Are you thinking about embarking on a solo adventure to Amsterdam? As one of Europe’s most vibrant and dynamic cities, Amsterdam is a fantastic destination for solo travelers. From its world-renowned art museums and beautiful canals to its bustling markets and lively nightlife, Amsterdam has something for everyone.

But, as a solo traveler, there are some things you should keep in mind to make the most of your trip.

Here is your Ultimate Solo Travel Guide to Amsterdam:

Choose the Right Accommodation

When traveling solo, choosing the right accommodation is key. You want to find a place that is safe, comfortable, and ideally located. In Amsterdam, there are plenty of great options for solo travelers, from hostels to boutique hotels. Amsterdam itself is very safe, however, just like any city (at home or abroad) be aware of your surroundings and don’t do anything to make yourself stick-out.

If you’re on a budget, hostels are a great choice and there are a lot of them in Amsterdam. The Flying Pig Downtown Hostel, Cocomama, Ecomama, Max Brown and the Generator Hostel Amsterdam are highly rated hostels and centrally located. If you’re looking for something more upscale in the hotel department, the Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam and the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam are both excellent options. Other great options are the DoubleTree Centraal Station, Andaz Amsterdam by Hyatt, De L’Europe, INK hotel – MGallery, and The Hoxton.

Check out these two articles for their hotel recommendations: Good Housekeeping and Conde Nast

Amsterdam areas:

• City center

  • Medieval heart of the city
  • Home to the Royal Palace, De Nieuwe Kerk (the New Church), and the Red Lights District
  • Pedestrianized streets and a huge range of restaurants
  • Nieuwmarkt which is one of the oldest parts of the city
  • Chinatown

• De Plantage

  • Artis Zoo
  • Hortus Botanicus
  • Numerous cultural venues, musuems and WWII memorials

• Amsterdam Noord

  • Former industrial and port area
  • Reachable by ferry
  • Art hub with Amsterdam’s most unique hotels, hip restaurants and bars

• Western Canal Belts

  • Very picturesque and walkable
  • Anne Frank House
  • De 9 Straatjes (9 Streets)

• Southern Canal Belts

  • Also picturesque and walkable
    • Amsterdam’s four most photogenic canals
  • Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein Squares

• Amsterdam-West

  • Mostly residential
  • De Hallen Amsterdam shopping mall
  • Westerpark

• Oud-Zuid (Museum Quarter)

  • City’s most famous neighborhood
  • Vondelpark and the trio of notorious museums

• De Pijp

  • For foodies and hipsters (most cosmopolitan atmosphere)
  • Close to Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, Heineken Experience, and Albert Cuyp Market
  • Little further out of the city center but only a 15-minute walk

• Haarlem

  • Quiet and close to the city
    • 15 minute train ride to the city

• Jordaan

  • Great for first-timers or short stays
  • Super charming but edgy vible
  • Canal-side houses
  • Lots of food and drink options
  • Central location

• Airport

  • Cheaper than the city center
    • 20 minutes away
  • Access to the airport, train, and bus stops

Check out the map below to find hotel deals throughout Amsterdam!

Booking.com

Amsterdam Practical Tips

• Get an iAmsterdam City Card to save money
  • This card is a pre-paid transportation pass that also gives access to certain museums and other attractions around the city
• You can use your debit card pretty much everywhere and tipping is generally expected
• Get a sim card for your phone
  • most phones have an eSim option now so check with your cellular carrier
• Get an electrical adapter
• You will walk a lot (or bike) so bring a water bottle
• Bring a rain coat with a hood and comfortable (but chic) walking shoes that can be dressed up or down
• Download a map travel app

How to get to Amsterdam and around Amsterdam

• Schipol Airport is the main airport
• The cheapest and easiest way to get to the city center is by train which you can buy a ticket at the airport
  • Once in the city center, you can walk to your destination, bike, or take the buses
  • The transportation here is punctual, comfortable, and goes to every part of the city and throughout the country
• You can take taxis but those are expensive
• Uber is an option

Safety Tips

• Don’t buy drugs
• Beware of pick-pocketers in busy areas and on transit
• Don’t walk in the cycle paths
• Avoid the neighborhoods of Biljimer, Bos, and Lommer
• Have your hotel address handy

Ultimate Solo Travel Guide to Amsterdam (continued):

What to do

Explore on Foot or by Bike

One of the best ways to explore Amsterdam is on foot or by bike. The city is compact and easy to navigate, and there are plenty of bike rental shops throughout the city. Biking is a great way to see the sights and get some exercise at the same time. Just be sure to stay safe and wear a helmet.

Visit the Museums

Amsterdam is home to some of the world’s best art museums, including the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum, which are all located in an area called Museumsplein. If you’re a culture vulture, you’ll want to spend some time exploring these incredible institutions. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines, as well as, the Van Gogh museum sells out fast and you can only buy your tickets online; make sure to do this as soon as you are starting to plan your trip.

Take a Canal Cruise

One of the best ways to see Amsterdam is from the water. There are plenty of canal cruises available, from hop-on-hop-off tours to romantic candlelight cruises. along with booze cruises and food cruises. If you want to take a specific one, make sure to do your research and book online. Otherwise, when you come across a tour company, buy your tickets at the counter; taking a canal cruise is a great way to get a different perspective on the city and see some of its most beautiful landmarks.

Sample the Local Cuisine

Amsterdam is known for its delicious cuisine, from fresh seafood to traditional Dutch dishes like bitterballen and stroopwafels. Pancakes and apple pie are also staples and can be found at most places. I had bitterballen from a lovely bar called Freddy’s which was located in Hotel D’Europe and not only was it delicious, but the atmosphere was jazzy with views of the canal. As for stroopwafels, make sure you stand in line at Van Wonderen; it is small and will be extremely crowded, but it is worth it.

There are plenty of great restaurants and cafes throughout the city, but if you’re on a budget, head to one of the many street markets. The Albert Cuyp Market is one of the most popular, and it’s a great place to sample local specialties.

Enjoy the Nightlife

Amsterdam is famous for its nightlife, and there’s no shortage of bars, clubs, and music venues to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a quiet cocktail bar or a thumping nightclub, Amsterdam has it all. Just be sure to stay safe and always keep an eye on your belongings.

Explore the country by train

The best time to visit Amsterdam

• Late April through September
• The fall and winter are nice too, but it can be cold
  • These times will be your biggest chances for bad weather
• The weather can be unpredictable so try to be prepared with your clothing

What to wear

• Spring

  • March to May
  • In spring, the weather can be quite unpredictable and changeable, with occasional sunny days but also rain and wind. It’s a good idea to bring a mix of warm and cool clothing items, such as a light jacket, raincoat, and comfortable walking shoes. Layers are key, so you can adjust your clothing accordingly. Scarves and hats can also be useful.

• Summer

  • June to August
  • Summer in Amsterdam is generally mild and pleasant, with temperatures averaging around 20°C (68°F). Shorts, skirts, and t-shirts are suitable for warmer days, but it’s still a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking around the city. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and sunglasses as well!

• Autumn

  • September to November
  • Autumn in Amsterdam can be quite wet, so bring a waterproof jacket or coat. Temperatures can range from mild to cool, so bring a mix of clothing items such as sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and pants. Comfortable shoes and an umbrella are also recommended.

• Winter

  • December to February
  • Winter in Amsterdam can be quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from just above freezing to around 5°C (41°F). A warm winter coat, hat, gloves, and scarf are essential. You’ll also want to bring waterproof boots to keep your feet dry in case of snow or rain. Layers are key, so bring warm sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and pants to keep you comfortable indoors and outdoors.

Amsterdam is a fantastic destination for solo travelers, with plenty to see and do. However, you don’t need to have your days mapped out; Amsterdam is a great city to wander!

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Amsterdam, here I come!

You’ll be able to make the most of your trip and have an unforgettable experience in this beautiful city with this Ultimate Solo Travel Guide to Amsterdam!

Now that you know where you’re going, what you’re doing, and where you’re staying, make sure to check out my post on “Long Haul Tips and Tricks” to make the most of your plane ride to Amsterdam!