I've been doing some reading about the crime rate in Amsterdam. I realize this is true of most major tourist cities. We will be staying at a hotel near the airport, but would like to have dinner in the city one evening. I've heard that Centraal Station can be very dangerous. Would taking a taxi be more safe?

One of the biggest problems at CS has been pickpocketing which happens at a lot of busy train stations and othger congested spots in Europe.
You needn't worry about getting mugged or raped and please don't be put off by the horror stories sometimes posted here such as the one about the man spitting at someone on a tram in front of the station.
I think you'd be wasting your money taking a taxi in from the airport just to avoid the supposed crime at the station.
Be aware of your surroundings and I think you'll be fine.

Good advice from Singletail.

About the only danger I'm aware of is for those that get out of hand enjoying the uniqueness of what Amsterdam has to offer. I've seen some very drunk and very high people (young men mostly) so stoned that you could take their wallet without them even know. Hell, some would probably just give it to you if you asked nice!

MM

My husband and I felt quite safe in Amsterdam--in Central Station and while traipsing through the red light district at night. There are a lot of honest, hard working citizens in Amsterdam who pass through Central Station each day and night--as Singletail mentioned, just be aware of your surroundings. Enjoy your trip!!

Have no fear but be alert. Professional thieves will relieve you of your wallet and luggage in Centraal Station, on the train, on the trams, and on the streets if you are not on guard. Be conscious of every nudge and unusual distraction.

Go to town and have some fun. There are plenty of suggestions on this forum (search 'Amsterdam') for dining and everything else.

Thanks for the positive reinforcement guys! We'll be careful but enjoy the city.

I was there years ago the first week of

May.. The city was festive , full of party goers because of a great celebration in honour of the Queen..I dont know if it was her birthday...

Also the tulips were in full blooms..What a colorful sights..

Amsterdam is a beautiful city..
take care and have fun..

i spent some time there (i'm a 19 year old girl from nyc) alone earlier this year. Experienced no problems, at all, and i was staying right in the middle of the red light district! I wasn't in Amsterdam very long but if I was (and i'm sure i'll be back for a longer period) i probabyl wouldn't stay there again just because I would prefer a QUIETER area. I spent a few hours in the hotel lounge in the evening and then headed out again at around 9:30 PM just to poke around..i did get a fair amount of attention from drunk male tourists, but..just be careful. I felt no more or less unsafe then I do when walking around at home. No matter where you are, in a major city you have to be careful.

There are canals everywhere, and locals are known to throw first-time visitors into the canal. If you can't swim, learn before going!

Just kidding!

My understanding is that the canals are really only a danger to those who have been indulging too much - but although I've been to Amsterdam 5 times I've never seen it happen.

what amazes me is that the cars park soo close to the canals, I wonder how many cars end up in the canal each year

There is absolutely nothing to fear in Amsterdam...Central Station is not dangerous, but you just have to watch your wallet, as you do anywhere else in the world...Why are you staying near the airport anyway??

Illusion, You may have noticed the rather small bar barriers that keep cars from going into the canals. Those were actually subsidized by the Automobile Insurers. Now an average of 7 cars a year go into the canal, compared to the hundreds previously. Care to guess how many bikes get fished out every year?

TracyB: We are only there for one night due to a change in our airline reservation. We're arriving at 6:00 pm on a Saturday night, and leaving the next day at 12:30pm. That's why we're staying near the airport.

Hi nicks, Schiphol is well connected to the city center by train (about twenty minutes, if I remember correctly). Since your flight leaves at 12:30, there's really no need to stay near the airport unless you want to.

I'd be more concerned about being run over by a bicycle. I still break into a cold sweat when I hear that that Brrrinng, brrring.