The Ultimate Netherlands Solo Female Travel Guide
The Netherlands, Holland, whatever you’d like to call it – this small European country packs a big punch when it comes to history, culture, and fun. Netherlands solo female travel is actually one of my all-time favorite kinds of solo travel!
In 2017, I studied and lived in Leiden, the Netherlands just south of Amsterdam for 5 months. The country was hands-down one of my favorite places to live in the world. And because I come from a town called Holland, Michigan (founded by the Dutch, as the name suggests), the Dutch architecture and cute canals at every turn were a strangely familiar reminder of home.
One of the reasons the Netherlands is my one of my favorite countries is because Netherlands solo female travel is extremely safe. As I detailed in my Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide to Europe, Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, was rated second in the world for personal safety by The Economist‘s Safe Cities Index 2021. Furthermore, the Dutch generally have a culture of respecting women. I’ve never felt unsafe as a solo female traveler in the Netherlands. I highly recommend you consider it for your first solo trip, if you haven’t taken the plunge yet!
Without further ado, let’s get on to the good stuff: the ultimate guide to Netherlands solo female travel. Keep reading to discover the best places to visit in the Netherlands, the top things to do, what to expect there, the average cost of traveling in the Netherlands, and more.
Click below for city-specific posts & guides!
The Ultimate Netherlands Solo Female Travel Guide: Page Contents
- Best places to visit in the Netherlands
- Top things to do in the Netherlands
- What to expect in the Netherlands: language, currency, climate, & more
- Is the Netherlands safe?
- How to stay safe in the Netherlands
- Average cost of traveling in the Netherlands
- How to get around the Netherlands
- Recommended tours and activities in the Netherlands
- Essential gear for a trip to the Netherlands
- Favorite Netherlands booking resources
- Latest & most popular Netherlands blog posts
The Ultimate Netherlands Solo Female Travel Guide:
Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands
Top Things to Do in The Netherlands
Want to make it easier? Click here for my favorite day trip from Amsterdam that will take you to tulip fields, Keukenhof, and Delft, all in one tour!
Related: Ready to book your flight to the Netherlands now?! Search now using the tool from one of my favorite flight-booking search engines, Skyscanner!
The Ultimate Netherlands Solo Female Travel Guide:
What to Expect in the Netherlands
as a solo female traveler
Language in the Netherlands
The official language in the Netherlands is Dutch.
Because of the Netherlands’ proximity to Germany and Belgium, as well as it being a highly-international country, you could also hear German, Flemish, or even French. But rest assured, the Dutch have some of the highest English-speaking rates in the world for a country whose official language isn’t English. However, as with any destination you visit, still try to learn basic phrases in the local dialect to be respectful:
Hallo (HALL-oh): Hello
Dankjewel (DAHNK-ya-vel): Thank you (very much)
Alstublieft (ah-SHEW-bleeft): Please (or said when handing something to someone else/a cashier)
Money in the Netherlands
💱 Currency
The Netherlands belongs to the European Union (EU) and so uses the euro. 1 USD = 0.95 EUR at the time of writing.
💳 Cash or card?
Credit cards are pretty much universally used throughout the Netherlands. It isn’t really necessary to have much, if any, cash. However, it might still be smart to have a few euros with you to pay for some street food or from small street vendors.
Click here for my favorite 0% foreign transaction fee credit cards with travel rewards and avoid the fees when you spend at home and abroad!
Plugs in the Netherlands
The Netherlands uses the same Type C 230V plugs as the rest of Europe. Get my favorite universal plug adapter here!
Climate in the Netherlands
The Netherlands generally has a mild climate. Temperatures during the winter rarely reach below freezing, making snow rare these days. However, it can be quite windy with its proximity to the sea, which can make things chillier.
During winter from December to February, temperatures average between 36.5-39 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold snaps can occur that make temperatures plummet, but it’s not very common. From March to May, temperatures gradually begin to warm up as spring comes around and daily highs average between 50-64 degrees Fahrenheit.
In summer from June to August, the weather is similar to summer in London. Maximum temperatures often don’t reach above 68 degrees Fahrenheit, but can alternate with warmer, sunnier days exceeding 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainy days can be quite frequent in the summer. On average, temperatures hover around 72/73 degrees Fahrenheit in most of the country during the summer.
Finally, in the fall from September to November, the weather is overall quite pleasant. This is especially true in the first half of September. As fall goes on, temperatures drop, and the weather becomes cloudier and rainier again.
Related: Wondering what to pack for Netherlands solo female travel so you’re prepared for the climate? Check out my Ultimate Backpacking Packing List for Summer in Europe!
Best Time to Visit the Netherlands
The best time to visit the Netherlands is May or September, in my opinion. I’ve been in Amsterdam during both months and the weather is overall really pleasant with a good amount of sunshine and warm, but not overly hot, temperatures. These are also cheaper times to visit the Netherlands because these months are technically during “shoulder season” (my favorite travel hack!).
Best SIM card for the Netherlands
I always recommend getting a local SIM card at your destination to save money on ridiculously expensive roaming fees. The best SIM card to get in the Netherlands in 2022 is a Vodafone prepaid SIM. According to Traveltomtom, who grew up in the Netherlands, Vodafone has the best 5G network and data bundles in the Netherlands.
For €10, you can get a 2GB Vodafone SIM card in the Netherlands. And bonus – you can use this in the rest of the EU for your Europe solo travels without extra fees! Avoid getting your SIM card at Amsterdam Schipol airport because the prices tend to be a lot more expensive. Opt to get your Vodafone SIM card from a Vodafone store in Amsterdam or another major city instead.
Since prepaid SIM prices in the Netherlands aren’t the cheapest, consider ordering a Netherlands eSIM directly online. This way you don’t have to find, receive, and install a new physical SIM card. Just choose your destination and data/call package, install your eSIM, activate it, and you’re good to go!
Is the Netherlands safe for female solo traveling?
Yes! The Netherlands is extremely safe for female solo traveling. The Netherlands is actually one of the safest countries in Europe and the world. Landing 21st on the Global Peace Index, the Netherlands has a rating of 1.506 as of 2021. In comparison, the United States ranks 122 out of 163 countries, with a rating of 2.34. Furthermore, The Economist‘s Safe Cities Index 2021 ranked Amsterdam as the 6th safest city in the world of 60 major cities worldwide. Violent crime is very rare in the Netherlands. Petty theft in cities is the most common type of crime.
The Ultimate Netherlands Solo Female Travel Guide: How to Stay Safe
As stated above, Netherlands solo female travel is generally very safe. However, there are still some basic precautions you should take. These apply for all solo female travel in general, not just in the Netherlands!
Avoid walking around alone at night
Make friends at your hostel and go out with them. Even though I’ve never felt unsafe at night during my Netherlands solo female travel, stay in a group when it’s dark to ensure you avoid any unwanted attention or trouble.
Keep your wits about you
When you’re unfamiliar with where you are, it’s just not a good idea to get too drunk. This is especially true when you’re solo traveling, and especially especially true when you’re a solo traveling woman. If you choose to drink on your Netherlands solo female travel tour, always make sure you’re alert and aware. You want to be able to respond appropriately and remove yourself from a situation if something goes wrong.
Keep an eye on your drink
Keep an eye on your drink at all times. It’s uncommon, but just like anywhere, your drink could be “spiked” with drugs or other unknown substances by other partygoers. If you’re really concerned about this, watch the bartender pour/make your drink.
Use the buddy system
If you’re out at a bar or club, go to the bathroom with a buddy. This will make sure you both have an eye on each other and no one gets lost.
Keep your passport locked up
Don’t ever bring your physical passport with you unless you’re traveling to another country at that moment (like, you’re going to the airport). As someone who has worked at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin replacing stolen passports, I can confidently tell you your passport is much more likely to get stolen on you than it is to be stolen from or damaged in your accommodation. If you really need to have your passport photo page with you, carry a photocopy instead.
Don’t carry large amounts of cash
It’s just not smart to have a bunch of physical money on you. Split your stash and only bring what you need. Keep the rest in your hotel or hostel. Likewise, only bring the credit and debit cards you need when you go around town. I try not to carry around cards with direct access to my bank accounts unless I’m planning to withdraw cash on that particular excursion from my accommodation.
Carry a flashlight in rural areas
If you’ll be staying in any more remote/rural areas of the Netherlands, bring a headlamp or flashlight. If you’re walking home at night when it’s dark, you’ll be happy to have one. Not only will it make you more visible to oncoming drivers, but will also help you avoid stepping on anything you’d rather not!
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Coming from a girl who is naturally terrible at asking for help, do not be afraid to ask for help from a local, or anyone, especially if you’re in immediate danger. Be confident and assertive.
Ask accommodation staff for important notes
Sometimes where you’re staying is perfectly safe, but there might be a nearby area or attraction that’s a bit shady. To make sure you’re properly informed, ask your accommodation staff if there’s anything important to know regarding the safety of the area you’re staying in.
The Ultimate Netherlands Solo Female Travel Guide:
Average Costs
The Ultimate Netherlands Solo Female Travel Guide:
How to Get Around
🚆 Train
If you’d like to cross something off the #bucketlist and explore Netherlands solo female travel by train, consider getting a Eurail pass! This will allow you to connect your train travels in the Netherlands with other countries in Europe, including direct lines to Germany, Belgium, England, and France. The all-in-one ticket allows you to travel 33 countries across Europe in an easy, convenient, budget-friendly way. The trains in the Netherlands are clean and punctual and are a really great way to see the country. Therefore, I’d strongly recommend a Eurail pass if you’re traveling to other countries in addition to the Netherlands!
🚍️ Bus
Intercity buses, as well as buses between cities, are an affordable alternative to the trains. However, in my experience, they’re not that much cheaper than trains and have the added drawback of dealing with road traffic (unlike trains). If you’re interested in using a bus in the Netherlands, Flixbus is the best option. Their fares are extremely affordable and the buses are comfortable with AC, power outlets, and toilets. Most tickets on Flixbus between major cities in the Netherlands will cost less than $15. I also used Flixbus to get between the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany multiple times while living there and found it quite affordable and convenient.
If you’re interested in day trips from Amsterdam (or other cities) to attractions like Keukenhof, you can also use a bus to get there. This is best done through a tour operator like GetYourGuide or Viator.
🚘 Car
While not the cheapest option, a rental car is definitely the most convenient way to see the Netherlands. However, they’re by no means necessary. Cars are especially useful for exploring more rural areas and taking as many photography stops as you want. If most of your time in the Netherlands will be spent being outdoors in smaller villages, I highly suggest a rental car. It will make things a lot easier. Just consider that gas costs nearly $8.50/gallon in the Netherlands in 2022.
Other helpful tips for renting a car in the Netherlands:
- They drive on the right side of the road in the Netherlands.
- The majority of cars in Europe, including the Netherlands, are manual. If you can’t drive manual (like me), make sure to check that the car you book is an automatic. Unfortunately, this usually costs more.
- Only get as big a car as you need. Dutch city streets can be tiny and you want a car that can fit through those narrow roads easily. You also don’t want a bigger car to guzzle gas unnecessarily.
- Always book with a reputable rental company with good reviews. And make sure to actually read the fine print before you drive the car away. It’s just not worth doing a cheaper, shady deal to save a few bucks. I am embarrassed to admit I did this in Saint Martin, and it became a legal and logistical disaster when our bags, and then rental car, got stolen at the beach. I’m lucky I had travel insurance or else I would have been left to pay $1,000’s for the rental car damage in addition to replacing my stolen camera!
Rentalcars.com has a great interface for finding and booking the best deals on rental cars all over the world from reputable companies!
The Ultimate Netherlands Solo Female Travel Guide:
Tours & Activities I Recommend
The Ultimate Netherlands Solo Female Travel Guide:
Essential Gear
Related: Want to know the best travel essentials for Netherlands solo female travel? Check out my 13 travel essentials that will change your life.
Favorite Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use while traveling in the Netherlands. They consistently return the best deals and user experience. I’ve mentioned some of these already above, but have condensed them into a one-stop-shop list for your convenience here:
Flight booking tools
- Skyscanner – a great tool for finding the cheapest flights with lots of filter options.
- Kiwi.com – one of my favorite flight search engines, especially when you’re really flexible with the dates you travel. Kiwi allows you to choose specific dates, date ranges, or length of travel to multiple destinations at once so comparing prices is easy. Their Nomad tool is also handy if you’re planning multiple flights in a row and aren’t sure about the cheapest order in which to do things!
- Google Flights – I’ll often start with this tool to get a broad overview of flights available. Their discovery map tool is also helpful.
Accommodation booking tools
- Agoda – Agoda has got some fantastic deals lately. Using their booking system, I was able to stay in a presidential suite at a 4-star resort in Mauritius for practically half the price offered on most other sites!
- Booking.com – a gold standard in accommodation booking. If a hotel is anywhere, it’s probably on Booking.com. I also really love Booking’s loyalty program Genius, which has allowed me to score some pretty sweet deals in some of my favorite Netherlands solo female travel destinations.
- Hostelworld – also a gold standard in accommodation booking, but for hostels. If you want to get the best, most comprehensive reviews of hostels from travelers just like you, check Hostelworld first. Then see whether Hostelworld or Booking.com gives you a better deal with loyalty rewards.
Transportation tools
- Rentalcars.com – the most comprehensive rental car search tool to price compare between the top reputable companies.
- FlixBus – my favorite way to travel by bus across the Netherlands and Europe. Coaches have heating and AC, toilets, and charging ports. You can often get between cities in the Netherlands for less than $15 with FlixBus.
- Eurail – if you’re looking to ride the rails through Europe before or after your Netherlands solo female travel tour, the Eurail pass is an excellent option. It’s an all-in-one ticket that allows you to visit 33 countries across the continent in comfort. The Eurail pass is the non-EEA-citizen version of the Interrail pass.
Guide- and attraction-finding tools
- GetYourGuide – if you’re interested in finding guided tours at your destination, GetYourGuide is the way to go. From food tours to private walking tours, you’ll definitely find something you’re interested in. Seeing reviews from other travelers and booking is easy.
- Intrepid Travel – if you want to go on a group tour in the Netherlands, Intrepid Travel offers the best. Their tours are small, intimate groups led by local guides and with a small ecological footprint.
- Viator – Viator has tons of activities, experiences, and tours available for thousands of destinations around the world. They’re a great way to add a fun activity onto the itinerary.
- TripAdvisor – TripAdvisor has loads of travel booking tools, but my favorite use for them is looking up top-rated restaurants by other travelers. Their tour/activity recommendations can be decent. However, their lists of top attractions at certain destinations might not be more than “which attractions will be the most crammed with tourists?”
Favorite 0% foreign transaction fee travel rewards credit cards
- Chase Sapphire Preferred – my first travel rewards card, this $0 foreign transaction fee card has mighty rewards for the frequent traveler. At the time of writing, meet the $4,000 spending minimum within the first 3 months and get 80,000 bonus miles worth at least $800 to put towards flights, hotels, and more! In addition, this card has excellent insurance to cover expenses if your flight gets delayed or cancelled, or your baggage gets delayed or lost.
- CapitalOne Venture Rewards – my current favorite travel rewards card with 0% foreign transaction fees. Besides their price prediction and protection travel booking portal, I love their comprehensive car rental insurance. At the time of writing, earn 60,000 bonus miles worth over $600 when you meet the $3,000 spending minimum in the first 3 months.
Travel insurance tools
- World Nomads travel insurance – after getting covered for the thousands of dollars in rental car damage and my stolen camera after thieves stole my belongings on a beach in Saint Martin, I never travel without it. Sh*t happens sometimes when you travel. Don’t risk it.
