What do Jordaan, De Pijp, Oud-Zuid, and Amstelveen have in common? Apart from they're all popular neighborhoods in
Amsterdam, they're also some of the safest parts of the city. Amsterdam stands out among other capital cities as one of the safest in the world. Most major cities are notorious for their mid to high crime rates, while Amsterdam rarely gets as high. It's not exactly a crime-free metropolis, but it's still a safe city worth exploring. For families considering relocating to the city, however, it's still worth knowing which neighborhoods are the safest.
Jordaan
Jordaan is widely regarded as one of the safest
neighborhoods in Amsterdam. Also among the most popular, it doesn't even have that big of a pickpocketing problem, which is surprising considering that it's also a top tourist spot in the city. There are still some petty crimes here and there, as it with any other city district, but Jordaan also boasts some of the lowest crime rates in Amsterdam. Even after dark, the neighborhood remains largely safe with its well-lit streets and helpful locals.
De Pijp
Do you know just how safe De Pijp truly is? Solo travelers have shared on online forums like Reddit that they felt the most secure in this area in Amsterdam's central ring. Though many of them also note that you still have to take the necessary safety precautions, especially if it's your first time in the district, they nevertheless emphasized how safe De Pijp is. Just make sure to avoid the infamous red-light district nearby, specifically after dark. While
De Wallen itself isn't as dangerous as many make it out to be, it's still far less safe compared to De Pijp.
Oud-Zuid
Both locals and tourists agree that
Oud-Zuid is quite possibly the safest neighborhood in the city. Why might they think so? Well, it's mostly because Oud-Zuid is the most affluent part of the Dutch capital. With its luxurious homes, exclusive residential areas, and overall bourgeoisie vibe, the district boasts ample security to stave off criminals, petty thieves, and the like. It also helps that the place is a fair distance away from the city center, allowing it to enjoy a level of peace that you won't find in the ever-bustling Amsterdam-Centrum.
Noord
As a repurposed dockyard area, it's easy to doubt just how safe
Noord is. Not only is it a very urban area, but it's also one of the newer neighborhoods in Amsterdam. What sort of community will you find here? Well, once you explore the district yourself, you'll find that professionals, married couples, and families live here. Don't let the more modern buildings and hip commercial scene fool you. Beyond all that bling, Noord is actually a largely residential area, with some parts that look and feel more suburban than urban!
Plantage
Certain neighborhoods are surrounded by some of the most popular districts in the city, and they end up becoming quieter parts of town. Such is the irony in Plantage, another of the Dutch capital's safest neighborhoods. Despite its location at the heart of the central borough, Plantage is so peaceful that it has some of the lowest
crime rates in Amsterdam. It's even regarded as one of the best places for families to stay in the city, especially since such beloved green spaces like the Artis Zoo and Hortus Botanicus garden are located here.
Oud-West
Oud-West isn't just one of the safest parts of the city, but it's also one of the best places for families in the city. Since it's a largely residential borough paired with the famous Westerpark, there's no doubt that you and your loved ones won't have any problem settling down here. The place still has its lively parts, but for the most part, Oud-West is a small slice of suburban life located near the city center. What's not to love?
Amstelveen
Amsterdam’s suburbs are also some of the city's safest neighborhoods. Take Amstelveen, for instance, which is the most popular of the lot. Its proximity to the city center makes it a common option for both local and foreign families looking for a place to settle down in the city. This tranquil suburb boasts low crime rates, lovely residential areas, top-rated schools, and beautiful green spaces. You couldn't have found a better place to raise your family in Amsterdam while staying a fair distance away from the Dutch capital's hectic hustle and bustle.
Bos en Lommer
Bos en Lommer is so underrated that most outside of Amsterdam probably don't know about it. And locals would likely prefer to let it stay that way! Living in a largely unknown part of the big city has its perks, such as fewer tourists and more peace. This suburb also draws in families who have just
moved to Amsterdam with its affordability. It's not exactly cheap here, but the costs in Bos en Lommer are comparatively lower compared to the rest of the city.
IJburg
Don't let IJburg's modern but gritty-looking infrastructure fool you! This coastal area may look like it's a crime-riddled district, but this couldn't be further from the truth! IJburg is a residential area located on an artificial island near the city center. It's a fair distance away from Amsterdam-Centrum, which allows it to enjoy a level of tranquility you won't find in other parts of the city. You could almost consider it a separate city entirely, since the place boasts a more contemporary feel and is far less busy compared to the central ring.
Watergraafsmeer
Finally, there's Watergraafsmeer, a highly underrated suburb located east of Amsterdam. This largely residential area isn't just one of the most peaceful parts of the city, but it's also one of the greenest. It boasts plenty of parks, gardens, and the like, allowing families to enjoy a nice day out on the weekend. Since there are virtually no tourists here as well, Watergraafsmeer rarely gets as hectic as Amsterdam-Centrum. It's almost as if the neighborhood is exclusively for locals, which means not even petty crimes are that much of a concern here.
If you're looking for the best places to stay in the city, consider the safest neighborhoods in Amsterdam. From the city center to the outer suburbs, these districts are much more peaceful and lovelier than the rest of the city.
