15-Day Netherlands Solo Travel Itinerary: Explore from Amsterdam to the Countryside (June 19 - July 2, 2025)

Day 1: Arrival and Intro

Amsterdam, Netherlands on June 19, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Start your Dutch adventure with traditional Dutch pancakes, located close to Centraal Station and open from 8am, perfect for breakfast.
EUR10, 1h

10:30am

Anne Frank House

Visit this iconic historical museum to understand the poignant story of Anne Frank. Book tickets online in advance as entry is limited and it opens at 9am.
EUR14, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Foodhallen

Enjoy a variety of local and international dishes in this vibrant indoor food market, great for solo travellers wanting diverse choices. Open from 11:30am.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Canal Cruise

Experience Amsterdam’s famous canals with an hour-long boat tour. It’s an ideal way to see the city’s architecture and get your bearings.
EUR18, 1h

3:30pm

Stroll Jordaan District

Explore this charming neighbourhood on foot, full of quaint boutiques, galleries, and coffee shops.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at De Silveren Spiegel

Dine in a historic canal house serving traditional Dutch cuisine with a modern twist.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 2: Museum Day

Amsterdam, Netherlands on June 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bakers & Roasters

Enjoy a hearty New Zealand-style breakfast in a cosy café. It opens at 8am, ideal for a breakfast before museums.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Rijksmuseum

Visit the Netherlands' premier art museum to see masterpieces from Rembrandt and Vermeer. Opens at 9am.
EUR20, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Loetje

Enjoy one of Amsterdam’s best steaks, a Dutch classic. Café opens at 12pm, lunchtime ideal after museum tour.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Van Gogh Museum

Explore the life and works of Van Gogh in this popular museum. Prebook tickets as it can be busy. Opens at 9am.
EUR19, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Seafood Bar

Indulge in fresh seafood in a sleek, modern setting. Opens till 10pm so perfect for relaxed dinner after museums.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 3: Historic Haarlem

Haarlem, Netherlands on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Train to Haarlem

Take a quick 15-minute train from Amsterdam Centraal to Haarlem. Trains run frequently from early morning.
EUR5, 0h15m

8:30am

Breakfast at Hofje zonder Zorgen

Local café serving homemade cakes and breakfast options in Haarlem’s historic centre.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Teylers Museum

The oldest museum in the Netherlands showcasing art, natural history and science exhibits. Opens at 10am.
EUR13, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Jopenkerk

Enjoy craft beers and hearty Dutch pub food inside a former church, unique atmosphere.
EUR18, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Grote Markt

Visit the lively main square with historic buildings including the Grote Kerk. Ideal for walking and local shopping.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Amsterdam

Catch a late afternoon train back to Amsterdam to relax before dinner.
EUR5, 0h15m

7:00pm

Dinner at Indonesian Rijstaffel

Experience a traditional Indonesian rijsttafel, a culinary legacy of the Dutch colonial past. Many restaurants open till late.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 4: Windmills & Fishing Villages

Zaanse Schans & Volendam, Netherlands on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Bus to Zaanse Schans

Travel 20 minutes by bus from Amsterdam to the traditional windmill village. Arrive early to beat crowds; opens from 9am.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Explore Zaanse Schans

See authentic working windmills, cheese farms, and wooden clog workshops – a quintessential Dutch experience.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Bus to Volendam

Short 30-minute bus ride to charming fishing village Volendam, known for seafood and traditional costumes.
EUR6, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Simonis Volendam

Fresh seafood restaurant right by the harbour. Try the Dutch smoked eel or fish platter.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Walk Volendam Harbour and Museum

Stroll around the picturesque harbour and visit the Volendam Museum to learn about local culture.
EUR7, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Amsterdam

Travel back to Amsterdam for dinner and rest.
EUR7, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Moeders

Enjoy traditional Dutch home cooking in a quirky restaurant decorated with mother-themed photos.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 5: Utrecht Exploration

Utrecht, Netherlands on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Train to Utrecht

Catch a morning train from Amsterdam to Utrecht (30 minutes). Departing regularly throughout the day.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:45am

Breakfast at The Village Coffee & Music

Enjoy excellent coffee with light breakfast options in Utrecht’s city centre.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Dom Tower Climb

Climb the tallest church tower in the Netherlands for panoramic views. Open daily from 10am.
EUR10, 1h

11:30am

Canal-side Walk and Museum Speelklok

Enjoy Utrecht’s unique wharf cellars and visit Museum Speelklok to hear self-playing musical instruments. Open 11am-5pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kafe België

Popular local café offering craft beers and tasty lunches in a relaxed setting.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Utrecht Botanical Gardens

Visit the beautiful gardens near the university, perfect for a peaceful afternoon walk. Open till 5pm.
EUR5, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Amsterdam

Take an evening train back to Amsterdam for dinner.
EUR10, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Van Kerkwijk

Modern Dutch cuisine focusing on local seasonal ingredients in a stylish setting.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 6: Modern Rotterdam

Rotterdam, Netherlands on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Train to Rotterdam

High-speed train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam (approx 40 minutes).
EUR15, 0h40m

9:00am

Breakfast at Bazar Rotterdam

Enjoy diverse Middle Eastern and North African breakfast options in this colourful setting.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Markthal and Cube Houses

Explore this innovative market hall for food and shops, and visit the nearby iconic cube houses.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Fenix Food Factory

Sample local produce and street food at this popular indoor food market on the Rijnhaven waterfront.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum

Visit Rotterdam’s renowned art museum with collections ranging from medieval to modern art. Open from 11am.
EUR17, 2h

4:30pm

Walk along Erasmus Bridge and Riverside

Enjoy views of the modern city skyline and bustling port.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel New York Restaurant

Taste fresh seafood and local cuisine in the historic former Holland America Line headquarters.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 7: Political The Hague

The Hague, Netherlands on June 25, 2025

8:30am

Train to The Hague

30-minute train from Rotterdam to The Hague with frequent connections.
EUR12, 0h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Anne & Max

Enjoy organic and fresh breakfast in a cosy café near the city centre.
EUR12, 1h

10:30am

Mauritshuis Museum

Home to Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’, this small museum has world-class Dutch Golden Age paintings. Opens 10am.
EUR15, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Het Kleine Café

Charming café offering classic Dutch sandwiches and salads.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Peace Palace Tour

Guided tours available showing international law institutions and impressive building architecture. Book in advance; open 10am-4pm weekdays.
EUR12, 1h

4:00pm

Beach walk at Scheveningen

Relax with a stroll on the sandy beach and enjoy seaside cafés. Public beach open all day.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Catch by Simonis

Seafood specialities with views over the harbour, perfect end to The Hague day.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 8: Delft and Leiden

Delft & Leiden, Netherlands on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Train to Delft

Train from The Hague to Delft takes about 15 minutes.
EUR5, 0h15m

8:30am

Breakfast at Kek Delft

A hip café with good coffee and breakfast options in central Delft.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Royal Delft Factory Tour

See the famous blue pottery being made and learn its history. Opens at 9am.
EUR15, 1h

11:30am

Walk Delft Old Town

Enjoy historic squares, churches, and canals on foot.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Train to Leiden

Quick 15-minute train from Delft to Leiden.
EUR5, 0h15m

1:00pm

Lunch at ’t Praethuys

A trendy bistro serving Dutch and international dishes in Leiden’s old town.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Leiden Museum Visit

Choose between Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (ancient history) or Museum De Lakenhal (art & history). Both open 11am-5pm.
EUR15, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Amsterdam

Evening train back to Amsterdam for dinner and rest.
EUR12, 0h40m

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Greetje

Traditional Dutch cuisine with a contemporary style in Amsterdam’s lovely setting.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 9: Giethoorn Village

Giethoorn, Netherlands on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Early train and bus to Giethoorn

From Amsterdam, take a 2.5-hour combination of train and bus to this unique ‘Venice of the North’.
EUR30, 2h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at De Grachthof

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast by the canals in Giethoorn village centre.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Boat rental or Tour

Rent a whisper boat or take a guided canal tour to explore this car-free village’s waterways. Boats available from 9am-7pm.
EUR20, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at De Lindenhof

Michelin-starred restaurant offering seasonal and local dishes – ideal for a special solo dining experience.
EUR45, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walking exploration

Wander Giethoorn’s walking trails and small museums or just relax by the water.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Amsterdam

Take bus and train back to Amsterdam; aim for an early evening arrival.
EUR30, 2h30m

8:00pm

Light dinner at Foodhallen

Have a casual but diverse dinner at Amsterdam’s popular indoor food market.
EUR15, 1h

Day 10: South to Maastricht

Maastricht, Netherlands on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Train to Maastricht

Early high-speed train from Amsterdam to Maastricht takes about 2.5 hours; book tickets in advance.
EUR35, 2h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Bijzonder

Enjoy specialty coffee and locally baked pastries in the heart of Maastricht.
EUR12, 1h

11:30am

Vrijthof Square and Basilica of Saint Servatius

Visit Maastricht’s famous square and the oldest church in the Netherlands. Basilica open 9am-5pm.
EUR5, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Toine Hermsen Cuisinier

Upscale dining with refined French-Dutch cuisine, perfect for solo travellers appreciating good food.
EUR40, 1h30m

3:30pm

St. Pietersberg Caves Tour

Discover the underground network of caves with a guided tour; booking ahead recommended. Tours from 2pm to 4pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Onglet

Relaxed bistro style restaurant offering great steaks and wines in Maastricht’s city centre.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 11: Valkenburg Scenic Day

Valkenburg, Netherlands on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Bus from Maastricht to Valkenburg

Short 20-minute bus ride to this scenic south Limburg town famous for caves and hilltop ruins.
EUR5, 0h20m

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Zondag

Enjoy breakfast with fresh bakes and coffee in a stylish café.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Valkenburg Castle Ruins and Velvet Cave

Explore picturesque castle ruins and the illuminated Velvet Cave with ancient art. Open from 10am.
EUR12, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Grand Café de Bourgondiër

Traditional Dutch café with outdoor seating and local specialties.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Thermae 2000 Spa

Relax in hot thermal baths enjoying panoramic views; ideal for late afternoon relaxation. Open 10am-10pm.
EUR35, 3h

6:30pm

Return to Maastricht

Bus back to Maastricht for overnight stay.
EUR5, 0h20m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Bon Vivant

Small intimate restaurant offering creative local cuisines in Maastricht.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 12: Return to Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands on June 30, 2025

9:00am

Train from Maastricht to Amsterdam

Morning train back north to Amsterdam, journey approx 2.5 hours.
EUR35, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at De Kas

Dine in a greenhouse restaurant serving farm-to-table seasonal ingredients; reservation suggested.
EUR40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Vondelpark Leisure Walk

Relax with a stroll through Amsterdam’s largest city park, perfect for people watching and greenery.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Shopping at De 9 Straatjes

Browse boutique shops and cosy cafés in the famous ‘9 Streets’ district.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ron Gastrobar

Enjoy Michelin-starred casual dining crafted for solo and group experiences.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 13: Last Day Relax

Amsterdam, Netherlands on July 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Stach

Grab healthy breakfast options and great coffee in a friendly chain around the city.
EUR12, 1h

10:30am

Hermitage Amsterdam

Visit this satellite of the famous Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg with rotating exhibits, open from 10am.
EUR17, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Omelegg

Specialise in omelettes with many fillings, a cosy spot for a light meal.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Spa Zuiver

Enjoy sauna and wellness treatments for a relaxing afternoon. Open 10am-10pm; booking recommended.
EUR45, 3h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Cannibale Royale

End your trip with great meats and cocktails served in a trendy atmosphere.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 14: Departure

Amsterdam, Netherlands on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Light Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Opt for an early light breakfast preparing for your departure.
EUR10, 0h30m

9:00am

Pack and check out

Prepare for your departure from Amsterdam, organize transport to the airport depending on your flight time.
Variable, As needed