Solo traveler in Amsterdam

If you look at the map of Amsterdam, you will see an area that shaped like the letter U or a horseshoe. That’s the Canal Zone. Roughly everything you want to see and do as a tourist is located inside that horseshoe shaped area and directly south of it where the Museum Square and Vondelpark are. If you stay somewhere inside that area you’ll be fine. Giving you specific advice without knowing your exact dates is difficult, as hotel rates can vary depending on the date. To get a feel for hotel prices, you can look up this year’s prices for your dates.
Be aware that in 2023 Easter will be on April 9. April 27 is our national holiday.

Thank you!! I appreciate the specific location advice. I know it’s super high season which is what I’m trying to get a jump on it. I’ll be there April 18-23 before my bike trip.

These dates shouldn’t be too bad, although it’s indeed peak season. You will be here after the Easter holidays and before the King’s Day madness. And the good news is that, you’ve picked the sweet spot for tulips! No matter if we will have a late or early spring, the tulips should definitely be in bloom at that time.

I was happy with my stay at Hotel Aalders which is located very near the museums and just down the street from a tram stop. I got a very reasonable rate in May a few years ago. I understand that some of their rooms are extremely small. I think I upgraded to a larger room that was more comfortable and the cost was still reasonable.

If you want some company for an evening meal, you might want to try “Dine with the Dutch.” They match you with a local family for dinner and conversation. It gives you a chance to glimpse the “real” life of people in Amsterdam. Their website is https://dinewiththedutch.amsterdam/ I had a lovely evening with a host and two other tourists - all very interesting people.

My husband and I enjoyed our stay at the XO Hotel Park West, which had a tram stop within a few steps of the doors to the hotel. We could make it in to the central part of Amsterdam within 20 minutes and found it very affordable and convenient. The Sloterdijk train and metro station are about a 10 minute walk from the hotel, although we just always used the tram to go in to town for sightseeing. The hotel was very nice, with a restaurant and extremely comfortable rooms. I had reservations at the same hotel for a solo trip for April, 2020 but that obviously didn't happen. I am hoping to make it back to Amsterdam next year and will probably stay at the XO Hotel Park West again.

I stayed at this hotel which would be at the top of your budget.
https://www.cataloniahotels.com/en/hotel/catalonia-vondel-amsterdam
The location was great! It is one block away from the bus stop from the airport and the trams that take one downtown. It is an easy walk to the museums, restaurants, etc and having Vondel Park nearby is pleasant. A grocery is a few blocks away. The neighborhood always felt quite safe and secure to me as a woman traveling alone.

If you join their loyalty program, there is a 7% discount on the rates.

It sounds like you have a great trip planned.

“ I am hoping to make it back to Amsterdam next year and will probably stay at the XO Hotel Park West again.”

In that case, you may also wish to check out the XOhotel Couture. It too is located outside of the city center, but it too has a tram stop right in front of the hotel.
One thing to know about the XOhotels is that they aren’t allowed to sell alcohol in their restaurants and bars. The owner of XO chain didn’t pass the background check to obtain a liquor license and it is not likely that situation will change soon. I’m only mentioning this because some people like to have a drink in the hotel bar right before they go to their room after a long day of sightseeing. And that won’t be possible in the XO hotels.

I highly recommend the DePijp neighborhood to stay in. Loads of wonderful (many ethnic) restaurants, and lots of activity going on. It's a wonderful cultural adventure there, and still close enough to all the sights that you can easily walk, bike or take the tram and be there in a matter of minutes. There are parks there, a huge street market called Albert Cuypmarkt (open every day) lots of cafes and beer and wine bars. I absolutely loved it and wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. And I was traveling solo at the time.

I stayed at an Airbnb there (shared space in a two story apartment) and loved getting to spend time with the Dutch couple who lived there. It was more budget accommodations because of the shared space, but it's a great way of getting to know local people. One day we sat and talked for several hours in their garden and split a bottle (or two) of wine.

https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/about-amsterdam/amsterdam-neighbourhoods/de-pijp
https://www.vogue.com/article/de-pijp-amsterdam-cool-neighborhood-guide

Thanks for all the great tips everyone! I really appreciate it and will do some investigating. I love the idea of figuring out how to meet people and interact while still traveling solo (which appeals to me!!). Thanks again all - happy traveling!

We're booked for May, but look at TSH Amsterdam West. It's only $100 a night on booking dot com. I asked if anyone had here stayed there but apparently not. It's a youth hostel, but with private rooms and bath, a restaurant for breakfast and close to public transportation. It is, however, probably about 30 minutes from the heart of Amsterdam, so it might be too far out for you.

We stayed at a couple of bridge houses and really liked them. https://sweetshotel.amsterdam

Some of them are within your budget, such as Beltbrug, which is one of the ones where we stayed.

Carol:

I also will be solo in Amsterdam Mon 4/18-Thurs. 4/21. Finding rijsttafel for a solo diner is nearly impossible. Any chance we could meet up and share a meal of rijsttafel?