How to See the BEST of Amsterdam in One Day (+Map, Itinerary & Tips)
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Visiting Amsterdam for just one day and looking for an itinerary that covers some of the best places to see and things to do on a first visit? This detailed one-day itinerary and our experience-based tips will help you get the most out of your day in Amsterdam. Find out!
This itinerary includes many of the top sights that you can visit in Amsterdam in a day. It is based on a day trip itinerary that we personally follow when we want to show someone the very best of the city in a day.
The first time we planned a day trip to Amsterdam, I did some research on what we could do in Amsterdam in one day and found some great advice. However, I had to read a paper travel guide and seven different websites before I came up with a somewhat feasible (and actually doable) itinerary with the VERY BEST things to do in Amsterdam if you only have one day.
Thus this guide – to save you all the guesswork and help you make the most out of your trip.
Yes, there are many amazing and quirky museums in Amsterdam, beautiful parks, and lots of great bars and cafes where you can have the best meal in town… But unless you have more than one day, you will probably not want to waste your time shopping at the huge warehouse Bijenkorf or walking to the other side of town in search of that one restaurant that someone recommended…
So this is my no-nonsense guide to the best things to see and do in Amsterdam in one day, including approximate hours and many useful tips to help you plan your time. At the bottom of the post, you can find an overview of this recommended 1-day Amsterdam itinerary and some additional suggestions on what to see and do in and near Amsterdam if you have more time.
Top 3 Experiences to Book in Advance:
- Van Gogh Museum.
- Canal Cruise (upgrade with cheese & wine option!).
- Heineken Experience (18+).
TIP: If you are looking for a hotel in Amsterdam, Park Plaza Victoria is one of the most popular options close to the station (= perfect for a short visit). Alternatively, read our full guide via the link below (and reserve asap for the best prices and availability!).
READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Good to know: Amsterdam’s city center is not big and is very walkable, so you can see and do quite a lot in one day. But you need to decide in advance what you absolutely want to see because some experiences have to be pre-booked. Our itinerary below provides all the practical info you’ll need.
Please note that the hours are only indicated for your reference to give you a rough idea of how much time you need for each place or activity.
To help you plan your day in Amsterdam, I also created a map indicating all the sights mentioned in this guide – see below. It will give you a better idea of where all the places are and help you decide on the best things to see and do if you only have one day in Amsterdam.
And if this guide inspires you to stay longer, check out this guide with all the best sights and tourist attractions in Amsterdam that are worth visiting the most!
PRO TIP: Check out this digital Amsterdam Pass to save time and money on the most popular attractions (you can do all that’s included in a day).
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 what to do in Amsterdam in one day:
1. Explore Amsterdam Canals on Foot
9 – 10 AM.
There are many canals in Amsterdam, but if you only have one day, there are three main canals that shouldn’t be missed: Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht. All dug in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age and surrounded by some of the most beautiful traditional Dutch houses that Amsterdam is famous for.
Singel is another canal that is definitely worth strolling along, as is the Brouwersgracht.
Actually, you can skip the Herengracht canal when exploring Amsterdam canals on foot, because it’s one of the main canals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you will probably pass here by boat. This brings me to the second thing you must do in Amsterdam…
2. Take a Canal Cruise
10 – 11 AM.
If I were to choose just one thing that you absolutely must do in Amsterdam, it would be a canal cruise. Whether you are visiting Amsterdam for one day or a week, don’t miss this! No matter how much exploring you do on foot, seeing the city from a boat gives a completely different perspective. It’s also a perfect way to see a lot without having to walk even more.
When it comes to Amsterdam canal cruises, there are countless options. Some excellent, some good, and some… not so good. But how do you know it when you are in town and are overwhelmed by all the boats you see there? We thought that the best way to avoid disappointment and long queues would be to research and book the canal cruise in advance. And indeed, it saved us lots of time and we got exactly what we expected.
After some research, we quickly found this boat tour that looked perfect. Customer reviews were good too, so the choice was quickly made. Because we had an advance booking, we could pass the long line of people who were waiting for a boat without a reservation. This was mid-October (and this is one of the most popular canal cruises in the city)!
TIP: If you are traveling to the Netherlands in high season, I strongly suggest booking your canal cruise in advance. This is especially the case if you are short on time and only have one day to see the best of Amsterdam.
PRO TIP: If you are visiting Amsterdam in the warm season (mid-March to the beginning of November), there are very nice open-boat canal cruises available too. They run in the winter as well, but it might be a bit too cold… Anyway, these cruises have multiple departure locations and you can upgrade with other options such as drinks or snacks.
On these luxury canal cruises, everyone gets the best seat. Nowadays, we always book open-boat cruises. They only cost a few euros more than regular tours on bigger boats, but it’s well worth it!
Good to know: For this itinerary, you could opt for a canal cruise starting at the Central Station. Also, you can take the canal cruise first and do more exploring on foot after that – it all depends on where and when exactly you start your day in Amsterdam.
READ ALSO: Info & Tips for Amsterdam Canal Cruises
3. See Damrak, Dam Square, and the Royal Palace
11.15 – 11.30 AM.
Next, walk on Damrak, the big avenue running from the Central Station (Amsterdam Centraal) to the Royal Palace on Dam Square.
Damrak is home to the former stock exchange building, the monumental Beurs van Berlage, and some other historic buildings that you often see on postcards from Amsterdam.
This is one of the most photographed places in Amsterdam and is always nice to see, at any time of the day and any season.
Dam Square with the Royal Palace is one of the most well-known locations in Amsterdam. This is the historic heart of the city where it all started. Many events take place here and it’s always very lively in this area.
You don’t need much time to see it (unless you go inside the Palace), but it would be unthinkable not to pass here when visiting Amsterdam.
TIP: If you want to see the interior of the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, check in advance if it’s open on the day of your visit, and be sure to reserve a ticket. Another very popular place to see here is Madame Tussauds wax museum.
With just a day in Amsterdam, it’s probably not a priority to visit these attractions. But it’s definitely possible, you’ll just have to adjust the itinerary based on your interests.
4. Visit Amsterdam Begijnhof
11.30 – 11.45 AM.
If you are looking for a more authentic experience in Amsterdam, the Begijnhof is a true hidden gem right off the hectic city center.
This small area houses a church, historic houses, and one of the two original wooden houses in Amsterdam. However, don’t expect to be alone – it’s just as popular with tourists as the rest of Amsterdam.
Begijnhof is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and is free of charge. There are two entrances: at the Northern side of the Spui and at the Gedempte Begijnensloot (at the end of the Schuttersgallery).
5. Floating Flower Market
NOON.
Even if you are not planning to buy any flowers, the floating flower market is a must in Amsterdam. You can buy flower bulbs, all kinds of souvenirs, or just walk around.
You don’t need much time there, but it’s a fun place to visit and take some colorful pictures.
If you visit Amsterdam in spring or in the summer, you’ll find lots of fresh flowers here. The rest of the year, the market mostly sells flower bulbs and traditional Dutch souvenirs.
If you are looking for a nice place for lunch, you’ll find plenty of options in this area, or on the way to the next place in your itinerary. If you don’t want to waste too much time for lunch, simply get some Dutch pancakes, syrup waffles (stroopwafels), or a small snack.
6. Visit One Museum: Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, or Rembrandt House
1 – 3 PM.
Amsterdam is famous for its museums, but it’s difficult to see more than one of them if you only have a day in the city. And even if you decide to visit just one museum inside, you’ll have to plan ahead!
If you are keen to visit one of the most famous museums like the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, or Anne Frank House, pick one that interests you the most and make sure to book your timed-entry tickets in advance (you can do so via the links above).
Otherwise, if you didn’t get timed-entry tickets in advance, just forget it. It’s not worth spending two hours of your time queuing just to get into a museum if you only have one day in Amsterdam. Also, most of the time these top museums don’t even have walk-in tickets at all.
Good to know: If you want to visit Anne Frank House, you can buy tickets on their website (and only there!) about 6 weeks before your travel date. The tickets are timed and non-refundable, and you cannot change your time slot.
TIP: With just a day in Amsterdam and following this itinerary, we recommend visiting the Van Gogh Museum and seeing the exterior of the impressive Rijksmuseum building on your way there (the two museums are located just next to each other). Just see if there are still tickets available for the day of your visit and reserve asap!
Alternatively, if the tickets for the most suitable time slots at Van Gogh Museum are not available anymore, consider visiting the Rembrandt House Museum. It’s one of the best museums in Amsterdam (and my personal favorite), and you only need an hour for a thorough visit. Also here, be sure to book timed-entry tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
READ ALSO: Best Museums in Amsterdam & Tips for Visiting Van Gogh Museum
7. Museumplein
3.30 PM.
Even if you don’t have the time to visit any of the museums, it’s worthwhile to walk to the Museumplein (Museum Square) just to see the beautiful building of Rijksmuseum. You can also visit the (small) garden of this museum free of charge.
Many of the best museums in Amsterdam are located here: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Moco Museum, Diamant Museum, and Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam.
Various events are held on Museum Square too. For example, if you visit Amsterdam at Christmas, this is where you will find the main Christmas Market, a big Christmas tree, and in some winters also an ice skating rink.
Next, walk to Heineken Brewery, about 10-15 minutes walk from here.
8. Heineken Experience
3.45 – 5 PM.
Visiting Heineken’s oldest brewery, now converted into an interactive museum, is another popular thing to do in Amsterdam. Heineken is so typically Dutch that it’s worth including the Heineken Experience in your Amsterdam one day itinerary even if you are not a fan of the beer.
The tour starts with a short introduction by the staff, after which you can see the rest at your own pace. The experience is very well done with interactive games like ‘Brew U’ that allow you to experience what it’s like to be a bottle of Heineken, to mention just one… And of course, you get to taste some free Heineken (or soft drinks for those who don’t drink alcohol) at the end of the tour.
Just in case you wonder, no alcohol is served under the age of 18 and you cannot visit here with kids.
TIP: Make sure to book your Heineken Experience in advance because it’s a very popular attraction. Otherwise, you’ll waste too much time queuing or may not be able to visit at all.
9. Explore the Jordaan Neighbourhood
5.30 – 6 PM.
If you want to get a feel of an authentic residential Amsterdam far from the crowds and tourist attractions, don’t miss the charming Jordaan neighborhood.
There is no specific place you should go to, and no time limit that you should spend here. I suggest putting away the map and exploring the labyrinth of narrow streets dotted with local shops, quaint bars and cafes, and residential houses with cozy courtyard gardens…
You can skip Jordaan if you are really short on time, alternatively, you can go there for lunch.
TIP: Depending on your interests and the timing of your overall sightseeing plan, you could join this highly-rated food tour of Jordaan. They usually have several departure times in the afternoon. It’s a great way to get to know the local side of Amsterdam and try some Dutch food.
The Ducth food tour could be an alternative option for lunch in which case you’ll have to adjust your itinerary to make it work time-wise.
10. Stroll the Nine Streets
6 – 6.30 PM.
The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) are the old cobbled streets that connect the main canals between Leidsegracht and Raadhuisstraat. You can easily explore these little streets together with the canals.
This area is famous for independent boutiques, specialty stores, and vintage shopping. It’s a very different shopping experience than the main shopping street Kalverstraat with big chain stores.
Nowadays, this is one of the most popular areas around Amsterdam canals in the city center, but because most businesses are rather small and they manage to keep most souvenir stores out, it still manages to keep its authenticity.
11. Visit the Red Light District
EVENING or LATE EVENING.
This historic part of Amsterdam may be a bit controversial, but is simply a must-see. The Red Light District may be best known for its coffee shops and window prostitution, but it also has a centuries-old history and beautiful architecture. In other words, it’s a very unique place in the world and therefore worth a short visit.
This area really comes to life in the evening, but it can easily be visited during the day, also with kids (just try to distract their attention from the ladies in the windows). For those of you who wonder if that’s a good idea, it’s really your call. But you may want to know that there is a children’s daycare center in the heart of the Red Light District. Locals treat this area just like any other neighborhood in the city.
If you want to experience the Red Light District to the fullest, it’s best to visit in the evening and/or on a weekend. Just try to be very open-minded when you come here.
Good to know: There are some nice guided tours of the Red Light District that are one of the best ways to visit the area. Some of our readers tell us that they felt unsafe in the area (we never did), so going on a tour might be a much more enjoyable way to visit if you are not confident going alone.
TIP: We recently took this highly-rated tour of the Red Light District and learned so much. Absolutely recommended!
12. Explore Amsterdam Canals at Night
AFTER DARK.
If your legs are still not sore, head back to the canals in the evening. The houses and the bridges are so nicely lit!
If you want to get the best of both worlds (i.e. see the canals in the evening and save your legs), why not take an evening canal cruise instead? This is the best way to end your day in Amsterdam.
TIP: During the winter holiday season (+- late November to mid-January), the city hosts Amsterdam’s Light Festival. There are many canal cruise options to experience the most impressive light installations in the evening. If you are visiting Amsterdam at this time of the year, don’t miss this!
Amsterdam 1-day itinerary
Below is an overview of what your day in Amsterdam could look like (and based exactly on what we did on one of the trips).
Here’s our recommended 1-day itinerary for Amsterdam:
- 9 – 10 AM: Explore Amsterdam canals on foot.
- 10 – 11 AM: Take a canal cruise (this is the most popular cruise; in the warmer months, we recommend an open-boat canal cruise).
- 11.15 – 11.30 AM: See Damrak, Dam Square, and Royal Palace.
- 11.30 – 11.45 AM: Visit Amsterdam Begijnhof.
- Noon: Check out the floating flower market and have lunch.
- 1 – 3 PM: Visit one museum – we recommend the Van Gogh Museum (get tickets in advance!) or the Rembrandt House Museum (tickets).
- 3.30 PM: Museum Square.
- 3.45 – 5 PM: Heineken Experience (18+ and not a must, but if you go, get the tickets in advance).
- 5.30 – 6.30 PM: Explore Jordaan neighborhood + Nine Streets.
- Evening: Check out the Red Lights district (or take this highly-rated tour).
- After dark: Explore the canals at night (on foot or by boat).
- Dinner (or book a canal cruise that includes dinner).
Is One Day Enough in Amsterdam?
One day is enough to get a taste of Amsterdam: tour the canals, walk around the city, explore some local neighborhoods, and visit at least one museum. Of course, you can’t see everything that Amsterdam has to offer in just a day. But if you are short on time and want to see the main highlights, then yes, you can see the best of Amsterdam in a day.
If you have more time in Amsterdam, you may want to visit some of the world-class museums, rent a bike or take a stroll in one of the many parks. Here you can find our suggestions for 2 days in Amsterdam, 3 days in Amsterdam, as well as 4 days in Amsterdam.
Alternatively, take a day trip from Amsterdam, visit the best places in the Dutch countryside, and explore more of the Netherlands.
TIP: If you are visiting Amsterdam in the spring, don’t miss the Keukenhof Gardens and Dutch tulip fields (you’ll need at least 5-6 hours to visit these places from Amsterdam).
READ ALSO: More Amazing Things to Do in Amsterdam
Where to Stay in Amsterdam for the First Time
If you are visiting Amsterdam for the first time and want to discover the best that the city has to offer in a short time, stay as close to the city center as possible. An ideal location to stay for sightseeing in Amsterdam is southwest of Central Station. It’s a nice area, with lots of shops, restaurants, and within walking distance of all the main attractions.
Here are some specific hotel suggestions for central Amsterdam, for all budgets:
- €€€€€ NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace – the most popular 5* hotel.
- €€€€ Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam – great location/value 4* hotel.
- €€€ Eden Hotel Amsterdam – a very popular mid-budget hotel.
- €€ ClinkNOORD Hostel – best-rated lower-budget hotel in the center.
READ ALSO: Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam
TIP: Using the map below, you can quickly find the best deals for accommodation in Amsterdam’s city center. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see what’s available for your visit. Check it out!
Some Practical Tips for Visiting Amsterdam
- Pack comfortable walking shoes – you will be walking a lot.
- If you are not keen on walking a lot or if your accommodation is further away from the main sights, use public transport. This all-in public transport ticket (available for 1-7 days) is the best option since it includes all the buses, trams, metros, and even ferries in the city. If you just take a tram for one or two rides, you can simply pay contactless.
- Renting a bike might be a nice way to explore the parks. But the city streets are so busy with people and bikes that even experienced local bikers have difficulties navigating. If you want to explore the highlights by bike, it’s best to opt for a bike tour vs going on your own.
- If you don’t absolutely have to, don’t come to Amsterdam by car. We once drove from Belgium to visit Amsterdam for just one day and parking cost us 50 EUR. It’s even more expensive now.
- And once again, Amsterdam is one of the busiest tourist destinations in Europe. So if you are planning any day trips or excursions, best book everything (accommodation, tours, and tickets) in advance – it will save you lots of time and frustration. Many of the most popular experiences are often sold out days (and some even several weeks) in advance.
- Planning a multi-city trip around Europe? Don’t miss our page listing top attractions in major European cities that require advance bookings – it will save you lots of time and research!
READ ALSO: Info & Tips for Visiting Amsterdam
So this is the best of Amsterdam in a nutshell – things you can actually see and do in Amsterdam in one day.
I hope that this guide and itinerary help you plan a fun and memorable visit.
Have a great time in Amsterdam!
READ ALSO: Best Day Trips from Amsterdam
If you are traveling around the Benelux, check out these guides as well:
- Netherlands: Delft & Kinderdijk Windmills & Alkmaar Cheese Market
- Seasonal guides: Amsterdam in June & Amsterdam in December & Belgium in Winter
- Belgium: Belgium Itinerary
- Luxembourg: Best Day Trips from Luxembourg
- Interesting to know: Belgium Facts
- Brussels: Best Things to Do in Brussels & Where to Stay in Brussels & Most Popular Hotels in Brussels
- Bruges: Best Things to Do in Bruges & Bruges Christmas Market
- Antwerp: Best Things to Do in Antwerp & Antwerp Hidden Gems & Where to Stay in Antwerp
- Belgian war sites: Ypres and WWI Sites & Bastogne War Museum
- With kids: Best Theme Parks in Belgium & Best Things to Do in Antwerp with Kids
If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!
More 1-day itineraries for some of the nicest European cities:
- 1 Day in Barcelona (Spain)
- 1 Day in Edinburgh (UK)
- 1 Day in Florence (Italy)
- 1 Day in Glasgow (UK)
- 1 Day in Lisbon (Portugal)
- 1 Day in London (UK)
- 1 Day in Madrid (Spain)
- 1 Day in Milan (Italy)
- 1 Day in Manchester (UK)
- 1 Day in Naples (Italy)
- 1 Day in Paris (France)
- 1 Day in Rome (Italy)
- 1 Day in Salzburg (Austria)
- 1 Day in Seville (Spain)
- 1 Day in Venice (Italy)
You’ve rescued me from trying to wade through a sea of unknown to a clear path forward! Thank you so much for your amazing website. It is brilliant! I can’t say how helpful it is to have your experience and hints relayed in such a reader friendly way. Super excited about our short stay in Amsterdam and now I know how we can make the most of it. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your kind feedback, Dianne. Enjoy Amsterdam!
Wow !! What a great website you have created. Thanks !! We are going to Amsterdam in May 2025 !! we will follow your various itineraries !! GREAT JOB !!
Thank you for your kind feedback, Bruce. Have a wonderful time in the Netherlands!
Hello! I just came across this. Off to London for one week, but want to see as much as I can. Thinking about Eurostar to Amsterdam – looks as if I’ll have a good six to seven hours and might just do as much as I can in Amsterdam. I like your ideas and your schedule! I’d probably spend as much money shopping as I would on train fare, and I believe the experience would last much longer! Thank you for the time and the research you put into the concise and fun itinerary!
Sounds like a long but fun day, JoDee! You could also consider staying for two days if you want to take it a bit easier (in that case, see our 2-day itinerary for more info).
In addition, you may want to check our guides about London and its surroundings if you are looking for more ideas of places to see (not that shopping isn’t fun, but there is SO MUCH to do there!).
Have a great trip!
Hi Jurga, so glad I came across your Amsterdam guide. We will have a day and half in Amsterdam en route to Lisbon. The full day happens to be Kings Day, which we plan to spend in the Tulip gardens at Keukenhof away from the huge crowds in Amsterdam city. The half day is on April 26 which is the day BEFORE Kings Day. We plan to go into the city on that half day, and loved your idea of a nighttime canal cruise. Do you know if a nighttime Canal Cruise would be too crazy/boisterous given it’s Kings Day the next day?
Hi Imtiaz, I think that there will be crowds no matter where you go in that period. It’s just busy at this time of the year with all the tulips, plus the Dutch really like to celebrate their King’s Day. There is a big festival planned too.
That being said, I don’t think that a nighttime cruise would be much different from the other times though – it’s more geared toward tourists anyway. You don’t often see many locals on these cruises unless people who are visiting from outside the city. It will likely be busier on the canals with other boats (locals like to celebrate on their own little boats too, especially if the weather is nice), but it usually just adds to the atmosphere.
If that’s the only time you can visit Amsterdam, just do what you want to and make the best of it.
I have really enjoyed your website! I discovered it last year before our trip to Italy and am now reading it again as we prepare for our trip to London. We are thinking of hopping on a plane for one day to either Edinburgh or Amsterdam and wondered which of the two you would pick to visit. Our children are 16,14 and 10. I appreciate any feedback. Thank you!
Hi Julie, did you consider the practical side of taking a day trip from London by plane? It’s going to take you a long time just to get to the airport, plus security checks, then get to the city from the airport where you arrive, etc. Not even to mention that the flights aren’t always on time…
In addition – if you would go to Amsterdam – you are entering Schengen Zone, so there will be passport checks, etc. And, depending on where you are originally from and when you will travel, you may need to get the new ETIAS travel authorization that the EU is introducing later this year.
So purely for that, Edinburgh would be a much easier choice. But also there, I really don’t know if I’d consider going there from London for just one day.
There are so many amazing places in and near London that you can easily visit by train or with a tour without adding all the stress. Take a look at our recommendations for some of the best day trips from London. Families with teens all rave about the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour near London.
If I were you, I’d just stay in London and explore more around there. Or, if you decide to go further, make it at least a few days so that it’s worth all the hassle.
Good luck with the planning!
Thank you for the helpful article, however, I must say the Red Lights District absolutely SHOULDN’T BE VISITED WITH KIDS!!! I am a grown adult and I couldn’t walk through all of it with a friend. I think saying it’s safe for kids is extremely bad advice.
Hi Elena, we visited Amsterdam with our kids multiple times and also walked through the Red Light District with them. While it’s not the best place to take your kids at night, it’s definitely possible to visit and perfectly ok during the day. I don’t see how a few scarcely dressed women would make it unsafe for anyone.
If you walked around the area a bit longer, you would have noticed that there is a church right in the heart of the Red Light District and even a children’s daycare center. Yes, locals – with kids – actually live here.
Many of our readers only visit Amsterdam once and want to see everything in the city on that trip. And if they have kids with them, they want to know if they can do everything with the whole family. That’s why we indicate that it is indeed possible, adding that it’s best to go during the day and that it’s probably wise to distract the kids’ attention from the windows ;). But to say that it would be unsafe is a totally different story. We never felt unsafe anywhere in Amsterdam, with or without kids.
Hi Jurga,
I visited Amsterdam for a day and followed your suggestions to the T! Brilliant compilation… Thanks very much!
Thanks a lot for your kind feedback, Kirti. Glad to hear you enjoyed Amsterdam.
Happy travels!
Hi Jurga, this is such a great guide to Amsterdam. We will be visiting next month. Do you know if everything is going to be open in the city?
Hi Jim, most places in the Netherlands are open already – restaurants, cafés, etc. Also museums are opening up, but most places have reduced the number of visitors that are allowed. In many cases, it is obligatory to book online in advance. I just checked the website of Anne Frank House and – at the moment – they allow just 8 people at two different times during the day. That’s just 16 visitors a day – crazy! So you definitely have to book that one in advance.
Hope this helps. Enjoy your time in Amsterdam!
Hi Jurga, this information is very helpful for my upcoming trip, but I am planning to spend 2 days in Amsterdam – one day in the city and one outside. Which day trip would you recommend the most?
Hi Vera, it’s really hard for me to say which day trip you’d love the most as I don’t know when you’ll be traveling and what your interests are. Did you see our article with the best day trips from Amsterdam?
If you are traveling in spring, which is probably unlikely this year, then I would have said go to see the tulip fields. Other times of the year, I suggest this tour that covers Volendam, Marken, and Zaanse Schans. If you rather visit more cities, then consider this tour that covers Rotterdam, Delft, and The Hague in one day. In any case, I think I would go with a tour because you’d never be able to see so much in one day by taking public transport or renting a car and trying to find it all on your own.
Hope this helps.
Thank you for the lovely blog !
Visiting in April 2020, do you recommend booking the canal tours in advance ?
Also we have a 9 year kid, is it OK to visit the Red light area with the kid ?
Also if I have to choose only one museum, which one would you suggest please ? Thank you 🙂 Anirban
Hi, you don’t have to book it weeks in advance, but maybe just a day or two before. It will save you some hassle.
As for the red light district, it’s really your call. We just walked through a small part of it with kids during the day and there was not much shocking or so. Not sure I’d go there with kids in the evening though.
If you do just one museum, I think my personal choice would go to Van Gogh. And it’s best to book that one in advance because it has timed entrance and April can get really busy in Amsterdam because it’s Easter holidays AND tulip season. You can either get the tickets just for the museum or buy a combination ticket with the canal cruise.
Enjoy your trip!
Your itinerary information is awesome. I found you looking for ideas on our Italy trip 4/1-4/14 but then also realized that I needed to figure out our trip to Amsterdam 3-4 – 3/9. I think I am going to just do everything on your list !!! Thanks for planning our trip. I wonder if Amsterdam will be crowded during this time frame. I’m guessing not packed?
Hi Shannon, I think that the beginning of March is a good time to be in Amsterdam. While it is always busy, it’s definitely one of the quieter periods in the city and perfect for exploring. That being said, there are certain things, like Anne Frank House, that really have to be booked in advance. They have just very limited tickets on the day itself and those become available at 9 am on their website, so if you didn’t book in advance, you can still try once you are there. But it’s best to book upfront if you want to visit it.
Most other museums and attractions should be ok.
Enjoy your trip!
awesome thank you for these ideas
Glad to help, Brooke. Have a great trip to Amsterdam!
Hello!! great blog!!
i was wondering, i have a 7.5 hour layover in Amsterdam, do you recommend to go to the city?
i arrive at 9am and then leave at 450pm, don’t know the best option to go from the airport to the city and back. what do you say? is it worthy? thanks!!
Hi Nestor, with 7,5hrs you should be able to see a bit of the city, just make sure that you’re back at the airport on time. Schiphol is a big airport and we normally try to be there at least 2-2,5hrs before any flight.
There are buses and trains that will bring you to the city center (more info here). I would take a train as that will avoid traffic jams.
You’ll probably have 2-3 hours to spend in town, which is enough time to do a canal cruise (there are some that start right near the station, e.g. this one has that option), have lunch, and maybe explore the center a bit more.
You won’t be able to see much, but I suppose it’s worth it if you have never been before.
Visiting Amsterdam in the first week in October 2020, do you think I need to book canel tours in advance.
Hi Rowdy, no, you don’t have to book it that much in advance. You can book it a few days in advance, or just when you get there. October might still be quite busy, but in general, I think that you’ll be ok if you don’t pre-book.
The main reason to book in advance is to check the reviews and prices because once you’re there, the choice is overwhelming and you have no idea what you are paying for…
Hope this helps.
Jurga, First of all thanks for a well written practical article. I’m planning to visit during May, and cover some of europe including Amsterdam. I just hopped on Amsterdam hop-on hop-off tours. Did you explore this option in your research? Any idea if there is a Canal tour as part of this? Thanks in advance
Hi Bijoy, there are so many different hop-on hop-off options in Amsterdam. This one includes a boat option as well – just have to make sure to choose that option when booking.
Hope this helps.
Hi Jurga. I just LOVE your blog. I have used it for so many of our trips and have shared far and wide. ? You’re a practical mom who wants to travel and see the world as a family!
We are in Amsterdam at the moment and we booked our CITY CANAL CRUISE as per your suggestion. It was very disappointing and I have shared my feedback with them (which they weren’t too keen on) but I thought I would let you know too (for other travellers). .
The cruise was just over 60 min and not 75 min as advertised.
Our biggest issue was that we arrived 45 minutes early (front of the queue) thinking we would get good seats. We landed up being the last family onto the boat due to them boarding the back of the queue first. They moved boats so thought we were boarding a different boat.
We’re a family of 4. We had to sit across the isle from each other (end of 2 tables which are 3 deep each). We couldn’t take any pics out of the windows. People that got on before us put their bags on seats but stood out at the back for the cruise.
They didn’t offer my son the ‘pirate kids pack’ (which other kids had on board). If anyone else does decide to book with them, they need to make sure to ask for it when getting their tickets if they have kids that would enjoy the interactive commentary.
It wasn’t a good start to our Amsterdam visit but we’re looking forward to the rest of our time here xx
Hi Cledia, so sorry to hear about your experience. That’s the reality of travel in many places these days, I’m afraid. It’s so busy and crowded, especially in big cities, that inevitably somebody gets a worse experience than someone else on the exact same tour. We’ve also had our share of bad seats on so many occasions and with 5 of us, it’s also never possible to sit together, etc. It sucks, especially when you have looked forward to something so much and did your best to be there on time… I think we can all relate to that feeling.
I hope the rest of your time in Amsterdam was more enjoyable and that this bad experience didn’t ruin your trip. It’s an amazing city, but – just like so many others – is suffering from its own popularity.
If I can give you one tip – we never visit any big cities in Europe in summer. It’s just too busy for us to enjoy. We’d rather take a chance on having worse weather than deal with huge crowds. But I know that it’s not always possible to travel to places in the off-season, especially when traveling with school-going kids. It’s become a habit of us to choose our destinations and timing based on how busy we think it will be. And if we know it is a high season at the destination and still decide to go, we opt for the less touristy activities and places, or try to visit the busiest ones early in the morning or just before the closing time (when the tour groups aren’t around).
Happy travels!
I’m traveling with my 10 yr old daughter who doesn’t know how to ride a bike, and we don’t intend on driving. Any suggestion on what part of Amsterdam to stay for easy commuting? I’ll like to be there for 4 nights
Hi Nelle, there is no need to ride a bike in Amsterdam (in fact, bike traffic is crazy, so better not do it if you aren’t used to it). You can walk everywhere or take a tram for longer distances.
I think there are many nice areas to stay, but if you are coming in by train (also from the airport), then it might be easiest to stay close to the Central Railway Station, on the Western side of Damrak. So, for example, Hotel Plaza Victoria is well located or Art’otel Amsterdam, part of Radisson Hotel Group. You can click on the map and see what other hotels are available nearby for your travel dates. Keep in mind that the Eastern side of Damrak is the Red Light District, so maybe you prefer to stay on the other side. 🙂
This article was well credible, helpful, and well thought out. Thank so much for this information
Glad to hear that, Nelle. Have a great time in Amsterdam!
We are coming in by ferry from Newcastle and flying to Alicante with our tiny dog in her bag. We will have 5 hours but is Amsterdam dog friendly as we will need lunch hopefully in a pretty place. Any recommendations welcome. Trudi
There are definitely dog-friendly places in Amsterdam, but I have no first-hand experience with this. Try Google or Trip Advisor and I’m sure you’ll find plenty of choice. Have a nice trip!
Great tips! Wanting to squeeze in Van Gogh and Anne Frank museums, along with canal boat (1 day, with two 12 yr olds). Do you have suggestions for what order and time to reserve each, considering they should be booked in advance?
Hi Lisa, it’s hard to say as I have no idea where you’re staying and how much time you’d be spending in each museum. What I would do is try to book one of the museums at the opening time (from what I see, they both open at 9am). Then book another one in the afternoon, maybe at around 4-5pm or so (Anne Frank house stays open much later than the Van Gogh museum, so maybe do the Van Gogh first thing in the morning). That gives you enough time to have lunch and see some other places along the way between the two places without having to rush.
I see that there are combination tickets to Van Gogh museum and canal boat, so that might save you some money. Just note that the boats leave at the completely different place than a museum, but it’s only the museum tickets that are timed – canal cruise can be done any time.
For the rest of your day, you can find plenty of suggestions in our article. Hope this helps.
The I Amsterdam sign is gone?! I was really looking forward to that. Glad to know there’s one at the airport though! Also, your update on that says it was removed December 2019… I’m guessing you meant 2018?
Yes, Michael, they removed the iAmsterdam sign in December. And thanks for catching it – it was indeed December 2018, not 2019 obviously. I now corrected it.
Overtourism is a serious issue in Amsterdam and there is more effort now to try to direct the tourists to less-visited places and have them spread out. The city center of Amsterdam is crazy busy. Too busy.
Hello Jurga,
I’m travelling from Budapest to France and have a stop of 13 hours in Amsterdam. Can you please give an insight about what i can see during this time? which part should I start first? Thank you 🙂
Hi Ziad, if those 13 hours are during the day, you can do pretty much everything from this list. You may not have the time for museums or things like Heineken experience, so just pick the places that interest you most and skip the others.
any idea if the travel passes can be used for travel to and within rotterdam too?
Hi Siju, I’m not aware of any pass that would include public transportation in Amsterdam and Rotterdam in one. I think you’ll need to get separate tickets.
Thankyou so much for this great plan for a day spent in Amsterdam. My husband and I will be visiting Amsterdam in a few weeks for a day/night then taking a train to Paris for a day/night and then flying to Prague for a day/ night. I am in need for one day itineraries for theses cities. We are then taking a train to Berlin where we will be staying for 5 days and then traveling back home to the US. This will be our first time traveling to Europe and we are so excited it’s just a lot to plan. My husband while in Berlin will be attending his Masters classes during the day while I explore so I trying to Preplan everything. Do you have any dinner restaurant suggestions while in Berlin?
Hi Amanda, I’m afraid I can’t help you much with the detailed itineraries for the other cities.
For Berlin restaurants, please check Google Maps for the areas where you will be. I’m sure you’ll find something nice.
Enjoy your trip!
Hi Jurga!
I discovered your blog today and I am hooked! This is the most practical and comprehensive information I have come across in the past couple of weeks that I began researching on Netherlands. Thank you.
I am pretty much confident I can plan a week in Netherlands for my family of three with the help of “Full Suitcase”.
Will be back with queries after I complete the draft of our trip.
Hi Severina, thanks a lot for your kind words. Glad to hear that!
Not sure how old the kids are in your family, but there are several really nice theme parks in the Netherlands: Efteling is our kids’ favorite, also Madurodam in The Hague might be nice for the whole family as well.
Enjoy your trip!
I am taking my granddaughter on a cruise to Greece the end of June. Our flight back from Venice has a 4 hour layover in Amsterdam. Do we dare leave the airport for that shirt time. If we can where should we go? What should we see?
Hi Jiyce, with just 4 hours, I wouldn’t leave the airport. Just getting to the city and back will take you a few hours, not even talking about going through security again, etc. I think it’s much too short to be able to do anything.
Very helpful guide. I’m in Germany on business and when it concludes, I’m trying Europe in two weeks. My thoughts are Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Budapest, Vienna, and Prague. Not sure of my timing but it’s likley in February.
Taking trains when possible, and travelling at night when appropriate.
Any thoughts on this?
Hi Mike, I don’t have any experience in traveling Europe by train, so I’m afraid I can’t help you there. I’m sure there are many good options, but it will require quite some research from your side. Your list of destinations is impressive!
Good luck with the planning!
Hi Jurga !
I have a transit in Amsterdam while going to Bangalore on this coming Monday.
I will be reaching Amsterdam by 15:00 and my return flight to India is at 10 AM next day. Approximately I have around 12 hours over all. Can you please suggest what are the things i can cover in this time. As I am landing in afternoon suggest me which I can and cover and see in evenings. I don’t mind of sacrificing one night sleep :-). But it should be memorable. Please suggest.
Regards,
Shyam
Hi Shyam, sorry for late reply. You’re probably on the plane on your way to Amsterdam now. But in case you’ll still read this, here are some suggestions.
I think that you can still see many places from this list, just not museums or Begijnhof which will obviously be closed at night.
What you could do in this period is visit one of the many Christmas Markets.
I also really recommend taking canal cruise. In winter, you have these evening cruises that go to Amsterdam Light Festival. They run every 45min starting at 5.15PM, the last one is at 8.30PM, so you could still catch it.
Hope this helps. Enjoy your time in Amsterdam!
Hello Jurga, I’m travelling from Frnace and would reach the city at 9 AM. Can you give an insight about one day travel pass for Amsterdam? I have to return back by 10 PM on same day. As per your sequence, which part should I start first?
Thank you in advance
Manish Kumar
Hi Manish, we visited all these places in Amsterdam with much less time than what you have, so you can pretty much follow this itinerary as suggested and see it all in a day.
I am working out a rough draft of an itinerary for Amsterdam prior to making sleeping arrangements. We can have around 2 days here. We are flying into Amsterdam to train down to Belgium, maybe add on Cologne Germany for 2 days. We have 9 no travel days, 11 if you count travel days. Landing in Amsterdam at 2pm, flying out of Amsterdam at 5pm. I would like to work these into, maybe a bit of give and take, with the awesome Amsterdam in 1 day intinerary you have laid out (thank you!). If it’s not too much bother, are you familiar enough with the below places to group them a bit so I can figure out a realistic route to see the city? You had an excellent point about not traipsing around the city. Either way, thank you so much for the info you have already provided.
• In ʼt Aepjen
• Rijksmuseum or Vangough
• Micropia
• Blauw Jan
• Dappermarkt
• Kattenkabinet
• Poezenboot
• Brouwerij ‘t IJ
• Monks Coffee Roasters
• Door 74
Hi Ruth, unfortunately I’m not really familiar with all these locations, so I’m afraid I can’t help. The best I can advise you is go to My Maps on Google, create your own map with all the locations that you want to visit and I think once you have it all on the map it will become more obvious how to best plan your time in Amsterdam. Keep in mind that if you visit Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh museum you’ll probably need half a day for each of them. Make sure you buy skip-the-line tickets (also for Van Gogh museum) in advance, otherwise you’ll waste too much time.
Have a great trip!
Thank you!
Hi, do the Hoff on Hoff off bus and canal cruise stop at some of beautiful destinations or just continue travelling for some hour
Hi, I’m actually not sure. I think the busses cover more ground in any case, but the boat is a fun way to see Amsterdam and you don’t have to stand in the traffic. Or why not combine the two – Amsterdam hop-on hop-off bus and boat tour.
Hi,
I am planning to visit amsterdam for 2 days. Can you suggest me best ways to cover most of the city attraction?
How is hop off hop on tour for travelling the city?
Hi Alok, we usually just walk everywhere in Amsterdam, but I know it’s not for everyone. You do feel your feet at the end of the day :). So yes, I think that hop-on hop-off busses can certainly be a good option to see a lot of the city in a short time.
There are many hop-on hop-off options, here’s one that seems to have best reviews, it includes a boat tour as well.
Here’s an alternative to a bus, a hop-on hop-off boat. I think it might be a nice option as well, since boats don’t have to deal with traffic jams as busses do. I guess it depends on what exactly are you planning to see and do.
We are planning to visit Amsterdam for a day with our 7year daughter in about a week from now, is this place family friendly or just for adults only?
Amsterdam is a city, and like any other city it has a lot to offer to anyone, adults and kids. You’ll find parks and playgrounds, museums like Madame Tussauds, also canal cruise is always nice to do with kids. Our kids enjoyed visiting Amsterdam very much.
I am planning to go travelling around Europe next summer and I have a rather small budget, this itinerary is excellent and definitely something I will follow when the time comes!
Good to hear that, Declan. Enjoy your trip!
Hi! We’re visiting Amsterdam for a day at the end of the month. After a lot of research this seems like the perfect itinerary for us.
Is the order you have written it in the quickest way to do it in terms of the areas being next to each other. I don’t want to be zig zagging the city ?
Thanks!
Louise
Hi Louise, it’s really difficult to not zig-zag in the city, especially in Amsterdam – make sure to zig-zag the canals – it’s the best part. 😉 On the other hand there are so many places in Amsterdam, you never have to come back to the same street twice if you don’t want to.
I think it’s best that you take a look (and save on your phone/or print) at the map that I provided in this post to get a better idea where to start and in which order to do your city tour of Amsterdam. A lot depends on where you start and end, if you take a canal cruise (and at what time), etc. We started our day by the Central Station (North side), explored the canals on foot, then by boat, then walked all the way down towards the Rijksmuseum visiting the places on the way, and ended our day with a stroll along the other canals and a visit to Jordaan neighbourhood, and then back in the direction of the Central Station where our car was parked.
Hi Jurga
This was extremely helpful indeed.. I will be visiting Amsterdam around mid May 2018 with the family for two days only. I find your suggestions very interesting..short and clear. My daughter is keen to see the tulips. I hope this will be possible. Thanks again for the valuable information. Keep it up and best regards.
Jacques
Hi Jacques. Thanks a lot for your kind words and glad you found this information useful. As for the tulips, mid May will probably be too late for the tulip fields – most bulb fields are cut off in the first week of May. Keukenhof Gardens are open till May 13 this year, so depending on when exactly you come, you may be just in time for that. Enjoy your trip nevertheless!
Thank you so much for a very well descriptive itinerary, we would be visiting Amsterdam in next couple of weeks and I am sure all the above recommendations will definitely help us have a pleasant vacation. thanks again for the post!
Good to hear that, Alan. Thanks for taking the time to leave the feedback and enjoy your trip to Amsterdam!
Hi Jurga
Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately we will be in Amsterdam on 18 May and so will miss the beautuful flowers. Another time may be.
Have a nice day. Ciao.
Jacques
Amsterdam has always intrigued me and looks like such a fabulous place. This is a great guide for visitors on what to see and do!
Thank you, Sharee.
We visited Amsterdam for a week a few years ago and also stopped at Brussels for a day. Visiting Van Gogh museum and the canals were my favorite. This is an awesome post, you covered a lot in a day. Saving it and need to take the kids there someday soon.
Thank you, Priya. I am sure that your kids would love Amsterdam as well. We are definitely going back to visit the Van Gogh museum – hear nothing but good things about it.
This is awesome! I have definitely “bookmarked” this website to help me plan my future trips. Awesome!
Great post, I loved my trip to Amsterdam, such a beautiful city! If your there for more than one day I definitely recommend checking out Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, highlight of my trip!
Thanks for sharing this, Danielle. I just googled the place and it looks like a really nice coastal area. Will keep it in mind next time we head in that direction.
I only had a layover in Amsterdam of a few hours, Didn’t get to explore the city.. just a quick walk. Good tips to share and ideal for a week-end. One day would be a little to rushed for me.
Yes, for sure – you could easily fill the weekend in Amsterdam and not get bored. There’s so much to see and do!
Why oh why didn’t I see that two weeks ago? ?
Very nicely written! Thanks! I’m saving for my next trip to AMS?
Haha, because I only wrote it a few days ago 🙂 Did you miss any highlights? I guess there is always a good reason to go back to Amsterdam, right?
I’d say my favourite bits of Amsterdam where the 9 streets, the Jordaan district and the Van Gogh museum so you’ve certainly come up with the perfect 1 day itinerary in my books! And to book your canal tour in advance is sound advice. Excellent article!
I wish we had the time to visit the Van Gogh museum! Maybe next time. Glad I didn’t miss any of your favourite places, Alex – I know you’ve been to Amsterdam recently and had taken more time to explore in depth, so it’s reassuring that I have the best places covered for my readers. 🙂
Thank you so much for your tips. They are so usefull..We are going tomorrow in Amsterdam for only one day and not just that this tips are amazing, but now the excitement that we go is actually bigger, so thanks a lot:)
Enjoy your time in Amsterdam!
I have been to Amsterdam many times and have never done a canal cruise! I will definitely have to do one next time Jurga! I really enjoy Amsterdam and sitting in a cafe people watching (I think the Dutch have a word for this). I also love the food particularly the Indonesian restaurants. Travelling by train from the UK via the tunnel is quick and easy too with a quick change in Brussels. You are making me miss Europe! (I do anyway but more reading this post!)
From what I understood based on the comments I got on Instagram, you’re in the majority, Tracy. Most people who have been to Amsterdam didn’t take the time to do a canal cruise. But the ones who have, all agreed that it’s a must. So here is something to look forward to when you get tired of all that Australian sunshine and decide to move back to Europe :).