7 Ways to Get Over a Breakup in the Netherlands

As someone who was broken up with right at the beginning of my backpacking Netherlands trip, these personal recommendations for Amsterdam and the Netherlands are sure to excite you out of your bed, put a smile on your face, and cheer you up regardless of the current state you’re in. There’s a little bit of everything to help you through the phases of a breakup and even better asdfj, also this list of the best things to do in Amsterdam along with the Netherlands as a whole, isn’t a cookie cutter list like many others. It contains activities true to the Dutch culture, fun outings you can do alone/ with strangers/ or with a group of friends, where the locals go, all the while giving you that unique experience of the Netherlands while on a budget. This guide is so unique, fun, and versatile for all styles of traveling alike, that it can get you through your own . Reminding you how fun it is to experience life solo and forcing you to forget your embarrasing loser ex-boyfriend who’s at home bed rotting.

 

1. 1. Stay in a Hostel

1. 1. Canal Cruise

1. 1. Xtra Cold Ice Bar

1. 1. Zaanse Schans in North Holland

1. 1. Tony’s Chocolate Factory

1. 1. Ijmuiden Beach 

1. 1. The Cuypt Market

1. 1. Walk the streets of Amsterdam

Stay in a Hostel

There are no ifs, ands, or buts. If you are solo traveling and just getting over someone, you’re not staying alone. You need to mingle and make travel friends by staying at a hostel.

There are a plethora of hostels to choose from. There are obviously some run-down places to avoid, but the majority of the hostels I’ve stayed in are completely fine. Utilizing platforms like Hostelworld, is a great way to vet out the contenders and find quality options. 

I recommend staying in City Trip Hostel in Zaandam–the rooms were incredibly clean, the staff is so friendly, and the town itself is more or less off-the-beaten-path. The architecture is colorful and funky, almost mirroring those cute cartoons you may have watched as a kid. On the same wallet-friendly train, I paid close to $35 USD per night. If you are booking a hostel stay, this is the best bang for your buck that makes you feel like you’re not compromising anything just to stretch your dollar.

Book a (Booze) Canal Cruise

Once you’ve met a good group of people to poke around with, or even if you haven’t quite yet, booking a group canal cruise is the first outing you’ll want to do. Canal cruises have been quoted as one of the most “Amsterdammy” things you can do (quote?). Plus, there is no time to wallow and cry over spilled milk when you’re exploring the canals, learning the history of Amsterdam, and sharing drinks and laughs with strangers. 

I booked a canal “booze” cruise that started from the Red Light District and included drinks for around $25 USD (I believe prices are even less and under $20 USD currently). My tour guide was fabulous, very lighthearted, and ensured that everyone was having a good laugh and time. I booked my cruise through Get Your Guide and highly recommend the shared booze cruise. Even if you’re a completely sober lass or lad, there are loads of canal group cruises to choose from that have similar elements. Booking a canal cruise is an unforgettable experience because it allows you to view the city from an entirely different vantage point.

Zaanse Schans in North Holland

Zaanse Schans was one of my favorite experiences in the Netherlands and is essentially a recreated historic village that showcases Dutch culture. You get to see everything from their historic farming attire and clogs to specially-flavored goat cheeses (including a beer flavor) and the most incredible windmills I’ve ever seen. 

It was completely free to walk around the village and even pop into some stores with food samples. The goat cheese shops had an array of samples, including some gluten-free samples, that you’re free to puruse, taste, and buy. So yes, this is the time to buy one of those huge wheels of cheese, the proper spot isn’t in asdfh it’s in North Holland. Zaanse Schans is like the a village of your dreams—it’s so cheery, picturesque, and overall just an incredible way to learn about Dutch culture. So visit, take photos, and be reminded of how capable, and even cooler you are, solo dolo and traveling with a large wheel of cheese.

Tony’s Chocolate Factory

Who doesn’t want rich chocolate amidst a breakup? Tony’s Chocolate Factory is infamous for feeling magical and it emulates a real-life “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. They also have a huge lever that you can pull once you’ve decided on a bar to take home. Congruent with the rest of the attractions in the Netherlands, the chocolate shop is filled with color and loads of tasty chocolate bar options!

There is no entrance fee, and the chocolate bar prices are pretty comparable to those in the U.S. For a peek at where they actually make the beloved chocolate, pure childlike amazement, and the impossibility of being sad or heartbroken—you must visit this chocolate shop.

 

 Make Personalized Jewelry 

Making your own jewelry while traveling is one of the most sentimental mementos of a place you can have. I visited Beadazzled in Amsterdam which was a hit with myself and other travelers alike. 

You get to choose what chain you’d like for either your necklace or bracelet, the clasp, tools to assemble your piece later, and then you’re given full creative freedom. They had hundreds of beads and charms to choose from, including Dutch-pottery-like charms that give that special Amsterdam stamp. 

I made a necklace and a bracelet for myself and as a gift for my sister. They price the jewelry by the individual beads you want and the price of the chains. I believe I paid around TP for both, but again it’s dependent on how you personalize yours. Combined with a snack and time in the park—this gives you the perfect craft to channel all of your creativity. Keep in mind that the store only lets you pay with cash, so it’s best to take out money ahead of time, however there is an atm service nearby that I used.

Experience the Night Life

Amsterdam is well known for its night-life. Other than the Red Light District (which you should stroll through if you’re already out), there are loads of clubs nearby in the Amsterdam Centrum area. 

Keep in mind that most clubs do have cover charges and that the lines are very long after midnight, regardless of the day. I’d recommend going out earlier to avoid the line. 

I went to Melkweg’s Techno Tuesday club and had a phenomenal time. The sets were entrancing and the entrance was free. If you’re thinking of going out in Amsterdam, be sure to look into what events different clubs are hosting, because there’s a good chance that if you go early enough you’ll have free entrance along with a phenomenal time.

Walk the Streets of Amsterdam 

You haven’t quite experienced Amsterdam if you haven’t taken a full day to explore the streets of it. For your last day in the Netherlands, you’ll be spending it doing just that. 

In the morning, you’re going to grab a coffee and set your intentions for your last day, while enjoying the warmth of your coffe and a yummy pastry. For my gluten-free friends, i recommend Petit by Sam, because oh my goodness the coffee was good and the gluten-free options are endless. 

Then you’ll walk along the canals and look into book shops or pop into cute vintage clothing and furniture stores which are at every corner. Following this, the near last and most important traveler thing you must do is eat a Dutch pancake. If you’re also gluten-free you’re going to Pancakes Amsterdam, which is 100% celiac-safe restaurant, and known as the gluten free Dutch pancake spot.  

Lastly, you might find a bench that has a lovely scene of the canals and people walking by, I recommend you sit for awhile and journal to collect your thoughts and recap your trip. Then of course you’ll open up British Vogue’s article “Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now” and be reminded that you now have so many avenues to explore your identity without the colorless constraints and funneling ideals of an embarrassing boyfriend.