Originally Posted by
wishiwashere
Michael, as a local, perhaps you can offer some candid feedback. I noticed after booking our hotel that it is in the "red light district". We are staying at the Swissotel. Do we need to be worried about walking around this area or are there areas we should avoid? I thought the location was a good central area to make for efficient use of our time but just have no idea what to expect.
Hey wishiwashere, being a local I am sure Michael will be able to give you much better advice then me, but I just got back from a a trip to Amsterdam, and never felt unsafe walking around Amsterdam including the red light district. I also walked around late at night, and there seemed to be people around at all hours.
I think in any European big city you have to be conscious about pick pockets and other forms of petty theft. And if you read the European Rail Travel forum, you hear about luggage theft on trains, etc. So you have to be aware of such things and just take the necessary precautions, but don't let it spoil your vacation. I am sure you will have a wonderful time.
By the way, I found Amsterdam to be one of the prettiest European cities I have visited. It was so quaint, colorful and charming. It was very compact and walkable, you just need to watch out for the bicycles
. The people were some of the friendliest Europeans I have met. The food was really good too. I had a really great time and I didn't even patronize the coffee shops nor the red light district
Can't wait to go back.