How to Explore Amsterdam in 1 Day
Updated: Aug 27
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After five years of soaking in the Netherlands and showing off Amsterdam to my parents, friends, and family countless times, I figure it's time to officially offer my services as the municipality's next top tourist guide! 💪 One thing that I've learnt over these innumerous explorations of Amsterdam is that the lively capital of the Netherlands, is bursting with attractions for tourists and travellers of all ages. I've crafted itineraries catering to different age groups in Amsterdam, but it's wise to customize your plans based on your companions. If it were solely my choice, I'd dive into every experience the city has to offer!
Table of Contents: How to Explore Amsterdam in 1 Day |
How many days to spend in Amsterdam?
I’d recommend spending at least 2 days in Amsterdam to explore the city center, visit a couple of museums, and enjoy the parks. If you want to check out more sights around Amsterdam, plan for 3-4 days to fully soak it all in. However, if you only have one day, that's still doable! Just start early and stay up late to experience everything the city has to offer, including its vibrant nightlife and famous Red Light District.
So, depending on your interests and available time, I’ve curated two itineraries to help you make the most of your exciting holiday. This way, you can efficiently plan your adventures and enjoy everything Amsterdam has to offer! Take a peek at my blog post if you're really adventurous at heart! One Day of Wild Adventures in Amsterdam
How to Reach?
Amsterdam's Schiphol airport ranks among the world's busiest airports and serves as a key hub for flights heading westward. The city is well-connected with direct flights to major global destinations. KLM, the national carrier, operates a comprehensive network spanning all continents, with numerous flights connecting Amsterdam to major cities worldwide. Amsterdam's Central Station serves as the primary railway hub, linking the city to the extensive Euro rail network.
When to Visit?
Ah, Dutch weather—the one thing that keeps surprising us all! For the best Amsterdam experience, aim for June, July, and August. While the rest of Europe sweats it out in scorching heat, Amsterdam enjoys a cool 25-27 degrees Celsius, with plenty of sunshine to go around. Late August and early September are particularly golden, offering clear skies and perfect temps. Spring (late March to May) is another winner, with blooming tulips and mild daytime temperatures of 15-18 degrees Celsius. While occasional rain showers are common, the Buinradar app provides accurate weather forecasts to help plan your activities accordingly.
What to Wear?
It's advisable to pack a rain jacket and a light jacket when visiting the Netherlands during spring or summer, as the weather can change unexpectedly throughout the day. While Amsterdamers prefer a casual style without flashy designer wear, tourists often bring a diverse fashion sense to the city. Comfortable sneakers or shoes are recommended for exploring Amsterdam's cobblestone streets.
How to Get Around?
Bicycles are the most popular and convenient mode of transportation within Amsterdam. Embraced by locals and even the Prime Minister, biking allows you to navigate the city effortlessly. Alternatively, the tram system provides efficient public transport, and exploring on foot offers a charming way to discover Amsterdam's neighborhoods. For added comfort, services like Uber and Bolt are readily available. Car rentals are also an option, though parking in Amsterdam can be expensive, ranging from €25 to €40 per day. Planning ahead can secure more affordable parking rates, as low as €10 per day in some garages.
So, How to explore Amsterdam in One Day?
Waste no time—kick off your Amsterdam adventure at the iconic Amsterdam Central Station!
Amsterdam Central Station
Amsterdam Centraal Station is an iconic building in the heart of the city, serving as the main hub for all trains coming and going into Amsterdam. With its striking red brick facade and decorative elements, you can never miss this historic building! The station was designed by Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers and opened in 1889. It features a Gothic and Renaissance Revival style that is truly stunning!
Pro Tip: For those traveling to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, local trains depart every ten minutes during the day from platform 14a or platform 15. Night trains to the airport depart from other platforms, ensuring convenient connections no matter your schedule. |
The station offers a wide range of amenities to ensure a convenient and comfortable experience for travelers. Inside, you'll find luggage lockers and a lost luggage desk nearby. Need some local currency? There’s a currency exchange service available too. If you’re biking around the city, there’s a bicycle storage area, a repair shop, and a rental place right at the station. Additionally, there’s underground car parking nearby, making it easy for those driving in. Opposite the central station, you’ll find a tourist center and public washrooms. On the waterfront side (Ij-zijde) behind the station, you’ll find the city ferry boat lines linking the city with Amsterdam North. The ferries leave every 30 minutes and are free of charge.
Canal Cruises
Tourist boats offer canal cruises and those depart from the city side of the station, providing a scenic way to explore Amsterdam's waterways. The driver and the guide skillfully narrate the river journey with fascinating facts and stories about Amsterdam including major places of interest such as The Jordaan, Westerkerk, Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Dutch National Opera & Ballet so on and so forth. For an extra €10, you may upgrade to unlimited wine and cheese and it is absolutely worth it!
You may also opt for an Open Boat Cruise with Unlimited Drinks option which is relatively cheaper option at 20 per head. To book it, CLICK ON THE LINK HERE.
Open Boat Cruise in Amsterdam's Canals
There is a also the Classic Option of 'Amsterdam 90 Minute Boat Cruise with Drinks and Snacks' if you wish to do that. To book it, CLICK ON THE LINK HERE.
Be cautious: scooter traffic can sometimes make access to the ferries inconvenient, so keep an eye out! |
Dam Square
Walk along Damrak street from Central Station and you'll land at Dam square within 5 minutes. Ever wondered about the name? Back in the 13th century, a dam was constructed around the Amstel River to prevent the Zuiderzee from flooding the city. That's how it got its name, straight from this bit of history. In spring, you might find a Ferris wheel or carnival adding a touch of fun to the square. Summer brings concerts, food fairs, and lately, peaceful protests. And let’s not forget the pigeons and bubbles! Kids love chasing the birds and playing with the bubbles blown by street performers. So, we kicked off by exploring Dam Square and its intriguing exhibits. Surrounding Dam Square are a plethora of museums and interesting buildings such as the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) which is currently used for royal receptions as the royal family doesnt live there anymore, Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), De Bijenkorf department store, Kalverstraat shopping street, National Monument, and Magna Plaza shopping mall.
The best way to explore any city is through a walking tour with an experienced guide who will share fascinating historical facts and reveal hidden gems. Book your walking tour with Get Your Guide – Link Provided Here.
If you have time, don’t miss Madame Tussauds wax museum right at Dam Square. Snap some photos with lifelike wax models of your favorite celebrities like Beyoncé, historical figures like Anne Frank, and even superheroes like Spider-Man. It’s a fun way to add a touch of glamour to your Amsterdam adventure! General Ticket Price is €26.50 and Online Ticket Price is €23.50 per head.
Dive into the bizarre world of Ripley's Believe It or Not! for a collection of oddities. You may also enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Amsterdam Dungeon.
The best way to explore any city is on foot, and in Amsterdam too we have the option of a walking tour wherein anexperienced guide will narrate tales of the city and explore its hidden gems with you. Excited? Book your tour here now. CLICK ON THE LINK.
Amsterdam Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt)
The Netherlands is renowned for its tulips, so it's no surprise that you'll find one or more flower markets in its capital city. The flower market of Amsterdam will take you back in time. Located on the Singel canal between the Koningsplein and the Muntplein, the market features flower stalls on houseboats, making it the only floating flower market in the world. Back in the day, sellers used to sell their fresh flowers from boats, and the market still has that charming vibe. My mum, who adores flowers, was like a honeybee drawn to the market's scent. She ended up buying two big bunches of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils, and I wasn't sure if we had enough vases to hold them all. Luckily, she was visiting in summer; otherwise, she might have also bought a Christmas tree from there! In my opinion, if you've already visited the tulip farms or the Keukenhof gardens, there's not much point in visiting this market. However, outside the blooming season, it might be worth a visit to pick up some buds or flowers.
Looking for unique gifts from Amsterdam? Flower bulbs are a fantastic choice—they're export-ready for planting or gifting. You can get three packets of bulbs for approximately €10. Additionally, shops offer a variety of Dutch souvenirs like clogs, wooden tulips, cheese, and more. Remember, if you're heading back to the US, these tulip bulbs lack USDA certification and cannot be taken back with you; they'll be confiscated. |
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 17:30 and on Sunday from 11:30 to 17:30.
Discovering unique treasures in Jordaan district
This neighborhood is really cool—it's a great place to stay or live. It's quieter than central Amsterdam and has a lovely charm. The name "Jordaan" might come from the French word "jardin," meaning gardens, or it could be linked to the area's history with Jewish immigrants during the war. Back in the 17th and 18th centuries, it was a poor area where immigrants from countries like France, England, Spain, and Portugal settled, looking for freedom. Families lived in small Dutch houses then, and that historical vibe still remains today. Nowadays, you'll find a mix of longtime locals and young professionals here. The area has become quite expensive to live in, so many working-class people have had to move to other parts of Amsterdam or different cities.
Highlights of the Jordaan include cozy pubs and restaurants along the canals, a flea market on Monday mornings at Noordermarkt, the famous Anne Frank House, a bustling food market on Lindengracht every Saturday, the landmark Westertoren church, and plenty of cafes and art galleries to explore.
We treated ourselves to glam nails at a chic salon here, setting the stage for a fabulous day. 💅
The Heineken Experience
Founded in 1864 in Amsterdam, Heineken is one of the oldest breweries in the Netherlands. But Heineken isn't just beer; it's practically Dutch DNA. On the tour, you'll dive into Heineken's history, visit the old Historical Brew Room, and hop on “Brew the Ride,” an audio-visual adventure where you get to feel what it's like to be a Heineken beer—from water to bottling. It's interactive, it's entertaining, and yes, there's ice-cold beer waiting for you at the end. Cheers to that!
For just €23.00, you get the tour plus three drinks (beer or soft drinks) at the Heineken Bar. However, I recommend opting for the VIP ticket priced at €59.50. This extended tour lasts for 2.5 hours and offers a more intimate experience with a maximum group size of 10 people, unlike the standard tour accommodating up to 50. You'll enjoy a special beer and food pairing, indulge in a private tasting featuring five generous beer samples and delicious food bites at a private bar, and receive a complimentary gift as well. |
Red Light District
No trip to Amsterdam is complete without exploring the red Light District. After 5 pm, the Red Light District bursts into life, offering a unique spectacle of beautiful women in windows under the glow of red neon lights along the canals.
I enjoy walking through the RLD because it's one of the safest places for women to wander freely. With policemen, private bodyguards, and cameras everywhere, Amsterdam takes pride in its liberal culture, accepting aspects like prostitution, soft drugs, and pornography as part of human nature rather than criminalizing them. These legal prostitutes are regulated by authorities for police, tax, and health.
Remember, photography and videography of the women are strictly prohibited and can result in hefty fines and strong reactions from the women themselves. |
Museums to Check Out
There are plethora of museums in Amsterdam. However, I have listed a few that are noteworthy and an absolute must-visit if you have the time.
Anne Frank Museum
The Anne Frank House is a museum dedicated to Anne Frank, the Jewish girl who wrote a famous diary during World War II. It's located on the Prinsengracht canal, close to the Westerkerk, right in the heart of Amsterdam. Visiting the Anne Frank House is a must when you're in Amsterdam. This deeply moving museum honors the bravery of the Frank family and others who hid in the attic, as well as the people who helped them. They also have a top-notch audio guide for kids, explaining the house, the building, and the life of Anne Frank and her family in hiding, without getting into the grim details of Nazi atrocities.
Pro Tips:
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Rijksmuseum
Love Van Gogh, Rembrandt, or Johannes Vermeer? Well, the Rijksmuseum is your go-to place! Boasting over 8,000 exhibits 😲, this museum is the ultimate hangout for art aficionados who can't get enough of the Dutch masters. After scaling 4 floors and enduring 6 hours of art overload, we emerged as enlightened beings. Sure, our feet were screaming, but we ticked off every must-see on our list.
The stars of the show were:
⭐️ Rembrandt’s "The Night Watch" – Amsterdam’s citizens playing city protectors.
⭐️ Vermeer’s "The Milkmaid" – a mid-17th-century domestic snapshot.
⭐️ "The Jewish Bride" by Rembrandt – love captured on canvas.
⭐️ Jan Asselijn's "The Threatened Swan."
⭐️ Van Gogh’s iconic self-portrait.
⭐️ "Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat" by Vincent Van Gogh.
Bonus tip: Park at the Olympisch Stadion car park. Book a full day for just €15 with Day Trip Parking. |
Moco Museum
This museum has a pretty cool vibe! It specialises in modern art, contemporary art, and street art. This independent museum is located in Amsterdam's Museumplein. Especially renowned for its collection of Keith Haring artworks, the museum also boasts a sizeable Banksy collection upstairs and Instagram-famous light installations downstairs.The tickets are expensive but worth a visit if you have the time.
Opening Hours: Mon- Sun - 9 AM to 9 PM
Ticket Prices: Adult - €20.95, Youth 7-17 yrs - €17.95
Amsterdam With kids
Jeugdland
Jeugdland is a fantastic adventure playground that offers a variety of activities for kids to explore and enjoy. I love that the emphasis in the park is on wooden structures, giving kids an opportunity to play in natural environments. There are creative and hands-on experiences, with facilities for building, gardening, and even caring for animals. Its extensive play areas, including climbing structures and water play zones, make it an ideal spot for energetic outdoor fun.
You can park at the adjacent Science Park (P7).
Vondelpark
Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s most famous and central park. It’s a perfect place to picnic with your kids. You can pick up your picnicking stuff from the supermarket Albert Heijn (14 minutes walk to AH Van Baerlestraat 33 a) and head to Vondelpark’s sprawling lawns. They also have playgrounds and scenic ponds where kids can explore, bike, while you go on a leisurely walk. The park also features an open-air theatre with kid-friendly performances, and several cafes with child-friendly menus. The diversity of activities ensures that children of all ages can find something enjoyable to do.
Amsterdamse Bosje
Amsterdamse Bosje, part of the larger Amsterdamse Bos, is a woodland area that offers a natural retreat within the city. If you visit during spring, you are in for a huge surprise. The forest has 100 cherry blossom trees that add to its charm. The park provides numerous trails for walking and cycling, as well as designated play areas and petting zoos that are perfect for children. The Boerderij Meerzicht pancake house and rowing boat rentals add to the fun, making it a wonderful place for kids to explore nature and engage in outdoor activities.
Check out my blog post 'In Search of Cherry Blossoms'.
For foodies
Enjoy a lively Korean dinner at Soju Bar, with must-tries like their Soju Go to Hell and Mandu!
Bird Thai Restaurant (Zeedijk) offers a wide range of authentic Thai dishes, prepared with traditional ingredients and spice. Their Papaya salad is to die for!
Ashoka Indian Restaurant on Korte Leidsedwarsstraat is celebrated for its rich and flavorful Indian cuisine, including classic dishes like butter chicken and biryani.
Known for its authentic Malaysian cuisine, Long Pura offers a diverse menu featuring traditional dishes like rendang and nasi lemak, in a relaxed setting.
Lastly, indulge in Dutch stroopwafels at Van Wonderen stroopwafel shop — a €13 treat worth savoring!
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for exploring my blog post! If you have more than just a day—let's say a week—there are numerous tourist hotspots near Amsterdam that are simply unmissable! Despite its small size, the Netherlands offers more sights than many countries in Europe. There is a curated list of these must-see places in Netherlands on my blog post '15 Stunning places to see in the Netherlands'. Whether you're into history, cool neighborhoods, or soaking up culture, Amsterdam has it all. Don't miss out on the excitement—immerse yourself in Amsterdam's special vibe and find out why it's such a hot spot to visit!
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good stuff will do when i am in NL