Share the article
Last updated
Safety and a vibrant nightlife are not often words that appear in the same sentence.
But they are both official words that apply to Amsterdam.
A new report by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) has revealed the 15 safest cities in the world to visit. And Amsterdam stormed to 3rd place!
Amsterdam is a stunningly beautiful city and the heart of the Netherlands.
At first glance it is a healthy city of tour boats and bicycles, but it is also a city of parties and enjoyment!
This is why these two faces of Amsterdam are so attractive, in the city that is called one of the safest in the world.
A tale of two cities
There is a different side of Amsterdam for every traveler.
I visited the city with a bunch of girlfriends for a raucous bachelor party. But I also explored Amsterdam with 2 toddlers and it is one of the most child-friendly cities I have been to.
What’s interesting about Amsterdam being named the third safest city in the world is that it seems to contrast with Amsterdam’s global reputation for sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll.
The Red Light District and its cannabis-selling coffee shops are two of the most infamous attractions in the city. And making these vices public only seems to make the city safer.
But these activities do not and should not define Amsterdam: you don’t just come across them, you have to seek them out.
The real Amsterdam is a city with picturesque canals and rich history. It is beautiful and culturally fascinating at the same time.
The rich culture in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is packed with cultural attractions, ranging from museums and art galleries to visually spectacular architecture.
If you book just one experience in advance, make sure it’s the Anne Frank House Museum, as tickets can sell out months in advance. This cost 16 euros ($17) per person.
I was a young teenager when I first visited the Anne Frank 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 has left a lifelong impression on me and that 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 famous art galleries with monumental cultural significance.
For example, if you have only a passing interest in the works of the Dutch Masters, then you should definitely not miss the Rijksmuseum. Entry costs 22.50 euros ($24) per person.
If you only have a day or two in Amsterdam, book a canal cruise.
This is also the best way to explore the city with young children who complain about walking! You’ll get a great overview of the city in just a few hours and see it from a completely new perspective.
The vibrant nightlife of Amsterdam
The city’s red light district is called De Wallen (so you can find it or avoid it via Google Maps!) and apart from the evening activities, this is one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of the city.
Visit during the day to see the beautiful canals and return after dinner to see the area come to life in a completely different way. Please note that photography is prohibited in this area to protect the people who work here: follow the rules and don’t do that That tourist!
If you want to explore this part of Amsterdam’s rich history without entering the red light district, I recommend a visit to the Sex Museum. The first and oldest museum 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. Entrance costs 10 euros ($10.77) per person.
Far away from this area, Amsterdam has a vibrant nightlife with vibrant clubs and bars.
For the best and busiest nightlife, go to the Leidsepleinbuurt, located in the heart of the city. You’ll find an abundance of theatres, restaurants and live music venues here, as well as bars and clubs, so you can enjoy a whole evening of entertainment in one place.
For a hip and modern nightclub, try Club Up, which has a cool and youthful atmosphere.
For something alternative, visit Paradiso, an iconic rock club housed in a beautiful former church (proving that you can find sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll in Amsterdam!)
English is widely spoken in the Netherlands, which makes traveling incredibly easy. And I can understand why the city scores so high on the safety scale: I have never felt unsafe while visiting this beautiful and fascinating city.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
