Common Tourist Scams in Red Light District (De Wallen), Amsterdam (and How to Avoid Them)
Pickpocket protocol — what actually works
- The pattern: De Wallen has Amsterdam's highest pickpocket density due to the dense, distracted, often-drunk tourist crowd. Organised teams work the narrow canal-side pavements.
- Phone: front pocket only; never visible to photograph windows; no headphones-and-phone-out walking.
- Wallet: front pocket; cash split between pockets; passport in hotel safe.
- Bag: cross-body, in front of you, with hand on the zip in the crush.
- Drink-spiking concern: rare in De Wallen bars (door staff are attentive) but standard practice — cover drink, don't accept from strangers.
- The walk-to-Centraal route: via Warmoesstraat or Damstraat — well-lit, continuously walked, safer than the back canals at 03:00.
FAQ
- How do I avoid pickpockets in the Red Light District?
- De Wallen has Amsterdam's highest pickpocket density due to the dense, distracted, often-drunk tourist crowd. Organised teams work the narrow canal-side pavements. Phone in front pocket only (never visible to try and photograph windows); wallet in front pocket, cash split between pockets, passport in hotel safe; bag cross-body and in front of you with hand on the zip. The Warmoesstraat-or-Damstraat walk back to Centraal Station is well-lit and continuously walked. The Red Light District is heavily policed but the pickpocket volume is high; precaution is essential.
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