The capital city of the Netherlands is Amsterdam, a popular tourist destination with beautiful canals, historic buildings, vibrant culture. Many people want to know the safety of the city, especially at night. In this blog post, we’ll talk about safety measures, precautions and tips you need to make sure your experience in Amsterdam is secure one.
1. Amsterdam’s Overall Safety Situation
Amsterdam has always been considered a safe city for tourists. Compared to a lot of European cities, it also has a low crime rate. The government and the police do a lot to make residents and the visitors safe and secure. But that doesn’t mean we can’t explore the city at night; just that we should go about it with vigilance and caution if we need to.
2. Popular Tourist Areas
Regular police patrols and other visitors make visiting sites around Amsterdam at night safe for tourists in many locations. Even at night, Dam Square, Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein and the Red Light District are lined with areas that are well lighted and crowded enough — to feel safe for tourists. Many restaurants, cafe, entertainment venues all inside these areas, lively atmosphere throughout the night.
2.1 Red Light District
Amsterdam’s big draw is its Red Light District, a neighborhood well known for its adult entertainment. Since police officers are constant in this area, it is generally safe to visit at night. But, it does not suggest you should behave illegally, be polite with local culture, and be tactful. Remember that there are some spots in the Red Light District that you won’t be able to go with your camera.
3. Transportation Safety
In Amsterdam they have a good developed public transportation system that works 24 hours of a day. The city’s trams, buses and metro systems are also safe enough for travellers. But it’s always prudent to play safe. Don’t travel alone in empty carriages or isolated places, and beware of carrying pounds; take care of your stuff all the time. It is safer to bike around the city if you don’t mind the other cyclists, pedestrians, and traffic regulations.
4. Common scams and pickpocketing.
When it comes to saving you from scams and getting you mugged, Amsterdam is no exception to any other popular tourist destination. There are common scams in Mauritius you should be aware of, specifically: fake petition, distraction techniques, street games, amongst others. But always be careful in contact with strangers who offer unwanted help or carry out suspicious actions. To avoid pickpocketing, keep your valuables such as bags or wallets safe by using extra safety features, like a hidden pocket, or material that blocks RFID, to scare pickpockets away.
5. Safety in Accommodation
They insisted on the need for picking trustworthy and safe accommodation. When looking to book a hotel or an apartment, think about checking whether the place in question is really as convenient as it seems and read up on reviews from previous guests. If accommodation carries good security like CCTV camera, secure door locks and 24 hour reception. Further, it’s wise to put all of your belongings into the hotel safe and be wary of revealing any private information to or turning doors open to people you don’t know.
6. Personal Safety Tips
Here are some general tips to ensure your personal safety while visiting Amsterdam:
- Watch your stuff in crowded areas.
- Don’t walk alone in poorly lit or not familiar areas.
- Trust your gut and know where you are.
- The less you drink the less you’ll be affected.
- Learn emergency numbers and know where to the nearest police station or embassy is.
- Notify someone who you trust that you will be away and that you expect to be back.
- If you pay attention to your surroundings and follow these safety measures, you’ll have a happy and safe night in Amsterdam exploring. Personal safety is a collective responsibility and your actions, along with all visitors, help keep the environment safe.
