🌷 Amsterdam: My Slow Wander Through the City of Canals

By [Your Name] | Posted on May 3, 2025
Categories: Europe, Netherlands, Solo Travel
Tags: Amsterdam, City Guide, Solo Travel, Budget Travel, Hidden Gems

📑 Table of Contents

• First Impressions
• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• How to Get Around
• When to Go
• How to Stay Safe
• Fun Fact
• Wanderlust Tip – Amsterdam Edition
• Final Thoughts

🥐 First Impressions

A place that stays always close to my heart as it is my first international solo trip.

They say you never forget your first time in Amsterdam. I didn’t understand what that meant—until I stepped out of Centraal Station. The curves of the canals, the quiet buzz of bikes, and the smell of fresh stroopwafels instantly made me feel something different.

📍 Stay Tip: Try to stay near metro stations like zuid, centrum,De Pijp, Noord

✨ Things to See and Do

🎨 Tourist Favorites:

• Van Gogh Museum – Timed-entry only, deeply moving.
• Rijksmuseum – Dutch Masters, Rembrandt, and stunning architecture.
• Anne Frank House – Profound, emotional. Book well in advance.
• Sunset Canal Cruise – Romantic and relaxing with narration and wine. (Must do)

🌿 Hidden Gems:

• Vondelpark – For lazy picnics and good people-watching.
• NDSM Wharf – Take the free ferry for street art and industrial vibes.
• Begijnhof – A peaceful 14th-century courtyard oasis.
• Foodhallen – Trendy food court in a repurposed tram depot.

💰 Typical Costs

💡 Suggested Budget

• Budget Traveler: €65–€85/day → Hostels, groceries, public transport, a few paid attractions
• Mid-Range Traveler: €120–€160/day → Private stays, local restaurants, museum entries, bike rentals
• Luxury Traveler: €250+/day → Boutique hotels, private tours, fine dining

🤑 Money-Saving Tips

✅ I Amsterdam City Card – Free transport + museums = great value if you plan to be active

✅ Eat at Albert Cuyp Market or Foodhallen

✅ Use free walking tours for orientation (but tip your guide!)

✅ Visit parks, free galleries, and outdoor markets

✅ Travel in shoulder seasons like May or October to save on hotels

🚋 How to Get Around

Walking – Best way to explore canal streets and neighborhoods

Biking – Do it like a local, but stay alert. Use a reputable rental company like MacBike.

Trams & Metro – Use the GVB app or get a day pass (€9/day)

Ferry – Free rides across the IJ River to NDSM and Amsterdam North

🌤️ When to Go

🧳 I first visited in early autumn and absolutely loved the crisp air, thinner crowds, and vibrant café culture. Later, I returned in April to experience the stunning tulip season and the festive energy of King’s Day—a completely different but equally unforgettable vibe.

🛡️ How to Stay Safe

Amsterdam is very safe, even for solo travelers. That said:

• Watch out for bikes more than cars.
• Don’t walk in bike lanes (seriously).
• Keep an eye on your bags, especially near train stations.
• Be cautious in the Red Light District at night—it’s safe but can be overwhelming.

📱 Tip: Save your Airbnb address offline and always download Google Maps offline for easy navigation.

🧠 Fun Fact

Amsterdam is home to more bicycles than residents and boasts over 165 canals that span a total of 100 kilometers, earning it the nickname “The Venice of the North.” Each year, thousands of bikes are fished out of the canals—often twice—and many are cleaned up and resold.

🌍 Wanderlust Tip – Amsterdam Edition

Purchase the I Amsterdam City Card for convenient sightseeing and transportation within Amsterdam. If you plan to explore other parts of the Netherlands, consider the Holland Travel Ticket—available in both peak and off-peak versions. For local travel only within Amsterdam, the GVB Day Pass offers unlimited rides on public transport.

💬 Final Thoughts

Amsterdam wasn't a checklist city for me—it was a place to feel, pause, and wander. I left with a full heart and a promise to return when the tulips bloom again.

Got a favorite canal or café in Amsterdam? Let’s swap notes in the comments—or tag me on Instagram @WanderlustNotesBlog . 🧡