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 regarding friendliness, safety, culture, and ambiance. The country that makes it to the top of my list every year is The Netherlands. A solo trip to Amsterdam is the perfect choice for you first-timers. Year after year, it remains in my top 3 all-time best cities for solo female travelers. Let me help you plan a perfect stay in Amsterdam and inspire you to visit!

Why Go On A Solo Trip 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.

Is Amsterdam Safe for Solo FemaleTravellers

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?

Is Amsterdam safe? 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 a solo female traveling and still undecided about where to go, keep in mind Amsterdam is a smooth start for beginner solo travelers.

Many bloggers will agree that Holland is 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

How to Get Around Amsterdam Solo

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Public transport 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.

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 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.

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.

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Are You a Solo Traveling Foodie?

I believe in having a list of places to eat researched and mapped out before you land. 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 center of 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 coffee shop! But, when I say a coffee shop, I mean a cafe. If you are shopping around The 9 Streets, you should stop here. Indulge in cupcakes and cappuccino!
• Breweries Amsterdam has some great Breweries! If you are a beer drinker you are in for a big treat!

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

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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. 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 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 accomondation options including Superior, Deluxe and Suite rooms as well as Executive Aparments.

>> CHECK PRICES FOR PULITZER AMSTERDAM

The Hoxton is perfect for those looking for a modern and luxurious stay in Amsterdam. The Hoxton offers guests chic rooms, delicious restaurants, a beautiful courtyard, and a rooftop terrace. They also have a spa and fitness center for you ladies who are looking for something extra!

>> CHECK PICES FOR THE HOXTON

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!

>> CHECK PRICES FOR HIGHLAND HOUSE AMSTERDAM

Best Budget Hotels Safe for Solo Females

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Urban Vibes Guesthouse is a stylishly decorated, modern, and vibrant guesthouse located near the city centre. The guesthouse has a cozy terrace that offers amazing views of the city skyline. It features a variety of comfortable rooms including private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, luxurious suites, and apartments!

>> CHECK PRICES FOR URBAN VIBES GUESTHOUSE

A-Train Hotel is a great choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and convient place to stay while visiting the city. It is a great location for solo traveling females in Amsterdam. The hotel offers a range of modern romms with free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs and air conditioning. There is alos an on-site bar and terrace, which is open throughout the day for snacks and drinks.

>> CHECK PRICES FOR A-TRAIN HOTEL

Best of What to Do in Amsterdam

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For a first-time solo traveller 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 solo traveller paradise. If you are interested in historical museums and looking to meet fellow travelers, see 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!

>> BOOK TICKETS TO ANNE FRANK’S HOUSE

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, you will be visiting the Jewish Quarter in Amsterdam with a professional 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, Jewish Museum, and all the key Jewish landmarks.

>> BOOK TICKETS FOR JEWISH CULTURE PRIVATE WALKING TOUR

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.

>> BOOK TICKETS FOR VAN GOUGH MUSEUM + CANAL CRUISE

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 historical 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.

>> BOOK AMSTERDAM HOP-ON HOP-OFF TOUR

Best Canal Tour of Amsterdam For Solos

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One of the best things to do solo in Amsterdam is book 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 canal cruise will take you on a guided tour through all of the hot spots in Amsterdam including, Anne Frank’s house, Rijkmuseum, 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.

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

>> BOOK CANAL CRUISE

Best Bike Tours for Solo Traveller in Amsterdam

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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 Mike’s Tours Amsterdam. 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!

>> BOOK BIKE TOUR AMSTERDAM

Is it Safe in the Infamous Red Light District?

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I suppose you can’t write a city guide for 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 woman 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 traveller in Amsterdam, I would suggest having a look if you are curious.

Where to Next?

After your solo trip to 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!

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!

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