Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands, well known for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. There are world renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum showcasing masterpieces by Dutch and international artists.
Whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply enjoying the laid-back ambiance, Amsterdam has something to offer every traveler. From charming canals, cute cafes, bustling markets, vibrant nightlife and so much more.
Here is a post about the ultimate list of things to do in this lovely romantic city.
DAY 1:
- Begin your day by visiting the Anne Frank House, a really moving experience that will give you a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and the impact it had on Amsterdam during WWII. (Tip: remember to book at least 2-3 weeks in advance especially during peak summer season)
- After that, take a leisurely stroll through the charming Jordaan neighborhood, known for its picturesque canals, charming houses, and vibrant street life. Take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at one of the quaint cafes along the way.
- Later, head over to the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s national museum, to see some of the country’s most iconic masterpieces. You can see the works of Dutch greats like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals.
- After that, take a break and have a traditional Dutch lunch at one of the city’s many quaint cafes. Try a dish called AVG’tje a combination of Aardappel, Vlees, Groenten, or potato, meat and vegetables.
- In the afternoon, take a boat tour along the city’s famous canals and admire the Dutch architecture and beautiful waterways. (1 hour boat ride is around 15 euros)
- In the evening, check out the vibrant nightlife in the Leidseplein or Rembrandtplein areas. Enjoy a drink or two at one of the many bars or clubs and take in the energy of Amsterdam’s night scene.
- Alternatively, in the evening, take a walk through the Red Light District, a famous and controversial area known for its adult entertainment and nightlife. Please keep in mind to be respectful and aware of the local customs and laws. Such as no pictures of the red windows.
DAY 2:
- Start your day by visiting the Van Gogh Museum, which features the largest collection of the famous artist’s work in the world. Wander through the galleries and marvel at the bright colours and bold brushstrokes of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings.
- Afterwards, take a walk through the beautiful Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest park. Take a picnic blanket and enjoy a lazy lunch under the trees or rent a bike and explore the park’s many paths and gardens.
- Next, visit the Heineken Experience, a fun and interactive museum that tells the story of the famous Dutch beer and offers tastings. Learn about the brewing process and even get the chance to pour your own pint.
- After that, take a stroll through the Nine Streets, a picturesque area known for its trendy boutiques, vintage shops, and cozy cafes. Find the perfect souvenir or treat yourself to a new piece of clothing.
- In the afternoon, head to the historic Dam Square and visit the Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk, and the National Monument. Take in the history and grandeur of these iconic buildings.
- In the evening, enjoy a dinner at one of Amsterdam’s famous seafood restaurants and sample some traditional Dutch dishes like raw herring, smoked eel or smoked salmon.
This itinerary offers a mix of culture, history, art, and relaxation and also gives you the chance to explore Amsterdam’s charming neighbourhoods, famous museums, and beautiful parks. You can also adjust it according to your preferences, Amsterdam is a city with a lot of options and possibilities.
Getting around:
Amsterdam is a compact and easy-to-navigate city, with a variety of transportation options available for visitors to choose from. Here are some popular ways to get around
- Bicycling: Amsterdam is known as a bike-friendly city, with an extensive network of bike lanes and bike rentals available. Renting a bike is a great way to explore the city, as it allows you to move around quickly and easily, and it’s also environmentally friendly.
- Walking: Amsterdam is a compact city, and many of the top attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking is also a great way to take in the sights and sounds of the city, and discover hidden gems that you might miss otherwise.
- Public transportation: Amsterdam has an efficient and reliable public transportation system, with buses, trams, and metro lines connecting all parts of the city. You can purchase tickets at the stations or on board the vehicle, and they can also be used on all modes of transportation.
- Canal boats: Amsterdam is known for its canals, and taking a boat tour is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. You can take a guided tour or rent a boat and explore the canals on your own.
- Taxis and Uber: Taxis and Uber are also available in Amsterdam, but they can be more expensive than other options, and traffic can be heavy, so it may take longer to get to your destination.
- Car rental: Amsterdam is not a city where it is recommended to rent a car, as the streets can be busy and parking can be difficult to find. If you decide to rent a car, be prepared to pay for parking, and consider parking your car outside the city center and use public transportation or cycling to move around.
Overall, Amsterdam offers a variety of transportation options that make it easy to get around the city. It’s recommended to plan ahead and familiarize yourself with the different options before you go, and you’ll be able to make the most of your time in Amsterdam.
TIPS:
- Language: Although English is widely spoken, it is a good idea to learn a few basic Dutch phrases to help with communication. The most common way to say “thank you” in Dutch is “Bedankt.”
- Currency: The currency used in Netherland is the Euro. ATMs and currency exchange services are widely available.
- Tipping: Dutch do not have a tipping culture, a tip of around 10% is appreciated but not automatically expected.
- Safety: Amsterdam is a generally safe city, but as with any large city, it is always a good idea to take precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings at night.
- Climate: Amsterdam has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cold winters. It is a good idea to pack accordingly, with layers and waterproof clothing recommended for the cooler months.
- Visa: Visas for Netherlands, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. For stays up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes, citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and most countries in the European Union, do not require a visa. However, a valid passport is required for entry.