What to do in Amsterdam for two days? How to spend them to make the most of your visit? Here we have made an itinerary which includes Amsterdam must see places and hidden gems for a 2 days trip.
Visit 70 museums and use public transport for free with the I amsterdam city card. See what is included and order it online.
Amsterdam Itinerary. Day 1
1. Van Gogh Museum
Visit to the Van Gogh Museum (Museumplein 6) is definitely a must-do, especially if it’s your first trip to Amsterdam. The best time to visit the Van Gogh Museum is right at the opening, as it gets very busy in the afternoon. Please be aware: the Van Gogh museum is extremely popular, so you need to book tickets at least a few weeks in advance.
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2. Spiegelkwartier
The Spiegelkwartier is Amsterdam’s antiques quarter located behind Museum square, on Spiegelgracht and Nieuwe Spiegelstraat. It’s a home to more than 70 antique dealers and galleries offering a wide range of art, interior objects, jewellery and vintage clothing.
Things to do in the Spiegelkwartier
And it’s a great neighbourhood for taking typical Amsterdam photos with canals and the 17th century houses too!
3. Flower Market
Take a walk through the Flower Market on the Singel canal. It’s often called a floating market because the flower stalls stand on the houseboats. It’s one of Amsterdam’s iconic landmarks operating since 1862, but today it’s also quite a touristic place. Here you will find affordable typical Dutch souvenirs and tulip bulbs. But be aware: most of the bulbs sold at the Bloemenmarkt don’t flower!
4. Lunch break in Dutch style
The most typical Dutch lunch food is a sandwich that people take from home or buy at take-away shops. You can experience the same by buying a sandwich at HEMA shop (Kalverstraat 212). If you are up for more spiced and flavoured dishes, The Lebanese Sajeria (Wijde Heisteeg 1) with take-away manoushe is a good option.
And if you feel like sitting and having a short break, drop by a Dutch self-service restaurant La Place (Kalverstraat 201-203) where you will find sandwiches, soups, main dishes, a variety of drinks and desserts at an affordable price.
Had a nice lunch break? Time to follow our Amsterdam itinerary!
5. Begijnhof
Curious to look behind the facades of Amsterdam houses? Visit the Begijnhof, a quiet garden dating from the early 14th century surrounded by old houses. The best way to enter the Begijnhof is via Spui square. If you stand next to the American Book Centre, you will notice a row of white houses with a brown house in between. Here is where you find the door to the Begijnhof.
Entry to the Begijnhof is free. You can go inside and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere, find the oldest house in Amsterdam (Houten Huys, Begijnhof 34), and visit the Begijnhof chapel hidden behind the facades of residential buildings. It’s definitely a great place to visit in Amsterdam.
6. The Amsterdam Public Library
OBA library (Oosterdokskade 143) is very popular among the locals and the tourists. The entrance to the library is free, and you can explore collections of books, take a comfortable seat and enjoy the silence. On the top floor there is a cafe and a panoramic terrace with a view over the city.
If the weather is warm and sunny, it’s also nice to go up the roof of the NEMO Science Museum building (across the bridge from the library) and enjoy the views over Amsterdam’s historic harbour front.
7. Canal cruise
Nothing compares to the view on Amsterdam from the canals! Tip: our favourite cruises are Lovers, especially these ones:
- 1-hour cruise – the best one for the first visit and unpredictable weather
- open boat – cruise like a local!
- wine and cheese cruise – evening cruise with delicious wines and local cheeses
Taking an evening cruise is also a good way to continue exploring the city while having some break from walking. In the evening several boat companies also serve drinks, snacks, pizza, burgers, famous Loetje steaks and even a 4-course dinner onboard. Make sure you book a spot in advance!
Amsterdam Itinerary. Day 2
1. The Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands dedicated to Dutch arts and history, is big enough to spend the whole day here. We recommend you to start your visit with the The Gallery of Honour, a hall built in 1906 to accommodate The Night Watch by Rembrandt.
Visit 70 museums and use public transport for free with the I amsterdam city card. See what is included and order it online.
Today it also exhibits other masterpieces by the great artists from the Dutch Golden Age. Rijksmuseum is open 365 days a week from 09:00 to 17:00. Tickets online >>
2. Off the beaten track
Take the metro from Vijzelgracht to Rokin station, and take a walk off the beaten track via Grimburgwal to the direction of the University of Amsterdam. You’ll find yourself in one the most peaceful and quiet spots in the centre of Amsterdam. Visit one of the best second hand book markets in Amsterdam in a covered passage of the university building (Oudemanhuispoort 4–6) and take a walk along the Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal canals.
While you’re walking here, it’s hard to believe that the Red Light District, one of the most loud and vibrant neighbourhoods starts just a few hundred metres away. You can go straight and visit the Red Light District, or turn right at Rusland street and continue walking along the Kloveniersburgwal canal.
3. De Waag
And here you are at Nieuwmarkt square! An impressive building you’ll see here is De Waag (Nieuwmarkt 4). Originally it was a city gate and part of the walls of Amsterdam. Later on it has also served as a guildhall, museum, fire station and anatomical theatre. Today at the ground floor of the building there is a restaurant Café in de Waag.
4. Chinatown
Just around the corner, between Nieuwmarkt square and Zeedijk and Geldersekade streets, you’ll find a small vibrant neighbourhood called Amsterdam Chinatown. And it’s not only the bright colours and tempting food smells that make this place special.
There is a story behind nearly every door here, from ‘t Aepjen cafe (Zeedijk 1), one of the oldest wooden buildings in Amsterdam, to the He Hua temple (Zeedijk 106-118) Buddhist temple.
To be honest, this is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Amsterdam.
5. Ferry boat across the IJ river
You’ll easily spot the blue-and-white ferries directly behind Amsterdam Centraal Station. The best part – they are not touristic attractions, but a part of Amsterdam public transport system, used by locals to travel across the Ij river. The most popular ferry route is to Buiksloterweg (perfect for getting to attractions such as the Eye Film museum, A’DAM Lookout, and This is Holland). The ferries depart every 3-5 minutes. They are free, you don’t need a ticket.
6. A’DAM Lookout
When you arrive to the other side of IJ river, visit A’DAM LOOKOUT observation deck (Overhoeksplein 5) on the top floors of the A’DAM Toren building. Here you will also find the highest swing in Europe. It is one of Amsterdam’s most famous attractions. Starting from 2024, a free visit to A’DAM Lookout is also included in the I amsterdam city card.
It’s also a great place to watch the sunset.
Here you can also visit the Moon restaurant, situated on the 19th floor of the A’DAM Tower, overlooking the IJ river and offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Amsterdam.
7. Wynand Focking tasting room
Behind the monument on Dam Square, at Pijlsteeg 31, you’ll find an authentic Dutch Wynand Focking tasting room. In around 1679 it started as a liqueur distillery, and soon a tasting tavern was added. To this day all liqueurs and genevers here are still being made using the same 17th century traditional craft methods. Experience it yourself!
Enjoy your day or weekend in Amsterdam!
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