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 rating

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How safe is Amsterdam?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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.

Is Amsterdam worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 100 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5
Elena

Elena

Armenia

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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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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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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Britters

Britters

Australia

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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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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Franziska

Franziska

Austria

Solo travel

I really liked Amsterdam as a solo traveler. I loved the Bee Hostel; it was central and had great public transport. Very clean but affordable. Generally, Amsterdam is a very walkable and safe city. 10/10 would recommend.

Posted: February 16, 2025
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Group travel

It was very good. People are very lovely and me and my friends had a great time. It was never boring but a lot to enjoy 😍 The weather is the only minus point. All in all it was okay but some days it was rainy. But when there was no rain and the sun came out it was sooo pretty and even dreamy at some places. Highly recommend Amsterdam!

Posted: February 10, 2025
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Jane

Jane

France

Solo travel

Europe by train 2/17 • Amsterdam Became one of my favorite places the minute I arrived ! The vibe is incredible, it is full of vibrant people and it is gorgeous. For my fellow Art enthusiasts, the Rijksmuseum is to die for 🏃‍♀️‍➡️ so walkable ! the streets are so pretty, but don’t step on the bike lanes or else… 🏺 Tulip Museum, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank Huis 🍔 definitely try a fish sandwich near the flower market (if you eat fish). Was disappointed with stroopwaffels, but had a wonderful apple tart at Winkel ❤️ very welcoming, great for solo travelers! Love all the flowers and the mix of architecture styles. Shopping is super fun too, and the Vondelpark is gorgeous. Had an amazing experience at Hans Brinker Hostel 💔 VERY PRICEY! Not as bad as Vienna but you might have to choose between museum visits if you’re on a budget. Of course, very touristic so book your tickets in advance

Posted: February 9, 2025
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Jeanne

Jeanne

France

Solo travel

Overall I felt safe. We didn’t wander much at night so I can’t say. By day, it was amazing. No one bothered us. I would recommend doing a boat trip !!! In my opinion it is the number one thing to do considering the water everywhere. Going to Haarlem is also such a good idea ! There is a windmill there, one of the cultural things there ! I feel like there isn’t typical food there, it’s only variations of european recipes like the apple tart. Most of the time, we cooked in the hotel/hostel. My trip there was different from a solo trip though because it was a summer school. Therefore the accommodation was a hotel/hostel for students i think and the university had us reserve there for around 730€ for 2 weeks. It was expensive for this matter. The transports were okay, super clean. There was construction work so it was confusing sometimes. The thing you have to be careful of is to beep/pay on the machine when you enter AND when you leave. That’s how they calculate how much you’ll pay so be attentive.

Posted: February 6, 2025
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Couple travel

I enjoyed my time. A lovely city with lots to do. I went with my ex and stayed with my relatives. Unfortunately my ex didn't make a great impression. I want to go back and do the things he thought were too expensive. Eye Filmmuseum is great and the gallery quarter.

Posted: February 2, 2025Experienced: March, 2023
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Is Amsterdam safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 73 local experiences

Crime index

1.7 /5

Based on 73 local experiences

It's safe generally, especially during the day. At night, it's tough to say. Some neighbourhoods are safer than others. It also depends if you're walking alone or in a group. I've been out till night and was safe. I also know friends who go out all night and also are fine even when travelling alone. So, I would rate it 4 out of 5 in terms of safety. But still, being cautious is never a bad thing.

Posted: April 14, 2025
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Enya

Enya

Amsterdam is a very liberal and lively city. It is very touristy which can make it quite chaotic at times, and provokes pickpockets. Additionally, Amsterdam has a relatively high drug consumption which influences pollution at Public places and overall atmosphere. However, apart from that, It's one of the safest cities I've ever been in. Wherever you go, there is always light and someone around. People are tolerant and do not harass you for no reason.

Posted: April 8, 2025
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Meet locals in Amsterdam

Enya

Enya

About Me

Hi there :D my name is Enya, I am 21 years old and I currently live in Amsterdam. I study Politics, Psychology, Law and Economics - you might already guess; I have many interests, but I'm also quite an indecisive person. Originally, I'm from Frankfurt am Main, the finance center of Germany ;) But I realized soon enough that I didn't want to stay there after finishing high school, and instead had the urge to explore the world. During my gap year, I did an interrail trip through Italy, Slovenia, Hungary and Austria. I also travelled to South East Asia and volunteered in a party hostel in London. No I'm looking forward to my first semester Holidays from Uni and thinking of doing interrail again, but this time through France, Spain and Portugal. I'm hoping to get to know many nice and fascinating people and get the opportunity to observe and learn from others' lives :)))

Speaking

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Simran

Simran

About Me

Hi I am Simran☺ I was born and raised in Amsterdam and currently still happly living here. I have a punjabi background and like to visit India every year or so. Love to also visit new places and countries to see more of the world.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Amsterdam

Annemieke

Annemieke

Amsterdam

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, my name is Annemieke. I am 49 years old teacher. I live in Amsterdam city centre. I am open to meet new people, as a host and as a traveller.

Speaking

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Anna

Anna

Amsterdam

Can host for:

3 days

About me

British and Romanian Expat working in Amy? Interested to travel in Mediterranean countries Italy Cyprus Greece Malta France Spain Can host in Amsterdam north

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Amsterdam

nagisa

nagisa

About Me

Hi! I’m from Tokyo and grew up in the US, and currently based in Venice, studying as an exchange student :) I fluent in English and Japanese, currently studying Russian. I’m gonna solo travel around Europe in May, and I would be more than happy to meet local and travel girlies <33 I do music so would love to meet musicians and music lovers as well :)

Speaking

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Tamara

Tamara

About Me

Hi! My name is Tamara. I love to explore new places and I’m planning on traveling a little bit more this year. First trip is to Amsterdam July 2025 for a k-pop concert. I will be going on all trips with my younger brother (he is a sweetheart and my best friend). I love horse riding, and animal care which was something I studied at high school. But i’m working in Aviation at the position of CrewControl or Crewing. I’m very extroverted but scared to visit new places. Also want to travel on budget and still stay safe. If you have any question or would like to get in touch do not hesitate to text me! Ps: You can call me Tami 😉

Speaking

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Safety in Netherlands