Why Go On A Solo Trip To Amsterdam?
Nowadays, traveling is so accessible; it can be challenging to decide where would be the best for that first solo trip. I often get such queries. With my travel experience, I could rate locations in terms of friendliness, safety, culture, and ambiance. The city that makes it to the top of my list to go on a solo trip is Amsterdam. It is also in my top 3 all-time best cities for solo female travelers. Let this boutique travel guide for Amsterdam inspire you to visit!
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Will I Feel Safe in Amsterdam as a Solo Female?
When visiting any city solo, my main concern is, “will I feel safe”? I mean, who would want to visit a destination where they felt insecure, with their guard up all the time?
Amsterdam is somewhere that checks all the boxes. I felt extremely safe and welcomed! Of course, any city could have an “iffy” area, though, in Amsterdam, I never came across such.
If you are solo female traveling and still undecided where to go, keep in mind Amsterdam is a smooth start for beginner solo travelers. Many bloggers will agree, Holland, to be one of the best places to travel alone for the first time.
Quick Facts:
Currency: Euro
Average Summer Temperatures: 22 / 13 degrees Celsius
Average Winter Temperatures: 6 / 0 degrees Celcius
Language Spoken: Dutch
Airport to City Center Travel Time: 15 minutes
Crime Report: according to Numbeo
Transportation to City Center
Transportation in Amsterdam is very well-organized and convenient. It is one of the main factors I consider Amsterdam to be very well-suited for first-time solo travelers.
If you are arriving by plane and looking to get to the city center you have a couple of options:
- A taxi is an option that I advise against unless you are coming with a million bags. Traveling by taxi will cost you approx. Thirty-nine euros and takes approx. 15-20 mins.
- The train is my favorite mode of transportation! This option will cost you 5.40 euros and takes about 20 mins. DOWNLOAD the Transit App HERE. Being prepared with the app before you arrive is a great time saver.
If you arrive via the Amsterdam central train station, you may be able to walk to your hotel. If your hotel a bit too far to walk, there are several trams to take you and your belongings. I did purchase the three-day transit pass upon arriving; I used it quite often.
Are You a Solo Traveling Female Foodie?
I am a big believer in having a list of places to eat researched and mapped out before you touch down. Nothing can sour the day for me, like having a bad overpriced meal while away. This list of outstanding restaurants completes anyone’s solo trip to Amsterdam.
- The Seafood Bar Spui– This restaurant is located centrally in Amsterdam. If you are a seafood lover, put this on your list. The restaurant is large, so you may not need to book ahead, but in summer, you might want to.
- Pastini might be the best Italian food I’ve ever had!! Here is a quaint little restaurant serving up fresh and flavorful dishes. I’m confident that it would satisfy even a jaded palate.
- Cafe Modern – A must try restaurant when visiting the Noord. It is located just north of Amsterdam Central station, by taking the free 5 min ferry. Cafe Modern will be full of surprises, with a seasonally inspired menu.
- Vegan Junk Food Bar This place has several locations, and is worth seeking out! I had the “bitter balls” curry style. So good, I had a second order. Another must-try is the plant-based burger, which is soy-free, and made with Beyond Meat!
- Pacific From breakfast to dinner, this place has you covered! Lots of Vegetarian and Vegan options can be found here! Pacific is located on the west side of the city!
- De Plantage What a beautiful restaurant! Located in the lovely Plantage area, this place has something for everyone! Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
- Pluk is half store half cafe! If you are shopping around The 9 Streets, you should stop here. Indulge in cupcake and cappuccino!
Vegan Junk Food Bar -
Seafood Bar Spui -
Pluk
Top Accommodations 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.
Here is where transport links come into play. It is perfectly acceptable to stay a little outside of the city center. And 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. With so many choices in spots to stay, it makes Amsterdam one of the best places for a solo trip.
Best Boutique Hotels in Amsterdam
- Pulitzer Amsterdam is a swanky 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.
- Soho House Amsterdam – How about a rooftop pool in the center of Amsterdam! This exclusive hotel is new and amazing! Soho House has upscale restaurants and club rooms that are only available to members and guests! A great choice in central Amsterdam.
- The Highland House This uniquely themed hotel is located around the corner from Anne Frank’s House. It is rated the best value for the location, style, and amenities!
Best of What to Do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is packed with so much cultural diversity that it is hard not to define it as a first-time solo traveler paradise. For Amsterdam, a solo woman traveling for the first time activities list:
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!
Van Gogh Museum
- Van Gogh Museum Getting tickets to Van Gogh is far more reasonable than tickets to Anne Frank’s House. 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.
Rijksmuseum
- Rijksmuseum is the Dutch national museum that entails arts, history and has a fair number of Van Gogh’s paintings too. You will find the Rijksmuseum in the museum square. The entrance tickets can be purchased online without much of a hassle.
Plantage Amsterdam
- Plantage Amsterdam– The Plantage is a large 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. Enjoy some quiet time on your solo trip to Amsterdam here with a book or journal.
(Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you may even receive a small discount. See disclosure for more information.)
Best Canal Tours of Amsterdam
- An excellent choice in canal tours is offered on the Iamsterdam website! Purchase tickets online HERE. It costs 16 euro and comes with City Map and a copy of the I Amsterdam magazine. A Solo Woman Traveling Tip! This particular cruise is a hop-on, but NOT hop off and back on. Your ticket is good for 1onecruise around the canals.
- If you are looking for a HOP ON and HOP OFF cruise (which I recommend) it will cost a little more, but the ticket is valid for 24 hours. Tickets are 25 euro and can be purchased HERE.
- Booze onboard tours! One of the most highly recommended canal tours is Those Dam Boat Guys! They have a fun and entertaining tour around Amsterdam. Be sure to bring your own booze and snacks! Tickets can be purchased online for 25 euro! If you are solo or not, this is an excellent option! Nothing compares to a bunch of happily boozing people on a boat, ready to break the ice and mingle!
- Amsterdam Dinner Cruise For something different, try a dinner cruise around the canals! Enjoy a glass of Prosecco and a four-course gourmet dinner and bottomless drinks. The tour is approx. 2 ½ hours in length and cost 82 euros.
If you are thinking, that would be too sad, a dinner alone on a boat full of couples and groups?! You need to change your mindset. The reason you are traveling alone is to enjoy the world and treat yourself. I promise you will make far more friends when traveling alone than with anyone else.
Remember, to do what you want on your trip, don’t let the “what would someone else think” determine your good time.
Best Bike Tours of Amsterdam for Solo Travelers
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 recommended it.
My favorite bike tour in Amsterdam is operated by a company called Yellow Bike. The 3-hour city tour costs 29 euro, and it is my preferred tour alternative. The guide was personable, friendly, and knowledgeable. Check out their site for other tour options. They also rent bikes by the day if you are feeling like a self-guided experience!
The Red Light District
I suppose you can’t write a city guide for Amsterdam without talking about the Red Light District. If you don’t know anything about the Red Light District, allow me to give you a brief overview.
The red light streets contain business with legal prostitution. You can walk down the streets and view a variety of sex-driven displays in-store windows. Often the woman working in the shops are advertising themselves open for business.
There is NO PHOTOGRAPHY allow on these streets, as well as 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. If you do more research on this area, other bloggers seem to agree.
If you are interested in seeing live shows or visiting the museums do a bit more research on tickets and reservation policies.
Even if you are solo, I would suggest to have a look if you are curious.
Alternative Best Places to Travel Alone in Europe
After your solo trip to Amsterdam, you might be looking for your next destination?! As I mentioned at the start of the post, the transportation in the area is fantatic.
The Netherlands borders with Germany and would be a lovely place for you to travel to next.
I can suggest the most idyllic small German towns, all reachable by train. Each of these places will offer you a safe environment with lots to explore!
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Ryan Wagner says
this is a great guide – thank you! I just referred to a friend who is going to Amsterdam next week for vacation.
Laura says
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!
Lily says
Wow, the vegan junk food bar sounds like a dream! Amsterdam is definitely on my list!
Rocio says
Sounds like a wonderful time and amazing for your fiat solo trip
Kez says
European cities are always nice for solo travellers
Sarah says
I’ve never considered Holland as a solo female trip place. Thanks for this angle 🙂
Tina says
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 🙂
Ashley says
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.
Tiana Bantis says
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!
Rebecca says
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!
Erica says
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.