Amsterdam is
the ideal location for a girls' trip because of its enchanting canals, lively
culture, and relaxed vibe.
There is
something for every taste and every budget from world-class museums and
nighttime activities to boutique shopping and café hopping.
Let's go over why Amsterdam is a perfect destination for a girls' trip, as well as what to see and do, where to stay and eat, and even some fantastic suggestions for day trips outside of the city.
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| Is Amsterdam a Good Girls Trip? |
Why Amsterdam is the Good Girls Trip Destination?
1. Safe and Walkable City
Amsterdam is
one of the safest and most walkable cities in Europe for groups of friends
because of its small size and low crime rate.
It is easy to
walk from one neighborhood to another, along canals lined with trees, and you
never feel hurried.
Even after
dark, exploring seems safe because of the welcoming local atmosphere and the
sidewalk cafés that put onto the cobblestone streets.
2. Boutique Shopping and Unique Finds
Amsterdam
provides countless chances for retail therapy, ranging from independent fashion
boutiques to strange gift shops.
Explore the upscale
Spiegelkwartier for antique books and jewels, then head to the Nine Streets (De
Negen Straatjes) to find unique home goods, local designers, and handcrafted
jewelry.
No one else
in your native country will have the souvenirs you take with you.
3. Café Culture and Relaxed Vibes
Amsterdam's
café scene is perfect for casual conversations and people watching, no matter
your preference for specialty coffee or adorable tea rooms.
After a
morning of trying single origin brews at Scandinavian-style establishments,
retire to a tearoom beside a canal for herbal infusions and stroopwafels.
It is simple
to relax and truly catch up because of the laid-back atmosphere and welcoming
baristas.
4. Nightlife and Entertainment
Amsterdam
becomes an ecosystem of upscale cocktail bars, live music venues, and
late-night clubs as the sun sets.
You can
discover an evening atmosphere that works for your group, whether you like
small jazz lounges in de Pijp, rooftop terraces in the Eastern Docklands, or
techno temples in the red light district.
Additionally,
you may dance the night away without worrying about curfews or taxis because
pubs are open until the early hours of the morning.
Top Neighborhoods to Explore
1. Jordaan - The Artsy Heart
For a
memorable girls' day out, Jordaan provides a bohemian backdrop with its art
galleries and winding streets.
Stop for a
selfie in front of vibrant street art, visit independent art studios, and relax
with handmade apple pie at a quaint brown café.
It is ideal
for exploring and a microcosm of Amsterdam's creative energy.
2. De Pijp: Trendy Eats and Markets
De Pijp is
excellent for foodies and bargain hunters because it is home to the well-known
Albert Cuyp Market and a variety of trendy cafés.
Taste foreign
street food from open vendors, including cheese sampling and fresh
stroopwafels. After that, explore the artisanal bakery and antique clothes
stores that line the side streets.
End the day
with brunch at one of the many Instagram-worthy cafés that are well-known for
their bottomless mimosas and avocado toast.
3. Canal Belt: Scenic Strolls
The Canal
Belt, which is lined with charming bridges and old homes, is the very best of
Amsterdam and a photographer's paradise.
Wander across
the circular canals, starting close to Centraal Station and stopping sometimes
to take in the gabled façades from the 17th century.
Get a beer or
gelato to go and sit on a seat to observe the passing boats.
Must‑Do Activities for a Girls’ Trip
1. Canal Cruise with Bubbles
Enjoy a drink
of bubbly while gliding along Amsterdam's canals for a very Instagram-worthy
experience.
For small
groups, many operators provide "wine and cheese" or "champagne
and chocolate" tours.
You will get
a new perspective on the city as you pass by mansions that date back hundreds
of years and under low bridges.
2. Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum
Experience
excellent art at two of Europe's most famous institutions; admire
self-portraits and sunflowers in all their colors at the Van Gogh Museum.
The
Rijksmuseum, which houses Rembrandt's Night Watch and an extensive collection
of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, is located across the museum square.
Guided
discussion and skip-the-line tickets are frequently included in art tours.
3. Anne Frank House Reflection
Among the
entertaining schedule, a visit to the Anne Frank House provides an emotional
and informative experience.
History comes
to life and your journey gains depth when you take a tour of the Secret Annex,
where Anne and her family hid during World War II. Tickets sell out fast, so
get them well in advance.
4. Guided Bike Tour
With an
expert-led bicycle tour of the city, you can pedal like a local and cover more
ground.
There are
more bikes than humans here, which allow you to learn proper riding technique,
and find off-the-beaten-path treasures like peaceful parks, hidden courtyards,
and local hangouts.
Many tours
end with a celebratory drink at a bar beside the canal.
Where to Stay - Hotels and Apartments
1. Luxury Boutique Hotels
Enjoy chic
comfort at one of the many boutique hotels in Amsterdam. Imagine individualized
itineraries, luxurious spa treatments, and velvet chaise chairs.
Since many of
the properties are located in old canal mansions, you may enjoy both old world
elegance and modern conveniences.
2. Charming Airbnb Canal Houses
Rent a
canal-side apartment with space for relaxation if you want to feel at home away
from home.
Spread out in
a comfortable living area, cook breakfast in a fully equipped kitchen, and
relax on a private patio with a view of the water.
It is far
more memorable and frequently less expensive than booking many hotel rooms.
3. Budget‑Friendly Hostels and
Guesthouses
Are you on a
tight budget? Without compromising on flair, pick one of Amsterdam's well
regarded hostels or guesthouses.
Nowadays, a
lot of them have community lounges, continental breakfast, and private ensuite
rooms, which are ideal for meeting other tourists.
Additionally,
you save money on transportation because they are typically centrally placed.
Best Food and Drink Spots
1. Pancake and Waffle Cafés
Enjoy spicy
and delicious Dutch pancakes in a welcoming café.
There is a
taste combination to please any pallet, whether you want them with Nutella and
bananas, smokey bacon and cheese, or fresh berries and whipped cream on top.
Serve with
barista-style coffee or freshly squeezed juices.
2. Riverside Cocktail Bars
Enjoy
inventive cocktails while taking in the canal sunsets. Look out bars with
terraces by the canal or bars with windows from floor to ceiling.
Here,
classics are given a Dutch touch. Consider espresso martinis made with Dutch
chocolate liqueur or gin infusions made with regional botanicals.
3. Local Markets and Street Food
For a genuine
sense of the Netherlands, munch on stroopwafels and herring at busy markets.
Do not miss
the indoor Foodhallen in Oud West, where hundreds of kiosks serve anything from
gourmet burgers to Indonesian rijsttafel, or Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp.
It's heaven for snack crawls.
Fun Day Trips Outside the City
1. Zaanse Schans Windmills and
Workshops
Experience an
olden day surrounded by recognizable windmills and traditional craft shows.
You may
observe the process of creating clogs, take a tour of a functional wooden shoe
factory, and even try some farmhouse cheese.
It seems like
a trip into 19th-century Holland and is only a 30-minute train ride from
Amsterdam Central.
2. Keukenhof Gardens (Seasonal)
Keukenhof's
renowned tulip fields provide a rainbow of colors throughout the spring.
Millions of
bulbs blossom in complex designs, creating picture-perfect moments for
photographers.
If you want
to view the flowers at their best, schedule your visit to Keukenhof between
mid-March and mid-May.
3. Historic Haarlem and Beach
Excursion
Combine a
visit to lovely Haarlem with a fast tram trip to the North Sea shore.
Haarlem’s
cobblestone streets, centuries old Grote Kerk, and local breweries make for a
beautiful half day vacation.
After that,
go on to Zandvoort or Bloemendaal beach, where views of the sea and cool sand
complete the ideal girls' day out.
Packing Tips and Budget Planning
Pack
lightweight clothing for the unpredictable weather and establish a daily
spending cap in advance to get the most out of your girls' trip.
A small
umbrella and a waterproof jacket are essential because the weather in Amsterdam
can change from sunny to rainy in a matter of minutes.
Choose
must-do purchases over free activities (such as exploring canals or having a
picnic in Vondelpark) and download a basic expense tracking app to keep your
spending under control.).
Conclusion
Amsterdam has
everything you need for the perfect girls' trip, whether you're looking for
culture, cocktails, or leisure by the canal.
You will make memories that will last long after you have returned home, from dancing late at night to taking morning market walks.
So prepare to
fall in love with Amsterdam, gather your closest friends, and bring your most
comfortable shoes.
Read: Is
London safe for a solo female traveler?
