Top Things to See, Do, and Eat in Amsterdam
Hallo from Amsterdam! 🇳🇱
Traveling solo can feel a little overwhelming at first, but Amsterdam made it easy — and so much fun! With its beautiful canals, cozy cafés, and friendly vibe, it’s the perfect city to explore on your own. Whether you’re planning a quick stop or a longer adventure, here are my favorite budget-friendly things to do, see, and eat in Amsterdam!
Quick Overview
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, located in Europe next to Belgium, Germany, and Denmark. Thanks to its central location, it’s an easy city to reach if you’re already traveling around Europe — and absolutely worth adding to your itinerary!
I was lucky enough to visit Amsterdam during my study abroad trip in the summer of 2023. Although I didn’t have a lot of time (I arrived August 1 and left August 5), I still managed to fit in a lot of amazing experiences!
Explore the City
🚲 Yellow Bike Tour
One of the best ways to get to know Amsterdam is by bike. I took a two-hour guided ride with Yellow Bike Tours for just €31, and it was a highlight of my trip. You’ll cover a lot of ground and learn fun facts about the city’s history, all while feeling like a local!
🚶♀️ Self-Guided Walking Tours
Prefer to explore at your own pace? There are tons of great free walking tours available! Here are two self-guided options I recommend:
🚤 Canal Cruise
Amsterdam is often called the “Venice of the North,” and you’ll see why once you’re on the water. I took a one-hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise for €15.50 — it was relaxing, beautiful, and surprisingly informative!
Dive Into the Arts
🎨 Van Gogh Museum
Art lovers, this one’s for you! The Van Gogh Museum is home to some of his most iconic works like Sunflowers, Almond Blossoms, Bedroom in Arles, and Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat. It’s moving and inspiring to see his pieces up close.
🖼 Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is a must-visit if you love art and history. It’s packed with masterpieces, but the highlight for me was seeing the incredible works of Rembrandt, a master of the Dutch Golden Age.
Amsterdam Must-Eats
🥞 Poffertjes (Mini Pancakes)
If you do one foodie thing in Amsterdam, make it trying poffertjes! These fluffy mini pancakes are a Dutch classic, traditionally topped with powdered sugar and butter.
I recommend visiting PANCAKES Amsterdam to try them — they have a whole menu of fun variations.
Learn more about poffertjes here.
Unique Amsterdam Experiences
🏠 Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is one of the most moving and important places to visit in Amsterdam. Even though I only had time to walk by, standing outside was a powerful experience.
Tip: Tickets are €16 and sell out months in advance, so plan ahead if you want to tour the inside.
☕ Coffee Shops
In Amsterdam, a “coffee shop” means something very different than it does in the U.S.! Coffee shops here are licensed places where you can buy and use cannabis. Even if it’s not your thing, it’s a fun cultural difference to know about while exploring the city.
💡 Red Light District
The Red Light District is world-famous — and it’s worth a visit, especially at night. It’s colorful, lively, and a huge part of Amsterdam’s history and culture. (It’s also generally safe for solo travelers, but like anywhere, be aware of your surroundings.)
If You Have Extra Time…
🌷 Visit the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens
If you’re visiting in the spring (mid-March to mid-May), make a trip to the Keukenhof Gardens. Located just 25 miles from Amsterdam in the Bollenstreek region, Keukenhof is home to millions of blooming tulips — a true Dutch dream come to life!
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide helps you plan your own unforgettable trip to Amsterdam! Whether you’re biking through the city, sampling sweet poffertjes, or soaking in centuries of art and history, there’s so much to love here — especially when you’re traveling solo. Safe travels and happy exploring! ✈️🌷
P.S. Have you been to Amsterdam or are you planning a trip soon? I’d love to hear your favorite spots (or what’s on your bucket list) — leave a comment below!