Solo Adventures: 12 best things to do alone in Amsterdam

Solo Adventures: 12 best things to do alone in Amsterdam

From touring the tulip fields to afternoon museum-hopping, here are the best activities when traveling alone in Amsterdam.

As one of the best destinations in Europe for solo travelers, Amsterdam is the perfect place to visit if you’re flying solo. From exploring vibrant city markets to sampling Dutch delicacies, soaking up the culture at Amsterdam’s iconic museums, to exploring Holland’s tulip fields, you’ll be spoiled for choice regarding things to do alone in Amsterdam. With so much to see and do, from iconic sights to hidden gems, you won’t even have a second to feel lonely. So, if you’re planning a solo trip to the Dutch capital, read on to discover the best activities for solo travelers in Amsterdam.

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Keukenhof is one of the most popular places to see the tulips near Amsterdam.

1. Take a trip to the tulip fields

Do you know what the national flower of the Netherlands is? The tulip. There’s one interesting fact about Amsterdam you should know before you go. With that in mind, no trip to Amsterdam is complete without visiting one of the country’s iconic tulip fields.

Why it’s great for solo travelers

If you need an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city center, exploring the tulip fields is the perfect way to enjoy your own company while spending some time in nature.

Best time to go

Visit Amsterdam in spring to see the tulips in full bloom. Early March is the perfect time to visit the famous Keukenhof botanical gardens to see these beautiful blooms in all their glory.

Address and opening hours

Keukenhof, Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse, Netherlands; Open daily from 08:00 AM to 19:30 PM from March 20 to May 11.

Discover the best tulip field tours

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A spooky tour of the city is a great way to explore Amsterdam after dark.

2. Uncover the haunted history of Amsterdam

One of the most unmissable experiences in Amsterdam is a spooky walking tour of the Old Town. If you enjoy mystery and haunted places, this is a great way to gain a new perspective on the city. From tales of witch trials to stories of eccentric doctors, you’ll learn about the lesser-known side of the city.

Why it’s great for solo travelers

Led by an experienced guide, you will join a group of other like-minded travelers of all ages and from all walks of life as you embark on a spooky city tour. So, this is a great way to make your solo travel in Amsterdam a little less lonely.

Best time to go

To fully embrace the city’s dark side, it’s best to check out this tour in the evening after the sun’s gone down.

Check out Amsterdam ghost tours here

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photo: Philip Hiscocks

The Rijksmuseum is home to over 800 years of Dutch history, including the works of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.

3. Explore the city’s most iconic museums

Amsterdam has many fantastic museums, from the iconic Rijksmuseum to the poignant Anne Frank House. A day spent museum-hopping will allow you to learn about everything from the city’s history and art to its food and drink.

Why it’s great for solo travelers

A day spent exploring the best museums in Amsterdam is a great way to spend time on your own. Wandering around the fascinating exhibitions, you can invest in your cultural education, learn something new, and enjoy one of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam.

Insider tip

Enjoy discounted entry to many of the city’s top museums with an I Amsterdam City Card or a Museumkaart. These cards also offer additional perks, such as public transport access, making them a cost-effective solution for visiting the city.

Discover Amsterdam’s best museums

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photo: LemonOne

Enjoy traditional Dutch delicacies such as kroket and bitterballen at the Albert Cuyp Market, the largest open-air market in the Netherlands.

4. Sample delicious Dutch delicacies

From bitterballen (deep-fried Dutch meatballs) to broodjes haring (fish sandwich), stroopwafels (crispy double-layered waffles) to classic Dutch cheese, the food of Amsterdam is diverse and delicious. Discover historic restaurants, age-old recipes, and iconic city markets. Just make sure to leave room for dessert because Dutch pancakes are a delightful sweet treat that you won’t want to miss.

Why it’s great for solo travelers

Are you ever really alone when you’re spending time with food? Exploring Amsterdam’s culinary culture is the perfect activity for solo travelers. You’ll have the chance to speak to local artisans and chefs, who’ll be more than happy to answer your questions.

What not to miss

Spend a morning browsing the stalls at Albert Cuyp Market, the largest outdoor market in Europe, with over 300 vendors selling a fantastic array of Dutch delicacies.

Explore best Amsterdam food tours

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photo: Tomasz Baranowski

Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most renowned Dutch painters of all time.

5. Admire the artwork at the Van Gogh Museum

Perhaps one of the most famous Dutch artists of all time, Vincent Van Gogh, is known for his post-iImpressionist works, including “The Starry Night” and his famous “Self Portrait”. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam pays homage to his legacy and the works of other renowned artists.

Why it’s great for solo travelers

Exploring the museum alone allows you to immerse yourself in and appreciate the exhibitions on display. With so much to see, you could spend a whole day just wandering around for one of the best activities when traveling alone in Amsterdam.

Insider tip

Tickets must be purchased beforehand with a designated time slot. So, make sure you pre-book yours online before your visit!

Address and opening hours

Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands; Open Saturday through Thursday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM and Friday, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM.

Explore the work of Vincent Van Gogh

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photo: Philip Hiscocks

The Anne Frank House provided a hiding place for Jewish diarist Anne Frank and her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

6. Discover the devastating story of Anne Frank

Like many countries in Central Europe, the Netherlands has a tragic recent history with many heartbreaking tales from World War II in Amsterdam. One of the most well-known is the tale of Anne Frank. Today, the house where young Anne hid with her family is open to the public. It’s regarded as one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam and a harrowing but important part of the city’s history.

Why it’s suitable for solo travelers

On a solo visit to the Anne Frank House, you can take your time reading about the heartbreaking tale of this young girl and her family.

Best time to go

Since the Anne Frank House is one of the top things to do in Amsterdam, it can become extremely crowded. Consider visiting early in the morning to miss the crowds, and reserve tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Address and opening hours

Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands; Open daily, 9:00 AM-10:00 PM

Discover the story of Anne Frank

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photo: Philip Hiscocks

The Multatuli Statue in the heart of Amsterdam stands in honor of Dutch writer Eduard Douwes Dekker.

7. Join a guided walking tour of the city

Amsterdam is a historic and very walkable city, making it the perfect place to join a guided walking tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll discover all the top attractions and hidden gems the City of Canals has to offer and learn some fun facts along the way.

Why it’s great for solo travelers

Joining a guided group tour is an ideal way to discover the city during your first time in Amsterdam, and it’s also a great way to meet like-minded travelers who you can link up with during your stay.

Insider tip

Booking a small group tour tailored to your specific interests, whether it’s history, food, or art, is a great way to enjoy a more intimate and personal experience.

Explore the city on foot

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Join a cooking class and learn to make traditional Dutch delicacies.

8. Cook up a storm at a Dutch cooking class

Dutch food is among the most diverse and delicious in Europe – think Stroopwafels, Dutch Pancakes, and Bitterballen. What better way to fully immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s culinary culture than by taking a cooking class to learn how to make some of the most popular dishes and desserts yourself?

Why it’s great for solo travelers

A cooking class will not only offer you the chance to improve your cooking skills and learn new recipes. As one of the more social activities when traveling alone in Amsterdam, you’ll meet other solo travelers and make new friends.

Best time to go

Book your cooking class around a mealtime – and don’t eat too much before. You’ll want to make sure you can enjoy the delights you cooked up!

Learn to cook authentic Dutch food

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photo: LemonOne

Voldendam is one of the most unique and interesting towns located northeast of Amsterdam.

9. Travel to a traditional Dutch village

See the famous Amsterdam working windmills, learn all about traditional clog making, and sample some delicious Dutch cheese on a visit to old-school Dutch villages. They’re just a short drive from the city center, so you can either visit them alone or with a tour.

Why it’s great for solo travelers

A visit to a traditional Dutch village is one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam. It’s not only a great way to get out of the city and see something different, you can also make your own itinerary and experience it exactly as you like.

Insider tip

Double-check the opening hours of the attractions you want to visit. Many windmills in Holland are only open during the summer months.

Escape the city and discover traditional Dutch village life

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Delftware is a famous style of pottery originating from the Dutch region of Delft.

10. Channel your inner artist and paint Delft tiles

Delft is a city in the Netherlands that sits about one hour south of Amsterdam. It is known as the manufacturing base of the world-renowned Delftware, the famous blue and white painted pottery. Delft is also regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands.

Why it’s great for solo travelers

Partaking in artistic pursuits has been shown to have enormous benefits for your mental health, thanks to its encouragement of mindfulness and ability to bring you into the present moment. What’s more, you’ll even get a little souvenir to take home for yourself or as a gift for a loved one.

Insider tip

Most workshops operate on a pre-book basis. So, book your spot online beforehand to ensure you don’t miss out!

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Vondelpark provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam center.

11. Wander around Vondelpark

First opened in 1865, Vondelpark is a peaceful 47-acre oasis in the heart of Amsterdam. On a sunny day, it is the perfect place to escape the city's hustle and bustle. Going for a jog, relaxing on the grass, or enjoying a concert at an open-air theater in this park are a few of the best activities for solo travelers in Amsterdam.

Why it’s great for solo travel in Amsterdam

A stunning green oasis in the heart of the city, an afternoon spent in Vondelpark is the ultimate way to enjoy quality time with yourself and make the most of traveling to Amsterdam alone.

What not to miss…

Throughout June, July, and August, you can enjoy free open-air theater performances in Vondelpark.

Address

Vondelpark, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Experience the beauty of Vondelpark on a guided tour

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photo: Philip Hiscocks

With a network of canals winding their way through the city, experiencing Amsterdam by boat is a must.

12. Cruise along the canals

One of the most iconic parts of the Dutch capital is its stunning network of canals that wind around the city streets. No trip to Amsterdam is complete without exploring these historic systems and witnessing the city from the water.

Why it’s great for solo travelers

A canal cruise is one of the best activities for solo travelers in Amsterdam. Relax, unwind, and let someone else take the wheel as you enjoy the breathtaking sights of the city.

Insider tip

Pre-book your canal cruise for the best price and offer.

Book canal cruise tickets

FAQs about things to do alone in Amsterdam

Is it safe to travel alone in Amsterdam?

Yes, Amsterdam is renowned as one of the safest destinations in Europe for solo travel. However, you should be aware of a few things, such as sticking to well-lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings, especially in busy places like Centraal Station or Dam Square.

What are some other great things to do alone in Amsterdam?

Besides exploring Amsterdam’s most iconic landmarks, some other great things to do as a solo traveler include relaxing in the urban parks, enjoying a bike tour around the city, or exploring the canals by boat – especially during summer in Amsterdam.

What’s the best way to get around on your own in Amsterdam?

Hiring a bike and cycling around the city is arguably the most convenient – and iconic – way to get around Amsterdam. However, if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, the city also boasts an easy-to-use transport system with well-connected trams and ferries that cross the canals.

How do I meet other solo travelers in Amsterdam?

Staying in social hostels or booking yourself onto social group activities is an easy way to meet other like-minded solo travelers in Amsterdam.

Where are great places to eat alone in Amsterdam?

The vibrant food markets are a great place to eat alone and sample some of the most delicious Dutch delicacies. Amsterdam also boasts a wealth of casual eateries and coffee shops that are popular among solo diners and remote workers.

Is Amsterdam safe for female solo travelers?

Yes, Amsterdam is regarded as one of the safest and most friendly cities in Europe. This makes it an ideal destination for women traveling to Amsterdam alone.