Abisola SalahuDespite being tagged as one of the most exciting places to visit; anybody who has any sense knows that there are a few areas to avoid in Amsterdam. It is very rare for a country to carry all its citizens along, and as such there will be those who are left behind. With few opportunities coming their way, they then turn to crime, which becomes a problem for the whole country.
In Amsterdam the cheap areas, despite being equally beautiful are known to be hot spots of petty crime such as pick-pocketing and purse jacking. The red light districts are best avoided at night unless one is the company of a person who knows the turf, and then there are places where it is best to let one’s guard down.
This does not take away from Amsterdam as a place of stunning beauty which one must visit; it just means that one needs to know where to go, and where to avoid.
Areas To Avoid In Amsterdam
1. The Red Light District (De Wallen) at Night
While it’s a major tourist draw, the Red Light District has the highest concentration of street crime in the city and is a prime location for pickpockets and scam artists. Police data shows that the Wallen area recorded the highest number of stabbings in the city recently, with 48 incidents. The area is also the centre of organised crime, including human trafficking and money laundering.
Even though it’s heavily monitored and generally safe to walk through, you must exercise extreme caution with your belongings, avoid taking photos of sex workers (strictly forbidden), and ignore street dealers offering drugs or stolen bicycles. It is particularly rowdy and risky on weekend nights. The area’s narrow streets and crowded conditions make it easy for pickpockets to operate undetected. Visitors should remain vigilant and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.
2. Bijlmermeer (Amsterdam Zuidoost)
Bijlmermeer, also known as the Bijlmer, is a residential area in the southeast that is often cited as the city’s roughest edge. Official data shows a high criminaliteitsindex (crime index) in several neighbourhoods within Zuidoost, alongside a high onveiligheidsbelevingsindex (feeling of unsafety). While it has undergone redevelopment, the area is far from the tourist path and can feel desolate and unsettling late at night.
The area suffers from more crime than any other part of the city, though it is safe to visit during the day and has a vibrant, multicultural character. You are unlikely to wander here by accident, as it is separated from the city centre. The area’s high-rise buildings and open spaces can create a sense of isolation after dark.
3. Amsterdam Nieuw-West
The Nieuw-West district is consistently mentioned as an area to approach with caution, particularly at night. Official data shows a high onveiligheidsbelevingsindex, meaning residents in many parts of Nieuw-West feel less safe than in other parts of the city. Specific neighbourhoods within this district, like Osdorp, Slotervaart, and Geuzenveld, are often described as less tourist-friendly and are predominantly residential.
Unless you have a specific reason to be there, it is generally better to stick to more central and vibrant neighbourhoods in the evening. The area’s lower population density and quieter streets can make it feel less secure after dark. Visitors should avoid walking alone in these areas late at night.
4. The Central Station Vicinity at Night
The area immediately around Amsterdam Centraal is teeming with life during the day, but streets like Zeedijk and Nieuwendijk can become magnets for opportunistic characters once the shops close. The station and its surrounding areas are hotspots for pickpocketing and theft. The best policy after dark is to keep walking with purpose, stay aware of your surroundings, and ignore anyone trying to strike up a suspicious conversation.
The station’s busy nature makes it easy for thieves to operate unnoticed. Travellers should keep their bags secure and avoid displaying valuable items.
5. Rembrandtplein after dark
As a major nightlife hub, Rembrandtplein is a prime target for pickpockets who prey on distracted partygoers. If you are out enjoying the bars, you must keep a firm grip on your personal belongings. The area can also get rowdy late at night, contributing to a higher risk of petty crime and nuisance. The crowded bars and clubs make it easy for thieves to blend in. Visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and avoid leaving drinks unattended.
6. Vondelpark, Sarphatipark, and Oosterpark at Night
A 2026 survey of over 2,100 Amsterdam residents found that parks were the most frequently mentioned “dangerous” areas, particularly at night. Residents cited poor visibility, low foot traffic, and the difficulty of getting help in an emergency as key reasons for avoiding these green spaces after dark. Vondelpark, Sarphatipark, and Oosterpark were specifically named as areas where people feel unsafe. The parks’ secluded paths and lack of lighting make them risky after sunset. Visitors should enjoy these parks during the day and avoid them after dark.
7. Leidsestraat and Kalverstraat after Shopping Hours
These busy shopping streets were highlighted in the same resident survey as places where the atmosphere becomes “very oppressive” after the shops close. The sudden drop in foot traffic can make these commercial corridors feel deserted and unsafe for lone pedestrians. The streets’ narrow layout and shuttered shops create an eerie environment after hours. Visitors should avoid walking alone in these areas late at night.
8. Bos en Lommer
This neighbourhood in the west of Amsterdam is often mentioned as an area with higher crime rates and social problems. Along with other parts of Nieuw-West, it is characterised by a large amount of social housing and lower-income families. While most crime here is property-related (like burglaries) rather than violent street crime, it is not an area tourists would typically need to visit. The area’s residential character and quieter streets can make it feel less secure. Visitors should avoid walking alone in Bos en Lommer at night.
9. The “Rivierenbuurt” – Specific Locations
While the Rivierenbuurt is generally a residential area, it was the location of one of the city’s fatal stabbings recently, which occurred in a home. This highlights that even quieter residential neighbourhoods can see isolated incidents of serious violence. The area’s peaceful reputation should not lead to complacency. Visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and avoid engaging with strangers.
10. Industrial Areas and Dark Alleys
The latest resident survey also identified industrial areas, dark bicycle tunnels, and streets with little foot traffic as places people actively avoid. Areas like Transformatorweg in the west and Vliegenbosch in the north were specifically cited as locations that feel unsafe after dark. These areas are deserted and poorly lit, making them risky for lone pedestrians. Visitors should stick to well-lit, busy streets and avoid shortcuts through industrial zones.
COMPARISON TABLE
| Rank | Area/District | Primary Risk | Best Avoided |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red Light District (De Wallen) | Pickpocketing, stabbings, drug crime | Late nights/weekends |
| 2 | Bijlmermeer (Zuidoost) | High crime index, general unsafety | Late evenings |
| 3 | Amsterdam Nieuw‑West | High crime and feelings of unsafety | Evening/night |
| 4 | Central Station Vicinity | Pickpocketing, street scams | At night |
| 5 | Rembrandtplein | Pickpocketing, rowdy crowds | Late nights |
| 6 | Vondelpark / Oosterpark / Sarphatipark | Low visibility, isolation | After dark |
| 7 | Leidsestraat / Kalverstraat | Deserted, oppressive atmosphere | After shops close |
| 8 | Bos en Lommer | Burglaries, social problems | Unlikely for tourists |
| 9 | Rivierenbuurt | Isolated violent incidents | N/A |
| 10 | Transformatorweg / Vliegenbosch | Industrial, deserted at night | After dark |
TIPS FOR UNDERSTANDING AMSTERDAM’S SAFETY LANDSCAPE
Check Official Crime Data: The city of Amsterdam publishes detailed safety data through its “Onderzoek en Statistiek” department, which tracks crime indexes, victimisation rates, and feelings of safety down to the neighbourhood level. This is the most reliable source for up-to-date safety information.
“Feeling Unsafe” is a Key Metric: Official statistics differentiate between actual recorded crime (criminaliteitsindex) and the perception of safety (onveiligheidsbelevingsindex). Residents in Nieuw-West, Zuidoost, and parts of Noord report feeling significantly less safe than those in areas like Zuid and Weesp, even if crime statistics vary.
Pickpocketing is the Real Threat: The most common crime affecting tourists in Amsterdam is non-violent theft, particularly pickpocketing and bicycle theft. The Centrum district records the highest number of these crimes, largely due to the concentration of tourists and crowds.
The City is Actively Discouraging “Nuisance Tourism”: Amsterdam has launched a ‘Stay Away’ campaign targeting young male tourists looking for stag parties and pub crawls, warning of fines, arrests, and health risks associated with anti-social behaviour and excessive drug/alcohol use. This reflects the city’s proactive approach to managing the downsides of mass tourism.
Terrorism Threat: The U.S. Embassy has issued a security alert reminding citizens to maintain good personal security practices due to the ongoing threat of terrorist attacks, which could target tourist locations, transportation hubs, and markets.
Related
Closing
Amsterdam is a safe city by global standards, and you are unlikely to encounter serious trouble if you stick to well-lit, busy areas and exercise basic common sense. The real risks for most visitors are pickpocketing and scams, which are concentrated in the busy city centre and around major attractions like the Red Light District and Central Station.
The outlying residential districts like Zuidoost and Nieuw-West, while statistically having higher crime indexes, are not places tourists are likely to visit accidentally. The city’s approach to safety is proactive, with official campaigns discouraging nuisance behaviour and a heavy police presence in tourist hotspots.
Ultimately, the best advice for navigating Amsterdam is to stay aware, avoid isolated spots after dark, and treat any unsolicited approach from a stranger with healthy suspicion.