking for things to do while you're there? We've got you covered.

Dom Bewley

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Amsterdam's Munttoren behind a canal
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Amsterdam in July

At the height of summer, Amsterdam in July positively oozes life and culture. Some of the largest crowds flock to the capital over the summer period to bask in the Dutch sun and explore the city’s cultural hubs, hedonistic pleasures and world-famous nightlife scene. So long as you’re prepared to put up with larger queues and busier streets, a trip in summer is sure to be a thrilling one. Visiting Amsterdam in July Average Temperature: 54 - 70°F • Average Rainfall: 12 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 6 hours/day It likely comes as little surprise that visiting Amsterdam in July – and just about anywhere else in Europe around this time – will land you amid one of the city’s most bustling periods. The Dutch capital positively brims with life throughout summer, as the waves of families and vacationers flock to see just what the country’s cultural center has to offer. Naturally, this comes at the cost of sharing the city with many more tourists than during the low season. Lines for attractions are likely to be longer, and accommodation rates will be at their highest. However, that also allows the nightlife scene to really come into its own, and the city as a whole will have a much more electric atmosphere. Your trip to Amsterdam in July will likely be complemented by overall mild to warm temperatures. While you aren’t guaranteed the same summertime heatwaves of more southern European destinations, July’s climate is prime weather for exploring the iconic streets and squares of the Dutch capital. That being said, it also wouldn’t be a terrible idea to pack an umbrella just in case. Things to Do in July No matter the time of year, any trip to Amsterdam would be incomplete without discovering at least some of its famous cultural hubs. Taking precedence is the emblematic Rijksmuseum towering over the Museumplein, housing a vast collection of renowned artworks and historical artifacts. Where historical insight is concerned, the Anne Frank House stands as the most potent recounting of life in the Netherlands during the Second World War. As a city with more bicycles than people, there are few better ways to explore Amsterdam than on your very own pair of wheels. Over 470 miles of cycle paths make up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, making for a fantastic excuse to take a more physically active approach to exploring the capital. Many bike rental stores offer daily rates somewhere in the region of €10. There’s no better time than summer to make the most of Amsterdam’s many sprawling green spaces. The weather in July offers a perfect opportunity to take a stroll among Vondelpark’s ancient trees and stunning lakes, and grab a seat at one of its many charming park cafés. Equally, why not have a picnic in Westerpark, make the most of its live summertime events and shows, or even catch a viewing at its very own arthouse cinema? Second only to cycling, Amsterdam’s emblematic waterways offer a uniquely alternative means of seeing the city. You can choose from a large variety of tour operators offering their own canal boat excursions, often including tours of the capital’s key landmarks accompanied by local insights into their cultural and historical significance. Amsterdam’s nightlife scene is never better than in summer, when you can expect most bars and clubs to be brimming with life. Popular venues can be found throughout the city, but as a general rule of thumb, the old area of Jordaan is typically very popular with young people for its trendy bars. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are particularly popular for their club offerings, while the street of Nes often attracts more of an intellectual theater crowd. Events in July Over Het IJ Festival Held on the waterfront of the River IJ in Amsterdam, the 10-day Over Het IJ Festival stands as a combined celebration of theater, art and culture. With the backdrop of Amsterdam’s iconic wharves, piers and shipping containers, the festival offers a variety of theatrical performances, visual arts and interactive installations for visitors to enjoy. The waterfront location allows for visitors to enjoy the festival’s jam-packed program of location-specific shows and activities while enjoying the best of the Dutch summertime weather. The event is publicly accessible for visitors to explore at their leisure, with a variety of delicious food stands and chill spaces scattered around the venue. Amsterdam Pride As the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, nobody knows how to celebrate Pride more than the Netherlands. Now a multi-day festival, Amsterdam’s Pride Festival typically attracts around half a million visitors each year in late July in celebration of equality, diversity and personal identity. Should you happen to visit around this time, you’ll find local bars and clubs veritably thriving with festivity. Various street parties and events bring together thousands of revelers dressed in the full color spectrum to enjoy live music performances and Amsterdam’s famous Canal Parade, during which over 80 official vessels celebrate the past, present and future of the LGBT community. Milkshake Festival Organized as a collaboration between two of Amsterdam’s most prominent clubs, Air and Paradiso, the Milkshake Festival is a multi-genre music event built around central themes of inclusion and freedom of expression. The event promotes diversity in every sense of the word, as thousands of music fans flock to enjoy the festival’s many different stages and performances in a safe, open environment. North Sea Jazz Festival The North Sea Jazz Festival is the world’s largest indoor music festival. Hosted in Rotterdam, just over an hour away from Amsterdam by train, the event takes place over three days and features performances from various music genres. Although primarily considered the world’s most important jazz festival, the festival also offers blues, funk, hip hop and world music performances from local and international names both big and small. As many as 70,000 visitors flock to Rotterdam each year to enjoy live music from over 1,000 musicians performing across 15 stages.
Robert Heaney
Several boats moored beside Amsterdam's iconic canal houses
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Amsterdam in May

For a true taste of the best of both worlds, a trip to Amsterdam in May could be just the ticket. As the early bridge between the city’s low and high tourism seasons, May is the perfect window of time to experience both the healthy buzz of the Dutch capital and the relatively meagre queues of the late low-season traffic. Visiting Amsterdam in May Average Temperature: 45 - 61°F • Average Rainfall: 12 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 7 hours/day As springtime begins drawing to a close, so too does the Amsterdam shoulder season. May lands you right on the precipice between low-season traffic and the impending waves of summertime tourists. That makes it a great time to enjoy the city’s healthy buzz while also making the most of the shortest queues for top attractions for the next few months. Visiting Amsterdam in May will have you experiencing the first days of mostly mild weather, after many months of chill and rain. While you should still be prepared to pack an umbrella and perhaps some waterproofs too, you might not have to bundle up quite so warm anymore. What’s more, May is the first time when you can expect regular full days of sunshine, making for ideal exploring conditions. Things to Do in May History & Culture Few trips to Amsterdam would be complete without exploring some of its renowned cultural hubs. Taking pride of place is the striking Rijksmuseum, home to the Netherlands’ largest collection of art and historical artifacts, among which sit multiple works by the likes of Rembrandt and Vermeer. Known for drawing in creatives from around the world, the Dutch capital certainly makes sure to celebrate its artists. The Van Gogh Museum leads the charge with its more than 1,400-strong collection of the famed Post-Impressionist painter’s works, while the MOCO Museum just down the road celebrates such modern and contemporary artists as Banksy and Damien Hirst. The city as it stands today is nothing if not for its rich and diverse history, which it certainly makes every effort to chronicle. Central to this is the Amsterdam Museum, documenting the development of the capital from the middle ages to modern day. Perhaps most popular, however, is the Anne Frank House, which immortalizes the story of the famous World War Two diarist and stands as a reminder of the tragedies of war. Outdoor Activities With milder weather on the rise, there are few more perfect ways to explore the city than on your own pair of wheels. With more bikes than residents, Amsterdam is literally built to facilitate cycling, with over 470 miles of cycle lanes running through and around the city. For a more active approach to your trip, grab yourself a rental bike from one of the many stores dotted throughout Amsterdam for around roughly €10/day. Since we’re talking about unique ways to see the city, why not do so from atop Amsterdam’s world-famous waterways? One of the capital’s largest tourism industries, canal boat tours offer a fantastic way to get from one place to another while also offering unique perspectives and insights into the cultural and historical significance of many of the city’s top monuments. Just as May marks the final days of spring, so too does it serve to see out the Dutch tulip season. From the end of March, tulips will have been in full bloom throughout the Netherlands. For the best tulip and flower displays in the country, you’ll want to take a trip to nearby Lisse to explore Keukenhof Park, known also as the Garden of Europe and the most popular place to see tulips in bloom. You might find the milder, clearer days of May to be the perfect opportunity to take a day trip or two to some of Amsterdam’s neighboring cities. Utrecht is considered Europe’s best canal city and is popular for its trendy yet provincial architecture and atmosphere. Rotterdam is the Netherlands’ principal port town and home to some of the country’s best modern architecture, alongside a killer nightlife scene. Most cities are accessible within a few hours by train, so it should be no trouble to work them into a free day in your itinerary. Events in May Rolling Kitchens Food Festival Over the course of a long weekend in late May, Amsterdam’s Westergas hosts the Rollende Keukens or Rolling Kitchens Food Festival. Dozens of food trucks and mobile kitchens set up shop to create one gigantic open-air food court, offering all manner of cuisine to tickle every taste bud. Joining the street food are also a selection of bar stands serving everything from health smoothies to stylish cocktails. With free admission, the festival promotes a cheap and cheerful atmosphere, giving visitors the chance to experience anything from local Dutch staples to world cuisine in a relaxed, affordable setting. Complete with live music and performances, you can easily sink an evening into exploring the labyrinth of food stalls and dining beneath the stars. World Press Photo Often launching sometime in April, the annual World Press Photo exhibition typically takes place in Amsterdam’s Nieuwe Kerk and can be visited for a number of months following its unveiling. The exhibition serves to showcase the award-winning images and videos submitted to the World Press Photo Competition, split among prize categories such as News, Sports, Nature and the Environment. The largest photography competition of its kind in the world, World Press Photo offers aspiring and prominent photographers alike the opportunity to share their skills with the world, through the stories told by their work. An independent and international jury works to judge submissions each year and pick out the best of the bunch, ultimately landing on a single Photo of the Year. Those with a penchant for photography, journalism and the visual arts might find a great deal of value from exploring the galleries of winning pieces. Complete with elaborate captions and often audio commentary, each image tells an intimate story, often shedding light on ongoing global affairs that otherwise go unseen.
Robert Heaney
Cyclists taking a break on the grass in Amsterdam's Vondelpark
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Westerpark Vs Vondel Park Comparison

If you've only got time for just one of Amsterdam's beautiful public parks, then this guide is for you!
Stuart Bak

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