5 Safest Places to Stay in Amsterdam: Best Areas & Hotels
Looking for the safest places to stay in Amsterdam? Some of the safest areas in Amsterdam for tourists include the Southern Canal Belt, Jordaan, Nine Streets, Museum Quarter, De Plantage, De Pijp, and Oud-West.
These are also some of the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam for a good balance of safety, walkability, and location.
I’ve visited Amsterdam several times and stayed in the Southern Canal Belt and Jordaan, both of which I recommend, as well as De Wallen, which I personally wouldn’t choose again. That’s given me firsthand experience of how different Amsterdam neighborhoods can feel, especially at night.
Most recently, we stayed at Banks Mansion in the Southern Canal Belt, which is easily my favorite place I’ve stayed in Amsterdam.
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Banks Mansion
We stayed at Banks Mansion and I would absolutely stay here again. The Southern Canal Belt location felt safe walking back late at night, was incredibly walkable, and was close to bars and restaurants without being noisy at night.
Map of the Best + Safest Neighborhoods in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is broken up into 8 districts (stadsdelen) and each of these districts have several neighborhoods.
Most tourists will want to stay in the Centrum district, which includes the neighborhoods of Jordaan, Southern Canal Belt, Nine Streets, and De Plantage. These are all central, safe neighborhoods in Amsterdam, close to a majority of the main attractions.
Many of these neighborhoods (especially the Canal Belt and Nine Streets) are known for being beautiful, areas of Amsterdam, surrounded by the famous canals.
Just outside of central Amsterdam, you will find the Museumplein (Museum Quarter) and Oud-West neighborhood, which are generally quieter and good for families. Yet still walkable to lively nightlife areas like Leidseplein.
There is also the vibrant De Pijp neighborhood which is perfect for a more local feel, with lots of bars & restaurants.
7 Safest Places to Stay in Amsterdam: Best Neighborhoods + Hotels
1. Southern Canal Belt: Best Neighborhood to Stay in Amsterdam
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, sightseeing and nightlife without staying directly in the party areas
The Southern Canal Belt is my overall pick for where to stay in Amsterdam.
We recently stayed at Banks Mansion, located on the Herengracht in the historic Golden Bend, and I honestly think it is the best location I’ve stayed in during any of my trips to Amsterdam.
We felt very comfortable walking back to the hotel late at night, but we were still close enough to livelier parts of Amsterdam like Rembrandt Square and Leidseplein.
Once we returned to the hotel, however, it was quiet. We weren’t kept awake by crowds or people partying outside.
The area is also gorgeous.
You’re surrounded by the historic canals and beautiful canal houses that make Amsterdam feel like Amsterdam, and we walked almost everywhere.
We were also close to unique shops, cafes, and restaurants. My favorite was the Flower Market, which even had blooming flowers in January!
The Southern Canal Bend is also easy walking distance of places like the Nine Streets, Rijksmuseum, Rembrandtplein, Dam Square and other central sights.
Last but not least, this Amsterdam neighborhood is also walkable from Amsterdam Centraal Station. It is about a 15-20 minute walk or you can opt to take the local tram.
Best Hotel in Amsterdam’s Canal Bend: Banks Mansion
Banks Mansion would absolutely be my first choice if I were booking another trip to Amsterdam.
Not only is the area one of the safest places to stay in Amsterdam, but the hotel is also incredible. It has a unique art deco style complete with the Living Room Lounge, which has an unlimited open bar all day. They all serve fresh, complimentary breakfast each morning.
👉 Check Prices & Availability at Banks Mansion
Why I’d choose the Southern Canal Belt: You want a central, safe neighborhood in Amsterdam where you can walk almost everywhere.
2. Jordaan: Best for Couples & a Quieter Atmosphere
Best for: Couples, historic charm, quiet evenings and a more residential feel
Jordaan is another area I would strongly recommend, especially if you want somewhere charming, but a little quieter than the central Canal Belt.
The Jordaan is becoming a popular area and is one of the safest places to stay in Amsterdam. On another recent trip, we rented an apartment in this neighborhood to get a more local feel of the area.
During the day, some of the main streets could get fairly busy with tourists, but the neighborhood changed noticeably in the evening. At night it felt much quieter and more residential.
That was probably the biggest difference between Jordaan and some of the more central parts of Amsterdam.
The area is also incredibly pretty, with narrow streets, canals, cafés and traditional Amsterdam architecture. The official Amsterdam tourism board describes Jordaan as having a distinct community feel despite its popularity with visitors.
We were also just a short walk from the Nine Streets, so we still had easy access to one of the prettiest and most central parts of the city.
The tradeoff was location. Some attractions took us a little longer to reach than when we stayed at Banks Mansion. It wasn’t inconvenient, but it was slightly father than the Southern Canal Belt neighborhood.
If you do stay in the Jordaan neighborhood, be sure to stop by for a drink at the historic Café Papeneiland. It’s a Dutch brown bar, which essentially means a pub that has been there for centuries.
We were also able to walk with our luggage from Amsterdam Centraal to our apartment in Jordaan, so I would still consider it a very convenient choice for most travelers.
Best Hotel in Jordaan Neighborhood: Mr. Jordaan Hotel
Mr. Jordaan is directly on the Bloemgracht in the heart of the neighborhood, just off Prinsengracht. It’s a highly-rated, boutique hotel that is also budget-friendly for Amsterdam!
👉 Check Prices and Availability at Mr. Jordaan Hotel
Choose the Jordaan neighborhood if: You want quiet evenings, canals, charm and a slightly more residential Amsterdam experience and don’t mind walking a little farther to some attractions.
3. Nine Streets: Best Neighborhood for First Time Visitors
Best for: First-time visitors, shopping, canals and central sightseeing
If you want to be very central without staying in De Wallen, I would look seriously at the Nine Streets, or De 9 Straatjes.
This is one of my favorite areas to walk through in Amsterdam.
The neighborhood crosses some of Amsterdam’s most famous canals and is filled with historic canal houses, boutique shops, and cafés.
Amsterdam’s official tourism site calls it one of the city’s most photogenic neighborhoods.
I almost stayed at The Hoxton hotel in this area on one of our recent trips and walked past it while we were in Amsterdam. I remember thinking the location would have been excellent.
Best Hotel in Amsterdam’s Nine Streets Area: The Hoxton
For a charming, boutique hotel The Hoxton Amsterdam is the perfect choice.
It’s located directly in the Nine Streets on the edge of Jordaan. The rooms here are smaller (typical for Amsterdam) but they are beautifully designed and the location is excellent.
👉 Check Prices and Availability at The Hoxton Amsterdam
Choose Nine Streets if: This is your first Amsterdam trip and your priority is being surrounded by beautiful canals while staying within walking distance of many major sights.
4. Museum Quarter & Oud-Zuid: Best for a Quiet + Safe Neighborhood
Best for: Families, museums, quieter nights and upscale surroundings
If your biggest concern is finding somewhere that feels quieter, Museum Quarter/Oud-Zuid would be one of my first choices.
I’ve spent time walking around this part of Amsterdam, and it has always felt noticeably calmer to me than the historic center.
❄️ Visiting Amsterdam in winter? Check out my full guide to Visiting Amsterdam in January
This is where you’ll find major attractions including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Museumplein and nearby Vondelpark.
Oud-Zuid itself is characterized by leafy streets, large historic homes and a more upscale residential feel.
You give up a little of that “open the hotel door and immediately see a canal” feeling you get in places like Jordaan or the Canal Belt.
But in return, you get quieter surroundings and incredibly easy access to Amsterdam’s museums.
Interestingly, official data illustrates the complexity of calling any neighborhood “safe.” Earlier data showed residents in Amsterdam Zuid generally reporting lower feelings of insecurity than many other districts, while Museum Quarter has seen an increase in pickpocketing since 2024.
In other words: the area is safe and feels calm, but you should still watch your belongings around major tourist attractions.
Best Hotel in the Museum Quarter: Jan Luyken Amsterdam
Jan Luyken is a townhouse converted into a boutique hotel. It’s just steps from Museumplein, making it an especially convenient option if museums are a major focus of your trip.
👉 Check Prices & Availability for Jan Luyken Amsterdam
Choose the Museum Quarter/Oud-Zuid Neighborhood if: You prioritize quiet evenings, museums and Vondelpark over being directly in the historic Canal Belt.
6. De Pijp: Best for a Local Neighborhood Feel
Best for: Foodies, couples who have visited Amsterdam before, and travelers wanting a local neighborhood
De Pijp has more of a neighborhood, local feel compared to central Amsterdam.
It is known for restaurants, cafés, bars, and the Albert Cuyp Market which is the largest open-air street market in the Netherlands.
In the heart of the neighborhood is the Sarphatipark, an English-style public park featuring ponds and walking paths.
De Pijp is also where you will find the famous Heineken Brewery Experience.
I think staying in De Pijp makes most sense for someone who has already done the major Amsterdam sights and wants to experience a different side of the city.
It is lively Amsterdam neighborhood, but the energy feels different from De Wallen (Red Light District). It is more restaurants, cafés and local Dutch nightlife rather than an area dominated by visitors coming specifically to party.
Best Hotel in De Pijp: Sir Albert
Sir Albert is directly in De Pijp and within walking distance of both Museumplein and Albert Cuyp Market.
The hotel has the popular & upscale IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar attached to it (reservations needed). Keep in mind, it can get a bit noisy at the bar on the weekends which can affect some of the hotel rooms. If some noise isn’t bothersome than the hotel has an excellent location in Amsterdam’s De Pijp neighborhood.
👉 Check Prices and Availability for Sir Albert Hotel
Choose Amesterdam’s De Pijp neighborhood if: You love restaurants, want a livelier neighborhood atmosphere and have already experienced Amsterdam’s main tourist center.
Is Amsterdam Safe for Tourists?
Yes, Amsterdam is a very safe city for tourists. In my experience, and I’ve generally felt comfortable walking around the city, including at night.
In 2025, the City of Amsterdam published a safety report which noted that police registered just over 80,000 crimes citywide in 2025. In 2012, that number was over 100,000 so crime has been gradually decreasing over the last decade. The report also found that high-volume crime such as theft decreased from 2024, while high-impact crime such as assault remained roughly stable.
For visitors, I’d be most aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas and on public transportation, which the City of Amsterdam specifically warns tourists about. In the busiest parts of the city center, you may also encounter more late-night nuisance from intoxicated people, particularly around nightlife areas.
Is Amsterdam Safer Than Paris or London?
Amsterdam is generally a very safe city for tourists, especially when compared with other European cities.
Numbeo, which compares perceived safety using survey responses, currently gives Amsterdam a Safety Index of 70, compared with about 42 for Paris and 45 for London.
While these aren’t official police statistics, they match my experience of Amsterdam feeling comfortable, even at night.
The main things I’d watch for are pickpocketing in crowded areas and rowdier behavior around nightlife.
👉 Visiting other European cities too? See my guides to the safest places to stay in Paris and safest places to stay in London.
Is Amsterdam Safe at Night?
I have generally felt comfortable walking around Amsterdam at night, but the atmosphere varies by neighborhood.
During our recent stay in the Southern Canal Belt, we walked back late at night from Leidseplein (another nightlife hub in Amsterdam) and I felt very safe. Staying in Jordaan was even quieter in the evenings.
My experience staying in De Wallen was a bit different. I felt more aware of my surroundings because of the large crowds, partying and intoxicated visitors. If you do want to visit the Red Light District, I recommend going earlier in the evening and leaving by midnight.
Safest Places to Stay in Amsterdam: Where to Avoid Staying
Most of Amsterdam is pretty safe, especially areas where tourists will frequent.
Even the US Department of State notes that The Netherlands tends to experience low levels of violent crime, but that petty crimes (like theft & pickpocketing) can be high in tourist heavy areas.
However, Amsterdam is still a major city so you should always follow common sense (like not walking alone at 3am) and keep an eye on your belongings.
Since most tourists will stay in more central parts of Amsterdam, the one area I’d avoid is staying right next to Amsterdam Centraal or in the Red Light District. These areas tend to have more issues with pickpockets, intoxicated persons, and can be slightly sketchy after midnight (in my opinion).
While it isn’t terrible to stay in these areas, it definitely wouldn’t make the cut as the safest places to stay in Amsterdam.
Should You Stay in Amsterdam’s Red Light District?
Personally, De Wallen would not be my first choice for where to stay in Amsterdam.
On my very first trip to Amsterdam more than 10 years ago, I stayed in a hostel right in the heart of De Wallen, close to Amsterdam Centraal.
During the day, I had no major issue with the location. It was incredibly central and convenient.
At night, it felt very different.
The streets became much rowdier, with large groups of people drinking and partying. Walking back to my hostel late at night felt sketchy to me, particularly as a female traveler.
It wasn’t necessarily that I felt like I was in a very dangerous neighborhood. In fact, before 11pm the streets are quite busy and felt generally safe (other than pickpockets). However, later in the night when the bars close is when it felt sketchy to me.
That experience is also consistent with current city data. A large portion of Amsterdam Centrum is officially designated as a “nuisance area”, and residents report issues involving intoxicated people, drug use and dealing amongst other disturbances.
De Wallen, Amsterdam’s Red Light District, is totally fine to visit during the day or earlier in the night.
I just wouldn’t personally recommend booking a hotel there when there are so many other areas in Amsterdam to stay.
FAQs: Safest Places to Stay in Amsterdam
For a first trip, I’d choose the Southern Canal Belt, Nine Streets, or Jordaan. All three are central, scenic, and within walking distance of many of Amsterdam’s main attractions.
I’d choose the Southern Canal Belt or Jordaan. Both have beautiful canals, romantic streets, restaurants, and a calmer atmosphere at night than Amsterdam’s busiest nightlife areas.
For most visitors, I recommend the Southern Canal Belt for the best balance of safety, walkability, scenery, and proximity to restaurants and nightlife. We stayed at Banks Mansion here and felt very comfortable walking back at night.
Final Thoughts: Safest Places to Stay in Amsterdam
Choosing among the safest places to stay in Amsterdam is less about finding one neighborhood with zero crime and more about choosing an area where you feel comfortable while still being close to what you want to see. This is because the city is generally very safe, especially during the day.
After staying in several different parts of Amsterdam, the Southern Canal Belt is easily my top choice. We loved staying at Banks Mansion because we could walk almost everywhere, go out at night, and still return to a quiet and beautiful part of the city.
For a more local vibe, I would choose Jordaan or De Pijp. Meanwhile the Museum Quarter/Oud-Zuid is one of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam if quiet surroundings are your biggest priority.
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