2 Days in Amsterdam: Best Things to Do, Itinerary & Map

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Planning to spend 2 days in Amsterdam and wondering what you can realistically see and do? Two days is enough to visit many of Amsterdam’s must-see attractions, explore its famous canals and neighborhoods, and get a good feel for the city.

We live in Belgium and have visited Amsterdam countless times over the years. Based on our many trips, we put together this 2-day Amsterdam itinerary covering the best places to see without trying to squeeze in too much.

In this guide, you’ll find a detailed itinerary for each day, a map, practical tips, and alternative suggestions so you can adjust the itinerary to your interests. We also include some recommendations from locals to help you make the most of your two days in Amsterdam.

TIP: For a shorter stay, see our guide to the best of Amsterdam in 1 day, whereas if you have a bit more time, check out our 3-day itinerary for Amsterdam.

Looking for a place to stay in Amsterdam? Park Plaza Victoria is a popular hotel right by the Central Station, making it a convenient choice for a short stay and day trips. For more options, see our complete guide to where to stay in Amsterdam below.

READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam 2-Day Itinerary Map

We indicated all the places included in this 2-day Amsterdam itinerary on the map below. It will help you see where everything is and plan your sightseeing more efficiently.

How to use this map: Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Here’s our suggested Amsterdam 2 day itinerary:

Day 1

On your first day in the city, we suggest visiting one of the best museums, going on a canal cruise, exploring the canals on foot, and visiting the main areas of central Amsterdam. This will give you a good introduction to the city.

Here’s how to spend your first day in Amsterdam:

Anne Frank House

Anne Frank House is one of the most popular places to visit in Amsterdam. Many people come to Amsterdam just to see this house where a young Jewish girl and her family hid from the nazis during WWII. During that period (1942-44), she kept a diary where she described the daily life in their hiding place, her thoughts, and feelings.

In 1944, their hiding place was discovered, and Anne was deported to Auschwitz concentration camp and later to Bergen-Belsen camp. She died in 1945, a few months before the war ended. Of the whole family, only Anne’s father survived. He later published her diary which has been translated into 70 languages and is now known all over the world.

Good to know: As you can imagine, the original part of the Anne Frank House is a rather small place. So the number of visitors is very limited. Tickets become available 6 weeks before the date, and in the high season, they always sell out at least a few weeks upfront. This is why we list Anne Frank House as the very first thing to do on this Amsterdam itinerary – if you want to visit this museum, you really have to reserve your tickets online in advance.

TIP: If possible, get an early morning time slot. That way, you are more flexible during the rest of the day.

Alternative: If you are not interested in the Anne Frank House or cannot get tickets anymore, visit one of the best museums in Amsterdam. (You’ll also find more info on Day 2 of this itinerary below.)

Amsterdam Canals & Canal Cruise

No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without exploring its famous canals. Dug in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, Amsterdam’s canals are lined with some of the city’s most impressive historic buildings. Today, they’re still very much at the heart of the city.

There are many ways to explore Amsterdam’s canals: on foot, by boat, or by bike. With hundreds of kilometers of waterways, there’s no way to see them all on a short visit. We recommend walking at least a few sections of the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht and taking a canal cruise to cover more ground.

A canal cruise is easy to combine with a museum visit in the morning and gives you a good overview of the city. We’ve taken countless canal cruises in Amsterdam over the years, and I still think it’s one of the best ways to see the city, especially on a first visit.

Most canal cruises last about 60–75 minutes and pass many of Amsterdam’s landmarks and historic buildings. They usually also include Herengracht, one of the most impressive canals in the city.

TIP: This highly rated canal cruise has several departure points, including one right next to the Anne Frank House. In the warmer months, they use open-roof boats, which are ideal for unobstructed views.

Alternative: If you start your day near Amsterdam Central Station, you can take this popular canal cruise first thing in the morning and visit the Anne Frank House afterward. From there, it’s a pleasant 20–30 minute walk along the Prinsengracht.

LEARN MORE: Info & Tips for Best Canal Cruises in Amsterdam

Jordaan Neighborhood

After visiting the Anne Frank House and taking a canal cruise, spend some time exploring the side streets beyond the main canals. We recommend Jordaan, one of our favorite neighborhoods in central Amsterdam.

Jordaan is known for its narrow streets, historic houses, small shops, cafes, and restaurants. The streets closest to the main canals can be quite busy, but walk a little farther and you’ll find much quieter corners and a more local feel.

This is also a good place to stop for coffee or an early lunch. If you haven’t tried them yet, look for Dutch pancakes or traditional apple pie.

TIP: This excellent Dutch food tour takes you to Jordaan and has several starting times on most days. It’s a great way to explore the neighborhood while trying some local specialties.

Alternatively, if you want to cover more of Amsterdam in a short time, consider a bike tour. Most bike tours include Jordaan as well. We recently took this highly rated Hidden Gems & Highlights bike tour, and it was excellent. Even after many visits to Amsterdam, it took us to places we hadn’t seen before.

Even with just two days in Amsterdam, a food or bike tour can be well worth the time. It’s a good way to see more than just the main attractions and discover parts of the city you might otherwise miss.

The Nine Streets

Another area we always enjoy walking through in central Amsterdam is the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes). This small district consists of nine historic streets connecting the main canals between Leidsegracht and Raadhuisstraat.

The Nine Streets are known for their narrow lanes, beautiful canal houses, independent boutiques, cafes, and quirky little shops. Despite its central location and popularity with visitors, the area has managed to retain much of its character and is fun to explore even if you’re not interested in shopping.

You don’t need much time here. Simply wander through a few of the streets and along the surrounding canals as you make your way to the next stop on this itinerary.

Amsterdam Begijnhof

For a quieter side of central Amsterdam, stop by the Begijnhof (Beguinage). This historic enclosed courtyard was once home to the Beguines, a Catholic community of women, and today it’s one of the more unusual places to see in the city center.

The last Beguine who lived here passed away in the 1970s, and the houses are now private residences.

The Begijnhof is home to two churches, historic houses, and one of Amsterdam’s oldest surviving wooden houses. Dating from around the 16th century, the distinctive black wooden house at No. 34 is particularly interesting since very few wooden buildings survived Amsterdam’s historic fires.

Despite its central location, the Begijnhof feels surprisingly peaceful compared to the busy streets nearby. We always enjoy stopping here when we’re in this part of Amsterdam. It only takes a few minutes to visit, so it’s very easy to include in a short itinerary.

Practical information: The Begijnhof is free to visit. Since this is a residential area, visitors are asked to be quiet and respect the residents’ privacy. Check the current opening hours before your visit, as access arrangements can change.

Damrak, Dam Square & the Royal Palace

Next, head to Dam Square, the historic heart of Amsterdam. Here, you’ll find the Royal Palace Amsterdam, the Nieuwe Kerk, and the National Monument.

Dam Square is one of the busiest places in the city and often hosts events and street performers. You don’t need much time here, but it’s worth stopping briefly to see the main landmarks. As in any crowded tourist area, keep an eye on your belongings.

From Dam Square, continue north along Damrak toward Amsterdam Central Station. Along the way, you’ll pass the former stock exchange, Beurs van Berlage, as well as some impressive historic buildings.

TIP: Don’t miss the Damrak Waterfront, just before you reach the station. We’ve photographed this spot countless times and it’s still one of our favorite classic Amsterdam views, with narrow canal houses seemingly rising straight out of the water.

From here, it’s also just a short walk to the Red Light District, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants. It’s a very touristy area, but convenient if you’re looking for dinner nearby.

Red Light District

In the evening, you may want to explore Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District (De Wallen).

This historic part of the city is known for its red-light windows, coffeeshops, bars, and nightlife. It gets very busy in the evening, so expect crowds.

You can simply walk around on your own, but if you want to understand the history and culture of the area, it’s well worth joining a tour. We recently took this highly rated Red Light District tour, and despite having visited this part of Amsterdam many times before, we learned so much. It completely changed how we looked at the area. If you’re curious about the history behind what you see, I highly recommend it.

There are also several small museums in the Red Light District. One of the most interesting is the Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostitution, where you can learn more about the history and realities of sex work in Amsterdam.

TIP: If you’re more interested in Amsterdam’s coffeeshop culture, there are guided tours focusing on its history and cannabis culture as well. This popular Ganja walking tour with munchies is one option if you’d rather explore with a local guide.

Day 2

There are many ways to spend your second day in Amsterdam. Our suggested itinerary combines the floating flower market, one or two of Amsterdam’s top museums, Vondelpark, and a few other attractions. In the evening, stay in the city for dinner, an evening canal cruise, or a visit to A’DAM Tower.

TIP: If you’d like to see some of the Dutch countryside, start your day at the floating flower market and then take a half-day trip to the windmills of Zaanse Schans. You’ll still have some time for sightseeing in Amsterdam when you return.

Visiting Amsterdam in spring? Consider a trip to Keukenhof Gardens and the nearby Lisse tulip fields. Book tickets with transportation and go first thing in the morning.

Not interested in museums? You could also spend most of the day exploring outside the city. See our guide to the best day trips from Amsterdam for ideas.

READ ALSO: Amsterdam Countryside: Top Places to Visit

Here’s how to spend your second day in Amsterdam:

Bloemenmarkt – Floating Flower Market

Start your second day with a quick visit to Amsterdam’s famous Bloemenmarkt, the floating flower market along the Singel canal. The market consists of a row of shops selling flower bulbs, seeds, fresh and dried flowers, and plenty of Dutch souvenirs.

Despite its name and history, don’t expect a traditional flower market overflowing with fresh tulips. Bloemenmarkt is very touristy these days, with many stalls focusing more on bulbs and souvenirs than flowers. We’ve been here many times over the years, and while it’s much more touristy than you might expect, I still think it’s worth a quick look on a first visit to Amsterdam.

You don’t need much time here. Walk along the market, browse the shops, and then continue with the rest of your itinerary.

TIP: Visit in the morning when it’s generally quieter. If you’re thinking of buying flower bulbs to take home, check whether you’re allowed to import them into your country and look for properly packaged bulbs with the necessary certification.

Van Gogh Museum OR Rijksmuseum

Amsterdam has several world-class museums, but with just two days in the city, we recommend choosing either the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum rather than trying to fit in both.

We’ve visited both museums several times over the years, and both are excellent. The Van Gogh Museum is smaller and more focused, telling the story of Van Gogh’s life and work through the world’s largest collection of his art. Allow about 1.5–2 hours for a visit.

The Rijksmuseum is much bigger and covers Dutch art and history, with masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, and others. Allow at least 2–3 hours, although you could easily spend half a day here.

Which one to choose? Pick the Van Gogh Museum if you’re particularly interested in Van Gogh or prefer a more compact museum. Choose the Rijksmuseum for a broader overview of Dutch art and history. Unless you’re a real museum enthusiast, I wouldn’t visit both on the same day, and would rather take a short excursion to the countryside.

TIP: If you want to visit both, start at the Rijksmuseum when it opens, have lunch nearby, and visit the Van Gogh Museum in the late afternoon. They are located just a few minutes’ walk from each other.

Good to know: Both museums use timed entry and usually sell out, so book well in advance: Van Gogh Museum tickets and Rijksmuseum tickets.

Alternative: If you prefer modern, contemporary, and street art, check out the nearby Moco Museum. It’s much smaller and features works by artists such as Banksy, Warhol, Basquiat, and Keith Haring, plus digital and immersive art. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for something less traditional and not as crowded.

READ ALSO: Tips & Tricks for Visiting Van Gogh Museum

Vondelpark & Heineken Experience

After your museum visit, take a walk through Vondelpark, just a few minutes from Museumplein. Amsterdam’s most famous park is a nice place to slow down for a while after sightseeing.

You can walk or bike through the park, or stop for lunch or a drink at one of the cafés. If you’re visiting both the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum on the same day, Vondelpark is also a good place to take a break between the two.

Nearby, you can also visit the Heineken Experience (18+), located in Heineken’s former brewery. This interactive attraction covers the history and brewing process of the famous Dutch beer and includes tastings. We recently visited and were pleasantly surprised by how much there is to see and do. Even if you’re not into beer, it’s a fun and very well-done experience.

Alternative: If beer isn’t your thing, check out the nearby Bols Cocktail Experience, where you can learn about the history of this famous Dutch spirits brand and enjoy a cocktail.

Amsterdam Canals at Night OR A’DAM Tower

After a busy day of sightseeing, we recommend spending your last evening in Amsterdam at a slower pace.

Walk along the illuminated canals, find a nice restaurant for dinner, or take an evening canal cruise. It’s a relaxing way to end your trip, rest your feet after a long day of sightseeing, and see Amsterdam’s canals after dark.

Alternatively, head to A’DAM Tower across the IJ River. It’s just a short ride on the free ferry behind Amsterdam Central Station and gives you a glimpse of the city’s more modern side. From the top, you can enjoy great views over Amsterdam and have a drink or dinner.

We love coming here for a drink in the evening. It’s a great place to end the day, especially around sunset. Just be sure to book in advance if you want to eat or have drinks here, as the best times can fill up quickly.

If you still have energy, you can also combine the two: visit A’DAM Tower around sunset and finish your evening with a walk along the canals.

Are Two days Enough for Amsterdam?

Yes, two days are enough to see many of Amsterdam’s main landmarks and must-see attractions, visit one or two of its best museums, and explore a few lesser-known areas. If you plan well, you could even fit in a short half-day trip outside the city. This makes Amsterdam a great destination for a weekend break as well.

While two days aren’t enough to explore Amsterdam thoroughly, they will give you a very good introduction to the city and its main highlights.

TIP: If you have more than 2 days in Amsterdam, take a look at our recommended 3-day itinerary or 4-day Amsterdam itinerary. With more time, I also recommend getting outside the city to explore the Dutch countryside or some of the beautiful towns nearby. You can find our top suggestions via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

Practical Tips

• Book in advance. Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most popular city destinations, and hotels and major attractions can sell out. Book your accommodation and must-see attractions well ahead, especially for weekends and peak travel periods.

• Wear comfortable shoes. This itinerary involves a lot of walking, often on cobbled streets.

• Use public transport when needed. Amsterdam’s trams and metro are convenient for longer distances. You can buy multi-day public transport tickets, or simply check in and out with a contactless bank card or smartphone for occasional rides.

• Check whether a city card will save you money. The I Amsterdam City Card includes many museums and attractions, public transport, a canal cruise, and various discounts. For a 2-day visit, compare what’s included with the attractions you actually plan to visit before buying it.

• Be careful if cycling. If you want to explore Amsterdam by bike, I recommend joining a guided bike tour, especially if it’s your first visit. We’ve cycled in Amsterdam many times, and the busy bike lanes can be quite intimidating if you’re not used to them. If you rent a bike independently, know the traffic rules and avoid stopping in bike lanes.

• Don’t come by car unless you really need to. Driving in central Amsterdam isn’t convenient, and parking is extremely expensive. If you’re visiting Amsterdam as part of a road trip, it’s usually easier to leave your car at your hotel or a P+R facility.

• Watch your belongings. Pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas and on public transport, so keep valuables secure, particularly in crowded places.

• Be prepared for changing weather. Check the forecast each morning and bring a light rain jacket or umbrella when necessary. We’ve visited Amsterdam in all kinds of weather, and rain doesn’t have to ruin your plans. Many of the city’s main attractions are indoors, and showers often pass.

• Stay centrally. With only two days in Amsterdam, a central location will save you a lot of time. See our hotel recommendations below.

LEARN MORE: Tips & Tricks for Visiting Amsterdam

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

With only two days in Amsterdam, we recommend staying in the city center. You’ll be able to walk to many of the main attractions and save valuable time getting around.

For a first visit, the area between Central Station and the main canal district is especially convenient, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and public transport nearby.

Our personal recommendation is Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam, right across from Central Station. It’s a very convenient 4-star hotel with an excellent location for sightseeing and day trips. For something more romantic, we love the beautiful boutique Hotel Estheréa in the canal district.

A couple of other good options:

• €€€ Room Mate Aitana – a popular modern hotel with spacious rooms, in a quieter area about a 15-minute walk from Central Station.
• €€ ClinkNOORD Hostel – one of the best budget options close to the center, just across the IJ and easily reached by the free ferry from Central Station.

TIP: Amsterdam hotels can be expensive, especially on weekends and during peak periods. Book well in advance for the best choice and prices.

READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Amsterdam on Your First Visit

So, this is our suggested itinerary for 2 days in Amsterdam. I hope it helps you plan your time, see the city’s must-see attractions, and enjoy some of the quieter neighborhoods and local areas as well.

If this itinerary convinced you to stay a little longer, take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Amsterdam for more ideas. With an extra day or two, you can explore more of the city or take a day trip to see some of the best places nearby.

More Amsterdam & Netherlands Travel Guides

• Keukenhof Park
• Dutch Tulip Fields
• Top Places to See in Delft
• Alkmaar Cheese Market
• Kinderdijk Windmills
• Seasonal guides:
  • Amsterdam in June
  • Amsterdam in December
  • Amsterdam at Christmas

Continuing to Belgium? See our Belgium itinerary, best things to do in Brussels, and best things to do in Bruges.

TIP: Save this guide for later, share it with your friends, or pin it to Pinterest so you can easily come back to it when planning your trip.

Image credits: personal collection and Depositphotos.com