From Vondelpark to a canal cruise, Jordaan and the NEMO museum, discover the perfect itinerary for exploring Amsterdam in two days.
Amsterdam is an enchanting European capital, brimming with Nordic charm and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Given its small size, it can be easily explored on foot or by bicycle (the quintessential Dutch mode of transport), while offering an endless array of sights and activities for all tastes. Not only does it have world renowned museums, historic markets, well-kept parks and monuments, it’s also packed with cafes, restaurants and bars where you can rest between sightseeing.
A weekend is enough time to explore many of its main attractions, but it’ll require a bit of careful planning. That’s why we’re sharing with you our two-day Amsterdam itinerary. It’s ideal for a first visit and can be done almost entirely on foot. If you’re traveling with children or don’t want to walk too much, the public transport network is very efficient and will get you close to every attraction.
Read on to find out more and save the two maps below to make sure you don’t miss a single stop.
Itinerary in Amsterdam: Day 1
9.00am: Stroll through Vondelpark
Estimated visit time: 1 hour
Tram stop: Cornelis Schuytstraat (about 7 minutes on foot)
Start the day in Amsterdam’s most famous park enjoying the morning tranquility. Vondelpark is a relaxing urban oasis, covering about 50 hectares. Home to numerous ponds, swans, statues, and well-kept trees, it was named after the Dutch poet Joost van den Vondel. Head to the rose garden to admire some rare specimens of this beautiful flower, and to the Vondelpark Pavilion, in neo-Renaissance style, where you can take a break and snap some photos.
10.30am: Visit a museum at Museumplein
Estimated visit time: 2 uur
Tram stop: Museumplein (about 4 minutes on foot)
Museumplein has enough prestigious museums to make your head spin! The most famous include the Van Gogh Museum, which has the largest collection of works by the Dutch artist, and the immense Rijksmuseum, which is housed in a wonderful 19th-century building and is dedicated to Dutch Golden Age painting. The former arguably is more popular with wider appeal; make sure to book it in advance. The latter is a bit more demanding but undoubtedly worth a visit.
Alternatives: If you have a soft spot for contemporary art and street art, divert your attention to the MoCo Museum. Housed in a delightful historic villa, it has an extensive permanent collection dedicated to Banksy, along with thought-provoking temporary exhibitions. Finally, if you can’t choose between classic and contemporary, the Stedelijk Museum is for you, with its collection of modern art ranging from Chagall to Lichtenstein.
12.30pm: Lunch in the De Pijp district
Tram stop: De Pijp
Continue walking for about fifteen minutes (or take the tram) to the multi-ethnic district of De Pijp. Here, you’ll be tempted by the high concentration of bars, bistros, and restaurants with cuisine from all over the world. Below is a list of our favorites:
- Café Caron: A French bistro by a famous Dutch chef, with refined dishes and a well-kept environment, it earned a mention in the Michelin guide. Open for lunch only on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Brut de Mer: Oysters and fish from the province of Zeeland, served in a cozy environment and accompanied by an excellent wine list. Open for lunch from Thursday to Sunday.
- De Wasserette: A much cheaper (and faster) but equally gezellig option. The place offers delicious open sandwiches, tasty salads and soups. Always open for lunch.
Leave some room, because the culinary adventure isn’t over yet!
2.00pm: Explore the Albert Cuyp Market
Estimated visit time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Tram stop: De Pijp (about 5 minutes on foot)
This famous market is frequented by both locals and tourists and sells literally everything. The multi-ethnic atmosphere of the district is also felt here, with fruits, produce and items from all over the world. You’ll also find many stands selling typical Dutch snacks, including herring sandwiches, fries, or delicious sweets. The market is closed on Sundays.
3.30pm: Take some photos at the Bloemenmarkt
Estimated visit time: 1 hour
Tram stop: Rembrandtplein (about 4 minutes on foot)
The Bloemenmarkt (historic flower market of Amsterdam) is perhaps one of the city’s most touristy attractions. But it’s worth a visit to browse through the endless tulip bulbs for sale, take some photos of the floating stands, and be captivated by the colorful flowers.
After visiting the market, which closes at 5.30pm, you can continue walking along the canal, making time to snack at a kiosk with poffertjes or oliebollen. Or why not stop for an early dinner, in full Dutch style.
7.00pm: Take a canal cruise in Amsterdam
Starting point: The Starboard Dock
Estimated navigation time: 1 hour
Tram stop: Waterlooplein (about 3 minutes on foot)
No experience in Amsterdam is complete without a boat ride on its beautiful canals. And in the evening when the city is lit up, the experience is truly magical. Our advice is to purchase a TUI Collection canal cruise to enjoy a truly exclusive experience at a great price. The activity can also be done in winter, but make sure to dress warmly and bring gloves and a hat.
Itinerary in Amsterdam: Day 2
9.00am: Stroll through the Jordaan district
Estimated visit time: 2 hours
Tram stop: Westermarkt (about 5 minutes on foot)
Begin your second day in one of Amsterdam’s most famous and authentic districts: Jordaan. The narrow streets, characteristic shops, Prinsengracht and Singelgracht canals, and picturesque facades make this an iconic district. Our advice is to walk around for a few hours, take some nice photos, and have breakfast in one of the lovely cafes. Also, stop by the Westerkerk, where Rembrandt is buried.
11.00am: Visit the Anne Frank House
Estimated visit time: 1 hour
Tram stop: Westermarkt (about 3 minutes on foot)
In Jordaan you’ll find one of the city’s most famous sites: the Anne Frank House. This museum is built around the secret annex where Anne Frank hid with her family and wrote her famous diary. During the visit, you can learn about the Frank family’s history through photos, videos, and sections of Anne’s original diary.
The museum is very popular, so it’s necessary to book tickets six weeks in advance. If you can’t get a ticket, you can always join a walking tour of the places that tell the tragic story of Anne Frank and the Holocaust.
Lunch in Jordaan
Stay in Jordaan for lunch and try one of the many cafes, bars, and restaurants in the district. Here are some of our favorites:
- The typical Café ‘t Smalle of Amsterdam, a delightful brown cafe with a canal-view terrace.
- De Oude Wester, for a quick bite in full Dutch style.
- Kessens on Rozengracht for its rich and tasty menu.
Are you in Jordaan on a Saturday or Monday? Then don’t miss the Noordermarkt, one of the oldest and most famous markets in Amsterdam.
1.30pm: Continue to Dam Square
Estimated time: 1 hour
With a full and satisfied stomach, it’s time to continue walking. And there’s nothing better than exploring the city on foot. Cross Grachtengordel-West to reach the center. The first point of interest you’ll encounter is Dam Square. This historic square is a must and where you’ll find the National Monument and the Royal Palace dating back to the Golden Age. Then continue to the Oude Kerk (Old Church) of Amsterdam: the oldest building in the city.
Along the way, you’ll also pass Bijenkorf, a famous department store, perfect for shopping or having a drink.
3pm: Visit NEMO, the Science Museum of Amsterdam
Estimated visit time: 2 hours
Bus stop: Kadijksplein (about 5 minutes on foot)
The final destination of the walk is the Science Museum of Amsterdam, NEMO, an interactive wonderland, fun for both children and adults. Explore the exhibits dedicated to science and technology, housed in a truly special building. If you’re traveling with children, a visit to this museum is a must.
Alternatively, you can visit the Maritime Museum, just a short walk away. Be sure to check out the scenic replica of the VOC ship, a sight worth seeing even just from the outside.
Try the beers at Oedipus Brewery
Bus stop: Hamerstraat (about 3 minutes on foot)
End the day by heading to Amsterdam-Noord. At Oedipus Brewery, you can taste special beers, both on tap and in bottles, in a truly cozy industrial environment. Tasty dishes and snacks are also available. The staff will be happy to help you choose the perfect beer. It’s the ideal place to relax after an intense day of sightseeing.
Where to stay in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is very popular with tourists and offers accommodation for all budgets. From hostels to Airbnbs to luxury hotels, you just need to choose a neighborhood and then start browsing through the countless options.
But which is the best neighborhood to stay in Amsterdam? Here are some of our recommendations:
- Jordaan: An elegant and authentic neighborhood, a stone’s throw from the city’s main attractions, Jordaan is an attraction in itself. Packed with markets and beautiful architecture, it’s ideal for first-time visitors who want a complete experience.
- De Pijp: The quintessential multi-ethnic area. Less central than Jordaan but still in a great location, close to Museumplein. Perfect for young couples and groups of friends.
- Amsterdam-Oost: A relaxed and mainly residential area. A bit further from the city center, which remains easily accessible by public transport. The area is ideal for those on a budget and those traveling with children.
- Amsterdam-Noord: A relaxed and mainly residential area. A bit further from the city center, which remains easily accessible by public transport. The area is ideal for those on a budget and those traveling with children.
