Is Amsterdam TRULY safe for solo female travellers?
Imagine you’re visiting a new city like Amsterdam all by yourself. Some people might wonder if it’s safe, especially for girls traveling alone. When I first went to Amsterdam alone, I had the same questions. Now that I’ve lived here for a while, I’ve learned a lot about staying safe and having fun.
First off, Amsterdam is a really cool city with lots of friendly people. If you’re a girl traveling alone, there are a few things you can do to stay safe and enjoy your trip:
- Stick to busy places: It’s always good to be where there are lots of people around. Places like popular parks, museums, and main streets are usually safe.
- Use reliable transportation: If you’re getting around by yourself, choose buses, trams, or taxis. They’re safe and easy to use.
- Stay aware: Pay attention to your surroundings. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and find a safe place.
- Where to stay: Pick a hostel or a hotel that’s recommended for solo travelers. These places often have friendly staff who can help you if you need anything.
Meeting people and connecting with locals
| Meeting People and Connecting with Locals |
|---|
| Just because you’re traveling solo in Amsterdam doesn’t mean you can’t make friends. |
| The city has a lively social scene. |
| Tips: |
| – Spark up a conversation with a local barista. |
| – Make friends on a walking tour. |
| – Pluck up the courage to talk to people! |
| Language: |
| English is widely spoken among locals. |
| Learning a bit of Dutch can impress and open up more opportunities. |
| Useful Dutch Phrases: |
| – Yes → Ja |
| – No → Nee |
| – Thanks → Bedankt |
| – Hello → Hoi |
| – Bye → Doei |
| – What’s your name? → Hoe heet je? |
| – How much is it? → Hoe veel kost dat? |
| – I need directions → Ik heb richtingen nodig |
This chart organizes the information clearly, making it easier to understand and remember while traveling in Amsterdam.
Is Amsterdam a safe city?
Absolutely! Amsterdam is a fantastic place for girls traveling alone in Europe. While it’s important to stay cautious like anywhere else, Amsterdam generally offers a safe and fun experience for first-time solo travelers. Here’s why it’s such a great choice:
- Easy Transportation: Getting around Amsterdam is super easy. They have buses, trams, and trains that are safe and reliable. Plus, walking around the city is really nice because it’s so pretty!
- Hostels Made for You: There are lots of hostels in Amsterdam that are perfect for girls traveling alone. Some even have rooms just for girls, so you can feel extra safe and comfortable.
- Loads to Do: You’ll never be bored in Amsterdam! You can visit museums full of cool art, take boat rides on the canals, or just wander around and explore. There’s always something fun to do by yourself.
So, while you should always be careful and smart, Amsterdam is a city where lots of girls have amazing adventures on their own. It’s a great place to start your solo travel journey!
Why Amsterdam is an excellent choice for solo female travelers
Wondering if Amsterdam is a cool place to visit? It’s absolutely awesome for travelers! Almost everyone speaks English well, so talking to locals is easy. And if you’re curious, you might notice that the people there are pretty good-looking too!
One of the coolest things about Amsterdam is how easy it is to get around. They have trains, buses, trams, and even a metro system. It’s like a big adventure using all these different ways to travel!
There’s so much fun stuff to do in Amsterdam as well. You can visit famous museums with amazing art, or try yummy foods at cafes and restaurants all by yourself. And don’t worry about where to stay—they have lots of places just right for travelers going solo like you.
So, if you’re thinking about Amsterdam for your next trip, go for it! It’s a city where you can have an awesome time exploring new places and trying new things all on your own. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know!
Why Amsterdam is an ideal destination for solo female travelers
If you’re debating if Amsterdam is a good destination for you, let me reassure you: Amsterdam is an easy place to travel. English is well-spoken by most of the locals and for anyone single, people are pretty good looking here. (Some of my single friends complain that Dutchies are a bit too shy for their taste, but that’s a story for another post.)
If you love a city with good public transit, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Amsterdam, which has trains, buses, trams, and a metro! Similarly, you’ll find a great infrastructure for doing touristic things, whether it’s visiting Amsterdam’s famous museums or going out to eat solo. Most importantly, you’ll find lots of accommodations perfect for solo travelers.
Where to avoid in Amsterdam at night?
Bijlmer is a neighborhood in the southeast part of Amsterdam. It’s known for having a higher rate of crime compared to other parts of the city. People have been working hard to make Bijlmer safer, but it’s still a good idea for tourists to be careful and avoid this area, especially at night.
When we talk about crime, we mean things like stealing and other bad things that can happen to people. Even though they’re working to make it better, it’s still a place where you might not feel as safe as in other parts of Amsterdam.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam, it’s good to stick to the areas that are more well-known and have more people around. This way, you can enjoy your time without worrying too much about safety.
Is Amsterdam a safe city?
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Yes! I consider it one of the best destinations for solo female travel in Europe. This is not to say that things do not happen, however on the whole, it’s a great destination for first-time solo female travelers. What is great about Amsterdam is that it has great public transit, it’s walkable, there are plenty of affordable hostels (with female-only rooms), and you can do plenty of things in Amsterdam by yourself.
Challenges encountered by solo female travelers
Street harassment
When I talk to girls who travel alone in Amsterdam, they often have a few worries. They wonder about things like people bothering them on the street, if there are places they should avoid, and what it’s like to go out by themselves in Amsterdam.
You know, street harassment can happen in any big city, even in the Netherlands. But compared to other places in Europe, it’s not as common in Amsterdam. I’ve lived here for a while, and I’ve noticed it’s pretty rare, especially compared to cities like New York or Paris.
If someone bothers you on the street, a good trick is to just ignore them and say “Nee” (which means “No” in Dutch) firmly. That usually makes them leave you alone.
So, while it’s good to be careful like in any city, Amsterdam is generally a safe and fun place for girls traveling alone. You can explore and enjoy your time here without worrying too much.
Areas requiring extra caution
In the Netherlands, people talk about places that might not be very safe to visit, but it’s not as serious as some people say. Compared to places like the US, crime is much less common here, except for one big thing: bike theft is a big problem!
When you’re in the Red Light District, which is a famous area in Amsterdam, you should be careful because pickpockets like to go there. It’s a good idea to use a bag with a zipper instead of a backpack, and keep it close to you in crowded places.
Also, be careful with your things when you’re at bars or cafes. Some of my friends, both locals and tourists, have had things stolen when they left their phones on tables or bags hanging on chairs. This happens a lot in places where people leave their stuff lying around.
There are a few neighborhoods in Amsterdam that some people worry about, like Bijlmer and Bos en Lommer. But I’ve traveled alone in these areas late at night and it’s usually okay if you’re aware of your surroundings. It’s always smart to know where your hotel is before you book it, so you feel safe.
Public transportation in Amsterdam is really good, so it’s easy to get around without any problems. If you ever need a taxi, I’ll tell you more about that later.
Toilets
Here’s something interesting about Amsterdam: in many places around the city, men can use urinals for free, but women usually have to pay to use the toilet. So, if you’re a girl visiting Amsterdam, it’s a good idea to have some coins with you to pay for the toilets in places like train stations.
Usually, it costs about fifty cents to use a public toilet. Another option is to go to a cafe and buy something. Most cafes let you use their toilet for free if you buy a drink or a snack, which is what I usually do!
So, just remember to have some coins handy, or buy something at a cafe if you need to use the restroom while you’re out exploring Amsterdam.
Best accommodations for solo travelers in Amsterdam
When you’re traveling alone to Amsterdam, staying at a hostel is usually the first idea that comes to mind. Hostels are great because you can meet other travelers, save money (because hotels in Amsterdam can be expensive!), and be around other solo adventurers like you.
In Amsterdam, you don’t have to settle for basic hostels. Some hostels offer rooms with your own bathroom and even private rooms if you prefer more comfort and privacy. Here are a few cool hostels to consider: StayOkay Hostels (there are three), ClinkNOORD, Generator Hostel, EcoMama, and CocoMama. EcoMama and CocoMama are special because they care a lot about being eco-friendly.
If you want something a bit more like a hotel but still with a friendly vibe, check out places like Meininger (they have two locations), Citizen M (they’re really convenient!), Motel One near RAI Convention Centre, Conscious Hotels in Vondelpark or Westerpark, and Q-Factory Hotel in Oost, which is lively.
Now, if you’re a solo traveler who likes a touch of luxury, Amsterdam has some amazing hotels for you. Frankie recommends The Hoxton, Sofitel Legend The Grand, Waldorf Astoria, The Conservatorium Hotel, Banks Mansion Hotel, Hotel Okura, The Amstel Hotel, The Ambassade Hotel, and the Bilderberg Garden Hotel. These places are super fancy!
Another cool option is staying in someone else’s house through Airbnb. It’s like staying with a friend in a new city. You can rent a spare room or even a whole apartment if you like cooking for yourself.
So, whether you’re into hostels, fancy hotels, or Airbnb, Amsterdam has lots of great options for solo travelers like you to have a fantastic adventure!
Public transportation and taxi services
Public transportation and taxi services
One of the coolest things about Amsterdam is how awesome their public transportation is. Whether you have an iAmsterdam card to visit museums or a GVB pass for unlimited rides on trams and buses, getting around is super easy.
Amsterdam is also a city where you can walk a lot because everything is close together. Sometimes it’s even quicker to walk than to take the tram!
Buses in Amsterdam usually run until about midnight, which is pretty convenient. If you’re staying outside the main part of the city, it’s smart to check the bus, metro, tram, or train schedule before you head out, so you know how to get back. If you ever need to, you can also take a taxi.
At night, there are special night buses that run longer routes to help people get home after a night out. And don’t forget, the trains are another great way to get around Amsterdam!
If you want to explore nearby cities or see beautiful tulip fields, taking a day trip from Amsterdam is really easy. Just go to Amsterdam Centraal station and buy a round-trip ticket for the same day using your debit or credit card. This is a different system from the iAmsterdam cards.
I suggest checking out places like Leiden, The Hague, or visiting the amazing tulip fields! It’s a great way to see more of the Netherlands while you’re in Amsterdam.
Taxis in Amsterdam
When it comes to taxis in Amsterdam, it’s important to be a bit careful. I’m not just saying this as someone who used to live there, but as someone who wants you to have a safe trip. Taxis in Amsterdam sometimes try to charge tourists too much money, and even locals can get tricked sometimes.
Before you get into a taxi, always ask if they have a working card machine for payment. It’s also smart to remember the taxi’s number just in case. I usually use TCA, which is the biggest taxi company in Amsterdam. You can save their number in your phone: +31 20 777 77 77.
If you prefer, you can also use Uber, which is another way to get around if you feel comfortable with it.
Solo travel experience in Amsterdam
What’s great about Amsterdam is how easy it is to explore on your own. Not everyone might be comfortable riding a bike, but I love cycling around the city by myself. (Just a heads-up: biking in Amsterdam can be risky if you’re not used to city cycling!)
Finding a place to eat solo in Amsterdam is no problem either. Most restaurants will have a table for you, though sometimes you might end up sitting at the bar if they don’t have larger tables for solo diners. And don’t worry, no one really minds if you eat alone. I often sit in cafes by myself, sometimes doing work, and the staff might even chat with me!
There are so many fun things to do alone in Amsterdam. You can explore the Rijksmuseum to see famous Dutch art, wander through street markets, discover hidden courtyards, shop in cool boutique stores in the 9 Streets, or try the best cookies ever! Amsterdam is full of exciting things to discover all on your own.
One thing to be careful about anywhere, including Amsterdam, is smoking and drinking alone. Dutch people are usually friendly if you strike up a conversation, but they can also be busy. If you need things like tampons or other toiletries, you can find them easily in supermarkets or drugstores called Etos or Kruidvat. And if you ever need condoms or the morning-after-pill, those are easy to get too.
Exploring Amsterdam solo
The Red Light District in Amsterdam can feel a bit strange and uncomfortable for me, especially when I’m traveling alone as a girl. It’s a mix of nightlife and something called prostitution, which means people paying for certain services. When I’m by myself, it can feel a bit lonely there. Usually, people won’t bother you if you’re alone, but if you’re friendly, you might meet some cool Dutch people or tourists to talk with. Dutch people often keep to themselves more than tourists, especially people from Britain or America.
If you’re there and you’re smoking or drinking, it’s really important to be aware of what’s going on around you. The Red Light District is known for having people who might try to steal from you, so I always keep an eye on my drink and take it with me if I move around. You never know what might happen!
Personally, I like to go to a place called a brown bar instead. These are traditional Dutch bars that are much quieter than the busy bars in the city center. They’re a great place to sit and relax without anyone bothering you. Sometimes, friendly locals might talk to you if you’re sitting at the bar. I find that if you sit at a table and bring a book, people usually leave you alone.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam by yourself and you want to go out at night, it’s a good idea to find a group to go with from your hostel or hotel. You can also look for online groups for girls who travel or even take a tour. There are tours in Amsterdam that show you the nightlife (some are about smoking marijuana), so it’s worth asking where you’re staying if they have anything planned.
Here’s a tip for meeting people while you’re traveling alone: Sometimes during the day, I join walking tours and talk to people my age who seem cool. We might decide to meet up later to do something together. It’s a great way to make friends if you’re already exploring Amsterdam on your own.
Additional tips for solo travel in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, lots of people speak English, especially those who work in shops and restaurants. It’s actually harder to get people to speak Dutch sometimes! If you want to learn some Dutch phrases, you can click here for helpful words and sentences!
If you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable in a bar, many places have a secret code to help you. You can ask for “Angela” or an “Angel Shot,” and the bartender will understand that you need assistance. Don’t hesitate to pay and leave if you don’t feel safe. If you need to call the police or ambulance, the number is 112, and they speak English too.
You can use most ATMs in Amsterdam if you have a Visa or Mastercard. But not all shops and cafes accept other kinds of cards, so it’s a good idea to carry a bit of cash with you. You don’t need a lot—around forty euros should be enough. Most museums accept cards, so you don’t have to worry about carrying too much cash!
Pros and cons of female solo travelers in Amsterdam
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Good Public Transit: | 1. Street Harassment: |
| Easy buses and trams make it safe to travel. | Sometimes people bother you on the street. |
| 2. English Proficiency: | 2. Bike Theft: |
| Most people speak English, so it’s easy to talk. | Bikes might get stolen in the city. |
| 3. Female-friendly Places: | 3. Red Light District: |
| Places like hostels are safe for girls traveling alone. | This area can feel strange for girls alone. |
| 4. Different Cultures: | 4. Drugs and Alcohol: |
| People from everywhere visit, making it cool. | Be careful around alcohol and drugs. |
| 5. Safety Rules: | 5. Pickpocketing: |
| Bars have rules to help if you feel unsafe. | Watch out for people taking things from you. |
These are things to think about when going to Amsterdam alone.
Conclusion
Absolutely! Amsterdam is a great place for solo female travelers! The whole Netherlands, including its capital city, Amsterdam, is really safe. People there love that everyone is different, which means you can feel comfortable exploring on your own. It’s one of the best places in Europe to have a fun adventure all by yourself! If you enjoyed this post and want to read more like it, here are some recommendations: