Amsterdam 2 Day Itinerary

48 Hours in Amsterdam: A Tourist’s Guide

This itinerary focuses on classic Amsterdam experiences with a touch of local flavor.

Day 1: Canals, Culture & Cafés

  • Morning: Start your day with a canal cruise. This is the best way to get your bearings and see the iconic canal houses from a unique perspective. Many cruises offer different routes and themes, so choose one that fits your interests (e.g., history tour, cheese and wine tasting cruise).

    • Tip: Book your cruise in advance to secure a spot and potentially save money.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a casual lunch at Albert Cuyp Market, the largest and most vibrant market in Amsterdam. Grab some fresh herring from a stall for a truly Dutch experience, or try a classic “broodje haring” (herring sandwich) from a nearby café.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Rijksmuseum. Home to masterpieces like Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid”, this museum offers a journey through Dutch history and art.

    • Tip: Download the Rijksmuseum app for audio guides and interactive maps to enhance your experience.

  • Evening: Indulge in a traditional Dutch dinner at Moeders, known for its heartwarming atmosphere and dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) and “bitterballen” (deep-fried meat balls).

    • Alternative: Enjoy a picnic by the canals with cheese, bread, and fruit from a local market.

  • Other things to do:

    • Morning: Explore the charming Jordaan district - wander through its narrow streets, visit the Anne Frank House (book tickets in advance!), or take a stroll through Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest and most popular park.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Heineken Experience for a fun look at how Heineken beer is made, or delve into the world of Dutch masters at the Van Gogh Museum.

  • Day 1 Alternative: Indulge in a delicious meal from a “broodjezaak” (sandwich shop) near the canals. Enjoy the atmosphere of a local café, try a traditional Dutch snack like “stroopwafels” (syrup waffles), and soak in the city’s charm.

  • Cycling Adventure: Rent a bike and experience Amsterdam like a true resident! Explore the city’s canals and cobbled streets, discover hidden parks, and visit local attractions like the Jordaan Market for fresh produce or a “broodje kaas” (cheese sandwich) for a taste of local life.

Day 2: Exploring Amsterdam’s Treasures

  • Morning: Visit the Rijksmuseum Gardens.

    • Tip: Pack some snacks and enjoy a leisurely morning picnic amongst the flowers.

  • Afternoon: Dive into the world of art at the Stedelijk Museum, which houses modern and contemporary art. For a more immersive experience, visit the Moco Museum instead for its focus on street art and pop culture.

  • Explore Dutch History: Spend the morning cycling through the streets and enjoy the scenery.

    • For the afternoon: Stroll along the Amsterdam canals, admire the beautiful canal houses, and maybe even stop for a “bicycle tour” of the city’s history.

Alternative Activities:

  • Day 2:

Explore the vibrant Albert Cuyp Market in the morning for local souvenirs and unique souvenirs.

Other things to do:

  • Afternoon: Visit the Heineken Experience

    • For a more authentic experience:

  • Visit the Van Gogh Museum: Explore the world of one of Amsterdam’s most famous artists, Vincent van Gogh. The museum has a wide variety of his works and insights into his life.

  • Wander through Amsterdam’s picturesque canal houses, each with its own unique charm and history.

  • Enjoy a bike ride in the countryside.

Day 1: A Taste of History and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Anne Frank House. Explore the museum and reflect on the historical significance of this site and the story it tells.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Dutch experience:

    • Option A:
      • Take a canal cruise to see Amsterdam’s iconic canals from a different perspective.
    • Option B: Visit the Rijksmuseum to see masterpieces by Dutch Masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh (if you are so inclined to visit a third museum).

  • Explore the Anne Frank House: Immerse yourself in the story of Anne Frank and her family during World War II.

  • Alternative: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Jordaan district, browsing its boutiques for unique souvenirs or stopping by one of the many cafés for a coffee and “stroopwafel” (a Dutch treat with caramel filling) and soak up the local culture.

Things to know:

  • Amsterdam is a very bike-friendly city: Rent a bike and experience the canals from a different perspective.
  • The city is known for its canals: A canal cruise is a great way to see them, and you can even choose one with a focus on Amsterdam’s history.
  • English is widely spoken in Amsterdam:

You shouldn’t have too much trouble getting by with English.

Tips:

  • Book your tickets online in advance for the Rijksmuseum: You don’t want to miss out on seeing the masterpieces!

  • Consider a canal cruise: It’s a fun and relaxing way to see the city from the water.

  • Explore the city beyond the canals:

Amsterdam has many other treasures to discover, like the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum (for those who want to explore more of Amsterdam’s art scene)

Other things to know:

  • Amsterdam is a very walkable city, but you’ll see even more by bike: It’s a cheap and easy way to get around.

  • Rent a bike from the “Jordaan Bike Shop”: They have a variety of bikes for rent, including electric ones for easier cruising.

  • Enjoy a picnic with local Dutch cheeses and snacks: A classic Amsterdam experience!

  • Check out the “Foodhallen”, a covered market hall, for a variety of international food options.

  • Explore the “Nine Streets” (Negen Straatjes) neighborhood for its unique boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafés.

  • Enjoy a canal cruise: Many are available for tourists to enjoy the scenery and learn about Amsterdam’s history.

  • Learn about the canals: These waterways are a defining feature of Amsterdam, and there’s plenty of information available online and at local museums about their role in the city’s development.

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the “Jordaan” district: This charming neighborhood is known for its historic houses, canals, and markets.

Day 2: Exploring the City by Bike

  • Discover a new side to Amsterdam: Explore a local market like the “Albert Cuyp Market” or the “Foodhallen”

  • Enjoy a picnic: Pack some fresh food from the “Jordaan Market”

  • Explore a museum: Enjoy the unique experiences of exploring history and culture through art. Consider the Moco Museum for modern and contemporary art, or the Heineken Experience for a fun look at how beer is made

  • Enjoy the nightlife: Amsterdam has a thriving nightlife scene with many bars and clubs offering live music, dancing, and late-night snacks.

  • Visit the “Anne Frank” museum (book in advance)

Enjoy a canal cruise: Enjoy the “canal houses” and their unique architecture.

  • Visit the canals of Amsterdam: Take a “bicycle tour” to explore the city’s waterways from a different perspective.

  • Enjoy a “canal boat tour”: These tours are a great way to see the city by water.

Enjoy a museum:

  • Enjoy a unique canal cruise experience.
  • Explore the “Jordaan district” for its charming streets and canals.

Things to know about Amsterdam:

  • The Anne Frank House is a popular attraction, so it’s crucial to book your tickets in advance online. This will help you avoid long queues and ensure your entry.

  • Get a bike and explore: The best way to experience the city.

  • Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the “canal cruises”

Enjoy a canal cruise:

  • Rent a bike and enjoy a “canal boat tour” (a popular option for tourists)
  • Learn about the canals:

The canals are an integral part of Amsterdam’s history and charm.

  • Consider a “bike tour”:

You can see many different types of boats along the canals, including canal cruises.

  • Other things to keep in mind:

    • Transportation: The best way to experience the city is by bike. Cycling is a great way to explore and see Amsterdam’s history.

  • Cycling Culture: Amsterdam is known for its cycling culture.

The “Anne Frank House” is a museum dedicated to the life of Anne Frank, the young Jewish girl who wrote her famous diary while hiding from the Nazis during World War II.

Enjoy the “canal experience”:

  • It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about the history of the canals.

  • Enjoy a “canal cruise” and enjoy the city of Amsterdam by boat.

  • Consider visiting the “Museumplein” area for a variety of museums, including the Anne Frank House.

  • Enjoy the “museum”:

The “Anne Frank House” is a popular attraction for tourists and locals.

Enjoy a fun “canal house” experience:

  • Explore the “Foodhallen”:

The “Foodhallen” are a great way to see the history of Amsterdam.

  • Consider exploring other areas:

Amsterdam has a lot to offer besides the “Anne Frank House”, like the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum.

  • Enjoy the canals:

Learn about the canal cruises: These tours are popular in Amsterdam and are a great way to learn about the city’s history.

  • Consider a “bicycle” tour:

A “bicycle cruise” is a fun and unique way to see the historical sights of Amsterdam.

  • Enjoy the canals by boat:

You can experience the beauty of the canals on a “canal tour” with a bike ride through the city.

  • Explore the history of Amsterdam:

The “Foodhallen” is a great place to enjoy local food and drinks.

  • Visit the Anne Frank House:

Enjoy a “bicycle tour” of the city and explore the hidden alleys and canals.

Other things to know:

  • Canal Cruise Options: Amsterdam offers a variety of canal cruises, each with its own theme and focus.

  • Food & Drink:

The “Haringfabriek” (herring factory) is a great place to start learning about the history of the Amsterdam’s staple: herring.

  • Consider a visit to the “Anne Frank House”:

This museum, located in the heart of the city, offers unique insights into the lives of ordinary people during a difficult time.

Enjoy the “canal” tours:

They offer a range of cruises for all tastes.

The “Rijksmuseum” is a great place to experience Amsterdam’s art and history. *

These are just a few suggestions, but I recommend choosing one based on your interests.

  • Enjoy the “Herengracht” canal cruise:

Consider taking a day trip to another city like Haarlem or Utrecht.

For a fun and unique experience, consider exploring Amsterdam’s canals by boat, perhaps a scenic tour or a romantic canal dinner.

Remember: Booking tickets in advance is essential for a popular attraction like the “Anne Frank House” as they are limited.