Is Amsterdam Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Amsterdam is generally safe for solo female travelers. People are friendly, and English is widely spoken, which helps in navigating through the city. The public transportation system is efficient and reliable, making it easy to move around. However, as in any major city, it's always important to stay vigilant especially during the night and in lesser crowded areas. Instances of petty crimes like pickpocketing can happen, so be mindful of your belongings and avoid showing off expensive items. Always remember, safety is largely about awareness of your surroundings.

Safety index

4.9 /5

Based on 43 experiences

4.6 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Safe

Amsterdam is generally a safe city for solo female travelers, even at night. The city is well lit and usually busy with people, which contributes to a sense of security. However, like any other city, it is always smart to remain vigilant, especially in less crowded or poorly lit areas. It serves you well to avoid secluded places during the night. Public transport is reliable and runs late into the night, which is another helpful aspect. Take the usual precautions you would in any other city and perhaps try to stick to busier areas where there are other people around. Additionally, locals are usually friendly and willing to assist if needed.

Public transportation: Very safe

Public transportation in Amsterdam is well-managed and secure. Trams, buses and metros are all monitored with CCTV cameras and regular patrols by transportation officials. Most locals and tourists alike find it a reliable and safe means for commuting, even during late hours. Also, people are generally respectful and helpful. Always remember to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure as you would in any international city.

Street harassment: Low

Amsterdam tends to be quite respectful towards women out in public. While the possibility of an occasional comment can't be completely ruled out, it is generally referred to as a safe and welcoming city for solo female travelers. The instances of street harassment are much lower compared to many other destinations. Always remain cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially if traveling alone at night.

Petty crimes:Low

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a relatively safe city. Petty crimes such as purse snatching or pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded tourist hotspots and on public transportation. However, the majority of tourists do not experience any issues. It's always advisable to keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings to prevent minor incidences from occurring.

Tap water:Very safe

The tap water in Amsterdam, is of high quality and considered one of the best in the world. Locals and tourists alike can drink it without any concern. The water undergoes strict checks and regulations ensuring its purity and cleanliness, eliminating the need for purchasing bottled water.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 43 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.9/5

Food

4.8/5

Budget-friendly

3.2/5

Solo travel experience

I felt incredibly safe in Amsterdam! It’s a beautiful city with so many things to see and do. The people are nice and food is great. IJ Hallen, Europes largest flea market, happens once per month and was a great place to visit.

Posted: December 3, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Safe city and biked on my own back without any problem. Simple and easy to get around and locals are usually very friendly and helpful if you need any recommendations. Overall recommend this city for solo traveller as it is a safe city and you can get anywhere pretty easily.

Posted: November 19, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I visited Amsterdam solo and I can highly recommend it. Loads to do so you’ll never get bored. Never felt unsafe. Friendly people and English is widely spoken. The public transport is amazing and so easy to use.

Posted: October 15, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I did Amsterdam and I fell in love with it. Transportation was really simple and I loved the bike culture. It’s a very friendly and clean city and I just felt so safe while being able to explore and indulge in the culture. The only downside is that it's an expensive city.

Posted: October 10, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I was there last summer. For public transportation, I bought a multi-day pass that covered the time I was there and had unlimited rides on subways, buses, and trams. I stayed at the Bicycle Hotel, which I liked. It's cheaper to stay a little outside the main area, and public transportation is super quick and easy.

Posted: August 7, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I stayed in Amsterdam for 6 days and went on trips to Bruges and Keukenhof Gardens. I had a great time and felt safe and comfortable. I liked going to the museums, taking the trams, walking around, admiring the buildings, going on boat rides, and meeting the locals.

Posted: August 5, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

When I went to Amsterdam I felt so, so safe there. Dutch people are very friendly, everyone I met spoke English and I felt extremely safe walking back home at night. The trams were pretty easy to work out. I recommend reserving tickets to the Anne Frank Museum. Also, the Van Gogh Museum was absolutely incredible. I had a lovely time and Amsterdam is the safest, friendliest city I’ve ever been to and I felt very relaxed there.

Posted: August 4, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Amsterdam is my other favorite city in Europe. It felt so safe, with great public transport, beautiful scenery with the canals and trees, and lots of museums and things to do, the people were nice, and the Netherlands, in general, is absolutely beautiful if you decide to do day trips.

Posted: August 1, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Group travel experience

I traveled to Amsterdam with my friend. We felt super safe the entire time, the only thing I would say is that there’s a lot of catcalling. But we never felt unsafe as we stuck to busy areas where there were other people around at all time

Posted: July 30, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Group travel experience

Plenty of cafes, museums, canals to experience in Amsterdam — a city you’ll not find anywhere else in the world. The free spirit you feel on the streets is really quite something else, and even if you’re not into the coffee shop culture, you’ll find plenty of other things to do. The little Tulip Museum was very informative and had a lovely selection of souvenirs. Highlight of the trip was having homemade apple pie at Winkle: the best pie I’ve ever had! So worth the wait and travel time.

Posted: June 26, 2023
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
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Local experiences

Museums - I highly recommend the Van Gogh museum, Rijksmuseum, Moco, Hermitage, Stedelijk, Red Light Secrets, Sex museum, Diamond museum, Van Loon museum, Anne Frank house, Body Worlds, Eye Filmmuseum and Ripley's Believe it Or Not. If you're in the mood, do check out Madame Tussauds, Wondr Experience and Heineken Experience. Walking - I recommend walking through the 9 Streets area, lots of cute shops, vintage shops, concept stores, restaurants and cafés. Also a great place to find a unique souvenir to bring back home or to treat yourself to something special. Food and drinks - Van Stapele Koekmakerij (cookies), Van Wonderen Stroopwaffels (caramel waffels), Chun (boba tea), Pluk (breakfast/brunch/lunch), De Laatste Kruimel café (breakfast/brunch/lunch), Tony's Chocolonely Bar (everything chocolate!), Polaberry (chocolate-covered strawberries), Vapiano (pasta & pizza), The Butcher (burgers), Vegan Junk Food Bar (self explanatory, but I recommend the burgers), New York Pizza (best fluffy base pizza). Try the typical Dutch food from the wall at Febo or Smuller's. Snacks - My favourite snacks are frikandel, bami and kipcorn. Get some fries with mayonnaise for the full Dutch experience. Other - If you have time and you're in the mood, check out the many concert, theater, dance or film options available at Melkweg, Carré, Het Concertgebouw, Pathé and other smaller venues throughout the city. Pathé Tuschinski is a beautiful old cinema that is well worth a visit.

Posted: December 14, 2022
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I grew up about 15 minutes from Amsterdam, so these are my recommendations. Museums: - Fashion for Good Museum - MOCO museum - Fabrique des Lumieres - Van Gogh museum (the best) - De Nieuwe Kerk - Foam museum Other fun stuff: - Canal cruise - WONDR experience - Ice skating on Museumplein - NDSM-werf - De Negen Straatjes (the nine streets) - Albert Cuypmarkt My favorite shops: - de Bijenkorf (mostly high-end stuff) - De IJ-hallen (vintage/second hand clothing) - Zipper - Episode - Kalverstraat (shopping street with mostly high street stores) - We Are Vintage Food: - Van Wonderen Stroopwafels - Vleminckx de Sausmeesters (the best fries ever) - Morgan and Mees (fancy instagrammable brunch) - Café twee prinsen - Café de Hoppe - Café Hans & Grietje

Posted: November 26, 2022
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There is so much to do! - Rijksmuseum (you can also just sit in the historic library) - different markets and restaurants that sell these: poffertjes, oliebollen, stroop wafels and Dutch pannekoeken and if you are feeling adventurous, fresh haring! - Markets (Albert Cuyp and Bloemen Markt) - Volendam (really cute little village 45 minutes outside of Amsterdam. Easily get there by bus, definitely worth a day trip!) - Banksy Museum - 9 straatjes - Speigelgracht (in front of the Rijksmuseum. Tons of antique stores and galleries to browse through) - Bijenkorf (high end department store) - Begijnhof (a little courtyard/ monastery in the middle of the city) - Tonton (fun arcade) - Markthallen (tons of food choices from all over) - tour over the canals - Amsterdam Eye - Jewish Quarter - Anne Frank Museum (but this can be pretty booked up, usually you have to reserve in advanced) - Tons of cozy cafes, galleries, and shops everywhere!

Posted: November 19, 2022
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Moco, NXT, STRAAT and Fabrique des lumieres are very nice museums, same vibe! For breakfast/brunch I'd say go to George, Mr. stacks, Moak, the breakfastclub, Staring at Jacobs or Teds. For dinner you have to make a reservation at Lolo's and Fiko, both italian. Cafe in the city for sushi and nice vibe. Bar rouge also for the vibe/entertainment and sushi! Bangkok for thai/asian, restaurant but not a very special place to sit but the food is great. Shisho for the best all you can eat Sushi. Monopoly burger and Artisani for fastfood/Burgers and try their wafflefries plate. Go a day to Zaandam to the Zaanse Schans. It's close to Amsterdam, Zaandam has a cute centre and the Zaanse Schans is like an old dutch village with windmills and all that, really cute. Oh and do the canalcruise in Amsterdam at the end of your day and try stroopwafels in the centre when you're there. Try out poffertjes because that's one of the best foods that the Netherlands has/

Posted: November 10, 2022
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If you have the chance to get to Amsterdam, I HIGHLY recommend the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum- I’m slightly partial to the Van Gogh Museum, but that’s just because he’s my favorite artist. The boat tours that they do in the major cities are super interesting, and are a good way to find the locations of architecture to later find and photograph while learning about the history of the city. If you’re able, get some poffertjes (mini pancakes)! Frikandel and kroket are also super good- be sure get an order of fries with them! (Frikandel is almost like a sausage, but doesn’t really have a casing like most sausages, and kroket is a breaded and fried meat ragout.)

Posted: July 27, 2022
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I live here, if you want a cool spot for food go to the Foodhallen Amsterdam, do a boat tour but find one of the small companies. Alternatively you can rent a boat yourself for a couple of hours they tell you where to go and they are super easy to drive. Also the Albert Cuyp Market is great to try fresh stroopwafels , and don't forget to order bitterballen in a bar.

Posted: July 21, 2022
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I live close to Amsterdam and here are some of my recommendations for Amsterdam: Museums: - Fashion for Good Museum - MOCO museum - Fabrique des Lumieres - Van Gogh museum (the best) - De Nieuwe Kerk (there is an exhibition on called Maison Amsterdam, about fashion) - Foam museum Other fun stuff: - Canal cruise (any company works tbh but i like lovers) - WONDR experience - Ice skating on Museumplein - NDSM-werf - De Negen Straatjes(the nine streets) - Albert Cuypmarkt My favorite shops: - de Bijenkorf (mostly high-end stuff tho) - De IJ-hallen (vintage/second hand clothing) - Zipper - Episode - Kalverstraat (shopping street with mostly high street stores if you're looking to go shopping) - We Are Vintage Food: - Van Wonderen Stroopwafels - Vleminckx de Sausmeesters (the best fries ever) - Morgan and Mees (fancy instagrammable brunch) - Café twee prinsen - Café de Hoppe - Café Hans & Grietje I’d also recommend downloading the app 9292 for public transport!

Posted: July 12, 2022
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I recommend the big museums like Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Moco Museum and Stedelijk Mueseum if you like modern and contemporary art. But some other less known museums that I recommend is the Van Loo house museum, the Rembrandt Museum and the Bags & Purses museum. My favourite thing to do in Amsterdam is walk in the area 9 Streets (9 Straatjes in Dutch). There are many cute little shops and cafés. I like grabbing a bite and a drink at Pluk, some chocolate covered strawberryies at Polaberry, a bubble tea at Chun, a rich chocolate cookie at Van Stapele, depending on the mood. Do try stroopwaffels from Van Wonderen as well, there are so many to choose from and all delicious. I also recommend taking a canal boat tour, it's so atmospheric and you really get to see a lot of the city. If you like burgers, for dinner I recommend The Butcher, they have several locations in town and their burgers are really juicy. For something a bit different, I recommend This is Holland as a fun experience. You get to fly over The Netherlands in a kind of VR and you learn a lot about the history of the country as a whole. Other fun things to do is the Ripley's Believe It or Not and the Madame Toussaud's. They are both in Dam square, one of the main squares of the city that is a must-see. There is also the Royal Palace which is worth visiting and the Nieuwe Kerk which sometimes houses interesting exhibitions. Finally, a stroll through the Red Light district is a must in Amsterdam. I recommend going at twilight, when it's still light out but the red lights start to shine bright already. If you're feeling it, check out a sex shop, a live sex show or go to the Erotic Museum. And if you ever get hungry and want a snack, Dutch people are crazy for food from the wall. For just a couple of euros down a vending machine type slot, you can get warm fried snacks and even burgers from places llike Febo and Smullers. A must try aspect of Dutch culture!

Posted: May 27, 2022
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Meet locals in Amsterdam

Kira

Kira

Speaking

About Me

Hi!, My name is Kira and I have been living in the Netherlands for 5+ years now. I am always interested to meet new people, share travel stories and learn about each other’s culture:) I'm interested in animals, backpacking, digital nomad, sightseeing, technology, languages, culture, cinema, food & cuisine and solo travel

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇨🇳 China, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇺 Guam, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇼 Taiwan, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇻🇦 Vatican City, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇵🇱 Poland

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Joann

Joann

Speaking

About Me

I am Joann, 24 years old. I love to cook, dance & meet up with new people.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇸 Bahamas, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇷 Suriname, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States

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Elli

Elli

Speaking

About Me

Hi! I'm Elli, I was born in Italy but I've been studying and working in the Netherlands for the last few years. I decided to quit my job to explore places around the world for some months. I want to connect with local people and cultures and do some volunteering, especially in farms and nature :) I am quite an adventurous and expressive person, I love to laugh, dance and have interesting conversations with people. As a solo traveller, I think it's great we have a community where you can feel safe as a woman, share experiences and get in touch with like-minded ladies, so looking forward to meeting you 😊

Countries I’ve Visited

🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇲🇨 Monaco, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇸🇲 San Marino, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇻🇦 Vatican City, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇲🇪 Montenegro

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Stay with locals in Amsterdam

Riemke

Riemke

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Hi! I’m Riemke, 29 years and I am from Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Currently I am traveling in Australia 🌞 I am queer, creative and a colorful person 🌈 I love to travel, walk around, drink a coffee or a beer, listen to podcasts, draw, play card- and boardgames. And I love to meet new people! ✨

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Rara

Rara

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Hey, My name is Rara and I'm interested in digital nomad, events & social, food & cuisine, games, nightlife, shopping, sightseeing, solo travel and dancing

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇻🇦 Vatican City

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Anna

Anna

Speaking

You can stay for:

2 days

About me

I'm a PhD candidate at University of Amsterdam, researching resistance to sexual violence. I have an activist past and a lot of crazy stories. I love animals, mountains, good food and cocktails, I love urban and nature hiking.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇨🇾 Cyprus, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States

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Upcoming visitors to Amsterdam

nataly

nataly

Speaking

About Me

I’m Ucrainian girl . Live in Naples for 14 years. Love travel and meet new people.

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silène

silène

Speaking

About Me

Hey, My name is silène and I'm interested in books, art, cinema, culture, events & social, education, hiking, nature, nightlife, writing, live music and food & cuisine

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇨 Monaco, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇹🇳 Tunisia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇻🇦 Vatican City

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Tia

Tia

Speaking

About Me

Hey, My name is Tia and I will be solo traveling on a fellowship next year! Looking for friends and connections in 🇹🇭 🇲🇦 🇦🇷 🇬🇷 🇳🇱

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇻🇦 Vatican City, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

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Local discussions

TravelWhich hostels are the best for a trip to Amsterdam in December?

Hey hey! Planning a trip to Amsterdam in December, wondering if yall know which hostels are the best? Or what area I should stay in for the best walkability :) thanks! Also down if anyone wants to meet up!

Posted: August 6, 2023
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Solo travelHow much spending money is recommended for a 4/5 day trip to Amsterdam?

I’m wanting to go away for my birthday to Amsterdam for 4/5 days. Any recommendations of where to stay preferably the centre and not in a hostel. Also any ideas of how much spending money is recommended? Thanks

Posted: June 25, 2023
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Solo travelWhere to stay in Amsterdam?

I'm going to Amsterdam and Brussels in January. Does anyone have any recs on where to stay in Amsterdam? I've never been before.

Posted: June 23, 2023
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TravelWhat are some recommendations for a 3 day trip to Amsterdam in February?

I’m looking to go on a 3 day Amsterdam trip in February. Any recommendations on places to eat, drink, visit and stay would be appreciated. Trying to stay in a bit of a budget but open to all suggestions.

Posted: November 27, 2022
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TravelWhat are some budget-friendly sights and restaurants to visit in Amsterdam?

I'm in Amsterdam for a few days - does anyone have any recommendations on what to see while staying under a budget? Or any restaurant recs?

Posted: November 2, 2022
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Safety in Netherlands