Introduction
Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands and is famous for its beautiful canals, historic sites, and flourishing culture, and it is a very popular tourist destination. It’s a safe city, but, as usual, be aware of your surroundings, even if you are in familiar territory. In this blog post, we are going to talk about the safety situation in Amsterdam and answer all the questions you might have when you’re coming as a tourist.
General Safety in Amsterdam
Tourists can feel safe; Amsterdam is very safe city compared with other big city worldwide. But you know, like any city, you have to plan around things to make sure your safe. Here are some general safety tips:
- Don’t carry the large amount of cash or valuable items in public.
- Be careful with your belongings as they will be overcrowded in areas, and keep it secure.
- Use registered taxis or trustworthy transportation services.
Cautious of Neighborhoods
While most areas in Amsterdam are safe, there are a few neighborhoods where tourists should exercise caution:
- Red Light District: The business of adult entertainment dates back to the Red Light District area. It may be a popular tourist attraction, but it’s also a place you want to keep in mind and be respectful and aware of your surroundings, even at night.
- Jordaan: Jordaan is a trendy neighbourhood, but it does get crowded with tourists, and is therefore a potential pickpocket zone. Keep a high watch and keep hold of your belonging tight.
Drug Laws in Amsterdam
Previously Amsterdam has had its “coffee shops” where selling and actually smoking cannabis has been allowed. However, there are specific rules and regulations to follow:
- Age Restrictions: To purchase and consume cannabis, you must be 18 years and older.
- Quantity Restrictions: Cannabis may not be sold or bought, but it can only be purchased and possessed in small amounts (a maximum of five grams).
- No Public Smoking: There is no smoking in public spaces. Always make sure to follow the rules while smoking, only done in a designated area or private space.
Bicycle Safety
Many tourists already like to roam the city on a bike and Amsterdam is famous for its cycling culture. To stay safe while cycling, keep the following in mind:
- Be obsessed to follow traffic rules and regulations.
- Turn and stop with hand signals.
- If you’ll be cycling in tram tracks, be careful, they can be hazardous.
- Bike theft is a common problem and it’s easy to see how thieves will quickly spot an unlocked bike.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency contacts are always useful to have on hand if you are travelling. For any emergency requiring police, ambulance or fire services in the Netherlands dial 112. Local police can be reached at 0900-8844 for non emergency situations.
Conclusion
Tourists don’t need to worry, but Amsterdam is a safe city — take the regular precautions, be aware of the risks. If you follow the pointers laid out in this blog post, and apply a little common sense, you can have a safe and enjoyable time exploring this lovely city.
