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 151 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5
Asmin

Asmin

Netherlands

Leiden, Solo travel

Leiden is a student city. It's overall very safe, but like everywhere else during the night in some places, you need to be more sharp. It has many museums and is called museum city. The botanical garden is very pretty from the end of March until the end of September. It has a cafe but you can also do a picnic. It's very pretty and located in the middle of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. You can walk everywhere, you don't need to take a bus. In 30 mins, you can be at the beach too (Katwijk or Noordwijk). There are no hostels and the food is also expensive.

Posted: May 4, 2025Experienced: April, 2025
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Maastricht, Solo travel

Maastricht was wonderful - super cute old town, cute university. There is a church that has been completely converted into a bookshop, I can totally recommend it! Sitting by the river in the evening is also great, there are lots of young open-minded people in the city. Everything is within walking distance - I didn't stay there but the prices for food were like in the surrounding countries.

Posted: May 4, 2025Experienced: March, 2025
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Azime

Azime

Turkey

Amsterdam, Solo travel

It was a great city and the people were sooo nice i loveeed walking around and just exploring. I felt safe during the day ofc but i have no comment about it at night due to i didnt have any experience in the city at night😁.

Posted: April 27, 2025
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Oleksandra

Oleksandra

Austria

Amsterdam, Couple travel

Absolutely AWESOME city!!!! Made me want to move there actually, everything is accessible, a little expensive, and so so beautiful. When I went out alone I felt very safe, and even in the evening there wasn't any danger at all

Posted: April 24, 2025Experienced: January, 2024
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Amsterdam, Couple travel

I spent 2 days (1 night) in Amsterdam during my Interrail trip in 2023. While it was a short time, it was enough to visit all landmarks and visit some museums. The van goth museum is truly amazing. I stayed with my now ex girlfriend in The flyinf pig for the night, which isn't the best choice for people sensitive to the smell of weed since the hostel has a smoking area

Posted: April 23, 2025Experienced: January, 2023
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Amsterdam, Couple travel

I went with my partner and we stayed at the tulip hostel which was 10min from the train station. So the location was convenient. Very touristy area. The staircase was narrow and no elevator in most hostels in Amsterdam because of the narrow buildings. The weather was awful: rain and cloudy all 4 days we were there. But it was expected since it was December. The food was expensive, as one would expect from a Western Europe country. A lot of options in the area tho. A lot of museums and the red light district was 10min from the train station. It felt pretty safe since we were in a tourist area and there was people in the streets at all times. We spent 1600€ in the city for food and museums and attractions etc. With plane tickets and hostel in total we spent 2600€uro for the whole trip for 4 days. To some places that was far away we took uber. The museum Lumieres is a MUST when you’re in Amsterdam and try the freshly made stroopwaffles, sooo good. I regret not going to see the windmills in the nearby city, but got a close enough experience in This is Holland fly experience. And the weed there is not as strong as one would imagine.

Posted: April 23, 2025
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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 DalĂ­/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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Is Netherlands safe for women?

Safety index

4.5 /5

Based on 390 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 390 local experiences

Amsterdam

Well, I am usually on my bike so that limits the interactions. I would say that the most annoying and problematic people are the group of drunk men in the center or around it. Then, as any park, if you're on your own at night, watch out because some dudes hide in trees or else but overall, Amsterdam is safe.

Posted: May 6, 2025
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Amsterdam

Amsterdam isn’t a city I would describe as unsafe. There’s almost always people around and I feel there are enough safe spaces you could go to if something did happen to you. That being said, I don’t know everything and some people might have a very different experience. I have never felt truly unsafe, and I don’t believe a lot of others have. Just a tip: I always look for pride flags when I don’t geel comfortable in the city. I believe that people who stand up for the rights of others are commonly more welcoming and helpful in times of stress.

Posted: May 5, 2025
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Safety in Netherlands