How safe is the red light district in Amsterdam?
The RLD in Amsterdam feels, and actually is, pretty safe – certainly compared with similar areas in other cities. It really isn’t as dangerous and disreputable as you might think. And it’s not just wall-to-wall brothels and seedy dive bars. There are lots of bars and restaurants catering for all tastes and wallets, and some of them are excellent. The RLD is buzzing, vibrant and colourful, and is usually full of tourists of all ages and nationalities, at all times of year. So if you stick to the busier, more crowded main canals, such as the Oudezijds Achterburgwal (see picture) and the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, and the main street, Warmoesstraat, you should be fairly safe. Usually, the biggest danger you face is having your way blocked by a crowd of rowdy drunks out on a stag party. But, as with all crowded areas in big cities, there is a small risk of opportunistic petty crime and pick-pocketing, so keep your wallet and valuables safe and out of sight if possible. And stay alert late at n
