Is Rotterdam safe? 3 areas to avoid in Rotterdam

Is Rotterdam safe? Learn if there are areas to avoid in Rotterdam and how to stay safe in the city.

Ivandzhelin

2 minute read

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21 Aug 2024

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Living

Whether you’ve started searching for homes for rent in Rotterdam or you’re still considering the move, you’re probably asking yourself: “Is Rotterdam safe?”. While most of the city is safe and welcoming, like any major urban area, there are a few spots where caution is advised.

To help you navigate the city safely and find the best area to live in, we’ve highlighted the 3 areas to avoid in Rotterdam if you want to live there.

Yes, Rotterdam is considered a safe city. With a safety index of 71, it stands out as one of the safest cities in Europe. While Rotterdam does experience some crime, such as pickpocketing, drug-related crimes, and vandalism, these issues are generally minor and don’t significantly impact the overall sense of security in the city.

Most neighborhoods in Rotterdam are safe, offering residents and visitors a peaceful environment. However, like any large city, some areas experience higher crime rates than others, so it's important to be mindful of where you choose to explore homes for rent in Rotterdam.

While Rotterdam is generally safe, some areas can be avoided. These areas are more likely to experience petty crime and are mostly located south of the Maas River. Here are the 3 areas to avoid in Rotterdam based on data from the Rotterdam municipality:

1. Charlois

Charlois, located south of the city, is often considered an area to avoid in Rotterdam due to its history of crime. The neighborhood mostly deals with issues like public disturbances and drug-related crimes.

While much of Charlois is relatively safe, certain areas, including Zuidplein, Zuiderpark, and Zuidrand, are known for having higher crime rates compared to the rest of the district. However, for the last few years, Charlois has been the focus of several municipal initiatives aimed at revitalizing the neighborhood. These programs have successfully reduced crime rates and improved residents' overall quality of life.

2. Feijenoord

Feijenoord is generally a safe neighborhood with affordable rental prices, but it can become lively and crowded during local football games. The streets around the Feyenoord stadium, in particular, tend to get hectic after a match, especially if the game ends late. While the neighborhood is usually peaceful, avoiding the area near the Feyenoord stadium during home games is advisable, as it can become rowdy with excited fans. Feijenoord remains a safe and welcoming part of the city outside these events.

3. Rotterdam Centraal

The central station of Rotterdam and the surrounding streets are considered areas to avoid due to higher levels of crime, primarily driven by petty offenses like pickpocketing. The station can get very busy, which is attractive to pickpocketers. However, as long as you're mindful of your belongings, you should feel safe catching a train at Rotterdam Centraal. Staying aware and cautious in this area should help you avoid any issues.

Rotterdam is generally considered safe, with a safety index of 62 for walking alone at night. However, as with any urban area, it's important to remain cautious. Walking in well-lit, populated areas and sticking to main streets is always a good practice. Additionally, going home by public transport or getting a taxi will make you feel safer and allow you to enjoy Rotterdam’s nightlife to the fullest.

With a low crime index of 28, it’s no wonder that Rotterdam is one of the best cities in the Netherlands to live in. However, issues like petty theft, drug-related crimes, and public nuisances can happen. Petty theft and public nuisances can be a concern in busy and touristic areas like Rotterdam Centraal, around the Cube houses. To protect yourself, stay aware of your personal belongings and avoid areas with higher crime rates.