Day in Amsterdam guide (+ tips and highlights)

Amsterdam is a wonderful city to visit. You’ll find plenty of tourist hotspots, but it’s just as easy to get lost along canals and in picturesque little streets. And in no time you are outside the city, in the middle of nature.

A day in Amsterdam is an adventure, featuring world-famous sites like Madame Tussauds, the Anne Frank House, Artis Zoo, the Heineken Experience, and the Rijksmuseum, while still leaving room to discover hidden gems.

Here are the 14 best tips for things to do during a day in Amsterdam.

How Long Do You Need to Explore Amsterdam?

One day is really too short to visit Amsterdam. A weekend in Amsterdam might just be enough. However, with so many exciting things to see, you should ideally book a trip for at least five days.

If you only have one day planned in Amsterdam, there are two essential tips to make it a successful trip. 

First, you will need to make choices. Tip 1: You can’t see everything in a day. Just spending time in the museums can take up a large part of your day. If you then have lunch, do some shopping, and want to have dinner at the end of the day, your day in Amsterdam will be over before you know it. So, make choices.

Tip 2: Start early. This way, it’s still nice and quiet everywhere, and you have enough time to make the most out of your day in Amsterdam.

I Amsterdam City Card

A handy tool for a day in Amsterdam is the I Amsterdam City Card, a convenient card that provides access to all the essentials for a day in Amsterdam, such as:

• Access to over 70 museums (from the Moco Museum to the Stedelijk Museum)
• Public transport (metro, tram, bus, and ferry)
• A canal cruise
• Bike rental
• Additionally, you get attractive discounts at various restaurants, attractions, and events.

11 Highlights of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is bursting with attractions. Compared to other cities, Amsterdam has one of the highest numbers of attractions per square kilometer. If you plan to visit the capital, put the following highlights on your bucket list.

1. Johan Cruijff Arena

   The former Amsterdam Arena is the home of Ajax and a venue for various activities. During a stadium tour, you can explore the stadium and experience what it’s like to step onto the pitch.

2. Eye Filmmuseum

   Across from Central Station, on the other side of the IJ in Amsterdam North, lies the Eye Filmmuseum, where you can enjoy films, art, or the beautiful panoramic view in the Eye Bar.

3. Heineken Experience

   A fun outing, even for non-beer lovers. In the former brewery, you learn about the history of Amsterdam’s most famous beer brand, how to pour the perfect beer, and experience the entire brewing process in 4D during an impressive multimedia experience.

4. Amsterdam Canals

   Amsterdam is known for its beautiful canals. Along the canals, there’s much to experience, and the canals themselves provide a unique view. They are an important part of the city’s history and future. Not surprisingly, many travel worldwide to see this UNESCO heritage site. You can best admire these canals from the water with a canal cruise or a private boat.

5. The Largest Flea Market

   Did you know the largest flea market in Europe is in Amsterdam North? Every month, thousands of visitors hunt for second-hand items in the IJ-Hallen on the NDSM Wharf (worth a visit in itself).

6. TonTon Club

   The TonTon Club, Amsterdam’s arcade hall, is a true playground for adults. Located in the Red Light District, behind the Oude Kerk.

7. Amsterdam Forest

   Tired of the city? In the Amsterdam Forest (three times larger than Central Park, mind you), you can exercise, walk, eat and drink, and there’s a large playground for children.

8. Vintage Shops

   Vintage enthusiasts can indulge themselves in Amsterdam. At Waterlooplein and well-known vintage hotspots like Bis, Rumors Vintage, and Marbles Vintage, you can spend hours searching for vintage clothing. Furniture lovers should head to Neef Louis in Amsterdam North, where an old warehouse of about 1500m2 houses the best (design) items from Amsterdam and the surrounding area.

9. Madame Tussauds

   Visit the famous wax figures and stand face-to-face with the stars during a tour of Madame Tussauds.

10. Hortus Botanicus

    The Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, where you can admire as many as 4000 plant species since the 17th century and take a break from the hustle and bustle.

11. Amsterdam North

    Once an area with little to offer, this district on the other side of the IJ has significantly risen in recent years, with many fun outings and attractions. A few fun tips: Immerse yourself in culture at the NDSM Wharf, sleep in an old crane, climb the A’dam Tower, or visit a restaurant. Take the ferry (2 minutes from Amsterdam Central) to explore this part of Amsterdam.

A Day in Amsterdam: 15 Tips

Beautiful Amsterdam is a wonderful place to visit for a few days. But what must-see attractions should you absolutely visit if you only have one day to explore the capital? We selected 14 fun tips for a day or weekend in Amsterdam.

Tip 1: Breakfast

Whether breakfast for you means coffee, starting the day fresh and healthy, or soothing a hangover with a hearty meal, Amsterdam has the perfect spot for you. In recent years, many great breakfast spots have popped up where you can start your day in Amsterdam your way. For your daily caffeine fix, head to Pluk in the Nine Streets or Koffieschenkerij in the Oude Kerk in the Red Light District. For multitaskers, Six and Sons on Haarlemmerdijk is the ideal start, combining coffee drinking with shopping for vintage clothing, furniture, and other beautiful items.

Fit enthusiasts can visit The Breakfast Club (in Amsterdam East or West) or get their vitamins at Dr. Blend in the heart of the city. Pancake lovers will enjoy PANCAKES (among others on Westermarkt, around the corner from the Anne Frank House) or Dutch Pancake Masters on Damrak.

For a hangover breakfast, Slagerij Vet on Zeedijk (only for weekday hangovers, as it’s closed on Sundays) is a popular spot. If you prefer a healthy hangover remedy (though their toasted sandwiches are also good), head to Bar Botanique in Amsterdam East and then relax in Oosterpark.

For a hearty breakfast, Greenwoods is a must-visit, offering traditional English breakfasts (Eggs Benedict, anyone?) and vegetarian options.

Tip 2: Sail on the Amsterdam Canals

You haven’t really been to Amsterdam if you haven’t sailed on the canals. Amsterdam is made up of a quarter of water, totaling about 100 km of waterways. And then there are the Amstel, Sloterplas, and the IJ. Plenty of opportunities to see the city from the water.

The most popular route is through the canal belt, passing famous hotspots like the Prinsengracht, the monumental 17th-century buildings on the Keizersgracht, and the Leidsegracht, and the Golden Bend on the Herengracht, the most expensive part of Amsterdam where the wealthiest Amsterdammers once lived.

Other beautiful routes include sailing on the IJ or heading out of the city via Amsterdam North towards the Zaanse Schans.

In summer, you can not only enjoy Amsterdam from a boat but also take a refreshing dip in the Amsterdam waters. There is no shortage of swimming spots and places where you can dock your boat and relax by the water.

Tip 3: Explore the City of Amsterdam

Time to discover the city. One of the best ways to do this is by boat; a good second is to hop on a bike, by far the quickest way to see much of Amsterdam in a short time. Do as the locals do and grab a (shared) bike, e-bike, or real Amsterdam cargo bike and take a ride through the city’s most beautiful spots.

The best part of exploring by bike? You’re free to go wherever you want. Take that one canal (just because you can), make a detour, try to cross as many bridges as possible, and let yourself be surprised by everything Amsterdam has to offer.

Amsterdam is small enough to see a lot but big enough to get pleasantly lost. So don’t hesitate to leave the city center and pedal towards places you wouldn’t normally visit. Or challenge yourself to see how far you can get, as in just 30 minutes of cycling (via a scenic route along the Amstel River), you’ll find yourself in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, a picturesque, authentic, and typically Dutch village just outside the city.

Tip 4: Dam and Damrak

Walking from Central Station via Damrak to Dam Square, you’ll feel the city’s energy. The whole area around the Dam (Dam, Damrak, Rokin, Kalverstraat, Heiligeweg, and Nieuwendijk) is worth a visit because everything that makes Amsterdam special is collected here in one square kilometer. Within walking distance of Central Station, you’ll find the most complete range of shops in the Netherlands, with small boutiques and well-known flagship stores. Also, world-famous museums, the Royal Palace, beautiful buildings, and countless eateries.

The Dam itself is the oldest square in the city, with its most famous attractions being the National Monument and the Royal Palace. Originally built as the town hall, the royal family now uses it for official receptions. When the family is not using it, it’s open to visitors. Highly recommended, especially for fans of imposing architecture and history.

Another historic building is the Beurs van Berlage. Since 1903, this has been an impressive building full of history. Nowadays, it’s mainly a meeting place. You can visit for events, exhibitions, or to flex work, but there are also eateries like the Tony Chocolonely Super Store, the Bistro Berlage, and the New York Film Academy Café, a cozy spot that takes you back to the roaring twenties.

Around the corner from the Beurs is Body Worlds, a must-see exhibition spread over six floors where you discover all the secrets of the human body through over 200 anatomical models.

Tip 5: Visit the Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a must-see attraction that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Not only tourists, but also residents of the Netherlands and Amsterdam should delve into the impressive and unique story of Anne Frank and her family. During World War II, they hid for two years in this building on the Prinsengracht, where Otto Frank (Anne’s father) had a business. On August 4, 1944, their hiding place was betrayed, and the occupants were unfortunately deported to various camps. Only Otto Frank survived the war.

Through a revolving bookcase, you enter the Secret Annex, where the atmosphere of the wartime period is still palpable. Quotes from Anne’s diary, photos, film footage, and original items from that time bring the Frank family’s hiding period (along with a few other Jewish families) to life. Anne’s original diary is also on display here. To enhance the experience, you can go on a guided tour and take a two-hour walk through the neighborhood where Anne Frank lived. During the tour, you visit important places from her life and that of her family.

Tip 6: The Nine Streets

When visiting a big city, it’s sometimes good to stray off the beaten path. So don’t miss the Nine Streets. These are nine picturesque shopping streets in the heart of Amsterdam, right behind the Royal Palace on Dam Square, between Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht, not far from Amsterdam Central Station.

This is the place to be if you want to avoid the crowds of the main streets and are already familiar with the larger shops. You won’t find department stores here, but surprising, contemporary, creative, and especially fun hotspots like second-hand stores, record shops, vintage clothing stores, design, (contemporary) art, fashion, lifestyle, and everything related to home decoration and handmade accessories. There’s also plenty of nice cafes and various galleries with original art by different artists. In short, the Nine Streets are nine real recommendations for a day in Amsterdam.

Tip 7: Lunch

Lunchtime! Amsterdam has no shortage of great spots to grab a bite. Every week, new eateries, restaurants, and bars seem to open their doors. From a luxurious lunch in a chic restaurant to a quick bite on the go, and from Instagram-worthy dishes to meals in restaurants owned by Dutch celebrities, Amsterdam offers plenty of choices for food lovers. And we haven’t even mentioned the many coffee bars, street food stalls, food festivals, food trucks, and famous breweries in the city. If you love good food and drink, you’re in the right place in Amsterdam!

Our Lunch Tips

The Jordaan is a must-visit on a day in Amsterdam. So while you’re there, have lunch at Koffiehuis de Hoek, where you can enjoy a truly Amsterdam-style meal. Or enjoy a classic French lunch at George WPA, a French brasserie near Vondelpark. At The Avocado Show, you can indulge in all things avocado, and for a healthy lunch, head to Benji’s, which has several locations in the city. 

Fast food lovers, Amsterdam style, can visit lunchroom Van Dobben, the inventors of the world-famous (at least in the Netherlands) Van Dobben croquette.

Tip 8: Stroll through the Flower Market

When you think of the Netherlands or Amsterdam, you think of tulips. And that’s been the case since the 17th century when Dutch tulips were so popular that they were traded for the price of a canal house. So a visit to the Flower Market is a must during a day in Amsterdam.

The Flower Market has been an institution since 1862 and is the only floating flower market in the world. In flower shops on barges, you can find the most beautiful flowers, bulbs, plants, and everything related to flowers. Don’t forget to bring some tulips from Amsterdam home. All the bulbs are export-ready, so they’re suitable for taking home. You’ll find the Flower Market in the heart of Amsterdam on Singel between Koningsplein and Muntplein.

Tip 9: Visit Museumplein and Take a Selfie with the IAMsterdam Letters

The next stop on your day in Amsterdam is Museumplein. It’s the vibrant heart of the museum quarter and the center of the Oud-Zuid district, where a few popular shopping streets (PC Hooftstraat and Van Baerlestraat) converge. On a warm day, the large pond in the middle of the square is the perfect place to rest and cool your feet. Take off your shoes and wade in. In winter, this is a cozy spot for ice skating (since 1889), enjoyed by both tourists and locals. Formerly on the pond, now on an artificial ice rink.

IAMsterdam

Taking a selfie with the now-iconic IAMsterdam letters is at the top of many tourists’ bucket lists. Originally located on Museumplein, they were removed due to their popularity. The latest update is that they now tour the city, appearing in various locations. Permanent installations of the letters can be found at Schiphol Airport and by Sloterplas, where they are part of a free-running course.

Tip 10: Visit the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum

Amsterdam is a creative and quirky city. For centuries, artists, creatives, and other free spirits have found their way to the city, leaving their mark. A day in Amsterdam isn’t complete without visiting at least one museum.

In the museum quarter, the city’s most famous museums are within walking distance of each other. You can easily spend half a day (at least!) here.

The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam is actually the museum of the Netherlands. In the Gallery of Honour, you’ll find the greatest hits from the Dutch Golden Age, with famous works by Dutch painters like Jan Steen, Frans Hals, Johannes Vermeer, and of course, Rembrandt (Night Watch, anyone?). There are few other museums in the world where you can find so many different paintings by famous masters together in one hall.

In addition to the Dutch Masters, the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam has more to offer, such as an extensive collection of Delftware, sculptures, Asian art, prints, and other important art objects from Dutch history. Another museum that everyone should see at least once is the Van Gogh Museum. Alongside Rembrandt, Van Gogh is the Netherlands’ most famous artist. The museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh’s works, including around 200 paintings and 500 drawings, plus all his letters and prints. In the museum, you can discover Van Gogh’s world and be inspired by the beautiful colors.

Tip: Amsterdam’s museums are popular with day-trippers. Buy your tickets online (or use the I Amsterdam City Card) to save time. And if you want to make the most out of a day in Amsterdam, book a private guide who can take you through the museums and tell you everything about the paintings and artists.

Tip 11: Immerse Yourself in the Atmosphere of Amsterdam in the Jordaan

The Jordaan. Perhaps the most famous neighborhood in Amsterdam. Known for the many famous folk singers who grew up here, but also for the typical Amsterdam accent, the real Amsterdam coziness, and the straightforward mentality that seem to have been invented here. 

The Jordaan was established in the 17th century. At that time, many workers lived there, and Rembrandt lived there for a while. Over the centuries, it slowly became more impoverished, but the quirky character of the neighborhood was never entirely lost. Nowadays, the picturesque Jordaan, with its narrow streets, beautiful canals, and small cafes, is still worth visiting. And it’s also within walking distance of Amsterdam Central Station.

Fun Activities in the Jordaan

At the foot of the Noorderkerk, the bustling Noordermarkt is held on Mondays and Saturdays. Since the 17th century, this has been a place where all of Amsterdam comes to stroll along the stalls and enjoy a terrace with the background sound of market vendors selling their wares.

Another famous Jordaan hotspot is Winkel43, where (it’s said) you can get the best apple pie in the city. Note, it can get quite busy here, so be prepared for long lines.

And if you can’t get enough of the authentic Amsterdam atmosphere, you can’t miss Café Nol on Westerstraat. This is a brown café with typical Dutch music that takes you back to the time of Tante Leen, Johnny Jordaan, and Willy Alberti.

Tip 12: Dinner

A day in Amsterdam is a treat for food lovers. From traditional restaurants to Asian fusion, your stomach will be happy with a day in Amsterdam. If you love Thai food, Bird (on Zeedijk) is a must-visit. It’s rumored that the food here tastes even better than in Thailand, but you should decide for yourself. Another Thai gem is Boi74, a trendy restaurant offering a wide range of Thai street food. You can find Boi74 in De Pijp, near the Heineken Experience.

If you’re ending your day in Amsterdam Noord, you won’t go hungry either. One of the favorite restaurants is Vessel, where you can eat healthy and responsibly, but most importantly, deliciously. Another great spot is Scheepskameel, a restaurant founded by three chefs from Rijsel (a French restaurant, also not bad), where you can enjoy relaxed dining with good, healthy food.

Finally, there’s Pllek, a wonderful place by the IJ (at the NSDM terrain) with a view over the water where you can enjoy sustainable and responsible meals on a large terrace.

Prefer something simpler? That’s possible too. If you’re vegan, you should try the Vegan Junkfood Bar, where you can choose from all kinds of fast food, vegan style. Or the Miami Bar, a new vegan burger bar with rave reviews. And not exactly vegan, but definitely delicious are the burgers from Burgermeester.

Tip 13: Red Light District Tour

The Red Light District, or “De Wallen,” is one of Amsterdam’s most famous (and infamous) neighborhoods and possibly one of the most well-known prostitution areas in the world. Here, you’ll find attractions like sex shows, sex shops, brothels, and strip clubs, along with a lot of history. While the neighborhood is known for its sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll image, it becomes especially vibrant and full of activities in the evening (for adults, of course).

Visit the Red Light District with an experienced guide or explore the secrets of this area on your own. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• No photos of the sex workers, or you risk having your camera fished out of the canal.
• Public drunkenness is not tolerated.
•  Watch out for pickpockets.

Tip 14: Cocktail Bars

Fans of a Moscow Mule, Singapore Sling, or Margarita should not miss Amsterdam. The city is now full of cocktail bars. One of our favorites is Hiding in Plain Sight. A cocktail bar where you can relive the roaring 20s. Think jazz, art deco, chandeliers, and crystal glasses. Recently, HPS was named the best cocktail bar in the Netherlands. Be sure to book in advance, especially on weekends.

Another recommendation is the Twenty Third Bar. In this sky bar on the top floor of Hotel Okura, you can combine the best mojitos in Amsterdam with a stunning view. 

On Albert Cuypstraat, behind the famous burger joint The Butcher, you’ll find a small, exclusive cocktail bar where you can only enter with a password or a special bracelet. If you’re lucky enough to get in, you can enjoy an evening of the best cocktails.

Tip 15: Stay in a Hotel

Staying overnight? Of course, you should stay overnight! Amsterdam is full of hotels (in and around Amsterdam, you’ll find about 400 hotels and hostels). From backpacker hostels to well-known chains and from design hotels to luxurious five-star hotels that lack nothing. There’s something in every price range.

For those looking for luxury, romance, and style, there’s The Dylan, a luxury boutique hotel with all imaginable comfort. Or opt for a well-known name like Hotel Krasnapolsky or L’Europe. In the middle of the Nine Streets, you’ll find Hotel Pulitzer. Modern, chic, and George Clooney has slept there too. At the Breitner House in Oosterpark, you’ll step back in time and spend a luxurious and romantic evening in the Amsterdam of the 19th century.

Additionally, there are several unique hotels worth checking out. You can book a night on a houseboat or spend a night in a floating hotel if you really can’t get enough of the Amsterdam canals.

Hotel-Not-Hotel is a hotel for adventurers. It consists of hotel rooms that aren’t hotel rooms but various artworks in which you can sleep. 

The Hilton Amsterdam is undoubtedly the most famous hotel in Amsterdam. John Lennon and Yoko Ono spent a week in bed here, and later, artist Herman Brood jumped off its roof.