My Solo Trip to Amsterdam: First Impressions + Where I Stayed

What?! A travel post?? I know – it’s been a minute. But I recently realized I never actually wrote about many of the cities I visited when I quit my job three years ago, and since this blog doubles as a personal travel journal, it feels important to finally document those experiences.

I’ve decided to break this trip into a few shorter posts (because otherwise this would be the longest blog post ever). Today I’m sharing my first impressions and where I stayed during my solo trip to Amsterdam.

Full transparency: I got sick on this trip, so parts of it feel a little blurry — but maybe that makes this reflection even more real.

Table of Contents

My Solo Trip to Amsterdam: First Impressions & Where I Stayed

Why Amsterdam?

Amsterdam was my starting location for the second leg of my trip. Honestly, I chose it because I found an inexpensive flight from the East Coast. This was my second time visiting Holland, but my first time traveling there solo. My previous trip was short and with my sister, so I was excited to experience the city in a different way before heading on to Brussels and then Germany for the Christmas markets.

I arrived on December 1st, freshly done with Thanksgiving, and feeling like a mixed bag of emotions. I was excited for adventure but also a little uncertain about being away from my family for such a long time.

That said, I had SO many things I wanted to see and experience. One of my biggest hopes was to explore the city in a way that felt more slow and a bit more local. In all honesty, that was harder than expected, partly because I got sick, and partly because I spent more time in the central area than venturing outward.

First Impressions

There’s something about Amsterdam that’s just special. Maybe it’s the bicycles everywhere. Maybe it’s how clean everything feels. Maybe it’s the mix of old and new architecture that constantly surprises you. Or the charming townhouses and spacious condos.

I’m not entirely sure what it is, exactly, but it’s a city that feels remarkably safe at any hour, and I truly adored that. Plus, there is ART everywhere – and as an art history major, my goodness, that made my heart SO happy.

Where I Stayed

When I first arrived, I stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam – NDSM Wharf.

Friends, I really can’t rave about this hotel enough. It feels like a bit of a hidden gem since you have to take a ferry to get there, but it ended up being absolutely perfect for my little adventure. Especially since I got sick during my stay. This place genuinely made me feel at home. And the view?? Spectacular.

The hotel is located right next to the STRAAT Museum, which was one of the best experiences of my trip. Word to the wise: while the museum is indoors, it’s not insulated. It’s in an industrial district and focuses on graffiti and street art, so if you go in winter, bring your coat, gloves, and hat. I’d also recommend swinging by Bagels & Beans beforehand for a hearty breakfast and koffie!

I loved this area because it was removed from the crowded hustle of the main center. You still get amazing food and beautiful surroundings, just without the constant crowds. If I ever stay here again, I’d book this hotel without another thought.

A Slow Afternoon in Amsterdam

One thing I loved most about Amsterdam was how walkable it is — and wow, did I walk. I took the ferry to and from my hotel, the tram from the airport, and a bus onward to Brussels, but within the city itself, I walked everywhere.

When I travel solo, I love getting lost. Usually that just means wandering around until I’m tired or need a snack. On one of these walks, I stumbled across the loveliest little market. I didn’t exactly “discover” it (it’s been around for over 400 years), but finding it felt so incredibly exciting all the same. It’s called Noordmarkt and on Mondays, it’s filled to the brim with antiques, books, fresh local flowers, delicious homemade and fresh food and drinks, vintage clothing, art, jewelry, scarves, fabric, and tiles! It’s everything you hope it is.

After getting a lovely pretzel pastry and walking around for an hour, I went to SLA for a wonderful, organic and deliciously healthy bowl. This place was so great and I went after the lunch rush, so I practically had the whole place to myself.

I ended the day with a killer sunset and an extra-large bowl of ramen from Wagamama, right around the time I realized… my exhaustion wasn’t from jet lag, but the start of getting sick. That soup really helped keep me going, and honestly, Wagamama is a guilty pleasure anytime I’m in Europe.

That’s a wrap on this travel post, my friends. I hope you enjoyed it. I’ll be sharing more soon about what to do (and what to skip) in Amsterdam in my next post.

As always, thanks for reading!