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

Travel and Meet new People

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is Rotterdam?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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 /5

based on 7 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.8/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

3.8/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5
Hafsa

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
favorite_border 3
mode_comment 0
Cansu

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Eva

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

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
favorite_border 83
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

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
favorite_border 58
mode_comment 0

Is Rotterdam safe for women?

Safety index

3.8 /5

Based on 18 local experiences

Crime index

1.7 /5

Based on 18 local experiences

Lisa

Lisa

I have lived here all my life and yes there are some crimes happened and some shady or 'crazy' people, but I have never been assaulted or something weird. Sometimes they want to flirt with you or ask for a smoke, but apart from that I think you can say Rotterdam is very safe. In the city it's normal to have coffeeshops where you can buy weed and people also smoke it on the street. It's kind off legal, but better not smoke it too openly for the police. People in the Netherlands are very direct, but also very nice. In the city most people speak english and are used to tourists, just dont act too much like a tourist hahah

Posted: January 14, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

It's pretty safe, some issues with random break ins or some violence but usually limited to specific areas. Plus it's a really well connected region with public transport really close and people everywhere

Posted: January 6, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Rotterdam

Nikki

Nikki

About Me

I am open, curious, creative and looking for good vibes

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Lisa

Lisa

About Me

Heey, my name is Lisa, 26 years old. I have lived in Rotterdam my whole life, studied here and currently living with my boyfriend in an appartment in the city centre. In my free time I'm very creative in many ways, like painting, pottery and other things. I also like to go second hand shopping, watching series and films, reading, cooking and chilling with friends or my boyfriend. In about 4 or 5 years I want to start having children, but in the meantime I would like to travel and meet new people frow other countries :)

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Rotterdam

Nikki

Nikki

Rotterdam

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I am open, curious, creative and looking for good vibes

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Anu

Anu

Rotterdam

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I am living in Rotterdam in the Netherlands and would be happy to show you around. I used to travel a lot back when I was a student and remember how annoying it was when the safe stay options were super expensive so I'm happy to join this community to provide free, safe options for other women :)

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Rotterdam

nele

nele

About Me

hey girl i’m nele, but you may also call me nels i’m studying architecture in 5th semester, focusing on historic buildings and monument preservation i love gothic and medieval european architecture and i am a huge fan of architecture and art history i’m a rather quiet person, not drinking alcohol, not smoking, not partying often spending most of my time reading, listening to podcast or going for early morning walks

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Netherlands