Why Amsterdam?!
I am often asked where is the best place to visit when traveling as a solo female traveler…to answer that question…. Amsterdam!!! It is in my top 3, all time best cities for solo female travelers!
When visiting any city solo my main concern is “will I feel safe”!?? Who would want to visit anywhere they felt like they needed to have their guard up all the time!?!?
Amsterdam is somewhere I feel was extremely safe, and welcoming! Of course with any city, there could be a section of t town that could be, “iffy”, though I never came across this while visiting.
If you are solo female traveling, and especially for you first timers.. visit Amsterdam!
Transportation to City Center
If you are arriving by plane, and looking to get to the city center you have a couple options:
Taxi, which I rarely suggest, unless you are coming with a million bags… Taking a taxi will cost you approx. 39 euro… takes approx. 15-20 mins.
Train, my favorite mode transportation! This option will cost you 5.40 euro and takes about 20 mins. DOWNLOAD the Transit App HERE. Being prepared with the app before you arrive is a great time saver.
Where to EAT?!
I am a big believer in having a list of places to eat researched and mapped out before you touching down. Nothing worse (to me!) than having a bad overpriced meal while away.
The Seafood Bar Spui located centrally in Amsterdam, is a wonderful place to check out for the seafood lover.
Via De’ Pastini might be the best Italian food I’ve ever had!! Here is a quaint little restaurant serving up fresh and flavorful dishes. This place shouldn’t be missed.
Cafe Modern Come here when visiting the Noord. Located just north of Amsterdam Central station, by taking the free 5 min ferry. Cafe Modern will be full of surprises, with a seasonal inspired menu.
Vegan Junk Food Bar This place has several locations, and is worth seeking out! I had the “bitter balls” curry style. So good, I had a second order. Another must try is the planet based burger, which is soy free, and made with Beyond Meat!
Pacific From breakfast to dinner this place has you covered! Lots of Vegetarian and Vegan options can be found here! Located on the west side of the city!
De Plantage What a wonderful place! Located in the lovely Plantage area, this restaurant has something for everyone! Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
The Seafood Bar Spui 
Via De’ Pastini 
Via De’ Pastini
Accommodations in Amsterdam
Staying in the most central part of Amsterdam is going to cost you…but with the city having such great transit, you can stay a little outside.
I really don’t think you can go wrong in any Amsterdam neighborhood, they are all wonderful! I will list out some of the top rated hotel that I would highly recommend!
Boutique Hotels
Pulitzer AmsterdamThis swanky hotel is within a restored two 17th and 18th century houses. Located canal side in central Amsterdam and complete with restaurant & bar.
Soho House Amsterdam How about a rooftop pool in the center of Amsterdam! This exclusive hotel is new and amazing! Soho house has exclusive restaurants and club rooms that are only available to members and guests! A great choice in central Amsterdam.
The Highland HouseThis uniquely themed hotel is located around the corner from Anne Frank’s House. It is rated best value for location, style and amenities!
What to DO?!
Let’s start with the most famous attractions of Amsterdam.
1. Anne Frank’s HouseIf you are thinking, I’ll just get tickets a couple weeks in advance, think again. It sells out months and months in advance. You should know that 80% of Anne Frank tickets are released exactly 2 months in advance. The other 20% are released online the day of the tour from 9am. The 20% is released on the site in waves, not every ticket is released at once, so you need to check constantly and keep refreshing your screen. Don’t give up!
2. Van Gough Museum Getting tickets to Van Gough is far more reasonable than tickets to Anne Frank’s House. Often you can go same day. The website has tickets available for purchase for 13 euro. You can really a day of it between this museum and Rijksmuseum (which is the better of the 2).
3. RijksmuseumThis museum is far more beautiful than the Van Gough Museum. It also has quite a few Van Gough paintings. The Rijksmuseum is a located in Museum square. This is a Dutch national museum, dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam. Tickets can be purchased online.
4. Canal Tours!
– A good choice in canal tours can be booked online HERE. It costs 16 euro, and comes with City Map and copy of I Amsterdam magazine. Please note, it’s hop on, but NOT hop off and back on. This is good for 1 cruise around the canals.
-If you are looking for a HOP ON and HOP OFF cruise (which I recommend) it will cost a little more, but the ticket is valid for 24 hours. Tickets are 25 euro, and can be purchased HERE.
-Booze on board tours! One of the most highly recommended canal tours is Those Dam Boat Guys! They have a fun and entertaining tour around Amsterdam. Be sure to bring your own booze and snacks! Tickets can be purchased online for 25 euro! This is a great option if you are solo! Nothing like a bunch of people boozing on a boat to break the ice and make friends!
–Amsterdam Dinner Cruise– For something different, try a dinner cruise around the canals! Enjoy a glass of Prosecco and a four-course gourmet dinner, and bottomless drinks. The tour is approx. 2 ½ hours in length and cost 82 euro. If you are thinking, that would be too sad, a dinner alone on a boat full of couples and groups?! You need to change your mindset. You are traveling alone to enjoy the world and treat yourself. You make far more friends when traveling alone than ever with anyone else. Remember, to do what you want on your trip, don’t let the “what would someone else think” determine your good time.
5. Bike Tours!
In a city of 847,000 bikes, how could you not try a bike tour!? Well, unless you are someone who has never ridden a bike, then this is not for you! I won’t lie to you, it can be a little stressful on spots of the tour. You are riding on the road with other local bikers and cars. I totally recommend doing it, but I feel important to point out this out. My favorite bike tour in Amsterdam is by Yellow Bike. The 3 hour city tour is 29 euro, and my recommended tour. Check out their site for other tour options. They also rent bikes by the day!
“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.”– Katharine Hepburn
A Single Woman Traveling 