Amsterdam has once again received global recognition— this time for safety. The Dutch capital ranks fourth on the list of the world’s safest cities for travelers in 2026, according to a new study by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. For a city best known for its free-spirited atmosphere, this is a reassuring reminder that freedom and safety go hand in hand.
Quiet streets, robust systems
The report, shared with Travel + Leisure, cites Amsterdam’s stable infrastructure, healthcare, and relaxed atmosphere as key factors behind its top-five ranking. The city scored highly in categories such as transportation safety, low rates of violent crime, and inclusivity for women, LGBTQIA+ travelers, and minorities. In a year marked by global uncertainty, Amsterdam’s consistency is its secret weapon: locals cycle calmly to work, tourists stroll through the streets late at night without stress, and even the police seem relaxed enough to stop for a chat.
The flip side of safety
Still, “safe” doesn’t mean you don’t have to worry. The massive increase in fast e-bikes in the city has become the new urban hazard, and pickpockets are still present on trams and in museum queues. Authorities have responded by imposing a 30 km/h speed limit on most streets in the city center, as part of a broader effort to make mobility safer for everyone—especially for the distracted visitor with a stroopwafel in hand!
A global gold standard
Reykjavik and Copenhagen
In the 2026 rankings , Reykjavik was named the safest city, followed by Copenhagen and Zurich, with Amsterdam taking a well-deserved fourth place. It reminds us that safety isn’t about sterility, but about trust, design, and balance. For travelers, Amsterdam remains what it has always been: open, lively, and surprisingly safe.
Here is the full list of the 15 safest cities for travelers in 2026
1- Reykjavik
2- Copenhagen
3- Zurich
4- Amsterdam
5- Honolulu
6- Sydney
7- Barcelona
8- Lisbon
9- Tokyo
10- Dublin
11- Venice
12- Seoul
13- London
14- Singapore
15- San Francisco
