The Best 7 Things to Do Solo in Amsterdam

After writing my blog posts on My Solo Trip to Amsterdam: First Impressions + Where I Stayed and Solo Female Travel in Amsterdam: What I Loved, What I’d Skip & Why I’d Go Back, did you really think I would forget to add Amsterdam to my Best 7 Things to do Solo Series?

My friends, please never doubt me again! My goal is to have a Best 7 for every country I travel to, even if I’ve traveled with someone else. I often think about whether or not I would do something alone while traveling with a companion, and I think that’s what makes this series so fun.

Onto the best 7 for Amsterdam!

Table of Contents

Get an Authentic Stroopwafel!

One of the best parts of traveling is getting to try all of the tasty treats that each new place specializes in. Holland is known for Stroopwafels and they’re so legendary that people know about them from all over the world! Traditionally, you take your stroopwafel and place it on top of a steaming hot cup of coffee or tea. Let it sit for a while, about 2 minutes, allowing the steam to naturally heat it up and the caramel on the inside to soften. Then you feast!

What’s lovely about getting an authentic stroopwafel at a bakery in Amsterdam is that these should already be preheated when you get it!

Two bakeries to try out: Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels & Hans Egstorf (the oldest bakery in Amsterdam!).

☕️ Can’t get to Holland? Try them at home! I recommend Daelmans.

Spend hours in the Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum is one of my favorite museums. You could walk these halls for hours and hours. Word to the wise, bring snacks! This Art Cathedral (you read that right) is not only large, but has over a million objects dedicated to Dutch arts and history. It’s the largest museum in the Netherlands and has 80 different galleries.

One of my biggest regrets was not visiting The Cuypers Library within the museums. It’s supposed to be a lovely library. I did, however, visit the majority of the Dutch Masters on the 2nd floor. As an Art History major, I highly recommend checking out that floor first. You should recognize a few artists from that collection. 🖼️

Visit the floating Bloemenmarkt

This is one of my favorite items on this list and it’s particularly worth a stroll in the Spring and Summer months. The Bloemenmarkt was founded in 1862 and is none other than the loveliest flower market in the Netherlands.

All the stalls float on top of the Singel canal and though not all the stalls are dedicated to flowers anymore, they are filled with souvenirs and gift items. I did buy my mom a Holland clog stuffed with tulip bulbs but unfortunately they never bloomed and for this, I must recommend just picking up bulbs locally. Maybe due to different climates but either way, this market is still stunning to stroll through.

Take a Solo Canal Cruise or Walk the Canals in the Jordaan District

Speaking of canals, oh my word, you guys – they’re as dreamy as you think they are. There are bicycles everywhere and many of them are decorated and set up for the perfect postcard picture. It’s one of my favorite things about this city.

If you’re a social person while you travel or want to connect with other travelers, I highly recommend booking a canal cruise tour. Many of them have 4-course meals or snacks with unlimited drinks on board. They are all well rated so you can’t go wrong with whichever you choose. I’d suggest opting for an evening sunset cruise to see that gorgeous golden hour glow along the canal homes. 💕

Take the Free Ferry to Amsterdam Noord

Per my first post on Amsterdam, you’ll know I stayed in Amsterdam Noord and I loved every second of it. Not just for the amazing sunset views but also because the outdoor contemporary STRAAT Museum is located within walking distance to the ferry. This museum is another recommend from me, especially if you’re there in the Spring and Summer. For Fall and Winter, make sure to bundle up and grab a hot beverage before jumping in the ticket line.

Amazing pieces of art and it was so fun to see how beautiful and colorful each one was.

Tour the Royal Palace Amsterdam

I cannot recommend the Royal Palace enough. This is a great adventure for a solo traveler, complete with audio walking guide! I loved this experience and the ballroom and state rooms did not disappoint! I love learning about different countries and their history. These rooms have seen a lot of years and politics pass through them.

Though the royal family does not live at this Royal Palace, it’s primarily used for official receptions and events. If you’re interested in where the King and other royals live, they live at Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, which is in the Dutch countryside of Holland.

Take a Day Tour to See the Windmills!

Every time I’ve ever seen a photo of Holland, it’s either of the Amsterdam canals or many bikes or of windmills. Windmills should absolutely be a bucket list experience for you! There are many tours that’ll take you outside of the city on a Netherlands day adventure. Some complete with cheese tours, bike tours, and even a Dutch clog tour!

During the warmer months the fields are filled to the brim with tulips too. You can also take a tulip farm tour, it’s an actual dream come true!

Thanks for always joining me on this Best 7 Things to do Solo series. 🥹 It fills my heart with so much joy when I see I can help other fellow solo travelers hit their big bucket list items and adventures.

Wishing you a safe trip to Holland, whenever the winds take you!