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How to See the BEST of Amsterdam in One Day (+Map, Itinerary & Tips)

How to See the BEST of Amsterdam in One Day (+Map, Itinerary & Tips)

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 Experiences for 1 day in Amsterdam:

1 day 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!

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…

Brouwersgracht canal in Amsterdam
Brouwersgracht canal is less visited by tourists, yet very picturesque as well
 

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

Canal cruise in Amsterdam is a not to be missed
Canal cruise is not to be missed, even if you just have 1 day in Amsterdam!
 

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.

Damrak boats and historic buildings in Amsterdam
Damrak
 

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. But it’s definitely possible, you’ll just have to adjust the itinerary based on your interests.

Dam Square kermis in Amsterdam
Dam Square on the day we visited
 

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).

Amsterdam Begijnhof
Begijnhof – ©Klapfilm.nl via I Amsterdam Mediabank
 

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.

Floating flower market in Amsterdam
Floating flower market
 

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).

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 a 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

Anne Frank house in Amsterdam
Anne Frank House Museum. The actual house is the one at the very left, but the family was hiding in the annex behind this house (which cannot be seen from the street).
 

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.

The famous I Amsterdam sign used to be located on the Museumplein at the back of the museum. However, the city council found that the sign encouraged mass tourism and selfie culture and removed the letters in December 2018. So if you absolutely want to take a picture with the famous IAmsterdam sign, you can still find one close to the bus stand at Schiphol Airport.

Next, walk to Heineken Brewery, about 10-15 minutes walk from here.

I Amsterdam sign at the Rijksmuseum can only be photographed without the crowds at dawn
This is how IAmsterdam sign used to look like
 

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.

Visiting Heineken Experience is a great thing to do on a short visit in Amsterdam
Heineken’s first built brewery in Amsterdam – © Photo courtesy of Heineken Experience
 

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. It could be an alternative option for lunch in which case you’ll have to adjust your itinerary to make it work time-wise.

Jordaan neighbourhood in Amsterdam
Jordaan neighborhood
 

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.

Dutch cheese shop on one of the Nine Streets in Amsterdam
Dutch cheese shop on one of the Nine Streets
 

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!

First coffee shop in Amsterdam - Red Light District
The oldest coffeeshop in Amsterdam
 

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 canals at night
Amsterdam canals at night © Koen Smilde Photography via I Amsterdam Mediabank
 

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 (not a must, but if you go, get the tickets in advance as well).
  • 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:

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 came from Belgium and visited Amsterdam for just one day and parking cost us 50 EUR.
  • 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.

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 visiting more of the Benelux, check out these guides:

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!

How to spend 1 day in Amsterdam in the Netherlands - itinerary, map, and practical tips
What to see in Amsterdam in one day - no-nonsense practical guide to the best places of Amsterdam, including the map #Netherlands #Amsterdam
Best of Amsterdam - what to see and do in one day
Amsterdam in one day - itinerary, map, and tips to get the most of your short visit
 

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JoDee

Friday 14th of April 2023

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!

Jurga

Saturday 15th of April 2023

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!

Imtiaz

Friday 7th of April 2023

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?

Jurga

Saturday 8th of April 2023

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.

Julie

Friday 10th of February 2023

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!

Jurga

Friday 10th of February 2023

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!

Elena

Monday 6th of February 2023

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.

Jurga

Wednesday 8th of February 2023

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.

Kirti

Tuesday 24th of May 2022

Hi Jurga, I visited Amsterdam for a day and followed your suggestions to the T! Brilliant compilation... Thanks very much!

Jurga

Wednesday 25th of May 2022

Thanks a lot for your kind feedback, Kirti. Glad to hear you enjoyed Amsterdam. Happy travels!

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