What to do in Amsterdam for 1 day? Don’t worry, because in one day you can see a lot of the city. You can explore the streets, markets, and popular highlights in just 24 hours. Amsterdam is the perfect city to explore in a single day. In this blog, you will read about the best things you can do in Amsterdam for one day, where to stay for one night, and how to make every moment count.
Short summery
- Explore the best of Amsterdam in 24 hours. Visit world-class museums like the Van Gogh Museum, stroll through historic canals, enjoy a canal cruise, and discover local neighborhoods like De Pijp and the Nine Streets.
- Evening & nightlife tips. Dine at top restaurants, listen to live jazz, have drinks in trendy bars, or experience nightlife at Leidseplein or Rembrandtplein — all easily reachable from the city center.
- Make every moment count. Plan ahead, book tickets online, pack for changing weather, and stay at a centrally located hotel to get the most out of your one-day visit.
How to spend 1 day in Amsterdam, quick overview!
Take a look at this quick overview. Use a bike, tram, or simply walk through the city to get around easily. Most of the highlights are within walking distance. This is a quick overview of how you can spend your day:
| Time of Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Visit art museums like the Van Gogh Museum and take a scenic walk |
| Afternoon | Go on a canal cruise and enjoy a local lunch |
| Evening | Have dinner and experience Amsterdam’s nightlife |
| Night | Stay at a centrally located hotel |
Morning highlights – Start your day the Dutch way
The delicious pancakes near Centraal Station or go to Coffee & Coconuts in De Pijp for a stylish start to the morning. Other things you can do:
- Walk through the canal belt or Vondelpark
- Scroll through the 17th-century canal ring – a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Relax in Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s green oasis
- Visit the Red Light District
- Go and see Begijnhof
Afternoon adventures
In the afternoon, it’s time for cultural hotspots, a nice lunch, or a cozy café. Have lunch in a local neighborhood like De Pijp or the Jordaan. Sample Dutch classics like bitterballen, or go for natural flavors at the market. Read on for more things to do in the afternoon.
Take a canal cruise
Buy tickets for a canal tour. This is a great activity when you’re in Amsterdam. There are different types of cruises: regular canal cruises or even river cruises. When booking, check what sights you want to see and whether there are drinks on board.
Explore the 9 streets
In Amsterdam, you can stroll through the Nine Streets. This is sorely perfect for boutique shopping and photography. Besides that, you can buy delicious cake and browse unique shops. Take a look around — this is a part of Amsterdam where you can really feel like a local.
Anne Frank house
You should definitely visit the Anne Frank House. The story of Anne Frank is world-famous and offers an educational and moving experience. Book well in advance, because there is always a very long line. And if you only have one day, you may not have time for many other attractions.
What to do in Amsterdam for one night?
Amsterdam has lots to offer in the evening. Decide where you want to dine and check out the evening activities. If you have a long night, you can even fit in up to three different activities. For example:
- Dine at La Contessa for an Italian dish
- Visit a live jazz bar like Café Alto or Bimhuis
- Go for drinks in De Pijp
- Go out at Leidseplein or Rembrandtplein
Where to stay in Amsterdam for one night?
You can choose a hotel or hostel. Hotels in the center give you the option to travel quickly to all the main spots. If you stay a little further out, you’ll have to travel a bit longer — but all highlights are easy to reach by public transport.
• Budget proof you should go to Stayokay Vondelpark, ClinkNOORD (a ferry ride from the center)
• Mid-range locations are Motel One, The Hoxton (great location and design)
• More luxury? You should go to Conservatorium Hotel or Pulitzer Amsterdam (stylish and close to key sights)
Extra tips to make the most out of your one-day visit
With limited time, planning ahead helps a lot. Whether it’s skipping long lines, dressing for the weather, or knowing when and where to go, these tips will help you explore the city smoothly and stress-free:
- Best travel times are spring and early fall for fewer crowds and pleasant weather
- Avoid lines by booking museums, restaurants, and attractions online
- Pack smart – it often rains in the Netherlands
- Travel easily from Amsterdam Centraal to other parts of the city
Ready for your one-day trip in Amsterdam?
Spending one day in Amsterdam doesn’t mean you have to miss out on what makes the city special. With smart planning, you can see many highlights. Whether you’re strolling along the canals, exploring neighborhoods, or tasting typical Dutch snacks — Amsterdam has a lot to offer, even in just 24 hours.
At HopOnHopOff, we offer amazing canal cruises. These cruises show you many highlights in a short amount of time — perfect for a one-day visit to Amsterdam. Got questions about the canal tour? Contact us. We’re happy to help you book the right tickets and explain the tour.
