Ticking off 92 global cities (and counting), Shan has lived in Southeast Asia for six years, including Vietnam and Thailand. She has previously called New York and Durban home. A traveling creative soul, Shan has a serious penchant for delicious words.
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s iconic cities. It’s up there on travel lists along with other legendary locales such as Rome, Barcelona, Prague, Lisbon, and Paris.
Falling in love with the Dutch capital city is easy, especially if you’re someone (like me) who the city suits your personality and personal interests in every way.
Art museums of the masters? Tick. History? Tick. Delicious sweet treats, ahem, stroopwafels and pannenkoeken for breakfast? Tick. Cool cafe and coffee shop culture? (Double) tick! Unusual adventures only unique to a certain place? Tick. As a true traveler at heart, these are some of the things I search for in a destination.
Are you planning a trip to the Netherlands soon? If you’ve only got 24 hours in Amsterdam, utilize our one day in Amsterdam itinerary to your advantage. It’s packed full of all of the above, and then some. No wonder the Dutch are such happy people (and so friendly).
Many people are curious about the special coffee shops in Amsterdam (Source: Amsterdam.info)(Source: vangoghmuseum)(Source: amsterdam.net)
The Netherlands is a relatively smaller European country compared to others. This means travel between cities is easy and not time-consuming. During a month in the Netherlands, I’ve ticked off 30+ destinations.
Bicycle culture is massive in general in the Netherlands. The country is ridiculously flat, which makes it even easier to get around. Moreover, the Netherlands’s nickname is “bicycle country.” I’ve never ridden a bike so much in my life as I have during a month in the Netherlands! Wherever you go are dedicated bicycle lanes on the roads.
lus, it’s such an affordable (and healthy) way to get around. Renting a bike is as easy as pie.
Cycling in Amsterdam is fun and helps you better immerse yourself in the city’s atmosphere (Source: IAmsterdam)
Speaking of, I had so much fun riding the trams in Amsterdam. I’d say this is the next best way to get around, and is also affordable. The tram runs throughout the city. There’s also the Amsterdam Metro.
The local bus system is efficient, and of course, there are taxis/Ubers. Or, Amsterdam is very pedestrian-friendly, and walking from A to B is another option.
Where to stay
Centrum is the historic city center, with canals weaving in between the roads. Stay at the artsy citizenM Amstel Amsterdam. If you love to be surrounded by cool cafes, bars, and restaurants, then stay in Oost. A popular sub-district in Oost for tourists is Oud-Oost. Mercure Amsterdam City Hotel is a 6-minute walk from the metro. Jordaan is where the Anne Frank House is situated, and it’s a more alternative side to the city. I adore this area. Check into Hotel Mercier.
And, as you’d expect from its name, the Museum Quarter is where Amsterdam’s most famous institutions are. Conscious Hotel is surrounded by loads of greenery, or Leonardo Hotel is super quirky!
One Day in Amsterdam
Morning
Starting the day, if your accommodation doesn’t offer/include breakfast options, it’s the first thing on today’s 1 day in Amsterdam itinerary. There’s loads to cover, sightsee, and experience, so you’re going to need some fuel to get you through all our exciting plans ahead. Here are some of my favorite options for breakfast o’clock.
PANCAKES Amsterdam is for all your pannenkoeken, American-style pancakes, and poffertjes (including Dutch vegan pancakes, gluten, and lactose-free options).
Seasonal Belly Pepper serves dishes like sucuk wraps, simit breakfast, spinach & cheese borek, and fried eggs with pumpkin and oyster mushrooms.
For halloumi stacks and crispy crepe wraps, head to Little Collins.
Greenwoods is on the canals (and does all-day brekkies).
Enjoy Nordic-inspired baked goods and specialty coffee at Selma’s.
Now that you’re energized, it’s time to kick things off at the museums. Of all the European cities I’ve traveled to, Amsterdam’s museum scene remains one of my ultimate. I love how diverse it is.
Starting at the Anne Frank House — I highly recommend this one, especially if you’re besotted with all things World Wars like me. Climbing up the tiny staircase, it’s bone-chilling picturing Anne in her Secret Annex, scribbling away in her diary. This is one of my forever favorite experiences in Amsterdam, perhaps because I’m a writer. One-up the experience by combining this with a WWII-centric walking tour, or even just a guided tour of the living museum.
(Source: Anne Frank House)
Mid-morning
Next, choose between two of the city’s most iconic institutions during your 1 day in Amsterdam itinerary.
If van Gogh is your man, step into his Post-impressionist world at the Van Gogh Museum — home to the largest collection of his works! Born in the Netherlands, he’s one of the world’s most recognized painters. For an in-depth time, book a guided tour, with museum tickets included. Prefer a museum with a multitude of masterful works on display? Then head to the Rijksmuseum, scoping out works by Rembrand, Johannes Vermeer (another iconic Dutch artist), van Gogh, and more! Get tickets here for a tour with a private guide, or entry tickets beforehand, and avoid waiting in line.
(Source: rijksmuseum)
After concentrating on the artworks and history, refuel and re-energize with a coffee pit stop at these artisanal coffee houses.
I cannot imagine Amsterdam without its canals. Veering along the waterways is one of the best ways to see architecture and local life. I’m savoring a boat tour for the afternoon during my one day in Amsterdam itinerary. Wintertime (even autumn and spring) is very icy, and you feel the chills more when you’re out on the water!
Discover all sorts of boat tours and canal cruises. There are cheese and wine options, Dutch pancake buffets, ones with unlimited drinks, city tours, hop-on hop-off options. It all depends on what you’d enjoy.
(Source: iamsterdam.com)
An alternative is to discover Amsterdam’s iconic Bloemenmarkt: a floating flower market. Hunt it down on the Singel Canal, meandering through colorful rows of florals. Purchase seeds and admire the country’s national variety: tulips!
(Source: amsterdam.net)
Afterwards, lunch calls. During my one month in the Netherlands, I developed a Dutch frites addiction. Basically just a cone of French fries, there’s something about Dutch potatoes and the mayonnaise that they use that is oh-so-moreish.
If you love testing out street food, make lunch all about the must-try street food dishes in Amsterdam, including frites, bitterballen (I’m not a fan of these), herring, and other bites.
For those wanting the whole sit-down vibes, Café Nieuw is a modern bistro. If you’re here on Wednesdays, go big with WILLIAMS’ High Tea (but everything at this farm-to-table restaurant is divine). From ceviches to antojitos, trendy and vibrant Local Dealer does fresh Mexican. I’m a sucker for ramen, no matter which country I’m in. Build your own bowl at MOGU. For traditional Dutch pancakes (pannekoeken), Upstairs has some of the best! Or, enjoy a diversified menu at Cafe Keppler.
(Source: upstairspancakes)Enjoy a High Tea experience as part of your 1 day in Amsterdam itinerary (Source: williams.farmhouse)(Source: cafenieuwamsterdam)
Late Afternoon
Any fellow bookworms in the house? Let your food settle whilst exploring the country’s most beautiful bookstore: Van der Velde In de Broeren.
If you thought the museum hopping was over for this 1 day in Amsterdam itinerary, think again. With time ticking away, and the next two not being everyone’s cup of tea, choose which one you’d most enjoy.
The Sex Museum is super fun, zany, and one of the most unique museums I’ve ever stepped foot inside. With Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District, it makes sense that this type of museum would be here. It’s pretty classy and is the first and oldest of its kind. And remember, it’s part of human nature, not something that should be “taboo.”
If you’re more the drinking type, then the Heineken Experience is a must, where you’ll learn the history behind the label and the brewing and manufacturing process. It also includes a behind-the-scenes brewery tour and tastings. I’m not a beer drinker, so although it’s interesting, I preferred the first. Save time and pre-buy tickets here. There are various tours to choose from.
Now, this next one may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but we are in Amsterdam after all; the land of the coffee shops. I can’t leave this next one off.
The coffee shops are one of the most iconic things to explore for your 1 day in Amsterdam itinerary (Source: latertulia312)
Tip: Just beware if you’re headed to a coffee shop after an afternoon of beer tastings and you’re a newbie. You don’t want to mix both pleasures. Some of the coolest coffeeshops in Amsterdam are Coffeeshop La Tertulia, The Dolphins, Katsu Coffeeshop, Barney’s (quality), The Abraxas, and Coffeeshop Siberia. If you’re buying a brownie, small bites!
Got the munchies? Grab a snack before dinnertime. Here are some Dutch snacks you must try. One word: stroopwafels! And don’t forget to buy a few packets to take home.
Dropjes are sweet and salty liquorice candies (Source: IAmsterdam)
Evening
Dinner is my favorite meal of the day, and Amsterdam has a great dining scene. From traditional Dutch restaurants to fine-dining options, here’s where to book your table for the evening.
For classic Dutch cuisine — like croquettes, boerenkool (kale and mashed potato) served with Dutch sausage and meatballs, sea bass, and beef and onion stew — choose between The Pantry and Heemelrijck.
Swap destinations and head to Japan for yakitori-ya at Hakata Senpachi or to Sinck for modern French cuisine. Bridges also serves French food, but with international inspirations across its menu. For flavors of the Mediterranean, book a table at Oriole.
Both Flore and 212 own two Michelin stars, and either option is incredible!
In the mood for some Michelin magic during your 1 day in Amsterdam itinerary? (Source: restaurant.212)(Source: oriolebistro)(Source: thepantry_amsterdam)
Energizer bunnies, if you still have more in you for this epic 1 day in Amsterdam itinerary, end off the day by first checking out the iconic Red Light District, topped with drinks. Or, just opt for one or the other.
For those feeling hesitant, you can always pick a guided Red Light District tour. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and that’s quintessential to Amsterdam’s culture. Again, the stereotype is not what you imagine, and it’s a fun way to conclude your 1 day in Amsterdam itinerary.
Red lights district is a rather friendly neighborhood, with an array of unique things to see and do (Source: Amsterdam Info)
Amsterdam brims with all sorts of unique things to do; it’s one of the (many) reasons I love it. After spending a month in the Netherlands, I realized how many magical cities and towns there are scattered across the country. One of the most interesting destinations I visited that’s so uniquely Dutch is Zaanse Schans windmill village!
Another absolute classic Dutch city is Rotterdam, if you’ve got another weekend to spare. It’s one hour from Amsterdam, so you can easily do it as a day trip, too. The country is pretty small, which works in travelers’ favor, making it easy to explore multiple cities in a short timeframe.
Admiring Oude Haven’s historic boats is the perfect start to any Rotterdam nightlife experience (Credit: Peter Hall)
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