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 148 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5
Oleksandra

Oleksandra

Austria

Amsterdam, Couple travel

Absolutely AWESOME city!!!! Made me want to move there actually, everything is accessible, a little expensive, and so so beautiful. When I went out alone I felt very safe, and even in the evening there wasn't any danger at all

Posted: April 24, 2025Experienced: January, 2024
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Amsterdam, Couple travel

I spent 2 days (1 night) in Amsterdam during my Interrail trip in 2023. While it was a short time, it was enough to visit all landmarks and visit some museums. The van goth museum is truly amazing. I stayed with my now ex girlfriend in The flyinf pig for the night, which isn't the best choice for people sensitive to the smell of weed since the hostel has a smoking area

Posted: April 23, 2025Experienced: January, 2023
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Amsterdam, Couple travel

I went with my partner and we stayed at the tulip hostel which was 10min from the train station. So the location was convenient. Very touristy area. The staircase was narrow and no elevator in most hostels in Amsterdam because of the narrow buildings. The weather was awful: rain and cloudy all 4 days we were there. But it was expected since it was December. The food was expensive, as one would expect from a Western Europe country. A lot of options in the area tho. A lot of museums and the red light district was 10min from the train station. It felt pretty safe since we were in a tourist area and there was people in the streets at all times. We spent 1600€ in the city for food and museums and attractions etc. With plane tickets and hostel in total we spent 2600€uro for the whole trip for 4 days. To some places that was far away we took uber. The museum Lumieres is a MUST when you’re in Amsterdam and try the freshly made stroopwaffles, sooo good. I regret not going to see the windmills in the nearby city, but got a close enough experience in This is Holland fly experience. And the weed there is not as strong as one would imagine.

Posted: April 23, 2025
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Ciara

Ciara

Iceland

Amsterdam, Solo travel

I spent just 3 days in Amsterdam with a friend, staying in the clink hostel. The Hozier concert we went to was insane and we also enjoyed the Dalí/Gaudi immersive experience. I tend to feel anxious/overstimulated in cities but Amsterdam was comparatively very relaxing. The amount of water in and around the centre affects the atmosphere of the city for sure. I felt pretty safe walking at night and the public transport is easy to use.

Posted: April 21, 2025Experienced: November, 2023
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Elena

Elena

Armenia

Amsterdam, 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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Netherlands, Couple travel

felt very safe, especially as a queer couple. The vegan options are crazy good, we tried so many vegan restaurants and had lots of fun. We stayed in Utrecht, close to the center, it was a very cheap and good place.

Posted: April 13, 2025
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Amsterdam, 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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Amsterdam, 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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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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Is Netherlands safe for women?

Safety index

4.5 /5

Based on 379 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 379 local experiences

Amsterdam

I haven’t had any issues. I’ve been out at dark and the streets were still lit and many people were out which made me feel very comfortable! During the day isn’t an issue either. Sometimes you’ll get stared at but if you go about your business you won’t have any issues.

Posted: April 25, 2025
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Barneveld

It’s a very safe, quaint place that has a lot of hidden gems. It’s a quiet Christian town where people usually go to retire. I’ve lived here for 12 years and haven’t experienced anything substantial. The most you’ll get is a group of teenage boys who are wannabe gangsters checking you out lol, but they’re harmless. They’re usually around chain grocery stores and public transport during dusk.

Posted: April 19, 2025
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Meet locals in Netherlands

Melanie

Melanie

About Me

Hi im Mella, i just love everything mother nature has to give, i love hickes, caves, insects(I will freak-out if a wasp lands on me). My hobbies are just being creative, anything in that field sparks my interest

Speaking

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Lucie

Lucie

About Me

Hey! I'm a Belgian student in Maastricht, studying Contemporary Literature and Arts (with a focus on social justice issues)🌍 I care about social and environmental justice 💜 I love traveling, meeting new people, visit museums,... 🥰 I do arts&crafts at home 🎨 Painting, pottery, jewelry, ...

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Netherlands

Lucie

Lucie

Maastricht

Can host for:

4 days

About me

Hey! I'm a Belgian student in Maastricht, studying Contemporary Literature and Arts (with a focus on social justice issues)🌍 I care about social and environmental justice 💜 I love traveling, meeting new people, visit museums,... 🥰 I do arts&crafts at home 🎨 Painting, pottery, jewelry, ...

Speaking

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Maria

Maria

Leeuwarden

Can host for:

7 days

About me

24 year old choreographer and art student from the Netherlands. I love dancing, bars, cafe dates and traveling. Fell in love with South Korea in 2023 and have been coming back ever since. 🇨🇳 20/4 - 29-4 🇰🇷 29/4 -30/8

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Netherlands

Anayanzy

Anayanzy

About Me

Hi girliesssss! I’m Anayanzy from Mexico I being solo traveling from about 4 years, meeting awesome people in the path and getting to know me more and more

Speaking

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Olivie

Olivie

About Me

Hi, my name is Olivie and I love travelling, coffee, reading, knitting and the most I love all of the above together!

Speaking

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Safety in Netherlands