Safety and raucous nightlife aren’t often words that appear in the same sentence.
But they are both officially words that apply to Amsterdam.
A new report by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) has revealed the 15 safest cities to visit in the world. And Amsterdam stormed into 3rd place!
Amsterdam is a stunningly beautiful city and the heart of the Netherlands.
At first glance, it is a wholesome city of canal boats and bicycles, but it is also a city of parties and pleasure!
Here’s why these 2 faces of Amsterdam are so appealing, in the city named one of the safest in the world.
A Tale of Two Cities
There’s a different side of Amsterdam for all travelers.
I’ve visited the city with a gaggle of girlfriends for a raucous hen party. But I’ve also explored Amsterdam with 2 toddlers, and it is one of the most child-friendly cities I’ve been to.
What is interesting about Amsterdam being named the world’s 3rd safest city is that it seems at contrast with Amsterdam’s global sex, drugs, and rock and roll reputation.
The Red Light District and the cannabis-selling coffee shops are two of the most infamous attractions in the city. And bringing these vices into the open seems to only make the city safer.
But these activities don’t and shouldn’t define Amsterdam: you won’t just stumble across them, you have to seek them out.
The real Amsterdam is a city of scenic canals and rich history. It is both beautiful and culturally fascinating at the same time.
The Rich Culture In Amsterdam
Amsterdam is crammed full of cultural attractions ranging from museums and art galleries to visually spectacular architecture.
If you book only one experience in advance, make it the Anne Frank House Museum, as tickets can sell out months in advance. These cost 16 euros ($17) per person.
I was a young teenager the first time I visited Anne Frank’s House, having recently read her diary for the first time. The atmosphere was subdued, but the whole experience was moving and somehow uplifting.
The Anne Frank House Museum left a lifelong impact on me, which is why I recommend it to everyone I know who visits Amsterdam!
Other cultural attractions in the city include the Rijksmuseum and the Museum of Vincent Van Gogh. These are both world-renowned art galleries with monumental cultural significance.
If you have even a passing interest in the works of the Dutch Masters, for example, then the Rijksmuseum definitely shouldn’t be missed. Entry costs 22.50 euros ($24) per person.
If you’re only spending a day or two in Amsterdam, then book a canal boat tour.
This is also the best way to explore the city with young kids who complain about walking! You’ll get a great overview of the city in just a couple of hours and see if from a whole new perspective.
Amsterdam’s Vibrant Nightlife
The red light district area of the city is called De Wallen (so that you can either find it or avoid it via Google Maps!) and evening activities aside, this is one of the oldest and prettiest parts of the city.
Visit during the daytime to see its beautiful canals, and return after dinner to see the area come alive in a completely different way. Please note that photography is banned in this area to protect the people that work here: follow the rules and don’t be that tourist!
If you want to explore this part of Amsterdams’ rich history without stepping foot into the red light district then I recommend a visit to the Sexmuseum. The first and oldest musuem in the world dedicated to sex.
As funny as it is educational, especially when approached with a group of girlfriends, this museum explores the historical and artistic aspects of sex. Entry costs 10 euros ($10.77) per person.
Well away from this area, Amsterdam boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with bustling clubs and bars.
For the best and busiest nightlife scene head to the Leidseplein district, which is located in the heart of the city. You’ll find an abundance of theaters, restaurants, and live music venues here as well as bars and clubs, so you can enjoy a full night of entertainment in one place.
For a hip and modern night club, try Club Up, which has a cool and youthful vibe.
For something a little more alternative visit Paradiso which is an iconic rock club housed inside a beautiful former church (proving that you can find sex, drugs, and rock and roll in Amsterdam!)
English is widely spoken in the Netherlands, which makes getting around incredibly straightforward. And I can understand why the city ranked so highly on the safety scale: I’ve never felt unsafe when visiting this beautiful and fascinating city.
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