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A complete guide to solo female travel in Amsterdam by a Dutch resident

February 25, 2019 by Karen Turner 14 Comments

As a traveler-turned-local in Amsterdam, I’ve been asked a lot about safety in Amsterdam, especially for solo female travelers. My first trip to Amsterdam was solo and I hope that these tips help you have a great solo trip to Amsterdam! I include tips for traveling as a solo female traveler in Amsterdam, safety tips for women traveling solo in Amsterdam, and where to stay solo in Amsterdam.

Is Amsterdam safe?

Why amsterdam is great for solo female travelers.

Issues that solo female travelers face / Things to be aware of

Where to stay in Amsterdam solo

Public transit/taxi tips

What it’s like to travel solo in Amsterdam

Going out in amsterdam solo.

1 Is Amsterdam safe?
2 Why Amsterdam is great for solo female travelers
3.1 Street harassment
4.1 Toilets
5 Where to stay in Amsterdam solo
6.1 Public transit in Amsterdam
6.2 Taxis in Amsterdam
7 What it’s like to travel solo in Amsterdam
8.1 Other notes on traveling solo in Amsterdam
9 Have you been to Amsterdam as a solo female traveler? Let me know if there’s something that you need to know!

Beautiful photo of Amsterdam. Read what it's like to travel to Amsterdam as a solo female traveler with tips from a resident. #travel #amsterdam #holland #netherlands #nederland

Yes! I consider it one of the best destinations for solo female travel in Europe. This is not to say that things do not happen, however on the whole, it’s a great destination for first-time solo female travelers. What is great about Amsterdam is that it has great public transit, it’s walkable, there are plenty of affordable hostels (with female-only rooms), and you can do plenty of things in Amsterdam by yourself.

If you’re debating if Amsterdam is a good destination for you, let me reassure you: Amsterdam is an easy place to travel. English is well-spoken by most of the locals and for anyone single, people are pretty good looking here. (Some of my single friends complain that Dutchies are a bit too shy for their taste, but that’s a story for another post.)

If you love a city with good public transit, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Amsterdam, which has trains, buses, trams, and a metro! Similarly, you’ll find a great infrastructure for doing touristic things, whether it’s visiting Amsterdam’s famous museums or going out to eat solo. Most importantly, you’ll find lots of accommodations perfect for solo travelers.

Canalhouses in Amsterdam. Photo taken during a solo female trip to Amsterdam! #amsterdam

Issues that face solo female travelers

Street harassment.

Three of the biggest concerns of most solo female travelers that I’ve met who have traveled in Amsterdam was street harassment, if there was anywhere worth avoiding, and what it was like going out in Amsterdam as a solo female traveler.

Street harassment happens everywhere, including the Netherlands. Compared to many other European destinations, I find that it’s less common. I’ve lived in the Netherlands for around four years (over two in Amsterdam) and street harassment is pretty rare compared to living in several places, including New York and Paris. It still happens. I find that a firm ignore and “Nee” works pretty well for staving off creeps.

Areas to be more careful

I don’t feel like there are “no-go zones” in the Netherlands as famously stated by the American ambassador. Crime perceptions in the Netherlands are very different than in the US and overall, crime is less likely to happen here…besides bike theft. (Bike theft is insane here!)

I generally recommend using caution when you’re in the Red Light District as this is the most popular destination for pickpockets. I definitely recommend bringing a bag with a zipper, rather than a backpack. I wear by using a side bag with a zipper in crowded areas to make it harder for pickpockets to get into your bag.

Be aware of your stuff/bag at bars as a number of my friends (Dutch and tourists) have had stuff stolen when they left phones laying on the table or bags hanging off chairs at cafes. This is common at coffeeshops , bars, and cafes. (People often throw their bags and jackets into a corner.)

There are a few neighborhoods in Amsterdam with bad reputations, but I’ve traveled solo and late at night in a few of these areas (as I lived in one of them). It’s not to say that you should be nervous, but it’s good to be aware of your surroundings as a whole and aware of where your hotel is before you book it! People get nervous about Biljmer as well as Bos en Lommer. (I worry more about the center.) Public transit is quite good and you can always get a taxi although I’ll talk more about the taxis later.

Bear with me here. Men have free urinals to use throughout the city. Women are generally forced to pay for the toilet, so I recommend carrying some change with you to pay for toilets in various public places (e.g. train stations). The toilet is usually about fifty cents. You can usually use a toilet for free at a cafe if you buy something, which is my preferred method!

Girl enjoying solo travel in Amsterdam while sitting along Amsterdam canals!

In general, book early as the best hotels and hostels will sell out for peak season. If you’re looking for a party and you’re traveling solo, I recommend staying at the Flying Pig Downtown Hostel . This is where I stayed during my first trip to Amsterdam before moving here. People were really friendly and the hostel organized nights out, which helped a lot as I struggled with meeting people as I was busy sightseeing day-time. (If you are staying at a hostel, I generally recommend bringing your own lock with you for hostel lockers.)

If you’re looking for a hostel with a calmer atmosphere, friends of mine have really liked StayOkay Vondelpark and Cocomama . If you’re looking for a more chill atmosphere without the craziness of partying, these hostels have locations a bit further away from the Red Light District. (I’d recommend staying closer to the attractions and public transit.)

If you’re not one for hostels, you can check out the budget-friendly hotel The Student Hotel , which is not only for students, for a basic and reasonable room. Otherwise, I recommend getting a room at Max Brown , a cozy boutique hotel with reasonable rates along one of Amsterdam’s most picturesque canals just a stone’s throw from my favorite neighborhood, the Jordaan .

Public Transit and Taxis

Public transit in amsterdam.

What I love about Amsterdam is how great public transit is. Whether you have the iAmsterdam card , which gives you admission to most of Amsterdam’s museums, or the GVB pass , which provides unlimited access to Amsterdam’s public transit, you’ll find that Amsterdam is great. It’s also quite walkable and it’s sometimes faster to walk than take the tram!

The buses usually run well until about midnight. If you’re staying outside of the city center, I recommend checking the bus/metro/tram/train schedule before going out to ensure you have a good way back. You can always take a taxi. You’ll also see night buses running on slightly longer routes. The trains are a separate system, but also another option!

If you want to visit one of the nearby cities or tulip fields, it can’t be easier to take a day trip from Amsterdam . Head to Amsterdam Centraal and buy a ticket round-trip to your destination for the same day using a debit/credit card. (It’s a separate system from the iAmsterdam cards.) I generally recommend Leiden , The Hague , and the tulip fields !

Taxis in Amsterdam

I generally recommend using some caution in regard to taxis in Amsterdam. I write this not as a solo female traveler, but as someone who was a resident of Amsterdam. The taxis have a poor reputation for ripping off tourists who don’t know better and they often try to rip off locals too. Always ask if a taxi has a card machine that works before you get in and note the cab number.

I usually use TCA, the largest Amsterdam taxi number, whose phone number is +31 20 777 77 77. (I recommend saving this number in your phone!) Uber is also an option if you’re comfortable with it.

What I love about Amsterdam is that it’s easy to travel solo. Although not everyone is comfortable on bike , I love cycling around the city on my own. (To be fair: cycling in Amsterdam can be the most dangerous thing that you do if you’re not an experienced city cyclist.)

You should have no problem finding a table at most restaurants solo although you might need to sit at the bar at some restaurants who might not offer a larger table to a solo traveler. Nobody generally cares if you eat solo or not. I often eat at cafes by myself (while working) and the staff will sometimes chat with me as I’m sitting there. You can click for my favorite places to eat in Amsterdam.

Woman sitting alone at a popular Amsterdam restaurant during a solo trip to Amsterdam #amsterdam

You’re spoiled for choice in Amsterdam when it comes to great activities to do by yourself. Whether it’s browsing the Rijksmuseum for the Dutch masters, browsing the street markets, finding hidden courtyards , boutique shopping in the 9 Streets , or eating the best cookies in the world , Amsterdam is your oyster. You can click here to read my tips on how to spend three days in Amsterdam .

The only things that I’d be a bit more careful about are smoking and drinking by yourself, as with anywhere. (More about this in the next section!) I find Dutchies to be cautiously friendly if you happen to get into idle conversation although many people are too busy to stop to chat.

If you’re looking for tampons and other female toiletry essentials, you can easily find them at most Dutch supermarkets or the dedicated drug stores in the Netherlands . Condoms are easily purchased. If required, the morning-after-pill can be purchased for about 15 euros at most drugstores (Etos or Kruidvat) without a prescription.

I generally find the Red Light District to be a bit uncomfortable, especially as a solo female traveler. It’s a strange mix of nightlife and prostitution. I mostly found it lonely as people generally won’t bother you if you’re by yourself as a woman although if you’re outgoing, you might find a cool group of Dutchies or tourists to chat with. I find that groups of Dutch people tend to keep more to themselves compared to tourists, especially Brits and Americans.

Whether you’re smoking or drinking, you need to be aware of yourself and your surroundings as the Red Light District is a favorite for pickpockets. If I’m going out by myself, I generally carry my drink with me and keep a close eye on it. You never know!

Personally, I usually end up at a brown bar , which is a much calmer alternative to the crazier bars in Centre and great as a solo female traveler. These old-school Dutch bars are a good place to sit without anyone bothering you although some friendly locals might make conversation if you sit at the bar. I find that if you sit at a table and bring a book, you’ll be left alone.

If you’re traveling to Amsterdam solo and you really want to experience the nightlife here, I’d recommend looking for a group to go out with from your hostel/hotel, online Facebook groups for female travelers, or a tour. There are a number of nightlife tours in Amsterdam ( some focused on marijuana ), so ask at your accommodation if anything is organized.

A pro tip for meeting people while traveling solo : If I go on a walking tour during the day, I sometimes will chat with others close in age (or who seem cool) to see if we get along and possibly meet-up later. This is a great way to meet people if you’re already taking some tours solo in Amsterdam.

Woman entering a narrow street in the Red Light District by herself.

Other notes on traveling solo in Amsterdam

English is widely spoken throughout Amsterdam by Dutchies and those who work in the service industry. If anything, getting people to speak in Dutch is a harder task. You can click here for useful phrases in Dutch!

The word help is widely understood and many bars have a policy that if you ask for Angela or an Angel Shot , the bartender can help you if you feel unsafe. Don’t be afraid to pay and leave if you’re uncomfortable. The phone number for the police/ambulance is 112. (They do speak English.)

You can generally use any ATM (cash point) in Amsterdam if you have a Visa or Mastercard. Not all shops and cafes will accept non-Maestro (a Dutch card), so I always recommend carrying a small amount of cash on you. There’s no need to carry around hundreds, so even forty euros should do. (Most museums will accept cards, so don’t worry!) You can click here for more money saving

Have you been to Amsterdam as a solo female traveler? Let me know if there’s something that you need to know!

What to do in Amsterdam: An itinerary for three days
Secret Amsterdam
Cozy brown bars in Amsterdam
Boutique shopping in Amsterdam
Jordaan walking tour
Biking in Amsterdam
How to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam
The best day trips from Amsterdam
Vegan food in Amsterdam

Your complete guide to solo female travel in Amsterdam, the Netherlands written by a tourist-turned-local with helpful safety tips and need-to-know advice for planning your trip to Amsterdam! #travel #amsterdam #holland #netherlands #solotravel

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

May 4, 2019 at 9:01 pm

Hi Karen, I am a 28 year old female traveling solo to Amsterdam. Your article is incredibly helpful. I’m staying at an Airbnb in the red light district. Do you think this is safe? Would love your thoughts.

May 6, 2019 at 11:25 am

Hi Angela, My first hostel was in the red light district. You should be fine! Amsterdam is pretty safe, but it’s just good to use caution in general. 🙂

August 20, 2019 at 6:18 am

Hi Karen! I am going to AMSTERDAM soon and plan to use my mobile phone a lot (mobile tourist pass; attraction ticket; pictures. Should I worry?

August 20, 2019 at 12:52 pm

A lot of people use their phones a lot, but maybe put it away if you’re not using it. 🙂

August 20, 2019 at 3:15 pm

Thank you Karen! So if I walk fast and hide my belongings in my pockets, is there anything to worry about? Also, I want to take nighttime pictures; is there anything to worry about at night, even if I will stay in well-lit areas?

August 21, 2019 at 1:13 am

I have not had any problems myself. I tend to be overly careful everywhere according to my husband. Nothing wrong with pausing to enjoy taking a photo. 🙂

August 23, 2019 at 4:34 am

Awesome! Thanks Karen! Both Munich and Vienna were fine for me, and both involved a ton of walking at night, so I am hoping Amsterdam is the same!! Also, I avoid talking to strangers at all cost so I am not too worried.

February 11, 2020 at 4:55 pm

I plan on doing some solo traveling this upcoming summer… I want to stay in Amsterdam for about a week and then hop on over to another country. I was wondering if there’s any other spots near Amsterdam that I should travel to and if you have any other articles I could read. Thank you in advance

February 21, 2020 at 10:01 pm

Feel free to check my Dutch itinerary and day trips from Amsterdam. You can easily go to Belgium.

November 16, 2021 at 11:52 pm

Hi Karen! thank you for this helpful blog!

I am traveling solo to Amsterdam for a month in February, do you think one of the non-party hostels you mentioned here would be a good option for socializing with other older travelers around my age (32). Or, am I better off booking an airbnb instead?

March 17, 2022 at 10:06 pm

Airbnbs are largely gone due to regulations. Some of the boutique hotels or maybe a hostel might be a good option. Hope that you had a good trip!

January 6, 2023 at 2:39 am

I am travelling to Amsterdam soon, and I was wondering how do I take the public transport such as tram? Do they accept credit card such as Visa?

February 1, 2023 at 2:06 pm

Yes, public transport takes Visa/cards! You can check the official GVB website for maps and such!

May 8, 2024 at 7:57 pm

Great blog with awesome tips. I’m traveling into Amsterdam (staying at the Best Western in Great Dam) for a concert. Will be there 4.5 days. I was thinking of taking a day trip to Brugges. Is this doable and do you think it’s worth the effort of jumping on the Eurostar down to Brugges for the day?

Let’s Get Social

Solo travel to amsterdam: the ultimate female traveler’s guide (2024).

April 18, 2023

Solo-travel-to-Amsterdam-the-ultimate-guide-2 the fearless wanderess

After living and studying in the Netherlands for five months back in 2017, Amsterdam remains one of my favorite cities in the world.

I continue to return year after year for its picturesque canals and architecture, art museums of international fame, and more bikes than people!

Amsterdam is also at the top of my list of first-time solo female travel destinations . It is safe, fun, easy to navigate, and everyone speaks English.

So, are you wondering what to do, where to stay, and how to stay safe when you solo travel to Amsterdam?

Then keep reading for my ultimate female traveler’s guide to solo travel in Amsterdam below!

WANDER…

Van Gogh Museum
Anne Frank House
Rijksmuseum
Prinsengracht & Kaisersgracht canals – experience them by bike or on foot!

BOOK…

Canal cruise tour with cheese & drinks
The Heineken Experience
Cheese tasting class with paired wines
Beer & bites walking tour
Day trip to Keukenhof
An elegant dinner at In de Waag
TikTok-famous Fabel Friet and Van Stapele cookies
Traditional Dutch pancakes at MOAK
Healthy meals at The Avocado Show

DRINK…

Secret locals beach bar at Hannekes Boom
Drinks & DJ inside an industrial warehouse at Amsterdam Roest
Surinamese snacks & drinks at easy, breezy Waterkant
Cool off from the summer heat at Icebar

STAY…

The most highly-rated private experience while meeting other travelers in the center of Amsterdam at CityHub Amsterdam
Hostelle , the only female-only hostel in Amsterdam
A private indoor camping experience at Outside Inn
MEININGER Amsterdam City West ‘s affordable private rooms, mixed and female-only dorms two minutes away from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station

Solo Travel to Amsterdam : Table of Contents

Why Amsterdam is great for solo travelers
Safety tips for solo female travelers to Amsterdam: is Amsterdam safe for solo female travelers?
Top tip: stay connected with an affordable European eSIM card
Amsterdam travel insurance

The best time to visit Amsterdam

Getting to amsterdam from schiphol airport.

Amsterdam City Card or Go City All-Inclusive Pass?
Best canal cruise tour of Amsterdam for solo travelers
Best bike rental in Amsterdam
Day trips from Amsterdam
Best things to do in Amsterdam on a rainy day
Where to eat
Where to drink
Best breweries & beer tastings in Amsterdam
Best hostels with a hotel feel
Best hostels
Couchsurfing
Treat yourself at a centrally-located luxury hotel
Public transit
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Solo Travel to Amsterdam:

What you need to know about traveling solo in amsterdam.

Why Amsterdam is Great for solo female travelers

In my experience, Amsterdam is an ideal destination for solo travel, especially for female travelers!

So much so that I recommend Amsterdam highly for any first-time solo female travelers.

Here’s why: the city’s unique culture and liberal atmosphere make it welcoming and safe for visitors of all backgrounds.

Additionally, Amsterdam has a well-connected public transport system and an abundance of attractions, making solo travel to Amsterdam overall convenient and stress-free.

Since cycling is a popular mode of transportation for locals and tourists alike, there are many rental options available. If you solo travel to Amsterdam, you’ll enjoy the unique freedom of discovering the city’s stunning architecture and picturesque canals at your own pace!

Amsterdam is also home to world-class museums, like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum (which I’ll highlight below). These are perfect for solo travelers who love art and history.

safety tips for solo female travelers to Amsterdam

Is Amsterdam safe for solo female travelers?

If you’re considering or planning to solo travel to Amsterdam, your first question might be:

After traveling to over 40 countries around the world, mostly solo, I can say confidently that the short answer is yes.

According to The Economist ‘s Safe Cities Index 2021, Amsterdam ranked overall 11th out of 60 cities worldwide for safety. This index takes into account digital security, health security, infrastructure, personal safety, and environmental security.

For personal safety in particular, Amsterdam ranked 4th.

I’ve never felt unsafe, day or night, as a solo female traveler during my many visits to Amsterdam. I don’t think you will either!

Other safety tips for solo female travelers to Amsterdam

Avoid the red light district at night.

I would not at all say the Red Light District is unsafe for solo female travelers, per se.

In fact, I recommend you check it out during the day. It’s a true reflection of the Netherlands’ progressive attitudes towards concepts such as sex work!

However, at night the Red Light District usually attracts some of Amsterdam’s worst tourists: namely very drunk, very rude, very lewd men.

Often, their worst act that night will only be throwing bikes into the canal.

However, being around individuals like this when it’s dark doesn’t exactly inspire feelings of safety in solo female travelers.

So, if you solo travel to Amsterdam I recommend you avoid the Red Light District at night if possible.

top Solo Travel Amsterdam Safety tip:

Stay connected and safe with an esim.

🏥 As a solo female traveler, I always recommend you have a functional mobile connection at all times. This is so you can navigate more easily and contact emergency services if anything goes wrong and you need help.

📞 The best SIM card for data and making calls in Amsterdam, and in fact Europe overall, in 2024 is the Orange Holiday Zen 8GB eSIM (or Europe 20GB eSIM for bigger trips).

📱 They offer unlimited calls and texts within Europe, which is perfect if you’re hitting more than just Amsterdam on your trip!

💾 And as an eSIM, you can easily load it onto your phone before you depart – no need to waste precious vacation time visiting a local kiosk and trying to communicate about a SIM card.

🤑 At 20 euros for the 8GB eSIM, this is definitely the most bang for your buck! This is because you can easily rack up that amount of roaming charges in just 1 or 2 days with your home cell phone provider if you’re from outside of Europe.

☎️ Though I strongly recommend you have calling capabilities to stay safe as a solo female traveler, Airalo also offers data-only eSIM cards that are even more affordable.

Be extra cautious with the Coffeeshop experience

I’m not going to beat around the bush here: in the Netherlands, a coffeeshop is where you buy weed/marijuana. They often have cafes and lounges too where you can chill while you imbibe.

This is definitely a major tourist attraction in Amsterdam due to the very relaxed attitude towards drugs.

And while I’ve personally enjoyed partaking now and again in Amsterdam, I don’t recommend doing this solo.

This is for a variety of mostly common sense reasons. But one you might not think about is that marijuana products in the Netherlands will almost definitely be way stronger than what you’re used to.

With a few bites of a certain brownie and overconfidence from prior experience, it is all too easy to become completely disoriented and even pass out (unfortunately, a true story, and one that I’m not proud of).

I was lucky to be with a friend at the time, but I would have been terrified had I been in this same state and alone.

So, for your safety, I really don’t recommend partaking in this aspect of Dutch culture if you solo travel to Amsterdam. 🙂

🎒 Use smart bags with slash-proof straps

First, to keep myself as a solo female traveler, I use a camera backpack and cross-body bag that have slash-proof straps.

In addition, their zippers can be taken apart and looped around an external loop so that a pickpocket can’t open your bag!

I’ve rattled on in other posts about why I love the Peak Design Everyday Backpack and Everyday Sling for traveling in Europe .

Their safety features are just one reason why!

💳 Prevent thieves from stealing your information

Second, did you know that thieves can steal your identity and credit card information with a scanner that you probably wouldn’t even notice?

To prevent this, I always use an RFID-blocking card wallet . Bonus that it helps keep your cards and money organized!

I make sure to always keep at least one credit card and debit card locked in my accommodation. This way, I can still access money quickly if my things get stolen on the street.

When it comes to cash, only carry as much cash on you as you need that day.

In Amsterdam, most everything is cashless. So you’d be fine to not carry any cash at all!

🛂 Leave your passport locked up

Third, leave your passport locked in your accommodation when you solo travel to Amsterdam.

Here’s why:

One summer I interned at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin replacing Americans’ lost and stolen passports. Of all 100+ passports I replaced while there, only one got stolen at someone’s hotel.

(Unfortunately, the luggage storage room at their hotel got broken into – this is extremely uncommon.)

None got stolen from someone’s room.

For some reason, a lot of travelers seem to think their hotel room is more likely to catch on fire or get broken into than for them to be pickpocketed in a major European city.

Speaking from experience, this simply isn’t true. Don’t believe this common misconception!

Interested in more travel tips I don’t share on the blog? Follow me on Instagram and don’t miss a thing!

thefearlesswanderess

🇺🇸 Neuro in Oxford 🇬🇧 for my PhD ✈️ Mindfulness | Solo female travel | Expat life 🌍 40+ countries traveled | 7 lived 👇 Germany eSIM guide

🎧 Follow the “one earbud” rule

Finally, to stay safe when you solo travel to Amsterdam, follow the “one earbud” rule.

I made this rule because I have the tendency to go about my usual business totally tuned in to my favorite music.

While this isn’t usually a problem in my everyday life, as a solo traveler it makes me miss a lot of things!

For example, I always keep one earbud out in the airport so I can hear important announcements.

Similarly, if I’m walking around on the street or using public transit, it’s usually safest to have only one earbud in if I want to listen to music.

When traveling, we’re generally unfamiliar with our surroundings. So, make sure to tune into your surroundings with at least one ear at all times, if not both!

And at night, keep both ears free. It’s just safer that way.

Top Solo Travel Amsterdam safety Tip:

Get amsterdam travel insurance.

Even if you solo travel to Amsterdam, the chances that something goes wrong are relatively low.

However, things can and do go wrong when you travel.

World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.

I use them every time I travel and have trusted them for over 4 years.

Quickly and easily get a quote below!

If you’re planning a solo trip to Amsterdam, you might be wondering: when is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

The truth is, Amsterdam is a great destination year-round, with each season offering something unique.

However, the most popular time to visit is during the summer months from June to August.

Then, the weather is warm and sunny, and the city is buzzing with festivals and events.

If you prefer a quieter and more budget-friendly time to travel, consider visiting Amsterdam in the shoulder season from March to May or September to November.

During this time, the crowds are thinner, and prices for flights and accommodations are more affordable. Plus, you’ll get to experience the city’s beautiful spring blooms or colorful autumn foliage.

solo travel to amsterdam ultimate solo female travel guide the fearless wanderess canal 1

Winter can also be a great time to visit Amsterdam, especially if you enjoy festive activities and holiday markets.

From mid-November to early January, the city is transformed into a winter wonderland with Christmas lights, ice skating rinks, and cozy cafes.

Overall, the best time to visit Amsterdam depends on your personal preferences and travel style.

If you’d like to experience some of Amsterdam’s best festivities during your solo trip to Amsterdam, here are some dates to keep in mind:

KING’S DAY, April 27: April 27th is King’s Day, a national holiday in the Netherlands, and the biggest party of the year in Amsterdam. The city turns into a sea of orange as locals and tourists alike take to the streets to celebrate with music, street parties, and markets. I spent King’s Day 2017 in Amsterdam on a boat party and it was one of the best parties of my life!
TULIP SEASON, mid-March to mid-May: From mid-March to mid-May, the Keukenhof Gardens just outside Amsterdam come alive with millions of colorful tulips in bloom. It’s a stunning sight and a must-see for flower lovers. Also don’t miss the many fields scattered across Lisse!
AMSTERDAM PRIDE, late July-early August: At the end of July through the beginning of August, Amsterdam hosts one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride events in Europe. The city’s canals are filled with rainbow-colored boats, and there are street parties and events throughout the week.
AMSTERDAM DANCE EVENT (ADE), mid-October: In October, Amsterdam becomes the center of the electronic music world with the Amsterdam Dance Event. The festival attracts top DJs and producers from around the world and features hundreds of events across the city.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS, late November-early January: From November to January, Amsterdam is home to several festive Christmas markets. This includes the popular Wintermarkt at Leidseplein and the Ice Village at Museumplein. It’s a great time to enjoy holiday treats, ice skating, and shopping for unique gifts. Since not all markets are up by late November or are still around after Christmas, I recommend visiting between December 1-24 for the best experience.

solo travel to amsterdam amsterdam centraal the fearless wanderess

If you’re wondering how to get to Amsterdam from Schiphol airport, you’ll be happy to hear that it’s really easy!

Amsterdam Schiphol airport is connected directly to the train station, making traveling easy and seamless.

Once you leave the airport, you’ll be in a large station with yellow and blue ticket kiosks scattered throughout.

Go to one of these kiosks and select your language on the screen to make buying your ticket easy.

Select whether you’d like a one-way or round-trip ticket
For your destination, begin typing “Amsterdam”
“AMSTERDAM CENTRAAL” should appear in the list of options. This is Amsterdam Central Station – select it.
Pay for your ticket by card
Retrieve your ticket from the dispenser at the bottom of the machine
Tap it on one of the posts like pictured below

ov chipkaart check-in paaltje post solo travel to Amsterdam the fearless wanderess

Don’t forget to tap out when you exit the train if your station doesn’t have exit gates!

TOP Amsterdam Budget Travel tip:

The amsterdam travel ticket.

I recommend everyone going to Amsterdam get the Amsterdam Travel Ticket to save money and hassle.

With the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, you buy one ticket and have all public transportation around Amsterdam included! This includes transport between Schiphol Airport and a number of train stations including Amsterdam Central Station.

You can also ride all trams, buses, night buses, metros, and ferries. It’s a great value, even for just one day of exploring.

No more having to rush to get a new ticket every time and worrying about missing your departure!

If you’re interested in having Amsterdam’s top attractions included along with transportation, read more about the Amsterdam City Card or Go City All-Inclusive Pass below.

What to Do in Amsterdam as a Solo Traveler

Solo-travel-to-Amsterdam-top-things-to-do-alone-in-Amsterdam

Amsterdam City Card vs. Amsterdam Go City All-Inclusive Pass
Best bike tours in Amsterdam

1. Visit the Van Gogh Museum

If you’re a fan of art, a visit to the Van Gogh Museum is a must-do when you solo travel to Amsterdam.

The museum houses the largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings in the world, giving visitors a unique insight into the life and work of this legendary artist.

You can wander through the galleries at your own pace, taking in the stunning colors and brushstrokes of Van Gogh’s masterpieces, including his famous “Sunflowers” and “Starry Night” paintings.

2. Anne Frank House

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to the Anne Frank House.

The house where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II has been turned into a museum and is a powerful reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.

As one of the most popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam, it’s important to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, as they often sell out weeks or even months ahead of time.

Don’t miss the chance to see this historic landmark and pay tribute to the courage and resilience of Anne Frank and her family.

Amsterdam City Card oR

Amsterdam go city all-inclusive pass.

There’s no doubt that getting some kind of city pass when you solo travel to Amsterdam is a great way to save money while seeing all of the city’s top museums and attractions!

However, there are a lot to choose from and it can be difficult to figure out the differences and which is best for you.

Here’s what you need to know about the City Card and Go City Pass:

The Amsterdam City Card offers free public transportation in Amsterdam, as well as free or discounted entry to many museums and attractions, including the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Anne Frank House.

The card also includes a free canal cruise and a free guidebook and comes in 24-, 48-, or 72-hour options.

The Amsterdam Go City All-Inclusive Pass , on the other hand, offers access to a wider range of attractions, including many outside of Amsterdam. This includes entry to Keukenhof Gardens as well as a tour and skip-the-line entry, Zaanse Schans Windmills, and the Muiderslot Castle.

This pass includes free entry to over 50 attractions, tours, and experiences, with the option to choose from 1-, 2-, 3-, or 5-day passes.

While both passes offer savings and convenience, the choice ultimately comes down to what you want to see and how long you’ll be in Amsterdam.

If you’re interested in exploring mainly Amsterdam’s museums and attractions, the Amsterdam City Card may be the better choice.

However, if you want to venture outside the city and explore more of the Netherlands (like the famous Keukenhof ), the Amsterdam Go City All-Inclusive Pass may offer more value for your money.

3. Royal Palace of Amsterdam

For a glimpse into the opulent history of the Netherlands, head to the Royal Palace of Amsterdam .

Located on the famous Dam Square, this stunning building was originally built in the 17th century as a city hall, and later became the royal residence of King Louis Napoleon.

Today, the palace is open to the public, and visitors can explore the lavishly decorated rooms and admire the artwork and furnishings that date back centuries.

solo travel to amsterdam canal cruise tour

4. Explore Amsterdam’s canals by boat

In my opinion, exploring the city’s canals by boat is one of the best and most popular activities when you solo travel to Amsterdam!

It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective and take in the charming architecture and bustling atmosphere of the canals.

You’ll also have an informative and entertaining tour of Amsterdam along with fascinating facts about the city’s history and culture.

Best Canal cruise tour of Amsterdam for Solo Travelers

There are many different boat tours to choose from, but to make the most of your experience, I recommend this one .

I went on it this spring (not sponsored) and was impressed with the knowledgeable, hilarious guide and skipper pointing out the most interesting sights and sharing about Amsterdam’s history!

Perhaps best of all, gouda cheese and drinks are included!

5. Wander Amsteram’s Vondelpark

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam’s city center, head to Vondelpark.

This 120-acre park is one of the city’s largest green spaces and is the perfect spot for a solo traveler to relax, people-watch, and soak up the natural beauty of Amsterdam.

You can wander the park’s many walking paths, rent a bike, or enjoy a picnic by the pond.

Don’t forget to visit the park’s famous statue of the Dutch poet Joost van den Vondel, which the park is named after!

6. Enjoy mother nature at the Amsterdamse Bos

Nature lovers will delight in Amsterdamse Bos, a sprawling forest on the outskirts of the city.

This expansive park is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals, making it the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of a solo trip to Amsterdam and connect with nature.

In the spring, the park’s stunning cherry blossom trees are a must-see, and you can also enjoy boating, cycling, and hiking trails.

You might also like: GetYourGuide is one of my favorite ways to easily and affordably book tours in Amsterdam!

7. admire the flowers at the bloemenmarkt.

The Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s famous floating flower market, is a vibrant and colorful destination that you won’t want to miss when you solo travel to Amsterdam.

Located on the Singel canal, this market features a wide array of fresh flowers, including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.

Visitors can stroll through the market, taking in the sights and scents of the colorful blooms, and even purchase a bouquet to take home (they make great photo props!).

The Bloemenmarkt is open year-round, making it a great activity for solo travelers no matter what time of year you visit Amsterdam.

solo travel to amsterdam bloemenmarkt the fearless wanderess

best bike Tours in Amsterdam:

How not to die while cycling in amsterdam.

Cycling in Amsterdam can be a bit aggressive and daunting if you’re new to the city!

If you’re feeling a bit intimidated by the idea but you’d still like to explore Amsterdam the Dutch way, I recommend booking a guided city bike tour.

Not only will you get to explore Amsterdam by bike, but you’ll also get to learn about the city’s fascinating history and have the chance to make new friends!

Below are the best bike tours in Amsterdam on GetYourGuide by rating:

9. admire Amsterdam’s architecture

Amsterdam is renowned for its stunning architecture, and solo travelers will find plenty of opportunities to admire the city’s distinctive buildings and structures.

From the grand facades of the Royal Palace and the iconic houses along the canals to the sleek lines of modern buildings like the EYE Film Institute, Amsterdam’s architecture is a feast for the eyes.

You can take a self-guided walking tour to explore the city’s many architectural highlights or join a guided tour to learn more about Amsterdam’s rich history and culture.

Whether you’re a design enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful buildings, Amsterdam’s architecture is not to be missed!

10. See an incredible Amsterdam sunset

Watching a sunset over Amsterdam is a truly magical experience and one that you should definitely add to your itinerary if you solo travel to Amsterdam.

Some of the best spots in the city to watch the sunset include the Westerkerk tower, which offers panoramic views of the city, and the Magere Brug, a picturesque bridge over the Amstel River.

The IJ waterfront is also a popular spot to catch the sunset, with its stunning views of the city skyline.

And for a truly unique experience, you can take a sunset canal cruise , watching as the city’s iconic buildings and bridges are bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

This is a truly unique and magical experience you don’t want to miss!

11. Explore secret Amsterdam at the Begijnhof

For solo travelers seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience in Amsterdam, the Begijnhof is a must-visit destination.

This charming hidden courtyard dates back to the 14th century and is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.

You can wander the leafy pathways, admire the historic houses, and explore the beautiful chapel. The Begijnhof is also home to the oldest wooden house in Amsterdam, which dates back to the 15th century!

With its tranquil atmosphere and fascinating history, the Begijnhof is the perfect place to escape the crowds and discover a different side of your Amsterdam solo trip.

12. Take a day trip from Amsterdam

Of course, the Netherlands isn’t just about Amsterdam!

So, if you have time when you solo travel to Amsterdam, I highly recommend taking a day trip to some of the beautiful sights outside of the city.

Keukenhof Gardens

In the spring, of course one of the most popular day trips from Amsterdam and a must-visit is the Keukenhof Gardens . Every spring, over 7 million tulips along with other blooms like hyacinths and daffodils create a colorful wonderland for visitors to enjoy.

PRO TIP: Reserve an entry ticket to Keukenhof now as a limited number are available and they sell out fast! This one will allow you to skip the lines.

Lisse & flower fields

Beyond the gardens, there are plenty of charming towns and villages nearby worth exploring.

The greater Lisse area around Keukenhof is also popular in the spring for its plentiful flower fields. So if you want that famous Instagram shot amongst thousands of tulips or daffodils, make sure to check out Lisse!

Just ensure you don’t step into the fields without farmers’ permission, as these flowers are their livelihoods, and damaging them will cost the farmers.

PRO TIP: My favorite tool for finding the best flower fields in the Netherlands is bollenstreek.nl . On this website, you can find a flower forecast for the year, when all of the flowers bloom, a map of all the fields, recent photos of each field so you can make sure they’re in bloom, and more!

Besides Keukenhof and Lisse, I highly recommend also venturing to Leiden and Giethoorn. I may be biased as I lived and studied in Leiden for 5 months, but it’s definitely worth a visit! It’s a cuter, less-touristy version of Amsterdam with lots of museums, too.

Finally, there’s Giethoorn, known as the “Venice of the North.” Giethoorn is famous for its tranquil canals and quaint thatched-roof houses. Rent a boat (make sure you have a driver’s license) for a few hours and explore the labyrinth of enchanting waterways!

PRO TIP: Don’t want to deal with the hassle of figuring out how to get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam yourself? Save time and enjoy yourself more with this arranged day trip to Giethoorn.

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam on a Rainy Day

1. explore amsterdam’s public library.

Very often, the weather in Amsterdam is totally unpredictable. It’s not uncommon to have clear blue skies one hour, and rain the next!

So when the weather in Amsterdam isn’t great, head to the city’s public library for a unique indoor experience.

This seven-story modern building boasts incredible views of the city and the nearby Amsterdam Centraal station.

Browse the extensive collection of books, take advantage of the free Wi-Fi, or enjoy a cup of coffee at the library’s café while taking in the stunning city views.

The library also regularly hosts events, including lectures and concerts, making it a great spot to soak up some culture.

Plus, admission is free, making it a great option for budget solo travelers!

2. Visit the Rijksmuseum

Looking for a rainy day activity in Amsterdam? Head to the Rijksmuseum , one of the world’s most famous art museums.

Inside, you’ll find over 8,000 objects spanning 800 years of Dutch and world history, including masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and other Dutch masters.

With so much to see, you can easily spend hours wandering the halls and admiring the stunning works of art!

Plus, the museum is conveniently located in the heart of Amsterdam, making it a perfect option for solo travelers.

Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance to skip the lines and make the most of your visit!

3. Learn about tulip history at the Amsterdam Tulip Museum

The Amsterdam Tulip Museum was one of the first attractions I ever visited in Amsterdam.

It’s the perfect rainy day activity and an excellent way to learn about the history of tulips in the Netherlands when you solo travel to Amsterdam!

You can explore the museum’s collection of tulip-related artifacts and artwork, and learn about the flower’s significance in Dutch culture.

The museum is also conveniently located in the heart of Amsterdam, making it easy to access from other tourist spots.

Don’t forget to visit the museum’s shop to purchase some tulip bulbs to take home as a souvenir of your trip to Amsterdam!

4. Visit The Upside Down Amsterdam

If you’re looking for a unique and quirky experience in Amsterdam on a rainy day, look no further than The Upside Down Amsterdam .

This interactive museum is inspired by the hit TV show “Stranger Things” and features various rooms and installations that recreate scenes from the show. Its aesthetics are an influencer’s dream!

As a solo traveler, you’ll have a blast exploring the museum and snapping photos of the cool decor and immersive exhibits. The museum also has a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and memorabilia.

5. Enjoy a Cafe the Dutch way

And no, when I say “the Dutch way,” I’m not referring to the “Coffeeshop” way – I’m referring to the gezellig way! 🙂

You might have heard the word gezellig being thrown around in relation to Dutch culture. But what does gezellig mean?

Gezellig doesn’t have a direct English translation. However, if you’re familiar with the Danish concept of hygge , it’s very similar to that!

Basically, gezellig is an adjective meaning cozy, warm, and inviting. Gezellig is most often experienced with others, but you can also have a gezellig time alone – perfect for solo travelers in Amsterdam.

So on a rainy day in Amsterdam, find a cozy cafe – Cafe de Jaren, Cafe Brecht, and Cafe ‘t Smalle are some of my favorites – curl up with a cup of coffee and a good book, and enjoy a cafe the Dutch way. 🙂

Where to Eat & Drink in Amsterdam

solo travel to amsterdam where to eat and drink in amsterdam the fearless wanderess

Restaurants/meals
Drinks/bars

Where to Eat in Amsterdam

Restaurants/meals, 1. in de waag.

In de Waag is a historic building and restaurant located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Nieuwmarkt Square. Built in the 15th century, the building has been used as a city gate, a weigh house, and even a torture chamber!

Today, In de Waag is a popular restaurant serving contemporary Dutch cuisine with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients.

The cozy and intimate atmosphere of the restaurant’s historic interior, complete with vaulted ceilings and candlelight, is great if you feel like treating yourself to a nice meal while solo traveling.

The menu changes with the seasons, but always features a range of dishes that highlight the best of Dutch culinary traditions. Don’t miss the chance to try the famous Dutch pea soup or a classic Dutch dessert like stroopwafels!

And if you’re lucky enough to be there on a nice day, be sure to grab a seat on the terrace for some prime people-watching in one of Amsterdam’s liveliest neighborhoods.

2. Foodhallen

If you’re looking for a unique culinary experience, head to Foodhallen in Amsterdam.

This indoor food market features over 20 vendors offering everything from traditional Dutch cuisine to international street food.

With a trendy, industrial atmosphere and plenty of communal seating, it’s the perfect spot to grab a bite and mingle with locals and other travelers alike when you solo travel to Amsterdam!

Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as bitterballen or stroopwafels, or opt for something a bit more international, like sushi or tacos.

With so many options, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds.

solo travel to amsterdam albert-cuyp-market

Jansz is a must-visit restaurant for solo travelers looking for an upscale dining experience in Amsterdam.

It has also recently topped TimeOut’s list of the 22 best restaurants in Amsterdam in 2024 , and for good reason!

Located in a chic boutique hotel in the heart of the city, Jansz offers contemporary European cuisine with a Dutch twist, using only the freshest ingredients.

Whether you’re in the mood for brunch, lunch, or dinner, Jansz has a wide selection of dishes to satisfy any palate, including vegetarian and gluten-free options!

4. MOAK Pancakes

If you solo travel to Amsterdam and are looking for a delicious, traditional Dutch breakfast, look no further than MOAK Pancakes.

This cozy pancake house serves up a variety of sweet and savory pancakes, including classics like bacon and maple syrup and innovative creations like pumpkin spice and apple pie.

All pancakes are made from scratch with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a quality dining experience.

Don’t miss out on this popular and totally Instagrammable Amsterdam brunch spot, and be sure to book your table in advance!

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5. The Avocado Show

I can’t talk about Instagrammable restaurants in Amsterdam without mentioning The Avocado Show!

The Avocado Show is a must-visit trendy and healthy spot for solo travelers in Amsterdam who love avocado.

This restaurant offers creative and Instagram-worthy dishes such as avocado burgers, avocado smoothie bowls, and even avocado cocktails like the Espresso “Avotini!”

Book a table in advance to avoid waiting!

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6. The Chicken Bar

When you think Amsterdam you probably don’t think Southern-style chicken – but The Chicken Bar will prove you wrong!

Located in the trendy De Pijp neighborhood, this eatery has a cozy, laid-back vibe that’s perfect for a casual solo meal.

I’m not crazy about chicken but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by their delicious rotisserie chicken that comes in a variety of flavors! You can choose from a variety of sides and sauces to customize your meal too.

And don’t forget to try their famous chicken and waffles!

With affordable prices and a friendly atmosphere, The Chicken Bar is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious comfort food in Amsterdam.

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1. Dutch Street Food

While the Netherlands isn’t particularly known for its cuisine, exploring Amsterdam’s street food scene is a must-do on your solo trip to Amsterdam.

From traditional Dutch fries, locally known as patat , to bitterballen, a deep-fried snack with a meat or vegetarian filling, the city is home to plenty of street food vendors serving up delicious treats.

You can also try stroopwafels, a sweet waffle-like cookie made from two thin layers of baked dough with caramel-like syrup in the middle. Don’t miss van Wonderen’s famous stroopwafels!

Other must-try Dutch street foods include herring, a type of raw fish served with onions and pickles, and kibbeling, battered and fried chunks of white fish.

Head to the Albert Cuyp Market, one of Amsterdam’s most famous outdoor markets, to sample a variety of Dutch street foods in one place.

2. Van Stapele Cookies

Van Stapele cookies have become a TikTok and Instagram sensation, and for good reason.

These warm, gooey cookies are freshly baked and filled with a delicious white chocolate center, making them a must-try snack when you solo travel to Amsterdam.

Located in the heart of the city, the small bakery serves up some of the best cookies around, and their friendly staff will make you feel right at home.

Plan to arrive right when they open at 10 am to avoid standing in line, and even then you might have to wait!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Van Stapele Koekmakerij (@vanstapele)

3. Fabel Friet

Fabel Friet is a must-visit for solo travelers looking to satisfy their cravings for authentic Dutch fries in Amsterdam.

With a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, their fries are made from fresh potatoes and are served with a variety of sauces.

This spot is located in central Amsterdam and has become a viral sensation on social media for its delicious fries and mouthwatering toppings.

From classic ketchup and mayonnaise to more unique toppings like truffle mayo and satay sauce, Fabel Friet offers something for everyone!

It’s worth noting that while their fries have become internet famous for a reason, there are plenty of other great places to get fries in Amsterdam if you want to avoid queueing.

Wherever you go, just don’t miss out on this delicious traditional Dutch snack!

The Best Amsterdam Food Tour s

If you’re looking for a great food tour in Amsterdam, TripAdvisor has got the best to offer. Here are a few of the most highly-rated food tours in Amsterdam:

Jordaan District small group walking food tour : With 728 5-star reviews at the time of writing, this is the most popular food tour in Amsterdam. On this small group tour, you’ll receive personalized recommendations and intimate insight into the trendy Jordaan neighborhood’s food and landmarks. Especially if you want to venture off the beaten track in Amsterdam and immerse yourself in the city’s gastronomical culture, this tour is for you!
Amsterdam walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours : This is the second-highest-rated food tour in Amsterdam at the time of writing, also located in the Jordaan district. With group numbers limited to 12, you’ll get a cozy, personalized experience as you visit some of the best and busiest eateries in the area!
Amsterdam private culinary kickstart tour : If you’re looking for a private food tour when you solo travel to Amsterdam, this is the one for you. You’ll get to enjoy all the top Dutch delicacies on this tour while a knowledgeable local guide leads you around the city. What I love particularly about this food tour is that they make a point of helping you avoid tourist food traps!

7. Henri Willig Cheese Shop

Equally somewhere to eat and something to do alone in Amsterdam is visiting the Henri Willig Cheese Shop!

My second time visiting Amsterdam, I participated in a cheese tasting certification class at a cheese shop, and I had so much fun.

You get to learn all about the history of Gouda cheese, how it’s made and stored, and even how to best describe the different notes and flavors – just like a fine wine!

And speaking of wine, you’ll get paired wines along with each type of Gouda you taste. What more could you want?

Where to Drink & Best Bars in Amsterdam

1. hannekes boom.

Looking for a laid-back, waterfront bar with a bohemian vibe? Look no further than Hannekes Boom!

This cozy hangout is a popular local spot and features great drinks, live music, and an all-around good time.

It’s a great spot for a beer on the waterfront looking out towards the NEMO science museum, complete with a fun outdoor patio in the sand and lots of string lights.

I love going to Hannekes Boom for a non-touristy drink whenever I solo travel to Amsterdam!

3. Waterkant

This Surinamese-style bar is located right on the canal and is a great spot to enjoy a drink and some delicious Surinamese snacks!

With its laid-back vibe and outdoor seating area, Waterkant is another great local secret for relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere of Amsterdam.

Looking for the best Breweries and Beer Tastings in Amsterdam?

🍺 Heineken Experience : This tour takes you through the historic Heineken brewery in Amsterdam, where you can learn about the history of the brand and the brewing process. You can also enjoy a tasting of Heineken beer and other beers from around the world! Heineken superfan? Upgrade to the Heineken Experience VIP Tour !

🍺 Amsterdam Craft Beer & Brewery Tour : This tour takes you to some of the best craft beer bars and breweries in Amsterdam, where you can sample a variety of locally brewed beers. The tour includes tastings at four different locations, as well as a knowledgeable guide to provide information about each beer. Transportation included!

🍺 Beer & Bites Walking Tour : This walking tour takes you to some of Amsterdam’s best beer bars and breweries, where you can sample a variety of local beers and enjoy some tasty Dutch snacks. The tour includes tastings at three different locations, as well as a knowledgeable guide to provide information about each beer and food. If you’re looking for the ultimate Dutch foodie experience when you solo travel to Amsterdam, this is the tour for you!

4. Parck (AKA Ping Pong Bar)

Ping pong enthusiasts will love Parck, Amsterdam’s very own ping pong bar!

This laid-back spot is the perfect place to grab a drink, challenge some locals to a game of ping pong, and make new friends along the way.

Perfect for solo travelers to Amsterdam!

Looking for a truly unique drinking experience in Amsterdam? Then step into the Icebar, Amsterdam’s famous frozen bar made entirely out of ice!

Don’t worry, you’ll be provided with warm clothing and gloves to keep you cozy while you sip on ice-cold drinks served in ice glasses. 🙂

It’s a unique and chilly experience, perfect for those looking to escape the heat of summer (or lean into winter!).

Buy entry ahead of time including 3 free drinks!

Where to Stay in Amsterdam Solo

where-to-stay-solo-in-amsterdam-solo-travel-to-amsterdam-the-fearless-wanderess

For the best experience and maximum potential of meeting other like-minded travelers when you solo travel to Amsterdam, I recommend you stay at a hostel.

While I used to stay in hostels all the time, I’m now in the latter half of my twenties. That means I value my privacy and comfort a lot more than I did a few years ago!

So, if you’re the same way and the idea of staying in a shared dorm doesn’t appeal, I recommend you stay in a private room in a hostel in order to more easily meet people on your solo trip.

Keep reading to find my best recommendations for where to stay in Amsterdam solo, below!

Best Hostels with a Hotel Feeling

1. cityhub amsterdam – 9.6/10.

CityHub Amsterdam hostel is a futuristic, pod-style accommodation that offers a unique and affordable option for solo travelers to stay in the heart of Amsterdam.

The high-tech pods are completely private and come equipped with a personal audio streaming system, mood lighting, and free Wi-Fi, making for a comfortable and connected stay.

With a central location, the hostel is perfect if you’re looking to explore Amsterdam’s vibrant nightlife and cultural hotspots on your solo trip!

And the communal spaces, including a lounge and rooftop terrace, are perfect for meeting fellow travelers and sharing experiences.

In my opinion, if you’re looking for the best hostel in Amsterdam for a private experience that’s still centrally located and great for making friends, CityHub Amsterdam is the place to stay.

2. Outside Inn – 9.4/10

Outside Inn is probably one of the most unique places to stay in Amsterdam!

All rooms are private, with comfy double beds located inside vintage caravans or mini beach houses, all housed within an old industrial building.

It’s kind of like an indoor camping experience, with none of the bad weather or bugs!

Since everything is located inside one large building, its design makes it easy to meet fellow travelers when you solo travel to Amsterdam.

Don’t miss communal meals and movie nights at the Outside Inn!

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3. Bunk Hotel Amsterdam – 8.9/10

BUNK Hotel Amsterdam offers a unique and affordable stay for solo travelers looking for a vibrant and social atmosphere in Amsterdam.

The hotel is housed in a former church and boasts a mix of private and shared rooms, each featuring sleek and modern designs.

With a lively bar and restaurant on-site, BUNK also provides plenty of opportunities to connect with other travelers!

The hotel also hosts regular events, including live music and cultural activities, making it an ideal spot for solo adventurers looking to immerse themselves in the local scene.

Ready to book your stay in Amsterdam? I always use Hostelworld for the most comprehensive reviews and best prices!

Best hostels, 1. hostelle (female only) – 9.0/10.

Looking for a safe and comfortable place to stay in Amsterdam as a solo female traveler? Hostelle could be the perfect choice for you!

As the only female-only hostel in the city, Hostelle offers a secure and welcoming environment with a range of dormitory and private room options.

Located in a quiet residential area, this modern hostel boasts a stylish and spacious interior, as well as a range of amenities including a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable lounge area, and outdoor terrace.

Plus, Hostelle is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to explore all that Amsterdam has to offer!

2. MEININGER Amsterdam City West – 9.0/10

MEININGER Amsterdam City West is a stylish and affordable hostel located in the up-and-coming Bos en Lommer neighborhood of Amsterdam. Also, it’s located just two minutes away from Sloterdijk station, making it easy to get to Amsterdam’s city center!

With a variety of private as well as mixed and female-only dorms available, you can choose the accommodation that best fits your needs and budget.

The hotel also features a 24-hour reception, a game zone, and a fully equipped guest kitchen, making it a great choice for those who want to meet other travelers and socialize.

4. ClinkNOORD – 8.6/10

ClinkNOORD is an award-winning hostel that is a great place for solo travelers to stay in Amsterdam.

It is located in a vibrant neighborhood just across the river from the city center, making it the perfect base for exploring the city.

The hostel offers a variety of dorms and private rooms, as well as spacious communal areas and an on-site bar.

With its friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere, ClinkNOORD is the perfect choice for solo travelers looking to make new friends and explore Amsterdam on a budget.

Other options

1. couchsurf.

Couchsurfing is one of the best ways to travel on a tight budget in Amsterdam!

If you’ve never heard of Couchsurfing before, it allows travelers to stay with a local host for free and experience the city like a local.

In addition to free lodging, Couchsurfing also provides the opportunity to meet new people and make lasting connections.

I’ve used solely this feature to meet countless travelers in cities from Stockholm, Sweden to Tirana, Albania !

I even used to it take my birthday party of one in Albania to a pub crawl of 10 when solo traveling! 🙂

If you’d like to use Couchsurfing for your accommodation in Amsterdam, here are a few tips to stay safe as a solo female traveler:

Always read a potential host’s profile thoroughly and pay attention to any red flags or inconsistencies. Trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to decline an invitation if something doesn’t feel right.
Check the references and reviews of a host before making a decision. Look for positive feedback from other female travelers and read between the lines for any negative comments.
Be clear and upfront about your expectations and boundaries with your host. Communicate your travel plans and itinerary, and let them know when you’ll be in and out of their home.
Always have a backup plan and a way to contact someone in case of an emergency. Let a friend or family member know your travel plans and check in with them regularly.
Finally, trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to say no or leave a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable. Your safety is the most important thing, and it’s better to err on the side of caution.

solo travel to amsterdam damrak the fearless wanderess

2. Treat yourself at The Dylan Amsterdam – 9.3/10

If you solo travel to Amsterdam for some luxury alone time, then I can’t recommend The Dylan Amsterdam enough!

This charming boutique hotel boasts a prime location on the Keizersgracht Canal and features stylish rooms with all the amenities you could ever need.

Plus, with its cozy and intimate atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring the city.

So why not treat yourself to a bit of pampering on your next trip to Amsterdam and book a stay at The Dylan? You deserve it!

How to Get Around Amsterdam Solo

Solo-travel-to-Amsterdam-how-to-get-around

public Transit in Amsterdam

As a solo traveler in Amsterdam, using public transportation is a convenient and cost-effective way to get around the city.

The city has an extensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and metros, that operate from early morning until late at night.

To make it easier and cheaper, make sure to get a transport ticket like the Amsterdam Travel Ticket .

This is one ticket for one price that will give you access to all public transportation around Amsterdam. Transport between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam is included!

If you got an Amsterdam City Card or Go City All-Inclusive Pass , these will cover transportation around the city, too.

Otherwise, you can buy single-use tickets at the dedicated kiosks at train stations or onboard buses and trams. However, this will quickly become more expensive than one of the travel passes I’ve mentioned here.

To help plan your travels, use Google Maps or the GVB app or website to ensure you take the most efficient and direct route to your destination.

solo travel to Amsterdam how to get around biking

Biking in Amsterdam

Biking is a popular and efficient way to get around Amsterdam, and it’s perfect for solo travelers who want to explore the city on their own terms!

With its extensive bike lanes and flat terrain, Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.

You can rent a bike from one of the many rental shops in the city, or even use one of the city’s public bike-sharing programs, such as the OV-fiets or the Swapfiets.

Remember to always lock your bike in a designated rack and follow traffic rules, as the city can get quite busy with other cyclists, pedestrians, and trams!

And don’t forget to explore some of the city’s best bike routes, such as Vondelpark or the scenic Amstel River.

Walking in Amsterdam

Actually one of my preferred ways to get around Amsterdam, walking is great as the city is relatively small. Additionally, many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Walking allows you to take in the city’s beautiful architecture, charming canals, and unique neighborhoods at your own pace. It’s also a great way to stay active while on vacation!

To make the most of your walking tour, wear comfortable shoes and plan your route ahead of time.

It’s also a good idea to make sure you have your phone with a European eSIM for Google Maps to avoid getting lost.

Finally, be sure to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when crossing bike lanes or busy intersections.

Uber in Amsterdam

You might be wondering: does Uber operate in Amsterdam?

The answer is yes!

Especially if you’re staying outside of the city center and are very short on time, Uber can be a convenient and safe way to get around as a solo traveler.

With the Uber app, you can easily request a ride from anywhere in the city, and your driver will come directly to your location.

Overall, using Uber in Amsterdam can provide a hassle-free and comfortable transportation option for solo travelers who aren’t budget-conscious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

As I discuss above, Amsterdam is great for solo travel!

Not only is Amsterdam beautiful and safe, but it’s also filled with culture, world-class museums, and a lively nightlife scene.

So whether you’re interested in art and history or the best party of your life, Amsterdam has something to offer every solo female traveler.

I also frequently recommend Amsterdam as a great first-time solo travel destination for women.

As I also discuss above, Amsterdam is very safe for solo female travelers.

Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in the world, ranking #4 out of 60 major international cities for personal safety.

I’ve been to Amsterdam countless times and never felt unsafe as a solo female traveler.

And if you’re wondering if Amsterdam is safe for solo female travelers at night, you’ll be happy to hear that it’s safe then, too.

You’ll just probably want to avoid the Red Light District at night as a solo female traveler so you don’t encounter drunken men. And even then, this is usually more uncomfortable than unsafe.

Make sure to check out my tips above for staying safe as a solo female traveler in Amsterdam!

In my opinion, Amsterdam is a fantastic city for singles!

With its vibrant nightlife, abundant cultural events, and numerous opportunities to meet new people, solo travel to Amsterdam is a must for singles.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic partner or just want to have fun and make new friends, Amsterdam has something for everyone.

From trendy bars and nightclubs to cultural hotspots and outdoor activities, you’ll find plenty of ways to connect with others and have a great time in Amsterdam.

Three days is a perfect amount of time to see the highlights of Amsterdam if you know exactly where you’d like to go.

That’s where this solo female travel guide to Amsterdam comes in handy!

If you only have three days, I would also recommend you book most of your activities ahead of time to ensure you get to do everything you’d like and get the timeslots you want.

Must-do experiences for three days in Amsterdam include a canal tour , visits to the Van Gogh Museum , Anne Frank House, and Rijksmuseum , exploring the city’s architecture by bike , and going to a cheese-tasting class with paired wines.

Also, make sure to book your accommodation well in advance!

To find the best tours available in Amsterdam that are easy to book online, I use GetYourGuide and Viator . HostelWorld for hostels and Booking.com for hotels and apartment stays are my preferred booking engines.

As a solo traveler to Amsterdam, you may be wondering if it’s an expensive city to visit.

While the cost of accommodation and food can be high in some areas, there are many ways to enjoy the city on a budget.

Public transportation is affordable and efficient, and many of the city’s best sights, like the canals and the famous Red Light District, are free to explore.

Additionally, there are plenty of budget-friendly food options available, such as street food and local markets (see my tips above).

Here are some approximate costs for a trip to Amsterdam:

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 10-15 euros
A meal at a mid-range restaurant: 20-30 euros
A beer in a local pub: 4-5 euros
A coffee in a café: 2-3 euros
A mid-range hotel room per night: 80-120 euros (depending on the location and time of year)
A ticket for public transportation: 2.90 euros for a single ride (or 8 euros for a day pass)
Entrance to a museum: 15-20 euros

(Note that these are just approximate costs and can vary depending on the specific establishment and the time of year.)

With some careful planning and budgeting, Amsterdam can be a great destination for solo travelers on a budget.

Make sure to check out my Amsterdam budget tips above!

To best enjoy Amsterdam, I would recommend a minimum of three days.

Optimally, you should spend four to five days when you solo travel to Amsterdam to really experience everything this amazing city has to offer.

This is perfect for a weekend trip away – or take an entire week!

Yes, the Dutch are some of the best in the world at speaking English as a second language.

In fact, I lived in the Netherlands for five months and learned hardly any Dutch because they’re so good at speaking English!

So it will be easy during your stay in Amsterdam and the Netherlands to get by with only English.

No, at the time of writing, a COVID test is no longer required to travel to Amsterdam.

The Dutch government has lifted all travel restrictions related to the Coronavirus for traveling to the Netherlands.

You can visit the Government of the Netherlands’ website before traveling to check the most recent requirements for travel.

Enjoyed this post?

Share it with your friends, reader interactions.

May 20, 2023 at 6:00 pm

Wow! This is an incredible guide. So much helpful information. I really appreciated all the info included in the at a glance section. And the tip about cafes! I would have gone in wanting a latte! Great post. Definitely saving for future travel planning, in case I find my self solo in Amsterdam.

May 20, 2023 at 6:59 pm

It becomes so convenient to travel solo abroad when locals speak in English. I have been to Amsterdam.

Black Solo Female Travel Guide: A Solo Trip to Amsterdam

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This solo traveling foodie and sightseer strikes again and is breaking down a solo trip Amsterdam! Though I visited Amsterdam a few years ago for a short-period of time, I did more touristy things and not as much food-hopping as I’d hoped.

Well this time around I made it a priority to research places to eat and drink on a solo trip to Amsterdam. Over the four-day visit I ate and saw everything in sight. Here is a list of what to do and where to eat in Amsterdam as a solo female traveler.

( FYI: This post may have affiliate links .This means if you buy something using my link, I get a small percentage for mentioning/recommending it. Lucky for you it doesn’t change the price for you at all and it’s a super easy and generous way to say thanks for all the work I put into writing this post!! )

Table of Contents

Where to stay in Amsterdam as a solo traveler

Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam

Stayokay is a central hostel for solo travelers in Amsterdam. I could travel within walking distance of tons of places to eat in Amsterdam as well as things to do alone in Amsterdam. Just be aware that during festivals, such as Pride, hostel prices also increase like hotel prices.

Stayokay was also near public transportation! I think it had a welcoming vibe with large storage lockers to use upon arrival. There was also a kitchen if you wanted to cook and lots of lounge spaces.

Click here for more information and the latest prices

MENINGER Hotel Amsterdam City West

For those solo travelers looking to stay a bit further out, consider choosing MENINGER for your visit. In full transparency I did not stay here as a solo traveler in Amsterdam – I went with friends the first time I visited. However, it is an option for those who do not want to be as central as Stayokay.

How to travel around Amsterdam alone

Even with canals, solo traveling in Amsterdam is not difficult once you are in the city. There are multiple trains to enter Amsterdam. However, the metro is easy to navigate when you get a metro card.

And they do check to make sure you have one! Tourists often get fined for not having them. A one day pass is just under 20 euros. Biking is also available for those you like to get exercise and fresh air hopping from attraction to attraction.

Yet, similar to cities such as Berlin, beware of bikers! Coming from the U.S, it is not as common to see a strong bike culture. Some even say it can be a bit of culture shock since U.S culture prioritizes cars.

Check out the most popular guided tours in Amsterdam to explore the city more deeply in a more convenient way:

The most popular tours in Amsterdam:

🚢 Cruise down the famous canals of Amsterdam during this boat tour , which includes a cheese platter and unlimited beer, wine and soft drink
🖼️ Bypass the lines at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam with this Skip-the-Line ticket and admire van Gogh’s works with your very own private guide
🚶 Discover Amsterdam’s WWII history and follow in the footsteps of Anne Frank on this walking tour of the Jewish Quarter
🍲 Go on a foodie adventure through the city’s most delicious and authentic local bites and drinks
🏞️ Discover the Dutch countryside on this full-day tour to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken, with round-trip transfer from Amsterdam

Places to eat in Amsterdam

Staring at Jacob

Going to Staring at Jacob was my first foodie stop and one of my favorite meals during my trip. As a pancake lover I knew I wanted to eat as many as possible. These had all the flavor and fluffiness I was looking for upon arrival.

I ordered the veggie pancake plate. The meal came with hash browns, eggs, mushrooms, and halloumi (cheese). Of course there are meat options too for those who desire it.

For pricing, it’s not a cheap find since the plate cost 13.50 euros. But it was extremely satisfying and just what I needed after an overnight bus adventure from Berlin to Amsterdam. I would 100% recommend it and if I had more time I would have come back for another meal.

African Kitchen

Though I tried, I couldn’t eat just pancakes. Located further outside the city, African Kitchen is a small bar and restaurant in the predominately Black area of Amsterdam. It took me a tram and metro to get here, but it was not in vain.

I ordered jollof rice, plantains, and fish for about 15 euros. Again it wasn’t the most budget-friendly meal, but well worth the euros. If you want a taste of African cuisine come here! I can see why it was recommended as a place to eat in Amsterdam. It’s also Black-owned, which is always a plus.

Fun story: after joining the Amsterdam Black Women Facebook group, I started researching past posts to find recommendations from the women who live there. I found that African Kitchen was a place many mentioned as having some of the best food in Amsterdam. Joining Facebook groups and searching them for information on your destination can help you find some of the best restaurants!

Bouncing off recommendations of the Amsterdam Black Women Facebook group, Bootoe is a Caribbean place to eat in Amsterdam. The lemon ginger lemonade was 4.50 euros of absolute deliciousness and my favorite drink I consumed during my trip.

I also ordered sweet potato fries. Their menu had other options too such as jerk chicken and pork served on little plates. Bootoe is also another Black-owned business to support on your solo trip to Amsterdam.

Albert Cuyp Market

When thinking about where to eat in Amsterdam, I knew I had to go to markets like I did in Berlin. Per the recommendation of my hostel, I headed to Albert Cuyp Market and stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the cutest mini-pancakes of my life. They were only 4 euros and you could get toppings on them such as chocolate, strawberries, oreos, M&Ms, bananas, you name it!

Aside from the mini-pancakes, vendors sold waffles, juices, fresh fruit, and there was even a meat market if you wanted to take something back to cook at your Airbnb. If you’re looking for another market to walk through post-eating at Albert Cuyp Market, Waterloopein Market has more material things and vintage goods at their market. Catch the metro or tram there and walk through to shop a little after eating.

Los Pilones Cantina Mexico

If I’m being honest, Los Pilones was not initially on my radar for solo dining in Amsterdam, It came per the recommendation of the tour guide from my Alternative Tour as one of the best Mexican places to eat in Amsterdam. Post-tour, myself and two other solo travelers ate here and chatted a bit.

I ordered 4 small quesadillas for about 10 euros (and they were listed as an appetizer). There are bigger plates if you’re hungrier for upwards of 15 to 19 euros a plate as well. I saw 4 tacos and a side of rice or beans for 18.50 euros on the menu.

Restaurants in the city center, such as Los Pilones, can be a bit pricey because they’re in the touristy area near the canals in Jordaan . However this doesn’t mean they’re not worth the money – the food was tasty! Just keep that in mind when looking where to eat in Amsterdam and any other major European city.

Indoor markets are just as big as outdoor markets! Foodhallen is one of them and another great place find the best food in Amsterdam. Here I opted for a crispy shrimp poke bowl that cost 10.50 euros.

If Asian cuisine isn’t your jam, there are other options to choose from such as pizza, sushi, and burgers. There is indoor and outdoor seating, WiFi, and shops surrounding the hall itself. You can go here and find something different to eat every day! If you have the time, by all means go for it (I’ll be over here crying with serious FOMO). I think it is an excellent choice for solo dining in Amsterdam.

The Breakfast Club

My final pancake adventure led me to The Breakfast Club . With multiple locations around the city it seems to be ideal for solo dining in Amsterdam. I went to the one closest to Foodhallen and ordered the New York.

The pancakes were humongous and filling, topped with powdered sugar, strawberries, blueberries and bananas. For 13.50 euros they will keep you full all day if you let them. They have indoor and outdoor seating as well, plus some cool couches and benches with pillows inside you can sit on as you eat. Don’t get too comfortable though, you may fall asleep after eating their pancakes!

Things to do alone in Amsterdam

Museum hopping

Museums are a highlight of visiting Amsterdam. The Rijksmuseum is one popular museum to visit. It is huge so give yourself some time to see as much as you can. Art lovers will love the Rijksmusem.

For more history, check out the Anne Frank House . If you get emotional or cry easily, pack some tissues. To balance out your museum visits go to the Sexmuseum . It has been known to make some people squeamish. However is the first and oldest sex museum!

Ride a bike or take a canal cruise

If there is any city to travel through via bike it is Amsterdam. The city was made to travel through via bike and you can find them everywhere. A bike tour is a dual-purpose activity to sightsee and get some physical activity all at once.

For solo female travelers in Amsterdam who do not want to ride a bike, check out a canal cruise instead . There are more luxurious canal cruises, many during the day time, and even night time canal cruises.

Check out the A’DAM Tower

The A’DAM Lookout is one of the coolest things to do on a solo trip to Amsterdam. The view provides a 360 look of Amsterdam on a swing and is a beautiful activity to do around sunset. The observation deck gives you a panoramic view of the city, but also houses a hotel, nightclub, bar, and other things to do solo.

Go to the markets (food, clothes & more)

Outdoor markets are the place to be during the warmer months in Amsterdam. You can find food, jewelry, vintage clothing, fruits and veggies, and almost anything at markets in Amsterdam. The Albert Cuyp Market , Waterlooplein Market , and Noordermarkt are a few to add on your solo trip to Amsterdam. Going to markets is one of my favorite activities to do as a solo traveler!

Take an alternative tour of Amsterdam

For budget travelers heading onto an Amsterdam solo trip, a free alternative tour in Amsterdam is for you. The tour provides a local perspective as its led my a local Amsterdam guide. I learned a lot on this tour, including how the entire city center is a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Visit the coffeeshops

First rule on your solo trip to Amsterdam is knowing that coffeeshops don’t really offer “coffee.” These are cannabis stores for (primarily tourists) to buy and enjoy marijuana. You can find edibles, pre-rolled joints, and more.

The ironic part? According to my Alternative Tour guide in Amsterdam cannabis is illegal in the European Union (which the Netherlands is a part of). But since coffeeshops are such a driver for tourism the government allows them to exist.

Indulge in the international cuisine

If you could not tell, I’m big on the food! Solo traveling in Amsterdam requires as many food stops as possible. With market food and restaurants to choose from, you can find all types of cuisine based on your personal preference. I ate delicious Mexican food, Nigerian jollof, pancakes, and other tasty dishes.

Relax in Vondelpark

Vondelpark is the most famous park in Amsterdam. Parks are a relaxing solo traveler activity where you can bike, walk, or even plan a picnic. It is free to enter and the largest park in Amsterdam as well.

Solo traveler photoshoot

I love a good solo photoshoot! I think this an ideal way to capture photos without worrying about a tripod. Viator and Airbnb Experiences both provide these types of photoshoots too. And chances are you may meet another solo traveler too – which is what happened to me in Amsterdam.

Safety tips as a Black solo female traveler in Amsterdam

Primarily thanks to the Amsterdam Black Women Facebook group, I had an amazing time as a Black woman traveler! I knew there was a large Black community there prior to my solo trip to Amsterdam. But they truly did make my experience memorable.

With that said, I did have a few unfortunate experiences of being pressured to talk to a few men on public transportation. They explicitly made comments about my appearance. To be honest this is not uncommon, not even in the U.S. But it is still annoying when people don’t understand no means no.

I would say that for any Black female traveler heading to Amsterdam should tap into that Facebook group. Even though I have solo traveled often, I do love meeting other Black people in the cities I visit. It truly shows how vast the African diaspora is for us to find each other.

Additional tips for Amsterdam solo female travel

Amsterdam is one of the more expensive cities in Europe. Therefore, it is an expensive city to visit as a solo traveler. I would suggest increasing your regular travel budget just a little because the museums, food, and transportation can add up.

Another helpful solo traveler in Amsterdam tip is that most places take card. Though at the markets cash is more acceptable for smaller purchases under 5 or even 10 euros. Also, customer service is not the same in the U.S. so don’t take it personal if your server completely ignores you. Continue to eat your heart out and again be mindful of the bikers!

Solo travel in Amsterdam = a full itinerary!

Overall, I think I made the most of this solo trip! There are streets and streets of places to eat in Amsterdam – I got so full and satisfied. And of course you can always find things to do in alone in Amsterdam. This was my second visit and I still had more ideas of things to do. So take this list and find places I even missed!

Thanks for reading! For more solo female travel and foodie guides, PIN this post!

TRAVEL TIPS

🏘️Book your accommodation

Booking.com will help you to book accommodation in advance and check availability

📞Stay connected with Airalo

Get an Airalo SIM-card and enjoy seamless internet access during your stay

🧾Get your tickets and tours

with Viator and GetYourGuide to get the most out of your journey

( This post was originally published on September 3, 2019 and updated on June 26, 2022 )

Sojourner White is a remote social worker, train travel queen, and award-winning travel journalist. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin she has been a digital nomad and called both Spain and Germany home. Through her platform Sojournies, she helps 9-5ers fulfill their career goals and bucket list dreams to find freedom and flexibility outside the office. Sojourner has been featured in Buzzfeed, PopSugar, The Matador Network, HuffPost, and Thrillist and written for Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Fodor’s, Insider, Lonely Planet, Viator, and more.

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AMSTERDAM , EUROPE , NETHERLANDS · August 17, 2020 Last Updated on March 10, 2024

THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO AMSTERDAM

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link.

Amsterdam is the most populated and capital city of the Netherlands. The city is well-known for its beautiful canals, its canal houses, tulips, museums, nightlife, and rich history.

Furthermore, Amsterdam is also the capital of bikes! Everywhere you look, you will see bikes. Moreover, in the 17th century, the city grew and flourished, and the majority of the city and its famous architecture were built during this time.

Millions of people go to Amsterdam every year and it’s definitely an amazing city to visit. I live in Amsterdam, so I can tell you everything you need to know about this wonderful city.

In this travel guide, you will find all information that you’ll need for a trip to Amsterdam, including the best things to do, the best restaurants, the best way to get around in the city, and more!

Best Things To Do In Amsterdam

There are many amazing things to do in Amsterdam, so if you’re in the city, you definitely won’t get bored. Here, you will find the best things to do in Amsterdam that you really shouldn’t miss out on when you’re in the city!

A Cruise Through The Canals

One of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam is to enjoy a cruise through the beautiful canals. Since Amsterdam is famous for its canals, it’s a great experience to actually sail through them and see Amsterdam from the canals.

Furthermore, when you’re having a canal cruise you will learn some interesting information about the city while sailing by the most important sights. Therefore, this isn’t only a very fun experience, but it’s also very educational!

There are several canal cruise operators in Amsterdam. For example, one of the canal cruise operators is Lovers . Their boats are very comfortable and there’s an audio guide in several languages, which is very convenient. Another canal cruise operator is Stromma , their canal cruises are really fun as well!

Visit Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is one of the best museums in the Netherlands and also one of the best museums in the world. It is located in Museum Square where several other museums are located.

The collection in the museum consists of about one million objects of which about 8,000 are always on display. Furthermore, part of the collection comprises of masterpieces by Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt, and many other famous Dutch artists. Also, there is a beautiful art history library inside the same building where many old books are located.

Van Gogh Museum

Another great activity to do in Amsterdam is to visit the Van Gogh Museum . At this museum, you will find many works by Vincent van Gogh, as the whole museum is dedicated to him.

There are more than 600 drawings and paintings made by Van Gogh here, including the famous sunflowers and the potato eaters.

Since the Van Gogh Museum is also located at Museum Square, it’s a great idea to visit both Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in one day!

Visit Vondelpark

The largest park in Amsterdam is called Vondelpark . This park is located in the center of Amsterdam and it has around 10 million visitors per year.

Furthermore, there’s a theatre and there are several restaurants in Vondelpark. In 1876, the park opened with the name ‘’the new park’’. However, there was a statue of Joost van den Vondel placed, after which people called the park Vondel’s park. Nowadays, the official name is Vondelpark.

There are many cycling paths around the park and there are also many grass fields, this park is a great place to relax.

Since the park is located in the center of Amsterdam, it’s always easy to combine going to the park with other parts of the city. For example, from here it is only a 2-minute walk to Leidseplein where you’ll find many clubs and bars.

Stroll Along The Canals Of Amsterdam

The canals are so typical for Amsterdam and therefore it’s great to see them in real life. You can stroll along the canals which is a very fun thing to do.

There are more than 100 kilometers of canals in the city, and when it’s dark outside, the canals look very romantic. The canals were dug during the 17th century and form a half-circle around the city center. There are three main canals: the Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht.

Also, the canals are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Due to the canals, Amsterdam is sometimes called the Venice of the North!

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is another well-known sight in Amsterdam.

It is the house where Anne Frank lived during the second world war. She became well known because of her diary that she wrote while hiding from the Nazis together with her family in hidden rooms in the back of the building.

She didn’t survive the war, but her diary was later published.

Nowadays you can walk inside the house and see exactly where the family hid while learning about Anne Frank, the family of Anne Frank and her diary. After the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, this is the most visited museum in the Netherlands with more than a million visitors per year.

Rent A Bike

Once you arrive in Amsterdam, you will immediately notice that there are many bikes. In fact, there are almost a million bikes in Amsterdam!

People that live in Amsterdam use their bike for everything. If you want to experience the city like a local, it might be a great idea to rent a bike yourself.

Besides being a very fun activity, it’s also a convenient way to travel through the city. There are many companies where you can rent a bike from or you can book a biking tour around the city .

You can also rent a tandem, a tandem is a bike for two people. However, be careful, because if you’re not used to a bike, a tandem might be hard to use.

Rent A Boat

Another thing that you should do when you’re in Amsterdam is to rent a boat. There are many types of boats you can rent, including motorboats or pedal boats .

This is really one of the most fun activities to do in Amsterdam in my opinion. Especially during the summer when the sun is shining, because Amsterdam looks even more beautiful from the canals.

Since there are so many canals going everywhere, renting a boat is also a great way to explore the city.

For more fun things to do, be sure to read our top 12 budget activities in Amsterdam guide !

How To Get Around The City

Since the center of Amsterdam isn’t very large, it’s really doable to walk through the center without using another type of transportation. However, there are many other possibilities for transportation in Amsterdam to get everywhere even faster.

Public Transportation

Amsterdam has an extensive network of public transportation including buses, metros, trams, trains, and ferries. Depending on where you are in the city, one of them is more convenient to use than the other one.

If you want to know what’s the fastest route, you can visit 9292 . On the website, you can use your own location as a departure place and you can easily choose where you want to go. Since everything is so close to each other, most of the time you won’t have to transfer.

Tickets can be bought at all metro stations, train stations, on some trams, and bus stops. However, it might be a good idea to buy your own public transport card, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket or a GVB Multi-day ticket .

Most people have a public transport card (OV-Chipkaart) which is rechargeable and valid for all public transport options. Depending on how much you want to use public transport in Amsterdam you can choose the most affordable option for you.

Bike Rentals

You can also rent a bike to move around the city. At most train stations you can rent a public transport bike, but you can also rent bikes at many bike-rental companies in the city.

This is probably the fastest way to travel through Amsterdam.

Where To Stay In Amsterdam

There are many amazing hotels in Amsterdam where you can stay. If you are looking for the best neighborhoods to stay in Amsterdam, I recommend the city center and De Pijp.

City Center

The city center is the place where you will probably spend most of your time during your trip to Amsterdam because it’s the place where most famous sights are located. Therefore, it is very convenient to also stay here. It is a very busy area, making it really fun.

Also, it’s amazing to walk out of your hotel and immediately be surrounded by the historical houses of Amsterdam. Furthermore, there are many hotels located in the city center , so there are enough places to choose from. The city center is also very close to Amsterdam Central Station.

AirBnB is also a great option for places to stay in the city center , and you get the benefit of having your own kitchen to save money on meals!

If you want to stay in a quieter place and you don’t want to be bothered by noise during the night, it might be better to stay in another area. The city center is also the most expensive place to stay.

De Pijp is one of the hippest neighborhoods in Amsterdam. Here you will find many trendy places where you can eat and drink.

It is located just south of the city center and it’s easily accessible from the city center by tram or metro. However, since Amsterdam is rather small, you can also walk to the city center from here.

In this area, you will also find the Albert Cuypmarket , which is a market stretching along the street. It is the largest outdoor market in the Netherlands and it is there for six days a week. At this market, you can also taste many Dutch treats, such as stroopwafels and poffertjes.

There are lots of lovely hotels and AirBnBs located in De Pijp and most of the time it’s quieter there than in the city center.

The Best Restaurants In Amsterdam

If you’re going to Amsterdam, I’m sure you will enjoy the amazing restaurants there. Since there are many restaurants in the city, there will always be something for your liking.

Here some of the best restaurants in Amsterdam:

Pancakes Amsterdam

Want to experience the taste of traditional Dutch pancakes? Then you should really go to Pancakes Amsterdam !

Here you can choose from many toppings or you can just eat them plain. There is so much to choose from, both savory and sweet – you can have a pancake with only sugar, or you can have one with pesto sauce.

Furthermore, Pancakes Amsterdam has many restaurants spread over the city, making it very easy to go here after you explored the city.

Not interested in the traditional Dutch pancakes? Pancakes Amsterdam also serves American Pancakes as well as traditional Dutch poffertjes, the latter one you should also try. They also serve vegan Dutch pancakes.

The Vegan Junk Food Bar

The Vegan Junk Food Bar has a truly unique concept. When they created the restaurant they wanted to make a place where both vegans and non-vegan people would enjoy the food together.

They also wanted to create plant-based junk food of great quality, texture, and taste. Also, the experience you have in the restaurant matters a lot to them.

The food tastes amazing and the whole atmosphere of the restaurant is great as well. The Vegan Junk Food Bar has several locations in the Netherlands, and they are now expanding internationally as well.

If you want to experience something new and tasty, then I would really recommend going here!

SUMO is a sushi and grill restaurant with many locations throughout Amsterdam and the Netherlands. The restaurant adapts the concept “All you can eat”, where you pay a fixed price (for the food, not for drinks) and you can eat as many as you like.

This is really a great concept, and the food is very good as well.

Pizzabakkers

At De Pizzabakkers (literally The Pizza Bakers) you can find the best pizza in Amsterdam.

When the founders created the restaurant they were looking for good pizza in Amsterdam, but couldn’t find one that satisfied their wants, so they created their own restaurant together with their best friends. A year later they opened their second restaurant, and nowadays they have 9 restaurants in Amsterdam and many others in other cities in the Netherlands.

If you are looking for good Italian Pizza made in a wood-fired oven with fresh ingredients, then you should definitely head to De Pizzabakkers.

The Avocado Show

If you like Avocado, then the Avocado Show is the restaurant for you. There are so many tasty and unique dishes with avocados here, it is almost too difficult to decide which one you want to eat.

Also, besides the great taste, their dishes look beautiful, and are really made for Instagram! If you really like the dishes, and you want to take the food with you, you can also buy their cookbook in which you can find all their recipes.

They have many locations in Amsterdam, so an Avocado Show is always near you.

Maoz is the place to go to if you want to have a quick meal that is really tasty and not that expensive. You can have a falafel sandwich here that you can fill as much as you like with vegetables, salads, and sauces.

In addition to a sandwich you can have fries, eggplant, and hummus as well. There are also other options to choose from, depending on the location that you visit.

There are several locations in the City Center of Amsterdam, which is really convenient.

Ellis Gourmet Burger

At Ellis Gourmet Burger you can have one of the best burgers in Amsterdam. They use ingredients of the highest quality and they continuously improve their recipes to further improve their burgers every day.

The mission of the restaurant is to reintroduce the quality-burger from the United States in Europe and the burgers are really delicious! With 3 locations in Amsterdam, it is very easy to have an amazing burger wherever you like.

Also, if you are vegan or vegetarian, then you have several options to choose from here as well.

The Best Place To Hangout In The Evening With The Best Bars

The best place to go to in Amsterdam for nightlife is definitely Leidseplein. Here you can find many clubs, bars, restaurants, and other venues.

Every club or bar is unique, so you have a lot to choose from! Also, there are many public transportation options to get to and from Leidseplein (including night buses), which is really convenient.

Another great place to go for nightlife is Rembrandtplein . Here, you can also find many great bars and clubs.

Since these two places are very close to each other, you can easily visit both Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein in one night.

General Tips And Advice

If you are going to Amsterdam I’m sure you will have an amazing time, since it is a great city. Even though the official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, almost everyone speaks English as well, so that’s very convenient.

If you have enough time, don’t forget to visit other cities in the Netherlands too! You can go to Haarlem, Delft, or Zaanse Schans.

Also, if you ever need groceries, there is always an Albert Heijn Supermarket, which is the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands, near you.

We hope that this article has helped inspire you to visit Amsterdam. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Go to our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.

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Stella Wilson says

August 18, 2020 at 9:05 pm

Wonderful blog. Amazing Travel Destinations in Amsterdam. I am planning to visit Amsterdam, Let’s see when the plans materialize. Thanks for sharing this informative blog.

Dymphe says

August 19, 2020 at 8:09 am

Have fun in Amsterdam, I’m sure you will love it!

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Local Tour Guides

Our Team in Amsterdam / The Netherlands

We are a team of professionals, passionate and dedicated local tour guides. Ready and looking forward to take you on an amazing tour of the Netherlands. Creating fun memories you’ll never forget.

Welcome! This is our team of fantastic local tour guides. Did we mention we love to show you the Netherlands? So don’t be shy, get in touch!

Stefka Waaijer

“Come and let’s get lost together, I know the way!”

Some words about me

Returning to the Netherlands after a trip, I always loved the typical Dutch countryside, canals, dikes lush green and flat. Many travelers to the Netherlands only know about Amsterdam, Volendam and Kinderdijk. I enjoy taking you off-the-beaten-path and giving you a true local experience.

I got my degree in Graphic Design, but not long after high school the travel bug got me. Backpacking in Australia, New-Zealand and Indonesia. Trip to Nepal. Cooking on a dude ranch in Wyoming. Tour guide in Peru, Southern Africa, Mexico and Guatamala. Done it all! :)

My favorite places

For me, a great way to ‘taste’ the country is through wine. Being a wine lover and WSET 3 graduate, I’d love to let you experience the Netherlands through a glass of wine. Perhaps with some oysters, mussels or lobster on the side? Most people are not aware the Netherlands has some great beaches at the North Sea. A stop for lunch here is always a wonderful treat for my guests and me.

Spoken languages

Born and raised in the Netherlands. Travelling since 1997. Tour guide since 2002.

What makes me happy

Making new friends
Going off-the-beaten path
Historical stories
Game of Tennis

I traveled to various places, but my most precious experiences happened when I lived a period of time in a different country. An immersion in the local community. It gives you time to really experience the locals and the culture. I have always loved working with people and ever since I moved abroad I have been working in tourism. My talent lays in planning and organizing, which I love doing, especially if it helps travelers ending up enjoying their trip/holiday. I currently live in Riga, with my Latvian husband and children, but I can’t stay away from The Netherlands for too long.

Born and raised in the Netherlands. Now living in Riga (Latvia). Tour manager since 2022.

Art Deco architecture
Dutch cheese
Friends & Family
Dropjes (Black Licorice)
Cycling & other sports
Being in nature
Arts & crafts

Born and raised Dutchman, I grew up near Rotterdam, where I lived and studied. Being educated as a primary school teacher, I worked as a teacher for 8 years. Then I decided to change my life and become a tour leader in Asia. Since 2008 I have been regularly working and living in India, Spain, South East Asia and my beloved home country the Netherlands!

As a student and later when I was teaching, I loved taking the train out into the Dutch countryside. It was my goal to visit every Dutch town with a train station. The beauty of travel, and my first culture shock, was in 2002 when I traveled to Indonesia. Since 2010 I am tour leader for travel groups in India, and Nepal. In spring and summer I am in The Netherlands, where I love to continue discovering the Netherlands. Will you join me?

Typical Dutch landscapes! Green meadows with cows and dotted with windmills. Above it the Dutch blue skies with a few clouds. The North Sea coastline with its sand dunes. The variety of ecosystems of N.P. Hoge Veluwe. And any Dutch city with a river flowing through it.

Born and raised in the Netherlands. Traveling since 1980. Tour guide since 2010.

Singing songs
Vegetarian food
Cycling Dutch country side
Listening to music
Being a guide
Exploring new places

I’m a travel addict and love to do it as much as I can! Being single, and not having any pets, makes that easier. When in the Netherlands, I live in a small (not yet Tiny) house at Utrechtse Heuvelrug. This is a forest on a hill. Quite rare in the Netherlands as most is flat with lush green meadows.

For my job in IT Project Management, I often worked abroad. In 2018, I even lived and worked in Malaysia for some time. When I didn’t work, I loved exploring the country. That is when traveling and exploring became a necessity for me. I decided to change my career, followed a tour guide study, and now I’m living my dream! As a tour leader I show Dutch people the world and as a guide for Holland Private Tour I show you the beautiful country of The Netherlands.

There are 2 places that stand out for me: National Park Veluwezoom. The variety in vegetation make it great for hiking and bicycling. Especially when the heath flower purple in fall. ‘De Haar’ is our largest castle. Rebuilt in the early 1900s over the top exuberant and posh.

Born and raised in the Netherlands. Traveling since 2000. Tour guide since 2019.

Discovering countries & cultures
Walking in forest & mountains
Big cup of tea
Welness Day
Smelling fresh cut grass
Funny facts
Spending time with friends

I live in Rotterdam, where I was born and raised. I did my study and worked as a teacher at a primary school. After 32 years teaching, I thought it was time for a change and became a tour leader.

During my working years in The Netherlands, I travelled a lot. From 1980 I travelled to different countries outside Europe. Since 2010 I am guiding groups in especially India, but also Nepal, Bhutan. And when I am in The Netherlands, I love to explore and show my beautiful country.

The green meadows with cows and above it the Dutch blue skies with some clouds. It’s a beautiful scene that you can’t see anywhere else. Place a few windmills there and you have the perfect Dutch landscape.

Spring in the Netherlands
Discover Museums
Cold glass of beer
Dutch Gouda cheese
Bitterballen (typical Dutch snack)

I live in the Dutch city of Haarlem in my dream house. It is also a B&B “Circuit de la vie” which I run together with a dear friend. During weekends, I like to walk along the beach or cycle through the polders and dunes. I am a cultural historian and I love to tell you about history, anecdotes, architecture and art. With friends, we go out for dinner, have a good talk about life, a good glass of wine and visit museums.

I love travelling, sharing experiences and knowledge. It is part of my being as an education professional. Since 2008 I organize walking tours in Dutch cities. When I returned, in 2006, after 10 months in Scotland, I realized how beautiful the Netherlands is. Stories are there to talk about, and I love sharing them with people from other countries.

Haarlem historical center has great museums like Teyler and Frans Hals. The Amsterdam School architecture of the Spaarndammerbuurt, the Jordaan and New Docklands are my favorite areas in Amsterdam. Zaanse Schans is where I was raised, and it has a special place in my heart.

Born and raised in the Netherlands. Traveling since 1998. Tour guide since 2008.

A good laugh
Family & Friends
Talks about life
Painting & Writing
Music & Sports
Dancing Salsa

Ageeth (Kate)

During my office job at ABN AMRO bank for 22 years, I travelled a lot, until I no longer wanted to work in an office any longer. A worldwide trip of 5 months, convinced me that this was the life I wanted to live. Since 2007 I’m exploring the world as a tour leader with various groups. After every trip, no matter how enjoyable, I’m always happy to get back to the Netherlands, which is the only place in the world I want to call home. I love history and love to share my knowledge, especially about the Netherlands.

As a tour leader I have visited almost every continent, Africa, Asia, Australasia, Middle East, Europe. By guiding groups where people have mental and physical disabilities on holidays, I increased my awareness of the difficulties they face on a daily basis. It gives me enormous gratitude to make a meaningful contribution to people on my trips, and I enjoy the friendships that came from this.

I love the Beemster, which is a Unesco site, because it’s close to home for me and I can reach it on my bike. During the flowering season, there are large fields with tulips in various colors, which is a beautiful sight. Amsterdam, and the other old cities in Holland with the canals and old houses, I enjoy very much. And I’m always discovering more places!

Born and raised in the Netherlands. Traveling since 1998. Tour guide since 2007.

Ride my bicycle
A nice dinner with friends

Since I was a small child, I accompanied my father when he showed his colleagues from all over the world interesting places in the Netherlands. That is when my interest in people from other cultures started, and that never ended.

I live in Bergen, a lovely little village near the North sea, 40 minutes northwest of Amsterdam. It is known as “Art village” since it inspired a lot of painters and other artists.

As a student, living in Amsterdam, I worked a lot of summers as a tour guide. After graduation, my career became training employees to improve their communication skills. Traveling became my favorite way to spend the holidays. I went to the VS multiple times, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and all-over Western Europe. After my travels I’m always happy to come back home in the Netherlands. I feel lucky to work as a tour guide again and share my enthusiasm about our lovely little country with people from all over the world.

The beach in Bergen aan Zee, summer and winter you can find me there, walking my dog. Historic city centers, modern Art museums, and anywhere where there are flowers.

Born and raised in the Netherlands. Traveling since I was a child. Tour guide since I was a student.

Sun & Sea
Nature walks
Discovering

When our kids were younger, I worked for my husband’s company. Now they are older, it gives me the possibility to work in the travel industry, as traveling has always been a big passion of mine. During the Covid pandemic, when we couldn’t travel, I re-discovered my own country, the Netherlands. So many amazing, beautiful sights in a small country. I look forward to showing you my personal favorite places and share all the fun Dutch traditions.

For Flow Travel, I travel the world as a tour guide for Dutch people with intellectual disabilities. This has given me the opportunity to explore many different countries. For this group, travelling is not as easy as it is for others, which makes that job diverse and grateful. I like to make visitors feel at ease, make sure they enjoy themselves, and to have good conversations about different topics. Look forward to being your guide and connect with you.

I myself live in a small village named Stompwijk. It’s located in a rural area and there are three traditional windmills that used to pump water to higher areas to form a ‘polder’. This land below sea level is now safely used by farmers and their livestock. Only a 15-minute drive away is the beautiful historic city of Leiden. Here the oldest university of the Netherlands is located, where in 1593 the first tulips were planted. Leiden knows fun streets, canals and many art and science museums. Did you know the Pilgrim Fathers lived in Leiden before they moved to the USA? There is a small museum about it.

Born and raised in the Netherlands. Traveling since 2012. Tour guide since 2018.

Together with my girlfriend I live just outside the historical center of Utrecht, in a small, very old house with a garden . My girlfriend studies at the Academy of Arts and in our free time we enjoy visiting museums in the Netherlands. I love to be active in nature and riding my race bicycle in the dunes of the North Sea.

Since I was just a baby, my parents took me all across Europe for vacations. We slept in tents. When I studied Engineering, my internship in South Africa took me for the first time outside of Europe. An incredible experience, as only a few months before, Mandela came to power and South-Africa was undergoing a momentous transition. After graduation, I traveled extensively solo to Central America, South America and Asia . Back in the Netherlands I realized, I was not ready to give up traveling for a steady job as an engineer, and instead I became a tour guide in the Netherlands and abroad.

My engineering heart gets touched at Kinderdijk windmills. The ingenuity of the Dutch people who lived 400 years ago, reclaiming land for agriculture, is incredible. I discovered Giethoorn on one of my long bicycle rides, with canals in the city center, thatched roofed farms, and over 200 wooden bridges. Lovely town.

Born and raised in the Netherlands. Traveling since 1973. Tour guide since 2003.

Bicycle rides
Good company
History & Culture
Singing birds

Born and raised in the Netherlands, I moved to Canada for a year in 2003. That is where the travel bug bit me. My husband and I like to travel a lot, exploring new places together. But we also enjoy just being home in our beautiful city, Haarlem.

Being outdoors, exploring places, meeting people and giving them a wonderful day is what makes me happy. After years in IT I needed a change and became a tour leader. First part-time for Dutch people who travel outside Europe. Since 2016, after a Tourism study, full-time in the Netherlands and a few times a year abroad. Perfect! As my husband doesn’t like it when I’m away for a long time, and I love The Netherlands.

Anywhere where there are windmills or cobblestones. (P.S. there are still 1200 windmills and 100+ old towns in the Netherlands!)

Born and raised in the Netherlands. Traveling since 2001. Tour guide since 2016.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Ice cream & chocolate
Play Pickleball
Catch up with friends

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Our Team of Local Guides

We started Amsterdam Experiences as a way to share our passion for Amsterdam. We like to show people our city, through the eyes of a local. We organise high-quality private tours and experiences so that you can explore the city in an exclusive way. We stay in close contact with you to ensure that your personal experience will be an unforgettable one.

Our team of guides are highly experienced , professional and local , adding a unique and personal touch to your visit to Amsterdam. They are friendly and knowledgeable guides who will make you feel part of the city.

Our ever-expanding team of guides is an eclectic group of people – each with his/her own style. All our Tours and Group Experience guides are English-speaking. Tours can also be held in Spanish , German , and French .

Hope to see you soon,

Stephan, Kathrine and the rest of the Amsterdam Experiences team

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Also known as: Guido the Guide. Born and raised in Amsterdam’s famous Jordaan district, right next to the Anne Frank House. Guido has been a tour guide for years (we lost count).

He combines his passion for the city with a life of writing theater, comedy, music, and screenplays. He also performs as an actor and comedian. With an unquestioned love for his hometown, Guido likes to welcome all visitors and shares his view on the ever-changing beautiful city of Amsterdam.

NL - EN - DE

Esther is a professional, certified and licensed guide who loves travel, culture and art. She is Dutch, and has been living in Amsterdam for over 25 years, so she can offer you a truly local experience!

Strolling along Amsterdam’s picturesque canals and streets is one of her favourite things. As a writer of many articles and books on history and culture, she has mastered the art of storytelling. As a guide, she brings Amsterdam’s unique history, its famous inhabitants and breathtakingly beautiful works of art to life by telling engaging stories.

Constanza, originally from Chile has been working as a tour guide in Amsterdam since 2018. She combines her passion for storytelling with art and history in her interactive tours.

Constanza started out as a bike tour guide in Amsterdam and is now also guiding museum and Amsterdam highlight tours in English and Spanish.

Jeroen was born in Amsterdam and has lived in a number of different countries. For 15 years he ran a bar, where he developed a flair for making people happy and relaxed. He has also worked as a computer programmer, a teacher and even an actor, making Jeroen a natural communicator in several languages.

Jeroen loves to take people around Amsterdam and share his many stories of this wonderful city.

NL - EN - FR - SP

Fiza was born and bred in Rotterdam but moved to Amsterdam as a young adult. She loves the city and has been a tour guide for decades. She has guided people from many different countries, walks of life, and with different interests. She knows the city inside out, and does tours on foot, by bike, boat or bus. Besides Amsterdam, she leads tours in other parts of the country too.

Apart from being a tour guide, Fiza is a teacher at VU Amsterdam, which is one of the two universities in the city. One could say that her whole life revolves around spreading useful information in an interesting manner, telling stories, and making people happy. And she loves it!

Kathrine was born in Hull (England) and is a northerner at heart. Having lived in Glasgow for many years she moved over to Amsterdam to combine her passions for cheese, street art and random quirky facts.

Kathrine is very much the ‘organisation’ of the Team and spends her days making sure everything runs smoothly. She occasionally gives tours but her passion is turning people’s wishes and dreams into reality.

Kaleigh grew up in Denver, Colorado in the US and moved to the Netherlands in 2015. Building on her B.S. in Art History, she completed her M.A. in Tourism and Culture in 2017.

Enamored with the rich history, culture, charm and everything else Dutch, working as a guide is the best way to share her passion for her adopted country.

Dennis grew up in the Dutch countryside. After travelling the world he decided to move to Amsterdam 15 years ago.

He has a wide and deep knowledge of the city. Having been a guide in Amsterdam for years, he knows the city like the back of his hand.

Dennis is a culture, food, and history lover. When you join him on his tour, you will feel like you are out with a friend. He’ll gladly share all his favorite hangouts with you.

Born in Delft and grew up in Gouda, Stephan is a real Dutchie. After a career in Technology as an Online Strategist, he decided to leave behind the corporate world to start Amsterdam Experiences. He found out that cycling around the city with international visitors is a lot more fun than a desk job!

As a host, he loves to show his guests hidden gems in Amsterdam through the eyes of a local. He has a passion for telling stories about Dutch history and culture.

Monique grew up close to Amsterdam and remembers her first visit still vividly. As a six year old she completely fell in love with the little houses and above all the great vibe. After 19 years of living in the city she has now declared herself a true Amsterdammer.

As a former journalist, Monique has a really broad interest and that’s also what you’ll find in her tours. She’s full of stories, fun facts and can walk through the city (almost) blindfolded.

Born and raised in the UK, Simon has spent the last 18 years living and working in Amsterdam, cultivating a knowledge and enthusiasm for the city which ultimately led to him sharing this passion with visitors as a professional guide.

A natural storyteller and raconteur, Simon honed his people skills through many years working in the unique atmosphere of Amsterdam’s famous coffee shops. As a long-term resident of the city’s oldest neighbourhood, Simon is able to offer unique insight into life living as a local amid the tourist hullabaloo. If you want to hear some fun and unique stories, he’s your man!

Amsterdamian is a lifestyle / photography blog focusing on Amsterdam and the Netherlands, expat life, nature, creative mojo, digital life and modern society trends. This is an invitation for you to join me in my journey, to get to know together the life, the people, the streets and all the hidden corners of this beautiful country — and then some more.

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Badass Women of Amsterdam: a Guided Tour

Posted on Sep 24, 2018 by Dana Marin

« Previous: Hot Country, Cold Winter: Armenian Film at the EYE | Next: Sunny September in Bucharest »

What do you know about the interesting women in Dutch history? The women who shaped this history, who brought changes into their communities, who fought, wrote, or just rebelled against the system for their personal gain? Would you like to know about them? If so, there’s a tour that can shine light on it: Badass Women of Amsterdam !

Elyzabeth, the tour guide, is a badass woman herself: passionate about women’s history and good stories, as well as about Amsterdam, she did a lot of research, going through the archives, translating documents, to gather material about the badass women in the Dutch history.

How did she came up with the idea of this tour?

“I’ve always been interested in women’s history, but I started studying it intensively when I got permission to research at the Folger Library as part of a fellowship. I was going through medieval and Renaissance chronicles for what I thought was going to be an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry VI plays that focused on the five main female characters woven throughout the tetralogy. I started to become intrigued by the ways you could see women exerting influence on the course of events, even as the chroniclers ignored them. I started researching the women of the time more and found that not only was there this really interesting untold story entwined with accepted history, but way more writing was done by women in medieval Europe and survived to the present day than I ever realised. The play ended up becoming a new play built from a mix of Shakespeare, found text by early women authors, and iambic pentameter that I wrote. And I was hooked on women’s history. When I got to the Netherlands, I discovered there was a wealth of stories completely unheard of in English. Not do they have a treasure trove of centuries of female authorship that hasn’t been translated, but most of the stories about women in Dutch history haven’t been translated, even though they were more openly active compared to places like England and France. “

There are two types of tours that you can take : a longer, private tour (around three hours) that takes you though the canal belt, and a shorter one (around 100 minutes) going through the medieval city centre. Both tours will give you a short history of Amsterdam to start with and will continue with the stories of the badass women. Elyzabeth knows how to captivate your attention and she is a great storyteller . I attended one of her tours and her energetic and passionate talking about fascinating Dutch women, from queens to painters and poetesses kept me hooked despite the rain that seemed determined to chase us home. We walked through the city, stopping here and there in different spots that had a meaning for the story we were about to here. It was a bit like travelling back in time, and as the night fell over us, the stories would seem more fantastic and the characters were coming to life, walking next to us in today’s Amsterdam. In the end the rain won and convinced us to retreat inside, in a warm café where Elyzabeth continued her stories while we were sipping hot chocolate or red wine.

A few names that stayed with me after the tour: Maria Tesselschade and Anna Visscher, Aletta Jacobs, Judith Leyster, Bet van Beeren — and the rest you’ll have to discover yourself, together with their stories, during the tour. For more info, you can check the Badass Tour website and write to Elyzabeth if you have any questions or want to book a tour.

Connect with Elyzabeth:

Badass Tours website .

Badass Tours Instagram

Stay tuned for more and follow Amsterdamian on Instagram and Facebook for daily stories about life in the Netherlands. Please share this post if you liked it! Don’t forget to check out my photo book: Amsterdam Through the Seasons ! If you want to buy prints and other cute objects, check out our store on Society6 !

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A Solo Girly Guide to Amsterdam

So, you are planning a solo female travel trip to Amsterdam? Are you wondering what to do or even worried about safety and security?

Don’t worry! I’m providing my experience of solo female travel in Amsterdam with all the practical information you’ll need to plan your most perfect girly trip.

For a lot of Americans at least, people associate the city with legalized marijuana (actually this isn’t even true) and the red-light district. In fact, according to Lonely Planet, recent polls have shown that only 7% of the Dutch people actually use pot and only 5% of customers frequenting the red-light district are Dutch. So, when I decided to take my first solo trip to this city, I wasn’t really sure what my experience with solo female travel in Amsterdam would be.

The short of it: 1. I was pleasantly surprised, and 2. I wanted more time.

Table of Contents

Solo Female Travel in Amsterdam : Where to Stay

My first task as a solo female traveler was finding a safe, clean, well-located yet affordable place to stay. And let me tell you, that last part wasn’t easy. Hotels in Amsterdam are generally expensive and during this time of year even more so. Even so, I was able to book a room at Hotel Adolesce for 100 euros/night. There was a bit of a mishap with my dates and ended up booking the wrong night (LOL), but the owner was so kind in letting me switch and giving me an even larger room with a canal view.

The hotel is a bit out of the crazy tourist zone and it’s nice to return to a quiet and calm location after sightseeing, But, it was still within a 20 minute walk to all the major sights. I would 100% stay here again and would recommend it as an affordable option in Amsterdam for solo, couple or friends traveling.

When visiting a new city, I like to spend some time just walking around and getting a feel for the energy and culture. Actually, I walked an average of 10 miles per day on the two days I was there! Here are some of the highlights:

Van Gogh Museum

This was my #1 priority for my Amsterdam visit and it did not disappoint. Make sure to pre-book your tickets here as soon as you know you are going to Amsterdam because it will sell out. I booked my tickets about a month in advance. This is also true for the Anne Frank House (see below), which unfortunately I didn’t realize and the tickets for the dates for my visit were sold out. If you love Van Gogh’s art and are interested in his life, I would definitely recommend making this a priority. I also recommend getting the audio guide for 5 Euros more as it gives you so much more background into Van Gogh’s works and life.

Moco Museum – Banksy Exhibit

I hadn’t planned on visiting this museum, because I didn’t know about it before my trip, but I’m so glad I decided to stop by. You really only need an hour or less and if you’re interested in Banksy’s art and street art in general, it’s a nice way to spend a little time. Also it stays open late: 7pm during the week and 8pm on Friday and Saturday. The Banksy Exhibit runs through September 2019 and you can pre-order your tickets online for a discount here .

PSA: If you know you are going to Amsterdam and you want to visit the Anne Frank house, reserve your tickets ahead of time here. You can only buy tickets online. I unfortunately didn’t realize this and when I went to reserve 2 weeks ahead of time they were sold out. Every day at 9am they release 20% of the tickets for the day so you can log on and try to purchase, but that is a risk (I was unsucessful). When I go back to Amsterdam I will definitely make this a priority and reserve well ahead.

Other Activities

This is kind of a no-brainer. If you want to see a good portion of the city while learning about the history and architecture, a Canal Tour is really the best way to do it. There are several companies that offer them, and I chose to use Lovers Canal Cruise for no reason other than I found them first. Most tours originate near Centraal Station, and you can buy tickets there or at one of several tourist offices. Pre-booking didn’t seem to be necessary, I bought a ticket the day of for a boat leaving 1/2 hour from my time of purchase.

I loved this neighborhood! Beautiful Canals, cute shops and quaint streets – this area was my favorite part of Amsterdam. I’ve linked shop and food/bar info below.

Floating Flower Market

Touristy? Yes. But it’s fun to walk through and a nice spot to buy souvenirs, from tulip bulbs, to off brand Delftware and everything in between. Make it the last stop of your daily exploring and stock up on goodies for yourself and your people back home – just make sure you get there before it closes at 5:30pm. Find more info here .

Red Light District

Yes – I was curious. So I decided to walk around the RLD and check it out. I was a little worried to go at night, but honestly I had no need to be worried. Going at 9pm it was super crowded – men, women, families, groups of tourist. I felt perfectly safe. And it was indeed something to see, but I only needed 15 minutes or so. If I were to go again I would have visited the Museum of Prostitution for background and context.

As a solo female traveler, I wouldn’t have wanted to stay too late because I imagine it only gets rowdier.

If I would have had more time I would have visited more museums, particularly the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House. Additionally, it would be nice to take a chill day and hang out in the Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest green space. Next time!

Eat & Drink

It’s funny, as a solo traveler, eating in a restaurant wasn’t a priority for me. My days consisted of walking around till I got hungry and then grabbing something on the go, because for some reason a high-end or atmospheric dining situation is much more enjoyable with another person. My “Amsterdam Diet” was walking 10 miles, stroopwafels for breakfast and vlaamse frites for dinner. That said, I did eat well, including a nice sit down lunch on a canal that I treated myself to (solo travel tip: when dining alone it’s fun to set yourself up at a place where you can people watch).

Broodje Bert | Singel 321HS, 1012 WK Amsterdam, Netherlands

Great place to grab a healthy lunch adjecent to the Jordaan. If you can and the weather permits, grab one of their canal side tables and enjoy the people watching. The burger is famous here but they also have other choices, including vegetarian options. Also very affordable!

Polaberry | Prinsengracht 232 H, 1016 HE Amsterdam, Netherlands

After following this place on Instagram , it was at the top of my lists of spots to see. Adorable little shop owned by blogger Polina Burashnikova . You’ll find handmade chocolate covered berries as well as cake pops and other goodies. There are also an assortment of girly Amsterdam themed souvenirs and stationary. Perfect idea for unique gifts for yourself or others.

Bar Parry | Eerste Looiersdwarsstraat 15, 1107 SN Amsterdam, Netherlands

This cute little wine bar in Jordaan was recommended to me by a friend. After getting caught in a downpour, it was the great spot to hide out and enjoy a glass or 2 of wine. Very quaint and solo traveler friendly!

Van Wonderens Stroopwafels | Kalverstraat 190, 1012 XH Amsterdam, Netherlands

Another instagram find! If you’re going to try fresh stroopwafels, why not make sure it’s the prettiest stroopwafel in the city? And it was also tasty – the perfect way to start a day of sightseeing.

Vlaamse Fries | Literally Anywhere, Amsterdam

Hot Fries, served in a cone and slathered in sauce were my dinner of choice after walking 10 miles a day in Amsterdam. You can find these fry shops all over the city, but here’s a guide put out by iAmsterdam if you need some recommendations. It’s a must try food if you’re visiting the city.

Unique Shopping

Kunstboer | Prinsengracht 270, 1016 HH AMSTERDAM

Unique accessories for children and adults – glittery unicorns and cute animal theme is king here. You can also customize your own apparel and accessories with their unique patches. Such a cute shop!

Locals | Spuistraat 272, 1012 VW Amsterdam, Netherlands

Loved the selection of stationary, apparel & accessories by (you guessed it) local Dutch artists.

It’s a Present! | Gasthuismolensteeg 4, 1016 AN Amsterdam, Netherlands

Another fun assortment of gifts for all ages, many with a Dutch theme. I bought the cutest little notebook here by the company Orange Panda.

Final Thoughts

Solo female travel to Amsterdam is a great idea. Amsterdam is architecture & art, canals and bicycles. It’s historic yet modern. The city is clean, safe, friendly and green. It’s compact and easy to explore on foot. Being there during tulip season and the week leading up King’s Day, it was crowded but tolerable and I was still able to wander down some quiet streets.

Amsterdam quickly became one of my favorite European cities. I would come back as a solo traveler, with my husband, with friends or with kids (some day!). Hopefully I’ll be back soon!

Allie Marie

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Ultimate Guide For a Safe Solo Trip to Amsterdam + Map

So you are thinking of doing a solo trip to Amsterdam? Right on, Amsterdam is awesome.

But is the city safe? An important question to ask for sure. Let me give you some assurance, YES! Amsterdam is safe.

Take it from me, someone who’d spend hours searching “Is Amsterdam safe for solo female travelers?” reading all the forums, asking in Facebook groups, etc.

Now, after hitting up Amsterdam solo on three different occasions over the years, I can confidently write about my experiences.

For anyone considering their first solo adventure, Amsterdam is an excellent choice. It’s an inviting city that stands out as a safe and welcoming place for solo explorers.

I’m here to guide you to the perfect Amsterdam experience and to inspire your next solo journey!

A woman alone in Amsterdam standing at the canal with little boats in background.

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What Solo Travel to Amsterdam Is Really Like…

Being in Amsterdam is incredible. The city is so freaking charming, it’s like a dream.

Being alone here didn’t feel scary or lonely even, and I was worried about that.

Now, if you are feeling unsure or hesitant about traveling alone to the Netherlands, I get it.

Going abroad can bring up a lot of feelings and nerves. Just know it’s totally NORMAL!

When I first got to Amsterdam I was pretty relieved when I realized how small the city felt.

I wasn’t overwhelmed even though there were a lot of people , it felt very manageable.

A little warning, you need to get used to the bike culture and how fast they go on the street.

But, overall the city is a 10 out of 10!

Should I Go Alone To Amsterdam?

Solo travel , in general, has so many benefits. I use solo travel as a sort of therapy or mental health check-in.

It didn’t always start as something that I loved, but rather something that made me feel sad.

Once I flipped the switch in my head about being “alone,” the world opened up.

I write a lot about how solo traveling changed my life. If you find yourself curious, even just a little, I urge you to read more.

But, as for Amsterdam, it is perfect for your solo trip for several reasons.

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Are you looking to be part of a tribe of like-minded travelers ? As a solo travel expert since 2009, I share my travel hacks and tips inside my exclusive FREE Facebook Group . Join today!

Is Amsterdam Safe for Female Tourists?

I know I went over this, but Yes it’s a safe place, especially for solo female travelers.

Nobody wants to spend their trip feeling uneasy. Thankfully, Amsterdam is that chill city where you can wander solo with ease, ticking all the right boxes for safety and vibe.

Sure, some spots like the Biljmer and certain parts of Bos and Lommer are best avoided .

But overall, Amsterdam is a fantastic choice for first timer’s.

It’s widely recognized as one of the best spots for a first solo trip, backed by many travel bloggers.

Why Getting Travel Insurance Is Important

Travel insurance is more than an optional add-on; it’s a crucial financial safety net for unexpected events, even in safe destinations like Amsterdam.

Situations like illness, accidents, or family emergencies can arise , leading to significant costs without insurance. Amsterdam, while safe , has risks like cycling accidents and petty crime.

Insurance can cover theft, loss, and travel disruptions, relieving you of potential financial stress. With a comprehensive plan, you can enjoy Amsterdam worry-free.

For my travels, I always choose Fay e for quick and reliable coverage.

8 Tips for Solo Female Travelers in Amsterdam

A woman in Amsterdam with the city in the background.

1. Research your area before visiting – familiarize yourself with the city and its neighborhoods, and get a quick visual, you can do this by using Google Maps street view. Make sure you know where the safest areas are, especially at night, for this I use Numbeo .

2. Stay in a hotel in the best neighborhood , for example, De Jordaan. Amsterdam is expensive when it comes to accommodations, but it is worth saving a little extra money and spending it on a nice hotel.

3. Don’t carry around too much cash or valuable items – keep your valuables in a hotel safe or lockers at the hostel. You can use credit cards everywhere in Amsterdam , and after I was pickpocketed when I was solo traveling in Athens, I use Apple Pay for everything.

4. Make sure to keep your copy of your passport and important documents with you at all times, but make sure they are not visible to others. I take pictures of these things and have them on my phone.

5. Don’t accept drinks from strangers; it can be easy for someone to slip something into them. This sounds obvious, but when you are on vacation your guard comes down.

6. Avoid walking alone at night and stick to well-lit areas. I also don’t have more than 2 drinks at night when I am traveling solo.

7. Be aware of pickpockets and scams. Don’t show off your cash or be too trusting of strangers. The busier the areas, such as train stations, are the areas to pay closer attention to your wallet.

8. Make sure to always keep your phone charged and connected in case of an emergency. Pack a portable charger just in case you can’t find a place to charge it. I like this one since it attaches to your phone with no extra cords!

Getting To Amsterdam

Transit from schipol airport to amsterdam city center.

I know when traveling solo it can be a little daunting to arrive in a new city alone. This is why I always research my transit options ahead of time.

When arriving by plane reaching the center of Amsterdam, there are two choices:

A taxi is an option that I advise against unless you are coming with a million bags. Traveling by taxi will cost will vary, but you could pay up to 50€.
The train is my favorite mode of transportation! This option is affordable at 4.60€ and takes about 20 mins to get into the Amsterdam Centraal Station. Get the Travel Ticket for 1-3 days.

*Trains don’t run from the airport between midnight and 5 am so you will need to take a taxi.

It’s possible if you arrive in Amsterdam by train, you may be able to walk to your hotel.

If your hotel is a bit too far to walk, there are several trams to take you and your belongings.

I did purchase the three-day public transport pass upon arriving; I used it quite often.

How to Get Around Amsterdam

When traveling to Amsterdam alone, don’t fear public transport! I found it to be very well-organized and convenient.

It is one of the main factors I consider Amsterdam to be a great city that is very well-suited for first-time solo travelers .

If you are going to be in Amsterdam for more than 3 days , I highly recommend getting a Go City Card .

💰 Solo Travel Time & Money Saving Tip: The best way to explore the inner city of Amsterdam is by getting the GO CITY Amsterdam City Card ! Gain FREE entrance to many museums and ALL public transport within the city limits!

📲 Downloadable Map of Amsterdam

📍 Download my pre-pinned Google map of all the best locations in this post!

My favorite restaurants, bars, hotels and top sights are all saved and ready to use!

👩🏻‍💻 Need Help Planning Your Trip? Get a customized itinerary !

Is it Safe in the Infamous Red Light District?

I suppose you can’t write a city guide for the Dutch capital of Amsterdam without talking about the infamous Red Light District. If you don’t know anything about the Red Light District, let me give you a brief overview.

The red-light streets contain businesses with legal prostitution. You can walk down the streets and view a variety of sex-driven displays in-store windows. Often the women working in the shops are advertising themselves as open for business.

📸 There is NO PHOTOGRAPHY allowed on these streets and no open alcohol containers. For obvious, you could understand why.

You could be surprised to know that I found the area to be very safe and orderly. Other bloggers seem to agree if you do more research on this area.

If you are interested in seeing live shows or visiting the historical museum, do a bit more research on tickets and reservation policies. A self-guided walking tour is also encouraged.

Even if you are a solo traveler in Amsterdam, I would suggest having a look if you are curious.

❗️ Worried about exploring the Red Light District alone ? I get it! I recommend joining this tour of the Red Light District!

When Should You Visit Amsterdam Alone?

The summer is really ideal for a visit to Amsterdam. Going anytime between May and September you will have the best shot at getting some comfortable weather.

Amsterdam attracts a crowd year round as it’s a great city for celebratory events such as birthdays .

I recommend you create a 3 day Amsterdam itinerary in the summer months. You’ll encounter more travelers which is a nice opportunity to make friends and join tours.

Where to Stay Solo in Amsterdam

If you don’t already know, let me be the first to tell you. Amsterdam is expensive!

Staying in the most central part of Amsterdam might just cost you an arm and a leg. It can really make or break your budget when picking hotels and hostels.

Here is where public transport links come into play. It is perfectly acceptable to stay a little outside of the centre of Amsterdam. In some cases, depending on your budget will be necessary.

Never have I visited a place quite like Amsterdam! Every neighborhood had a unique vibe and charming feel.

Pulitzer Amsterdam

Pulitzer Amsterdam is a swanky five-star hotel occupying two renovated 17th and 18th-century houses. It is located on the canal not too far from Anne Frank’s House! This hotel is my ultimate favorite.

The hotel features a range of elegant and contemporary accommodation options including Superior, Deluxe, and Suite rooms as well as Executive Apartments.

Best Budget Hotels in Safe Areas

Urban Vibes Guesthouse is a stylishly decorated, modern, and vibrant guesthouse located near the city centre.
A-Train Hotel is a great choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay while visiting the city.

Best Hostels in Amsterdam

Finding a cheap hotel room in Amsterdam is not that easy, even in the off-season, it can be a little more expensive than other European destinations.

Have a look a some of the hostels in Amsterdam here.

Things To Do in Amsterdam On Your Own

Daytime ideas.

For a first-time solo traveler in Amsterdam, there is no shortage of things to do! This city is packed with so much cultural diversity that it is hard not to define it as a first-time traveler paradise.

One of the best ways to ensure you see everything on your Amsterdam itinerary is by jumping on a Hop-on-Hop bus !

And of course, there are lots to see on the ground such as historical museums and landmarks!

If you looking to meet other fellow travelers consider joining a tour for some of the suggestions below!

Anne Frank’s House

Anne Frank’s House If you are thinking I’ll just get tickets a couple of weeks in advance, think again. They sell out months and months in advance.

You should know that 80% of Anne Frank tickets are released exactly two months ahead of time.

The other 20% are available online on the day of the tour from 9 am. Check the site regularly and keep refreshing your screen. Don’t give up!

🎟️ Tickets: Anne Frank’s House & 🚶‍♀️ Walking Tour : Jewish Quarter Tour Tickets

Jewish Culture Private Walking Tour

This 3-hour walking tour starts at Anne Frank’s House but DOES NOT tour the house. On this private walking tour of the Jewish Quarter, you will be visiting key areas in Amsterdam with a professional tour guide.

The tour commentary will be focused on the story of Anne Frank and the part the Netherlands played in the Second World War.

Visit the Portuguese Synagogue, the Jewish Museum , and all the important Jewish landmarks.

🚶‍♀️ TICKETS: Private Jewish Culture Walking Tour

Van Gogh Museum

Van Gogh Museum Getting tickets to Van Gogh is far more reasonable. Often you can go on the same day.

The website has tickets available for purchase for 13 euros.

You can really spend a day wandering between Van Gogh’s Museum and Rijksmuseum.

🎟️ TICKETS: Van Gough Museum including Canal Cruise

Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum is the Dutch National Museum that entails arts, and history and has a fair number of Van Gogh’s paintings too.

You will find the Rijksmuseum in the historical museum square. The entrance tickets can be purchased online without much of a hassle.

Stedelijk Museum

Love modern and contemporary art? Don’t miss a trip to the Stedelijk Museum ! The collections here encompass art and design from the early 20th century!

Most famously artists such as Van Gough, Andy Warhol and Willem de Kooning are here.

Plantage Amsterdam

Plantage Amsterdam – The Plantage is a large green space and luscious park located in the center of Amsterdam. It is here that you will find the zoo and botanical gardens.

If you join a bike tour, you will likely come through this area. Plantage is a great place to enjoy some quiet time on your solo trip.

My Favorite Canal Tour in Amsterdam

One of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam is to go on a canal tour, like this one . This Flagship Canal Cruise in a classic boat includes unlimited drinks of wine, beer, and soft drinks AND some Dutch cheese.

The hour-long cruise will take you on a guided tour through all of the hot spots in Amsterdam including, Anne Frank’s house, Rijksmuseum, and St. Nicholas Basilica!

Worried about being alone on a boat full of couples and groups?! You need to change your mindset. The reason you are a solo traveller in Amsterdam is to enjoy the world and treat yourself.

I promise you will meet people more when traveling alone than with anyone else. A canal tour is the perfect place to be social in a new city!

Remember, to do what you want on your trip, don’t let the “what would someone else think” determine your good time.

🚣‍♀️ TICKETS: Grab Tickets for Canal Tour

Best Bike Tours For Travellers in Amsterdam

In a city of 847,000 bikes, how could you not try a bike tour!? Well, unless you are someone who has never ridden a bike , then think again !

I won’t lie to you; it can be a little stressful on spots of the tour. You are riding on the road with other local bikers and cars. If you want to feel like a local, I recommend it.

My favorite bike tour in Amsterdam takes you to all the back streets and hidden gems of the city. The 3-hour city tour costs 37 dollars, and it is my preferred tour alternative. The guide was personable, friendly, and knowledgeable.

You can easily rent bikes by the day if you are feeling like a self-guided experience!

🚴‍♀️ TICKETS: Get Bike Tour Tickets Here !

Things to Do in Amsterdam at Night

Visit the “coffee shops” in amsterdam.

If you are visiting Amsterdam solo you might wonder if you should visit a “coffee shop”?

In Amsterdam, they don’t just serve coffee, coffee houses do… In a coffee shop, you can expect a unique and relaxed experience that combines the enjoyment of coffee, socializing, and the legal consumption of cannabis .

Coffee Shops in Amsterdam primarily refer to establishments where cannabis can be purchased and consumed, and they are different from traditional cafés that serve coffee and food.

Legal Requirements

While cannabis is legally available for purchase and consumption in the Netherlands, there are specific regulations to be aware of.

You must be at least 18 years old to enter a coffee shop, and proof of age may be required.

Evening Canal Cruise

If you want to spend your daytime visiting museums you can save your canal cruise for the evening!

Personally, I think the best time to do a small group tour on the canal is at night!

It is a great way to see the city all lit up as you cruise along the different neighborhoods through the canals of Amsterdam.

🎟️ TICKETS: Evening Canal Cruise Tickets

Go Find Live Music

A fun way to experience Amsterdam at night is to go find a live music show! Amsterdam is full of great spots offering concerts from local performers.

Patronaat, Haarlem is a spot where you will find all kinds of music such as hip hop, rock, country, and alternative.

For more of a club scene, check out Warehouse Elementenstraat ! Here you will find music from the best DJs featuring house, techno, and electronica music.

Check Out The Breweries

Looking for Breweries in Amsterdam? If you are a beer drinker you are in for a big treat!

Brouwerij ‘t IJ- Located in an old windmill (I love it already) Brouwerij ‘t IJ is one of the most popular breweries in Amsterdam.
Brouwerij de Prael- One of my favorite places for beer in Amsterdam is Brouwerij de Prael ! This microbrew is located on the western side of Amsterdam and draws a decent crowd.

Best Destinations Nearby Amsterdam

After you visit Amsterdam, you might be looking for your next destination ?! As I mentioned at the start of the post, the public transport in the area is fantastic.

The Netherlands borders Germany and would be a lovely place for you to travel to next! Take the train or rent a car and head to Bremen ! It is the perfect next stop for solo female travellers!

I can suggest the Most Idyllic Small German Towns , all reachable by train. Each place will offer you a safe environment with lots to explore!

Stay in touch and join the monthly newsletter below! If ever you have any questions, be sure to reach out to me on the Contact page !

Conclusion: Solo Travel Amsterdam

So, there you have it, folks! I absolutely fell in love with Amsterdam and I can’t recommend it enough for female travellers out there.

Whether it’s your first time hitting the road alone or you’re a solo travel pro, this city’s got something special for everyone.

Trust me, from the dreamy canals to the buzzing street life, you’re gonna have the time of your life!

Got questions about safety or how to plan your trip to Amsterdam? Feel free to hit me up ! I’m more than happy to share tips and answer any questions you’ve got. Safe travels!

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Melissa Byron, a seasoned solo traveler since 2009, is the founder & visionary behind A Solo Woman Traveling. Drawing from her extensive personal experience globetrotting solo to over 40 countries, she has dedicated herself to a mission: crafting invaluable guides and itineraries for women who embark on solo adventures.

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18 Comments

this is a great guide – thank you! I just referred to a friend who is going to Amsterdam next week for vacation.

I totally agree, Holland is an excellent place for solo travelers to strike out on their own for the first time. One of my favorite places to visit!

Wow, the vegan junk food bar sounds like a dream! Amsterdam is definitely on my list!

Sounds like a wonderful time and amazing for your fiat solo trip

European cities are always nice for solo travellers

I’ve never considered Holland as a solo female trip place. Thanks for this angle 🙂

So many great ideas on things to do in and see in Amsterdam! I love that city and after 3 visits I still cant get enough. Will check out one of your hotel recs next time for sure 🙂

Amsterdam is one of the best cities in the world! I also have always felt safe when just in Amsterdam! Thanks for the great guide.

What a great guide for a solo female! I went to Amsterdam solo in 2018 and I will be returning this summer so this guide was great, going to check out a few spots you mentioned!

Great layout! And I love the fun details you add in your posts 🙂

Not to mention that the article you wrote was fantastic. Easy to read and full of detail!

I’ve never traveled solo but it’s so nice to know that Amsterdam would give me a friendly start! Thanks for sharing, will be sure to keep in my back pocket for later.

Funny enough, I have been to Amsterdam twice in my twenties and haven’t ticked many boxes on things to do there (not even Anna Frank’s House, boohhh me). You made me want to visit again and make up for my past lazy behaviour. >D

Sooo many great ideas for a trip to Amsterdam and I loved all your advice for solo travellers too 🙂

Lovely article! Really enjoyed the description and I can imagine how much of fun it will be to travel solo to Amsterdam. After my solo trip to Prague I’ve loved the idea of exploring a place alone. I’ve visited Amsterdam with my husband but maybe one day I’ll like to make a solo trip there 🙂

You are so brave to travel solo. Love cycling so amsterdam is on my travel list. Thanks!

I really want to go back to Amsterdam as I loved the Van Gogh museum and MOCO! I will definitely save your restaurant recommendations as they look amazing!

I have read many blogs and even came across many articles that explain and describe the solo travelling by male travelers. However this is the first blog that I have came across that explains and tells us different aspects of solo travelling done by a female traveler. It has even encouraged me to opt for solo travelling and plan a trip to Amsterdam because it is easily accessible and safe for females. I just want to know more about applying for a Netherlands visa appointment so that I can get a visa for my travelling.

Hey Carby! I don’t have experience with getting a visa in the Netherlands, however I do with Germany. Germany has a lot of options to consider. Have a look at my post about getting the German Freelance visa!

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Red Light District Tour - Guided tour

Discover the famous Amsterdam Red Light District , better known as the Wallen, in a respectful and safe manner with our guided Red Light District Tour . This tour offers a unique insight into the world's oldest profession and the rich history of this fascinating district.

What can you expect during the Red Light District Tour in Amsterdam?

An enriching and respectful experience.

Our Red Light District Tour is designed to introduce visitors to one of Amsterdam's most talked-about districts in a respectful and informative manner.

Practical Information

Join our Red Light District Tour for a unique and enriching experience that offers you a different perspective on the famous Amsterdam Red Light District .

Explore the Wallen safely and informatively with our expert guides!

Furthermore Red Light District Tour is near the following sights: Red Light Secrets, Museum of Prostitution (±60 m), Oude Kerk (Old Church) (±80 m), Museum Ons Lieve Heer op Solder (±100 m), Condom shop Het Gulden Vlies (±225 m) & Hop on Hop off Amsterdam bustour (±250 m).

For information

Location of red light district tour.

The Complete Guide to the Amsterdam Red Light District

Amsterdam’s Red Light District is the world’s premier red light district. If you’re headed to Amsterdam and curious about the Red Light District, this page will provide you with a complete travel guide to the Amsterdam Red Light District and explain everything there is to know about the famous adult playground.

Amsterdam is an incredibly popular tourist destination. And one of the main things people come to see is the famous Red Light District. The world’s oldest profession is on display in central Amsterdam, as well as so much more. So read on to see what the Red Light District is all about.

Guide to Amsterdam’s Red Light District – The Basics

History of amsterdam’s red light district, prostitutes , sex museums , bars and cafes, people’s houses, something you won’t find: strip clubs, visiting one of the girls, things i’ve seen in the red light district, landlords and government regulations , red and purple lights, house rules in the red light district, other things to do in the red light district.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam Red Light District – FAQs

Amsterdam red light district – final word.

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which means that should you purchase something or get a quote through them I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the site running with up to date information. I do not represent World Nomads, Booking.com, or GetYourGuide. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy the product mentioned in this article.

Full disclosure: I have never myself visited a woman of the night in Amsterdam. In fact, the vast majority of visitors to the Red Light District are just there to look around and not actually go to a prostitute.

So a lot of what you will learn here about visiting the girls is second-hand information from friends of mine that have. But there’s much more to the Red Light District than the girls in the windows. We will go over all of that here.

If you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time make sure to read my Local’s Guide to Amsterdam and my Amsterdam travel tips for first time visitors first. Or if you’re considering a life in Amsterdam then check out my pros and cons of living in Amsterdam . Those pages go over Amsterdam in great detail, whereas this page is all about the Red Light District.

What exactly is the Amsterdam Red Light District?

The Red Light District is a section of the “de Wallen” (the Walls) neighborhood in central Amsterdam that is a designated area for prostitution and sexuality explicit shows, shops, and museums. Red light districts can be found in many cities around the world, including many other Dutch cities like Haarlem and Groningen . But none are as famous as Amsterdam.

In the Red Light District, prostitution is legal and regulated. The sex workers occupy small “windows” where they basically just have a bed, a bathroom, and a window with a curtain. Customers knock on the “window,” which is really just a glass door, to initiate a business transaction.

The Red Light District also has multiple sex shows and peep shows, where you can literally watch two people have sex or a woman perform a solo show as you sit in a room with total strangers. It’s as awkward as it sounds.

Where is the Red Light District?

Amsterdam’s main Red Light District is right in central Amsterdam. It runs along both sides of the canal at Oudezijds Achterburgwal (herein referred to as “the main canal”), with little side streets here and there. Refer to the map below for the exact location.

I say “main” red light district because there are a couple other locations in the city with red light windows. These are just across the main canal at the Oude Kerk (considered part of de Wallen), a few blocks away on Oude Nieuwstraat, and at the south side of the city on Ruysdaelkade.

The alternate red light districts are not nearly as popular and as internationally famous, so from here on out we when I say “Red Light District” I’m referring to de Wallen neighborhood in the city center.

When is the Red Light District most busy?

The Red Light District is most busy from about 10 PM to 2 AM. But it’s hard to say as it’s sort of seasonal with the sunset. Winters are darker and colder and things get going a little earlier.

There are sex workers in windows throughout the day and night, but far fewer during the day, as you might imagine. The bars and museums in the Red Light District are open during the day, but the sex theaters are only open at night.

Best time of year to visit Amsterdam’s Red Light District

The Red Light District is happening all year round. Prostitution and sex shows never take a break. But one thing to consider if you really want the complete Red Light District experience is that the district doesn’t really get going until after dark.

Amsterdam is located at about 53 degrees north, which means there’s a stark difference in sunset times between summer and winter. In June, the sun sets after 10 PM, making it light till almost 11. Oftentimes the best ladies won’t show up till it’s dark, so that means pretty late in the summer. Contrary to that, it’s pitch black by 5:00 in December, and the popular ladies tend to show up a bit earlier.

Amsterdam Red Light District in daylight

You will have to consider the weather though, as you’ll probably be outside most of the time when visiting the Red Light District. So for the best combination of decent weather and adequate darkness, October is probably the best month.

Believe it or not, prostitution has not always been legal in the Netherlands. Amsterdam’s Red Light District traces its origins back to the 13 century, when prostitutes started showing up on account of all the male sailors and traders going through the nearby harbor. It was good business and de Wallen neighborhood became known as a place you could go to get lucky with a lady of the night.

That is, until the Protestant Revolution took hold in the Netherlands. Prostitution was flat out banned in 1578. This didn’t stop it, or kill the de Wallen neighborhood. It just forced it underground. Not literally. But think of it like any prostitution in the United States or most countries where it is not legal. It still happens, just behind closed doors.

Prostitution remained this way for about 200 years until Napoleon’s army invaded. The French soldiers really liked the Dutch girls apparently, and prostitution was made legal again. (This isn’t the only effect Napoleon had on the Netherlands, he also gave them their last names ).

It remained legal in Amsterdam when the French left, even if other parts of the country outlawed it again. But sexual freedom was not to last. Yet again, in 1911, prostitution was fully banned.

This time, the prostitutes took their trade to the streets. Authorities pushed back and came to a compromise in the 1930s that the women could work behind mostly closed curtains with a red light inside that would be visible from the street. Thus, it became known as the “red light” district.

The future of the Red Light District

The modern Red Light District was born in 2000, when brothels and prostitution were fully legalized by the Dutch government. These days the curtains are fully opened with red lights blazing. If the curtain is closed, that means she is not open for business at the moment!

The future of Amsterdam’s Red Light District remains up in the air, though. There have been various movements since 2000 to move the district from de Wallen and make a special brothel building away from the city center in an attempt to discourage obnoxious tourists in de Wallen neighborhood.

Most recently the Amsterdam City Council is proposing to build a high rise brothel in the south of the city near the RAI train station that they dub the “ Amsterdam Erotic Center ”. The red light windows would be moved there and made part of a large adult entertainment complex. Something similar to Nana Plaza in Bangkok , I presume.

As of December 2023, however, Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District is still in the city center where it has been for 800 years. Many residents disapprove of the city’s proposed plans and it remains to be seen if the Erotic Center will ever actually get built. So for now, you will find all the fun stuff right where it’s always been.

Things You Will Find and Things to do in the Red Light District

So what exactly can be found in the Red Light District? Is it just prostitutes in windows? We will get into that here, but the simple answer is no, there is much more to the Red Light District than just the sex workers. We will start with them, though.

Amsterdam Red Light District girls in the windows

Amsterdam’s Red Light District revolves around prostitution, as one would expect. There are about 350 prostitutes that work in the Red Light District. There are more sex workers that work in theaters and shows, so I’m just talking about the women who you can pay for sex here.

The prostitutes work in small… let’s call them “studios”… that each feature a full height window – which is actually a door – with a red fluorescent light above the door. Inside, there is a small bed and bathroom and that’s about it. The studios are not super well-decorated or anything and surfaces will often be covered in plastic. They are utilitarian, made for business.

The Red Light District also has numerous sex theaters / sex shows. These are small theaters you go in to see a live sex show. Yes, two people will actually be having sexual intercourse right in front of you while you sit in a dark theater surrounded by strangers. Sounds fun, right?

The sex shows are more than just two people going at it, however. In fact, that’s usually just the conclusion of the show. It’s mostly female solo performers until then. The solo showgirls will do various adult themed performances, like holding a Sharpie you know where and drawing on a member of the audience.

The oldest and most popular sex theater is Casa Rosso. They run shows continuously from 7 PM to 2 AM and charge 60 euros for 8 performances. You can enter and leave any time, as the performances just repeat about once an hour. Another popular sex theater is Moulin Rouge, which is a bit cheaper at 40 euros but only has 5 performances.

You don’t need to book sex theaters ahead of time, but it’s best to go by at least an hour or two before you want to go to the show to make sure you get a ticket.

You will also find a peep show in the Red Light District at the Sex Palace. Peep shows sound like something out of the 1920s, and they probably haven’t changed much from that. Throw a two euro coin in the machine and the window will clear up. You’ll then have a direct view of the performer, who is on a rotating circular bed with about 10 peep windows facing her.

The performances at the peep show are also mostly solo female performers, but there are sometimes couples too. The establishment lets you know who is performing at the time so you’re not surprised.

Sex Palace also has private pornography viewing rooms, which is exactly as disgusting as you’re imagining. I guess it used to be popular before the internet. But I’d avoid those at all costs if I were you!

The Red Light District is also loaded with sex stores, i.e. adult entertainment stores. These stores sell mainly sex toys. You can find some pretty kinky stuff in these stores. If you’ve never been in one, it might be worth checking it out just to see what it’s all about.

There are two museums dedicated to adult entertainment in the Red Light District: The Erotic Museum and the Red Lights Secret Museum . The Erotic Museum is more of an exploration of sex and erotism, whereas the Red Light Secrets Museum is solely dedicated to educating you about the Red Light District in Amsterdam.

I recommend the Red Lights Secret Museum, while you can pass on the Erotic Museum. The Red Lights Secret Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to prostitution and it will teach you a lot about the history of the world’s oldest profession in Amsterdam.

The Red Light District is in central Amsterdam, so it’s loaded with bars and restaurants. But let’s reduce our reach to just the main canal in the Red Light District here. There are still tons of bars and some cafes, even if there are no proper restaurants sandwiched between red light windows.

The bars on the main canal are some of the more grimey bars in Amsterdam. They’re usually loud, crowded, and often dirty. Throw in the number of 19 year old intoxicated British kids in them and it’s enough to make you want to grab a drink somewhere else.

But I have to plug my favorite bar in the Red Light District, Cafe de Zeevaart . Right where the red light windows start, it’s the perfect place to sit and have a Heineken and watch random guys go into the doors across the canal. It’s the number one thing to do in the Red Light District in my book!

You might be surprised to hear this, but people do actually live in the Red Light District. Like, literally right on top of the red light windows. If you think it’s a bit weird to be cooking dinner in your kitchen while a sex worker is doing her thing with an awkward tourist one level below you, then you’re not alone. But some people are now phased by this.

The old row houses on the main canal are gorgeous, in that typical traditional Dutch architecture. The houses and apartments are not cheap to rent or buy in this area. It would be a great location if it weren’t for the constant noise all night, and the shady characters the Red Light District tends to attract.

Whatever your opinion is of the people who live here, just be respectful and don’t purposely disturb them. This is their home.

If you’re wandering the streets of the Red Light District looking for a traditional strip club, you’re going to be severely disappointed. While the Red Light District has many things, girls giving lap dances in a dark club is not one of them.

When you think about it, why would there be strip clubs, though? It’s considerably cheaper in Amsterdam to have actual sexual relations with a sex worker than it is to go to any “VIP room” at a strip club in the United States or elsewhere and be teased. Though I’m sure if you asked, one of the girls would be happy to give you a little dance instead if that’s all you wanted!

How the Red Light District Works

Visiting the Red Light District is much more enjoyable if you know how it all works. So here we will go through who it is that works in the Red Light District, how they operate, and how to visit one of them, if that is your wish.

Let’s start by talking about who these women are that work as prostitutes in Amsterdam’s Red Light District. But first, let’s get rid of the stigma about sex workers. No matter what you think about prostitution, it is legal and a thriving business here.

Sex with clients is their job. They live perfectly normal (boring) lives outside of their work, just like you and me. Many of them are in committed relationships and they hang out with friends and travel just like any other young woman.

Amsterdam Red Light District - what a girl might see inside the window

Most of the women in the windows come from Eastern Europe and very few of them are actually Dutch. They usually work 8 hour shifts (with 8 PM to 4 AM being the most common shift) and they will take as many clients as they can get in that shift.

Between clients they will stand behind the glass in thong bikinis or lingerie. Sometimes you’ll see them dancing or otherwise showing off their bodies. Sometimes you’ll also see them just sitting, on their phones usually, likely texting repeat clients or each other.

A good one can get as many as 16 clients per day. It’s flabergasting to think of having sexual relations with that many different people in one day, but that’s life as a successful Amsterdam sex worker. A girl who gets this many clients can easily bring in over 2000 euros per day. When’s the last time you made that kind of money!?

The women are all extremely attractive, fit, and friendly. Part of the allure of going to one for many men is that many of these girls are basically perfect 10s, unattainable by conventional methods. One walk down the main canal and you’ll see what I mean.

Even if you don’t plan on hiring one of the ladies, I still suggest you read this section just to know how it works. Again, I’ve never visited one of the ladies myself, other than just knocking on the window a couple times to see what they say, but this info is second-hand from a trusted friend, and not just hearsay.

In Amsterdam, you initiate contact with the ladies. This is contrary to many other places in the world where sex workers will approach you and try to sell their services, like Bangkok or Las Vegas . In Amsterdam (and the Netherlands in general), it’s up to you.

The ladies are essentially on display as you walk the streets and alleyways of the Red Light District. Sometimes they will tap on the window from inside and smile at you, especially if they see you looking at them, but that’s about as much salesmanship as they do until you go inside.

When you find a girl you like, you make eye contact with her and go up to her door and she will open it up. Not all the way, more like crack the door to speak with you. She will say something to you like “hi, you come to Amsterdam for sex?” (Yes one of them really did say that) or something that gauges your actual interest.

bed inside the Amsterdam Red Light District

Once she’s determined that you’re serious about this, she will invite you in and close the curtain. The starting rate for a sex worker in Amsterdam is 50 euros. This gets you in the door and theoretically gets you sexual intercourse. Every girl has her own rules, but typically the 50 euros will just cover a couple minutes with no touching. Basically you just lay there until she says time’s up.

This is where the extra charges come in. Everything after that is a negotiation and it depends on exactly what you want. If you want sensual contact and to finish on your terms, it will cost you extra. If you want round 2, it will cost you extra. Negotiate and be clear on the terms ahead of time, or you might end up getting suckered into paying hundreds of euros.

According to the Red Light Secrets Museum, the average time a man is inside with a sex worker is 6 minutes. These women are professionals and know exactly what they are doing. And in case you’re wondering, yes they do have condoms so you don’t need your own.

Once the deed is done you get dressed and be on your way. She will freshen up then open back up the curtain and wait for her next customer. You’re nothing more than a client well served she’ll forget about tomorrow!

One of my favorite things to do when friends visited was to go down to the Red Light District and grab beers at Cafe de Zeevart. From the bar you can see across the canal to four windows that are usually occupied after 9:00 PM. We’d all bet on which girl would get the next customer. Winner was exempt from buying the next round of beers. Sounds strange, but don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!

From that vantage point over the years I saw quite a few interesting things, such as:

An elderly man who was in there with a blonde girl for about 45 minutes (which is super long!).
A young guy who was with a girl for literally 2 minutes, barely enough time to undress and redress.
A group of 5 young guys all go in together and come out together about 20 minutes later.
An older guy visit one girl then go a few doors down to another.
One girl have four different guys in about a 45 minute span.

So how is all of this regulated? Do the girls own these little studios they work in? Let’s discuss all that here.

First, the main reason that prostitution was legalized in the Netherlands is because the government figures it’s going to happen anyways, so might as well regulate and tax it. It’s far safer for the girls to have it legal than to have it underground with pimps and international human smugglers.

The girls in Amsterdam do this voluntarily. There are no pimps taking all their money. Only the Dutch government and their landlords eat into their profits. They are each sole proprietors that essentially run their own business.

The studios they use, however, are owned by separate individuals or corporations. The girls rent out the space on an hourly basis. It costs at least 100 euros for an 8-hour rental. The room rental is a business expense.

The girls pay taxes on their money just like anyone else living in the Netherlands. And given how much money they can make, they actually contribute significantly more than the average white-collar worker in Amsterdam. Although, with their payment method being cash only, who knows how much they actually report on their tax returns!

While you’ll see mostly red lights in the windows, not every light is red and it’s important to know what the other colors mean. If you see a purple (or blue) light at a window, this means that the sex worker is trans. There are a few purple and blue lights scattered around, but they are not on the main canal through the Red Light District.

Now that we’ve gone over how the Red Light District works let’s go over a few things you can’t do.

No photos of the girls – you cannot snap photos of the girls in the windows. If you do and they see you, they will come out and beat your ass. You can take overall photos of the street and canal but under no circumstances should you point your phone directly at a girl.
No open container – this is new as of 2019, but you can no longer freely drink on the street in the Red Light District. This law was enacted to limit idiotic behavior from drunk tourists. So no beers in your hand as you walk the street. You will get a citation.
Don’t accept or buy drugs from anyone – this is more of a general safety rule. There are some shady characters that hang out on the street and try to sell drugs to drunk people. The drunker you are, the more pushy they will be. Never buy drugs from any of the street dealers in the Red Light District. You don’t know what you’re getting, so just don’t do it.
Cash only – the sex workers only accept cash. Do not go to them if you don’t have cash or can’t get cash from one of the many nearby ATMs.
Do not be aggressive or violent towards the girls – this goes without saying, but you will get in trouble. There’s policemen everywhere in the Red Light District and they are looking out for the best interests of the girls, not for you.

We have already gone through the sex-related things to do in Amsterdam’s Red Light District. But there is much more to de Wallen neighborhood than just prostitution and sex shows. On the streets off the main canal you’ll actually find all sorts of great restaurants, bars, and other attractions.

De Oude Kerk

De Oude Kerk (“the old church”) is the oldest cathedral in Amsterdam. Dating back to the 14th century, it’s one of the most architecturally impressive churches in Amsterdam, though it might pale in comparison to the cathedrals in places like Ghent or Cologne.

The church is open daily from 10-6 and charges 13.50 euros for entrance. You can buy a ticket online ahead of time, but it’s not required.

Borstplaat in Brons

The Borstplaat in Brons is a nifty piece of street art from 1993 just outside de Oude Kerk. Borstplaat in brons literally means “breast plate in bronze”. It’s a tiny sculpture almost hidden in the cobblestone street that features a bust of a woman’s breasts with a hand touching the left breast.

It’s a nod to the history of prostitution in Amsterdam and if you’re not on the lookout you’ll certainly miss it. The exact location is here . Just be sure to look down.

Have a good meal

There are a ton of great restaurants in and around the Red Light District. There are also some god awful restaurants. But if you follow my recommendations you’ll be sure to avoid the touristy overpriced restaurants full of mediocre food.

I’ve dedicated an entire article to Dutch food and you can find my top 10 restaurants in Amsterdam there.

Have a craft beer

Just off the main canal you’ll find the brewpub for Brouwerij de Prael , one of the best Breweries in Amsterdam . The brewpub serves great food and beer in a lively environment. Often full with tourists and locals alike, it’s a great place to get a taste of Dutch craft beer near the Red Light District.

Get your smoke on

If you’re into marijuana, as you probably know already it’s legal and regulated in the Netherlands (just like prostitution!). The establishments where you can buy and smoke (or eat edibles) marijuana are known as “coffee shops” and they are all over the Red Light District.

Just know that you can’t just openly smoke weed on the streets of Amsterdam. You must be at one of the coffee shops, on their terrace, or at a private residence.

Take a tour

Being such a popular tourist attraction, there are a ton of companies offering tours of the Red Light District. The guides will teach you about the history of the district (though if you’ve read through this entire article you probably know more than them now!) and show you all the best spots. Some options on GetYourGuide are below.

Amsterdam Red Light District and Coffee Shop Tour
Amsterdam Red Light District Tour

As you’ve gathered by now, the Red Light District can get pretty loud and stay loud all night. If you’re looking for a quiet night, the heart of the city center is not ideal. However, once you get outside the peak city center, it gets much quieter at night and there are tons of great hotels.

The bigger issue with choosing where to stay in Amsterdam is your budget. Hotels in the city can be really expensive. If you want to save a few bucks and still stay at a nice place, consider staying by Sloterdijk train station, especially the Mercure . Just 5 minutes away by train, the hotel prices are much more reasonable and it’s super easy to get into the city center.

Budget: The Flying Pig Hostel

Affordable: Mercure Sloterdijk

Mid-range: The Hendrick’s Hotel

Luxury: Andaz Amsterdam

Travel Insurance

When visiting Amsterdam you’ll want to have a quality travel insurance policy. We use World Nomads when we travel and can recommend them. You can find a great policy on World Nomads by using the link below.

How much does it cost in the Red Light District?

Visiting one of the girls in Amsterdam’s Red Light District cost at least 50 euros to get in the door. Everything beyond that is negotiable and it’s up to the girl to set the price.

Can couples go to the Red Light District Amsterdam?

Many couples find the sex shows exhilarating to attend together. But that’s totally a decision for you and your partner. If you’re looking for a couples experience with a woman of the night, all you have to do is ask – and pay, of course.

What time do the girls come out in the Red Light District?

There are girls working in the Red Light District 24 hours a day (with the exception of 6-8 AM). But if you’re looking for the time when the most beautiful, most prolific girls come out, that’s usually between 8-10 PM, depending on the season. They come a bit later in the summer when the sun doesn’t set till past 10.

What do Amsterdam’s 3 X’s mean?

Contrary to what some people might say, the XXX in the Amsterdam coat of Arms has nothing to do with sex or pornography. It actually represents 3 St. Andrews’s crosses. The symbol goes back well before XXX became internationally synonymous with pornography.

Amsterdam has the most famous red light district in the world. People come from all around the world to see the famous girls in the windows. But there are many things to do in the Red Light District even if you don’t want to visit a woman of the night.

Hopefully after reading through this guide to Amsterdam’s Red Light District you are prepared for an awesome time in the city!

Chris Heckmann

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Jessie on a Journey | Solo Female Travel Blog

Solo Trip To Amsterdam: How To Have An Amazing Trip On Your Own

Words & photos by Diti Asiag. This guide to solo travel in Amsterdam is written by a local and contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Considering a solo trip to Amsterdam ?

Then you’re in the right place, as the following guide will help you travel Amsterdam alone with confidence and have an incredible time.

Amsterdam is the Dutch capital often referred to as the “Venice of the North.”

It’s one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and is probably most famous for having no fewer than 165 canals, 1281 bridges, and 75 museums!

Additionally, this unique city has an abundance of things to offer visitors; rich history, art and culture, stunning architecture, picturesque views, and vibrant nightlife.

Keep reading to learn how to plan an unforgettable Amsterdam solo travel itinerary. As an Amsterdam local, I can’t wait to share this incredible city with you!

Amsterdam Solo Travel Top Picks: ✈️ Airport Transfer: Click here to book 🏨 Amsterdam Hotels: Some of my favorite accommodations for solo travelers include: – Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht – INK Hotel Amsterdam – MGallery – Flying Pig Downtown (hostel) Click here for an Amsterdam accommodation map with pricing 🎉 Things To Do: A few top picks for Amsterdam tours include: – Amsterdam Alternative Culture Walking Tour with Local Food Sampling – Bike Tour of Amsterdam’s Highlights & Hidden Gems – Anne Frank Guided Walking Tour through Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter Click here for a full list of local Amsterdam tours ☔ Solo Travel Safety: While Amsterdam is safe for solo travel, it’s still smart to pack travel safety essentials . One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves . 🚅 Train Travel: Omio 🏥 Travel Insurance: SafetyWing 📞 Staying Connected: Airalo eSIM

Table of Contents

Learn How To Travel Amsterdam Solo (Free Course!)

Now, before we dive into our solo travel Amsterdam guide , I invite you to grab a seat in the free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course .

The six-day ecourse is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
How to choose your perfect solo trip
How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
How to travel by yourself and take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve grabbed your seat, keep reading to learn about traveling to Amsterdam alone.

Why A Solo Trip To Amsterdam Is A Great Idea

Okay, so let’s start by talking about why enjoying female solo travel to Amsterdam is absolutely something you should consider and why the city is one of the best places in Europe for solo travel .

First of all, no Netherlands travel guide would be complete without talking about this exciting city. There is truly so much to do and see in regards to history, culture, art, food, nature, and more.

Moreover, Amsterdam is a safe city to visit for women of all ages. From my own experience of living here for over 17 years and speaking with solo female travelers, women experience little if any harassment here.

That being said, it’s important to remember — as you would anywhere else you visit — to be mindful of where you are and follow normal safety precautions just to be on the safe side.

In terms of solo female travel , Amsterdam is safe to explore on your own. The locals are friendly and open-minded, and they enjoy meeting new people from around the world.

You also don’t have to worry about getting odd stares when doing things on your own and sitting at a restaurant by yourself, as everyone is free to be and do as they please.

In my opinion, that is really the beauty of this city; the vibe here feels very liberating.

Don't miss the City Center on a solo trip to Amsterdam

Another thing that makes Amsterdam easy to wander through and discover on your own is reliable and safe public transport.

Having said that, Amsterdam is a compact city compared to other European capitals. The center is relatively small and most of the sights and attractions are close together, meaning that seeing the beauty of the city is possible on foot.

English is spoken well by most people, as well as other languages like German and French.

On that note, let’s dive into some important tips for enjoying solo travel to Amsterdam :

The Best Time To Visit Amsterdam

The best time to visit Amsterdam is from spring in late April through the summer until September. This is when the weather is at its best and it’s wonderful to be outside.

The fall months from late September to early November can be pleasant as well; however, there is a bigger chance of sometimes having bad weather.

Getting To Amsterdam From Schiphol Airport

The cheapest way to get from the airport to the city center is by train.

The trains here are comfortable and punctual. There is a train running to Amsterdam every 10 minutes, and a ticket will cost you €4.60 (Euros).

The train will take you to Amsterdam’s Central Station — also known as Amsterdam Centraal. This station is located in one of the most beautiful buildings of the city built between 1881 and 1889.

From the main hall, you will find bus routes, trams, and the metro to connect with any part of the city you need to get to.

The other option is to use a licensed taxi — though note that it will be pricy, especially if you’re traveling solo and don’t have anyone to split the fare with. The short journey will cost you between €45 to €50.

Note that if you’re arriving to the airport between midnight and 5am then a taxi is your only option.

Practical Tips For Visiting Amsterdam Solo

Before we start, here is some important practical information you should know:

1. You can pay with a debit card almost everywhere in Amsterdam — as well as credit cards, though not in every shop. I would recommend having some cash with you for small purchases, local markets, taxis, and emergencies.

2. The Dutch weather may be less reliable than you are used to. The weather can change rapidly and even during summer, you can have two seasons in a matter of hours. In the last few years — possibly due to global warming — spring and summer have been very warm. When you pack, please keep this in mind.

3. Yes, you are expected to tip in Amsterdam! For some strange reason people tend to think that the Dutch don’t tip well, but we do! We tip between 10-12% in restaurants and bars.

4. Carry a water bottle when you are sightseeing in Amsterdam. This is not only cheaper and more convenient, but it is also a more sustainable way to travel . This way you won’t have to purchase plastic drink bottles when out and about.

5. Have an adaptor with you in Amsterdam for your electrical devices. Here is a budget-friendly one you can buy .

6. The cheapest way to have internet in Amsterdam is by purchasing a local SIM card for your phone. It is important to have internet — and not just for sharing beautiful travel photography on social media. You will need it for navigation, online purchases for Amsterdam museum tickets and other attractions, paying for parking, and safety reasons like downloading travel safety apps .

7. Amsterdam shopping tip: Most tourists flock to the main pedestrian shopping street called the Kalverstraat (near Dam Square) or to Leidsestraat. If you would like to shop beyond the usual H&M or Zara, I recommend the Utrechtsestraat shopping passage and the Nine Streets neighborhood for unique boutiques and outside-the-box options including vintage stores.

8. Get an iAmsterdam City Card and save money. The iAmsterdam City Card is a pre-paid pass and discount card to museums and other Amsterdam attractions around the city. It also gives you free access to public transport. If you plan to visit museums and attractions during your visit, it is worth checking their free entry and discounted admission list. You can buy it at the airport or tourist information offices.

Exploring Damrak Avenue during solo travel Amsterdam

How To Get Around Amsterdam

Amsterdam is very easy to explore. It is small, accessible, and easily done on foot — though if you want to explore the different neighborhoods you can use the tram or the metro.

You can also take a tuk-tuk for a short sightseeing tour.

Here are a few tips for getting around on your solo trip to Amsterdam: 1. The local way to get around Amsterdam is by bike but please, do not rent a bike if you can’t ride a bike! It can get very busy and hectic on the bike path. Moreover, locals ride like no one else you have ever encountered and have zero tolerance for tourists on bikes. If you’re up for the task, Yellow bikes and Rent-A-Bike are very popular with visitors.

2. Amsterdam has great public transportation that connects all parts of the city. Trams run until midnight, and then from midnight to 5am you have night buses. Note: I personally don’t feel comfortable taking the night bus and would recommend skipping it if possible. 3. To be able to use Amsterdam’s public transportation you will need a tourist OV Chipcard. Note: Buying your ticket in cash on the tram is no longer possible! If there is a conductor on the tram, you may purchase a card using your debit card but not cash. You can buy a single-use tourist chipcard or an anonymous OV-Chipkaart at public transport service desks or from the ticket vending machines in stations.

Depending on how often you’ll take public transportation, it may make sense to opt for a 24-hour ticket. Usually, it is cheaper this way than buying single cards each time.

Important note:

You will need to scan the card when you get on and when you get off the tram, bus, or metro. Failing to do so means your card is invalid for your next trip. I can’t tell you how many tourists I’ve seen arguing on the tram, saying they bought their card only 10 minutes ago and so it must still be valid.

Again, don’t forget to scan it when getting off!

4. Know how to avoid getting ripped off in a taxi in Amsterdam. Make sure the rate is arranged before you start the journey. To avoid getting ripped off by a taxi driver, it’s helpful to ask your hotel for specific directions and a suggested rate beforehand.

Additionally, I always act on the side of caution when taking a taxi and have someone on the phone with me during my ride. There have been stories about taxi drivers trying to hit on female passengers and I want to avoid this.

5. Uber is an option in Amsterdam, too. Consider installing the app before you leave home so you have it ready to go.

Enjoying the views from the rooftop of the W Hotel on a solo trip to Amsterdam

Where To Stay In Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s city center and the canal belt that surrounds it is really where the magic happens!

There are beautiful hotels along the canals and in the city center. You will find boutique hotels here that are modern and yet have lots of character and are safe places to stay in Amsterdam .

In terms of charm, there are three main canals dug during the Dutch Golden Age. When wandering around you have stunning Dutch architecture to admire as well as museums, bars, restaurants, and lovely shopping streets.

The biggest advantage of staying in the heart of Amsterdam is that you are within walking distance of all the major attractions Amsterdam has to offer.

If you are in Amsterdam for the first time, I highly suggest staying here rather than in one of the suburbs.

Amsterdam has a wide selection of hotels visitors can choose from to match different styles and solo travel budgets .

These are some of my favorite Amsterdam hotels offering an amazing city experience:

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Amsterdam Centraal Station

Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht – a concept by Hyatt

INK Hotel Amsterdam – MGallery

The Hoxton, Amsterdam

Some solo female travelers prefer to stay in a social hostel with common areas and group events where the chance to meet fellow solo travelers is greater.

In that case, the Flying Pig Downtown is a popular place to stay with people backpacking in Amsterdam.

Additionally, the Cocomama and Max Brown are some of the best hostels for solo travelers in Amsterdam.

If you’d like some additional options or to price compare, here is a local accommodation map showing a mix of hotels and self-contained rentals:

You can also click this link to pull up the map.

Safety Tips For Solo Female Travelers To Amsterdam

As I mentioned at the start, using common sense and keeping your wits about you is the key to staying safe while on the move. Always let someone know where you are and what you are planning to do.

Here are some other Amsterdam safety tips:

1. Don’t buy drugs from street dealers in Amsterdam. This should go without saying, but because Amsterdam is popular with drug tourism I think it’s important to mention. Not only is buying drugs off the street illegal, but it’s dangerous, too.

2. Beware of pickpocketers in busy areas and on Amsterdam’s public transport. While solo travelers don’t need to worry too much about violent crime, it’s smart to know how to avoid pickpockets to keep your valuables safe.

Building on this, never walk around with your phone or other valuables in your back pockets. Consider using a front or cross-over bag — like these — instead of a backpack so to keep your belongings safe.

While we’re talking about valuables, it’s probably smart to leave your passport in your hotel’s safe along with your other valuables.

3. Don’t walk in Amsterdam’s cycle paths. It’s a sure way to get hit and potentially badly injured.

4. Stay safe in Amsterdam’s coffee shops: Please beware when smoking and drinking by yourself. In general, the only people you’ll find here will be tourists — and not always tourists with the best intentions. Building on this, don’t accept drinks from strangers and don’t leave your drink unattended.

5. Street harassment can happen anywhere . That being said, in my 17 years of living in Amsterdam I’m happy to say I have never encountered it. Should you receive unwanted male attention most times if you ignore the person and walk past they will get the hint. 6. Know what areas of Amsterdam to avoid. The Biljmer as well as parts of the Bos and Lommer neighborhoods are not considered the best to hang out in, and I recommend avoiding them. Besides, unless you live there, there’s nothing to see there.

7. Notes on the Amsterdam Red Light District: Much has been written about this quarter known for its prostitutes and sex shows, and tourists do flock there; however, I personally don’t understand why. In fact, I advise you to spend your time elsewhere — not necessarily because of safety issues, but because there is no shortage of worthwhile things to see and do in Amsterdam.

That being said, if you must visit the Red Light District, I suggest going during the day when the atmosphere is friendlier and more relaxed.

During the evening it is very crowded and unpleasant to stroll through.

Also, there is absolutely no photography allowed here. Please respect the privacy of the women who work in this district.

If it’s Amsterdam solo nightlife you’re after, there are better places to enjoy your nights where you won’t have to worry about things around you. You’ll find some recommendations below in the food and drink section of this Amsterdam solo travel guide.

8. Keep the address of your Amsterdam hotel handy. You might even consider carrying around their business card to have it within reach at all times.

Sailing on the Amstel Canal during solo travel to Amsterdam

Unforgettable Things To Do In Amsterdam As A Solo Traveler

Looking for fun things to do in Amsterdam on your own? Don’t miss the following local experiences!

Remember, one of the biggest benefits of traveling alone is having ultimate freedom over your schedule, so feel free to adapt the below suggestions to suit your itinerary.

1. Explore a local Amsterdam museum (or three!)

You are spoiled for choice in Amsterdam when it comes to museums, as the city has about 75 to choose from.

One suggestion: stroll through the Rijksmuseum to admire the Dutch Masters. It is huge so you will need to devote serious time to it. Or you can head directly to one of the most famous paintings in the world called The Night Watch by Rembrandt.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Amsterdam , there is no entry fee to enjoy the Rijksmuseum Gardens .

Additionally, I would recommend the following museums as important additions to your Amsterdam itinerary:

Anne Frank House , where you can learn about Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank and see her family’s secret annex.
Moco Museum , which puts on expos featuring Banksy, Warhol, and Dali.
Van Gogh Museum , a museum dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries.

As you can see, exploring the museums when going to Amsterdam on your own is worthwhile.

Enjoying the Moco Museum during female solo travel to amsterdam

2. Visit the Lord in the Attic Museum

This is probably one of the best-hidden churches and museums in Amsterdam!

It’s a unique museum that stretches over three canal houses dating back to the 17th century. These houses were secretly connected at a time when Catholics could not freely practice their religion in the Netherlands.

The museum showcases what life was like centuries ago — though the cherry on top is the beautiful Catholic church in the attic, which is not visible from the outside.

Additionally, the decor, furniture, and architecture are in the Golden Age style.

3. Explore the Westerkerk

Located next to the Anne Frank House, you’ll see a church and tower called the Westerkerk .

This large church and high tower are mentioned several times in Anne Frank’s diary written while the family was in hiding from the Nazis.

Apart from the history and beautiful architecture, if you climb to the top of the tower you are guaranteed spectacular panoramic views of Amsterdam.

4. Spend time at the Royal Palace of Amsterdam

If you like palaces, step inside the Royal Palace of Amsterdam in Dam Square.

It’s one of three palaces in the Netherlands. While the facade is beautiful, visitors can also explore the interior and tour the stately rooms.

Opposite the palace, you’ll find the National Monument of Amsterdam, a World War II memorial honoring the nation’s fallen soldiers.

Visiting the Royal Palace is one of the top things to do in amsterdam

5. Explore Amsterdam’s canals by boat & bike

No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without taking a canal cruise , like this budget-friendly option or this luxury option with Champagne included .

On a canal cruise, you’ll learn about the city’s history and see some true Amsterdam hidden gems that aren’t easily seen while exploring on foot.

Moreover, what you see from the water you cannot see from land, so bring your camera for unique photos.

Most of these cruises depart from near Amsterdam Centraal station.

Feeling sporty?

Another option idea is to rent a canal bike, which is a small boat with foot pedals.

Add cheese and a small bottle of red wine to the mix and you’re set to have fun on the water.

Just don’t forget to take a map!

Overall, going on a canal cruise or riding a bike to explore the city’s canal are must activities in Amsterdam for solo travellers.

6. Visit a Buddhist temple

Visit Fo Guang Shan , a Buddhist temple in the historical and colorful neighborhood of Nieuwmarkt.

This area is also known as Chinatown and is worth a stroll through.

The temple is beautiful as it stands out from the traditional Dutch architecture found here. The golden roof tiles and traditional ornamentation for the temple were flown in specially from China.

If you’re looking to ground yourself or still your mind, the Buddhist temple serves as a meditation center.

7. Wander Amsterdam’s Vondel Park

Here you can have a picnic and just chill out with the locals and other travelers. If you’re traveling solo in Amsterdam, consider bringing a picnic and offering to share with new friends.

Vondel Park is Amsterdam’s version of NYC’s Central Park. It is where locals like to unwind, walk, jog, and enjoy the sun with friends.

There is art to see throughout the park, too, the highlight of which is a sculpture named The Bird located at the southern end of the park made by Picasso!

This outdoor sculpture was created in 1965 to commemorate the park’s 100th birthday.

Vondel Park is home to one of the best terraces in Amsterdam !

8. Admire Amsterdam’s architecture

If you’re traveling alone in Amsterdam, take to the streets and don’t forget to look up!

The most beautiful symbols and typical Dutch features can be found at the top of the houses.

Plantage Middlelaan, the Nine Streets, and the Jordaan are my favorite neighborhoods to wander around in for architecture.

Moreover, the cobbled streets surrounding the canals feature big, beautiful, and of course high-end homes. My recommendation is to wander around the Herengracht and the Keizersgracht canals.

9. Expand your palate with global cuisine

Try local and international delicacies in the Foodhallen . This is an indoor food market where even the pickiest eaters can find something to satisfy their taste buds.

Speaking of markets, most tourists go to the Albert Cuyp Market in the Pjip neighborhood. This market has some delicious food stands serving items like stroopwafels — which are thin waffles filled with maple — and poffertjes which are tiny pancakes with sprinkled sugar powder on top.

10. Shop at the Netherlands’ oldest flea market

I also love visiting the Waterlooplein Flea Market , a big outdoor bazaar showcasing over 300 stalls that is the oldest flea market in the Netherlands!

11. Have fun & take in the views from ADAM Tower

Cross over to Amsterdam Noord by using the free ferry behind Central Station. On the other side, you can visit the ADAM Tower . This tower has an amazing lookout point at the top offering stunning panoramic views of Amsterdam.

On the entry-level as well as the top floors, they offer fabulous restaurants and activities. DJs play there on weekends, for example, in the Moon and Madam restaurants.

This all being said, the best part is definitely the swing on the 22nd floor which is the highest swing in Europe !

Located right on the edge of the building, there are three swings. Swinging on it is terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.

Visit the ADAM Tower when going to Amsterdam on your own

12. Have a cinematic experience at Eye Film Institute

The Eye Film Institute is a fun and interative experience.

This museum has a great archive of movies and they do screenings of Dutch as well as international films on occasion.

13. See an incredible Amsterdam sunset

Watch the sunset from Pllek , a restaurant with full views of the water and the city in front of you.

Along with having delicious food, they put on fun events like musical and theater performances as well as yoga classes.

14. Rent a bike & explore Amsterdam

Remember, do this only if you can bike!

If you can, cycling is a great way to feel the beat of the city and take in Amsterdam’s charm.

Renting a bike in Amsterdam is simple, too, as you have many rental companies — mostly around Central Station and Dam Square.

15. Spend time exploring Westergasfabriek

Westergasfabriek is a former gasworks that has been transformed into a cultural venue.

Here you’ll find restaurants, art galleries, music, and a big park to stroll through.

16. Enjoy mother nature at the Amsterdamse Bos

Amsterdamse Bos is a huge nature park that is three times the size of NYC’s Central Park.

Here you’ll find a big lake, multiple forests, grasslands, hiking trails, sporting events, and more. You can definitely spend a day here immersing yourself in greenspace!

Visiting The Begijnhof is one of the top things to do in Amsterdam on your own

17. Explore secret Amsterdam at the Begijnhof

The Begijnhof is a hidden courtyard right in the heart of the city. In fact, it’s located just off the main shopping street — though you would never guess it’s there.

This beautiful and peaceful inner courtyard dates back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest courtyards in Amsterdam.

It features historic houses where religious single women used to live together after they vowed chastity.

18. Have a beer at Brouwerij ’t IJ

Instead of the Heineken Experience, head to Brouwerij ’t IJ , a small yet beloved local brewery.

It is located next door to the De Gooyer Windmill, the tallest wooden mill in the Netherlands at 26.6 meters (~87.3 feet) high.

Best Tours For A Solo Trip To Amsterdam

Another must-have experience when enjoying solo travel in Amsterdam : join a walking tour to connect with other solo travelers!

A few highly-rated local tours include:

Amsterdam Alternative Culture Walking Tour with Local Food Sampling
Discover Amsterdam’s Art and Culture with a Local
Bike Tour of Amsterdam’s Highlights & Hidden Gems
Amsterdam Cheese Tasting with Wine & Beer Pairing
Anne Frank Guided Walking Tour through Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter

Click here for a full list of local Amsterdam tours .

Where To Eat & Drink In Amsterdam

Now let’s talk about food in Amsterdam!

The culinary options in Amsterdam are remarkable and honestly, endless. You’ll be able to find any type of cuisine you like — and then some.

To help you discover the tasty side of the city, I’ve comprised a list below featuring a mix of trendy bars and restaurants as well as yummy and relaxed pitstop options.

All are fabulous and are great for solo dining in Amsterdam !

Corner Bakery is great for solo dining in Amsterdam

The Corner Bakery: Visit for a beautiful, colorful, and over-the-top breakfast or brunch. Do not even try to count calories here. Jansz: This spot is perfect for a lazy brunch, afternoon drinks, or fancy dinner after exploring the Jordaan and the Nine Streets neighborhoods. For some fun Amsterdam solo nightlife head over to Satchmo , a bar and restaurant that plays a lot of Jazz. They have live music during the weekends, a lively crowd, and delicious food! MOMO is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering a great combination of exotic drinks on the bar and delish sushi and Eastern fusion dishes in the restaurant. It’s beautifully designed, totally trendy, and buzzing with good energy! Go on the Pancake boat : This activity I have to admit is still one of my favorites. I take all my visitors on this tour. During this cruise, you can see incredible views of Amsterdam from the water while enjoying traditional Dutch pancakes — which are large and thin and covered with toppings both sweet and savory. The cruise leaves from Amsterdam-Noord and lasts around 2.5 hours. You can’t visit Amsterdam without trying Bitterballen, a classic and yummy Dutch snack traditionally made with meat filling; however, these days new modern options are available — including a vegetarian one. At Bar Bitterbal you have a wide selection of over 25 different flavors to sample in a cozy atmosphere with great vibes. My favorites? Smoked salmon, goat cheese, ricotta combined with mozzarella, and hummus.

Learn how to plan a trip to Amsterdam solo

Enjoy a meal at REM Eiland : This quirky restaurant is located on the former broadcast platform of an illegal television station that broadcasted commercial television against the government’s wishes in 1964 — and got away with it for a bit thanks to its location in international waters. Here you can enjoy a fun culinary experience and wonderful views of Amsterdam from above.

Cafe Panache : Where margaritas come in carafes! Need I say more? 5&33: Located in the Art’otel opposite Central Station. It is modern with unique art displayed all over. Downstairs you can explore art and photography exhibitions.

Floor 17: Enjoy stunning views of the city while holding a cocktail in your hand at this hip rooftop bar. Another rooftop I love is on the 6th floor of the W Hotel near Dam Square. Pulitzer Hotel Bar: This bar is dark and cozy with velvet decor and lovely canal views. LuminAir Amsterdam : Located on the 11th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton, this bar offers panoramic views of the city, yummy cocktails, and bites to go pair. They also have a beautiful rooftop terrace. When the Dutch want to unwind and have a spontaneous beer with friends after work, they often go to what’s called a “brown cafe”. This type of traditional bar is where people stand and chat; it’s not a place for cocktails and finger food. You can find a few good ones in Rembrandt Plein like Heeren Aan de Amstel .

Amsterdam canal with bikes lined against it

Where To Enjoy Brunch In Amsterdam

A weekend in Amsterdam just isn’t the same without brunch. Luckily, Amsterdam has many unique and delicious spots to choose from, allowing you a different culinary experience every weekend! On lazy Sundays, a boozy brunch is a fun thing to do, which allows for delicious food and drink in a relaxed yet lively atmosphere.

A few recommendations include:

Gs : This is one of my favorites mainly because of the atmosphere. It’s unique, fun, and a bit cheeky. A must-try is their Brunch Boat, where you can enjoy a brunch with bottomless drinks while cruising on a canal! They sail on the weekends boarding at Keizersgracht 177. Reservations are a must.

Benji’s : Feel as if you’re in Bali for a couple of hours. This space has a beautiful tropical design that makes for a relaxed vibe. There are three locations in Amsterdam to choose from — East, West, and New West.

Little Collins : The concept here is doing things Melbourne-style. In fact, the Australian owners of this cool hangout offer an unconventional menu with dishes like caramelized French toast laced with rhubarb and raisin compote, goat cheese cream, tahini custard, and ginger rye almond praline.

Starring at Jacob : This is an American brunch bar that is too cool for school. It captures those NYC vibes perfectly and is famous for their chicken and waffles and, of course, dirty Bloody Mary’s .

Looking for something refined? There are also some great high tea spots in Amsterdam , like Mama Kelly , which also features totally Instagrammable pink interiors.

Get travel insurance on a solo trip to Amsterdam

Travel Insurance In Amsterdam

When enjoying Netherlands solo travel — or heading anywhere else in the world — make sure to get travel insurance.

One of the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

FAQ on things to know when visiting Amsterdam alone

Q) what do i do in amsterdam alone.

If you go on a solo trip to Amsterdam, you can visit the city’s main museums, discover the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, go on a canal cruise, and enjoy the local and international food, among other fun activities.

Q) How safe is Amsterdam for solo female travelers?

Amsterdam is very safe for solo female travelers, and the chances of being the victim of a violent crime are low.

Q) How do I get around Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is walkable, but you can also ride a bike or use public transport like a tram or bus.

What are your favorite things to do on a solo trip to Amsterdam?

Pin this amsterdam solo trip guide for later.

About diti asiag.

Hi! I’m Diti, an Israeli travel and lifestyle blogger living in Amsterdam. I have been exploring the world, living in different countries from a young age (eight countries on three continents), and always feeding my wanderlust — because to me, to travel is to live! I specialize in Israel (my home) and the Netherlands (my home away from home). My mission is to inspire and empower you to travel by offering you high-quality travel content and resources on my blog, My Trendy Trail .

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The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Amsterdam: More than Just Gorgeous Tulips

Considering a solo trip in Amsterdam? Look no further…I was there on my own and absolutely loved it. Read on for everything you need to know!

This article may contain affiliate links . If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Why A Solo Trip To Amsterdam Is A Great Idea

I ventured to Amsterdam alone and oh, what an adventure it was! This city, famed for its Van Gogh Museum and picturesque canals, couldn’t have been a better pick for solo travel in Amsterdam style. Why, you ask?

For starters, the atmosphere there is just so welcoming. You’ll find that traveling to Amsterdam alone doesn’t feel lonely at all. With the city center bustling with friendly faces and the Centraal Station being a hub of connections, getting around is a breeze. Safety was never a worry for me, even when exploring the vibrant Red Light District or enjoying a late-night canal cruise.

Key Takeaways:

Amsterdam’s welcoming atmosphere: Ideal for solo travelers, including solo female travel in Amsterdam.
Abundant attractions: From the Anne Frank House to bike tours, there’s no shortage of things to do alone in Amsterdam.
Safety: Feel at ease exploring, knowing Amsterdam ranks high in safety for solo adventurers.

Boutique Hotel

The Craftsmen

✅ INCREDIBLE rooms

✅ Fantastic central location

Keukenhof & Windmill Village Guided Day Tour

✅ Get your tulips AND windmill fix in one day!

Classic Canal Cruise with Cheese & Wine Option

✅ Fabulous tour and very generous with the wine and cheese.

The Best Time To Visit Amsterdam

Spring in Amsterdam dazzles with its mild weather, making it an ideal time for solo travelers to explore the city. As the days grow longer and warmer, the tulip fields near Amsterdam bloom spectacularly, a sight not to be missed. During this season, tourist crowds haven’t reached their peak, offering a more relaxed atmosphere for wandering through the nine streets or taking a leisurely bike tour around the Amsterdam city center.

Notably, spring hosts a variety of local festivals, from the King’s Day celebrations in April to the Open Garden Days in June. These events provide solo travelers with an excellent opportunity to immerse themselves in Dutch culture and connect with locals and other travelers alike.

The "I amsterdam" sign outside Schiphol Airport where I landed to begin solo travel in Amsterdam.

Getting To Amsterdam From Schiphol Airport

Landing at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, you’ll find yourself at the gateway to one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. Several options are at your disposal to reach the heart of Amsterdam. First off, the train, a favorite amongst many, offers a swift journey to Amsterdam Centraal . Running frequently, it ensures you’re city center -bound in no time, and that too, without burning a hole in your pocket.

Buses form another viable alternative, connecting the airport with various parts of the city, marking both convenience and cost-effectiveness. The airport bus is how I traveled into Amsterdam city center and it was very easy and clean. My only advice is to check for local holidays before making your transfer plans. I unknowingly arrived during the King’s Day celebrations so the bus couldn’t take us as far into the city as normal. It wasn’t the end of the world walking several more blocks but I wish I had known beforehand.

For those prioritizing comfort, taxis and ride-share services stand ready to whisk you directly to your hotel, ensuring safety and peace of mind, especially late at night. Each mode of transport boasts its own charm, laying out Amsterdam’s welcome mat in the way that best suits your solo travel vibe.

Getting the Eurostar to Amsterdam

The idea of zipping through the countryside, crossing the channel, and arriving in Amsterdam has always captivated me. For those of us journeying from the UK, this train offers a seamless, direct path to the heart of the Netherlands. The comfort levels are high – think spacious seats and ample legroom, which means you can relax and enjoy the scenic views outside your window.

Practical Tips For Visiting Amsterdam Solo

Embarking on a solo adventure to Amsterdam? I’ve got you covered with the essentials. First off, securing a stay in well-rated establishments is key. These spots not only promise safety but also a friendly atmosphere where mingling is much easier. Dining alone might seem daunting at first. Yet, Amsterdam’s welcoming cafes and restaurants turn this into a delightful experience. Don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with locals or fellow travelers; they often share the best tips and hidden gems of the city. Remember, every solo journey opens doors to unexpected friendships and unforgettable tales.

How To Get Around Amsterdam

Navigating Amsterdam alone will be a breeze, trust me! The city boasts an incredibly comprehensive public transport system. From trams whisking you through the city center to ferries carrying you across the canal, getting around feels like part of the adventure. And let’s not forget about the iconic bikes!

Amsterdam is the city of bikes, and even though I was WAY too scared to try a bike out, I feel like joining locals in pedaling along the picturesque streets and pathways offers an authentic Dutch experience. This array of options ensures you’ll find traveling across Amsterdam not just easy but enjoyable. With everything conveniently accessible, you’ll have more time to soak in the beauty of the Netherlands’ capital, making your solo trip unforgettable.

Where To Stay as a Solo Traveler In Amsterdam

Choosing where to stay as a solo traveler in Amsterdam can make or break your trip. Central locations are golden. They put you right in the heart of Amsterdam city, with everything from the Van Gogh Museum to the bustling Dam Square just a bike ride away. I leaned towards neighborhoods like the city center and near Amsterdam Centraal for their convenience.

✅ Very nice breakfast

Leonardo Boutique Museumhotel

✅ Located 2 min from Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museum

✅ 5 min walk from airport bus stop

✅ Great restaurant

ibis Styles Amsterdam Central Station

✅ Very close to the main rail station

✅ Great prices

✅ Clean and Comfortable

The front of Leonardo Boutique Museumhotel

Where to Eat Alone in Amsterdam

Dining alone in Amsterdam opens up a world of delightful experiences. I found cozy cafes tucked away in the Nine Streets district, serving up not just coffee but engaging conversations. These spots make you feel right at home, perfect for solo travelers seeking a warm welcome. Then there are the restaurants near Centraal Station , where the service is so nice; you’ll forget you’re dining solo.

It turned out, enjoying a meal by myself gave me the freedom to truly savor the flavors of Amsterdam, from traditional Dutch dishes to international cuisine. It’s the blend of friendly locals and inviting atmospheres that makes eating alone here not just easy but enjoyable.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Foodhallen : Incredibly fun food hall where you can try a bunch of different things. This was a really easy choice as a solo traveler if you’re intimidated by sitting in a traditional restaurant alone.
SUMO Sushi Amsterdam Leidseplain : This sushi place is epic and it was right near my hotel which was a problem. Haha! They do a really fun “unlimited” sushi special where you order rounds of small bites off a tablet. Highly recommend.
If you’re spending a couple days in the museum district then I would recommend the Rijksmuseum Café and outside the Rijksmuseum there is a lovely park with a bunch of food vendors set up. If the weather is nice, it’ll be packed but worth it!

Safety Tips For Solo Female Travelers To Amsterdam

I often heard tales about Amsterdam’s thrilling nightlife and cobblestone streets, brimming with history and culture. As a solo female traveler, navigating these experiences safely became my top priority. Embracing Amsterdam wasn’t just about the adventure; it was also about ensuring a smooth journey.

Amsterdam’s reputation as a friendly and safe city for women traveling alone precedes it, yet taking a few precautions can enhance this experience. Always stay in well-lit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like Centraal Station or Dam Square.

Public transport offers a reliable way back to your accommodation after a long day of exploring the Nine Streets or enjoying a canal cruise. But, if I ever felt uncomfortable I would use a ride-sharing app that offers peace of mind so that I can prepay and track my journey.

Furthermore, bonding with fellow travelers or locals can transform your trip. Hotels and guided tours, especially those emphasizing Amsterdam’s rich art scene with visits to the Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank House, provide excellent opportunities for connection. Simply put, being cautious yet open ensures your Amsterdam solo adventure will be as safe as it is unforgettable.

The Best Things to Do in Amsterdam as a Solo Traveler

Amsterdam, a city famous for its rich history and vibrant culture, offers a plethora of activities that make traveling alone an adventure to cherish. Exploring the iconic Van Gogh Museum gave me an intimate glimpse into the troubled genius’s world, a must for any art lover. The tranquility contrasted with the bustling Centraal Station , where I marveled at the blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Walking through the Nine Streets , I could pretend to be a local as I people watched everyone going about their daily lives. But nothing compared to the serenity of a canal cruise at dusk. Gliding through waterways, I watched Amsterdam’s cityscape transition from day to night, a truly magical experience. Lastly, no solo journey here would be complete without savoring Dutch delicacies at a cozy local market , where food not only tastes but also tells stories.

Explore a Local Amsterdam Museum or Three

Embarking on solo travel in Amsterdam opened my eyes to the rich tapestry of culture and history that is inseparable from the city’s very essence. Museums, I discovered, form the heart of this tapestry. The Van Gogh Museum beckoned with its colorful whirls of paint, whispering tales of brilliance and madness. Nestled within its walls, I felt a connection to the art that was both personal and profound.

I would definitely recommend setting aside at least half a day if not longer for the Rijksmuseum . There was so much to see it was overwhelming but if you make a list of your priorities you’ll end up with a good strategy on how to conquer this GINORMOUS museum.

Not far away, the Anne Frank House stood as a somber reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Walking through its secret annex, I could almost hear the echoes of the past, a poignant narrative of hope amidst despair. Pro tip: Do NOT wait to buy your tickets. The Anne

Spend time at the Royal Palace of Amsterdam

I have always been fascinated by the rich tapestry of history and architecture that European cities offer. On my trip to Amsterdam, I made sure to schedule a visit to the Royal Palace . Nestled in Dam Square, this majestic beauty stands as a testament to the grandeur of Dutch monarchy and artistry. I remember walking through its opulent halls, each corner telling a story of a bygone era.

What struck me the most was how every detail, from the intricate carvings to the lavish furnishings, reflected the deep-rooted cultural heritage of the Netherlands. A visit there isn’t just a step back in time; it’s a deep dive into the heart of Dutch identity. I urge you to not miss out on this gem in the heart of Amsterdam city.

Unforgettable Things To Do In Amsterdam As A Solo Traveler

Amsterdam offers a plethora of unique experiences that make solo travel incredibly rewarding. Visiting the Red Light District might seem daunting at first, but it’s a uniquely Amsterdam experience you shouldn’t miss. It will challenge your perspectives and is a testament to the city’s open-minded culture. On the other hand, joining a local food tour will not only satiate your taste buds with delicious Dutch delights but also introduce you to fellow travelers and locals.

These activities exemplify the thrill of discovery and exploration inherent to solo travel in Amsterdam. Amsterdam’s friendly vibe and safe streets further enhance the joy of uncovering the city’s hidden gems on your own. Whether it’s cycling by the canal, admiring Van Gogh’s masterpieces, or soaking in the architectural beauty of Amsterdam Centraal, doing these alone adds a personal touch to the memories you’ll cherish forever.

Best Tours For Solo Travel in Amsterdam

Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague Guided Day Tour

✅ Venture outside of Amsterdam and experience a little more of the Netherlands!

Amsterdam unfurls a mosaic of experiences for the solo traveler, each infused with the spirit of exploration and connection. Bike tours beckon with the promise of wind in your hair as you meander through the nine streets and beyond. They offer a unique vantage point of Amsterdam city, from bustling Centraal Station to the serene canals, making every pedal a story.

Equally enriching, walking tours guide you through Amsterdam’s heart, from the historic Anne Frank House to the vibrant Dam Square. Solo travelers find these guided trips a treasure trove of local insights, anecdotes, and hidden gems. It’s not just about the sights; it’s the stories behind them, the whispered legends of the Red Light District, and the artistic legacy of the Van Gogh Museum that spring to life.

Each step or pedal in Amsterdam offers solo adventurers a blend of freedom and camaraderie. You’ll mingle with fellow wanderers and locals, transforming your travel into an anthology of shared moments and smiles.

FAQ for Solo Travel in Amsterdam

What’s the best time to visit amsterdam solo.

Spring Charm : April to May, when the tulips are in full bloom, painting the city in vibrant colors. It’s a sight that’s truly uplifting for the soul! Autumn Colors : September to November, offering cooler weather and fewer crowds, perfect for leisurely explorations and cozy cafe visits.

Is Amsterdam safe for solo travelers?

Absolutely! Amsterdam is renowned for its high safety standards. Here are a few tips to keep your trip smooth: Stay Aware : Keep your belongings close in busy areas like the Centraal Station or the Dam Square. Night Moves : Feel confident exploring at night, but stick to well-lit, populated areas. Local Numbers : Keep emergency numbers handy, just in case.

Can I get by with English in Amsterdam?

Yes, you can! The Dutch are fantastic English speakers. Signs, menus, and public transport announcements are often in English, making it super easy to navigate the city.

Any tips for dining alone in Amsterdam?

Cafe Culture : Amsterdam’s cafes are welcoming spots to enjoy a meal alone with a book or your thoughts. Street Eats : Grab a stroopwafel or herring from a street vendor for a delicious snack on the go. Bar Seats : Many restaurants have bar seating, perfect for solo diners to feel less conspicuous. Or check out my favs above!

What’s the best way to get around Amsterdam solo?

I’d say walking, public transit and biking are the best ways to get around. Amsterdam is very compact making it incredibly walkable!

Any solo travel safety tips specific to Amsterdam?

Bike Safety : Familiarize yourself with local cycling rules to stay safe on the road. Pickpocketing : Be mindful of your belongings in crowded places. Accommodation : Choose well-reviewed accommodations in safe areas.

Final Thoughts on Solo Travel in Amsterdam

I remember stepping outside Schipol Airport, heart racing with excitement. Amsterdam awaited me, a solo traveler thirsty for adventure and personal growth. This city, steeped in history and brimming with life, never once made me feel alone. If you’ve ever dreamed of navigating the enchanting canals, marveling at masterpieces in the Van Gogh Museum, or savoring a quiet moment in the Anne Frank House, let me assure you, doing it solo only adds to the charm.

The freedom of planning my days, choosing whether to walk through the Nine Streets or embark on a canal cruise, taught me a lot about myself. I discovered resilience in navigating public transport and the joy of connecting with locals and fellow travelers at a cozy cafe or a lively brewery. Amsterdam offered me a blend of tranquility and exhilaration that I hadn’t experienced anywhere else.

So, to anyone contemplating a trip to Amsterdam alone, whether you’re drawn to the vibrant city life, the rich tapestry of art and history, or the simple pleasure of a Dutch pancake by the canal, embrace it with all your heart. The memories of your solo journey will be as colorful and unforgettable as the city itself. Amsterdam doesn’t just welcome solo travelers; it celebrates them.

Writer | Planner | World Traveler

Jessy Hamel is a syndicated travel writer and the traveler behind Brighter Things. She is hoping to inspire people to travel more through her blog and sharing her personal trips. You can also travel with her as she hosts small group tours to Europe through Brighter Things Boutique Group Tours.

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Guided Tour Holland

Discover the netherlands’ major cities with a private local guide.

Book a private tour with Guided Tour Holland and our expert guides will provide your group with the best way to discover the city. Explore majestic landmarks and historically relevant places of the city you are visiting, and allow us to introduce your group to the local culture and its peculiar customs. Our tours are educational, insightful, and above all, entertaining.

Delve into our vibrant capital Amsterdam
Step into the future in Rotterdam
Behold the royal allure of The Hague
Travel back in time to medieval Utrecht
Escape into the live paintings of Haarlem and Delft
Discover the true meaning of ‘gezellig’ in the Dutch carnival capital Maastricht

Our guides are passionate storytellers from the city and are experienced with school classes, company outings, family trips, and celebratory occasions.

Click on the city you want to visit to discover more & for bookings:

Guided Tours Amsterdam

Guided tour rotterdam, guided tour the hague, guided tour utrecht, guided tour haarlem, guided tour delft, guided tour maastricht, quality walking tours made & given by true ambassadors of the city.

At Guided Tour Holland, our tours are not just about sightseeing—they are about experiencing the essence of each city through the eyes of a local. Organized and conducted by passionate residents, our tours offer authentic insights, personalized recommendations, and engaging anecdotes that guidebooks simply can’t provide.

Why Choose Guided Tour Holland?

Reach The Best Places On Foot: Discover cobbled streets, sideways and hidden gems that can’t be reached by tour buses and boats.
Local Expertise: Our tours are designed and led by locals from each city, ensuring an authentic and immersive experience.
Originality: Discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions that you won’t find in guidebooks.
Language Diversity: With tours available in English, Spanish, German, and Dutch, we cater to a diverse range of visitors.
Accessibility: We welcome guests of all ages and abilities, the majority of our tours are wheelchair-accessible and dog-friendly.

A Custom Tour For Every Occasion

Our private tours are typically 2 hours long and start in the heart of the old city centre, at request we can also arrange pickup at your hotel and drop the group off at a restaurant or bar. Whether you book for two participants or 200, our expert guides are ensured to give you an unforgettable experience on your trip to the Netherlands. We offer a range of ‘classic’ tours that give you a great overview of the city’s history and culture, as well as specialised tours like our scrumptious Food Tour of Amsterdam and our interactive Photo Tour . For special requests that better fit your program or personal interests, we are happy to tailor a tour to your specific needs.

Walking Is The Way To Go!

If you really want the full city experience, you have to hit the streets. Book one of our private tours and we will take you beyond the beaten track. No worries, we will show you the iconic landmarks and important sites of our cities, but at Guided Tours we like to add that little personal touch. Let us show you how to conquer the two-wheeled traffic, the city’s best hangout spots and tell you about the local city subculture that make these cities so unique.

Walk Like A Local | Let us show you how to slalom between cursing Dutchmen on bikes, where we like to hang out and what places to avoid.
Take Your Time | Capture that picture-perfect moment, as the city reveals its peculiar and interesting details at a strolling pace.
Get Personal | Book your personal guide, who attends to your group exclusively and is happy to answer your questions.
Green Travel | Leaving a carbon footprint is inevitably linked to distance travel, which is why we are happy to offer a way to explore the city in the greenest way: on foot. More and more city centres in the Netherlands are becoming less accessible to traffic, with roads making way for tree-lined boulevards and grass-paved courtyards. Help us promote green travel within our cities by booking with us, and leaving nothing but footsteps.

Dutch Do's & Dont's

Find out about the Dutch habits & peculiarities on our FAQ page

Read our story & why we think walking tours are the best way to explore a city!

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A complete guide to solo female travel in Amsterdam by a Dutch resident
2 Why Amsterdam is great for solo female travelers. 3 Issues that face solo female travelers. 3.1 Street harassment. 4 Areas to be more careful. 4.1 Toilets. 5 Where to stay in Amsterdam solo. 6 Public Transit and Taxis. 6.1 Public transit in Amsterdam. 6.2 Taxis in Amsterdam.
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Those AmsterDames was started as a female tour-guide collective. Founder, Kendra Borgen, has been giving tours of the city since 2010, specializing in history and cultural tours of Amsterdam. When she's not guiding she's also entertains folks as an internationally recognized stand-up comedian. The main idea behind the company was to connect ...
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1. Visit the Van Gogh Museum. If you're a fan of art, a visit to the Van Gogh Museum is a must-do when you solo travel to Amsterdam. The museum houses the largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh's paintings and drawings in the world, giving visitors a unique insight into the life and work of this legendary artist.
Book your own private tour guide in Amsterdam
Whatever your passion, there's a private guide who's perfect for you. Our Amsterdam tour guides can create a 100% personalized tour to match your wishes. Just get in touch! Withlocals gives you: Verified locals! Choose your favorite. The options to personalize a tour! Just contact your favorite local.
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Hop on the train for 30 minutes to visit the charming city of Utrecht. Take a five-minute train to Zaandam to see the famous Stacked Houses, then continue for another 15 minutes to see the windmills of Zaanse Schans. If you want to go to the beach, both Zandvoort and IJmuiden aan Zee are less than an hour from Amsterdam.
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Amsterdam Private Welcome Tour with a Local Guide
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A complete guide to solo female travel in Amsterdam by a Dutch resident

Is Amsterdam safe?

Where to stay in Amsterdam solo

What it’s like to travel solo in Amsterdam

Issues that face solo female travelers

Areas to be more careful

Public Transit and Taxis

Taxis in Amsterdam

Other notes on traveling solo in Amsterdam

Have you been to Amsterdam as a solo female traveler? Let me know if there’s something that you need to know!

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Solo Travel to Amsterdam : Table of Contents

The best time to visit Amsterdam

Solo Travel to Amsterdam:

Why Amsterdam is Great for solo female travelers

safety tips for solo female travelers to Amsterdam

Other safety tips for solo female travelers to Amsterdam

top Solo Travel Amsterdam Safety tip:

Be extra cautious with the Coffeeshop experience

Read more: 7 safest places for women to travel alone in Europe

🎒 Use smart bags with slash-proof straps

💳 Prevent thieves from stealing your information

🛂 Leave your passport locked up

Interested in more travel tips I don’t share on the blog? Follow me on Instagram and don’t miss a thing!

thefearlesswanderess

🎧 Follow the “one earbud” rule

Top Solo Travel Amsterdam safety Tip:

If you’d like to experience some of Amsterdam’s best festivities during your solo trip to Amsterdam, here are some dates to keep in mind:

TOP Amsterdam Budget Travel tip:

What to Do in Amsterdam as a Solo Traveler

1. Visit the Van Gogh Museum

2. Anne Frank House

Amsterdam City Card oR

3. Royal Palace of Amsterdam

4. Explore Amsterdam’s canals by boat

Best Canal cruise tour of Amsterdam for Solo Travelers

5. Wander Amsteram’s Vondelpark

6. Enjoy mother nature at the Amsterdamse Bos

You might also like: GetYourGuide is one of my favorite ways to easily and affordably book tours in Amsterdam!

Read more: Heading to Amsterdam this summer? Check out my ultimate Europe packing list for summer!

best bike Tours in Amsterdam:

9. admire Amsterdam’s architecture

10. See an incredible Amsterdam sunset

11. Explore secret Amsterdam at the Begijnhof

Read more: 12 best places to solo travel in Europe

12. Take a day trip from Amsterdam

Keukenhof Gardens

Lisse & flower fields

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam on a Rainy Day

2. Visit the Rijksmuseum

3. Learn about tulip history at the Amsterdam Tulip Museum

4. Visit The Upside Down Amsterdam

5. Enjoy a Cafe the Dutch way

Where to Eat & Drink in Amsterdam

Where to Eat in Amsterdam

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2. Foodhallen

4. MOAK Pancakes

5. The Avocado Show

6. The Chicken Bar

1. Dutch Street Food

2. Van Stapele Cookies

3. Fabel Friet

The Best Amsterdam Food Tour s

7. Henri Willig Cheese Shop

Where to Drink & Best Bars in Amsterdam

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3. Waterkant

Looking for the best Breweries and Beer Tastings in Amsterdam?

4. Parck (AKA Ping Pong Bar)

Where to Stay in Amsterdam Solo

Best Hostels with a Hotel Feeling