Amsterdam's crime rate: what you need to know

After living here for years and helping hundreds of expats settle in, we've gained a realistic perspective on safety in Amsterdam. We're happy to share what we've learned with you, not just statistics, but practical insights from our daily lives in this beautiful city we now call home.

Amsterdam's Safety Profile: The Reality Behind the Numbers

Amsterdam consistently ranks among the safest capital cities in Europe. The Netherlands as a whole maintains a low crime rate compared to many other countries, with violent crime particularly uncommon. As fellow foreigners, we've found the general sense of safety here to be one of the city's most underrated qualities.

We remember our surprise during our first weeks here, seeing unlocked bikes (though we don't recommend this!), children traveling to school independently, and women comfortably walking alone at night. These everyday observations told us more about safety than any statistics could.

That said, Amsterdam does have its share of urban safety challenges. Like any major city, certain types of crime exist, and as expats ourselves, we believe it's important to share an honest picture of what to expect.

Common Crimes in Amsterdam: What We've Experienced and Observed

Bike Theft: A Rite of Passage

Almost everyone on our team has had at least one bike stolen, it's practically an unofficial Amsterdam initiation! Over 60,000 bikes are reported stolen annually, though the actual number is likely much higher as many thefts go unreported.

Our hard-learned advice: Invest in two good quality locks (we use a combination of a frame lock and a chain lock), always secure your bike to something immovable, and consider getting bike insurance. We've also found that registering your bike's frame number with the police can help recovery efforts if theft does occur.

Pickpocketing and Tourist-Targeted Theft

The bustling areas around Dam Square, Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, and Central Station do see pickpocketing activity, particularly during crowded events or summer tourist season. Several of our clients have experienced this, most commonly when they were distracted or in very crowded situations.

We've learned to keep our belongings secure in front pockets or anti-theft bags, especially when using public transport or visiting busy market areas. During King's Day celebrations, we're particularly vigilant as the festive atmosphere and crowds create perfect opportunities for pickpockets.

Home Break-ins: Less Common Than You Might Think

Compared to many major cities, home burglaries are relatively uncommon in Amsterdam, though they do happen. In our experience helping clients secure properties across different neighborhoods, we've found that ground floor apartments with easy street access tend to be more vulnerable.

Most Amsterdam homes come equipped with good quality locks, and many apartment buildings have secure entrance systems. When helping clients choose properties, we always consider security features as part of our assessment. Simple measures like proper lighting, visible locks, and being part of an alert neighbors community have served our clients well.

Amsterdam's Safest Neighborhoods: Where We Live and Recommend

Based on both official crime statistics and our personal experiences living throughout Amsterdam, we've found these areas to be particularly safe:

Oud-Zuid

This upscale residential area around Vondelpark has been home to several of our team members. It offers a peaceful environment with well-maintained streets and a strong community feel. The proximity to Vondelpark means there are usually people around, even in evening hours, creating natural surveillance.

Jordaan

Despite being centrally located and quite touristy, the Jordaan's narrow streets create a village-like atmosphere where neighbors know each other. We've found this community awareness contributes significantly to the area's safety. Several of our clients with families have felt very secure here.

Amsterdam Noord

Initially overlooked by many expats (including ourselves!), Noord has become one of our favorite recommendations for clients prioritizing safety and value. The neighborhoods here tend to have strong community bonds, and the slightly removed location means less tourism-related crime.

Ijburg

This newer district built on artificial islands offers modern housing with good security features. Several of our team members with children have chosen to live here, appreciating the family-friendly environment and low crime rates. The tight-knit community means unfamiliar faces are quickly noticed.

Areas Requiring More Caution

Just as in any city, some areas warrant a bit more awareness:

De Wallen (Red Light District)

While not inherently dangerous and heavily policed, the Red Light District's party atmosphere can lead to uncomfortable situations, particularly late at night. We generally advise our female clients to be more alert when passing through this area after dark. That said, even here serious incidents are rare.

Areas around Central Station

The transit hub naturally attracts more pickpocketing and petty theft. When meeting clients arriving by train, we always remind them to be particularly mindful of their belongings in this area.

Staying Safe: Tips We Share With All Our Clients

After helping hundreds of expats settle into Amsterdam life, we've developed some practical safety advice:

1. Trust your instincts: Amsterdam generally feels safe, but if something doesn't feel right, listen to that feeling. We've found Dutch people are very willing to help if you need assistance.

2. Use bike-sharing services like Swapfiets when first arriving: This reduces the risk and financial loss of bike theft while you're still learning the best practices for bike security.

3. Get to know your neighbors: One of our team members avoided a break-in because an alert neighbor questioned someone attempting to enter her building. Community awareness is a powerful safety tool.

4. Register valuable items: The police can more easily return recovered stolen items if they're registered. We help our clients document serial numbers of electronics and bikes when they first arrive.

5. Use common sense after dark: While Amsterdam is generally safe at night, we recommend sticking to well-lit, populated streets, particularly in areas you're not familiar with.

6. Be cautious with ATM usage: Cover your PIN and be aware of your surroundings. We prefer using indoor bank ATMs rather than street-facing ones, especially at night.

Drug Policy and Safety

Amsterdam's pragmatic approach to soft drugs like cannabis often raises safety questions among our newly arriving clients. In our experience, the regulated nature of this market actually contributes to safety rather than detracting from it.

Coffee shops are well-regulated, and drug-related violence is extremely rare compared to cities with stricter prohibition policies. That said, we always advise our clients to be wary of street dealers, particularly those offering hard drugs in areas like Rembrandtplein or Dam Square.

Emergency Services and Police Interaction

One aspect of Amsterdam that gave us immediate peace of mind was the efficiency and approachability of emergency services. The emergency number 112 works for police, fire, and ambulance services, with operators typically speaking excellent English.

For non-emergencies, the police number 0900-8844 connects you to local police who can assist with issues like reporting theft or suspicious activity. As foreigners ourselves, we've found Dutch police to be professional, helpful, and accustomed to dealing with non-Dutch speakers.

Our Personal Takeaway on Safety in Amsterdam

After our collective decades of living in Amsterdam and helping fellow expats make this city their home, we can confidently say that safety concerns shouldn't keep you from embracing all that Amsterdam has to offer.

Like any urban environment, awareness and common sense go a long way. We've found that most of our clients quickly develop a comfortable relationship with the city, often expressing surprise at how safe they feel compared to other capital cities they've lived in.

If you're planning your move to Amsterdam and have specific safety concerns about certain neighborhoods or situations, we're always happy to share our firsthand experiences. As fellow expats who've walked in your shoes, we understand that feeling secure in your new home is the foundation for truly enjoying Amsterdam life.

Need help finding a secure home in one of Amsterdam's safest neighborhoods? We specialize in helping expats find homes that meet all their needs, including peace of mind.

Amsterdam Life Homes is a team of expats who have made Amsterdam our home. We help fellow foreigners navigate the unique challenges of relocating to and living in the Netherlands with personalized real estate services including buying, renting, letting, and furnishing homes.