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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 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 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 a number of reasons.

Will I Feel Safe in Amsterdam as a Solo Female?

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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

Public Transport Centre of Amsterdam

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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.

If you are arriving by plane and looking to get to the centre of Amsterdam 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 train in the centre of Amsterdam, 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 public transport pass upon arriving; I used it quite often.

Are You a Solo Traveling Foodie?

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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 centre 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 cupcake and cappuccino!

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. You 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.

Booking.com

Best Boutique Hotels in Amsterdam

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• 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

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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!

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 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.

(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

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• 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! This tour would be great for meeting people. 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 a solo traveller in Amsterdam is to enjoy the world and treat yourself. I promise you will be meeting 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.

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 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 Infamous Red Light District

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, 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 historical museum do a bit more research on tickets and reservation policies. A self-guided walking tour is also encouraged.

Even if you are 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 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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