Info on Amsterdam, please!
 

A co-worker is trying to discourage me from visiting Amsterdam because I am traveling alone (female) and she said it's not a safe place. I don't agree with her information, but I was wondering if someone could please let me know about their experiences there. I'll be doing to the usual tourist things and eating at restaurants, etc. during the day and early evening. Thanks.

Hello Jan,<BR><BR>I have been to Amsterdam a few times for business. I felt completely comfortable and safe there at all times. I didn't use back streets late at night, but the main streets always seemed to have a lot of people. I don't think that anyone noticed if I were alone or not. If your friend was there, maybe she was in a part of the city I did not visit.

Amsterdam is wonderful and perfectly safe. I took my kids there. We loved it. Your friend seems ill-informed.

Amsterdam is no less or more safe then any city in the world. Common sense rules apply for solo women traveller's apply whether you are in Amsterdam, Salt Lake City, or Los Angeles.<BR>1) Make sure you have pre-booked and confirmed your hotel reservations in advance and in an area that you have researched and determined to be reasonably safe.<BR>2) Carry your valuables in a money pouch (not in your purse) <BR>3) If you do carry a purse, keep it slung cross-ways across your chest.<BR>4) Never invite anyone to your hotel or let them know your room.<BR> Some things that are extra but that have helped me out a great deal are:<BR>After hours, I take cabs and avoid public transp (busses trains and subways)<BR>I always carry my hotels phone number on my person.<BR>The most important thing is to trust your instincts.. if someone or someplace doesn't seem right leave! If someone approaches you (which can happen anywhere) to buy drugs or whatever, be forceful! Say NO very firmly and keep walking. <BR>Get a great map. Learn a few words in the native language. <BR>For the record, I've been all over the world, a little common sense goes a long way! Bon Voyage.

Hi Jan:<BR>Please go! Enjoy Amsterdam. It is one of my favorites cities. It is easy to get around. Use the trams. Easy and convenient. My advice is this...use your common sense. You are in a large city just like any other. Keep your valuables secure, your hotel unknown, and be confident. I found that even later in the evening, there were many people around. When I travel alone I find that I am not to apt to stay out too late anyway. I go to the hotel restaurant if I want a late meal this way I don't have to make my way back to the hotel late in the evening. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Amsterdam is far safer than most cities.<BR><BR>I was puzzled as to why I kept seeing posts about it being unsafe until I spoke to 2 women at work who were saying it was a sleazy place after going there for a weekend.<BR> After talking to them it became obvious that they had spent the entire weekend in the redlight area and didn't realise that most of the city wasn't like that.<BR> In most cities the redlight area is avoided by tourists.In Amsterdam it is a feature - tour guides take groups round it in the evenings, visitors feel cheated unless they've seen the famous redligt district.This gives the wrong impression to those who are there for a brief visit.(the redlight is sleazy but relativly safe, not like US cities) <BR> If they allowed their redlight to become as illegal and dangerous as most cities, no tourists would go & the city's reputation would improve.<BR> Book your accomodation well in advance. <BR>

I agree with all posters.<BR><BR>Just wanted to add that I travelled there alone as a tourist (I am a woman, too), and never felt unsafe. I am glad that I met people to take me to the red light district (wanted to see it, didn't want to go alone), and was happy I had -- I don't think I would have been comfortable there alone at night.<BR><BR>Otherwise, do like everyone else said and just use your head. You'll have a great time!