Riding Solo in Amsterdam

Everyone said it would be amazing; that it was the best thing they had ever tried. You do what you went when you want and answer to no one. But I had never traveled alone before, nor had I been anywhere in Europe outside of London.

Amsterdam was a city of firsts for me.

From the moment I exited the station, I was struck by the city. I was surprised by how functional yet beautiful everything was, and I felt culture shock from traveling with such ease.

But I couldn’t tell if solo travel was for me. I had just finished my first five weeks of class, and I welcomed the opportunity for introspection. The city smelled of debauchery, though, and I would often feel like I was back in Reno finding my way. It felt funny I had chosen to travel to a party city for my first solo trip.

But I found my own ways to unwind. I napped when I wanted; spent hours devouring Crazy Rich Asians in cafes, waffle shops, and canals across the city; and danced the nights away. I loved that I could explore the entire city by foot, and I spent a lot of my time walking around capturing mementos with my camera.

I’m not quite convinced solo travel is for me though. When I learn something new or see something cool in a museum, my first reaction is to turn around and tell the person I’m with. I’m inclined to share, and I’m lucky to have many friends who have made wonderful travel companions over the years. With each new experience in Amsterdam, I couldn’t help but think about the friends I wanted to share these moments with.

Would I travel alone again? Sure, but only after prioritizing trips with loved ones. Would I visit Amsterdam again? A thousand times yes.

Must Eats: shout-out to my lovely Rani for these delicious food recommendations
– Dutch Apple Pie from Winkel 43
– Stroopwafel from Lanskroon
(pro-tip: If you don’t want to look like a first-time consumer of stroopwafel, order a cup of coffee with your dessert and put your treat on top of your cup. This will melt all the inner goodness and make you look like a local.)
– Anything with nutella!

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To Do:
Amsterdam is filled with plenty of museums and culture. If you don’t want to break the bank, there are passes that bundle transportation and museum fares. Because I planned my trip on my way to the airport, I prioritized visiting the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Franke House. Everything is easily bookable online, just make sure you do it a few days in advance to ensure tickets!

Dance: I was delighted to learn from a quick Google search that Amsterdam has plenty of Latin dancing.
– Club Mystique – You can find latin dance enthusiasts dancing the night away here every Friday. The dance floor was nice, dancers nice, and lighting just right to get lost in the music.
– De Kroon – Pronounced like Crown, this is where locals go for bachata and salsa every Wednesday and Sunday. The dance floor is big enough to accommodate the crowd, and the music is great.

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