Want to solo travel to Amsterdam? This is a travel guide of a 5-day Amsterdam itinerary that I created and went on so I could see the city in the easiest and stress-free way possible!
You’re looking for your first solo trip/ or your next destination, Amsterdam is on your mind but you’re not sure what to do and how to get around! The idea of planning a trip, especially if you’re new to traveling and alone can be a nightmare!
I’ll take you on my first international solo trip. I went back in 2019, but of all the trips, this was my favorite, because it was well planned out and I did activities that you and I as food and travel lovers would enjoy.
The first 2 days were light because I was attending a conference, but we’re still going to hash out some details that made the trip run smoothly.
You’re going to know exactly what to do when you get to Amsterdam, where to stay, solo dining options, and more! You can take my itinerary exactly and know you will have a meaningful and safe trip
This post is about a 5-day solo travel guide to Amsterdam guide you can follow for your next trip to Amsterdam.
Stress-Free 5 Day Solo Travel to Amsterdam Guide
Day 1: Getting Settled
Amsterdam Travel Tips to Navigate Airport
The major airport you will most likely arrive through is Schiphol Airport (this was the 1st leg of my 4 country’s European tour) When I arrived it was very simple to navigate, even for a first-time solo traveler.
This is a dutch speaking country but English is spoken and usually under all signs. Most people speak English so you won’t have much trouble communicating with locals.
Travel tip to get cash: If you’re looking for cash, get cash at the airport ATM. The rate is much cheaper when you use an ATM rather than going to a kiosk and easier than finding a bank.
The ATMs use the global bank rates while kiosks add extra to make more profit. This is true wherever you travel. Make sure to notify your bank ahead of time so you have no issues using your card or getting cash.
How to Travel Around Amsterdam
I decided to get a travel pass at the airport. A great way to know a country is to take transportation like the people who live there! You can use the:
- Bus
- Tram
- Metro
- Ferry
- Uber
At Schiphol, they have a great help desk that will assist you with how to travel throughout your stay. They will ask you how long your stay is so they can suggest different plans that suit you.
Questions to ask:
- What is the easiest way to get to my hotel
- What are the different forms of transportation
- How do I use the pass?
Some passes only work on certain buses and metro ways, but not others. If your pass does not work on a particular bus route, for example, you will have to pay out-of-pocket.
Sorting out these details before leaving the airport can really help reduce your stress and give you confidence that you can travel around the country. Since I was doing a solo trip, I really wanted to make the logistics seamless.
If all else, fails, just ask, someone will know.
Resources to Understand Transport in Amsterdam:
I am Amsterdam
Government Resources
Moovit
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – Arena Towers
Arena Towers, Hoogoorddreef 66b, 1101 BE Amsterdam-Zuidoost, Netherlands
The hotel I used was very conveniently located. I was able to take a train directly from the airport to Holiday Inn Arena Towers Hotel in about 30 minutes via train.
Travel tip: It’s always a good idea to book hotels close to train/ bus stations as a solo female traveler because:
- You can go from place to place easily and it’s a straight shot to get home (especially if you’re out late)
- Minimize money spent on Ubers (they are expensive in Amsterdam)
- Reduce the probability of getting lost!
This is located in the Zuidoost area of Amsterdam, so it’s a central location for a lot of entertainment and restaurants, local bars, and a train station.
This Holiday Inn is only a 6-minute walk from Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA,
This is a major train station that can get you anywhere around the city, and the same train station I used to get to and from the hotel.
It can get tricky navigating to and from the hotel, so I used apps like google maps and the LOVE OF MY LIFE Moovit. I find google maps are better for walking directions and Moovit is better for actual transportation via bus, train, tram, or ferry.
The hotel is next to the Johan Cruijff ArenA, Amsterdam’s number-one football stadium. I happened to go when a major game against England was going on. The streets were filled with people! Chants, cheers, face painting.. All of it!
Keep in mind that because the hotel is next to stadiums and bars, it can get loud at night but if you’re looking for nightlife, this is an ideal location.
Not only was the location in the perfect location, but the service was also great. When you walk in the hotel is clean and the staff greets you warmly.
I was checked in with no issues. I was there for a conference, so the conference company reserved my stay for me. Breakfast was also included with my reservation! This is a nice perk when traveling abroad because it can be one less thing to plan for! You eat and then you’re ready to go.
The room was super cute, and fresh. It was perfect for 1-2 people. I felt very comfortable and safe staying there. It was a great first experience for my solo travel Amsterdam trip!
Day 2: Dance Class
Day 2 was the start of the conference so I was not able to explore much until the evening.. However, I did book a group dance class before arriving with Femmitude. I was able to speak with Bukky Ayo, the creator of the group directly and easily schedule a time for me to join.
Bukky is a Nigerian who lives in Amsterdam and teaches sensuality and feminine empowerment through dance.
This class is a MUST! A top experience for me during my trip. Everyone was welcoming and super friendly. You can really let loose and not feel intimidated.
You see women from all dance levels there so wherever you are, you won’t be alone! Check out more about Bukky and the class here.
Day 3: Self-Walking Tour
Amsterdam Centraal
I had the opportunity to explore more after the conference and decided to go into the city.
The first stop was Central Station, also known as Amsterdam Centraal. This is the main train and travel station in Amsterdam. It’s located in the heart of the city so it connects to other major hotels, restaurants, attractions, the red light district, and tours.
You’ll find lots of bikes surrounding the station and area. This is how a lot of people get around in Amsterdam, so there are plenty of people riding them. Stay in walking lanes and avoid the bike lanes, they are fast! Basically don’t get hit!
Along with bikes, this is where you will see the famous Amsterdam water canals. You can see beautiful views of the canals, take canal tours, Instagram photos, and embrace the city by water.
The Ferry
Other modes of transportation are available close to Central Station. You can catch the ferry, which is a free boat ride that takes you along the IJ river to IJplein and NSDM Wharf.
The ferry comes pretty often so the wait isn’t long. You can plan your ferry route here and see when the next ferry will come.
You can sit down during the short 15-minute ride or take in the breeze by being on the deck as you stand. Get a beautiful panoramic view of the river and city. You will want pictures!
Lots of locals use the ferry. It’s just another form of transportation that’s worth taking from Central Station on your solo travel Amsterdam trip.
NSDM Wharf
You can take the ferry to NSDM Wharf which will take about 15 minutes. NSDM was an old shipping center but has now evolved into all things culture, restaurants, and live events.
During my trip in 2019, there was a large tech conference being held, so there were lots of people in the area. Also, this district was still under construction so I did not stay long. It has developed since then, you can find out more about it here.
Solo Dining in Amsterdam: Long Pura
Rozengracht 46-48, 1016 ND Amsterdam, Netherlands
From NSDM Wharf I went to eat at Long Pura, an authentic Indonesian restaurant. This was one of my favorite activities in Amsterdam! So soooo good!
I ordered the Rijsttafel rice table.
You sample eight different foods (meats and veggies) on the menu and they place each on small separate plates and give you this big bowl of rice to eat with each.
You sample beef, lamb, chicken, tasty stir-fried veggies, and also a very delicious peanut sauce.
It costs 45 euros, which is not bad for all the food you get!
It’s supposed to be for 2 people. I clearly didn’t read that part, I saw food and jumped! I couldn’t finish it all, but it was absolutely yummy.
Day 4: Tour Day
Solo Dining in Amsterdam: Abraham Kef Van der Pekplein
1B 1031 GZ Amsterdam 020-7370817
In preparation for the trip, I wanted to know what was Amsterdam known for food-wise and eat it! You’ll find things like the Stroop waffle, raw herring, and beer. But cheese.. yess that was the one for me.
After doing some research, I found a great place named Fromagerie Abraham Kef to do a cheese tasting in one of their tasting rooms
What to expect at Fromagerie Abraha Kef:
- They are open for tastings from Thursday- Sunday, there are 4 different locations to choose from. I went to the Van der Pekplain in North Amsterdam
- I made my reservation via email: pek@abrahamkef.nl
- For a 2-hour tasting, I paid 32.50 euros which included 12 different kinds of cheese, along with crackers, bread, fig jam, and a glass of wine to pair with the selections
- I had the opportunity to pair cured meats with my cheese but I got so full I couldn’t!
- They have a lunch menu to order from if you’re not interested in doing a tasting
For the price, you get such an amazing experience. I would like to do a separate post about the experience because it was really well worth it!
The staff communicated with me very well and they really take their time to explain the cheeses and how they are made. You will see lots of Dutch people so this is not a “tourist” attraction, it’s something the locals enjoy regularly.
City Sightseeing Tour
After the cheese tour, I walked to the central station to hop on the city sightseeing Amsterdam tour . I wouldn’t walk if I did it again, it took too long, and you may be a little buzzed from the wine.
Take the ferry or get back on the metro which will take you 15-20 minutes.
I chose this tour because it’s a great way to see more of the city without having to walk, or wait for busses or metros (Uber is expensive in Amsterdam, they encourage people to take public transport, walk, or bike)
Other City Tours to Try:
Full Coverage Amsterdam Private City Tour
Jordaan Dutch Food & History Tour
These types of tours are a GREAT way to fill your time. Trying to figure out how to plan an itinerary and see everything you want can be a logistical nightmare! These bus tours are great because:
- You won’t have to walk as much. You can rest your feet, cover more ground and save your energy to see what you really want
- The tour cost 24 euros
- This is an audio tour- you’re given new headphones and the explanations can be given in 16 languages
- They have a boat option (does not fit in smaller canals)
Canal Tour
Taking a tour through the canals is a MUST! After the bus tour, I took another 1-hour tour of Amsterdam by water.
It’s so beautiful from the canals. You get into a smaller boat that can take you places bigger boats can’t reach so you really get to see everything.
20 or so of us fit comfortably on the boat. 1 alcoholic beverage was included in the ticket, so I sipped on some Heineken as we waded through the water.
The tour guide educated us on the history of how the houseboats came to be, the cultural influence, and the cost to live on the water. We’re talking millions, depending on the boat!
I’m not sure if the tour guide was having a bad day or just didn’t feel like talking, but he didn’t seem interested. I was just hoping he would give more facts, but maybe that’s just me. Also, it was very difficult for me to find the boat, I thought I was going to miss it.
I did use the tours and tickets site but below I will list others you may like to try. But just know the canal tour is a must for your solo Amsterdam trip, whatever company you choose.
Canal Tour Suggestions:
Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Classic River Boat With Drinks & Dutch Cheese
All-inclusive Canal Tour by Captain Jack (Traveller Choice Award 2022)
Amsterdam Luxury Sightseeing Canal Tour with Local Live Guide
Day 5: Diamonds & Rembrandt House
Gassan
Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 173-175, 1011 LN Amsterdam, Netherlands
One feature of the city bus tour is the opportunity to tour a diamond factory and see how diamonds are created. We toured Gassan, a diamond manufacturer native to Amsterdam.
You learn about:
- Different cuts, sizes, finishes, and the costs of producing each diamond
- Most Importantly- You learn how to tell if a diamond is real!
- Why some are more expensive than others and different styles and colors
If you’re looking for engagement ring ideas, well you’ll love this. You do walk away feeling a bit more educated on jewelry which is nice. It was informational and interactive. You can touch and feel diamonds as they were explaining
Rembrandt House Museum
Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam, Netherlands
I decided to hop back on the bus after Gassan and go to Rembrandt’s House Museum.
This is a self-guided walking tour where you are given a remote control that speaks audibly when you enter a new room within the house.
You learn about his life, how his home became a studio and took in students, and a lot more! An interesting fact is you’ll see different paintings, but there are only a few that were originally Rembrandt. A lot of them were his students because they had mastered his ability to paint the way that he did.
If you like museums, you’ll appreciate this museum.
Here’s what you should know:
- The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Cost: 15 euros for adults.
- You can buy your ticket online or in person
- If you have your student ID it’s 10 euros (I was in my masters at the time, so my student ID from the US was valid)
- Etching workshops are available in person. You can view dates/ times here
This is a stress-free 5-day solo travel Amsterdam itinerary that you can easily follow and customize yourself!
I hope this post makes your trip planning easy breezy! Happy travels and I would love to know how it goes.
Let’s eat around the world, together:)
This post is about an easy 5-day solo travel to Amsterdam guide
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