Is Amsterdam safe? An honest guide for visitors
Short answer
Amsterdam is a safe city for visitors, with low levels of violent crime. The realistic risks are pickpocketing in crowded areas and on trains, bike theft and, above all, traffic: cyclists are fast and have priority on the red bike lanes. Drugs and alcohol cause most of the trouble visitors get into.
The real risks
Cyclists and bike lanes
Bike lanes are red, busy and fast, and cyclists rarely slow down. Look both ways before crossing any lane, do not walk on them, and only rent a bike if you are confident in heavy traffic.
Pickpocketing
Common around Centraal Station, Dam Square, the Red Light District, Kalverstraat and on trains to and from Schiphol. Keep bags closed and in front, and watch luggage on trains.
Street drug sellers
People in the centre offering drugs or 'space cakes'; these sales are illegal and the contents unknown. Do not buy anything on the street.
Cannabis edibles and strong drinks
Coffeeshop edibles are much stronger than they look and take a long time to work. Start very small and do not mix with alcohol.
Canals at night
Canal edges have few railings; most falls happen to people who are drunk. Keep away from the edge late at night.
Fake police
People posing as plain-clothes police asking to check your wallet or cards. Real police will not ask for your PIN; offer to go to a station.
Areas and times to take care
The Red Light District (De Wallen) and the streets around Centraal Station, Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein get crowded, drunk and rowdy late on weekend nights; they are safe to walk through, but pickpockets and drug sellers work the crowds. Do not photograph sex workers in the windows: it is forbidden and causes confrontations. Residential districts such as De Pijp, the Jordaan and Oost are calm in the evening.
Getting around safely
Official taxis have blue number plates; agree to the meter or use an app such as Uber or Bolt, which are widely used. Trams and metro stop running around midnight, after which GVB night buses (N lines) run, and trains between Centraal and Schiphol run hourly through the night. Tap the same contactless card on and off every time on trams and metro.
Solo and women travellers
Amsterdam is easy for women travelling alone, with busy streets and good public transport. In the Red Light District and nightlife squares late at night, crowds of drunk men can be unpleasant; keep moving and stick to main streets. Keep an eye on your drink in bars and clubs, and take a taxi or night bus rather than walking along quiet canals very late.
Health, water and heat
Tap water is among the best in Europe and safe to drink. The weather is mild but often wet and windy, with rain on 9–18 days a month, so pack a waterproof. Treat cannabis and edibles with caution, especially if you are not used to them. Pharmacies (apotheek) handle minor problems. EU visitors should carry an EHIC; others should have travel insurance.
Official travel advice
Check your government's advice before you travel — it is updated when things change.
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Common questions
Is Amsterdam safe for tourists?
Yes. Violent crime is low; the main risks are pickpocketing around Centraal, Dam and the Red Light District, fast bike traffic and street drug sellers.
Is the Red Light District safe?
Yes to walk through, though it is crowded and rowdy on weekend nights. Watch for pickpockets, ignore street sellers and do not photograph sex workers.
Can you drink tap water in Amsterdam?
Yes. Dutch tap water is of excellent quality.