Solo travel in The Netherlands 🇳🇱 : Amsterdam at First Sight

   The Netherlands, home of two of the world's famous and renowned artists Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and its capital city, Amsterdam, have left me with an epic impression during my first-ever EU trip. Deemed as one of the safest places for female solo travellers, Amsterdam was also hailed as one of the busiest capitals in Europe and The Netherlands as one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the European Region. Indeed, Amsterdam has a charm that can’t help drawing in visitors.

   I’ve landed at one of the world’s busiest airport, Schiphol. It can’t be helped that a huge airport can feel a bit overwhelming just like navigating a new and unfamiliar environment, but it was a relief that the transportation to the city center from the airport was very convenient. Schiphol Airport has a railway station located underground which makes it very easy for travellers to transfer between Amsterdam Central Station and the airport. As I experienced the convenience of public transportation system, it had me in high expectation with the rest of the European cities, especially the railways; and I thought, it must be one of the best in the world. Amsterdam is also famous for its tram system that makes most attraction sites more accesible.

   The feeling of touching down another place is wondrous. As I enjoyed the scenery while waiting for the train to stop at my destination, my mind was all the more curious wondering what will I discover in such a big, colorful city. I was then breathing on a total opposite side of the world, where both historical and contemporary arts complement each other. It was all visible the most by old architectural structures and the city’s overall modernity aspects. There’s a huge part of the old times highly retained that becomes a magnified imagery of a place, and Amsterdam is of no exception. Travellers travel not because they want to see what’s new, but to rediscover what is left behind. History makes us want to travel places, taking ourselves back in time, and that’s exactly how it felt for me.

   I lodged at a cozy youthful hostel as I was so excited to meet fellow travellers, and finding it hasn’t been difficult. I have preferred to book a room good for 4 people so I can sleep better with less noise and be able to bond with them. It was my first ever experience with hostels which thankfully didn't disappoint because my roommates were wonderful too. I thought that I have made a wise decision to opt for a hostel because it gave me moments to engage with other people whom some were just like me, a female solo traveller. I loved that I get to know other travellers and converse with them just like a casual friend. It also amazed me because some of them were younger than me. I get to hear their stories like why they travel, where they came from, what makes them busy and all the little things that makes them interesting people. Above all, I get to share a smile. :)

A T T R A C T I O N S

    

  Visiting as many museums as possible for my first EU trip was on my priority, and I have listed them down so I can visit them efficiently. One fine day, I met a fellow traveller, she’s Japanese who was also travelling alone. We were staying at the same hostel but we’re not roommates. While I get a time to know her a bit, she talked about her favorite artist's artwork she wanted to see, Rembrandt's. So, we decided to get together the next day because we also had the same interests. We strolled the city together and visited galleries and museums, ate good food, and got to know each other. Went first to visit the MOCO Museum, a modern art museum, where I got to meet the artworks of Banksy and Basquiat. I have a huge fascination with street art so I can't miss meeting some works of the world's famous street art artist, Banksy.

  The beautiful RIKSMUSEUM, one of the world's biggest, is a stunner. Went to see Rembrandts' collections, Van Gogh's, and other artists. I still can't forget how excited I was to finally meet them in their world of art. Seeing some artworks in person of artists that I only read in books when I was young was mind-blowing and equally exhilarating experience. I got to look at those arts for real, yet being surrounded by huge canvasses and portraits was just overwhelming and inferior at the same time. I wonder so much about their God-given talent to paint almost to perfection that I can compare some of their works to a photograph- fine arts at their finest.  

   Rembrandt House Museum, an exclusive exhibition site for all his works and detailed life history, is one of the most immersive and engaging visits I did in Amsterdam. This museum was wonderfully preserved for a long time and took me back to the 16th century. It felt like I time travelled for real, it’s just that, Rembrandt wasn’t physically there. Visitors can enjoy looking at his different paintings, drawings, old types of furniture, living quarters, and studio. I also got a chance to listen to some beautiful art history. It was a free source of information in real time and I felt lucky because not so many visitors were able to hear it. The beautiful lady even executed how artists of old times make their own paint which is so unbelievably cool. I highly recommend you visit this one day.

    Something that I didn't expect to encounter was long lines of diners when attempting to dine in at some establishments, especially cafes. Maybe they're famous for their good reviews. I experienced lining up at two of the cafes we walked in. If you encountered such and if it doesn't bother you though, you can patiently wait for your turn or might have some alternatives in mind. I'm pretty sure Amsterdam has a lot to offer. 

    I had my share of wonders and learnings with Amsterdam. She set the whole experience as I began my first EU solo travel that year. I met good people along the way and didn't felt totally alone. I got to learn other people's interests, and that they travel with intention in mind just like my newfound friend. The Netherlands, famous for its beautiful tulip fields during spring season, also have other underrated cities that are worth the time and visit. In the interesting city of Zaandam located north of Holland, visitors can enjoy seeing the windmills. The Hague and Rotterdam also have their own charm that may get a spot on your bucket list. Nonetheless, for a short while, Amsterdam indeed left me an impression of wanting to re-discover her again. 

R E F E R E N C E S

Transportation: Airport and Amsterdam City transfer is very convenient by rail. I recommend you purchase a travel card if you are only staying for few days. It has so many advantages and can make your travel experience and touring around the city hassle-free. It offers unlimited use of public transportation via bus, tram, metro, and even ferries. Check it out here Amsterdam Travel Ticket | Discover Holland :) For regional tickets, you can use OMIO for ticket purchases.

Activities: You can also opt purchasing an Amsterdam City Card, an all-inclusive travel card that includes use of public transportations, access to some of the city's top tourist attractions, 70 museums, and canal cruise. :)