The 10 best cities in the Netherlands for solo travellers

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The top 10 best cities in the Netherlands for solo travellers

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• Why solo travel in the Netherlands is amazing (and easy!)
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The Netherlands offers it all: vibrant cities, peaceful nature reserves, and cozy villages where the local baker greets you like you’ve lived there for years. You have complete control over your schedule: no debates over museum visits, no waiting at Instagram hotspots, just you and your own curiosity. 

You can travel from Amsterdam to Utrecht in under an hour or from Rotterdam to The Hague in no time. So why choose just one destination when you can experience multiple cities in a single weekend? Start with museum-hopping in The Hague, and by the next day, find yourself having lunch in a trendy café in Haarlem. No travel stress, just seamless exploration. We have already selected the best city road trips for you!

Spontaneous idea? Hop off at an unknown station and discover a place you've never been before. You might just find a hidden gem!

Solo travel is even better when you feel safe. The Netherlands is known for its well-lit, walkable cities and friendly locals (just avoid heated football debates!). Want to chat with someone? Bonus points if you meet a local who shares insider tips on hidden spots worth visiting. 

Explore world-class museums at your own pace, such as the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Van Abbemuseum in Eindhoven, or the Mauritshuis in The Hague. We already listed the best Dutch museums for you!

But there’s more beyond museum walls! Check out an open-air cinema, join a street food festival, or sign up for a barista workshop. 

No need to stress about language barriers. Almost everyone in the Netherlands speaks English fluently, whether you’re in the bustling capital or a quiet countryside town. Asking for directions, making small talk, or ordering coffee? No problem! 

Now that we've got you excited for a city trip, your next question is probably: where should I go? Well, we've got the answer for you! Below is the top 10 best destinations, carefully selected by our hostel staff! If they aren't local know-it-alls, who is?

Innovation and creativity

Eindhoven is full of surprises! The Strijp-S district is a dream for creatives, featuring hip cafés and street art at every turn. Take an urban hike past old industrial buildings or visit the fascinating Van Abbemuseum. Need a drink after all that inspiration? Grab a craft beer at one of the city’s trendy brewpubs, because art and beer go surprisingly well together. 

Check out our blog 24 Hours in Eindhoven and discover the perfect itinerary for your city trip! 

Cozy and atmospheric

The only Dutch city with wharf cellars along its canals! Grab a coffee in a hidden café, climb the Dom Tower (your legs will feel it, but the view is worth it), and soak up the friendly terrace culture. Feeling social? Join a walking tour and hear legendary Utrecht tales. 

Check out our blog 24 hours in Utrecht for the perfect, planned route of the city. 

Staying overnight in the heart of the city?

Stayokay Utrecht Centrum is located on Utrecht’s most famous square: 't Neude! With private and shared rooms, you'll always find what you're looking for here!

Check out our Utrecht hostel

The city that never sleeps

Museums, canals, and endless solo-friendly adventures. Visit the Rijksmuseum, rent a bike to explore the city at your own pace, and in the evening, join a pub crawl or a canal boat party. Who knows? You might make new friends for life, or at least for the night! 

Also check out our blog 24 hours in Amsterdam for the perfectly planned route of the city. 

Staying overnight in Amsterdam?

Do it in one of our three hostels: in the trendy neighborhood of Amsterdam East, in the famous Vondelpark, or along the Amsterdam canals!

Check out our Amsterdam hostels

City and beach in one

Visit the Binnenhof where political matters are being discussed, admire art at the Mauritshuis, and end your day on the beach in Scheveningen. Perfect for solo travellers who want a mix of culture and nature. Feeling adventurous? Rent a wetsuit and try surfing! 

More cool tips in this city? Check out our blog Citytrip in The Hague. 

Staying overnight in The Hague?

Do it in our cozy hostel near The Hague Hollands Spoor! Choose a private room or a shared room, always with your own shower and toilet.

Check out our hostel in The Hague

A taste of the good life

Charming squares, historic streets, and the best Limburgse vlaai (a delicious local pie). Explore the Sint Pietersberg caves or shop in the trendy Wyck district. Want a unique experience? Book a wine tasting in one of the underground cellars! 

More cool tips in this city? Check out our blog City trip in Maastricht! 

Staying overnight in Maastricht?

Not ready to end this culinary city trip yet? We get it. Come and enjoy a night in our relaxed hostel, located right by the Maas River!

Check out our hostel in Maastricht

History and charm

Leiden, also known as the “Key City”, is steeped in history. Stroll along the canals, take a boat tour, or explore the ancient Hortus Botanicus. Prefer staying on land? Wander through the city’s old courtyards and picturesque streets, you might even get lost in the best way possible. 

2 cities in one weekend: why not?!

Stay in our cozy hostel in The Hague! Close to Holland Spoor station, and in no time, you'll have your bare feet in the sea!

Go to our hostel in The Hague

Modern, hip and surprising

Love architecture and art? Rotterdam is your city! Visit the iconic Markthal (and snack your way through its food stalls), walk across the Erasmus Bridge, and dive into the lively Witte de Withstraat for a fun night out. Need a break from the city buzz? Take a water taxi to Hotel New York for lunch with a view. 

Check out our blog 24 hours in Rotterdam and find the best hotspot for every hour! 

Medieval and charming

Amersfoort is small but full of character. Walk through the historic center, visit the Mondriaanhuis, or challenge yourself to climb the Onze Lieve Vrouwe-tower for stunning views. 

After a day of intense city tripping, is it time for something else? Then you’ll be in the city of Utrecht in no time by train! Where our city-center hostel is waiting for you! 

Check out our hostel in Utrecht

Shopping and culture

From trendy boutiques to world-class museums, Haarlem is a solo traveller’s dream. Need fresh air? The beach is just a bike ride away! And for a truly unique experience, visit the Jopenkerk: a church-turned-brewery where you can sip a craft beer. 

More cool tips in this city? Check out our blog City trip in Haarlem. 

And for sleeping?

And for sleeping? Our doors are open for you at Stayokay Haarlem, on the edge of the city center, and close to greenery! 

Check out our hostel in Haarlem

Historic and hip

This hidden gem blends old-world charm with modern vibes. Wander its medieval streets, visit the famous Deventer Book Market in August, and indulge in a local Deventer koek (cookie). Need a break? Relax by the river IJssel and watch the boats pass by. 

Enjoy a wonderful city trip in Deventer during the day and stay overnight in nature? By public transport, you can easily and quickly reach our cozy hostel in Apeldoorn! 

Check out our hostel in Apeldoorn

Traveling solo doesn’t mean being alone! Join a city walking tour, go on a food tour, or sign up for a cooking workshop. Not only will you meet new people, but you’ll also learn how to make bitterballen without them exploding (win-win!). 

The Netherlands and cycling go together like stroopwafels and coffee: an iconic combination. Rent an OV-fiets and pedal your way through adventure. Whether you're cruising through the Veluwe National Paark forests, gliding past Kinderdijk’s windmills, or braving the wind on the Wadden Islands, you'll feel like the king (or queen) of the road. 

Tip: Did you know that you can rent bikes at (almost) all our hostels? You can also easily rent public bikes at train stations with your OV-chipkaart. 

9292 and the NS train-app are your best friends for train travel, but don’t forget Komoot (for beautiful hiking routes) and Too Good To Go (for cheap meals and good vibes). Want the ultimate solo travel experience? Install a podcast app and listen to inspiring travel stories while wandering through a new city, like starring in your own movie! Or check out the Stayokay playlist on Spotify! 

Need some company? (By the way, you’ll never feel lonely in our hostels!) But if you do, the app INIT can help you connect with fellow travellers nearby. Tip! 

There’s so much to do in a city that it can be overwhelming, where to start? That’s why it’s smart to pinpoint a few highlights in advance. What are two or three things you really want to see or do? Maybe a museum you’ve always wanted to visit, a special coffee spot, or that stunning city walk. But at the same time… (cliffhanger! Read the next tip). 

The best moments are often unplanned. You stroll through Utrecht and suddenly find yourself enjoying live music in a cozy café. You wander Rotterdam and end up at a rooftop festival. You pop into a café in Haarlem for a quick coffee and three hours later, you’re still there, chatting with new friends. Say yes to unexpected adventures! 

Hostels are the perfect place to meet fellow travellers, especially those with common areas or a bar. At our hostels, you’ll find yourself in a pub quiz in no time or booking a city tour with your new friends. 

But do I have to share a room with strangers? Nope! You can also book a private room with your own bathroom. Want breakfast included? We’ve got you covered. Freshly made bed? No problem! Shampoo and towels? Check! You can even stay for lunch and dinner. Make your trip as complete as you like. 

Your solo adventure is only successful if you feel safe. The Netherlands is generally very safe, but don’t do anything we wouldn’t do! Share your travel plans with someone back home, keep your phone charged and download offline maps (Google Maps has a handy download feature). Not feeling comfortable somewhere? Trust your instincts and head to a busier spot.  

Solo female travellers: If you ever feel unsafe in a bar or club, you can use the Ask for Angela initiative. Ask the staff for Angela, and they will discreetly help you out. And at Stayokay, we also offer female-only dorms for extra comfort and peace of mind! 

We know, we’re contradicting ourselves a bit, there’s so much to do! But solo travel doesn’t mean you always have to be on the go. The beauty of traveling alone is setting your own pace. Take an afternoon to read a book in a park, enjoy an extra-long coffee break, or simply daydream on a canal-side bench. No one is telling you what to do. And that might just be the greatest gift of all. 

Does eating alone at a restaurant feel awkward or daunting? Let go of that fear, no one finds it weird! The only one stopping you is probably yourself. But if you do feel self-conscious, bring a book or listen to a podcast to get lost in a story. And don’t forget to people-watch from the terrace! 

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bag and start exploring the best cities in the Netherlands! Need a cozy place to stay? Check out our Stayokay hostels in these amazing cities. Happy travels! 

📅 The earlier you book, the cheaper your trip! And you'll be sure to secure a spot in your favorite hostel. Book early and get a 10% early bird discount.