Visiting Amsterdam for just one day? No worries! The city is compact, making it easy to explore the best attractions in just 24 hours. Whether you’re into history, art, food, or scenic canal views, this itinerary covers everything you need to make the most of your short visit.
Explore museums in Amsterdam for history and culture
Kick off your morning with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Try, for example, Bakhuys Amsterdam or Omelegg. Take a walk in Vondelpark to start your morning fresh. After that, you can visit different museums for history and culture. The places you can go to include:
Rijksmuseum
One of Amsterdam’s most famous museums, the Rijksmuseum is home to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch Golden Age painters. Don’t miss The Night Watch, one of the most celebrated paintings in the world. You have to go to:
- Location: Museumplein
- Entry Fee: Around €22
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Van Gogh Museum
If you love art, the Van Gogh Museum is a must-visit. It has the largest collection of Van Gogh’s works, including Sunflowers and The Bedroom. This art is famous in almost every country, making it a worthwhile visit. You do not have to stay long, but it is worth the visit. You have to go to:
- Location: Museumplein
- Entry Fee: Around €20
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Fri & Sat until 9:00 PM)
Anne Frank House
This powerful museum tells the story of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis during World War II. It’s a deeply moving experience, so book your tickets in advance. The house looks the same as it did in World War II, making it fascinating to see how a family lived during that time. You have to go to:
- Location: Prinsengracht 263
- Entry Fee: Around €16
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Royal Palace Amsterdam
Located in Dam Square, this palace was originally built as the city hall and is now used for official royal events. The stunning architecture and rich history make it worth a visit. If you are walking to different hot spots, you can easily pass by this palace, as it is conveniently accessible by public transport. You have to go to:
- Location: Dam Square
- Entry Fee: Around €12.50
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Scenic Neighborhoods & Hidden Gems in Amsterdam
In the afternoon, explore hidden gems and neighborhoods where many locals still live. These areas are filled with charming restaurants and shops that are fun to visit. The most popular neighborhoods worth exploring include the following streets:
Jordaan
A charming district filled with narrow streets, canals, independent boutiques, and cozy cafés. Take a walk along the Prinsengracht canal and enjoy its unique atmosphere. The Jordaan is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the Netherlands.
De Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets)
Perfect for shopping and photography, these nine little streets are filled with trendy stores, vintage shops, and authentic Dutch cafés. You can enjoy amazing pie and walk along the canals for the full Amsterdam experience. It depends on how long it takes to go through the streets, because of the shops. But it is a fun to walk through.
Best Outdoor & Nature Spots in Amsterdam
If you desire a peaceful afternoon, visit some parks and nature spots. While Amsterdam is a bustling city, it also has quiet parks where you can relax and enjoy your day or go walking, cycling or running. Recommended nature spots include:
Vondelpark
Amsterdam’s most famous park is a great place to relax, bike, or have a picnic. In summer, the Open-Air Theatre hosts free performances. You can take a look, but also just have a walk through the park for some fresh air. The park is especially during the spring and fall very beautiful.
Amsterdamse Bos
A larger, quieter alternative to Vondelpark, this forest park is perfect for cycling, canoeing, and walking. It’s also great for a long morning run. Both are very reachable with public transportation. Take a look wich park or forest you prefer.
NDSM Wharf
An artsy, industrial area with street art, galleries, and creative spaces. Take the free ferry from Amsterdam Centraalto visit this unique part of the city. Discover different art spaces and take cool pictures for your social media.
Unique Experiences in Amsterdam
Amsterdam also offers unique experiences for different generations. Do you like social media, or are you more interested in the history of the famous Heiken beer? Amsterdam has different experiences for different interest. Examples of experiences you can do in Amsterdam are:
A’DAM Lookout
Get a panoramic view of Amsterdam from A’DAM Lookout, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Over The Edge Swing! Get a drink with an amazing view from Amsterdam. At this place you can literally look out at the whole city. You have to go to:
- Location: Across the IJ River
- Entry Fee: Around €16.50
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Canal Cruise
A canal cruise is one of the best ways to see Amsterdam. Choose from daytime, sunset, or even dinner cruises for a magical experience. During the canal cruise, you also get to know more of the history of Amsterdam. You can see old buildings and other hot spots you might not see when you were walking.
Heineken Experience
Beer lovers should check out the Heineken Experience, an interactive brewery tour that ends with a freshly brewed beer. You’ll learn about the brewing process and the different stages of how Heineken beer is made. You can do this experience in the afternoon. You have to go to:
Location: Stadhouderskade 78
Entry Fee: Around €21
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Day trip to Keukenhof
The best time to go to the Keukenhof is during the spring. You can see the iconic windmills and the most beautiful flowers you will ever see. The place is magical and gives you a relaxing, calm feeling and a beautiful experience.
Best Markets & Shopping Streets
There are different markets you can visit in Amsterdam. These markets have a lot of different food, clothes and other stuff to offer. The markets you can visit are in the center of Amsterdam and are easily to get to with public transportation.
Albert Cuyp Market
One of Europe’s biggest street markets, offering fresh food, souvenirs, and the famous Dutch stroopwafels. These stroopwafels are a must-try when visiting the Netherlands and are most delicious when freshly made at the market. You have to go to:
- Location: De Pijp
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Sundays)
Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market)
The world’s only floating flower market, where you can buy tulip bulbs and other plants. The plants and tulips are very beautiful, and seeing the market floating on the water is a unique experience. You can easily walk by and is near other hotspots. You have to go to:
- Location: Singel Canal
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Nightlife & Evening Activities in Amsterdam
In the evening, there is a lot to do in Amsterdam. You can go to different squares like the Leidseplein or go to a theater. You can also go to the most beautiful cinema in the world, where a lot of stars have made an appearance.
Leidseplein & Rembrandtplein
These are Amsterdam’s main nightlife districts, full of bars, clubs, and live music venues. You can also go to restaurants where you can drink amazing cocktails. At the square, you can spend a whole evening enjoying of your company and experience a good night out in the Dutch way.
Comedy Shows & Theaters
For a fun evening, visit the Boom Chicago comedy club. Especially for people who don’t understand Dutch, this is a great option, because they speak English during the performance. Pathé Tuschinski is also a great place to watch a movie in one of the world’s most beautiful cinemas.
Conclusion
Amsterdam offers something for everyone, whether you’re into art, history, nature, shopping, or nightlife. From world-famous museums to scenic canals and hidden gems, there’s always something to explore. Plan your day well and consider a day trip to Keukenhof or booking a canal cruise for a memorable experience.
Book your day trip at HoponHopOff or book easily a canal cruise. Do you have any questions about different experiences or tours? Contact us. We’d love to help you find the perfect activities for your trip to Amsterdam! Book your canal cruise or bus today and discover Amsterdam like never before!
