Amsterdam is a city I had been wanting to visit for ages but I kept putting it off because I thought Amsterdam was a city that you couldn’t visit solo! However, as luck would have it, I was invited on a trip to see some other cities in the Netherlands by Visit Holland and I thought that I couldn’t be so close to Amsterdam and not visit so I decided to stay in the country a few extra days. I had one day in Amsterdam solo and I loved it.
Update: I have since been back to Amsterdam for a second and third time solo and loved it too, from this trip I wrote: My Top 10 Tips For Visiting Amsterdam as a Solo Traveller.
Things to do in Amsterdam Alone
I love walking, especially when I’m on my own and I did a few big walks around Amsterdam and visited some museums and attractions. So here are things to do alone in Amsterdam which you can do on your own no problem!
1. Free Walking Tour
I think a free walking tour is the best way to see a city alone, because you’ll be guided around the city for a few hours with a local to help get your bearings and it’s a nice chance to speak to some other participants.. and of course the bonus being that it’s low cost. (It’s free but you should tip at the end if you enjoyed it).
Amsterdam is home to a large number of free walking tours so you’re bound to find that to suit the day and time you are able to do it and check the reviews too! Sandeman’s is one of the popular ones and the one I went with.
2. Walking through Central Amsterdam
On my solo trip to Amsterdam, I knew I wanted to see the Centre of the city but I also knew this would be where the Red Light district is and the craziness is. I randomly headed up Zeedijk Street which took me right into the busy centre and into Chinatown. I came across Fo Guang San Temple, a Buddhist temple which isn’t hard to miss from the street.
I then took a direct right which took me down Molensteeg where I saw a lot of guys in the street looking into the windows and of course girls wearing not much through those windows so then I realised that yes, I was in the Red Light District. Although I felt quite uncomfortable and awkward because I was on my own, I am glad that I saw it.
From here, to get me away from the area I headed West, I went through a lot of very touristy areas, especially where the likes of Madame Tussaud’s is but eventually I came back out onto the canals and I realised that I hadn’t yet been to Anne Frank’s House so I headed further West that way.
It actually turned out to be a really good decision as it was quite late in the afternoon and the sun was starting to go down. The sun looked so gorgeous going down over the canals with the sky change colour!
3. Boat Trip Around Amsterdam’s Canals
I headed back towards Amsterdam Central Station and as it was November it was now dark at only 6:00 pm. I wasn’t ready to head back to the hostel but I also wasn’t keen on walking around in the dark on my one day in Amsterdam solo, plus my feet and legs were killing me!
So I thought that a boat trip in Amsterdam would be the answer! There are lots of tourist offices near Central Station selling tours so I picked the one closest to me, bought a ticket for €16.00, boarded a boat and headed off into the dark.
To pre-book a boat cruise ticket to ensure you get one at the right time of the day that you want, have a look at these options:
I didn’t have high expectations for this boat trip, especially because it was dark but the commentary of it alone was so great and I learnt so much! They said how the houses on Amsterdam are all built onto the water and that’s why they’re tipping to the sides and front and back.
We also passed a lot of places that I had walked around earlier in the day. It was good to see them all in the dark and the commentary explained the history of the canals and some of the buildings. I found it really made the whole day come together so I would 100% recommend doing a boat tour whilst you are in Amsterdam solo and it should actually be top of your list of things to do in Amsterdam alone! It’s touristy but it’s good!
4. Cross the Water to Amsterdam Noord
If you feel you want to get away from the tourist crowds and head somewhere with more locals easily then jump on the free ferry from Amsterdam Central Station over to Amsterdam Noord / North.
I stayed in this area on my third trip to Amsterdam and I really recommend it (where I stayed and all the things I recommend doing are in my Amsterdam Noord guide!).
There are still tourists because there are museums and attractions to visit but it is a very residential area and as a solo traveller I often prefer visiting places like this on my own than super touristy places, especially if you feel like you have FOMO from being alone in Amsterdam.
5. Appreciate the Van Gogh Museum
One of the highlights of my solo trip to Amsterdam was visiting the Van Gogh Museum. I absolutely loved it which is why I recommend it for things to do in Amsterdam alone! This museum, despite being a major attraction, felt surprisingly manageable and perfect for a solo explorer. You can take your time and really soak in the incredible collection of Van Gogh’s masterpieces.
The museum houses some of Van Gogh’s most famous works, making it accessible and enjoyable even if you’re not an art expert. You’ll probably recognize quite a few pieces, which adds to the fun of the visit.
A little tip: the Van Gogh Museum is super popular and often sells out, so it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance. That way, you can ensure you have a spot and can enjoy this fantastic museum without any hassle.
6. Create Your Own Cocktail Adventure
Amsterdam has some fantastic cocktail bars, and doing your own cocktail crawl is an awesome way to explore the city solo.
If you’re not too keen on sitting at a bar alone, no worries—I’ve got a fun alternative for you. Make sure to check out the House of Bols. This place offers an award-winning cocktail experience where you can learn all about Lucas Bols, the oldest distilled spirit brand in the world, dating back to 1575. It’s a fantastic mix of history and delicious drinks.
Bols liqueurs and genevers are unique to Amsterdam, so it’s definitely worth a visit. Plus, as a museum, it’s a great place to blend in with the crowd and enjoy your experience without feeling out of place.
7. Discover the Hidden Gem of Our Lord in the Attic Museum
While the famous museums in Amsterdam are amazing, I really like Our Lord in the Attic. This small, special museum isn’t as crowded as places like the Anne Frank House or the Van Gogh Museum.
It’s located in an old, fancy house in the oldest part of the city, and it hides a secret Catholic church. Back when Amsterdam was Protestant, Catholics weren’t allowed to practice their religion openly, so they built hidden churches like this one.
The museum is well-organized and offers a quiet and peaceful spot to escape the busy city. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy some history on your one day in Amsterdam.
8. Enjoy a Solo Lunch and Shopping in De Pijp
De Pijp is Amsterdam’s lively Latin Quarter, a trendy neighborhood in the south that’s easy to walk to if you’re staying centrally. It’s the perfect spot for a solo lunch!
Here, you’ll find an amazing variety of ethnic foods to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re in the mood for Spanish, Moroccan, Japanese, or something else, De Pijp has you covered.
While you’re there, don’t miss the Albert Cuypmarkt, Amsterdam’s largest open-air market. Beyond the delicious food, you can shop for fun clothing and accessories from local vendors. It’s a great place to eat, shop, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
9. Indulge in a Food Tour
Amsterdam has a ton of delicious Dutch treats that you don’t want to miss, even if you’re exploring on your own. I get that dining alone can feel overwhelming and a bit intimidating, but Amsterdam’s food scene is so amazing that it’s worth pushing through any anxiety.
A great way to ease into it is by joining a food tour. For instance, a highly-rated small group tour through Jordaan is a fantastic option. You’ll get to try a variety of Dutch foods like herring, Gouda cheese, and stroopwafels, while also meeting new people. Plus, you’ll learn a lot about the Jordaan neighborhood along the way.
Going on a food tour, whether alone or with new friends, is definitely one of the best things to do in Amsterdam.
Here are some food tours you wouldn’t want to miss:
10. Visit the Floating Flower Market
This is a very touristy and busy place but it’s a unique place to visit in Amsterdam that a lot of people wouldn’t go to on a first trip so being in Amsterdam alone may make you want to visit somewhere a bit different!
The Bloemenmarkt is the market you need to head to and it is open all week. You might not feel like it’s ‘floating’ but it’s a good place to visit for some souvenirs and to help give a purpose to your solo day in Amsterdam!
I hope this gives you a good insight into my solo trip to Amsterdam and things to do in Amsterdam alone