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

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Safety index

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.

Tap water:Very safe

In the Netherlands, including Rotterdam, tap water is of high quality and is closely monitored by Dutch water companies. It is not only drinkable but is often considered to be even purer than bottled water. Therefore, it's perfectly safe to drink from the tap directly.

Is Rotterdam safe to travel?

4.7 /5

Based on 6 experiences

Cansu

Cansu (24)

Belgium

Group travel experience

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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Solo travel experience

To do: - Cubic Houses - Market Hall - Central Station - Willems Bridge - Erasmus Bridge - Euromast - Markthal Security: There are no safety issues. Accommodation: I stayed at the King Kong hostel. Great place with very friendly people. The place is also very clean and well located. Recommendations: Water taxi rides are great fun and can give you a fantastic view of the city from the water.

Posted: August 7, 2022
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Solo travel experience

To do: - Visit cube houses - See Erasmusbrug Bridge - Experience Remastered - Walk across the Erasmus Bridge - Admire the cityscape from the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen Safety: I felt safe all the time. Budget: I stayed at ROOM hostel. The hostel was clean, well decorated, and comfortable. I definitely recommend it. Recommendations: Rotterdam is an easy day trip from Amsterdam (it's like half an hour by train), so it's definitely worth a visit.

Posted: July 31, 2022
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Is Rotterdam safe for women?

Safety rating

3.7 /5

Based on 6 reviews the women safety index in Rotterdam is 3.7/5. On average women living in Rotterdam raises relatively low concerns about women's safety.

Crime rates rating

1 /5

Based on 6 reviews the crime rate index in Rotterdam is 1/5. On average women living in Rotterdam raises low concerns about crime and violence against women

Rating summary

Safety walking alone after dark:

3.3/5
Moderate

Safety using public transport:

4.6/5
Very Safe

Worries of being sexually harassed:

1.1/5
Not at all worried

Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped:

1/5
Not at all worried

Worries of being physically attacked:

1/5
Not at all worried

Worries of home broken and things stolen:

1/5
Not at all worried

Worries of being mugged or robbed:

1/5
Not at all worried

Worries of being kidnapped or murdered:

1/5
Not at all worried

Very safe in general! As long as you know where not to go and follow the “general rules” for women, like not walking alone in the dark. ;) Though that would probably work out fine 90 percent of the time as well.

Posted: April 23, 2024
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Rotterdam is a busy and loud city, and you can get yourself lost in the crowd a bit during the day, especially in the city centre. At night it turns quiet, and the street lights will illuminate most parts. It however doesn't always feel welcoming at night, there are definitely places where I myself felt uneasy walking around. Stay in the centre, don't go to far from the outskirts. In the south of Rotterdam, south of the river, there can be some unrest, even during the day, it doesn't always feel like the most welcoming place. If you visit, stay north of the river and close to the centre. It has a lot to offer, and even though I sound gloomy, I never felt threatened or anything. I just want to make sure, that if you feel easily uneasy, beware that just like any other major city, Rotterdam can be a bit much.

Posted: April 20, 2024
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The city has well maintained infrastructure- well lit streets and efficient public transportation, making the city secure and welcoming to visitors or stay. Emergency services are also reliable here.

Posted: April 20, 2024
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Most parts of Rotterdam are completely safe to walk around even at night. There are some parts that are considered less safe e.g. the south but i have had no negative experience other than catcalling.

Posted: March 29, 2024
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Rotterdam is a very safe city in the Netherlands. The public transportation is very good. Just like every other country I suggest not walking alone at midnight although I have done so before. But if not necessarily avoid.

Posted: March 2, 2024
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Rotterdam has gone through some big changes regarding street safety in the past fifteen years. Once known as the least safe city in the Netherlands, things are now really under control. Especially in the central station area and public transport, you have nothing to worry about. People in clubs are generally tolerant and look out for each other.

Posted: February 20, 2024
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Is Rotterdam safe right now?

Before your visit to Rotterdam, it's essential to check travel advisories for Netherlands, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States Government advises to exercise increased caution in the Netherlands due to terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 26, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in the Netherlands due to the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 5, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian government advises exercising normal safety precautions in the Netherlands. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 9, 2024

Is Rotterdam worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 6 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.1/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5
Eva

Eva

Germany

Family travel experience

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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Rotterdam

Meet local women in Rotterdam who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Gosia

Gosia

About Me

Hi! My name is Gosia and I’m from Poland, currently studying in the Netherlands. I’ve also lived in Austria (my German is terrible though 🥲) and will be going to Tokyo, Japan on exchange soon! I love (solo) travel and all the new places and people I get to know through it ❤️ Outside of travel, I’m very much into cinema and art :) I’m also a big animal lover! 🐱

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Kamile

Kamile

About Me

My name is Kamile, I am Turkish and i live in Rotterdam. I am 26 years old. I am married and I studied International Relations.

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Stay with local women in Rotterdam who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Sem

Sem

Rotterdam

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I am honest , hardworker and carrier focus woman

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Sunniva

Sunniva

Rotterdam

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1 day

About me

I’m Sunni, a Norwegian living in Rotterdam for the past 6 years. Love travelling, cooking, journalling, hanging out with friends and making art 🌸

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Safety in Netherlands