From a tourist perspective what is Amsterdam, Netherlands like? If u walk the street will u get robbed? Thanks

Question

I already know about the legal drugs & prostitution so you don't have to metion that. I mean from a toursit perspective. What was your/a family member/friend's experience like?? I need to go there for important biz and am wondering what its like.

Answer 1

About Americans not being welcome in Amsterdam/The Netherlands... That's just absolutely NOT so... Americans have always been very welcome in The Netherlands and they are still so... Dutch people have no problem distinguishing between American citizens and American politics... Just don't start defending American politics and you'll be fine, otherwise you'll be in for some long debates, you won't get molested or anything like that... In fact, tell us Dutchies you think Bush is an idiot and you couldn't be more popular...

To answer your question, Amsterdam is as safe as you make it... Sure tourists get mugged there sometimes but that happens everywhere... You can easily compare Amsterdam to cities like Boston or Cincinnati... There's areas you better not go but you have to try pretty hard to find them... Just be aware of pickpockets and use your brain...

Answer 2

I have been in Amsterdam several times and was a woman alone often and a foreigneir and never had any problems at all! Anyway, I always took precautions, that is keep my bag close to me, the wallet in a not so accessible place and so on. However, even of all the problems I heard other place saying they experienced, it was never a violent crime, I mean, no guns, no violence. Some friends of mine said they had their wallets of bags stollen but they did not notice. Some were even so stupid to leave the bags unattended on the train to Schiphol airport and take a seat on the inside of the train! Sure they were robbed! But the robbers were kind enough to throw away the bag with the passports and the plane tickets, and only the money, sunglasses and other valuable things were taken away. But anyway, I am sure you will never be so silly! Other people just walked around with back bags and had their wallet stolen and that was easy from someone who stood behind them in the train or the bus. Things like that! Anyway, as I said, if you are cautions then nothing will happen! Beleive me, I've been there! Have a great time in Amsterdam! It is a great place! :-)

Answer 3

Amsterdam was a very friendly city. Everyone speaks English, although if you make a little effort to learn a few handy phrases, even the most gruff-looking harring stand man will smile at you. The city was very clean and the people seemed community-minded, very practical and sensible, helpful to tourists. A few people were outrageously liberal, with piercings and tattoos and neon colored hair, and they were a fun bunch too.

An anecdote...
We saw our hotel desk clerk smoking at the lobby. So naturally, when the manager showed up and found her smoking on the job, we expected the manager to reprimand her. To our surprise, nothing happens. He sits down next to her and lights up one himself.

The food was absolutely delicious, as long as you don't order anything "American", like a hamburger. I'm not a smoker but geez, the variety and the quality of munchies and the late-nite snacks will take a long time to forget.

As for crime, like someone else already mentioned, there are signs warning people of pickpockets. My husband and I have been accosted by some guy lurking in the shadows late at night close to midnight around the red light district, asking if we wanted any kind of drugs. My husband happened to blurt out in a panic, "no Taco Bell", meaning dankuvehl (spelling?), and the guy went elsewhere.

Also, we met many drunk men on the street around the Damrak at night wanting to help us find the hotel, the restaurant, et cetera, but they were smiling with a lot of open hand gestures, so we just smiled and said no thank you. We did see another drunk guy dancing to the lady violinist's tunes and then generally bothering her but she smiled at him and took a elegant bow and he appeared to be genuinely happy. There was a lot of Irish and English pubs, and the groups of big guys jostling each other on the street as they walk by looks threatening but they were probably foreigners on holiday.

The latest hour we stayed out was around 2AM. No incidents, so I guess you'll be okay if you practice common sense and keep aware of your surroundings.

Answer 4

I really liked Amsterdam a lot. It is very flat so walking around or biking is very easy. It has a lot of canals (it is called The Venice of the North!), it has lots of interesting archetecture and historic buildings and churches, great museums and the Heineken Brewery with its popular tour. When I was there the people were very friendly but I understand that since the Iraq War began Americans are not popular there or anywhere else in Europe now, which is a shame. Anyway, I think you will enjoy Amsterdam very much.

Answer 5

I was there about a year ago, and I felt completely safe the whole time. The only thing to watch out for is when you are in and around the Red Light District. I would just be leery of pickpockets, and you will most likely have people walk casually by you and ask if want to buy some drugs, but just ignore them and keep walking. Overall though, I don't think they even have a very high crime rate, and you are definitely safer than walking around various US cities. I loved it there! Hope you have fun!

Answer 6

Like in all big cities, be aware of pickpockets. I think in general it's save. But some people get unlucky and get robbed, like in any other big city. I never had a problem wen i was visiting Amsterdam. (I'm Dutch but I don't live near Amsterdam, just visit it sometimes.)

Maybe some tips from other tourists on
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/
destinations/europe/netherlands/amsterdam/

(sorry, Internet address is to long for yahoo, just copy it)

and some info on the official tourist site
http://www.amsterdamtourist.nl/

enjoy your stay

Answer 7

I unquestionably HATE Amsterdam... I on no account sense secure on the city. whilst i replaced into working for the government and that i had to pass to Amsterdam for some days, i'd continually stay in the Haag... a lot safer and a lot quieter and much less touristy.

Answer 8

Dude, dont worry. I was there alone...all by myself last week! No honestly though...I had the exact same worries and I ended up wandering the streets at night with no ill effect ( other than the weed), I found most people friendly and helpful and was only approached a few times by guys trying to sell me Cocaine who left me alone when I said no. My advise if you are worried is to try not to look like a tourist by staring around you at absolutely everything and looking in every shop window, that way you should blend in a little better.

Answer 9

To us it seemed perfectly safe - ok, we went to the reg light district only during daytime. It is true that in the trams or the tram stops (I don't remember now) you will see signs that there are cameras to prevent pocket thieves and obviously you should take the normal precautions which you take in any big city. The locals seem to be very friendly and very polite. And needless to say that the city and its museums are fantastic. Coffee shops, cafes and restaurants also. A very lively city.

Answer 10

I ysed to live there and it was great Its when cannabis was legal to smoke in the hash bars , and every year they have a competition on the most awesome stuff , the yaer I was there it was won by this gear called "Manila Gold" well it had the trophy so I had to try it ...dude tyou never had such a knock out you will be slumped in you chair out cold even before you finish the joint man. you wont get robbed its not that bad The worst place for that is Barcelona.