Top 10 Best Things To Do In Amsterdam For Solo Travelers

Despite its sometimes seedy reputation, Amsterdam is a wonderful city to travel solo to! It is filled with museums, scenic streets, unique architecture, and plenty of day trip options. 

I’ve visited Amsterdam a few times as a solo traveler and was pleasantly surprised at how safe I felt walking around the streets solo. With legalized prostitution and marijuana, I thought the smell of weed would be everywhere, and the streets would be filled with rowdy young adults and travelers looking to let loose. 

I am glad I was completely wrong! Amsterdam is famous for its liberal and open-minded attitude. While some tourists visit solely to experience its nightlife and the Red Light District, there is a lot more to the city than that. 

The city boasts a rich cultural scene with numerous museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues, and it is a melting pot of cultures with a strong international community that can be seen in the city’s cuisine, festivals, and daily life.

There is no doubt why it’s one of Europe’s most beloved cities! You’ll have a great time traveling solo in Amsterdam whether you are looking to meet new people or relax at one of the many green spaces.

Here are 15 fun things to do in Amsterdam as a solo traveler

Enjoy a Canal Cruise

A canal cruise is an easy choice when visiting Amsterdam solo. It’s a great introduction to the city and a unique way to explore the city’s famous waterways and historic architecture. 

There are many tours to choose from. Some are sightseeing only, while others offer a full bar or dinner. Some tours focus on specific themes, such as architecture, history, or seasonal events like the Amsterdam Light Festival. They last from one to two hours and well into the evening, so it’s a great way to see the city after dark. 

Visit a Museum

Amsterdam is renowned for its world-class museums, offering a wide range of art, history, and cultural experiences. There are close to 100 museums and art galleries in Amsterdam that can easily be visited at a discount with an I Amsterdam City Card.

Here are the most popular museums in Amsterdam:

Rijksmuseum

Located in Museumplein (Museum Square). The national museum of the Netherlands, the Rijksmuseum houses a vast collection of Dutch art and history, including masterpieces from the Golden Age with works by Rembrandt (including “The Night Watch”), Vermeer, and other Dutch masters, as well as an extensive collection of Asian art and historical artifacts.

Van Gogh Museum

This frequented museum is home to the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings in the world. It is also located in Museumplein (Museum Square).

Anne Frank House

This iconic landmark is a biographical museum dedicated to Anne Frank, located in the house where she and her family hid during World War II. See the Secret Annex, Anne’s original diary, and exhibits about the Holocaust and discrimination. It is located in central Amsterdam along the Prinsengracht canal, near the Jordaan neighborhood.

Stedelijk Museum

Stedelijk Amsterdam’s premier modern and contemporary art museum with works by artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Mondrian, as well as contemporary installations and design pieces. It is located in Museumplein (Museum Square).

The Rembrandt House Museum

The Rembrandt House Museum is located in Jodenbreestraat in central Amsterdam along a scenic canal corner. It is the former home and studio of the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn. You can see Rembrandt’s etchings, personal artifacts, and reconstructed living spaces showing how he lived and worked.

 NEMO Science Museum

An interactive science and technology museum, great for families and curious minds. Enjoy hands-on exhibits about energy, the human body, technology, and more. It is located in Oosterdok, near the Central Station.

Amsterdam Museum

The Amsterdam Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Amsterdam. Enjoy exhibits covering the city’s development, from its origins to modern times, including the Golden Age and contemporary urban life. It is located on the busy shopping street of Kalverstraat, in the heart of the city.

Foam Photography Museum

If you love photography, you will want to visit this unique museum located along the Keizersgracht Canal. It is a museum focused on contemporary photography with rotating exhibitions featuring works by both renowned and emerging photographers. It’s located in a manor house among Amsterdam’s scenic canals. 

Visit The Heineken Experience

I have yet to experience this myself, but if you are interested in the history of beer making, this may be for you! The Heineken Experience is located in their historic former brewery and is more of a museum than anything. No beer is currently made here, but you can still see the original brewery rooms. At the end of the self-guided tour, you can enjoy two chilled beers before heading to the rooftop for beautiful views of the city (if you purchase a combination ticket). 

Catch A Movie at Tuschinski

If you want to escape the crowds or bad weather, consider watching a movie in the Pathé Tuschinski. It is one of the most beautiful and historic cinemas in the world, known for its stunning Art Deco architecture and opulent interior design.

Tuschinski was opened in 1921 and is still operating in full force. The cinema is equipped with modern technology and offers high-quality sound and projection. It shows new releases along with classic titles and offers special screenings and theme nights.

Buy tickets in advance, as shows tend to sell out. Make sure to arrive early to give yourself enough time to admire the stunning building and enjoy the ambiance of the cinema.

Go For A Bike Ride

Amsterdam is famously bike-friendly, with a well-developed infrastructure that makes cycling safe, convenient, and enjoyable for most people. I say that because Amsterdam has an intense biking culture with serious bikers who have been riding bikes since they could walk.

Biking is not only fun but also a great way to experience the city like a local. It also allows you to explore neighborhoods that are less accessible by public transport. Before biking, familiarize yourself with local biking rules and etiquette, such as signaling, using bike lanes, and yielding to pedestrians. Always be aware of trams, cars, other cyclists, and pedestrians. Amsterdam can be busy, especially in the city center, and many tourists forget to watch out for cyclists!

If you purchase the I Amsterdam City Card, you also get a 1-day bicycle rental for free! 

Enjoy a Drink At A Brown Bar

If you are looking for a local experience, head to a Brown Bar. “Brown bars,” or “bruin cafés,” are traditional Dutch pubs that are a quintessential part of Amsterdam’s cultural and social scene. They are known for their cozy, warm, and inviting atmosphere, often featuring dark wood interiors, dim lighting, and a laid-back vibe. They are scattered across the city and seem to attract more locals than visitors, who mostly admire them from the outside.

The best Brown Bars in Amsterdam:

Café Chris- located in the Jordaan district, it first opened in 1624 and is known for its historic charm

Café ‘t Smalle– Located on the Egelantiersgracht canal, this bar is known for its beautiful location and cozy interior.

Batavia 192– great food in a traditional atmosphere close to Amsterdam Central

A Day Trip To Lisse in April 

A fantastic thing to do solo in Amsterdam is take a day trip to Lisse to enjoy the flower fields. Tulips bloom in April and there are fields of dahlia in summer.

If you are visiting in April, a visit to Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse is a must. Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest botanical gardens, only open during tulip season. The gardens are spread out over 70 acres, with pavilions displaying a variety of flowers, from tulips and lilies to orchids and roses, often featuring innovative and artistic floral designs.

During tulip season, a direct bus route runs from Amsterdam Central to the entrance of the gardens, making it super easy for a solo traveler.

Enjoy a Local Outdoor Market

Amsterdam is home to several famous outdoor markets that offer a vibrant mix of goods, from fresh produce and flowers to antiques and local crafts. 

These are some of the most notable outdoor markets in the city: 

Ten Katemarkt

Ten Katemarkt is a popular outdoor market located in the Oud-West neighborhood of Amsterdam. It features a wide variety of stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, flowers, clothing, accessories, household items, and more. The market is known for its diverse selection and affordable prices. It’s a great place to experience local culture, interact with vendors, and enjoy street food. 

IJ-Hallen Flea Market

This is the largest flea market in Europe, with over 700 stalls selling vintage clothing, antiques, furniture, and other second-hand goods.

It is located at NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam-Noord, a former shipyard turned creative hotspot known for its vibrant street art scene, galleries, and cultural events.

The market has an entry fee, but you can reach the wharf by a free ferry from Amsterdam Central Station. 

Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt)

The flower market is open year-round and is the world’s only floating flower market. It features a wide variety of flowers, plants, bulbs, and garden accessories. It is a great place to buy tulip bulbs as souvenirs.

Dappermarkt

National Geographic voted Dappermarkt one of the top 10 shopping streets in the world This market is located in the East Amsterdam district and is best known for its affordable prices and diverse range of goods, including fresh produce, fish, meats, clothing, and household items.

Albert Cuyp Market

Albert Cuypstraat in the De Pijp neighborhood is the largest and most famous daily market in Amsterdam. It offers a wide range of products, including fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, spices, clothing, electronics, and more. It is a great place to sample Dutch street food like stroopwafels, herring, and poffertje (small fluffy pancakes).

Grab a Bite to Eat at Food Hallen

Foodhallen is a popular indoor food market located in the De Hallen complex in the Oud-West neighborhood. The space has a lively, bustling atmosphere with a modern industrial design. It is housed in a historic tram depot, giving it a unique, rustic charm.

There are around 20 stalls with a variety of cuisines, including Dutch delicacies, Asian street food, Mediterranean dishes, gourmet burgers, fresh seafood, and more.

The food hall is a great place for solo travelers to meet new people. Its open-plan layout features plenty of communal seating, encouraging a social and relaxed dining experience.

Visit the A’DAM Lookout

Head to the A’DAM Lookout for stunning panoramic views of Amsterdam, including its historic city center, the port, and the Dutch countryside from its rooftop observation deck. 

For the adventurous, try “Over the Edge,” Europe’s highest swing, which swings you over the edge of the building!

It is easily accessible via a free ferry from Amsterdam Central Station to the Buiksloterweg ferry terminal, followed by a short walk to the tower.

Join a Group Tour

As a solo female traveler, I love a group tour! Guided tours make exploring a new city a breeze. They provide structure, safety, convenience, and opportunities to meet fellow travelers. 

Amsterdam offers a wide range of group tours that cater to various interests, from historical and cultural explorations to food and drink tastings.

Some options for group tours include:

Hungry Birds Street Food tour: This walking tour takes place in the De Pijp neighborhood with up to 8 guests. Enjoy local street food and support multi-generational businesses with an expert guide.

That Dam Guide: Offering many options for small group tours, including walking city tours and day trips to the windmills and tulip fields. 

Zaanse Schans & Zaandam—Countryside electric bike tour: This is a fun way to explore the Dutch countryside! I went on a day trip to Zaandam and loved exploring the area. Book on Get Your Guide Here.

No Diet Club Food Tour: I used this company for a food tour in Lisbon and had a great time! You’ll try some of Amsterdam’s most iconic street food, like stroopwafels and crispy bitterballen, while biking through central Amsterdam. Book on Get Your Guide Here.

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I hope you have an amazing time in Amsterdam solo! With all the food options, activities, and social opportunities it really is a great European city to travel solo to.