Is two days enough to see the best of Amsterdam? We believe that with a good plan and itinerary you’ll have enough time to visit Amsterdam’s must-see locations, as well as authentic places. So here we go!
Check the pervious post: Amsterdam itinerary: day 1
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.
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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- Amsterdam itinerary: best of the city in 2 days
- Canal cruises in Amsterdam
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- Things to do in Amsterdam with kids
- I amsterdam card: what is free and how to use it?
- De 9 Straatjes – Amsterdam’s Nine little streets