Amsterdam just earned another global nod — this time for safety. The Dutch capital ranked fourth in the world’s safest cities for travellers in 2026, according to a new study by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. For a city best known for its free-spirited vibe, that’s a reassuring reminder that freedom and security can actually share the same canal.
Calm Streets, Strong Systems
The report, shared with Travel + Leisure, credits Amsterdam’s steady infrastructure, healthcare, and easygoing atmosphere as major factors behind its top-five placement. The city scored high across categories like transportation safety, low violent crime, and inclusivity for women, LGBTQIA+ travellers, and minorities. In a year marked by global uncertainty, Amsterdam’s consistency is its secret weapon — locals commute calmly by bike, tourists wander 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 carefree. The city’s surge in high-speed e-bikes has become the new urban hazard, and pickpockets haven’t disappeared from the tram lines or museum queues. Authorities have responded with 30 km/h speed limits on most inner streets, part of a broader push to make mobility safer for everyone — especially the distracted visitor with a stroopwafel in hand!
A Global Gold Standard
The 2026 ranking crowned Reykjavik as the safest city, followed by Copenhagen and Zurich, before Amsterdam took its well-earned fourth. It’s a reminder that security isn’t about sterility — it’s about trust, design, and balance. For travellers, Amsterdam remains what it’s always been: open, vibrant, and surprisingly safe.
Here is the full list of the 15 safest cities for travellers 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