A Complete Amsterdam Travel Guide for Solo Traveling

Amsterdam is one of those cities that’s impossible not to fall in love with. Between its peaceful canals, world-class museums, cozy cafés, and storybook streets, every corner feels like a postcard. Solo travel here was easy and comfortable.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or including Amsterdam in a longer Europe trip, this guide covers the 10 best things to do in Amsterdam to make your trip unforgettable.

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1. Explore the Canals

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a canal cruise.  The first thing I did when I arrived in Amsterdam, after dropping my luggage,  was a canal cruise. It was fun, good history from the captain and a unique view of Amsterdam from the water. There are many options, closed glass boat, open air boat, day or evening cruise, or small or large boat. I opted for a smaller, open boat. 

Even though it was a little chilly, I still wanted the whole experience. They had blankets on board for us and there was a bar if that interests you. A nice canal cruise with an aperol spritz is a good way to go. Keep a look out for the “dancing houses” you can only get the full effect from the water. You can also see the seven bridges from the water. The boat can get you to the perfect place to see through all seven bridges at one time.  

Check out some tours below.

2. Wander the Jordaan Neighborhood

It’s a cute little neighborhood, filled with art galleries, unique boutique shops and cafes. They have a few really cute stores and museums (if you want to call them that), the cheese museum for example, more like a store but fun to wander around in. It’s a very artsy area and after spending time in Amsterdam it feels like the local area to hang out in.

Insider tip: Stop by the Jordaan market on Saturdays at Noordermarkt, perfect for vintage finds and local snacks. It was a great stop. It was like a flea market with food trucks. Lots of interesting things to look at and then good snacks while you’re wandering through.

3. Relax in Vondelpark

Take a break at Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s most famous green space. It’s 120 acres total, so it’s perfect for a peaceful walk, a bike ride, or enjoying a coffee along your sightseeing walk. It was a little chilly when I was there, but the trees were all beautiful colors, changing from fall to winter. I went early in the morning so there were less people, which is how I prefer it, better for pictures too.

3. Discover the Van Gogh Museum

You shouldn’t miss the Van Gogh Museum, which is home to the largest collection of his masterpieces, including his piece “ Sunflowers and The Bedroom.” Although my visit was brief in nature, if you are an art lover, you could spend hours admiring the pieces housed there. There are more museums within walking distance from  the Van Gogh museum if you especially enjoy art.

4. Visit the Anne Frank House

One of Amsterdam’s most moving experiences, the Anne Frank House tells the story of Anne Frank and her family during World War II. Walk into the secret annex where she wrote her diary and walk through the house her family hid in during the war. While in the museum, you will listen to an audio guide as you walk through the house, giving you in depth details and watch clips from survivors.

It made me want to go back and read Anne Frank again since I was so young when I was first introduced to it. It’s a somber experience, but you can’t miss it. I was honestly a little disappointed at first that it was solely an audio guide, but seeing the actual diary pages, walking through the house, and hearing stories was just as impactful. 

5. Visit the Floating Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt)

The Bloemenmarkt is the world’s only floating flower market. Open year-round, it’s a colorful spot filled with tulips, bulbs, and souvenirs. I was told to visit in spring for the blooming tulips, but since I went in October, there were mostly flower bulbs and seeds when I was there. Before I went I was thinking, floating markets like Thailand and Vietnam. But keep in mind, while it is considered a floating market, it’s hard to feel the floating market vibe when the market isn’t actually on the boats and you don’t feel like you’re floating on the water. I think it would have been prettier if all the tulips were in bloom for the season, but just an honest review.

6. Take a Bike Ride Around the City

Cycling is part of daily life in Amsterdam. Rent a bike or join a guided bike tour to explore the city like a local. Ride through De Pijp, Vondelpark, and along the canals for the ultimate Amsterdam experience. When I first arrived, I was overwhelmed with the sheer amount of bikes in the city, but then I found out pedestrians and cars yield to bikes. The bikes have the right of way everywhere, so be careful where you walk and make sure you’re not only looking for bikes, but cars too. Ironically, the trams stop for pedestrians which was surprising. 

Remember: cyclists rule the road here.

7. Hang out in Dam Square

The center of the city, Dam Square, is one of Amsterdam’s most important places. Surrounded by the Royal Palace, the National Monument, Centraal Station, restaurants, shops and boutiques. It’s busy and a good place to have a coffee alone and just people watch. For me, it’s more busy with tourists than locals, but that comes with traveling to big cities.

9. Experience the Red Light District at Night

The Red Light District is one of Amsterdam’s oldest and most talked about neighborhoods. Visit at dusk to see its historic canals, quirky shops, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a part of Amsterdam’s history and culture. It definitely doesn’t look the same during the day as it does at night. At night the windows and clubs open and it’s a completely different scene. I had to go even if it was just to snap a photo.

10. A’dam Lookout

If you’re looking for a great view of the city, the A’dam lookout gives you a great overlook on the other side of the city. Skip the swing, it didn’t seem worth it, but if you can’t decide, you can always get your ticket when you’re on the lookout point.

You can’t leave without trying:

• Cheese tasting at Henri Willig or Reypenaer
• Fries with mayo from Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx
• Mini pancakes (poffertjes) from a local street stall

Food is a fun way to experience Dutch culture. I ate at some great restaurants and had amazing food. It wasn’t necessarily Dutch specific food, but good food nonetheless.

 Hidden Gems to Add If You Have Extra Time

•  Begijnhof: A peaceful hidden courtyard near Spui Square.
• NDSM Wharf: An artsy district full of murals and converted warehouses. I absolutely loved the art here. I spent more time here than at the Van Gogh museum, but I’m also more interested in this type of art. The warehouse was a perfect set up for the art, giving it a hip type of vibe.
•  Electric Ladyland: The world’s only museum dedicated to fluorescent art.
• Visit the Albert Cuyp Market: Best street market

Final Thoughts: Fall in Love with Amsterdam

Amsterdam blends history, art, and modern life perfectly. Spend your days wandering the canals, biking around the city, or checking out the art. The locals were lovely and helpful. Solo traveling was simple here. Public transport was easy to navigate, you had the choice of tram, bus, train, or bike. You can also get around by walking, just wear comfortable shoes. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, Amsterdam offers endless ways to explore and fall in love with the city. Although it was a short trip for me, I really enjoyed the city. 2 days was enough, but if you want to slow down and not rush through the city, 3 days would be perfect. If you’re continuing on in the Netherlands, check out my post on Rotterdam. Another great European weekend trip is Paris. Check out the Paris post here.

Plan Your Trip

• Nearest airport: Amsterdam Schiphol AMS
•  Best time to visit: April–May for tulips or September–October for fewer crowds
• Currency: Euro €
• Language: Dutch (but English is widely spoken)

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