Is Haarlem Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Haarlem is widely known as a safe destination for solo female travelers. The city maintains a low crime rate and locals are typically helpful and friendly. Like any destination, it's always important to keep your personal safety in check by avoiding poorly lit or desolate areas at night and maintaining alertness in crowded places to avoid pickpockets. The Dutch police are also very helpful and reliable. Public transportation is safe and efficient and most locals have a good command of English.

Safety rating

4.8 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.4 /5

Based on 10 experiences from local women

Haarlem is currently ranked #100 safest place for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.5 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Haarlem?

Safety at night:Safe

Haarlem is generally considered safe for solo female travelers, even at night. Like anywhere, there are places that are less safe than others, but overall, the city is well-lit, populated with respectful citizens and also patrolled regularly by the local police. However, it's always important to remain cautious, be mindful of your surroundings, and preferably stay in well-populated areas.

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in Haarlem, is very safe. The infrastructure is well-maintained and efficiently run. Buses and trains are timely and reliable with installations of CCTV cameras, and the routes are quite straightforward. Very few incidents are reported in relation to public transportation, and they are mostly petty issues such as pickpocketing. Nonetheless, it's advisable to stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings particularly during peak hours. It is also worth noting that public transport staff and local passengers are fairly friendly and willing to assist if uncertainties arise.

Street harassment:Low

In Haarlem, street harassment is generally not a widespread issue. Most locals and visitors find the city to be respectful and safe. Of course, like anywhere, isolated incidents can occur, but they are not the norm. As always, use your judgement and adopt general safety practices, such as not walking alone at night in deserted areas to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Petty crimes:Low

Haarlem, is generally considered a safe city with relatively low petty crime rates. Like any location, there can be instances of pickpocketing and theft, especially in crowded areas and during the peak tourist season. However, taking standard travel precautions such as safeguarding your belongings can minimize these risks.

Is Haarlem worth visiting?

Solo travel

Stayed at I am Local Hostel.. Super beautiful accommodations, made friends with Co-ed dormmates.. we went to see Barbie in the refurbished Panopticon former prison! Solo day: rented bike from hostel and rode through the National Park dunes to the beach-absolute bliss and the water temperature was incredible! Woodstock on the beach is an amazing place to hang out and the wildlife is incredible!

Posted: December 30, 2024Experienced: July, 2023

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Cherith

Canada

Solo travel

I want to give a shout out to Haarlem, Netherlands. For someone who has seen Amsterdam but gets tired of the hustle of the big city, nearby Haarlem can’t be beat. My son relocated there two years ago and I’ve had the opportunity to visit 4 times already. It’s a mini Amsterdam but much more laid back. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a tourist shop there. It’s safe, easy to get to from Schiphol (the #300 bus has its own road!). It’s beautiful. Safe, and very walkable. I just got back home less than 2 weeks ago and looking forward to another visit in 3 months. They’ve got a “Centrum” that is chock full of restaurants with outdoor dining. An amazing place to people watch in all seasons as the patios are heated and they supply blankets. I can’t say enough about Haarlem,

Posted: July 2, 2024Experienced: June, 2024

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Is Haarlem safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 10 local experiences

Crime index

1.2 /5

Based on 10 local experiences

It feels like a small village with lots of space, beach and nature just around the corner. I walk and ride my bike at night without ever experiencing anything but being alone and able to enjoy going home. I even ride my bike from the beach after dark and that is like a 40minutes bike ride. Also you can wear whatever you want and feel save.

Posted: August 31, 2025

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