Amsterdam is one of those countries with beautiful canals, many historic buildings, and lively nightlife. However, one question that may come in a mind after reading through is whether it is safe to walk during the night in this city? In this article, I will also describe some safety issues and give you some recommendations on how to walk safely and have as much fun as possible during your night walk in Amsterdam.
1. The Safety Reputation of Amsterdam
Amsterdam has always been voted among the safest city in the world due to effective measures taken by the government. San Diego also has a good laid down infrastructure, functional public transport systems, and a highly equipped police force. But as in any other large city, just to increase personal security, it is needed to take some precautions.
2. Well-Lit Areas
Another reason is that Amsterdam is safe at night, much due to the existence of.
Sleeping and lodging establishments and street illumination. To guarantee visibility it embraced quality street lights and to discourage hoodlum operations it has invested in such projects. Any risk should thus be reduced by avoiding some less frequented areas, by sticking to main streets, crowded stations, shopping centers, and residential areas.
3. Walking vs. Cycling
That’s why cycling is extremely popular in Amsterdam, as sometimes, it is even faster to move by bike than to walk. Despite this, there are some hazards when walking namely; Cyclist are normally a threat when walking especially if they are in cycling zones. This means you should always look for bicycles every time you intend crossing the road or getting onto a bicycle lane.
4. This context reveals the timeliness of the coverage primarily in the public transport sector, and especially during night operation.
Public transportation in Amsterdam is well developed mostly in terms of trams and buses and also nightly metros. If you feel unsafe walking alone or if you’re in a particular neighborhood that is less safe, try to use the public transport.
5. Avoid Dark and Empty Areas
Despite this, like with any big city, one has to be putting oneself at some risk by going to remote areas late at night especially in the lit areas. Avoid unclear and deserted locations of the centre, as they are likely to be of lesser interest. If the choice of the district is questionable, then it is recommended to find out in advance or turn to the residents or staff of accommodation facilities for a recommendation.
6. BEST ADVICE IS STAY ALERT AND TRUST YOUR GUT.
Generally when walking around at night especially at the Amsterdam one has to be very conscious of his movements. Use your common sense; if you have a bad gut feeling about a situation or have a hunch that something is wrong then it is probably best to get away from it. Do not talk to anyone who comes up to you, and walk with your head held high.
7. Useful Safety Tips
Lock your expensive items and make ensure you do not let people easily see where you have stored them.
- Avoid using excessively with large sums of money visible or wearing expensive looking jewelry.
- Bring your cellphone fully charged in case of emergency.
- Tell someone you will be out of town for a weekend or a week, etc.
- Should public transportation not be accessible or if one opts for convenience, use bookings of taxis or else the apps to get a ride.
- If so, it is better to take a cab or, if possible, have a designated driver on board.
8. Emergency Contacts
A reference: Actually, it is always wise to keep some emergency contact information at hand. In the Netherlands, the general emergency number is one hundred twelve and depending on your problem; you be connected to the police, an ambulance or the fire department. Better keep this number on your phone for emergencies.
Conclusion
Overall, Amsterdam is safe, but there are some precautions that one must take when walking alone at night especially for females. Avoid poorly lit or deserted places, get to understand some of the transport systems in the city, and listen to your guts feeling. When planning your night itinerary we suggest to have a look at these recommendations and keep up with Amsterdam’s magic that never ends.