My name is Amy, and I am the cultural travel blogger behind www.templeseeker.com. As you may already know, I adore European destinations full of history, culture and architecture. This time last year, I was exploring Belgium and fell in love with Bruges, Ghent and Brussels. This year, I am spending two weeks exploring the Netherlands including Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague. Yes, I am spending my time and money exploring Dutch Churches, windmills and cheese shops! I would highly recommend the Netherlands as a great European destination for solo travel. It is small, friendly and rarely has a language barrier (the Dutch speak amazing English). So, today, I bring to you my ultimate Netherlands solo travel guide.
Is the Netherlands worth visiting?
The Netherlands is absolutely worth visiting! It boasts world-class art museums, innovative architecture, beautiful canal-lined city views and a great food scene. Start with the excitement of Amsterdam including the Van Gough Museum, the Red Light district and the numerous ‘coffee shops’ (beware that you may get more than just a coffee in these). Then head to one of the many beautiful and ‘Instagrammable’ cities to explore including Delft and Leiden. If you are a bit of a history buff, like me, there are plenty of historical buildings and Churches to explore, along with finding out about the reconstruction of Rotterdam following the WW2 1940 blitz.
Now, let’s talk about the food and beer in the Netherlands – you will not go hungry or thirsty here in the Netherlands! You will have the opportunity to try amazing local dishes such as kibbeling (Dutch fried fish), Gouda cheese and stroopwaffles! Then wash it down with a local craft beer. Combine this with the fact that it is a small and accessible country with excellent cycle lanes and an extensive reliable train network, and you’ve got yourself a winner! Is the Netherlands worth visiting? Absolutely!
What makes the Netherlands so good for solo travel?
So, now that we have established that the Netherlands is absolutely worth visiting, what makes the Netherlands so good for solo travel? I’ve put together this short summary list for you…
- Small country with good transport links and reliable trains.
- Friendly locals and great food – fried fish (kibbeling), stroopwaffles and Gouda cheese!
- Safe country with low violent crime rate.
- Cities are flat and walkable or cyclable.
- Contrasting architecture to explore, such as modern Rotterdam vs historic Amsterdam.
- Excellent accommodation options including high quality hostels and boutique hotels.
- International, liberal and LGBTQI+ friendly.
- English is widely spoken, meaning no language barrier for Brits, Americans, Aussies and Kiwis!
What time of year to travel to the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is unfortunately a little grim in the winter months (much like the UK!), so I would personally avoid it from November to March as it would be grey, windy and possibly rainy. I’d recommend travelling between May and September for the best weather, and go for the start and end of this summer season to miss the droves of tourists that summer brings. If there are certain things that you want to experience, such as the tulip fields (come in April) or music festivals (such as Pinkpop), then consider the timing of those, of course.
How long should I spend in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is worth visiting both for a few days or a few weeks. If you are limited to 2-3 days then go for a long weekend in Amsterdam or Rotterdam. However, if you have longer, in 1-2 weeks you could easily see several different cities. For example, in 12 days I visited Rotterdam, The Hague, Delft, Gouda and Leiden. If you were willing to jump on a train every single day, you could potentially do more! From Rotterdam or Amsterdam, it is easy to travel around Holland by train and so it is unlikely that you would need to constantly relocate, you can see most places in this area as day trips.
How to get to the Netherlands
There are several ways to get to the Netherlands including air, land and sea.
Flying into the Netherlands – which Airport?
The five main airports are Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Eindhoven Airport (EIN), Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM), Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) and Groningen Airport Eelde (GRX). Amsterdam Schiphol is the largest and most popular due to the amount of international flights. If you are travelling from UK or USA, you are likely to find more flights to Amsterdam than the other locations. The first time that I visited the Netherlands, I flew from Manchester to Amsterdam Schiphol. It is easy to get to Amsterdam central station from the airport as they are connected by fast and reliable trains.
However, there is a direct flight from Manchester to Eindhoven with Ryanair. These flights are good value. Landing in Eindhoven will will allow you to visit a different area of the Netherlands than usually accessed by Schiphol.
Getting to the Netherlands by Train
The Netherlands is also well connected to other European countries by train. You can easily get to main cities in France, Germany and Belgium. For example, it is just over 2 hours from Amsterdam to Brussels and 2h 10min from Amsterdam to Dusseldorf. If you are combining a visit to the Netherlands with another country (or indeed a Eurotrip), make sure that you download the NS International app.
Getting to Netherlands by Boat
Rotterdam is a very popular port and travelling by boat is a great option if you want to bring your car from the UK. This is an excellent way to travel with your pets. The ferry crossing from Hull to Rotterdam is approximately 12-13 hours and very comfortable. I did this crossing in May with P&O, so that I could bring my dog Blake, and it was very smooth. If you want to get a dog cabin, make sure that you book well in advance.
Travel within the Netherlands
It is so easy to travel here. The trains are extremely regular and efficient, and as it is a small country, there is not too much time between the main cities. The Netherlands is actually 6 times smaller than the UK, so this gives you an idea of how much easier it will be to explore.
I based myself in Rotterdam and did Delft, The Hague, Leiden and Gouda as day trips. You could easily do the same with Amsterdam as a base as well (it’s just that I had already been to Amsterdam before, so I did not need to include it this trip). Make sure that you download the Netherlands national train travel app NS here. It is important that you keep your phone charged and carry a battery pack, because train tickets in the Netherlands are now digital. Also, keep ID with you because train tickets here are attached to your name and they can check your identity with the ticket. Although this never happened to me, technically, it is possible that they can refuse travel if you don’t have valid ID with your ticket.
If you are looking for a cheaper option, then check out Flixbus, which is the most popular coach company in Europe. It may take slightly longer to get to your destination, but the Netherlands is quite small, so you won’t find yourself doing any ridiculously long journeys and the tickets will be a little cheaper than on the train. I didn’t use the Flixbus in the Netherlands, but I have used Flixbus in Portugal if you want to read my Flixbus Europe Review.
Netherlands Solo travel – what to pack
- Travel documents – passport, driving license, plane and train tickets, hotel booking.
- Smart phone, laptop and chargers with a battery pack (most train tickets are digital only so you don’t want to run out of charge on the middle of a train ride!)
- Payment Methods – A mixture of cash (Euros) for markets and Debit/Credit cards for paying in most shops and restaurants (some don’t accept cash at all so bear this in mind).
- Plug converter (Netherlands uses to two pin European plug).
- A wind and rain proof jacket and umbrella (don’t underestimate the Dutch rain!)
- Walking boots with good insoles – Don’t underestimate the amount of walking that you will do. Proper walking boots with arch supporting insoles are essential because in the cities you will be mostly walking on pavements and concrete.
- Comfortable clothing including jeans, leggings, T-Shirts and hoodies for travel.
- Cycling equipment such as cycling gloves, helmet and reflective strips if you want to do a lot of cycling – it’s a great place for it. Remember though, that you can hire and buy this stuff here!
- One set of smart clothing like a nice dress or trousers and blouse, plus a more dressy coat for going out to dinner.
- A pair of comfortable flats or sandals to go with skirts and dresses.
- A refillable water bottle – I always take my SIGG.
- Day Pack – A small, water-resistant daypack or crossbody bag with secure zips is perfect for exploring cities in the Netherlands.
- A Padlock – for locking your belongings safely in the lockers in Youth Hostels (most hostels in the Netherlands supply the locker but not the padlock).
- Basic toiletries and make up – Include some sunscreen for the summer months, but you only need to pack the basics as most hotels supply toiletries here in the Netherlands and it is always very easy to buy what you need in shops like ‘Normal’ and ‘Primor’.
- Swimwear and beach bag – if swimming or the beaches are on your agenda!
Top tips for Solo Travel in the Netherlands
- Take a mixture of credit cards, debit cards and EUROS in cash. Although most places are contactless and some have no cash options, you may find that on some of the outdoor markets they only accept cash.
- Remember to take your ID (passport or driving licence) on trains with you as they have the right to check that you are the person who booked and tickets are attached to the named passengers only (non-transferable).
- Although most people speak English, learning a little Dutch will get you Brownie points – download Duolingo and learn some basics before you go!
- Big museums and cultural exhibitions will book up in advance including the Van Gough Museum and the Anne Frank House, so book early and don’t expect to get in if you just turn up on the day!
- Bring a reusable water bottle as there are plenty of water refilling stations in most Dutch cities. This will keep you hydrated and save you money on drinks while you explore the Netherlands solo.
- Always watch for dedicated bike lanes and never walk in them – it is far too easy to get run over by a cyclist, especially in Amsterdam! Look both ways until the coast is clear!
- Visit in mid-April for tulip fields and you can visit them easily from Lieden (last time I checked it was bus number 250 which is around 45 mins). Do not walk into flower fields, as this can damage the bulbs. Remember that tulips are toxic to dogs, so do not take your dog to visit the tulip fields.
- Remember that although weed is decriminalised for personal use, it is still illegal to be smoking it in public, travelling with large quantities and supplying or selling it.
- Sign up for the walking tours and beer crawls – these will allow you to not only learn about the local culture and get insider tips, but also to meet new people as well.
- Hire a bike – you will cover more ground and cycling in the Netherlands is easy and safe because it is flat with dedicated cycle lanes. You can hire bikes in most cities with Lime, Donkey Republic, Felyx and Check. There are also a lot of cycling tours in the main cities.
- Experience the Dutch concept of uitwaaien (walking in the wind to clear your head).
Apps to Download for your Solo trip to the Netherlands
There are several apps that you should consider downloading for your trip to the Netherlands. I used the NS app (trains) and Thuisbezorgd (food delivery) loads!
- You will definitely need the NS train apps for Netherlands local trains and international trains so that you can book online in advance.
- Download the 9292 app for journey planning in the Netherlands.
- Use Tikkie if you are travelling with others or meeting Dutch friends – it is the most popular payment app in the Netherlands that is used for splitting costs and shared bills.
- Download Thuisbezorgd for food delivery – this is the Dutch equivalent of Just Eat!
- Buienradar or buienalarm – notifies you when the rain is about to fall.
- Felyx and Lime – for bike hire available in most main cities in the Netherlands. Felyx does cycles and mopeds!
- Fietsknoop – plans out your Netherlands cycling and walking routes.
To Choose a base or move around?
As I’ve mentioned, choosing Amsterdam or Rotterdam is a good base in the Netherlands as there are plenty of day trips that you can do from there. You might find my article on day trips from Rotterdam helpful here. Amsterdam and Rotterdam both deserve at least 3-5 days each depending on how many museums you want to see.
If you are eager to drink beers and experience more nightlife, then you might choose to stay a few days in The Hague, Delft and Rotterdam (and other destinations) to soak up the atmosphere of the cities at all times of day. This would certainly give you more time to get a feel for the place and meet more locals (the Dutch are very friendly!)
Also, if you have longer to spend than a week or two, you may consider splitting up your itinerary with two or three different bases over the course of three or four weeks, for example, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Eindhoven. If you are the kind of person who likes to relocate a lot then it is possible to move to a different city every couple of days! For, me, I prefer less packing and unpacking, but that is just personal preference.
Hotels or Youth Hostels for Solo Travel in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is on a par with the UK cost-wise and so depending on how your budget is, you might opt for youth hostels over hotels. For hotels in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, expect to pay around €100-200 per night. It can be between €30-60 per night in a hostel, so that is a plus if you are looking to save money. You also have the opportunity to meet more people in hostels so that is an added bonus if you are a social solo traveller looking to connect with others and join groups for fun experiences.
There are plenty of good youth hostels in the Netherlands and they are a high quality – most are clean with excellent facilities. I recommend the following:
- OneFam Amstel – Party hostel in Amsterdam for ages 18-40, accessible by metro. This has excellent reviews, but does come with an age restriction to keep the vibe energetic!
- Rotterdam – Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel – There are plenty of options in Rotterdam, but you can’t beat staying in the cube houses! Don’t worry about any previous poor reviews, it has been fully renovated in April 2026. You can book breakfast for an extra cost, which is a great way to start your day. It also has private rooms if you want a hostel experience with your own space at night.
- Utrecht – Hostel Strowis – Hostel Strowis is located in a listed 17th century building in an excellent central location and has a relaxing garden.
- Eindhoven – The 3BE Backpackers bed – this is in the centre of Eindhoven with sofas and pool tables to relax in the communal area.
Solo Travel in The Netherlands – Top Destinations
Don’t miss Amsterdam of course, but try to plan time to see more than just Amsterdam – there are plenty of places that offer the same culture and history, but without the crowds and the stag and hen dos! I would recommend combining Amsterdam with a few day trips to other destinations if possible. Here are some of the best destinations for Netherlands solo travel…
Amsterdam
The capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is famous for its canal lined streets, history, museums and coffee shops. It also has an unmissable Red Light District – yes, even if you are not into this kind of thing, it is an eye-opener to see, really!
Amsterdam easily warrants 3-5 days, particularly if you want to go to a lot of the museums. Amsterdam is a fantastic place for Art lovers – you can enjoy pieces of art by the grand masters at the Rijksmuseum, including Rembrant and Van Gough. There is also the Van Gough Museum and the Stedelijk Museum, which I recommend (they are in the same area). In fact, there are over 25 museums in Amsterdam specifically dedicated to art. You could easily spend a whole month in Amsterdam just visiting art museums!
Amsterdam is also great for architecture. You can see some gorgeous palaces and Churches including the Royal Palace, Wersterkerk and De Krijtberg – Sint Franciscus Xaveriuskerk. If you are into religious buildings, like me, there are two amazing ones to explore: The Portuguese Synagogue and the ‘Our Lord in the Attic‘ Museum. ‘Our Lord in the Attic’ is particularly interesting as it is hidden inside one of the tall Amsterdam houses and you would never even guess that there was a Church there. It was hidden because it was used during the time when Catholicism was not allowed in Amsterdam (in the 1660s).
Don’t miss in Amsterdam…
- Museums: Anne Frank House, Van Gough Museum and the Rijksmuseum
- Churches: Wersterkerk and De Krijtberg – Sint Franciscus Xaveriuskerk
- Damrak, Herengracht and Reguliersgracht for canal views
- De Wallen – The Red Light District
Rotterdam
Heading to Rotterdam next? Get ready for a whole different vibe to Amsterdam! I am talking about a lively music scene, modern architecture and a population of over 170 different nationalities. Rotterdam is a port city that was heavily bombed in 1940 during WW2, and the bombardment sadly flattened roughly 2.6 square kilometers of central Rotterdam. Over 800 people were killed and over 80,000 left homeless. But. Rotterdam made a leading come-back and the city was built with a forward-thinking modern approach to the architecture and reconstruction of the city. This resulted in some amazing modern architecture including the cube houses, the Fenix and the Erasmus Bridge.
Head to Blaak and explore Markthal – the indoor market place in the centre of Rotterdam. The building itself has a futuristic appearance and an artistic ceiling. Inside, you can buy from international food stalls with Dutch, Asian, Caribbean, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern options.
Rotterdam is also great for shopping and museums. Some of the best places to shop in Rotterdam include the Forum, the Lijnbaan and the Koopgoot.
Make sure that you head to the Maritime Museum where you will learn the history of Rotterdam as a port city and get to search for new energy at sea in the ‘Offshore Experience’. If you are into art, there are plenty of galleries and art museums to explore. Head to the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen to see international works of art ranging from the early Middle Ages to contemporary art. Next, climb the tornado spirals of the Fenix music to get an excellent panoramic view of the city. You might also want to visit the Kunsthal Rotterdam, for exciting exhibitions in photography, fashion and experimental design.
Don’t miss in Rotterdam…
- Kijk-Kubus Museum-house (cube houses).
- Markthal – the indoor market place.
- Shopping at the Lijnbaan and the Koopgoot.
- Rotterdam Maritime Museum.
- Erasmus Bridge – known as “The Swan” (“De Zwaan”) for its 139-meter-tall steel pylon.
- Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Fenix and the Kunsthal Rotterdam.
Den Haag – The Hague
The Hague, or Den Haag in Dutch, is the political centre of the Netherlands. The embassies from countries around the world make the Hague a very international city, with fantastic restaurants including Keraton Damai (Indoesian), Chopras Indian Restaurant and Restaurant Zheng (Chinese). Den Haag has a thriving Chinatown with two Chinese arches signalling the boundaries.
There are plenty of museums and galleries in Den Haag. The Escher Museum houses over 120 Escher prints, and is housed in the Lange Voorhout Palace. The Mesdag is also a favourite if you’re into sea scapes. You can also get a great panoramic view of Den Haag from the top of the Mesdag.
If you love architecture make sure that you see Binnenhof, Maurithuis and Palace Noordeinde. Note that at the time of visiting (May 2026), the Binnenhof was under renovation, and it was advised that this will liekly be the case for the next 5 years. The Peace Palace is close by, but you need to reserve for a tour in advance if you would like to go inside.
Also, make sure that you walk down The Denneweg, which used to be the antique street of Den Haag, and is now a ‘must’ for lovers of international lifestyle and fashion.
Don’t miss in the Hague…
- Binnenhof
- Ridderaal
- Mauritshuis
- Esher in Het Paleis
- Panorama Mesdag
- Oude Stadhuis
- Grote Kerk
- Grote Markt
Delft
I have to admit that Delft is my favourite place in the Netherlands so far! This gorgeous student city is walkable and full of gorgeous Churches and historic buildings, including the Oudekerk (Old Church), Nieuwe kerk (New Church), Stadhuis (Town Hall) and Oudeport (The East Gate). It is brimming with museums (check out the Princenhof Museum and the Vermeer Centrum. If you like antiques, then make sure that you go on a Saturday in Summer, when the antiques market is on.
Don’t miss in Delft…
- Oudekerk
- Nieuwe kerk
- Stadhuis (Town Hall)
- Oudeport
- Princenhof Museum
Leiden
Leiden was one of my favourite Dutch cities. On the way from the train station to the city centre you will get a gorgeous view of the De Walk windmill down the canal. This student city is home to the oldest University in the Netherlands. Leiden is full of gorgeous canals, churches and cafes. It is famous for being the birthplace of Rembrandt.
Don’t miss in Leiden…
- Burcht van Leiden (Leiden Fort)
- Hortus Botanicus (Botanical Garden)
- Churches of Leiden – Hooglandse kerk, Pieterskerk and Hartebrugkerk
- National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden)
Other destinations for Netherlands Solo Travel and further reading
I have not yet visited Utrecht, but it is on my list! Apparently, Utrecht is a slightly more laid-back alternative to Amsterdam, featuring beautiful wharf-side cafes and a towering cathedral. This bike-friendly university city built around medieval canals and the iconic Dom Tower. Has plenty of green spaces and a bustling cafe culture. Next stop Utrecht!
Other great places for Netherlands solo travel include Giethoorn (famous for fairytale villages), Groningen (famous for Groninger Museum and uncrowded canals) and Eindhoven (famous for its innovation, design, and technology). If you enjoyed my article on solo travel in the Netherlands, you might also like to read the following articles…
- Is Gouda worth visiting? – Stadhuis and the Cheese Market
- Is Delft worth visiting? – Canals, flowers and churches?
- Is Rotterdam worth visiting? – Modern architecture and Art