amsterdam alone

Things to do Alone in Amsterdam

By Dom Bewley

They say that 1 is the loneliest number. But what do they know? Sometimes, having the freedom to do and see whatever you want whenever you want is just what you need. So, if you're visiting Amsterdam alone, or you have a day to yourself, what are the best things to do? Well, we're going to tell you. Right now. So sit back, scroll down, and retain all this sweet information, because these are our picks for the best things to do alone in Amsterdam!

Including:

  • Museums
  • Boat tours
  • Bike rental
  • Stadium tours
  • Brewery visits
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Image courtesy of Gerard Arrey/Shutterstock

Artifact watching

Why not go check out a museum while you're on your lonesome? You get to stay as long as you want, and no one need drag you around any museum that doesn't interest you!

The Moco Museum is for the modern art enjoyer, with an unofficial 'residency' courtesy of street art legend Banksy. Inside, you'll find works from many artists besides the elusive stenciler, each with their own views on modern life, governance, and greed. Truly some eye-opening works lie within, and plenty of photo ops, should you dare ruin the moment with your need for social media attention.

Or, on the more classic side of art is the Rijksmuseum. Featuring works from luminaries of the Dutch Golden Age of painting, discover well-known pieces from Rembrandt, Vermeer, and many more. The museum houses over 8,000 works of art, so good luck seeing them all in one day!

Or, if science is more your jam, big and little kids will love the NEMO Science Museum. With hundreds of interactive exhibits across multiple floors, exploring everything from electricity to chemical reactions, there's something for everyone inside. Then, when you're done, head to the roof for more exhibits embedded in a luscious garden.

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Bayside High

Or, leave your seasick friends and family at home and go explore Amsterdam on the open ocean. Well, not the ocean per se, but certainly on the city's many canals and rivers!

If you want to see Amsterdam's highlights all rolled into one waterborne trip, then why not hop on a boat tour of the city? There are multiple stops along the way, giving you the opportunity to stretch your legs, explore, and snap some sweet pics. You'll head past the Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, Centraal Station, and the Anne Frank House.

Or, if you want to see what else the country has to offer, and take a roundtrip tour of The Hague, Rotterdam, and Delft! You'll tour Rotterdam's illustrious harbor by boat, see the historic Delft town center, and then onto The Hague, the governing center of the whole country. Just make sure you set aside a day for this one, because you'll be exploring for hours on end!

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Two wheels, one rider

Another fantastic way to explore Amsterdam on your own is by bike. It's no secret that Amsterdam is the most cycle-friendly city on Earth, so why not rent one for yourself and see what all the fuss is about?

There's pretty much no place you can't go on a bike; even many of the country's freeways have cycle lanes! It's the easiest way to make your way through Amsterdam's many winding, cobbled streets as you explore the city from top to bottom. Then, swap urban for flora at one of Amsterdam's brilliant parks, which are all cycle-friendly too!

A fair warning: the cyclists that call Amsterdam's lanes home take no prisoners. If you're a bit rusty, or are getting used to the hired bike's gears, do yourself a favor and go practice in a park. There's no room for slowpokes in the fast lane, baby, and you're likely to be stared at or tutted if you fumble your way on the lanes.

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Image courtesy of Vladimir Zhoga/Shutterstock

Stepover into history

For the soccer fans out there, you might not wish to drag your partner out to a stadium tour. Not everyone digs the beautiful game, and there probably aren't many things more boring than a non-fan to walk around a stadium staring that silverware that means nothing to them.

So, leave your soccer-hating partner in the dirt, and do yourself a favor. Go take a tour of the Johan Cruijff Stadium, home of European juggernauts Ajax. Comfortably the Netherlands' best team for decades, this 75-minute tour will take you around the team's facilities, including the changing room, down the tunnel, and even pitchside.

Then, explore the extensive trophy cabinet, with many domestic and European trophies won by soccer legends like Johan Cruijff, the stadium's namesake. Simply the best, and one of the most perfect things to do alone in Amsterdam if you're the only soccer fan!

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Go grab a beer

Of course, one of life's many pleasures is sitting out in the sun, sipping a beer, and letting the warm calmness wash over you. Just us? Surely not. Thankfully, if that sounds like paradise to you, Amsterdam's got some treats you shouldn't miss.

For craft beer connoisseurs, hop on a free ferry from Centraal Station over to Amsterdam Noord. There, a short walk from the harbor, you'll find the Oedipus Taproom, a delightful brewery cum bar, with plenty of outside seating, friendly staff, and a comprehensive number of different beers on tap. You can even order a burger from the resident eatery 'The Beef Chief'. Don't worry; they do veggie and vegan burgers too, if murder isn't your acquired taste. And, as the staff and patrons are both incredibly welcoming, with conversations struck up left, right, and center, it's one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam!

Or, if you want a more touristy experience, why not take a tour of the Netherlands' favorite amber export, Heineken? At the Heineken Experience, you'll tour the very first Heineken brewery, which opened nearly 200 years ago. You'll learn about the brand's heritage, how it's brewed, and what innovations they're planning to bring to the beer game. And don't worry, when all is said and done, you'll get a chance to try a couple of glasses yourself, on the house.

And those were our picks for the best things to do alone in Amsterdam!

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Self portrait of Vincent Van Gogh on a banner for Van Gogh Museum
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Best Art Galleries in Amsterdam

Famous the world over for its rich cultural heritage, the Netherlands has produced its fair share of renowned artists. Having played a huge role in immortalizing Renaissance and Golden Age art as some of the most impressive works in history, these artists are now celebrated internationally, and Amsterdam makes sure to put their pieces front and center among its popular cultural hubs. Whether you’re a fan of the Old Masters or have more of a heart for modern media, the Dutch capital is overflowing with spaces to get your art fix. No matter your preferences, the best art galleries in Amsterdam cater to just about every medium, and are a fantastic means of seeing some of the most impressive works from national artists both old and new. Rijksmuseum One of the most important museums in both the Netherlands and indeed Europe as a whole, the Rijksmuseum stands as the largest museum in Amsterdam. Dominating the popular Museumplein, the museum is easily one of the most recognizable monuments in the city, most notably for its striking Renaissance- and Gothic-inspired architecture. The grand halls of the Rijksmuseum are home to a vast collection of art pieces and historical artifacts, illustrating the art and history of the Netherlands from the Dutch Golden Age to present day. Among its more than 8,000-strong collection are priceless pieces from such renowned Dutch artists as Rembrandt and Vermeer, including the former’s famous Night Watch painting. Van Gogh Museum Having lived and worked in the Netherlands throughout his life, it’s only fitting that Amsterdam’s most significant art gallery be dedicated to the world’s most famous painter, Vincent Van Gogh. Just a brief walk from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum stands as the most complete permanent collection of the Dutch painter’s works. Among the gallery’s vast collection of permanent exhibits are over 200 original paintings and 500 drawings from the Post-Impressionist artist, alongside exhibitions showcasing the works of his contemporaries. The museum is separated chronologically into five periods, each exploring a different key period in his life and work. MOCO Museum With Amsterdam’s vast wealth of impressive artworks dating back throughout the centuries, it’s easy to overlook the works of more modern visionaries. That’s exactly what the MOCO Museum aims to remedy. Short for Modern Contemporary Museum, this modern art hub sits just next door to the Van Gogh Museum, showcasing more modern media to parallel Amsterdam’s established masterpieces. The MOCO Museum showcases a wide range of contemporary media and artworks, allowing visitors to explore both modern master works and the talented pieces of upcoming artists. Popular among the museum’s collection are various interactive installations, an ever-changing sculpture garden and a number of iconic pieces from the likes of Banksy, Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons. Stedelijk Museum Striking both inside and out, thanks to its bathtub-shaped extension, the Stedelijk Museum is Amsterdam’s principal institution for modern and contemporary art. Overlooking the Museumplein and Van Gogh Museum, it’s the largest museum in the Netherlands dedicated to contemporary art and design, comparable in both size and collection to the likes of New York’s Museum of Modern Art. Throughout its vast collection, the Stedelijk Museum showcases the works of modern artists from the early twentieth century to the present day. A variety of immersive exhibition rooms complement the permanent collections of renowned modern masters, from Picasso and Monet to Warhol and Lichtenstein. Amsterdam Museum Combining both historical artifacts and striking artworks, the Amsterdam Museum stands as the Netherlands’ most complete public chronology of the Dutch capital’s history. The museum sits within the canal band, just a short walk from the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. The museum documents the city’s growth from a thirteenth-century settlement on the banks of the River Amstel to the thriving cultural center we know today. Everything from archeological finds and historical artifacts to the works of such Dutch masters as Rembrandt help to paint a picture of life in Amsterdam and the Low Countries as a whole throughout various periods in history. EYE Film Institute While not an art gallery in the most traditional sense, the EYE Film Institute is the Netherlands’ most important center dedicated to the medium of film and the moving image. Instantly striking from its beautiful modern architecture and open waterfront location, the museum stands directly across the river from Amsterdam’s Central Station. Visitors to EYE Amsterdam can enjoy a selection of classic screenings across its four main cinemas and explore the many facets of the film industry through its expansive exhibition area. The museum explores current, historical and artistic developments in film, while its interactive basement offers visitors the opportunity to explore its vast digitized collection. EYE also hosts an impressive program of immersive, educational events and activities for families and individuals alike to learn about the industry. Hermitage Amsterdam Located on the banks of the River Amstel, the Hermitage Amsterdam is the world’s largest branch of the famous Hermitage museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Once a historical nursing home for the elderly, the building now houses a vast, rotating collection of artworks and engaging exhibitions with a central focus on Russian history and culture. FOAM Photography Museum Housed within a beautiful former canal warehouse, the FOAM Museum (Dutch: Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam) is an internationally renowned museum dedicated to all genres of photography. The venue’s cozy modern interior exhibits works from both world-famous visionaries and rising international talent. Spread across four floors, FOAM typically hosts up to four simultaneous exhibitions to provide some variety to visitors, often featuring contrasting styles such as street and landscape photography. The venue also serves as a forum for photographers and enthusiasts alike to discuss their shared interest and attend various workshops and events. Cobra Museum of Modern Art Showcasing contemporary art with a unique twist, the Cobra Museum is home to a collection of important works by central artists of the avant-garde CoBrA art movement. Considered the most important post-war art movement in the Netherlands, CoBrA was formed in 1948 during an international artists’ congress in Paris. The movement strived to oppose stuffy academia and revive a more spontaneous, innocent and childlike approach to artistic expression. The museum features key works from master artists and engineers of the movement, Appel, Corneille and Constant, alongside various pieces from their contemporaries. An additional wing also houses modern works from the Rijksmuseum and the Museum Beelden aan Zee in Scheveningen.
Robert Heaney
Rijksmuseum reflected on calm water
Blog

Amsterdam in August

You’d be hard pressed to find the Dutch capital thriving more than it does in August. Seeing its largest annual throughput of tourists, the city brims with life in every way, from its bustling nightlife scene to its busy squares and huge selection of events and festivals. If you can put up with busier attractions during this time, then you’re bound to find a trip to Amsterdam in August beyond rewarding. Visiting Amsterdam in August Average Temperature: 54 - 70°F • Average Rainfall: 11 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 6 hours/day There are few periods busier for Amsterdam than summer, and August truly takes the cake. At the height of peak season, you can expect the city to be packed with families and summer vacationers, resulting in busy attractions and high accommodation prices. However, that also means you’ll get to experience the Dutch capital at its best, with its veritably electric summertime atmosphere. Upholding the seasonal climate established in July, Amsterdam typically experiences bright, mild days throughout August. While you shouldn’t expect the heatwaves of more southern European destinations, you’re likely to spend some very pleasant days in August, ideal for exploring its iconic streets, squares and open spaces. That being said, it’s always smart to pack an umbrella, as rainfall is never unlikely in the Netherlands. Things to Do in August No matter the time of year, any trip to Amsterdam would be incomplete without discovering at least some of its famous cultural hubs. Taking precedence is the emblematic Rijksmuseum towering over the Museumplein, housing a vast collection of renowned artworks and historical artifacts. Where historical insight is concerned, the Anne Frank House stands as the most potent recounting of life in the Netherlands during the Second World War. As a city with more bicycles than people, there are few better ways to explore Amsterdam than on your very own pair of wheels. Over 470 miles of cycle paths make up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, making for a fantastic excuse to take a more physically active approach to exploring the capital. Many bike rental stores offer daily rates somewhere in the region of €10. There’s no better time than summer to make the most of Amsterdam’s many sprawling green spaces. The weather in August offers a perfect opportunity to take a stroll among Vondelpark’s ancient trees and stunning lakes, and grab a seat at one of its many charming park cafés. Equally, why not have a picnic in Westerpark, make the most of its live summertime events and shows, or even catch a viewing at its very own arthouse cinema? Second only to cycling, Amsterdam’s emblematic waterways offer a uniquely alternative means of seeing the city. You can choose from a large variety of tour operators offering their own canal boat excursions, often including tours of the capital’s key landmarks accompanied by local insights into their cultural and historical significance. Amsterdam’s nightlife scene is never better than in summer, when you can expect most bars and clubs to be brimming with life. Popular venues can be found throughout the city, but as a general rule of thumb, the old area of Jordaan is typically very popular with young people for its trendy bars. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are particularly popular for their club offerings, while the street of Nes often attracts more of an intellectual theater crowd. Events in August Pluk de Nacht Film Festival Mid-August is prime time for sultry evenings beneath the stars, and the Pluk de Nacht (‘Seize the Night’) film festival aims to deliver just that. This event consists of an open-air cinema premiering acclaimed independent films never before released in the Netherlands. Film lovers can grab a lazy beach chair and enjoy an evening of cinema accompanied by warm blankets and cocktails. Grachtenfestival Amsterdam’s Grachtenfestival, or Canal Festival, is considered one of the country’s most charming cultural events. The event brings together talented classical musicians from both around the country and abroad to perform in a 10-day classical music marathon on the city’s world-renowned canal belt. Throughout the event, over 150 unique stages open up across private gardens, rooftop terraces, canal houses, cruise ships, hotel suites and tube tunnels. Visitors can enjoy classical music, jazz and world music concerts from international names, with many performances offered at very affordable prices or even free of charge. Amsterdam Pride As the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, nobody knows how to celebrate Pride more than the Netherlands. Now a multi-day festival, Amsterdam’s Pride Festival typically attracts around half a million visitors each year in late July in celebration of equality, diversity and personal identity. Should you happen to visit around this time, you’ll find local bars and clubs veritably thriving with festivity. Various street parties and events bring together thousands of revelers dressed in the full color spectrum to enjoy live music performances and Amsterdam’s famous Canal Parade, during which over 80 official vessels celebrate the past, present and future of the LGBT community. Uitmarkt Late August marks the opening of the Netherlands’ cultural season, with Uitmarkt standing as its opening act. The largest cultural festival in the country, Uitmarkt draws in over half a million visitors each year to appreciate a huge selection of performances taking place throughout the city. Over 2,000 of the Netherlands’ best performers, musicians, actors, orchestras and filmmakers come together to perform across more than 30 venues. The full program of events is offered free of charge to the public and includes everything from classical music performances to dance demonstrations and everything in between in a show of the country’s vast cultural wealth. De Parade Touring the country’s five largest cities, De Parade is a traveling theater festival that transforms the open spaces of its host cities into festival venues filled with colorful carnival tents, live entertainment acts, a carousel and a variety of family activities and food stands. Beginning in Eindhoven, the event also travels to Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht before arriving at its final destination in Amsterdam. The festival typically arrives in Amsterdam in August and offers locals and visitors alike the chance to revel in fun-filled performances and the jovial carnival atmosphere. Whether you’re a fan of theater and the circus or simply want to spend an evening exploring the event grounds accompanied by live music and delicious local delicacies, De Parade is well worth a visit.
Robert Heaney
Blog

A Guide to King’s Day | Amsterdam Pass

Guide to King's Day in Amstedam A Kings Day Amsterdam experience should be on everyone’s bucket list and here’s why Visiting Amsterdam during Kings Day (Koningsdag) will be a time to remember, guaranteed. Join in the national celebrations as locals and tourists alike gather for the biggest street party of the year and carry on the festivities in local pubs and bars when the sun goes down. The best bit – you’ll never have seen so much orange in your life! Amsterdammers are known for their partying, and any stay in the city will offer you countless opportunities for a night out, but the best party of the year is the annual Kings Day which falls on the 27 th April in 2019. For a glimpse of the King and Queen on Kings Day Netherlands locals will also be awaiting the arrival of the royal family at the appointed city. A yearly tradition, the royals take it in turns to visit a different location around the country each birthday. You might catch a glimpse of their appearance on TV. History of Kings Day To set the scene, Kings Day, named after the current head of the royal family King Willem-Alexander, is a celebration of the King’s birthday in 1967. While this date has only been in place since 2014, the tradition dates back over a century when the first Koningsdag (only called Koninginnedag – Queen’s Day) was celebrated in 1885 in honour of Queen Wilhelmina. The exact day it is celebrated may have changed over the years, as well as the royals, but the exuberance and joviality has stayed consistent – if not grown more fervent! As a tribute to the House of Orange-Nassau it’s an unspoken rule that on this day you should dress up in orange - only. Head to toe is encouraged. It’s no small matter, this orange theme. From bright orange attire, to dyed hair and face paint, people sipping on orange-coloured drinks and wearing orange inflatable crowns, with some even dressing up as the king and queen themselves, it really is an occasion to let go of any inhibitions and join in the mass – in orange. Kings Day Celebrations The day’s activities start out civilised and you’ll find the streets bustling in a never-ending jumble sale with residents selling second-hand items called locally, the vrijmark, or free market. If you’re visiting this vibrant capital with your kids, there’s plenty to keep them entertained, too, with street games, face painting and the free family-friendly Bredeweg Festival in the Oost District, which has fairground rides and performances taking place over the weekend. The streets will be packed full of nationals and tourists alike joining in on the festivities and it doesn’t stop there. Head to the canals for a big daytime dance party and to witness thousands of boats, decorated for the event. If you can’t manage to get onto a boat (usually its VIP only) try and squeeze onto the bridges for the best view. If big crowds aren’t your thing – and it’s no exaggeration, these crowds are big; thousands come in from towns and cities around the country to the capital – use this time to visit the handful of museums that aren’t closed on this historic day. It’s actually one of the best times to visit Anne Frank Huis , usually one of the sights with the longest queues, as well as the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum in the Museumplein. You can still show solidarity by turning up in orange, though. To fully make the most of your Kings Day Amsterdam experience, there will be plenty of opportunities to party from day and well into the night. While most of the street parties and activities kick off around midday, head to Westerstraat, Prinsengracht or Reguliersdwarsstraat once things wind down. This national holiday is a great time to see big name DJs headlining at the clubs, or just enjoy the high spirits with some Dutch craft beer, well into the early hours, with your new local friends. If all of that seems a bit overwhelming and you’re not quite sure what you’ll end up doing when the time comes, download the Kings Day App when you get there, where you’ll find all the up-to-date information on the day. It’s no small feat, this fun-filled event feels more like a festival than a national holiday! Tip: accommodation will book up fast during this weekend, so it is advised to book well in advance to ensure you get a room. Also, note that most businesses and services around the city will be closed on the 27 th April as it is a public holiday. Public transport is also affected and routes may be altered.
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