Amsterdam is one of the best cities in the world. If I could, I'd spend months, not days there. However, time can be limited and constraining. I've been lucky enough to go to Amsterdam half a dozen times from the USA, so I'm going to give you a 2-day itinerary in Amsterdam that you can't refuse.
The good news with limited time in Amsterdam is that the city is small and highly functional. If I could, I'd move to Amsterdam in a heartbeat.
The city is set up perfectly for the locals and there's plenty to do while you're there.
Imagine the best of all worlds, including incredible art, museums, boat trips, cycling, parks, Heineken beer, amazing souvenirs and underrated food?
Yeah, I can go for that.
There are so many things to do in Amsterdam. It doesn't matter who you're travelling with.
You can go the family route with museums and good food or explore bars and parks with friends.
As someone who hates cars, Amsterdam is a great city for me.
No more love fest in Amsterdam.
I'm here to help you see it all in 48 hours.
Things to consider for your trip to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the official capital of the Netherlands. The city is known for its artistic heritage, picturesque canal system, incredible architecture and canal houses with gable facades.
Amsterdam is known for being one of the best preserved cities in the whole of Europe and has many traces of the 17th century Golden Age, which is why the whole city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Amsterdam has an eclectic museum district that is home to the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Moco Museum, the STRAAT Museum and an epic park system.
Cycling is the favoured method of getting around to add to the city's character and charm. There are many things that Amsterdam is famous for, such as the Anne Frank House and the Royal Palace.
As I was saying, Amsterdam is a very liveable and very functional city. You should be able to conquer the main attractions by spending 2 days in Amsterdam.
The only problem is that you'll probably want to come back for more. To assist with this, ensuring a comfortable stay is crucial. A plethora of options can be found if you are seeking accommodation in the city at https://www.hotels-in-netherlands.com/en/amsterdam-hotels-18051/
Map for visiting Amsterdam
If you're flying into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, make sure you take a look at the exit doors to take a photo with the iconic landmark, the I Amsterdam sign.
This sign was formerly in front of the Rijksmuseum and is now a welcome sign for visitors to the city of Amsterdam, just outside Schiphol Airport.
Below is a map of Amsterdam to give you an idea of the city and its layout. Think of the city centre as U-shaped due to Amsterdam's canals. In the upper middle of the U canal ring is Amsterdam Central Station (or Central Station).
It's a great drop-off point if you're arriving in Amsterdam by train. I love being dropped off here, as it's the best way to get into the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam.
From Amsterdam Central Station, you can walk to most of the important areas of Amsterdam Centruum (or Amsterdam city centre).
The canal rings extend in a U-shape and spread around the city. If you like square streets and simple lettering, Amsterdam is not for you.
Each side of the canal streets is one-way, so you want to walk/cycle on the appropriate side of the street.
I hope this Google Map sets the scene for your experience when visiting Amsterdam.
First, let's break down the Amsterdam itinerary day by day. We'll detail the city's various neighbourhoods to help you figure out where you should stay.
Where to stay in Amsterdam
Another reason I love Amsterdam so much is because of the wide variety of boutique and luxury hotel options.
I used my travel hacking skills to stay at the Pulitzer Hotel. It was one of the trips of a lifetime. I can't wait to go back.
Here are some areas I recommend you stay in for an incredible experience:
Jordaan neighbourhood
Jordaan is a stretch of area in the city centre famous for lively cafés, boutiques and beautiful houses.
The term jordan comes from the French word jardian meaning garden. A sightseeing tour of approximately 1 hour offers a perfect way to discover a large part of the city.
Just outside the Jordaan district is the Anne Frank House, Amsterdam's largest museum of arts and sciences, the largest museum dedicated to the history of art and science in the centre of Amsterdam.
Neighbourhood vibes, great restaurants and picturesque (there are many hidden gems of Amsterdam in this neighbourhood).
If you like what you hear, here are some hotels near and around this area:
The Hoxton In an excellent location and with reasonably priced rooms. You can relax in the trendy restaurant and excellent bar after a full day of exploring.
Pulitzer Hotel The Pulitzer was an iconic experience that I will definitely need to experience again.
If you want to make the most of your two days in Amsterdam, book a better hotel. Amsterdam is full of excellent boutique and luxury hotels.
Vondelpark
Vondelpark is Amsterdam's largest urban park, just 6 kilometres from the Van Gogh museum. This park was opened in 1865 under its original name of New Park or Nieuwe Park. There is an open-air theatre and several cafés, including the amazing T Blauwe Teehuis.
June to September is a popular time to visit the Vondelpark for concerts and theatre shows. The city park is named after the 17th century actor and poet Joost van den Vondel.
It attracts millions of tourists a year and is just 6 minutes from the Vincent Van Gogh Museum and Museumplein (or Museum Quarter). This area is good for a quieter, cosier and more relaxing trip in Amsterdam.
If you like the sounds of all of the above, check out these top hotel options in the Vondelpark area:
The Dylan The Dylan is another well-known luxury hotel with incredible restaurants and a unique, modern atmosphere.
Pillows Amsterdam, Vondel I stayed here in August a few years ago. It was an incredible experience and definitely worth coming back for. It's next to the Vondelpark, so if you want to get to know Amsterdam in a quiet and relaxing environment. Pillows Amsterdam is your place.
Conservatorium One of the world's most legendary luxury hotels. The hotel has a combination of class, comfort, history and style in one.
De Pijp
The De Pijp neighbourhood is located in Amsterdam, Holland. For the past two decades, the area has been one of the city's main entertainment and nightlife spots.
The De Pijp neighbourhood was built on a previously poor and highly polluted site. It's a vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood with a huge variety of cafés, shops, restaurants and galleries.
Amazing markets, close to everything and you won't have to deal with swarming tourists.
If you like the sounds of all of the above, check out these top hotel options in the De Pijp area:
The CitizenM Extremely close to many things and has a modern, well-decorated ambience.
Pestana Amsterdam Prinsen Hotel & Lounge The luxurious Pestana is a hotel with excellent rooms and incredible service.
Amsterdam Centruum / Amsterdam Centre
Named for the Dutch word meaning centre, Amsterdam Centrum (AKA Central Amsterdam) is one of Amsterdam's most popular tourist attractions.
Home to the headquarters of the 2 largest railway stations in the Netherlands, it is easily accessible by public transport.
It has 2 main shopping streets called Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk, 2 large department stores (Kalverstraat) and 2 other smaller fashion retail areas (Nieuwendijk).
If you're visiting Amsterdam Centrum, don't miss the Royal Palace on Dam Square which houses 3 museums: Museum van Loon, National Museum and Topography of Terror.
This is right in the middle of the tourist centre and usually full of people. It's a central area being right in the city centre, but you'll be full of people.
There are also 2 churches worth exploring nearby: Oude Kerk and Westerkerk.
Oude Kerk is the oldest building in Amsterdam, founded in 1306. The beautiful exterior of this Gothic church has 2 dark towers that can be seen from kilometres away.
Westerkerk was designed by Hendrik de Keyser, who designed 10,000 buildings during his time in Amsterdam, including the Dutch parts of the Rijksmuseum. It has two incredible towers that are worth exploring.
If you think this sounds like a good idea, here are some of the top hotel options near Amsterdam Centrum:
Sofitel Grand Amsterdam One of my all-time favourite luxury hotels in Amsterdam, full of modern art and design. This is one of the best luxury hotels in Amsterdam that won't completely destroy your budget either.
Radisson Blu This hotel has all the modern amenities, including 2 restaurants with panoramic views of Dam Square and the Red Light District. It's definitely a great choice for any traveller looking for luxury and comfort!
De Wallen (Red Light District)
De Wallen is Amsterdam's Red Light District. The area has a radius of 2 blocks and offers many cafés, restaurants, art galleries, cosy hotels, boutiques, etc.
There are also plenty of opportunities to take walks around the Red Light District.
Generally not for me. If your Amsterdam itinerary is all about nightlife and partying, you'll want to stay in De Wallen.
This is one of the most popular areas in Amsterdam for people who like to party. If you fancy buying some designer jewellery at Van Baerle, having a drink on the canal at Cafe Touissant or snacking on delicious stroopwafels, then this is the place for you!
Here are some options for staying near De Wallen to make the most of your stay.
Artotel Amsterdam Centre The Residence in Blois is a traditional hotel in the centre of Amsterdam with two restaurants, bars, spas and a rooftop terrace. You'll also be close to Dam Square and centrally located.
Radisson Blu This hotel has all the modern conveniences, including 2 restaurants with panoramic views of Dam Square and the Red Light District. It's definitely a great choice for any traveller looking for luxury and comfort!
See Related: Best party cities in Europe
Plan your trip: 2-day itinerary in Amsterdam
You can find a wide variety of ways to get to Amsterdam from the Netherlands. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is located 9 kilometres south-west of Amsterdam.
It takes a good 20 minutes to reach the city centre from Amsterdam Airport.
The train is the fastest means of transport and costs around 5.40 euros per journey. You can also hire taxis from the airport to get to the city centre, where you can explore most of the attractions.
We highly recommend staying in the city centre for your two days in Amsterdam. For sightseeing, use the I Amsterdam City Card for free entry to over 44 museums, free public transport rides and discounts.
Let's get into my Amsterdam itinerary and how you should approach each day. For Amsterdam, I like to divide my days into buckets.
Amsterdam Itinerary Day 1: Museums, Neighbourhoods and Nightlife
On your first day, enjoy the city from a tourist perspective and visit the museums. Usually, on your first day in a city, you're excited to see the landmarks.
So take the day to visit all the city's museums and iconic landmarks. Then venture into the neighbourhoods for good food and fun at night.
Start your morning with the Anne Frank House.
Visit the Anne Frank Museum
It's a must on your Amsterdam itinerary. I'm not just saying that because everyone does it.
The Anne Frank Museum is the third most visited museum in Amsterdam, after the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.
You can be moved and inspired by the story of Anne Frank and how she coped with so much tragedy and despair.
It's truly a humbling and inspiring experience all in one.
You can visit the Anne Frank House to see the original version of Anne Frank's diary and notebook, historical documents, photographs and film clips. The family's secret hiding place is the most affecting aspect of the house.
You need to buy your tickets in advance because the Anne Frank House is obviously very compact.
They simply can't accommodate too many visitors in one day. You can buy your tickets for the Anne Frank House by visiting their website or on GetYourGuide.
Queues can get very long, given the importance of a museum.
Then head down to the Museumplein to see the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is one of Amsterdam's main attractions and is the most visited museum in Amsterdam.
You'll find 2 floors displaying the world's largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh's paintings, drawings and sketches in the permanent collection. But there are also 2 temporary exhibition spaces so there's always something new to see.
The museum itself is modern and very inviting. It has a great café that serves food until 2pm (a rarity in Amsterdam). And it has large windows that provide natural light.
The 2nd floor of the museum also hosts occasional concerts by pianists - a marvellous opportunity to enjoy an evening performance in this beautiful space!
Be sure to check out Vincent van Goghs' paintings such as The Potato Eaters or Sunflowers. These are some of his most famous works and you can't miss them in the museum.
Like the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum can get very busy.
It's a smaller museum and can get extremely busy in the afternoon, so head there straight after the Anne Frank House, but it's an absolute must-have on your Amsterdam itinerary.
Buy your tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is much bigger than the Van Gogh Museum, so even if it's full, you might not notice.
There's a tonne of things to see at the Rijks. It's a complete national museum, so it's similar to other iconic museums out there.
They have exhibitions and rooms to see, as well as classical art.
Buy tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Moco Museum
If you have enough energy after filling your day with museums, consider the Moco Museum.
I went there during the Banksy exhibition and it was amazing. It's a small museum that you can conquer in less than an hour. Moco stands for Modern Contemporary.
By now, you've already taken the money from your I Amsterdam city card.
Make your way to De Pijp
As I mentioned with some of the neighbourhoods to visit, you should try to go to De Pijp after the museums, as you can find some great markets and excellent food.
In De Pijp, you can check out the Albert Cuyp Market. It's a busy market with lots to see and do. You can pick up a souvenir or some good street food along the way.
Check out this photo of the Albert Cuyp Market during a peak afternoon. This was just after we arrived at some museums. If you want to stay efficient with your time, use one of these Amsterdam tours to see more for less.
Right after your stopover at the Albert Cuyp Market, you can continue your museum expeditions by heading to the Heineken Experience. I've never actually been, but I've walked past it. The Heineken Experience is like a museum, so I heard
It really wasn't on my to-do list. I prefer to drink Heinekens in a Dutch café (if you know what I mean).
Visit Spui Square and Begijnhof
From there, venture to the Begijnhof Chapel, which will feature iconic photos and old-world charm.
You'll hardly know you're in the middle of the city centre. There are a tonne of great Dutch cafés for you to sit and people-watch in the square.
After seeing the Begijnhof Chapel, head to Spui for a happy hour drink to make the most of your time.
From there, you can head a little north, about 1 block, to find two iconic Dutch restaurants for classic Dutch dishes, Haesje Claes Restaurant and dVijff Vlieghen.
Both restaurants are housed in 1600 Dutch houses and offer excellent traditional Dutch food.
See Related: GetYourGuide vs Viator
Day 2 of the Amsterdam itinerary: cycling, food and history
Compare your first day of sightseeing with a little more local flavour for when you visit Amsterdam.
The second part of your 2-day Amsterdam itinerary will include several different modes of transport, including using a bike to explore the city and taking a canal cruise to see the city from a new perspective.
Hire a bike to start your day
If you have such a short visit to Amsterdam, you'll need efficient transport. And it doesn't get more efficient than cycling in Amsterdam.
Start your day by finding an all-day hire bike and grabbing some wheels to ride around the city.
Once you've picked up your bike, you can zoom around the city with extreme ease. I've created an amazing personal bike tour for you to go on. It will only last 45 minutes over the course of the day, but you'll make stops along the way.
In the bike route above that I've created on Google Maps, you should start somewhere around the Royal Palace or Dam Square, just as a centre point in the middle of Amsterdam.
From there, here are your routes to get a good mix of everything:
Grab some delicious food at The Hallen
Your first location should be straight to Foodhallen, where you can indulge in many incredible food options.
Foodhallen is a food market with a variety of different foods, from traditional Dutch to international.
There is a 2nd area called Kanarie Club which has much more space and your food will come out much faster.
They have a tonne of options so you can try as much as possible if it didn't suit your taste buds the first time.
I particularly like De Ballen Bar, which has a variety of bitterballen (a Dutch speciality you should try). There are a tonne of food stalls with great options for everyone.
So, after lunch and refuelling.
Vondelpark cycle tour
Head to the Vondelpark. Vondelpark is a large park with ponds and architecture.
It's a great way to ride your bike around and watch all the people enjoying themselves.
Check out what it's like to cycle in Vondelpark on This Web's YouTube channel.
Cycling in the Vondelpark | Cycling in Amsterdam's best park [4K] Watch this video on YouTube .
Consider parking your bike and walking through the Vondelpark to enjoy the scenery. Fantastic parks are everywhere in Amsterdam.
If you can't make it to the Vondelpark, consider going to Westerpark or Rembrandtpark.
Regardless, at least one of these parks is a must-see on your 2-day Amsterdam itinerary.
Rembrandt House Museum
Next, head to the Rembrandt House Museum and Rembrandtplein if you fancy a beer, coffee or snack.
If you get an I Amsterdam card, make sure your card is valid and eligible.
You'll get to see Rembrandt's old house, but on the way you'll see a tonne of other impressive landmarks, such as Leidseplein (a fun square with restaurants) and potentially Magere Brug (a little further east, which is a historic bridge).
Depending on where you end up staying, you can easily head to the Bloemenmarkt to see the floating flower market.
Bloemenmarkt or Flower Market, the only floating flower market in the Netherlands.
The Bloemenmarkt is the only floating flower market in the world. It is situated on the Singel Canal between Koningsplein and Muntingplein.
The flower stalls have been part of the houseboat since 1862. The market is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 11.30am to 5pm. The flower market is free to visit all year round.
From there, head towards De Gooyer if you fancy a combination of a classic Dutch windmill and great beer.
It's home to Brouwerij t IJ, an amazing local craft brewery.
So, another stop for a beer to sit and look at the old classic Dutch windmill.
Alternatively, we recommend taking a guided tour of Amsterdam's canals on a cruise.
Explore Amsterdam on a canal cruise
I have this tradition of always taking a canal cruise on my last day in Amsterdam. It's a great way to end a trip to Amsterdam.
If you only have a few days in Amsterdam, you won't see everything and you certainly won't see all of Amsterdam's canals. One of the most efficient ways to get around Amsterdam is by boat, of course.
On a canal cruise, you can choose to have a more romantic experience, a party experience or even a history and culture experience. Amsterdam offers all kinds of canal cruises so you can be sure to find the one that suits you best.
There's something about exploring Amsterdam by boat that's unlike anything else in the world.
Amsterdam city tour by night
Finally, head to De Oude Kerk (meaning the Old Church). It's one of the oldest churches in Amsterdam.
It's in the heart of Amsterdam's old town, so there's plenty to see on your journey there. When you've finished your journey, you'll have plenty of things to explore in the old town, including the brightly lit Dam Square.
On the history side of things, you should see a bit of the Centruum. I like to go at night when the lights are bright and there's lots of action.
You'll save time (and money) to ensure you have a successful trip.
Check out our favourite list of the best Amsterdam tours to try.
See Related: 10 things to do in Amsterdam in December
Final thoughts: Are 2 days in Amsterdam enough?
Are you ready for Amsterdam? You should be jealous that I won't be able to join you
2 days in Amsterdam should be enough to see the major tourist attractions and the main city centre districts. However, if you really want to learn about museums to discover more about the parks and other attractions, you may need a day or two.
Whatever it is, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours or even 1 month. A visit to Amsterdam is better than not being in Amsterdam at all!
This iconic European capital is a great place that I believe everyone needs to visit at least once in their life. Who knows? Maybe I'll live there one day.
What are you doing on your 2-day itinerary in Amsterdam?
Again, if you have any questions about where to go and what to see, feel free to contact me directly. I'm here to help.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is 2 days enough in Amsterdam?
This is a great question, for me Amsterdam is not enough in 2 days because there are so many hidden gems that are worth exploring. However, if you want to see all the main tourist attractions, you can see everything, you just have to build an efficient itinerary for your trip.
How many days do you need in Amsterdam?
Whether it's 2 days visiting iconic Dutch landmarks located directly in Amsterdam or spending 2 weeks experiencing Amsterdam's fascinating Dutch history, culture and diversity. There are plenty of times and ways to enjoy what Amsterdam has to offer. The most important consideration is how deep you want to go to discover this great city.
What is there to do in Amsterdam for 2 nights?
Amsterdam is an excellent destination for 2 days as it is compact and easy to get around, with many destinations within easy reach.
Start by walking or cycling along the Jordaan district to see the famous canal houses, including Anne Frank's House, as well as the famous Nine Streets. Stroll across the bridges to see the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis), Stopera (Muziektheater) and the Amsterdam Central Station area, all on foot or by bike.
Then take another day to explore the famous museums such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk to marvel at the art. Then take a 2-hour boat trip along the canals or a 2-day bus tour along the canals and see the city from the water.
What are the best places to visit in Amsterdam in 2 days?
With so many places to see and things to do, a stay of just 2 days is insufficient. The Pancake Bakery should be visited for breakfast, followed by a tour of the Anne Frank House.
Then make sure you explore Amsterdam by visiting the many popular museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandthuis and the Stedelijk. Then you should see the national monument of Dam Square and the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis).
Finally, consider taking a guided tour or one of the many canal cruises to see the city from a different perspective.
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2 days is enough to see Amsterdam
2 days in Amsterdam is enough time to see the main highlights and central neighbourhoods. But if you really want to immerse yourself in the museums, explore more of the parks, etc., you'll need an extra day or two.
How many days are enough in Amsterdam
Three days in Amsterdam is more than enough time to see all the city's major sights, as well as get out of the city for a quick day trip.
What is the best time of year to go to Amsterdam?
The best time to visit Amsterdam is between April and May or September and November - just before or just after the high summer tourist season.
Everyone in Amsterdam speaks English
People in Amsterdam speak very good English. Between 90 and 93 per cent of people in the Netherlands can speak English. In one of the recent surveys comparing the English skills of almost 80 countries, the Netherlands came first. In Amsterdam, everyone can carry on a conversation in English effortlessly.
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