Amsterdam is a vibrant city with a unique charm, beautiful canals, lively nightlife and world-renowned museums.
If you only have two days to explore the city, whether it’s a weekend trip or a quick stop before heading to another European destination, here’s some ideas to make the most of your time.
Itinerary
Day One:
- Begin your day with a Dutch breakfast at one of the many cafes in town. Make sure to try some local Dutch delicacies like stroopwafels or poffertjes.
- Check out some museums like the Rijksmuseum, which includes famous works of Rembrandt like “The Night Watch,” and The Anne Frank House. In peak season (summer), it’s a good idea to make reservations for both places as they can sell out in advance.
- After exploring some museums, take a stroll outside through the Vondelpark. If you’re hungry, stop at one of the many cafes or restaurants in the park.
- If you have time for another museum, be sure to check out the Van Gogh Museum. The museum has a large collection of his paintings, drawings, and letters, and also has exhibitions on some other artists influenced by Van Gogh.
- End your first day with a canal cruise, which will give you a different perspective of the city. You can explore the city’s unique architecture from the water while enjoying some wine and cheese.
Day Two:
- For your second day’s breakfast, try some traditional Dutch pancakes at Pancakes Amsterdam. They have sweet and savory options, so there’s something for everyone.
- After breakfast head to the A’Dam Lookout to enjoy an amazing look over the city! There is also a swing that you can ride at the top of the building, that’s thrilling and beautiful at the same time. (I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re afraid of heights.)
- Next up, take a stroll through the Red Light District, one of Amsterdam’s most famous areas. It’s known for its vibrant nightlife and street scenes, and is an iconic part of Amsterdam’s culture and history. You can also visit this area at night for a different experience!
- Head to the other side of town to visit the Albert Cuypmarkt, one of the more famous street markets in the city. You can find everything from local delicacies to clothing, souvenirs, and other items.
- End your second day with dinner at one of Amsterdam’s many restaurants. The city has a wide range of dining options, including cuisine from all around the world.
Where to Stay
- Centrum: If you’re planning on checking out the sites above (and many of the city’s most famous sites), it’s best to stay in Centrum. This is the city’s center and is where much of the city’s canals and historic buildings are located. If you stay in this area, it’s a pretty easy walk almost anywhere.
- Jordaan: Jordaan is a charming neighborhood located in the heart of Amsterdam, right next to Centrum. It’s known for its trendy cafes, and boutique shops. There are plenty of hotels, hostels, and rentals to choose from.
- Museumkwartier: This is home to some of the city’s most famous museums, including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum. This area is popular with art lovers and is a great choice if you want to stay close to the city’s cultural attractions.
- De Pijp: This is a bohemian neighborhood located south of the city center. It’s known for its lively street markets, eclectic cafes, and vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of budget-friendly hostels and apartment rentals in this area.
- Oud-West: This neighborhood is trendy and up-and-coming. It tends to be popular with young professionals. There are plenty of mid-range hotels and apartment rentals in this area.