Last Updated on 16th October 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
If you only have one day in Amsterdam, you might not be able to fit the entire city’s attractions in, but you’ll have more than enough time to feel the essence of the city! Here’s your perfect itinerary for the best of Amsterdam in one day.
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Is 1 day enough time in Amsterdam?
As the capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a large city with plenty of attractions and even more to see. As such, you won’t be able to cover everything that there is to do in Amsterdam over the course of 24 hours.
With that being said, if one day is all the time you can allocate to visiting Amsterdam, then it’s better to go and get a taste for the city than forgo it altogether.
The ideal amount of time to explore Amsterdam is three to five days so that you can see a number of different neighbourhoods, as well as perhaps take a half day trip. If you’re visiting Amsterdam on a Sunday then not to worry as almost everything is still open.
How to get to Amsterdam
The capital of The Netherlands (although not the seat of the Dutch government, which is in The Hague!), Amsterdam is a buzzing city that’s long been top of many people’s “to visit” lists.
Famous for its beautiful canals and liberal attitudes, it’s a popular place for a city break thanks to its plethora of interesting activities, not to mention that it’s easily accessible from all major European destinations.
Amsterdam has a central train station with direct trains to places in Belgium, France, elsewhere in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Germany. It’s even possible to take the train from London to Amsterdam. Amsterdam is also served by Amsterdam Schipol airport, which provides plane services to destinations all over Europe and beyond.
When should you visit Amsterdam?
Thanks to is wealth of beautiful museums, historic architecture, and indoor as well as outdoor activities, Amsterdam is a year-round destination. However, the best time of the year to go is undoubtedly in April, when you can experience both the tulips and King’s Day.
Suggested one day in Amsterdam itinerary
Damrak Canal Houses
If there’s one row of houses that nearly every visitor to Amsterdam makes it a priority to see, it’s the Damrak Canal Houses which date back centuries and appear as if they’re dancing thanks to their leaning statures.
These houses lie close to the Amsterdam Centraal train station and should be your first port of call in the city thanks to the fact that they’re just so pretty and are a great introduction to the Dutch capital. They are also quite popular and so it’s easier to photograph them earlier in the day when fewer people are around.
Amsterdam Walking Tour
Walking tours are excellent ways to get a flavour of the city, and this Amsterdam walking tour shows you around the central area of the city. There are a few companies that do walking tours of Amsterdam, but a popular favourite is SANDEMANS (also called New Europe Tours).
Starting at the National Monument, this walking tour traverses the city, teaching tourists about Amsterdam’s boat-making and trading history and its role in the two World Wars, to its current-day climate.
It’s a really valuable way to get orientated in the city and learn more about its history! Please note that, while the tour itself is free, it’s customary to tip your tour guide.
Cruise around the canals
Next, it’s time to see Amsterdam from another perspective! The canals are beautiful to walk around, but cruising on them gives you a sense of how they work and why they are so important to the city. Plus, you’ll see some of Amsterdam’s best landmarks and beautiful architecture from a different perspective.
Canal cruises generally take between 60 – 90 minutes and leave from various locations, many around the Central Station area. Alternatively, you could save your cruise time for later on in the day and take a sunset cruise through the city, which offers views of the city bathed in a golden hour glow. Find more cruise details here.
Bloemenmarkt
Dating back to 1862, Bloemenmarkt is a flower market with fresh flowers, bulbs and plants on offer every day Monday to Saturday. You can also browse and purchase other traditional Dutch souvenirs here, including baubles and locally made cheese!
Even if you don’t want to purchase anything, Boemenmarkt is such a unique sight, a spectacle for all the senses, that it’s well worth adding to your one day in Amsterdam itinerary.
Please note that the flower market is predominantly bulbs and seeds for sale and so you shouldn’t turn up expecting to see lots of fresh flowers in bloom. Many visitors make the Amsterdam mistake of turning up and expecting to find an oh-so photogenic flower display, only to be disappointed.
Lunch at Sampurna
There are lots of Indonesian restaurants throughout the Netherlands (and some Indonesian dishes are even a staple part of Dutch cuisine nowadays!). This is due to Indonesia being a Dutch colony for a whopping 350 years, and some Indonesian people resettling in the European nation.
Sampurna is right by Bloemenmarkt, and it’s a great place to sample some of the South East Asian country’s finest cuisine. Try nasi goreng (fried rice) or mie goreng (fried noodles) or sample dishes like gado gado with peanut sauce or chicken satay.
See the museums
Amsterdam has over 50 museums, but a clear three are the most popular: the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank Haus and Rijksmuseum.
You’ll probably only have time to visit one of these museums in your day in Amsterdam, so whichever one you choose depends on your interests. You should also be sure to book these in advance if you want to secure a ticket for the time of your choice.
Alternatively, there are plenty of small museums in Amsterdam, including a canal house which once housed a secret church in its attic (Our Lord in the Attic), a museum dedicated to cats, and a Houseboat museum. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our guide to the best small museums in Amsterdam.
Van Gogh Museum
Vincent Van Gogh was a world-famous 19th century artist who was from The Netherlands. He produced about 2,100 paintings, although never found fame while he was alive. Tragically, he suffered from severe depression and ended his life at the age of just 37.
Posthumously, he gained great fame as one of the best artists of the era. This museum celebrates his life and artwork, displaying both his paintings and work from his contemporaries. Purchase your Van Gogh Museum ticket here in advance.
Anne Frank Haus
Anne Frank was another Dutch character who gained posthumous fame due to her diaries being published after her untimely death. She was persecuted when the Nazi party occupied the city due to her Jewish faith, and she hid with her family in the attic of the Anne Frank Haus.
Tragically, she was ultimately caught and sent to Auschwitz, where she and most of her family died. The Anne Frank Haus nowadays details the occupation of the city and her life.
Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum is the National Museum of the Netherlands and is one of the most important museums in the country. It has a strong focus on art and design, with many of the country’s best artists’ work displayed here. Also, find countless artefacts that detail the nation’s history. Purchase your Rijksmuseum ticket here in advance.
Red Light District
Amsterdam’s Red Light District is a somewhat infamous area, but many tourists end up there – mostly out of curiosity, but some for other reasons. The architecture here is particularly beautiful, as it’s one of the most historic parts of the city.
However, the Red Light District does have a name for itself as the area where Amsterdam’s sex workers operate. While you’re there, be respectful and don’t take photos (both directly and indirectly) of any workers standing in the windows. Also, be mindful of pickpocketers and avoid attracting unwanted attention.
For some tourists, one of Amsterdam’s draws is the decriminalisation of some soft drugs like cannabis, and most of the city’s coffee shops (where you can legally purchase cannabis) are located in this part of the city. If you do want to engage in this part of Amsterdam’s culture, head to the coffee shops and don’t buy off anyone on the street, which is illegal (and dangerous!).
If you’re curious, the Museum of Cannabis (which is open every day of the week from 9 AM to 10 PM) and the Museum of Prostitution are also in the Red Light District.
Mata Hari
Mata Hari is a popular Dutch restaurant close to the Red Light District. Enjoying a canalside location, it serves up delicious European fare and local Dutch beers – the perfect place to end your day in Amsterdam!
Where to stay in Amsterdam
As one of the most important cities in Europe, there’s no shortage of places to stay in Amsterdam, though of course this does come at a premium and the city is much more expensive than other cities in the Netherlands!
You should also be sure to book your accommodation as soon as you know your travel dates so as to secure the best rates and also be sure to be able to book the place you actually want to stay>
Flying Pig Downtown is a popular city centre hostel, located right next to Amsterdam Central Station. With dorms sleeping from four to 32 people, there’s something for all budgets here! Check prices and availability here.
Eden Hotel Amsterdam is a bright, clean hotel with beautifully decorated rooms of different sizes, located in the centre of Amsterdam. Check prices and availability here.
INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam is a beautiful hotel with breathtaking views over the city centre. Rooms are spacious and modern, with comfortable beds and luxury bathrooms. There is also a fitness centre, bar and restaurant on-site. Check prices and availability here.
A final note on spending a day in Amsterdam
If you’re looking for a European city with a fun atmosphere, lots of culture and centuries of fascinating history, then Amsterdam has a lot to offer. There’s so much to explore in the Dutch capital, but hopefully, this one-day itinerary has demonstrated some of the city’s best attractions!
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Claire Martin is a travel blogger and freelance writer who specialises in overland adventures. She’s drove around Australia, travelled from Bali to London without flying, lived in Mexico and has spent many months exploring Europe. You can follow her adventures on her blog, Claire’s Footsteps.