If you’re considering a solo trip to Amsterdam, this blog post might be just what you need to read. While I cherish my family time, it’s also wonderful to take a break and unwind without parental responsibilities. That’s precisely what I did. I booked these flights back in November 2023 for £110 round trip.
For my outbound journey at 7:45 am, I used National Express to reach Gatwick Airport. I flew with British Airways with hand luggage only to keep the flight expenses low.
I reserved a delightful two-night stay at Tribe Hotel, located just a 30-minute drive from Schiphol airport. Situated right next to Noord station, it was incredibly convenient for exploring Amsterdam, especially with the I amsterdam City Card in hand. This card provided access to all major highlights, over 70 museums, city-wide public transport, a canal cruise, and bicycle rental, with prices starting at €60 per person.
The weather wasn’t ideal on the first day, so I opted to do some leisurely strolls and stopped for a quick meal before returning to the hotel to unwind and recharge.
On the second day, I woke up bright and early and took the Metro and tram to Artis Zoo, which was just under half an hour away from the hotel. Entry was supposed to be free with the I amsterdam City Card, but there was an issue with my card, so I ended up visiting the Upside Down Amsterdam Museum instead, which turned out to be super fun! I’m usually critical of “immersive experiences,” but this was genuinely enjoyable. Each room had a different theme, so every step felt like a new adventure with plenty of photo opportunities. I think this would be even better with family or friends.
Afterward, I grabbed a bite to eat and returned to the zoo once my card was working. Artis Zoo was absolutely lovely. The open spaces and lush greenery were beautiful, and I especially loved seeing all the elephants—my favourite animals. The care of the animals was evident, which was wonderful to see.
I ended the day with an evening walk and felt surprisingly safe walking alone at night, much safer than in London, if I’m honest.
On Day 3, it was check-out day, so I left my belongings at the hotel and embarked on the Stromma 1-hour cruise, which was included free with the I Amsterdam City Card. It was a relaxing experience to unwind on a boat, enjoy some “me time,” and soak in the history of Amsterdam. I highly recommend taking a boat tour—it’s a must-do!
Next, I took a bus to Amaze, an immersive audiovisual experience that was both strange and incredibly cool. In the beginning, you’re grouped with others, and one person becomes the ‘team leader.’ What follows is brilliant—several rooms filled with light, laser, music, and mirrors. After these initial rooms, you’re free to explore the rest on your own. I really enjoyed the diverse visual and audio elements throughout, including rooms with lasers, LED lights, and a space where you can create music and visuals.
Afterward, I returned to the hotel to collect my luggage and then headed to the airport.
I’m sorry, I’m not the best person to ask for food recommendations because I have a severe nut allergy. When I travel abroad, I usually stick to safe options like chips or fast food restaurant chains. If you’re looking for food suggestions, I recommend checking out TikTok for some ideas!
While traveling with family and friends is wonderful, relishing some solo time was surprisingly fulfilling. Despite initial concerns about loneliness, I cherished the rare moments of solitude. Would I embark on another solo adventure? Absolutely, perhaps even for a more extended period. This trip focused on personal pursuits, but I look forward to returning to Amsterdam with family for a different set of shared experiences.
