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

4.8 /5

based on 124 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

Haarlem, 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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Rawnak

Rawnak

Algeria

Amsterdam, Couple travel

We went to Amsterdam as a honeymoon destination and let me tell you girls ! It was one of the best destitutions ever, I never felt safer,people were nice and helpful, food was good, transportation was available and easy and attractions were very interesting, would absolutely recommend 👌🏻

Posted: December 27, 2024
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Amsterdam, Group travel

Recommend walking around, flower market is okay🌷, like the flying tiger shop, go to ADAM for a view, recommend waffle workshop waffle 🧇, recommend cheese 🧀 Go on a canal trip Stayed at a vacation house village 🏡 Were at the interactive art museum WONDR, it’s fun 👁️ Nothing is for me a must do, but strongly recommend: thrift shopping & walking around

Posted: November 26, 2024
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Wales, Solo travel

Wales is super beautiful country! So many mountains and water bodies! Nature is just so beautiful! For a LGBTQ person / a woman it was very safe to walk around and go out! Shops are not expensive! If you are planning to visit Wales then I recommend going there!

Posted: September 27, 2024
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Hafsa

Hafsa

Italy

Rotterdam, 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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Dordrecht, Couple travel

Beautiful island in the south lots of coffee shops and places to eat Retail shopping not amazing but adequate amazing food market with fresh sea food, meats breads and veg Friendly waiting staff and scenic walks And quite full of history ! A short train ride to other locations such as Rotterdam and only an hr from Amsterdam

Posted: September 21, 2024
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Sofia

Sofia

Italy

Texel, Solo travel

I stayed in Texel for 3 months as I went there for work purposes but it was one of the greatest experiences in my life!🧡 The country has great job opportunities for international people and moving is so easy and comfortable: I had the chance to go to Amsterdam and Alkmaar with little budget and had so much fun.💃 They also organise parties and races for the passionate ones; but if you are more of the natural kind, it is an excellent place to reconnect with nature 🌿 As a solo young female traveler, I felt 100% safe. The mood is really chill and friendly for everyone (Dutch or not). It can be expensive as it is the summer location for numerous rich families but it won’t absolutely make any difference at the end of the day, everyone is treated respectfully and kindly (I know it from first hand as I was a barista). Definitely recommend it !

Posted: September 19, 2024Experienced: May, 2023
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Netherlands, Solo travel

I was sad to leave Amsterdam in which I stayed for a week. I mostly walked around but sometimes I took train/tram for further distances. Not one time did I meet someone rude or mean. Everyone was really friendly. I stayed at 2 different hostels, one was really good but bad location. The other had a good location but wasn't really it. I didn't eat out a lot because I was on a tight budget but you can definitely enjoy the city regardless. Only one time when I was walking home late at night (11pm) did I feel unsafe, there was a guy following me but when I filmed myself talking (like a vlog) he disappeared. Nothing else made me feel unsafe. I really recommend going there 🌸

Posted: September 15, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
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Amsterdam, Solo travel

From time to time men were a bit unsettling, they catcalled me and one of them even sent a kiss at me from across the canal. However, I didnt feel that scared since most streets were crowded and there were many other people. It was a bit expensive but cheaper than I thought. Many many different kinds of people but still I really liked the city and enjoyed my every second there

Posted: September 11, 2024
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Amsterdam, Group travel

Amsterdam has a lot to offer from culture to nightlife. I was out as a female most nights clubbing and drinking and felt safe. The transportation is also really easy to figure out. A lot of people bike but the tram is easy too.

Posted: September 3, 2024
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Is Netherlands safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 278 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 278 local experiences

Enola

Enola

Blerick

During the day there is nothing to be worried about it may not always look pretty or welcoming but you’ll be okay. At night however I would not advise you to go out on your own if you’re not familiar with the neighbourhood. If you do stick with the main roads and use public transport or a taxi to get around.

Posted: January 14, 2025
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Amsterdam

I lived in Amsterdam al my life and it was the best city to grow up in. Especially as young girl because it is really safe there is allot of freedom. I never feel like it is too late to walk the streets alone. But of course you should be careful and aware of your surroundings like in every big city but overall I feels like it is a really great and safe city to travel especially for solo women travellers

Posted: January 13, 2025
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Meet locals in Netherlands

Esther

Esther

About Me

I am always in for a good conversation, an urban exploration including visiting lots of parks and viewpoins, a jam session, having some time to read my book or for spending time in a cafe on my own or with friends drinking coffee (daytime) or beer (evening/night). I would say that I live by the saying that the best things in life happen unexpectedly and (solo) traveling really proved that :)

Speaking

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Anjana

Anjana

About Me

Hiiii, This is Anjana from India pursuing my bachelors in the Netherlands in the tourism and hospitality field. I love to travel and I travel alone. I would love to be a part of this group because I want to support women traveling around and I can also host female friends traveling to the Netherlands too. Excited to be a part of this group!!

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Netherlands

Anjana

Anjana

Netherlands

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Hiiii, This is Anjana from India pursuing my bachelors in the Netherlands in the tourism and hospitality field. I love to travel and I travel alone. I would love to be a part of this group because I want to support women traveling around and I can also host female friends traveling to the Netherlands too. Excited to be a part of this group!!

Speaking

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Joelle

Joelle

Almelo

Can host for:

5 days

About me

Hi! My name is Joëlle, I'm a 22yo urban architecture student living on the east side of the Netherlands with my cat olaf and my roommate (both women) :) I love travelling and seeing the world with my current goal > seeing all European countries before 25! I speak Dutch, German, French and English. If you'd ever pass by and need a chat ride or place to stay I'm open to chat!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Netherlands

Candela

Candela

About Me

Hii!! I'm Candela, a Spanish exchange student in Belgium.I'm a traditional tourist ( museums, parks, cathedrals...) •I don't drink •I don't smoke •I love cats, I have 3 at home

Speaking

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Marina

Marina

About Me

Hey! I'm Mari, 24y, I'm a tattoo artist and I love meeting new people and learning new languages I have 2 cats, and I grew up as a girl scout (this say a lot about my personality)

Speaking

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Safety in Netherlands