Netherlands : Safety by CityThe Netherlands punches way above its weight.
Packed into a country about the size of Maryland, it blends postcard-perfect canals, modern design, and a deep-rooted cultural legacy that keeps travelers coming back.
Located in northwestern Europe, it shares borders with Belgium and Germany and fronts the North Sea.
Here’s the name breakdown: “The Netherlands” is the country’s official name.
“Holland” refers only to two provinces—North and South Holland—where cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague are located.
“Dutch” is the demonym (people, language, etc.).
“Dutch” comes from an old Germanic word meaning “of the people.”
English speakers once used it for all Germanic folks, but over time, it stuck specifically to people from the Netherlands.
Its history spans the Golden Age of seafaring empires, resistance during World War II, and a modern shift toward innovation, liberal policies, and sustainability.
The Netherlands has long been a hub for trade, art, and ideas, and that spirit still defines it today.
In 2024, around 15.5 million people visited, drawn by the art museums, canal cities, tulip fields, windmills, and yes, the coffee shops.
Amsterdam gets the most attention, but cities like Utrecht, Haarlem, and Delft offer a quieter, equally rich experience.
Whether you’re into history, architecture, or just cruising on two wheels, the Netherlands is built for curious travelers who appreciate beauty, efficiency, and a culture that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Plus, it’s about as safe as you’ll find in Europe.
Warnings & Dangers in Netherlands
OVERALL RISK: LOW
The Netherlands is one of the safest countries in Europe for travelers. Crime rates are low, the infrastructure is excellent, and even big cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam feel relatively secure. Most issues travelers encounter are minor—think pickpockets or bike-related accidents.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Public transportation here is efficient, clean, and safe, whether you’re hopping on a train, tram, or bus. Taxis are regulated and reliable, although they can be expensive. Most people bike, and tourists unfamiliar with bike lanes can easily step into traffic—so stay alert when walking.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Busy areas in Amsterdam—like Central Station, Dam Square, and the Red Light District—see occasional pickpocketing. It’s not rampant, but it happens. Keep your bag zipped and don’t flash cash or valuables.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Flooding is a historical concern in the Netherlands, but modern engineering keeps the risk low for travelers. There are no volcanoes, earthquakes, or extreme weather events to worry about.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Street crime is rare, and violent crime is even rarer. Late-night walks in major cities are generally fine, but don’t go wandering into unlit or deserted areas alone.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
There’s a general risk of terrorism in Western Europe, and the Dutch government keeps alert levels moderate. Major events and transportation hubs have visible security, but nothing that should stop you from visiting.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Scams aren’t a huge issue, but watch for overcharging at touristy restaurants or clubs. Fake petition scams and sketchy “art students” are rare but not unheard of in Amsterdam’s busiest areas.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Solo female travelers report feeling very safe in the Netherlands. Harassment is minimal, and laws protecting women are strong. Normal precautions apply: watch your drinks, know your route home, and don’t walk around overly intoxicated.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The tap water is clean, safe, and tastes fine. There’s no need to buy bottled water unless you just prefer it.
Safest Places to Visit in Netherlands
The Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions runs the tourism website holland.com.
While the name might suggest it’s only for the Holland provinces, it is for the whole country.
To help with synchronicity with that website, we’ll break down the regions the way they do.
Amsterdam
Yes, it’s touristy—but for good reason. Amsterdam wraps postcard canals, 17th-century architecture, and major museums like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House into an easy day trip.
Rent a bike or walk the Nine Streets for boutique shopping and cafes, then unwind in Vondelpark or cruise the canals by boat.
The Jordaan district offers a quieter, more local feel, while De Pijp brings food markets and hip energy.
If you’re into nightlife, the city has everything from jazz bars to legendary clubs.
Just don’t spend your whole trip here—the rest of the Netherlands deserves your attention too.
Dutch Coast
Stretching from Zeeland to the north, the Dutch coast is made for beach days, cycling, and chill seaside towns.
Scheveningen near The Hague has a long boardwalk and surf spots, while Zandvoort and Bloemendaal are popular with day-trippers from Amsterdam.
Beach clubs pop up in summer, and dunes offer peaceful hikes.
Veluwe
This forested inland region is home to the Netherlands’ largest national park, De Hoge Veluwe.
Rent a free white bike and pedal between pine forests, sand drifts, and modern art at the Kröller-Müller Museum (home to Van Gogh works).
Wildlife lovers should keep an eye out for red deer and wild boar.
Wadden Islands
Off the north coast, these UNESCO-listed islands are a true escape.
Texel is the largest and most accessible, with sheep farms, beaches, and birdwatching.
Terschelling and Vlieland are quieter, car-free in some parts, and perfect for unplugging.
The low tide exposes mudflats you can walk across—yes, with a guide.
Hanseatic Cities
These historic trading cities—like Deventer, Zwolle, and Kampen—line the IJssel River and still feel like medieval market towns.
You’ll find cobblestone streets, grand merchant houses, and local festivals.
They’re less crowded than Amsterdam but packed with charm.
Zeeland
In the southwest, Zeeland is all about sea-meets-land living.
It’s known for mussels, wide beaches, and the impressive Delta Works (a feat of Dutch engineering against flooding).
Towns like Middelburg and Domburg mix maritime history with family-friendly coastlines and fresh seafood at every turn.
Places to Avoid in Netherlands
There aren’t dangerous “don’t-go-there” spots in the Netherlands, but a few areas deserve caution.
Amsterdam’s Red Light District—where legal sex work and cannabis shops operate openly—can get chaotic after dark.
It’s legal and heavily regulated, but the late-night crowd often includes loud, drunk tourists, petty thieves, and the occasional scam.
If that’s not your scene, steer clear after midnight.
And whatever you do, don’t take photos of the sex workers in the windows.
It’s not just disrespectful—it’s asking for confrontation.
Locals and business owners take privacy seriously here, and flashing your phone around could end your night on a sour note.
Elsewhere, just be smart: don’t bike in city centers unless you know the rules, and avoid peak tulip season (April) or high summer (July–August) if you hate crowds.
Off-season travel can be charming, but expect rain, wind, and some things to be closed.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Netherlands
- Dutch police are professional, well-trained, and generally approachable. If you need urgent help—police, fire, or ambulance—dial 112. For non-emergencies, it’s 0900-8844. Most officers speak English, especially in cities, and are used to helping tourists. Don’t hesitate to call if you’re lost, scammed, or dealing with harassment.
- The Netherlands is high-tech when it comes to alerts. Download the NL-Alert app or check websites like crisis.nl for updates on weather, floods, or public safety. You may also receive push notifications to your phone automatically in emergencies. While natural disasters are rare, flooding risks are taken seriously.
- Driving here is safe, but city centers aren’t car-friendly. If you rent a car, you’ll need a valid driver’s license—U.S. and EU licenses are fine for short stays. Roads are excellent, but be prepared for bikes, trams, and tight parking spaces. Stick to public transport unless you’re heading to smaller towns or the countryside.
- In cities, watch out for trams and buses—they often move quickly and silently through bike or pedestrian paths. Tourists stepping into their lane without looking is a common cause of accidents, some fatal. Always double-check before crossing, and don’t walk while distracted by your phone.
- Bike lanes in the Netherlands are serious business. Always look both ways before crossing—cyclists move fast and don’t stop for confused tourists. Never walk or stand in bike lanes, and if you’re renting a bike, know the rules: signal turns, stick to the right, and don’t block traffic while snapping photos.
- There are no special vaccine requirements to enter the Netherlands. Standard vaccines—like measles, hepatitis A, and tetanus—should be up to date, as with any trip. If you’re coming from a country with yellow fever, you’ll need proof of vaccination, but that’s about it.
- Yes, your phone will probably work here, especially if you have an international roaming plan. But if you’re staying a while or want cheaper data, buy a local prepaid SIM—Lebara and Lycamobile are popular and easy to find. Free Wi-Fi is also everywhere, from cafes to trains.
- A coffeeshop in the Netherlands usually doesn’t serve coffee—it sells cannabis. A café or “koffiehuis” is where you go for espresso. Be aware: some edibles look like regular snacks, but they’re infused. Always ask before you eat something offered in a shop or by a stranger.
- Despite the global hype, marijuana and hashish are still technically illegal in the Netherlands—they’re just decriminalized in small amounts and tolerated in licensed coffeeshops. Possession outside those zones is a crime and can earn you a fine. Don’t assume it’s a free-for-all; the tolerance policy has limits.
- Almost everyone speaks English fluently. Still, it’s polite to learn basics like “hello” (hallo) and “thank you” (dank je). Menus, signs, and public transport info are often in Dutch, but apps like Google Translate or a downloaded phrasebook can help fill in the gaps.
So... How Safe Is Netherlands Really?
While the Netherlands is generally regarded as a safe place to visit, the government advisories don’t necessarily match that vibe.
The U.S. and Canada both list it as Level 2—“Exercise Increased Caution”—but that’s mostly due to a general terrorism warning that applies to basically all of Western Europe.
Australia, for what it’s worth, puts it at Level 1, which is as low-risk as it gets.
From someone who studies travel safety for a living, these kinds of warnings are more boilerplate than red flag.
The Dutch government’s own terrorism threat level is at 4 out of 5 (“substantial”), but that just means an attack is possible, not expected.
On the ground, the risks are minimal: pickpocketing in touristy areas, bike accidents if you’re not paying attention, and maybe an overpriced drink if you’re not careful in nightlife spots.
Nothing here stands out as unusually dangerous.
How Does Netherlands Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Netherlands | 75 |
| Djibouti | 38 |
| Croatia | 83 |
| Mexico | 65 |
| France | 64 |
| Puerto Rico | 34 |
| Somalia | 16 |
| United Kingdom | 77 |
| Peru | 50 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most travelers from the U.S., Canada, the UK, and EU countries don’t need a visa for visits under 90 days. It’s part of the Schengen Area, so double-check your total days if you’re hopping around Europe. Your passport should be valid for at least six months.
Currency
The Netherlands uses the euro. Credit cards are accepted in most places, but oddly, not everywhere—especially in small shops and some train stations. Having a little cash on hand is a smart move. Tipping isn’t expected, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated for good service.
Weather
The Dutch weather is moody and tends to be gray. Summers are mild, rarely breaking 80°F, while winters are chilly, wet, and damp. Rain is always a possibility, so bring layers and a decent jacket. Sunshine happens, but don’t plan your trip around it.
Airports
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) is the leading international hub and one of Europe’s busiest. It’s efficient but sprawling, so allow time for connections. Smaller airports in Rotterdam and Eindhoven serve regional or low-cost flights. Trains connect all major cities directly from the airport terminals.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s worth it. Between flight delays, bike accidents, and unpredictable weather, even a short trip can go sideways. Make sure your policy covers medical care, theft, and any gear you’re bringing. If you’re planning to cycle, confirm that’s included too.
Netherlands Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
5 | 6 | 9 | 14 | 19 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 20 | 15 | 11 | 7 |
| Low °C |
0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 2 |
| High °F |
41 | 43 | 48 | 57 | 66 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 68 | 59 | 52 | 45 |
| Low °F |
32 | 32 | 37 | 43 | 52 | 61 | 64 | 63 | 57 | 48 | 39 | 36 |
Netherlands - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Amsterdam | 75 |
| Eindhoven | 85 |
| Rotterdam | 63 |
| The Hague | 90 |
idk i guess it was helpful
Very Helpful
This is really helpful for school, thanks!
Racism
racism
Is it really, how so if I may ask. I have been selected to work in the Netherlands. To whom are these racism guilted toward?
Reply
I hope you’re enjoying the Netherlands. Honestly, The Netherlands is known for its tolerance and is very multicultured. That is one of my favourite things about this country. I would not worry too much about what Al Walid is saying.
It’s not very racist, at least, not towards ‘black’ people, more towards like ‘slightly toned’ people, but I think it’s more about religion than about skin color (not that that is any better). Some people can be very rude, if not to your face, behind your back. They often don’t care about who you are, if you look ‘different’ they’ll assume the worst.
But I think most of the people in the Netherlands are generally accepting. Kind of.
Our behavior
I live in the Netherlands, some cities are more tolerant towards foreigners than others. As far as attitude goes, yes we are very direct, which can come off rude, but we don’t necessarily mean it in a bad way, we just don’t like to beat around the bush, that’s just our culture. We have a lot of foreigners, mainly in the “randstad” but Amsterdam is most tolerable in my opinion and will welcome you with open arms, it’s also my favorite (I’m from the south, we are a bit less tolerable here but it really depends on the city/area).
Immigrants are the problem. EVERYWHERE.
It isn’t racist to point out that immigrants of color commit disproportionate amounts of crime. Don’t like it being pointed out? Then do something about these criminals.
The truth hurts. Cry about it.
Do I get it correctly? Do you say that immigrants are rightfully pointed out because some criminals are other immigrants and it is the immigrants who should do something about it? If you are a native Dutch person do you feel obligated to apologise for crimes committed by other native Dutch citizens? I would think that immigration is a very complex issue and an immigrant who accepts Dutch values, customs and laws has done what he/she should. If an immigrant commits a crime, it’s not the other immigrants but the police and maybe some other parties like social services, maybe IND etc. are the ones who should do something about it. Why should immigrants feel some kind of original sin for crimes committed by other immigrants?
I love The Netherlands! There’s cheese and bikes everywhere though aha
safe
i want to live in the Netherlands is it safe.
no
Lmfao @ Geert!
Yes, it’s very safe, and the police is quite reliable. Also you don’t have to be able to speak Dutch right away, since most Dutch people can speak English.
The Hague is safe
I’d say there is nothing wrong with Morgenstond in The Hague. If you leave your bike completely unlocked maybe it’s more likely that it gets stolen compared to some better
parts of the town, but otherwise I feel myself very safe whenever I happen to be there regardless whether it’s daytime or the middle of the night. On the other hand I see not too many reasons for tourist to visit Morgenstond at all. There are no historical monuments, tourist attractions or whatsoever. It’s well out of the city center, most houses are relatively uniform and new, it’s just locals living, working and shopping there.
Too many people...
Crowded country!
I would go to Sweden or Norway (less people) or other bigger countries…
75 for the Netherlands safety index? More like 87.
The Netherlands is one of the safest countries in the world. I’ve been to the country and i felt much safer than where i originally was (Ukraine) because of Ukrainian invasion. Back then i felt a lot safer. I’m planning to visit the Netherlands next time.
Very safe
I’ve lived in the NL for 13 years and it’s is a very safe country. Amsterdam is very safe during both the day and night although at night you might run into some unpleasant people who are intoxicated but the best thing to do is to avoid them. The people are nice as well and a lot of them speak English.
not really safe..
It’s a very safe country, but do be careful because people ride each other dead almost every day. so stay safe and look very good when crossing a road!
Never been there but i guess it would be nice to visit or move
I guess there are nice people there
It’s v beautiful country however my experience in netherland is v bad and horrible as a tourist I went there and my bag was stolen in which my passport was and most funny thing is police says it’s common thing here it means they accept they failed to provide security to tourist and especially in schople airport station .even they don’t have cctv cameras in trains v absord. Police is not helpful i am disappointed. I will never go again netherland .
I guess i could go there
I have an internet friend who i’ve been dying to meet. He is from and still live in The Netherlands. Hope i can visit someday