Amsterdam, Netherlands-2-day-itinerary
Day 1: Explore Amsterdam’s Canals and Culture
Morning
- 9:00 AM: Start your day at the famous Dam Square (plein in Dutch), a bustling public square surrounded by cafes, shops, and street performers.
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, a beautiful palace that served as a royal residence from 1648 to 1803. You can take a guided tour inside (€12,50 per person).
- 11:30 AM: Take a short walk to the nearby Nieuwe Kerk, a beautiful Gothic church that hosts various exhibitions and events.
Lunch
- 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Haesje Claes, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Dutch cuisine (approx. €20-€30 per meal).
Afternoon
- 2:30 PM: Take a romantic canal boat tour to explore Amsterdam’s charming canals and architecture. You can book a 1-hour canal cruise for around €16-€18 per person.
- 4:00 PM: Visit the famous Anne Frank House, where the Jewish girl Anne Frank wrote her diary during WWII. Please note that you’ll need to book tickets in advance (€12,50 per person).
Evening
- 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at De Kas, a restaurant located in a former greenhouse (approx. €25-€40 per meal). Try their seasonal menu and enjoy the beautiful garden surroundings.
- 9:30 PM: End your day with a visit to the lively Leidseplein, a popular square filled with bars, clubs, and street performers.
Day 2: Explore Amsterdam’s Art and History
Morning
- 9:00 AM: Visit the world-famous Rijksmuseum, which showcases an impressive collection of Dutch art and history (approx. €19 per person).
- 11:30 AM: Explore the beautiful Vondelpark, a large park that offers plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling, or simply relaxing.
- 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Bocca, a cozy Italian restaurant with delicious pasta dishes (approx. €15-€25 per meal).
Afternoon
- 2:00 PM: Visit the Van Gogh Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of works by Vincent van Gogh (approx. €19 per person).
- 4:30 PM: Explore the charming Jordaan neighborhood, known for its narrow streets, boutique shops, and picturesque canals.
Evening
- 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at De Foodhallen, a food market that offers a wide variety of international cuisines (approx. €15-€25 per meal).
- 9:30 PM: End your day with a visit to the lively Rembrandtplein, a popular square filled with bars, clubs, and street performers.
Where to Stay
Amsterdam has plenty of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some recommendations:
- Budget: Flying Pig Downtown Hostel (approx. €30-€40 per night)
- Mid-range: Hotel Europa 92 (approx. €60-€80 per night)
- Luxury: The Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam (approx. €150-€200 per night)
Things to Know
- Weather: Amsterdam has a temperate climate, with mild winters and cool summers.
- Language: Dutch is the official language, but most locals speak English fluently.
- Currency: The Euro is the official currency.
- Safety: Amsterdam is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Transportation
Amsterdam has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and metro lines. You can purchase an OV-chipkaart for easy travel throughout the city.
- Airport: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is located about 20 kilometers south of the city center.
- Trams: Tram lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 connect various parts of the city.
- Metro: The metro system has four main lines (51, 52, 53, and 54) that cover most areas.
Tips
- Rent a bike: Amsterdam is famous for its cycling culture. Rent a bike to explore the city like a local!
- Try some Dutch cheese: Amsterdam offers plenty of opportunities to try delicious Dutch cheeses like Gouda or Edam.
- Visit during spring: Spring is a beautiful time in Amsterdam, with blooming flowers and mild weather.
I hope you enjoy your trip to Amsterdam!