Amsterdam Calling: The Ultimate Girls' Getaway Guide
Your passport is ready. Your out-of-office is set. Amsterdam is waiting—and trust me, she does not disappoint.
Whether you're treating yourself to a solo adventure, escaping with your best girlfriends, or finally taking that trip you've been pinning for years, Amsterdam is one of those cities that feels like it was designed entirely for women who know what they want. It's walkable, incredibly safe at any hour, wildly beautiful, endlessly interesting, and the coffee? We'll get to the coffee.
Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your Amsterdam escape.
Getting There & Getting Around
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is one of the most well-connected in Europe, with direct flights from Washington Dulles daily. You can also connect through New York easily to get to DCA. Budget roughly 8–9 hours in the air, although if you fly KLM, your flight will often take less time, as they generally land first due to their hub at AMS.
Traveler Tip: If I am going to fly coach, I book a hotel room for the night before my arrival and call the hotel to check me in; this ensures they don’t cancel my reservation before I board my flight. If I have lie-flat seats, I can sleep on the plane and skip this step!
Once you land, take a rideshare into the city. Amsterdam is best explored on foot or by bike if you are adventurous, though be warned: cyclists are quite assertive here! The city's canal-laced grid is remarkably easy to navigate, and most major neighborhoods are within a 20-minute walk of each other. Trams are clean, frequent, and run almost everywhere else. However, I love walking because the architecture is stunning at every turn.
Pro tip: Book a hotel in the Jordaan neighborhood if you want charm, walkability, and proximity to the best restaurants and boutiques. I love The W Amsterdam for its spa and water circuit; the dark, moody rooms are absolute bliss, and they offer one of the best Swedish massages I’ve ever had! Another fun option nearby is Hotel Estherea—the decor is incredible.
What to Do: Art, Canals & Golden Hour
Start with the Rijksmuseum—yes, even if you're not an "art person." The building alone is stunning. Standing in front of Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring (technically on loan from The Hague, but the permanent collection is extraordinary in its own right) is one of those quietly electric moments you'll talk about for years. Book tickets online in advance to skip the line.
Go to the Van Gogh Museum as well. Yes, I know it’s a "double up" on art museums, but we are here for the vibes, and Van Gogh in Amsterdam is pure vibes.
Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through Museumplein and down to the canal belt. For a workout, a run through Vondelpark helps kick the jet lag and lets you see everyday life in the city. There is a great loop trail where many local runners head.
Finally, book a boat tour. They are touristy, but so much fun—you can’t skip this! Afterward, reward yourself with a glass of Dutch gin (jenever) at a "brown café"—the cozy, wood-paneled bars that have been a staple of Amsterdam social life for centuries.
Markets, Shopping & Indulgence
For shopping, De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets) is the neighborhood you've been dreaming of. Nine charming cross-streets connecting the main canals are packed with independent boutiques, vintage shops, concept stores, and bookshops. I love Dutch clothing brands like Summum. Marie-Stella-Maris has amazing, sustainable scented lotions and body washes; I am almost out of mine and need a refill!
While in this neighborhood, grab a soup or a fresh flatbread at The Lebanese Sajeria.
Another great spot for beauty and scents is Rituals. It’s a European chain, but their Amsterdam flagship store carries exclusive lines. De Bijenkorf department store also has unique finds; I picked up some ski gear there last winter that I loved! For something unique, visit Theewinkel Het Kleinste Huis, a tea shop housed in the smallest house in Amsterdam where you can actually climb the stairs to see the tiny interior.
End the day with dinner at one of Amsterdam's amazing restaurants. Some favorites are Lucius, Brasserie Marie, and Restaurant Jansz.
Slower, Deeper, Better
Use your last full day to go a little deeper. The Anne Frank House is a profound, essential experience—book tickets weeks in advance, as it sells out quickly. Give yourself space afterward to wander the small streets, stop at a bakery, and enjoy the architecture. Amazing bakeries are a dime a dozen here.
In the afternoon, visit the spa or hop on a ferry across the IJ harbor to Amsterdam-Noord, the city's artsy, up-and-coming neighborhood. The NDSM Wharf is an outdoor cultural complex housed in a former shipyard, full of street art, pop-up restaurants, and creative energy.
For the evening, explore the bar scene. I love Dutch Courage and Tales & Spirits. Vermeers Wijnkamer is a beautiful wine bar, and the rooftop at The W offers a great bar with a bit of a club scene.
Further Afield
If you are there in the summer and have extra time, hop on a train to the sea. Zandvoort (where the Dutch Grand Prix is held) is a fun beach town just a quick ride away. If you are there during the spring, don't miss the tulips at the Tulpenfestival.
Eat, Drink & Be Delighted
Make sure to try a fresh, hot stroopwafel, the French fries at Fabel Friet, and a proper Dutch apple pie at Winkel 43 on the Noordermarkt. The line is always worth it.
For coffee culture, head to White Label Coffee near Central Station or Scandinavian Embassy in De Pijp for a proper flat white in a beautiful space.
Best time to visit: Anytime! Amsterdam has its own delights in every season. The lights in winter are beautiful, but April–May is tulip season when flowers pop up everywhere and the weather is mild.
Safety: Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in Europe for solo female travelers. While people often think of the Red Light District or relaxed laws, those are small parts of the city. Even walking through those areas at night, I feel completely safe. Use common sense, and you'll be fine. I love getting lost in the little streets at night without ever doubting my safety.
Amsterdam doesn't ask you to rush. It asks you to linger—over a canal view, a pastry, a second glass of wine, or a hidden bookshop. So go ahead. Linger. You've earned it.
