Is Rotterdam Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Rotterdam is generally a safe city to visit for solo female travelers. Dutch people are very friendly and harmonious. Local women are often seen walking or biking alone even at night. However, like anywhere, there are some parts of the city where it's better to be a little more cautious especially at night and while using public transportation. Always keep your personal belongings close and avoid deserted places after dark.

Safety rating

4.8 /5

Based on 8 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4 /5

Based on 28 experiences from local women

Rotterdam is currently ranked #11 safest place for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.8 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Rotterdam?

Safety at night:Safe

Rotterdam is generally considered relatively safe at night. Public spaces are well lit and well populated even in later hours, but as in any city, it's always best to stick to main streets and avoid quieter, less lit areas. There's a strong police presence throughout the city, which also significantly contributes to its safety. Likewise, public transport is reliable and safe. However, it is always recommended to remain alert, aware of your surroundings and to take the standard precautions to ensure your personal safety while walking alone at night.

Public transportation:Safe

Rotterdam in the Netherlands has a highly efficient and expansive public transport system that can be considered generally safe. It includes trams, buses, a metro system, and even water taxis. The operators place a high priority on passenger safety. There's also a good presence of security personnel who often patrol. However, like any public transportation system globally, one must always be cautious, especially during late night hours or in less crowded areas.

Street harassment:Low

Rotterdam is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. Street harassment is not a pervasive issue, although, like in all cities, occasional instances may occur. The local residents are courteous and respectful for the most part, and law enforcement is reliable. The city highly values safety and respect for all its residents and visitors.

Petty crimes:Low

Rotterdam, as a part of Netherlands, has low petty crime rates. However, like any city, it is always smart to remain vigilant. It is generally safe even at night, but be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas and keep your belongings secure. Regardless of the low risk, precaution should always be the priority.

Is Rotterdam worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 8 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.7/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5

Jovana

Germany

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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Hafsa

Italy

Solo travel

Unic experience, it’s really safe city. I traveled solo and the people are friendly.Rotterdam offers a surprising mix of historic charm and modern style. Explore iconic places like the houses of Kubus, Markthal and Erasmusbrug, immerse yourself in maritime history in the Maritime Museum, sway through trendy neighborhoods like Witte de With and enjoy the lively atmosphere of paradise. You'll find world-class art galleries, delicious dishes and a lively nightlife, which makes Rotterdam a truly charming destination.

Posted: September 21, 2024

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Cansu

Belgium

Group travel

I really fell in love with Rotterdam. It is safe to visit at night and each building is an architectural marvel. It's a bit expensive city, but it's an enjoyable place.People are kind and most people speak English.

Posted: March 17, 2024Experienced: January, 2024

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Eva

Germany

Family travel

Rotterdam is a wonderful city to visit. Due to the fact the city was almost flattened during the WW2, the city is modern and well laid out with many attractions within walking distance. The Museums are beautiful, well worth spending the time to visit, the shopping in the city is AMAZING, the harbours are lovely and there are many fantastic restaurants as well. Tip, go to the tourist info centre and grab a walking tour map, but also buy a proper map of Rotterdam so you can get your bearings. Do a bit of research so you can use the Metro transport system, it is easy once you get your head around it, and the trams in the city are a great way to get around all of the sights if you don't want to walk. Make sure you go to the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, it is in my opinion superior to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and a whole lot less crowded, they have a brilliant and eclectic collection. If you want to duck into Amsterdam, go by the fast FYRA train, it will get you there in around 45 minutes and leaves every 30 minutes.

Posted: August 21, 2023

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Solo travel

I went to Rotterdam for a one-day trip and I was very pleased with that. However, one day is definitely enough time to see everything. They have cool bridges to explore, along with the observation tower (Euromast), and the cubic houses were interesting. Excellent food and great people.

Posted: May 4, 2023

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Solo travel

I went to Rotterdam for 4 nights last summer and had a great time. There weren't many attractions as such, but I met a lot of nice people at my hostel. I really had a great time. I also went on a one-day trip to see the large windmills in Kinderdijk, which I highly recommend.

Posted: April 30, 2023

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Is Rotterdam safe for women?

Safety index

4 /5

Based on 28 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 28 local experiences

In the Center it’s quite safe, just a few areas where I don’t like walking through in the darkness as a woman. And you really have to be careful to not get hit by a bicycle because there are quite a lot

Posted: August 5, 2025

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Cat

Generally Rotterdam is pretty safe when you cover the basics such as paying attention to where you walk after dark, not pick a fight with anyone, and not approach strangers who look shady. Public transport is generally very safe and there is almost always security personnel present. Metros and buses stop after a certain time but there are always a bunch of Ubers available and they are also very safe to drive with.

Posted: July 25, 2025

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