Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased cautionin the Netherlands due to terrorism. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the Netherlands.”
Updated Tue, 18 Aug 2026
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Is Amsterdam safe? 🇳🇱
Netherlands · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Amsterdam scores 87/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — very safe. Yes. Amsterdam remains one of Europe's safest capitals for visitors, with risks largely limited to petty theft and scams in tourist zones. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Amsterdam 🇳🇱
The Netherlands · Assessed 18 October 2026
87
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime81/100GoodCrime index 29.9 / 100 · city-level
Sentiment84/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories75Good
Stability85Good
Health88Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
“Check separate travel advice pages for advice on travel to the constituent countries and special municipalities in the Dutch Caribbean. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-10-07T12:45:25Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Netherlands: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-10-09T10:18:33.7173554-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Urban scale factor
742k residents
71
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
0.7 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Netherlands0.7World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
97
Robbery / mugging
LowArmed robbery against visitors is rare and typically involves localized criminal networks, not tourists.
Pickpocketing
ModerateCommon on trams 1, 2, 5, 9 and around Centraal Station, Dam Square, and the Red Light District; bag-snatching also reported in crowded tourist zones.
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Reported feel78Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Most visitors report feeling safe and surprised by how calm and relaxed the city feels day-to-day, though they remain vigilant about pickpockets in tourist areas.
Yes. Amsterdam remains one of Europe's safest capitals for visitors, with risks largely limited to petty theft and scams in tourist zones.
Amsterdam's composite safety index is 88/100, reflecting very low violent crime and strong institutions. The main risks for visitors are opportunistic pickpocketing and bag-snatching in crowded areas like trams, Centraal Station, Dam Square, and the Red Light District, as well as scam taxis and fake police targeting tourists. Visitor sentiment is mostly positive, with most travelers reporting feeling safe day-to-day despite awareness of petty crime risks.
Recent developments
- Sep 2026Dutch roads and rail lines blocked as farmers start fires in budget protest— Reuters
- Sep 2026Thousands of Christians rally for Israel in Amsterdam as anti-Zionist protesters clash with police— The Jerusalem Post
- Oct 2026Another housing protest to take place on Amsterdam's Dam Square as shortage persists— NL Times
- Mar 2026U.S. travelers told to be extra vigilant in world's safest destination due to 'explosive incidents' targeting tourist sites— TheTravel
Common scams
- fake police demanding to see wallets or passports
- overpriced or unmetered taxis from Centraal Station and Schiphol
- ticket resale scams near popular attractions
- ATM skimming devices
Full briefing
Amsterdam remains a very safe city for visitors, with violent crime against tourists being rare and most risks limited to opportunistic theft in crowded areas. Pickpocketing is frequently reported on trams 1, 2, 5, and 9, as well as around Centraal Station, Dam Square, and the Red Light District, where bag-snatching also occurs. Scam taxis at transport hubs and fake police demanding to inspect wallets are persistent issues targeting travelers. Visitor sentiment is largely positive, with many noting the city's calm and relaxed feel, though they advise staying alert in tourist zones.
Recent events include protest-related disruptions: in September 2026, farmers blocked roads and rail lines with fires during budget protests, and in the same month, rallies for Israel led to clashes with anti-Zionist protesters near police. A housing protest was scheduled for Dam Square in October 2026 amid ongoing shortages. Earlier in March 2026, U.S. travelers were advised to be extra vigilant due to reports of explosive incidents targeting tourist sites, though no specific attacks were detailed in the dossier. To stay safe, keep valuables secure and in front of you on public transport, use only licensed taxis or verified ride-share apps, and be skeptical of anyone claiming to be police who asks for money or to inspect belongings. Avoid walking alone in dimly lit parts of Amsterdam Noord and Bijlmer after dark, and stick to well-lit, populated routes at night.
Was this Amsterdam, The Netherlands report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Amsterdam districts for visitors: 5 safer, 2 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Amsterdam safety map.
BijlmeravoidHigher incidence of petty crime and social tension; exercise caution, especially at night and on public transit.
Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)cautionHigh tourist density increases pickpocket risk, especially around Dam Square and canals.
Red Light District (De Wallen)cautionCrowded at night; watch for pickpockets, scams, and intoxicated individuals; avoid isolated alleys after dark.
JordaansaferCharming residential area with low crime; popular with tourists and families.
De PijpsaferLively, multicultural neighbourhood; petty theft possible in markets but generally secure.
Oud-WestsaferTrendy area near Vondelpark; well-lit and patrolled, minimal risk for visitors.
Amsterdam NoordsaferResidential and creative hub across the IJ; low crime, accessible via free ferry.
ZuidassaferModern business district; well-patrolled, safe day and night, though less tourist-oriented.
07 · After Dark
Is Amsterdam safe at night?
Armed robbery against visitors is rare and typically involves localized criminal networks, not tourists.
After dark, be most careful around Bijlmer, Canal Ring (Grachtengordel), Red Light District (De Wallen). Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Amsterdam safety FAQ (2026)
Is Amsterdam safe right now (2026)?
Yes. Amsterdam remains one of Europe's safest capitals for visitors, with risks largely limited to petty theft and scams in tourist zones. Amsterdam's composite safety index is 88/100, reflecting very low violent crime and strong institutions. The main risks for visitors are opportunistic pickpocketing and bag-snatching in crowded areas like trams, Centraal Station, Dam Square, and the Red Light District, as well as scam taxis and fake police targeting tourists. Visitor sentiment is mostly positive, with most travelers reporting feeling safe day-to-day despite awareness of petty crime risks. (Assessed 18 October 2026.)
Is Amsterdam safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Amsterdam report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Amsterdam should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Bijlmer as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Amsterdam (2026)?
- fake police demanding to see wallets or passports
- overpriced or unmetered taxis from Centraal Station and Schiphol
- ticket resale scams near popular attractions
- ATM skimming devices
How does Amsterdam compare with other places in Netherlands (2026)?
Amsterdam ranks #9 of 9 Netherlands destinations we've assessed, scoring 87/100. See the Netherlands safety overview for the full list.
How is this amsterdam safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 13+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: amsterdam.json (CC BY 4.0).