With only one weekend to explore Amsterdam, I had to prioritize the activities I wanted to do most. If you find yourself with a long layover or a brief stay in the city, here are my top things to do in Amsterdam in one weekend.
I stayed at NH Amsterdam Schiller. This hotel is unique because it sits above Cafe Schiller, dating back to 1892 and featuring gorgeous art deco interior. Opposite Rembrandtplein, the square gets loud at night from of the clubs and bars. Still, I didn’t hear any of that noise in my hotel room unless the windows were open.
Take a canal boat tour
Canal boat tours in Amsterdam are easy to come by. There are so many options, you can buy a ticket the day-of, online or in-person, at the ticket office. No matter your budget or the vibe you’re looking for, there will be a tour for you.
I took a wine and cheese tour, but I also saw tours with cocktails, pizza, Dutch pancakes, flower boat tours, family tours, and tours with no theme or frills.
Explore neighborhoods
As a biking and walking city, Amsterdam is perfect for exploring different neighborhoods by foot, bike, or public transportation.
- Jordaan and the Western Canal Ring’s Negen Straatjes (9 streets) for shopping of all kinds – fashion, local arts and crafts, antiques, Dutch Design, and more
- Amsterdam Centrum is home to the Medieval Center, which includes the classic plaza where the Royal Palace sits, and the Red Light District.
- De Pijp, or the Latin Quarter, is a trendy area with bars, boutiques, and cafes. It is also the location of the famous Albert Cuyp Market.
- Southern Canal Ring is known for its nightlife. Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein are surrounded by clubs, bars, and restaurants and Reguliersdwarsstraat is the city’s top LGBTQ+ street.
- Vondelpark is home to Amsterdam’s top three museums; the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum for modern and contemporary art.
Sample the local foods
Traditional foods like herring, stroopwafel, and Dutch pancakes are a must. You can find these all over, including at the Albert Cuyp Market. This market is the busiest and most popular in the city.
For an upscale experience, I made a reservation at Restaurant Klein Breda. Every plate of the 4-course meal, plus amuse bouche, was delicious. Plus, the 4-course prix fixe menu only cost 49 euros. You won’t find that price at an upscale U.S. restaurant! They also have 3 and 5-course options.
Visit any of Amsterdam’s 60 museums
Amsterdam is known for its many museums, with around 60 in the city. It’s best to choose a couple you are most interested in and visit those. Popular museums like the Anne Frank House require a reservation well in advance, so make sure to book your tickets before you arrive.
Other museums include the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum (Dutch art and history), the STRAAT Museum (street art and graffiti), NEMO Science Museum, Red Light Secrets Museum, Moco Museum Amsterdam, Royal Palace Amsterdam, the Rembrandt House Museum, and the list goes on.
Stroll through the Flower Market
The Bloemenmarkt is the world’s only floating flower market. Located in the Southern Canal Ring, each shop is actually a barge floating in the Singel canal that lines up with the next. Aside from flowers, seeds, and bulbs, they sell souvenirs for tourists. The market dates back to 1862 and is open every day, closing at 5:30 pm.
Take a walk and admire the architecture
Amsterdam’s canal houses are famous for their architecture. The buildings with facades are from the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. Head to the Medieval Center, of course, for medieval architecture. The city also has its share of modern architecture like the NEMO Science Museum, Eye Filmmuseum, and the ING House, which is the former headquarters of ING Group in the business district of Zuidas. When you arrive in Amsterdam, you will probably begin your trip from Centraal Station, which is described as Neo-Gothic in style.
What are your top things to do in Amsterdam? Let me know in the comments!
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