Amsterdam is the charming Dutch capital city known for its tulips, biking culture, and windmills (as well as its coffee shops that aren’t actually coffee shops… wink wink). If you have one day in Amsterdam, you’ll have enough time to go to some world-class museums, marvel at the city’s gingerbread houses, and enjoy some tasty food.
This 24-hour itinerary includes all the highlights and must-sees while in Amsterdam. Hopefully, you can use this as a complete guide to learn everything you need to know about visiting!
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How to spend one day in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Centraal Station
If you’re coming into Amsterdam via train either from the airport or a different city, you’ll arrive into Central Station. Over 250,000 people transit through the station every day!
This grand building, besides being a massive transportation hub, is a sight to see in and of itself. The exterior architecture is stunning and is worth a glimpse when you’re passing through.
You’ll find restaurants, shops, and plenty of tours departing from around the station.
Address: Stationsplein
Take a canal cruise
Taking a canal tour is by far one of the best ways to see the city. With over 100 km (62 mi) of canals and upwards of 1,500 bridges, you’ll definitely want to get on the water at some point!
Most cruises begin near the Rijksmuseum or Centraal Station. You can generally rock up and buy tickets on the day of, but booking in advance guarantees that you get the best deal (and the most perks).
This 90-minute cruise comes with cheese and wine, while this one is at night (meaning you get to see all the lights reflect off of the water). How lovely!
Anne Frank House
This house-turned-museum is the place where Anne Frank, the teenage diary writer, hid with her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. A walk through this museum is intensely emotional and should not be missed.
You need a ticket with a specific time slot to visit the museum. Tickets for the following month become available the first Tuesday of every month and can be bought through this link.
Address: Westermarkt 20
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands with exhibitions that showcase Dutch Golden Age art. You’ll find galleries with paintings from famous artists like Rembrandt van Rijn and Frans Hals. Besides paintings, you’ll also find exhibitions with photography, sculptures, and fine ceramics.
The Rijksmuseum is located on the Museumplein, a large scenic park with several famous museums.
You can buy your entrance tickets here for €21.
Address: Museumstraat 1
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Take a picture with the I amsterdam sign
The I amsterdam sign is a classic photo opportunity that was designed as a “symbol of inclusion” in 2004. It used to be located around the back of the Rijksmuseum (like in the photo below), but after criticism accused it of promoting mass tourism, the sign was moved to its new location at the Schiphol Airport.
Despite the original sign being so controversial, there are now three versions of the sign living in different parts of the city. The first is at the airport, the second is near Sloterplas Lake in West Amsterdam, and the third is at the Eye Film Museum.
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum at Museumplein houses the largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh paintings in the world. It chronicles the painter’s life and also includes works from other artists that he was inspired by.
You can buy regular tickets to the museum here or you can opt for a private guided tour. Tickets need to be booked online and same-day tickets usually aren’t available, so make sure to plan ahead!
Address: Museumplein 6
Try some traditional Dutch food
Eating a traditional meal is a great way to experience a new culture authentically. Amsterdam in particular is a great city for foodies because there is a varied mix of classic Dutch restaurants and modern fusion.
Here are some foods you have to try in Amsterdam:
- Bitterballen: Crispy meatballs
- Pannenkoeken: Flat and savory pancakes
- Stroopwafels: Caramel sandwiched between thin wafer cookies. Try softening your stroopwafel over a hot cup of coffee!
- Patat friet: French fries in a cone, usually topped with mayonnaise (or other mayonnaise-based sauces)
- Appeltaart: Apple pie
Wander through the Red Light District
Amsterdam’s Red Light District is notorious for being filled with brothels, sex shows, and shops selling a full range of lingerie and sex toys. You’ll pass by a lot of women standing behind glass windows, waiting for their next client. Despite all of this, the area isn’t as seedy or dangerous as it sounds! Prostitution in the Netherlands is legal and fully regulated.
Besides participating in sex tourism, other things to do in the Red Light District include visiting one of the several museums, seeing de Oude Kerk (the Old Church), and enjoying the nightlife at a bar or jazz club.
The Red Light District is located inside De Wallen, the medieval city center of Amsterdam. It’s an easy area to get to via public transportation or on foot.
Rent a bike
Cruising through the city on bike is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. The Netherlands has a strong cycling culture and Amsterdam in particular is very bike-friendly.
You can rent a bike for about €10 a day. There are multiple shops around the city; just check Google Maps for your closest one when you get there. If you’d prefer to take a bike tour, this small group tour goes around the historical center of the city.
Indulge at a coffeeshop
A coffeeshop (not to be confused with a cafe!) is any store that sells cannabis. Smartshops (or shroomshops), on the other hand, are where you can buy magic mushrooms and truffles.
For us Americans, it can be quite a shock to walk the streets and see signs advertising products that are illegal back home. The Dutch decriminalization policy openly tolerates all recreational use of drugs — the idea is that a drug-free country is unrealistic and unattainable. This way, more time is spent minimizing the harm caused by drug use instead of policing it.
Dam Square
Dam Square is a grand square in the city center that has been a popular gathering place for locals since the 17th century.
Around the square, you’ll find the Royal Palace, De Nieuwe Kerk (the New Church), and the National Monument. There are also heaps of shops, restaurants, and cafes to keep you occupied. Make sure you take a stroll down Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, a main road with lots of historic buildings.
If you have more time in Amsterdam
Cheese Museum
The Cheese Museum is less a museum and more a shop with free samples. (Yes, free cheese!) You can sample every one of their locally-made varieties, ranging from classics like gouda to more unique options like pesto and pine nut. Each type of cheese can be bought from the shop as well.
Next door, you’ll find the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, where you can find a quick history of tulip growing in the country. These two museums slash shops make a good combination to visit at once.
Address: Prinsengracht 112
Stedelijk Museum
The Stedelijk Museum is focused on contemporary art and design. It has exhibitions from a range of domestic and international artists. The whole vibe is very cool and it’s a great place to spend an afternoon.
You can get your skip-the-line ticket here for €20. (This is the same price as a regular ticket and lets you bypass the long lines!)
Address: Museumplein 10
Heineken Experience
The Heineken Experience is an interactive factory tour that showcases the history of beer making. Of course, it also comes with a beer tasting at the end!
The factory is located in De Pijp, Amsterdam’s Latin Quarter neighborhood. While in the area, you should also grab some food from one of the Middle Eastern eateries or stalls at Albert Cuyp Market.
You can buy your tickets to the Heineken Experience online through GetYourGuide.
Address: Stadhouderskade 78
A’DAM Tower
The A’DAM Tower is home to the A’DAM Lookout, an observation deck with amazing 360º views of the Venice of the North.
At the top, thrill seekers can try out the Over The Edge experience, which involves dangling 100 m (328 ft) above the ground on Europe’s highest swing. Another option is the Amsterdam VR ride, which is a virtual reality roller coaster through the city.
Address: Overhoeksplein 1
Best day trips from Amsterdam
Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is a neighborhood in the town of Zaandam. It’s known for its historic windmills and wooden houses from the 18th century. You can also check out the Zaans Museum, which offers traditional demonstrations on clog carving, chocolate making, and pewter casting.
To get to Zaanse Schans, you can either take the train (20 minutes and €10) or the bus (40 minutes and €4). There are also full-day tours that arrange transportation for you.
Keukenhof Gardens
The Keukenhof Gardens are the best place to visit if you want to frolic through fields of beautiful tulips. Every year from late March to early May, the gardens host the Amsterdam Tulip Festival, which showcases colorful fields of blooming flowers.
To get to Keukenhof, take the line 852 bus from Europaplein Station. Buying a ticket online is the best way to get tickets because you also get skip-the-line access!
Address: Stationsweg 166A, Lisse
The Hague
The Hague is the Netherlands’ administrative and royal capital. There, you can visit the Peace Palace, take a tour of the Dutch parliament, and visit a few world-class museums.
You can take a full-day tour to Rotterdam and The Hague from Amsterdam. Otherwise, it’s a quick 40-minute bus or 50-minute train ride away.
Bruges
Bruges is a charming town in Belgium that looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. The city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a great place to grab a beer and people watch.
The best way to get to Bruges from Amsterdam is to take a train from Centraal Station. It takes just over 3 hours and tickets cost around €60. You can also take a bus for around €15 or take a guided tour.
Best places to stay in Amsterdam
Budget
Mid-range
Bougie
Book a hotel in Amsterdam
What to know before visiting Amsterdam
- Be prepared for all types of weather. Dutch weather can change at the drop of a hat. I’d recommend always carrying an umbrella, a rain jacket, and a pair of sunglasses.
- Don’t stand in the bike lane! You will definitely get run over by a cyclist. Make sure you always look both ways a few times before crossing any street (trust me).
- Cannabis isn’t officially legal — it’s decriminalized. You cannot legally smoke in the street or in many hotels/hostels. As long as you’re being respectful and are carrying less than 5 grams, you’ll be fine.
- Get an I amsterdam City Card. This will save you money on all of the popular museums and main attractions. The 24 hour card costs €65.
Amsterdam FAQ
When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
Summer (June through August) is the most popular time to visit. You’ll get the best weather but hotels and tourist attractions will be more crowded. Summer is also a popular time for festivals in Amsterdam:
- Taste of Amsterdam (June)
- Holland Festival (June-July)
- Amsterdam Gay Pride (July-August)
In my opinion, spring (April through May) is the best time to visit. The temperatures are on the rise, there aren’t as many tourists yet, and you’ll get to see all the tulips in bloom. Here are some springtime festivals and events in the city:
- King’s Day (April)
- Tulp Festival (April)
- Keukenhof Garden (open March-May)
How long should I spend in Amsterdam?
Anywhere from 3 to 5 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Amsterdam. You’ll have enough time to see all the major sites, visit a few museums, and even take a day trip or half-day trip.
Is one day in Amsterdam enough?
One day in Amsterdam is enough time to check out the major tourist attractions, maybe visit one museum, and get a feel for the vibe of the city.
If you’re coming to Amsterdam for one day (especially if it’s your first time visiting), I’d recommend sticking to one area or “theme” to explore. For example, your theme could be “cultural experiences” or “traditional food and drink.” This way, you’ll have a more structured itinerary to focus on and won’t feel as overwhelmed with all of your options.
Can I visit Amsterdam on a long layover?
Yes! You can manage a quick trip into the city if you have a 5 hour layover or longer. A 7-8 hour layover gives you enough time to explore a bit without rushing.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is relatively small and easy to navigate. The airport’s single-terminal design means there are no inter-terminal buses or trains you need to worry about.
The easiest way to get to the city from the airport is to take the train. It takes about 15 minutes and costs €5.60 one way.
If you’re flying with checked luggage, make sure to check it all the way through to your final destination. For those with bulkier carry-on bags, Schiphol has a baggage storage area that can hold your luggage for a small fee while you explore.
Take a tour in Amsterdam
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Thanks for reading this one day in Amsterdam itinerary! I hope you’ve found it useful for planning your future travels.
xoxo Niki
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Very informative thnaks
Hey, I really love your content, the amount of detail and information you have provided is incredible.
Thanks Simran, I appreciate it! 💜