Amsterdam, The Netherlands
A great visit, on the trip around the world. And it was planned on the go. When I left home, I did not know I’d be there.
Here’s some travel info on this region to enjoy.
Why is the Netherlands known for flowers?
Answer: I saw lots and lots of flowers blooming, and others were either already in bloom or getting ready to bloom again, so now I've experienced some of the beauty of the Netherlands' flowers. Why is this? Perfect Conditions and Innovation.
The Netherlands is the "Flower Shop of the World" because it accounts for a massive share of the global trade (around 44% of worldwide floral exports). This dominance stems from a unique mix of ideal maritime climate, rich agricultural expertise, and efficient global trade logistics.
Favorable Climate: The Dutch coast features a moderate maritime climate with mild winters and cool, extended springs—perfect conditions for bulbs such as tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils.
Ideal Soil: Ancient coastal dunes (geestgronden) were excavated centuries ago, leaving behind well-draining sandy clay soil that bulbs absolutely thrive in.
60-second confidence challenge
Your challenge today, Confidence Challenge in Amsterdam
If you like today's Confidence Challenge, my book series delves deeper into meeting people when alone, 5 steps to solo travel, from easy to more challenging, with foreign language communication tips.
Front Cover of 5 Steps to Solo Travel, Book C: Adventuring Alone
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Trains run on time here in Europe. Be ready at the station.
Today's destination is Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
This episode is about what I actually did there in July 2025 as a solo woman traveler from the USA.
My first reminder to you is this: when you get to Amsterdam, watch out for the bikes. I mean it. The bikes are everywhere, and they move fast. The bike lanes are not sidewalks. They are real transportation lanes, and the people riding bikes know where they are going. So before you step off the curb, look both ways — and then look again. Staying alert helps you feel safer and more confident exploring solo.
The lobby of my “hostel” was quite modern and hotel-like.
I arrived in Amsterdam on Tuesday, July 22, [2025], around 5 PM, after more than 12 hours on trains. I was tired, but I still had two more train rides to go before reaching my hostel. I had considered taking the Metro and had bought a two-day transportation pass for €15, but I ended up taking the Sprinter train because it fit my route better. I took it three stops, transferred to another train for one stop, and then walked about 11 minutes — roughly half a mile — to my hostel, Via Amsterdam, near Diemen Zuid. Planning made my journey smoother and less stressful.
This was a hostel-hotel combination, but it felt very much like a hostel, with a shared kitchen, common areas, and people actually talking to each other. My room had eight beds, and on that first night, seven were occupied by men. There was one bathroom and a shower inside the room. It may not have been ideal, but it worked out fine. My roommates were respectful, and I spoke with travelers from Greece and Spain. That is one of the gifts of hostel travel: you meet people you would never meet in a standard hotel lobby. Engaging with fellow travelers can make solo trips more enjoyable and less lonely.
After I checked in, I did laundry, showered, organized my things for the next day, and went to sleep. The next morning, I had the hostel buffet breakfast for €12. I also made myself a lunch to carry with me. This is one of my travel habits. If I can save money on one meal, I can spend it on something else — a museum, a train, or maybe, in this case, a massage.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/travel/amsterdam-netherlands-guide.html
I walked back to the station and took the train to Amsterdam Central. The train system immediately made me feel the city's vibrant energy. Trains left on time, and people seemed comfortable and lively using public transportation. Everything flowed smoothly. I saw cows, graffiti, tiny homes, large apartment buildings, and lots and lots of bikes. Flowers — mentioned earlier, some blooming, some past their bloom, and some getting ready for re-blooms — added to the lively, colorful scene. Even without visiting peak tulip season, I felt immersed in the floral beauty of the Netherlands, which made me excited to explore more.
One thing I noticed about Amsterdam is that people seem genuinely friendly and willing to help. There was no eye rolling or big drama-just practical, kind assistance. That stood out to me as an American traveler. Sometimes, when you are tired, jet-lagged, or confused, the kindness of strangers makes you feel more at home in a new place.
I had suggestions from Margaret, who was born in Norway, and I appreciated her ideas for restaurants and places to experience. One word that came up was 'hygge' (pronounced hoogah), often associated with Danish and Scandinavian culture. It means cozy, comfortable, warm, and enjoying good company. Amsterdam, in its own way, gave me some of that feeling — especially in the cafes, common rooms, and neighborhood restaurants, where I felt warmth and belonging.
Rijks Museum, similar to the Smithstonian, in the USA, for it’s size.
I visited the Rijks Museum, which I would describe for Americans as something like the Smithsonian, but focused deeply on Dutch art, history, and culture. I spent about two hours there before it closed. I saw famous Rembrandts and other works I did not know much about before going in. I also found a quieter Asian art exhibit in the basement with Buddhas, ceramics, jewelry, coins, and sculpture.
One of my favorite parts of the museum was the library. It had old books, a spiral staircase, and people quietly studying on the first floor. It may have been the most beautiful library I have ever seen. Everyone entering seemed to know instinctively to be quiet. It felt sacred in a scholarly way.
I also peeked around the museum area, saw the outside of the Moco Museum, and looked toward the Van Gogh Museum. On one of those days, I wore my Van Gogh sunflower socks, which made me smile. Sometimes travel joy is a big museum, and sometimes it is just putting on cheerful socks and walking into the day.
Who doesn’t love sunflowers? Van Gogh’s a master here.
Amsterdam also has its food treats. I tried and noticed Dutch favorites like appelstroop, which is apple syrup, and stroopwafels — those thin syrup waffles that are like cookies. The best way to enjoy them is to place one over a hot cup of coffee or tea so the syrup warms. I also heard about Van Stapele, the famous cookie store, but the warning is that they can run out early.
Another place that stood out was Carousel Pancakes, and I also heard about Moeders, which means "mothers" in Dutch. That name alone made me curious. Amsterdam has plenty of classic restaurants, cozy places, and food experiences that make the city feel welcoming.
My friend and former student, Melvin.
One evening, I met my former student and friend, Melvin, for dinner at a fish restaurant. It was in a neighborhood that felt a little rundown, but the restaurant had a fun, unusual style — almost fancy and trashy at the same time. You picked out your own fish, and they battered and cooked it for you. We had Dutch fried fish, called kibbeling, plus octopus, mussels, shrimp, and other seafood. The meal was surprisingly good, and the value was excellent.
I took two metros to get there, and Melvin gave me a ride back to the hostel afterward. Later that night, I stayed up planning future travel to Edinburgh, a nearby beach area, and then Canada. That is real solo travel. You are enjoying one destination while also planning the next.
Now, a word about atmosphere. I did smell marijuana smoke in Amsterdam from the time I arrived. It was noticeable in several places, including near restaurants and on the street. That may bother some travelers, so it is worth knowing in advance.
Still, I found Amsterdam friendly, efficient, beautiful, and full of movement. The trains worked. The people helped. The museums inspired me. The food surprised me. And the bikes kept me alert.
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My missteps: Looking out for bike lanes every time.
Bike racks by the train station, double decker stacks
Travel Mistakes: My mistake for this episode was underestimating how careful I needed to be around bike lanes. I did not get hurt, but so many travelers do, so watch out.
My travel tip: Use the trains and metro, but know your route before you leave the station. Amsterdam transportation is excellent, but when you are tired, transfers can feel confusing.
My lesson: Amsterdam is not just a postcard city of canals. It is a living, moving city — practical, artistic, direct, and memorable.
