Useful info
Staying safe in Amsterdam
Amsterdam consistently ranks among Europe's safest capitals. The risks that exist are petty and preventable: opportunistic theft, a few scams, and common sense around water and bikes.
Last updated: June 2026
Bag in front in crowds
On tram 2/5, in Centraal and around De Wallen: phone and wallet zipped away.
Off the canal edge
No railings, real water. Most accidents involve a few drinks.
Watch for cyclists
Never walk on the red asphalt. And lock your rental through frame and wheel.
Pickpockets — risk #1
The most common crime against visitors — all about crowds and distraction. Hot spots:
- Centraal, Dam, Red Light District, Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, plus markets like Albert Cuyp and Bloemenmarkt.
- Crowded trams (lines 2 and 5) and the airport train.
Simple habits beat it: phone and wallet zipped away, bag in front, front pockets only, alert when bumped or distracted.
Scams to know
- Scam taxis at Centraal and Schiphol — use the official rank, Uber/Bolt, or insist on the meter.
- Street drug dealers sell fake or dangerous product, and it's illegal — walk on.
- Blue Euronet ATMs and exchange booths: avoid. Use yellow Geldmaat.
- Fake ticket sellers and tourist cafés with surprise charges — check prices first.
Canals & water
Gorgeous, but real water with no railings. Don't perch on the edge late, especially after drinks. And don't swim in or swallow it — it isn't clean.
Bikes (a hazard and a joy)
On foot, bikes are your biggest risk. Look both ways, stay off bike lanes, cross at crossings. If you rent: frame and wheel locked to something solid — theft is common.
At night & by area
The centre is well-lit and safe late. Stick to main streets, skip lonely side alleys after midnight, watch your things on the nightlife squares Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein.
If something happens
Always report theft — you'll need the police report for your travel-insurance claim. Medical help lives on the Emergency & medical page.