Solo Female Travel Guide To Amsterdam

Have you been dreaming of taking a trip to Amsterdam, but don’t have anyone to go with? As an adventurous solo female traveler myself, I know how daunting it can be to visit a new city alone.

But here’s the good news: Amsterdam is an incredibly safe, easy and fun city for solo female travelers!

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to plan your ideal solo trip to Amsterdam, including:

How to get around Amsterdam safely as a woman traveling alone
The top neighborhoods, activities, and sights for solo female travelers
Tips for meeting people and avoiding scams in Amsterdam
What to know about safety for women at night in Amsterdam’s red light district
A complete Amsterdam solo travel itinerary and bucket list

After reading this guide, you’ll feel confident and excited to take on Amsterdam by yourself. So let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Is Amsterdam Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

The first question many women have when planning a solo trip to Amsterdam is “Is it safe?”

The short answer is yes! Amsterdam is very safe for female travelers.

Here are a few reasons why:

Amsterdam has low violent crime rates and is very safe during the day.
The city is small, compact, and easy to navigate on foot or bike.
Excellent public transportation makes getting around simple.
Dutch culture is open-minded and tolerant.
There is always a visible police presence in tourist areas.

However, as with any major European city, you still need to take basic safety precautions in Amsterdam:

Be Aware of Pickpockets and Scams

Theft and pickpocketing do occur in crowded tourist spots like the Royal Palace, Red Light District, and on trams. Keep your valuables in a cross-body bag and be alert in crowded areas.

Bike rental scams also exist – only rent from reputable companies. Also be wary of street dealers selling you “drugs,” it’s often fake product.

Use Caution When Out Alone at Night

While Amsterdam is safe, it’s best to avoid poorly lit back streets or empty canals alone late at night. Stick to busy, well-lit areas and take a taxi or Uber home.

Avoid the Red Light District at night as a solo female traveler. While fun to see during the day, it attracts rowdy drunken tourists at night.

Also be cautious accepting drinks from strangers. Drink spiking, though rare, can happen at nightclubs.

Learn Basic Dutch Phrases

The Dutch speak excellent English, but learning a few key phrases like “Excuse me” and “Can you help?” shows you’re making an effort and helps if you need assistance.

How to Get Around Amsterdam as a Solo Female Traveler

Navigating a new city easily is key for solo female travelers. Here are the best ways to get around:

By Foot

Amsterdam is extremely walkable – the city center can be crossed on foot in about 30-40 minutes. Strolling the pretty canals and narrow streets is a must!

Take Public Transportation

Amsterdam’s public transportation system is efficient, safe, and easy to use alone.

Trams: Trams criss-cross the city and run 24/7. Great for sightseeing.
Metro: Quick way to cover longer distances. Operates until midnight.
Bus: Most useful for reaching outer neighborhoods and the airport.

Buy an OV-chipkaart or get a 1-3 day transport pass. Be mindful of pickpockets on crowded trams.

Rent a Bike

Biking is a quintessential Dutch experience. Rent a bike to cover more ground and see areas further out. Use caution riding alongside trams and motorbikes.

Take a Taxi or Uber

Especially helpful when traveling to/from train stations with luggage. Always pre-book licensed taxis or use Uber at night – never get into an unmarked car.

Top Things to Do In Amsterdam Alone as a Woman

The possibilities are endless for how to spend your time in Amsterdam as a solo female traveler. Here are some of the top activities and attractions to add to your itinerary:

Can’t Miss Museums

Van Gogh Museum – See the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s vivid, colorful works. Come first thing in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Rijksmuseum – Feast your eyes on classic Dutch Golden Age painting masterpieces here. Rembrandt’s giant Night Watch painting is the star.
Stedelijk Museum – Check out this museum’s outstanding modern and contemporary art by Picasso, Matisse, Warhol, and more.
Anne Frank House – Take a thoughtful tour of the famous secret annex where Anne Frank hid from Nazis. Buy tickets far in advance online.

Wander Pretty Neighborhoods

The Nine Streets – Stroll and shop this charming area with trendy boutiques, cafés, and flower shops overflowing with tulips.
The Jordaan – Weave through the postcard-perfect canals and narrow streets of this lovely residential district. Don’t miss its markets.
De Pijp – Explore the lively Albert Cuypmarket and the surrounding bohemian area brimming with restaurants, bars, and boutiques.

Cruise the UNESCO-listed Canals

Take a relaxing 1-hour canal cruise to admire Amsterdam’s iconic waterways and architecture from the water. Bring your camera!
For a unique experience, rent a small electric boat and captain your own canal cruise. No boat license required.

Day Trips from Amsterdam

Escape the city for a day to see more of the Netherlands:

Visit the picture-perfect town of Delft – walk its cobblestone streets and admire Delftware pottery.
Bike through colorful tulip fields in spring or see innovative modern architecture in Rotterdam.
Take a quick train to The Hague to tour the Mauritshuis art museum’s “Girl With a Pearl Earring” painting.

Parks & Recreation

Have a picnic and people-watch in lively Vondelpark on a sunny day.
Visit Keukenhof Gardens from March-May to see millions of spectacularly colorful tulips in bloom.
Relax on the sandy beach at Amsterdamse Bos forest park – swim, boat, or bike around the huge green space.

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in as a Solo Female

Choosing the right area to stay in Amsterdam can make your solo trip much simpler. Here are some top neighborhoods for solo female travelers:

Centrum

Staying right around Amsterdam Centraal station puts you right in the heart of the action. It’s easy to get anywhere and close to major sights. The downside is it’s a busy tourist area. Look for accommodations on quieter side streets.

De Pijp

For a local Amsterdam experience, De Pijp is a great choice. It has quirky shops, cafés, and the lively Albert Cuyp market. It feels safe for female travelers but is less touristy. The neighborhood is a quick 15min tram ride from the center.

Jordaan

Picturesque canals, charming shops and cafés define elegant Jordaan. It’s very walkable and full of character. The vibe is less rowdy and more upscale compared to the Red Light District nearby.

Tips for Meeting People as a Solo Female in Amsterdam

Making new friends enriches solo travel! Here are fun ways to connect with fellow travelers and locals:

Stay at social hostels – they organize events, walking tours, and pub crawls. The Flying Pig is a popular chain.
Go on a bike tour – you’ll meet others while seeing the city from two wheels. Try Mike’s Bike Tours or Yellow Bike Tours.
Sign up for a meetup group focused on your interests – it’s a great way to meet locals. Check out groups for photography, hiking, or even singles meetups.
Strike up conversations at cozy brown cafés – chat with the friendly locals at these casual pubs. Try Café Gollem or Café de Prins.
Time sightseeing around free walking tours – they’re full of solo travelers who often get together after. Sandeman’s New Amsterdam tours are top-notch.

Is Amsterdam Solo Female Travel Safe at Night?

While Amsterdam is very safe overall, solo female travelers do need to be cautious about safety in some situations at night:

Avoid the Red Light District at Night

Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District – while an interesting sight – should be avoided alone late at night when intoxicated tourists fill the area. The vibe becomes seedier. Visit earlier in the day instead.

Don’t Accept Drinks from Strangers

Never accept drinks at bars or nightclubs from people you don’t know, as drink spiking, though uncommon, can occur. Keep your eye on your drink at all times.

Use Licensed Taxis or Ride-Shares at Night

Only take licensed, registered taxis at night that you call or book via an app. Avoid unmarked cars. Uber also operates in Amsterdam and is very safe.

Stick to Busy, Well-Lit Areas

Avoid poorly lit, isolated streets, alleys, and canal pathways after dark when traveling alone. Walk along well-lit major streets like Damrak and Kalverstraat at night.

Travel Home With Others

If you meet people during a night out, travel home together in a group by taxi or public transport. Don’t take unsafe risks.

An Awesome 3-7 Day Amsterdam Solo Female Itinerary

Finally, here’s an incredible Amsterdam itinerary for solo female travelers that hits all the highlights over 3, 5 or 7 days.

Day 1

Walk around the lively Jordaan neighborhood
Cruise the canals on a boat tour
Visit the Van Gogh Museum (buy ticket in advance)
Have dinner at Foodhallen food hall

Day 2

See the flower stalls + boutiques at Nine Streets
Take a walking tour of the Red Light District
Eat pancakes at Pancake Bakery
Go on an evening river cruise

Day 3

Wander and shop the Albert Cuyp Market
Tour the historic Anne Frank House (pre-book!)
Relax in Vondelpark and people watch
Take a dance class at Dansmakers

Day 4

Take a quick train to see Delft’s quaint town center
Go biking through tulip fields in the countryside
Visit classic Dutch towns like Gouda or Edam

Day 5

Visit the excellent modern art at the Stedelijk Museum
See Rembrandt masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum
Stop for Indonesian food at Blue Pepper
Bar hop in trendy De Pijp at night

Day 6

Take a day trip to The Hague to see Girl With a Pearl Earring
Visit Rotterdam to see its modern architecture
Shop at the huge Waterlooplein flea market

Day 7

Relax at the beach at Amsterdamse Bos park
Do a photo shoot along the colorful canals
Finish your trip at a lively brown café
Try Dutch bitterballen and fries!

Final Thoughts on Solo Female Travel in Amsterdam

I hope this complete solo female travel guide gives you the confidence to visit incredible Amsterdam on your own.

The city has so much culture, beauty, and fun to offer. By using basic precautions and avoiding risks like the red light district at night, you can have an amazing time in Amsterdam as a woman traveling alone.

Make sure to connect with other travelers and locals on walking tours and at events. The Dutch are very friendly people.

So get out there and start planning your unforgettable solo trip to Amsterdam! Feel free to reach out with any other questions.