Is Netherlands Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

The Netherlands generally is very safe with a well-functioning police force and emergency services. Dutch people are open-minded, respect diversity, and crime rates are low. However, like any place, it's advisable to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded touristic areas and late at night. Always follow local alerts and advisories to avoid potential risks.

Safety rating

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How safe is Netherlands?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

The Netherlands is known for high safety standards, even during night hours. Bigger cities have well-lit streets, offering a sense of security to its inhabitants and visitors. However, as in any place, caution should still be exercised. Stay in populated areas, avoid poorly-lit streets and always be aware of your surroundings. Do not engage in risky behaviors and steer clear of potentially dangerous situations. Make use of public transportation where possible, as they are generally secure and reliable. Allow friends or family to know your whereabouts whenever you plan to be out during late hours.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

In general, the Netherlands' public transportation system is considered highly safe, especially in comparison to global standards. This includes well-connected and frequently running buses, trains, and trams, as well as cycling paths. There is an efficient network of ferries in cities like Amsterdam. While petty theft can be seen in crowded areas, measures like use of surveillance cameras, patrols, and lighting provide safety. It is advisable to stay alert, especially in larger cities and at night, and always keep your belongings within your sight. Keep the local emergency number (112) handy, although it's unlikely you'll need to use it.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

In general, the Netherlands is known for its respectful and open-minded people. Street harassment is not commonly reported, and it is considered one of the safer countries for solo female travelers. Instances of harassment can occur, as they can anywhere in the world, but these are not prevalent, and women often feel comfortable navigating cities and towns on their own both during the day and night. Authorities and residents have a low tolerance for harassment, and there are usually strict measures in place to handle such situations. Nevertheless, exercising general vigilance is recommended.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Netherlands generally holds a reputation for being a safe country with low levels of petty crime. However, popular touristic cities such as Amsterdam can see occasional instances of pickpocketing and bike theft. Always be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation.

Is Netherlands worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 140 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5
Dido

Dido

Greece

The Hague, Group travel

Very safe and lovely people! Very beautiful multinational community of students. Typically not many things to do past 5 pm but art museums were lovely and overall the city was gorgeous! I highly recommend an Amsterdam- The Hague trip

Posted: March 30, 2025
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Jovana

Jovana

Germany

Rotterdam, 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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The Hague, Couple travel

We stayed in a bed and breakfast the food in the b&b wasn't That Good. For dinner we went to two different Italian restaurants and they were amazing. If you are planning to go to den Haag by car, don't! Its very expensive to park there. You can go to the beatch and go swimming. There are a few Museum witch are worth a visit (Museum Voorlinden). Or you can go to Duinrell.

Posted: March 9, 2025
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Britters

Britters

Australia

Amsterdam, 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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Amsterdam, 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

Amsterdam, 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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Amsterdam, 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

Amsterdam, 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

Amsterdam, 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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Netherlands, Family travel

I felt very safe. The first few days I stayed in vinkenveen, i didnt have acess to data and yet with a screen shot of a map I was able to walk from where i was staying to the nearest jumbo and back, the people were very kind and everyone seems to greet eachother as they walk by. In Amsterdam i met with some friends of mine and we are quite young (17), yet we walked around with her little sister (13) near the red light district and we were safe. The food is excellent, id reccomend chocomel, kroketten and oliebollen. Then make sure to stock up on hagistlag and drops. It's a little on the expensive side in my opinion but they have discounts around every corner. Recommend the wax museum, can probably skip Tony chocolate factory and fresh stroop waffles (they are better if you just buy them from the store). I think the beach in den haag would be better in the summer when it's less windy as well. But it was a nice view. Overall you definitely have to go 11/10.

Posted: February 2, 2025Experienced: October, 2024
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Is Netherlands safe for women?

Safety index

4.5 /5

Based on 369 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 369 local experiences

Utrecht

Extremely safe especially city centre and high traffic areas. Be more careful crossing parks or isolated areas by night, especially on foot. Public transport or biking will be the safest and cheapest options. Taxis and Ubers are also perfectly safe. Look out for fat bikes and motorcycles

Posted: April 1, 2025
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Zutphen

Zutphen is a small town with beautiful old buildings in the city centre. The vibe is pretty chill as it's a city known for attracting artists and free minded people. It's a nice blend of social groups who let each other be who they are.

Posted: April 1, 2025
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Meet locals in Netherlands

Amelie

Amelie

About Me

Hey, my name is Amelie, I'm 22 years old and a 4th year nursing student in Utrecht. I love meeting new people and traveling the world!

Speaking

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Elisa

Elisa

About Me

Hi! Currently studying, working, taking care of my pets, living with my dearest friend, sometimes enjoying party’s, enjoying spadays and yoga. I like being creative with macramé, writing my thoughts and feelings and hanging out with friends. I have booked a flight begin of september to Bali! after a nice holiday its time to start working in Australia en discovering the beautiful culture and landscapes. Afterwards I want to visit Asian countries for theire culture, food and nature ✨

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Netherlands

Amelie

Amelie

Utrecht

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Hey, my name is Amelie, I'm 22 years old and a 4th year nursing student in Utrecht. I love meeting new people and traveling the world!

Speaking

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Maaike

Maaike

Zuidland

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Heey I'm Maaike, living in the Netherlands at a farm (in summer +2 people can come over) I love traveling, from oktober 2023 till may 2024 I wanna do a world travel. To Dubai, South east Asia and Autralia / New-Zealand)

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Netherlands

Kelly

Kelly

About Me

Hi, I'm Kelly ☀️ I love to travel to explore new cultures, to enjoy the sun, and taste local flavours. 🥙 For me, travel is all about the perfect mix of culture, fun and meeting new people. ✈️ I enjoy spending my time dancing salsa and bachata, having a drink with friends or discovering a new craft beer. 💃🏼🍻 I have a soft spot for Spain 🇪🇸 Let's meet up and explore new places together. 🤝

Speaking

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Michelangela

Michelangela

About Me

Hi I’m a theater actress and I love to make connections. I’m i terested in alternative culture, transfemminism and queerness! I also love cats , nature, intellectual stimulating talks and silly night out!

Speaking

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Safety in Netherlands