Amsterdam Solo

So yeah… I went to Amsterdam alone. No friends. No fixed plan. Just me, my backpack, and this weird mix of excitement + “oh god what if I get lost.” Spoiler: I did get lost. Twice. But honestly? Best thing that happened.

The first thing that hit me stepping out of Centraal Station — the air smelled like coffee and rain. And bikes. Not in a bad way. Just… bikes everywhere. You’ll see.

Why It’s a Solid Solo Trip Spot

Okay, here’s the thing: I’ve been to cities where you feel like you stick out if you’re alone. Amsterdam? Nah. No one cares. People are busy, but if you stop and ask, they’re super nice.

Also:

• English

• Feels safe. I walked along the canals at night and felt fine.

One guy at a café told me, “You’re brave for traveling alone.” I told him, “Not really. This city makes it easy.”

When to Go

I went in late September. No insane crowds, still warm-ish, and the trees along the canals? Straight out of a movie.

If you like:

• Flowers → April or May (tulips everywhere).

• Festivals → Summer.

• Quiet walks & cozy cafés → Autumn.

• Holiday vibes → December.

Pro tip: Avoid July unless you like dodging 500 people every time you turn around.

How Many Days

I stayed five. Felt just right. Three days is too rushed. Seven? Unless you’re doing day trips, you might run out of “new.”

Money Stuff

Amsterdam can eat your wallet alive. Here’s how I survived:

• Markets over restaurants. Albert Cuyp Market = cheap + good.

• Tram pass. No counting coins.

• Bike rental. Best €10 I spent.

I think I averaged like €80 a day. And I did not skip dessert.

Where I Slept

De Pijp. Hostel with a kitchen. Met two Italians, a Brazilian, and a girl from Korea who made us noodles one night.

Other spots I checked out:

• Jordaan – Nice

• Center – THE – Trendy food places.

Getting Around

Mostly walked. Honestly, you miss so much on public transport.
But yeah, biking’s fun (after the first near-death experience with a tram). Trams are chill too — beep your card when you hop in, beep when you hop out.

Stuff I Did and Liked

• Rijksmuseum – Took

• Van Gogh

• Anne Fran

• Vondelpark – Sat for

• Are

Safety Stuff

• Of

• None

• Don’t take photos in the Red Light District. Just… don’t.

Meeting People

Free walking tours are gold. You’ll find at least one cool person to grab coffee with later.

Also:

• Sit at café bars, not tables.

• To

• Couchsurfing meetups can be fun if you’re into that.

Food I Still Think About

• Stroopwafels — get t

• Bitterballen — with mustard.

• Mini pancakes —

• Raw herring — better than it sounds, promise.

Brewery ‘t IJ has

Day Trips

• Zaanse Schans – Windmill

• Haarlem – Less busy, super close.

• Keukenhof – Online

Final Bits

Going solo here? You’ll be fine. Actually, you’ll be better than fine. You’ll wander, you’ll meet people, you’ll get lost (and that’s the best part).

Amsterdam doesn’t just “tolerate” solo travelers — it kind of loves them. Or maybe that’s just me projecting. Either way, go.