Solo Travel Amsterdam: My Tips & Tricks for an Amazing Amsterdam Solo Trip 2025

Amsterdam is one of those cities people love visiting all year round. In winter, the canals light up with Christmas decorations, and if you’re lucky, you might even see people ice-skating on them. In spring and summer, the city turns green, tulips bloom everywhere, and the outdoor cafés fill up fast. People come here for romantic getaways, family vacations—but also for solo adventures, which is exactly what we’re talking about today.

Well, I guess it’s less of a discussion and more me just telling you all about it—but you get the idea.

I’m Carae, and I’ve backpacked through Europe on multiple trips (yes, all by myself). Amsterdam has been on my itinerary more than once, and I’ve experienced the highs and lows of traveling here solo—especially as a solo female traveler. In this guide, I’ll share everything I wish I had known before coming, so you can make the most of your own Amsterdam solo trip—whether you’re male or female travellers.

I want to use my experience of traveling solo in Amsterdam to make sure you have the best time possible and actually know what to expect. I’ve made my own mistakes, figured out what works, and now I want to pass all that on to you—so you’re not just guessing when you get here.

My intention is that by the end of this guide, you’ll know where to stay, how to meet people, and how to make the most of Amsterdam on your own. Whether you’re looking for a social trip filled with new friends or just want to enjoy the city at your own pace, I’ve got you covered.

What I Think About Solo Travel Amsterdam

Before I start picking apart every little detail about traveling solo in Amsterdam, let me give you a quick breakdown. Basically, if you’re wondering, should I travel to Amsterdam alone?—the answer is yes.

Compared to other big cities like London, Paris, or Berlin—or even places outside Europe like Los Angeles or New York—Amsterdam feels incredibly safe. It also has a solid backpacker scene, especially in summer. There are tons of fun activities, great hostels, budget-friendly eats, and nice restaurants—so pretty much everything you’d want for an awesome solo trip.

The only real downside here is, that If you’re booking last minute, accommodation can get ridiculously expensive. (Yeah, duh, Carae—it’s summer in Europe.) I know, but I’ve seen hostels with a 7.8 rating on Booking.com charging $100 a night for a bunk bed. Absolute joke.

One other thing I noticed: Dutch people are super friendly, but not necessarily the most inviting if that makes sense? I found it way easier to make friends with other travelers than with locals—which, to be fair, is often the case in many countries.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam as a Solo Traveller

I’m breaking this down into two sections: one for the best areas and hotels, and another specifically for hostels. Over the years, I’ve realized that solo travel doesn’t necessarily mean backpacking. Plenty of people travel solo to Amsterdam but aren’t interested in hostels—they’d rather splurge on a nice hotel and enjoy some comfort. So, I’ll cover options for all types of solo travellers here.

I won’t overcomplicate things—if you want a deep dive into the best areas and hotels, check out my Where to Stay in Amsterdam guide. But in short, the further you go from Amsterdam Central, the cheaper it gets. The trade-off? You’ll have to walk more or rely on trams to get to all the cool spots.

Personally, I usually stay either in Amsterdam’s central canal area (you can spot it easily on Google Maps) or around Vondelpark and the Museum District. The latter is great because it’s quieter, hotels are slightly more affordable, and you can still walk to the museums and city centre without much hassle.

Best Hotels for Solo Travelers Amsterdam

Amsterdam has plenty of hotels, but let me tell you—there are also a lot of overpriced spots with shocking reviews on Booking.com and Google. So, do your research before booking! A high price tag doesn’t always mean quality here.

Where I Stayed – Hotel Omega

I always prefer to recommend places I’ve actually stayed at and have my own experience with because writing about a hotel I’ve never stepped foot in just feels pointless. A few years ago, when I was in Amsterdam on a solo trip (this time not as a backpacker, so my budget was a little bigger), I stayed at Hotel Omega—and I loved it.

It’s in my favorite area near Vondelpark, in a quieter neighborhood that’s still close enough to the city center and all the canals. The hotel itself is one of the coziest, best-designed hotels I’ve stayed at in Amsterdam—just check out their Booking.com photos, and you’ll see what I mean. The bed was ridiculously comfy, and the staff was super welcoming.

The best part for me was that when I stayed there, I paid well under $200 a night, which is great value for Amsterdam. If you want a hotel that feels stylish, comfortable, and not outrageously overpriced, this is a solid pick.

Other Hotels in Amsterdam

• Nhow Amsterdam RAI
• Rosewood Amsterdam
• Hotel Casa Amsterdam

Best Hostels for Solo Travelers in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has a pretty big hostel scene, but let’s be real—not all of them are great. A lot are small, dingy, and overpriced for what they offer. But there are some amazing ones, and honestly, I only need to recommend one because if you stay here, you’re set.

Where I Stayed – ClinkNoord Hostel

I don’t even know where to start but I want to start with my own experience I have had—writing about a hostel that actually gets it right gets me all excited. Let’s start with the location: right across the river from Central Station ( Amsterdam Centraal ), with a free 24/7 ferry taking you straight to the city center. So, location? 10/10.

The hostel itself was super clean, including the bathrooms and showers (which is non-negotiable for me). They’ve got both private and dorm rooms, and the dorm beds are actually comfy, with privacy screens, a shelf, a USB port, and a power plug—which, if you’ve backpacked before, you know is a huge plus.

Beyond just being a solid place to sleep, ClinkNoord actually makes the hostel experience fun. They’ve got an in-house travel shop (I bought a much-needed travel adapter here—so handy), a cute little café, and loads of social events like free walking tours, comedy nights, game nights, and even pub crawls. Honestly, even if you’re not a “hostel person,” I think you’d enjoy staying here—just book a private room and soak up the social vibes.

Other Hostel Options in Amsterdam

If ClinkNoord is booked out or you want to check out other options, here are a few more highly rated hostels:

• The Elephants Hostel
• Via Amsterdam
• Clink Mama

How Safe Did I Feel Traveling Solo in Amsterdam? (Especially as a Solo Female Traveller)

The short answer? Very safe. Even in the infamous Red Light District, or maybe especially in the Red Light District, I felt completely fine—even at night.

That said, I was rarely ever completely alone. I stayed in hostels, joined group activities, and usually went out for dinner or drinks with other travelers I met along the way. That’s one big perk of hostels—the built-in social scene.

But even when I was wandering around solo, Amsterdam’s touristy areas felt extremely safe. Of course, like any major city, there are probably some sketchier neighborhoods, but in the central parts where most visitors stay, I never felt uncomfortable. The only time I felt remotely uncomfortable? Trying to find a public toilet. Seriously, Amsterdam, what’s the deal with that?

For reference, Amsterdam was ranked the sixth safest city in the world in the Safe Cities Index 2021 by The Economist, so it’s not just me saying this. The only real risks are petty crimes like pickpocketing and bike theft. So, keep an eye on your stuff, maybe consider an anti-theft travel bag, and you should be just fine.

My Favorite Solo-Friendly Activities in Amsterdam

I’ve traveled to so many cities—sometimes as a backpacker, sometimes just on a solo trip—and let me tell you, there’s no such thing as “solo activities.” If you want to do something, do it.

Dinner reservation for one? Yes, absolutely. Museum-hopping or visiting the Anne Frank House alone? 100%. Hopping on a canal boat cruise with a mimosa in hand? You better believe it.

Sure, some activities might be more solo traveler-friendly (as in, they make it easier to meet people), but don’t ever skip something just because you’re traveling alone. Amsterdam is the kind of city where you can do whatever you want, with or without company. So, own it.

Free Walking Tour

The first thing I usually do in any new city is joing a free walking tour. It’s definitely the easiest way to get your bearings and meet people. If you’re staying in a hostel, they probably offer one (and if they do, go!). Otherwise, platforms like GuruWalk have plenty of options.

I always try to do one on day one—you get a crash course on the city’s history, insider tips on the best restaurants and pubs, and maybe even make a few friends to meet up with later.

Red Light District Tour

Think of this as the free walking tour’s after-dark edition. The Red Light District is a massive part of Amsterdam’s history and culture, so don’t skip it just because it sounds touristy. The easiest (and safest) way to explore is to book a guided tour, but you definitely don’t have to. You can totally explore and enjoy drinks in the red-light district on your own.

I joined one online (I’ll drop the link here), and my guide, Victor, took us deep into the district. It was fascinating—he covered everything from the history of Amsterdam’s sex industry to the best local bars. Plus, we grabbed a drink or two along the way. If you’re solo and want to explore at night without actually being alone, this is a great option.

Hostel Activities

If you’re staying in a hostel, use it to your advantage. A lot of them run daily activities, from free city tours to pub crawls to bike tours. These are honestly gold for meeting other travelers—whether you’re into sightseeing, partying, or just chilling with a group.

Even if you’re not a bunk-bed person (totally fair), many hostels offer private rooms, so you can still get the social benefits without sacrificing comfort.

Renting a Bike and Exploring the City

Alright, I’ll be real with you—this sounds cuter than it actually is. Yes, renting a bike in Amsterdam is a must, but just know that the Dutch take cycling VERY seriously. It’s their main mode of transport, and if you’re not paying attention, you will get side-eyed (or full-on yelled at—I learned that the hard way).

If you’re confident on a bike, go for it—it’s an amazing way to explore. But if you’re a little hesitant, start in Vondelpark (Amsterdam’s version of Central Park). It’s way more relaxed, and you can cycle at your own pace without feeling like you’re in the middle of the Tour de France.

Hit the Museums (Art Is Better Appreciated Solo Anyway)

I’ll die on this hill—museums are best enjoyed solo. Just like going to the movies alone, there’s something peaceful about wandering through exhibits at your own pace. No one rushing you, no one talking over the audio guide—just you, the art, and your thoughts.

So if you’re solo traveling Amsterdam, buy those museum tickets and go ( Van Gogh Museum, Reijksmuseum) . Afterwards, treat yourself to coffee in a cute café and live your best introspective main-character life.

One important note: If you want to visit the Anne Frank House, buy your tickets way in advance. They sell out fast.

Take a Canal Tour

I loved the canal tours in Amsterdam, and solo traveler or not, you should 100% do one. It’s the best way to see the city, especially on a sunny day. From my own experience this was actually my favorite activity in Amsterdam.

Now, there are two types of canal cruises:

1. The big, covered boats that feel like a slow-moving tour bus (skip).
2. The open-boat canal cruises that are smaller, more fun, and often come with drinks.

I booked mine with Floating Amsterdam—$25 for an hour-long cruise, three alcoholic drinks included, and a guide who was actually entertaining (not just reading off a script). Highly recommend.

Eating Out Alone: My Favorite Restaurants on My Solo Trip to Amsterdam

This isn’t some “best restaurants for solo travelers” list—because honestly? Every restaurant is a solo traveler restaurant. If you want to eat out alone, do it. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just grabbing a drink—we should be normalizing this. No one actually cares if you’re dining solo, and if they do? That’s their problem.

So, this is just a list of places I personally enjoyed eating at alone in Amsterdam—no awkward vibes, just great food.

• Lot 61 – My favorite little coffee shop for a takeaway cappuccino and a pastry. Simple, cozy, and actually good coffee.
• Bakers & Roasters – The ultimate brunch spot. You will have to queue, but you can join the waitlist online before you arrive (trust me, do it).
• Fabel Friet – Fries, but make them gourmet. I had the truffle mayo, and now I think about it at least once a week.
• De Laatste Kruimel – Obsessed with this place for an afternoon coffee and cake. It’s always packed, but totally worth squeezing in.
• Takumi Tonkotsu – My go-to ramen spot in Amsterdam—perfect for a cold night. Multiple locations, all of them solid.
• Waterkant – Best place for low-key beers by the canal on a sunny day. Laid-back, casual, and always a good vibe.

How to Navigate Around Amsterdam as a Solo Traveller

Unlike major European cities like Paris, Berlin, or London, Amsterdam is actually super walkable—as long as you’re sticking to the (touristy) city center. The whole area is compact, and you can pretty much walk everywhere.

Yes, you can rent a bike, but honestly? If you’re only exploring the central areas, from my experience, you don’t need one. Unless you just want the full Amsterdam experience (or a little chaos in your life), walking is the way to go. That’s what I did—I walked everywhere, and I genuinely think it’s the best way to explore the city.

A few tips:

• Google Maps is your best friend. Download the offline map of Amsterdam before you go—this way, you’ll never have to stress about WiFi or losing service. I do this for every new city I visit.
• You’ll barely need public transport or taxis. The only time I used it was to get to and from the airport, which was stupidly easy. The regular trains and trams go straight to the airport, and it only costs around €5. No overpriced “airport transfer” nonsense—just the normal Dutch efficiency at work.

So yeah, walking is king in Amsterdam. Just watch out for the bikes coming at you from every direction—they will run you over.

More Amsterdam Travel Tips & Things to Know for Amsterdam Solo Travel

Alright, let’s wrap things up with some extra tips that’ll make your solo trip to Amsterdam smoother, cheaper, and way more fun.

1. Book Accommodation Early (Like, Really Early)

Amsterdam is not a last-minute kind of city when it comes to booking a place to stay—especially in peak season. Hostels, hotels, even budget-friendly Airbnbs? They get booked up fast. And the later you wait, the more ridiculous the prices get. I’ve seen hostels charging $100+ a night for a bunk bed (absolute robbery). Book early, thank me later.

2. The Dutch Are Friendly, But Not the Chattiest

People in Amsterdam are polite, helpful, and efficient. But if you’re expecting random strangers to strike up deep convos with you at a café, don’t hold your breath. It’s not that they’re rude—just that the Dutch tend to keep to themselves. That said, it’s super easy to meet other travelers, especially in hostels or on tours.

3. Cards Over Cash—But Keep Some Coins for Toilets

Amsterdam is a card-first city. Almost everywhere takes debit and credit cards, so you don’t need to carry wads of cash. However—public toilets often charge a small fee (€0.50-€1), and they usually only take coins. No, I’m not joking. Yes, it’s annoying. So keep some change handy unless you want to awkwardly beg a café to let you use their restroom.

4. Watch Out for Pickpockets (And Bike Thieves!)

Like in any major tourist city, pickpockets are around, especially in crowded areas like Dam Square, the Red Light District, and public transport stations. Stay aware, keep your bag zipped, and maybe even invest in an anti-theft travel purse if you’re worried. Also—if you rent a bike, lock it up properly. Bike theft is practically a sport here.

5. Learn Basic Bike Lane Survival

Even if you don’t rent a bike, you need to understand that bike lanes are sacred ground in Amsterdam. Tourists constantly get in the way and nearly get run over. The key rule? Look both ways before stepping anywhere—because if you blindly wander into a bike lane, a Dutch cyclist will cuss you out. And honestly? You’ll deserve it.

6. Tipping Isn’t Mandatory

Unlike in the US, tipping in Amsterdam is totally optional. It’s nice to round up the bill or leave 5-10% if you had great service, but no one’s going to side-eye you if you don’t.

7. Don’t Take Photos of the Red Light District Windows

This should be common sense, but so many tourists mess this up. The Red Light District is a historic and cultural part of Amsterdam, but photographing the workers in the windows is 100% not okay.

8. Weed is Legal—But There Are Rules

Yes, cannabis is legal in Amsterdam, and yes, you can buy it in licensed coffee shops. But don’t be that tourist who assumes they can smoke anywhere. Technically, you’re supposed to only smoke inside coffee shops or in private spaces.

9. Get the I Amsterdam City Card

If you’re planning to visit multiple museums and attractions, this pass can save you a lot of money. It includes free entry to major spots like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and canal cruises, plus unlimited public transport. Just make sure to check which attractions are included before buying!

FAQs About Solo Travel Amsterdam

Is Amsterdam safe for a female solo traveller?

Yes—Amsterdam is one of the safest cities I’ve traveled to solo, including as a female traveler. The city center, even the Red Light District, feels very safe, even at night. Of course, use common sense—watch your belongings in crowded areas, don’t wander into empty streets alone at 3 AM, and trust your gut. But overall? Amsterdam ranks as one of the safest cities in the world, and I personally never felt uncomfortable here.

What to do on a solo trip in Amsterdam?

Everything. Literally everything. Amsterdam is one of those cities where you can do whatever you want solo without feeling weird about it. Want to rent a bike and explore the canals? Go for it. Museum-hop all day? Perfect. Take a canal cruise with a cocktail in hand? Love that for you. You can also join free walking tours, Red Light District tours, or hostel activities if you’re looking to meet people.

What are things to do alone in Amsterdam at night?

Amsterdam at night is just as fun solo as it is during the day. If you want something low-key, you can join a Red Light District tour, visit a cozy brown café (Dutch pub), or take a night canal cruise—seeing Amsterdam lit up from the water is gorgeous.

What are the best hotels for solo travellers in Amsterdam?

It depends on your vibe! If you’re into hostels and want to meet people, ClinkNOORD is a great option. It’s, without a doubt, the best hotel/hostel I have stayed at in Amsterdam.

Final Thoughts on Solo Travel to Amsterdam

All in all, Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in Europe for solo travelers—especially compared to other big cities. And if you look at the stats, it’s not just my opinion, it’s a fact. As a solo female traveler, I never once felt uneasy or unsafe, whether I was wandering the canals during the day or grabbing a drink in the Red Light District at night. Of course, anything can happen anywhere, but from my experience, Amsterdam felt safer than most places I’ve been.

That said, use common sense. Keep your belongings close, lock up your valuables at your hostel or hotel, and if you ever find yourself somewhere that doesn’t feel right, just call an Uber and get out of there (yes, Uber works here—download the app if you don’t already have it).

Hope this guide gave you some solid insight into what solo traveling in Amsterdam is really like. If you’re thinking about going, just do it—you’ll have an amazing time.

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