Is Netherlands Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

The Netherlands generally is very safe with a well-functioning police force and emergency services. Dutch people are open-minded, respect diversity, and crime rates are low. However, like any place, it's advisable to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded touristic areas and late at night. Always follow local alerts and advisories to avoid potential risks.

Safety rating

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How safe is Netherlands?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

The Netherlands is known for high safety standards, even during night hours. Bigger cities have well-lit streets, offering a sense of security to its inhabitants and visitors. However, as in any place, caution should still be exercised. Stay in populated areas, avoid poorly-lit streets and always be aware of your surroundings. Do not engage in risky behaviors and steer clear of potentially dangerous situations. Make use of public transportation where possible, as they are generally secure and reliable. Allow friends or family to know your whereabouts whenever you plan to be out during late hours.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

In general, the Netherlands' public transportation system is considered highly safe, especially in comparison to global standards. This includes well-connected and frequently running buses, trains, and trams, as well as cycling paths. There is an efficient network of ferries in cities like Amsterdam. While petty theft can be seen in crowded areas, measures like use of surveillance cameras, patrols, and lighting provide safety. It is advisable to stay alert, especially in larger cities and at night, and always keep your belongings within your sight. Keep the local emergency number (112) handy, although it's unlikely you'll need to use it.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

In general, the Netherlands is known for its respectful and open-minded people. Street harassment is not commonly reported, and it is considered one of the safer countries for solo female travelers. Instances of harassment can occur, as they can anywhere in the world, but these are not prevalent, and women often feel comfortable navigating cities and towns on their own both during the day and night. Authorities and residents have a low tolerance for harassment, and there are usually strict measures in place to handle such situations. Nevertheless, exercising general vigilance is recommended.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Netherlands generally holds a reputation for being a safe country with low levels of petty crime. However, popular touristic cities such as Amsterdam can see occasional instances of pickpocketing and bike theft. Always be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation.

Is Netherlands worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 145 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5
Ciara

Ciara

Iceland

Amsterdam, Solo travel

I spent just 3 days in Amsterdam with a friend, staying in the clink hostel. The Hozier concert we went to was insane and we also enjoyed the Dalí/Gaudi immersive experience. I tend to feel anxious/overstimulated in cities but Amsterdam was comparatively very relaxing. The amount of water in and around the centre affects the atmosphere of the city for sure. I felt pretty safe walking at night and the public transport is easy to use.

Posted: April 21, 2025Experienced: November, 2023
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Elena

Elena

Armenia

Amsterdam, Group travel

Travelled here with a friend for four days. Amsterdam is by far among my favorite destinations. I felt very safe, free, and relaxed there. Even though it’s bustling with tourism, it was still very chill. People are very friendly, helpful and non-judgmental. The city offers more than weed (although this is a must when visiting), such as great food, the Red Light Secrets Museum, Moco museum and other art museums, and the Van Gogh museum. I also love the progressive and environmentally-friendly culture and lifestyle there. This is city is definitely 10/10. ❤️

Posted: April 13, 2025
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Netherlands, Couple travel

felt very safe, especially as a queer couple. The vegan options are crazy good, we tried so many vegan restaurants and had lots of fun. We stayed in Utrecht, close to the center, it was a very cheap and good place.

Posted: April 13, 2025
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Amsterdam, Group travel

It was really fun, rented a bicycle and biked around the middle of the city. Pretty safe borh walking and biking. It was when it became dark that i became a bit creepy, got catcalled when biking and had to stay casious when walking home after with my friend in the dark since it became dark pretty fast.

Posted: April 10, 2025
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Amsterdam, Solo travel

Amsterdam is a beautiful city and I really recommend it, there are a lot of things to do, and people were nice, I felt safe there and have really liked the atmosphere plus the houses are really cute and there are a lot of ducks there, I love ducks.

Posted: April 6, 2025
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Dido

Dido

Greece

The Hague, Group travel

Very safe and lovely people! Very beautiful multinational community of students. Typically not many things to do past 5 pm but art museums were lovely and overall the city was gorgeous! I highly recommend an Amsterdam- The Hague trip

Posted: March 30, 2025
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Jovana

Jovana

Germany

Rotterdam, Solo travel

I was in Rotterdam in the Sommer and I felt really safe. City is really nice, but you can see most of it in one day. I went to the two hours cruse with boat , and I was disappointed. They show you just the Industry side of the city.

Posted: March 11, 2025Experienced: May, 2023
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The Hague, Couple travel

We stayed in a bed and breakfast the food in the b&b wasn't That Good. For dinner we went to two different Italian restaurants and they were amazing. If you are planning to go to den Haag by car, don't! Its very expensive to park there. You can go to the beatch and go swimming. There are a few Museum witch are worth a visit (Museum Voorlinden). Or you can go to Duinrell.

Posted: March 9, 2025
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Britters

Britters

Australia

Amsterdam, Solo travel

Totally safe. I am always super cautious if I'm visiting somewhere for the first time but I had no worries here at all. The hospitality workers were all lovely, people on the streets are happy, I loved it. I stayed in a 4 bed mixed dormitory at a hostel and I only roomed with dudes for 2 nights and they were all nice! I went to 'coffee shops' on 2 nights with different people I met from the hostel and they were completely different experiences (I'm not a regular smoker). First was super fun and silly, we stayed out quite late wandering the city and ate fries. The second, a seasoned smoker bought this stuff for us and I started feeling weird all of a sudden after 10 mins and left to sit down on a bench by myself. I had a psychotic episode... silently... it was super scary but I had inner monologue telling me to calm down so eventually I walked back to the hostel about 10 minutes away which was completely fine and went to bed. When I woke up everything was normal. Moral of the story is make sure the person in the shop knows you need something light not something that will send you into the stratosphere. Unless that's what you're going for. There are so many varieties of varying strengths, don't make my mistake and smoke anything put in front of you 😂

Posted: March 4, 2025Experienced: July, 2023
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Amsterdam, Solo travel

The safest country in the world I swear. They use bycicle everywhere they go. It's so cool. I liked the views and everything, it was so nice. Museumplein has my heart. And the stores, people were so nice.

Posted: February 17, 2025Experienced: January, 2025
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Is Netherlands safe for women?

Safety index

4.5 /5

Based on 378 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 378 local experiences

Barneveld

It’s a very safe, quaint place that has a lot of hidden gems. It’s a quiet Christian town where people usually go to retire. I’ve lived here for 12 years and haven’t experienced anything substantial. The most you’ll get is a group of teenage boys who are wannabe gangsters checking you out lol, but they’re harmless. They’re usually around chain grocery stores and public transport during dusk.

Posted: April 19, 2025
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Voorschoten

Voorschoten feels incredibly safe and peaceful—perfect for solo travelers, families, and anyone looking for a relaxed environment. It’s a quiet, residential town where people greet each other, kids play freely, and biking or walking around at any time of day feels secure. I’ve never had any safety concerns, even when out alone. It has that cozy small-town feel, but it’s still close to bigger cities like Leiden and The Hague. A great balance of calm and convenience!

Posted: April 17, 2025
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Meet locals in Netherlands

Lucie

Lucie

About Me

Hey! I'm a Belgian student in Maastricht, studying Contemporary Literature and Arts (with a focus on social justice issues)🌍 I care about social and environmental justice 💜 I love traveling, meeting new people, visit museums,... 🥰 I do arts&crafts at home 🎨 Painting, pottery, jewelry, ...

Speaking

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Laura

Laura

About Me

I'm Laura, 23, and Brazilian, I just arrived in the Netherlands in the beginning of April, I'm really excited to meet new people here. Unfortunately I can't host anyone since I'm here as an au pair, but I would love to make plans to have some fun!

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Netherlands

Lucie

Lucie

Maastricht

Can host for:

4 days

About me

Hey! I'm a Belgian student in Maastricht, studying Contemporary Literature and Arts (with a focus on social justice issues)🌍 I care about social and environmental justice 💜 I love traveling, meeting new people, visit museums,... 🥰 I do arts&crafts at home 🎨 Painting, pottery, jewelry, ...

Speaking

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Tamarah

Tamarah

Nijmegen

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi butterflies, I myself like to fly away to other places to meet other butterflies and beautiful people and their colors of traditions and cultures. But I also can really enjoy to stay in my cocoon and would love to welcome other butterflies and people, having a great time with them in my wonderful, social and green hometown. Even though I am born with a muscular disease and I am using a power wheelchair to move around, it absolutely doesn’t make me to stay in my cocoon all the time. On the contrary! I’m looking for the possibilities, and not the impossibilities. That’s my life motto! And independency with a physical disability is also a high priority in my undertaking life. :) Every year I’m making a trip to have a water sports holiday on a great lake (sailing, canoeing, rowing and even water skiing). When I’m in my hometown I love to be with my fellow butterfly friends to have a good fresh (vegetarian) meal and to enjoy their company. I can also really enjoy of the serenity of nature or writing my thoughts and feelings down on paper as poetry.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Netherlands

Anayanzy

Anayanzy

About Me

Hi girliesssss! I’m Anayanzy from Mexico I being solo traveling from about 4 years, meeting awesome people in the path and getting to know me more and more

Speaking

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Olivie

Olivie

About Me

Hi, my name is Olivie and I love travelling, coffee, reading, knitting and the most I love all of the above together!

Speaking

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Safety in Netherlands