Can you do it in one day?
Spending just a day in Amsterdam is not much, but it is enough to see the highlights if you plan well. The city centre is small and walkable. The trick is to pick one big sight, a lot of wandering and one or two good meals instead of trying to see everything. This itinerary assumes you start around nine and finish after dinner.
Before you go
- Book timed tickets for your main museum in advance. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House often sell out.
- Wear comfortable shoes, because cobblestones and bridges add up.
- Bring a rain jacket, since showers are common.
- Check the official Amsterdam tourism site for opening hours and events.
9:00 Start at the canals
Begin with a walk along the canal ring. If you arrive by train, leave Centraal Station and head to the Singel, then follow it toward the Nine Streets. Morning light is soft, and the streets are quiet. Stop for a coffee and a small Dutch breakfast, such as a sandwich or a pastry.
10:30 One museum
Choose one museum, not three.
Art lovers
The Rijksmuseum has the Night Watch by Rembrandt and many Dutch Golden Age works. Allow about two hours.
Van Gogh fans
The Van Gogh Museum shows the artist’s life and work in order. It is easier to see in a shorter visit than the Rijksmuseum.
History seekers
The Anne Frank House is a moving visit that takes about an hour. Tickets are released online at set times, so plan ahead.
12:30 Lunch
Try a Dutch lunch. Options include pancakes, a cheese sandwich, soup or herring from a stand. Markets such as the Albert Cuyp Market serve snacks like stroopwafels and fresh fries with mayonnaise. If you are near the Museum Quarter, look for cafes on the side streets rather than in front of the museums.
14:00 Boat or bike
In the afternoon, choose between water and wheels.
A canal cruise
A one-hour canal cruise gives a relaxed overview. Many boats offer audio guides. Pick a small, quieter boat if you can.
A bike ride
Renting a bike lets you move like a local, but central Amsterdam is busy and the rules are strict. If you are not confident, walk instead.
A walk through Vondelpark
The park is a green spot close to the museums. It is a pleasant place for a stroll.
16:00 Jordaan
Wander the Jordaan, one of the loveliest neighbourhoods. Look into small shops, browse the hofjes (courtyard gardens), and have a coffee and a piece of apple pie at a brown cafe. The Westerkerk tower is a landmark.
18:00 Dinner
Amsterdam has food from all over the world. Indonesian rijsttafel is a local favourite, and many cafes serve Dutch comfort food such as stamppot. Reserve ahead if you want a particular restaurant on a weekend.
20:00 Evening walk
The canals are beautiful at night, when the bridges are lit. Walk along the Amstel and cross the Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug), which is lit with lights after dark. You can end with a drink in a brown cafe or a quiet bar.
Getting around
Walking and trams cover everything in this plan. A day ticket for trams, buses and metro is available from the transport operator, and contactless payment is accepted on many lines. Avoid taxis in the centre, which are slow and expensive.
If it rains
Amsterdam has plenty of indoor options. Swap the boat or bike for a second museum, such as the Stedelijk or the Rembrandt House, or spend more time in cafes. A canal cruise has a roof, so it works in light rain.
Money-saving tips
- Fill your bottle from the tap, since the water is safe.
- Eat lunch from a market rather than a restaurant.
- Skip the tourist traps around the station.
- Look for city passes only if you plan to visit several paid attractions.
Arriving and leaving
If you are coming in from Schiphol Airport, trains reach Centraal Station in around twenty minutes, which makes a long layover day trip realistic. Store your bags at the station lockers or your hotel to walk hands-free. Allow a buffer of a couple of hours before a flight, since train delays can happen.
Final thoughts
A day in Amsterdam is short but satisfying if you stay focused. Book your main sight, walk the canals, eat something Dutch and leave a little time for just sitting by the water. You will probably want to come back for longer.
Related reading: Things to Do in The Hague: Beyond the Government District.
