The Netherlands is a relatively small country, measuring only 41 543 km² in size, with a population of 17,214,563 residents, as of 2022.
The country is situated in northwestern Europe, between Germany and Belgium in the east, and the North Sea in the west of the country.
It is known for its tulip fields, iconic windmills, flat landscapes, and aesthetic cycling routes.
The country has a total of 290 cities (including small towns and villages) with Amsterdam being the capital city.
This city is host to several world treasures, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Anne Frank House.
The country is known for having a very low crime rate.
During the 2020 period, there were 0.6 cases of homicide per 100,000 residents.
In terms of property crime, 2017 statistics indicate that approximately 10% of the population were victims of property crime.
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10 Safest Cities in the Netherlands
Although most of the cities in the Netherlands are considered very safe to live in, some areas have seen a spike in crime in recent years.
The following cities have made it to the list, not only for safety reasons but also for the cost of living and general standard of living.
These cities are listed as per online reviews from visitors to the cities.
1. Groningen
The city is located in the northern part of the country.
This city is most famous for its landmarks, historical monuments, and pedestrianized zone.
Overall, the city has a very low crime index.
Both property crime and violent crime seem to be of little concern to those traveling to the city or living in the city.
Even though marijuana has been legalized in the country, this city does experience moderate levels of drug usage amongst some of its residents.
What makes it such a special city is that it has been voted the safest city in all of the Netherlands as well as the city with the best city center.
In addition, Groningen is considered one of the top cities in Europe when it comes to a high standard of living.
Women can safely travel alone at night in this city.
Other crimes such as vandalism and robbery are very low in Groningen.
2. The Hague
This city is located in the western part of the country and is considered to be the capital city of South Holland.
Even though this is the third largest city in the country, it is not overly populated.
There has not been much of an increase in crime over the last few years, which bodes very well for tourism in general.
Public transportation in this city is very developed and is generally safe for travelers and women traveling alone.
Muggings are not a big concern but pick-pockets may pose a threat to visitors and tourists.
In addition, unlike other European countries such as Paris, London, or Hungary, scam artists in this city are not very active.
Property crime overall is very low in the city and surrounding areas.
3. Eindhoven
Eindhoven is located in the south of the Netherlands in a province called North Brabant.
This city is very safe for travelers and those looking to move to the city.
The environmental quality is very good, as well as the healthcare.
In terms of crime, the city ranks very high as a safe destination to call home.
For women who travel alone, there is absolutely no cause for concern as this is an extremely safe city when traveling the day or night.
In addition, there has been very little to no rise in crime over the last few years.
The city has extremely low levels of assault, robbery, vandalism, or theft, and property/violent crime are extremely low in Eindhoven.
4. Utrecht
This is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands.
The city is rich in culture, history, and monuments, and it has an excellent education system, transportation system, as well as food and wine culture.
This is yet another city that ranks very high in terms of safety when it comes to both violent crime and property crime.
There are very few instances of petty crime as well.
The city has seen very little, if any, rise in crime over the past few years.
It is a great tourist city and is an excellent choice for those wanting to move to the city as well as tourists traveling to the Netherlands.
Women can feel absolutely safe when traveling alone at night and during the day.
The city has a very high standard of living and is known for being one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands.
5. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and its number one tourist city.
Tourists flock to this metropolitan city from all over the world.
It is considered to be one of the safest cities in Europe to travel to and visit as a tourist.
Women can also feel absolutely safe when traveling in Amsterdam.
There are instances of the occasional pick-pockets, but this is rare.
Overall, the city is extremely safe in terms of property crime and violent crime.
The biggest crime that occurs in this city is bike theft.
The transportation infrastructure in this city is outstanding and considered to be one of the best in the world.
Amsterdam is a melting pot of cultures and offers tourists from every country a safe and beautiful place to travel.
It is extremely safe to walk around during the day as a woman traveling alone, as well as during the evening.
6. Rotterdam
Rotterdam, located in South Holland, is one of the major cities in the Netherlands.
The city is a popular tourist destination and is known for its vibrant culture, nightlife, and many beautiful museums.
Rotterdam has seen a moderate increase in crime over the past few years.
The city has seen a moderate increase in the use and dealing of drugs as well as property crimes such as vandalism and theft.
While it is very safe to travel in the city during the day, caution should be exercised in the evening.
In addition, there is a medium risk of pick-pockets in Rotterdam.
7. Dordrecht
Dordrecht is located in the western part of the Netherlands.
The city is small and is a canal city.
It is overall very safe to live and travel through Dordecht during the day and in the evening.
Women can safely travel through this small city without fear of becoming victims of crime.
However, caution should always be exercised.
Even though there has been a moderate rise in crime over the past few years, it is still one of the safest cities in all of the Netherlands.
Both property crime and violent crime are nearly non-existent in this beautiful historical city.
This city is ideal for young families.
The transportation system is great and it is very easy to get around.
It is overall a very safe city to live in.
8. Leiden
Leiden is located in South Holland.
The city ranks extremely high for safety and for those traveling alone, especially women who travel to and from Leiden.
In addition to being another great and safe city, Leiden has received the honor of being one of the cleanest cities in the Netherlands.
When it comes to areas that have a higher rate of crime, Leiden is fortunate enough not to have these types of neighborhoods.
All of the neighborhoods in Leiden are safe.
Although some may not be as beautiful as others.
Like many other cities in the Netherlands, the most popular crime is bike theft.
Other than that, both property and violent crime rates are exceptionally low.
9. Breda
Breda is located in North Brabant in the southern part of the Netherlands.
The city is rich in culture, has an excellent schooling system, offers residents a very high standard of living, and is exceptionally beautiful.
Residents in this city speak the West Brabantian dialect.
The city has very low crime levels.
This includes both property and violent crime.
Keep in mind, though, that there are some neighborhoods that may not be as safe as most of the city.
Geeren-Noord and Hoge Vucht are considered to be a little more dangerous as these places are known for hosting drug addicts and are considered to be poor areas.
Traveling in the city during the day and in the evening is exceptionally safe.
Muggins, pick-pockets, robberies, theft, and vandalism are of very little concern to the residents of Breda as there are almost no crimes of this nature reported.
As for the rest of Breda, the city scores high in terms of overall safety for men, women, and groups traveling through the city.
10. Haarlem
Haarlem is situated in the northwest region of the Netherlands.
The city is characterized by its medieval character, which includes cobblestone streets and gabled homes.
The city is a very safe city to visit and live in.
Crime levels are exceptionally low, if not non-existent.
There are some forms of crime reported, such as petty crimes, including pick-pocketing.
The city is rich in architecture and culture.
The city shares a few similarities to Amsterdam, such as it being a somewhat pricier city to live in.
Women can feel absolutely safe when traveling through this beautiful city.
Property crime and violent crime are exceptionally low and the most common type of crime here is bicycle theft.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to the Netherlands
Visitors are advised to practice normal safety precautions when visiting the Netherlands:
- Always remain vigilant of your surroundings.
- Never leave food or drinks unattended.
- Terrorism is of concern. Remain vigilant.
- Beware of thieves that pose as off-duty police officers in regular clothes.
- Never leave belongings out in the open.
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
What food is the Netherlands famous for?
- Stumppot.
- Brown bean soup.
- Pancakes.
- Hutspot.
What is the top travel destination in the Netherlands?
Amsterdam.
Which tourist site is the most visited site in the Netherlands?
The Van Gogh Museum.
Google said amsterdam is the safest city in the netherlands
The Netherlands is a beautiful and safe country to visit, with a low crime rate and many cities that offer a high standard of living.