Walking along the canals in Amsterdam on a beautiful day might be extra noteworthy for tourists.
As soon as an unusual but perhaps pungent odor hits the nose, confusion is likely to set in.
You might ask yourself, “Is someone publicly smoking marijuana?”
The answer to that is almost certainly, “Yes!”
For most out-of-towners, that’s a worrisome thought.
The same action back home would likely have the user in jail.
It just so happens that the Netherlands has the most drug-friendly policies.
That has a lot to do with why the country has relatively low crime rates.
As encouraging as that is for tourists, there are still places around Holland to watch out for.
Here, we’re going to discuss what dangers may lurk in 10 cities around the nation.
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10 Most Dangerous Cities in The Netherlands
1. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is not only the capital of the Netherlands, but it’s also an international tourist hub.
Attracting hoards of people is always an easy target for would-be criminals.
Of course, any high-populated city is most likely to have crime no matter how safe it rates.
One of the biggest things to look out for in Amsterdam is someone peddling drugs that aren’t legal.
Property crimes such as vandalism and theft also cause problems for locals and tourists.
2. Eindhoven
Just a hop, skip, and jump from the Belgian border, Eindhoven is the biggest city for quite a distance.
Not big enough to be overwhelmed with criminal activity, the area has most of its problems due to property crimes.
One of the worries of locals is dealing with their homes being broken into.
Theft has been rising in Eindhoven over the past few years.
3. Rotterdam
Right on Nieuwe Maas, Rotterdam has a long history of both imports and a regular influx of people.
The story goes back to the 1200s and any place with that much of a story to tell has some shady characters in its past.
Similar to Amsterdam, Rotterdam is a high-trafficked area and also deals with drug problems.
Moreso than the capital, however, is property crimes.
4. Utrecht
One of the few bigger cities to not be by a river or ocean, Utrecht has nonetheless seen an increase in crime over recent years.
Like similar cities, Utrecht has had an issue with substance distribution.
Fortunately, the increase in drugs has not led to more physical violence.
5. Groningen
A short drive from the northern coast, Groningen is typically viewed as a pretty safe place.
On the crime index, however, the biggest problem the town has to deal with is drug dealers.
Drugs have a crime rate of 44 and property crime comes in at 31.
6. The Hague
On the opposite side of the country, next to Rotterdam, The Hague rates as number one for quality of life.
Even a nice place to live isn’t enough incentive to keep criminals out.
Drugs and theft are ongoing issues.
7. Heerlen
Right at the tip of the Netherlands, Heerlen is neighbored by Germany and Belgium.
Heerlen happens to be the first on the list with an increasingly violent crime rate.
Armed robbery is thought to be related to the high drug crime rate.
8. Maastricht
Maastricht shares a border with Belgium and has a river that runs through it.
That makes it a great place to visit as well as take stuff over the border.
Unfortunately for the city, that might have a lot to do with local drug crimes.
9. Diemen
This suburb of Amsterdam opens to Markemeer waterways.
Diemen’s biggest issue these days is theft, which is as high as 168 occurrences per 1,000 residents.
Traffic crimes are the next issue but are far outweighed by theft.
10. Sittard-Geleen
Another border town with Germany, Sittard-Geleen is tiny.
Not so small that it isn’t plagued with unemployment and poverty.
That has undoubtedly been a large reason why the crime rate has shot up in both violent and drug-related crimes.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to The Netherlands
1. Ladies, Stay Connected
Being in a place where women feel comfortable roaming freely is a gift.
During the day, there’s so much hustle and bustle going on that it feels natural to be out amongst the people.
However, as safe as you may feel, it’s important to always have someone back home who you can instantly reach out to in any situation.
That may mean that someone has agreed to open their afternoon up to catch your calls.
Bonus points if that person is willing to video chat.
When checking out the lights illuminating the canals of Amsterdam, be extra observant.
Predators are out looking for an opportunity to take advantage of tourists, especially ladies going solo.
If you notice someone getting a little too close or following way too much, make a video call to your friend.
Not only can that potential criminal see that there is a live person communicating with you but they will also realize that person can see them too.
If something were to happen to you, that friend could call the authorities immediately with your location pinpointed.
2. Do Travel Prep Work
Before you go to a new country, make sure you can speak the language.
Okay, you don’t need to be fluent, but knowing helpful phrases can make a world of difference when you’re in need of the restroom or want to appreciate a service.
Not everyone who comes in contact with you will understand English.
Making an effort will make them want to do the same.
It’s also smart to learn more about transportation options in the city you plan to stay in.
The more you know in advance, the more smoothly you can adjust when the train is shut down or there’s road construction.
3. Don’t Over-Party
Marijuana may be legal in the Netherlands, but that doesn’t mean it is back home.
To avoid any hassle, you may want to avoid partaking in any substance while abroad.
That may seem like part of the fun, but the reality is that stuff stays in your system for a while.
It’s also a sad fact that you shouldn’t really trust anyone when you’re traveling.
People often seem perfectly chill when you meet them but you really don’t know what something could be laced with.
Stick with products that can’t be tampered with.
4. Travel Light
In this context, light refers to precious items that could tip off criminals to your financial status.
For starters, leave big jewelry, watches, and fancy designer clothes back home.
A shiny diamond around the neck is like a beacon of wealth.,
Don’t bring a fat wallet full of all the cash and credit cards you don’t need.
Luckily, most of the shops take cards, so you won’t need to think about the exchange rate.
Also, you don’t want to be seen pulling out a wad of cash.
Anything you believe you need on the trip, stash it in the hotel safe.
5. Stay Well
It’s not uncommon for someone in a new place to pick up something floating around.
If you’re sick, you might even be quarantined if you’re obviously sick and trying to board a plane.
The best way to take care of it is to go back to the airport.
There, you’ll find any item you need to help enjoy your stay.
That includes pain medication, contact solutions, and even feminine hygiene products.
Netherlands Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Netherlands Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Netherlands a safe place for women to travel?
Generally speaking, Holland is a great place for women to travel on their own.
The country is quite convenient for travelers, from having English on signs to reliable transportation.
Also, most Dutch citizens have more than one language under their belt.
If the first person you find can’t understand you, there’s bound to be someone else around who can.
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is open all night and is easy to navigate.
Often, you’re only a shuttle away from the airport, if you’re staying close enough.
That means, for the majority of the day, anyone is able to get to the airport and have access to all kinds of food, toiletries, and even cash exchange.
This benefits women greatly because not only are they close to things they need, but they are also always near help if needed.
Is prostitution legal in the Netherlands?
Along with being drug-friendly, this European nation is also pro-sex workers.
One of the most famous districts in the world is the Red Light District.
An entire cumulation of sex workers exists to feed the needs of locals and tourists alike.
Traveling to Amsterdam in order to participate in prostitution is also referred to as sex tourism.
While that may sound inappropriate, it’s a great way for a government to support a trade that would be happening anyway.
In other places, prostitutes are jailed, drugged, and even murdered while the world looks down on them.
The Netherlands happens to regulate the sex trade.
That means those who offer services are in a much safer position and they can run a brothel if they want to.
The Dutch government views such as their private business and everyone benefits in the end.
Yes, there are multiple rideshare services available in the Netherlands.
That includes the global brand Uber, which has taken up residence in the country since 2012.
Currently, Uber can be found in five major Dutch cities.
In addition to Uber, there are a few other apps to get you where you need to be, such as Car2Go and SnappCar.
Don’t forget, the Netherlands still has plenty of taxis and public transportation to get around in.
If you happen to be traveling to one of the cities without a rideshare app, public transport would be the most budget-friendly.
Not only do the trains and buses go everywhere, but they are in very public places with security.
It’s also a good idea to bring any prescription medication you need with you, along with the proper documentation.
In case of an emergency, it’s important to have your medical information and insurance details on hand.
As a local, I can say that while these cities may have their dangers, they are still beautiful and worth exploring with caution.