Welcome to Amsterdam! We at Stromma, Northern Europe's leading provider of sustainable tours and excursions, have crafted an itinerary featuring classic points of interest. Your first day will consist of world-famous museums, a classic canal tour to experience the city, and lots of tasty traditional Dutch food! Your second day is a bit calmer with highlights such as Anne Frank’s house, sightseeing in Vondelpark, and a canal dinner.
The Rijksmuseum is one of the world’s most famous and frequently visited museums. It features over 80 rooms and has an extraordinary collection of 8,000 art pieces including masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh. Spanning 12,000 square meters, the museum is extensive, so be sure to set aside a few hours to appreciate the experience fully. We recommend purchasing your tickets to Rijksmuseum in advance to ensure entry and avoid spending your day in long queues.
While you're in the museum district, we highly recommend taking a canal cruise from there. Amsterdam’s canals are a defining feature of the city’s landscape, and a canal cruise is the best way to experience their charm. You'll get an unparalleled view of the iconic canal houses, bridges, and other architectural gems by the canals. Actually, you’ll glide by over 100 points of interest in just one hour.
When getting back to the dock, stay in the museum quarters (Museumkwartier) for lunch nearby. There are a lot of restaurants in the area to choose from. Gather your strength for the afternoon!
Another museum you’d really want to visit is the Van Gogh Museum. They have an unmatched collection of Van Gogh's Works with 200 paintings, numerous drawings, and letters. Book your visit and buy tickets in advance since it’s one of Amsterdam's most popular sights.
Not into Van Gogh? There are a lot of other museums in Amsterdam to discover.
Enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the Jordaan neighborhood famous for its picturesque canals, cafés, markets, and vibrant cultural scene. The neighborhood offers an authentic Amsterdam experience and views. Explore and you’ll definitely discover some gems.
While you’re there, energize yourself with a sweet treat. Traditional Dutch pancakes (Pannenkoeken) are a bit thicker than the traditional crepe but thinner than American pancakes. These come with both sweet and savory toppings. Another perfect snack is the Poffertjes which resembles a bunch of mini pancakes that also come with a lot of different toppings such as ice cream, berries, and caramel sauce.
There are a lot of different traditional Dutch food so try something new today after a whole day of discovering Amsterdam, Loetje, and I can't stress this enough, is a MUST try resteraunt for authentic Dutch cuisine! Located right across the entrance from Amsterdam Central Station, its a perfect dinner place after a relaxing late afternoon canal cruise which conveniently stops right across from Central Station also.
Stamppot: A classic Dutch dish consisting of mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables like kale, carrots, or sauerkraut, often served with sausage or meatballs
Rijsttafel: An Indonesian-inspired meal consisting of many small dishes, including rice, vegetables, meat, and spicy sauces.
Kroketten: Similar to bitterballen, deep-fried, breaded balls filled with a savory stew, but larger and often filled with meat, shrimp, or cheese.
Hutspot: A traditional Dutch dish made from mashed potatoes, carrots, and onions, often served with a piece of meat like a sausage or a meatball.
Rembrandtplein, named after the Dutch painter Rembrandt, is a vibrant square located in the heart of Amsterdam. It is surrounded by bars and restaurants, making it the perfect spot to experience the city's lively nightlife. Whether you're looking to enjoy a delicious meal or sip on a cocktail, Rembrandtplein offers a fantastic opportunity to see Amsterdam come alive after dark.
Another can’t miss destination in Amsterdam is Anne Frank’s house. It’s located in the actual building where the famous diarist Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II for two years. The museum brings Anne's diary entries to life and offers a touching experience. Visitors can walk through the secret annex, see the original diary, and learn more about Anne and her family.
Tickets usually need to be purchased weeks in advance and it’s recommended that you arrive at least 10 minutes before to guarantee a smooth entry.
You really don’t want to miss out on this green oasis in the city. It’s Amsterdam’s largest and most famous park with lots of activities for the whole family. Looking for movement? Great, there are plenty of options to hike or bike. Still tired from yesterday’s activities? Have a picnic, have some coffee or a cold beverage at one of the cafes nearby. Visiting in the summer? The park comes alive with open-air concerts, theater performances, and events.
When in Amsterdam, street food is a non-negotiable. And why not combine it with strolling around in one of Amsterdam's trendiest neighborhoods? De Pijp is popular to visit because of its unique, vibrant, and artsy vibe and amazing markets. Albert Cuypmarkt is actually the biggest market in Europe with over 260 stalls. This is a gem for locals and tourists – And perfect for lunch.
Experience Amsterdam from a different perspective, gliding past historic buildings, charming houseboats, and picture-friendly bridges at your own pace by trying out pedal boats. It’s like a bicycle but on water!
Nine Street (De Negen Straatjes) is a delightful neighborhood you really wouldn’t want to miss. You have everything you need here, from high-end boutiques and vintage shops to cozy cafés and restaurants. And all this while having beautiful canal houses and historic architecture everywhere you look.
Is there anything better than Amsterdam during sunset? We don't think so, which is why we've arranged a dinner cruise during the magical golden hour. Savor a delicious pizza or cheese platter paired with your favorite drink, all while taking in the city's iconic highlights. There are few better ways to experience the beauty and charm of Amsterdam than this.
When you’re only staying in this busy, but charming, city for two days choosing a neighborhood to stay in is important. You want easy access to everything on your must-do list and get the atmosphere just right. Below are some suggestions, depending on what you're interested in experiencing.
Amsterdam Centrum: Convenient and quick access to sights and things to do
Leidseplein or De Pijp: Nightlife and restaurants
Jordaan: Local experiences and a Dutch charm
Museum District: Art and culture
There’s always a good time to visit Amsterdam, regardless of season but of course, the different seasons have their charm.
Spring: The tulips are in full bloom at the end of April and the weather is comfortable. Tourist season is starting but is usually a bit calmer than the summer.
Summer: Warm weather and long days! Can be quite busy with a lot of tourists. Make sure to book what you can in advance.
Autumn: Perfect for sightseeing and being surrounded by beautiful autumn leaves. A little quieter and cooler weather.
Winter: Quite cold weather but many highlights such as the Amsterdam Light Festival (November 28, 2024, to January 19, 2025). Flights and hotels are usually a bit cheaper as well.
Book your Amsterdam Light Festival tickets here.
There are a few different ways to get between food, sights, and attractions in Amsterdam.
Walking: Amsterdam is a great city for walking, but remember comfortable shoes
Public transport system: Easy to understand. Buy single tickets or a multi-day pass. Gives you access to trams, buses, and the metro
Bike: The Dutch love their bikes! We only recommend this if you’re an experienced biker, at least in the busy streets and during rush hour
Taxis and rideshares: Taxis are the more expensive option, but a quick and easy way to get around town. Rideshares also operates in Amsterdam
Thinking of spending more or less time in Amsterdam? Check out our other itineraries to make the most of your visit!
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