Exercise Increased Caution
“Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise increased caution in the Netherlands due to terrorism.”
Updated Fri, 09 Aug 2024
Full advisory →Is Amsterdam safe? 🇳🇱
Netherlands · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Amsterdam scores 82/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — very safe. Yes — Amsterdam remains one of Europe’s safest capitals for visitors, with low violent crime but moderate pickpocket risk in crowded 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).
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Fair
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 2026-07-15T08:11:26Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Netherlands: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-07-13T14:53:10.4800879-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Homicide rate
0.7 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Netherlands0.7World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
94
Robbery / mugging
LowMuggings are rare and usually isolated to late‑night spots; sticking to main thoroughfares and populated areas keeps risk minimal for visitors.
Pickpocketing
ModerateHotspots include Centraal Station, trams 2 & 5, Dam Square, and the Red Light District; keep valuables front‑pocketed and bags zipped in crowds.
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Yes — Amsterdam remains one of Europe’s safest capitals for visitors, with low violent crime but moderate pickpocket risk in crowded tourist zones.
The city’s overall safety index is high (84/100), homicide and terrorism risks are minimal, and visitors consistently report feeling secure. The main concerns for travelers are opportunistic pickpocketing on trams and in busy squares, scam taxis at transport hubs, and a few districts that see higher petty crime after dark, notably Bijlmer and the Red Light District’s alleys.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026Three individuals charged in connection with an assault investigation in Amsterdam— NEWS10 ABC
- Mar 2026U.S. travelers warned to be extra vigilant due to "explosive incidents" targeting tourist sites in Amsterdam— TheTravel
- Dec 2025Antisemitic protesters shouted chants and threw smoke bombs at Hanukkah concerts in Amsterdam— Combat Antisemitism Movement
Common scams
- Pickpocketing on trams 2 & 5, Dam Square and crowded market areas
- Fake or overpriced taxis at Schiphol and Centraal Station
- Fake ticket sellers outside major museums
- The "free" bracelet scam where a stranger ties a bracelet and demands payment
- Drug‑deal or fake‑substance offers in Red Light District alleys
Full briefing
Amsterdam remains a very safe destination for travelers, with a composite safety index of 84/100 and low rates of homicide, terrorism, and road fatalities. The city’s strong governance, effective policing, and excellent medical infrastructure contribute to a sense of security that most visitors confirm in their day‑to‑day experiences. However, the main safety concerns for tourists are petty crime rather than violence: pickpocketing is moderate and concentrates on crowded trams (especially lines 2 and 5), Dam Square, and the Red Light District, while scam taxis at Schiphol and Centraal Station and fake ticket sellers near museums are also frequently reported.
Recent open‑source information highlights a few specific developments that travelers should be aware of. In June 2026, three people were charged in an assault investigation in Amsterdam (NEWS10 ABC), underscoring that isolated violent incidents can occur, though they remain rare. A March 2026 warning from TheTravel advised U.S. visitors to be extra vigilant due to “explosive incidents” targeting tourist sites, and a December 2025 report noted antisemitic protesters disrupting Hanukkah concerts with chants and smoke bombs (Combat Antisemitism Movement). These events
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Amsterdam districts for visitors: 5 safer, 1 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Amsterdam safety map.
Red Light District (Wallen)avoidElevated pickpocket and scam activity after dark; drug‑deal offers; avoid narrow alleys alone.
Bijlmer (Zuidoost)avoidHigher reports of street robbery and assault; avoid walking alone at night; stick to main routes if needed.
Centrum (city centre)cautionHigh tourist density; pickpocketing common on Dam Square and tram lines; stay alert, especially at night.
JordaansaferResidential neighbourhood with low crime, well‑lit streets and strong community feel.
De PijpsaferLively market area; violent crime rare, pickpocket risk moderate in crowded Albert Cuyp market.
Oud-WestsaferQuiet residential zone with good police presence and minimal street crime.
Museumplein (Oud‑Zuid)saferMuseum district with heavy police patrols; low violent crime, watch for pickpockets near entrances.
Amsterdam NoordsaferEmerging district with low crime; avoid isolated industrial zones after dark.
07 · After Dark
Is Amsterdam safe at night?
Muggings are rare and usually isolated to late‑night spots; sticking to main thoroughfares and populated areas keeps risk minimal for visitors.
After dark, be most careful around Red Light District (Wallen), Bijlmer (Zuidoost), Centrum (city centre). Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Amsterdam's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight82
Solo, nightlife-focusedCrime +32% weight82
Family with kidsCrime +15% weight · Health & Air +12% weight83
Travellers 65+Crime +9% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight84
09 · Questions
Amsterdam safety FAQ
Is Amsterdam safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Amsterdam remains one of Europe’s safest capitals for visitors, with low violent crime but moderate pickpocket risk in crowded tourist zones. The city’s overall safety index is high (84/100), homicide and terrorism risks are minimal, and visitors consistently report feeling secure. The main concerns for travelers are opportunistic pickpocketing on trams and in busy squares, scam taxis at transport hubs, and a few districts that see higher petty crime after dark, notably Bijlmer and the Red Light District’s alleys. (Assessed 23 July 2026.)
Which areas of Amsterdam should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Red Light District (Wallen), Bijlmer (Zuidoost) as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Amsterdam?
- Pickpocketing on trams 2 & 5, Dam Square and crowded market areas
- Fake or overpriced taxis at Schiphol and Centraal Station
- Fake ticket sellers outside major museums
- The "free" bracelet scam where a stranger ties a bracelet and demands payment
How does Amsterdam compare with other places in Netherlands?
Amsterdam scores 82/100 — see the Netherlands safety overview for country-level data.
How is this Amsterdam safety score calculated?
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 75% of the weight, field research 25%. Full methodology.
Nearby destinations
4 reportsSimilar safety profile
4 reportsBrowse the Netherlands safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: amsterdam.json (CC BY 4.0).