Regarding Amsterdam... I don't get the "most Dutch people wouldn't be seen in the red light district". It's not like it's some small place; it spans many streets in the centre and I haven't seen anyone avoiding it - whether it's locals or tourists. From what I heard, not many local people care much if they're there or not, it's just a part of the city. Of course you can smell cannabis in half of the streets, but otherwise I felt more secure there in a red-light district at night, than in some areas of Birmingham during the day. Although it's hard to find exactly corresponding stats, most are indicating little crime in Amsterdam compared to similar cities in many other countries.