Last Updated: August 29, 2022
One Day In Amsterdam: A Complete Itinerary
Traveling to Amsterdam for a day and you’re not sure how to spend it? Then you’re definitely in the right place because this detailed guide to Amsterdam in a day covers all the most famous attractions in the city!
Whether you’ve already visited Amsterdam or this is your first time in the city, this itinerary should be perfect for a single day. We’ve also got tips on where to stay and how to get around Amsterdam, as well as a comprehensive list of the best places to visit, ordered in a way that every attraction is less than 10 minutes away from the next.
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Getting Around Amsterdam
Amsterdam is pretty much the cycling capital of the world. It’s no secret that the locals get around on bikes and that they’re pretty serious about it. This is also the best way for tourists to get around, but only if they’re experienced at riding bikes. If you haven’t cycled in ages, maybe it’s not such a good idea to get in the same bike lane as the people who are known for running into pedestrians.
The city boasts a great network of public transportation that will allow you to easily get around town without a bike. You can ride trams, buses, the metro, and even ferries, so you can easily make your way to wherever you want without getting on a bicycle.
You can also just walk, especially if you’re going to stick to this itinerary. We picked out the attractions that are close enough to one another, and even the attractions that are furthest away from the city center shouldn’t be more than a 30-minute walk away from your hotel!
Best Time To Visit Amsterdam
If you want to make the most of your visit and enjoy your time in Amsterdam without huge crowds, the best time to visit is either April or September. The weather is pleasant, there are lots of events during these months (particularly in April), and it’s warm enough for bike rides.
The huge crowds start to arrive in the city between May and August, and if you’re looking to avoid that, forget about a summer visit. It’s also important to note that accommodation prices are higher during the peak season, so you’re more likely to find a better deal if you travel to Amsterdam in April or September.
Winter visits are also not entirely out of the question, especially if you don’t mind the cold weather. It’s not an ideal time to ride bikes around Amsterdam, but if you’re only staying for one day, you should be able to get around the city without a bike.
How to Spend Your Day in Amsterdam
This Amsterdam itinerary is structured so that you have enough time to visit all of the attractions listed. We made sure to list the top sights in Amsterdam in the exact order that it’s best to see them, so you’re never more than 10 minutes away from the next attraction.
Feel free to switch things up if you’re not that interested in some of the things listed here, just make sure that you’re not substituting activity for something that’s very far away and that will mess up the rest of your day.
Rent A Bike
The best way of getting around Amsterdam is renting a bike. That’s how many locals get around the city, and it’s much more convenient than driving. It’s the first thing you should do when you arrive in the city because it will allow you to quickly travel between different tourist attractions.
Bike rentals are everywhere in Amsterdam, so just look for whichever one is closest to your accommodation. If you’re staying in the Jordaan neighborhood, we’d recommend Bike City as one of the top rental services.
The staff is friendly and they’ll even share tips on what to do in Amsterdam with you, the bikes are in excellent condition, and their prices are fair for Amsterdam. This shop is also a 3-minute ride from Anne Frank House, so you can start exploring the city as soon as you pick up the bike.
Visit Anne Frank House
Anne Frank House is easily the most famous tourist attraction in Amsterdam and it’s located in the heart of the Jordaan neighborhood. The museum is situated in the actual house where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II, and it still contains many of the objects that were in the house originally.
A tour of the museum is not exactly a pleasant experience, especially when you know the history behind it. That’s why it’s best to do it as soon as you arrive – you still have plenty of other attractions to discover and your trip won’t end on a somber note.
Also, there are lots of stairs to climb and they’re pretty steep, so be prepared for that. Most of the rooms are pretty narrow, so if you want to avoid huge crowds at Anne Frank House, it’s best to arrive at the museum as early as possible.
You could skip the Anne Frank House if you’re not really in the mood for the tour, but that’s pretty much like traveling to Paris and not visiting the Louvre.
Dam Square and The Royal Palace
Dam Square is a 5-minute bike ride or a 10-minute walk from the Anne Frank House and it’s a popular tourist hub in the city. The public square is surrounded by notable buildings, so you’ll get to see more than one famous Amsterdam attraction here.
The most notable attraction in this area is the Royal Palace. It was initially built as a city hall in the 17th century, during the Dutch Golden Age. King Louis Napoleon started using it as a royal palace, and its retained that purpose even today. It’s not the official residence of the King of the Netherlands, but he does receive important guests here sometimes.
The palace is open to the public and you can tour the interior if you’re interested to see what a royal palace in Holland looks like. However, keep in mind that it’s a very big building – you could easily lose track of time, and you could end up not having enough time to see all the other Amsterdam attractions. But if you still want to go inside the palace, you must buy tickets in advance and reserve a time slot.
This vast public square isn’t famous just because of that one building. It boasts a huge monument, as well as a variety of luxury stores, and fine dining restaurants. Go for a quick walk up the street leading north from the square to do some window shopping at Chanel, YSL, Hermes, or any other high-end designer store.
Red Light District
Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District remains one of the most popular destinations in the city. We recommend going here after visiting Dam Square because it’s on the way to the next attraction on the itinerary, but keep in mind that you’re not going to see much here during the day.
Most shops in the Red Light District open after 8 PM, so if you want to really explore the place and have some fun, you should head there after you’ve completed the entire itinerary. You can still visit the place during the day, but it’s a very different experience from visiting at night.
The Red Light District is busiest from about 10 PM to 2 AM, so try to visit during that period, if you want to get a sense of what the place is really like. Also, it’s essential you keep an open mind because you will see and experience all the things you heard about and more.
Brothels with working girls in the windows, live sex theaters, and a strong smell of weed are ever present in the city’s most infamous neighborhood.
One thing to note is that you should be respectful of all the workers here. Don’t photograph any of the women behind the glass and be polite to people you encounter.
Begijnhof
Situated in the heart of Amsterdam city, Begijnhof is a women’s religious community that dates back to the 15th century. It’s definitely one of the attractions you should visit if you’ve only got one day in Amsterdam because it offers a different perspective on this city.
Amsterdam is perceived as the city of vice but this community is proof that there is so much more to the city. See the building techniques from the early 15th century that are still present here, explore the church and the chapel, and don’t forget to take a moment just to relax and enjoy the views.
Begijnhof is open to the public and there aren’t any entrance fees, so it’s a tourist attraction you can explore free of charge. Just keep in mind that there are still people living in the houses here, so be respectful of that. Don’t make too much noise, pick up your litter, and respect the gates that mark the entrance to someone’s private residence.
Amsterdam Flower Market
The city of Amsterdam has a rather unique floating flower market that’s absolutely worth checking out. It’s close to Begijnhof so be sure to stop by and see what’s on offer on that specific day. The smell of fresh tulips is just amazing, and a pretty nice contrast to the smell of the city’s coffee shops that dominate in other neighborhoods.
The Floating Flower Market is also a good place to shop for souvenirs in Amsterdam. You’ll find lots of things other than flowers on sale, including Delft Blue pottery, wooden clogs, and lots of smaller, flower-themed souvenirs.
It’s also possible to purchase flower seeds here, in case you want to bring a little piece of Amsterdam home with you. Plant some tulips at home and they’ll always remind you of the awesome day you once spent in Amsterdam!
Nine Streets
Nine Streets is a neighborhood block in Amsterdam made up of nine little streets. The canal-adjacent area is very picturesque and best-known for its quaint vintage shops, cozy cafes, and designer boutiques.
This neighborhood is just a short walk away from the flower market, so you can easily get there either on foot or on a bike in about five minutes. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring beautiful architecture and charming views wherever you look.
Walk through all the nine streets, pop inside a shop or two, and grab some coffee in one of the many cafes in the neighborhood. You’ll also find lots of restaurants tucked away in the different corners of the Nine Streets, so in case you’re getting hungry, it’s a good time to grab something to eat before you carry on exploring the city.
Canal Cruise
Canal cruises are a great way of exploring Amsterdam. It might be a bit tricky to fit a canal cruise into a one-day itinerary, and that’s why we recommend doing it after you’ve explored the famous Nine Streets district.
Leemstar Amsterdam is a popular option for an Amsterdam canal cruise. They’re situated in Nine Streets, so you can easily just walk straight to the boat after you’re done exploring this part of Amsterdam. Just be sure to get there on time, since the shared cruises are scheduled.
You need to reserve a seat on the boat a few days or weeks in advance, especially if you want to go on a shared cruise. Private cruises are great for groups, but they’re also very expensive. Shared cruises are a lot more affordable, and we’d recommend the cheapest one as the best option for a quick Amsterdam canal cruise.
It’s about 29 Euros for a 60-minute canal cruise, and 35 Euros if you want drinks included in the price. The company also offers a 90-minute cruise, but this is a bit of an overkill if you’ve got very limited time in the city.
Leidseplein
Encompassing the grosser area surrounding Leidseplein square, Leidseplein is a trendy neighborhood known for its vivid nightlife, street performers, and trendy bars. Whether you want to stop by for a drink or you’re starving and need to eat something, it’s a great idea to stop by and check out this neighborhood.
You’ll find a huge selection of international restaurants in Leidseplein. There’s everything from Japanese cuisine to New York-style pizza, so it’s definitely a great place if you’re looking for something specific to eat.
But Leidseplein isn’t just about the food and bars, it’s also about culture. This is where several of Amsterdam’s theaters are situated, and the performances spill onto the streets more often than not.
It’s the home of some of the city’s most popular performance venues, and this is where most locals will go if they’re looking to attend a concert, a stand-up comedy event, or just have a good time at a nightclub.
Museumplein
Amsterdam’s Museum Square is furthest away from the city center, so it’s the final attraction in this itinerary. But it’s still not too far away – you can be back in the Jordaan neighborhood in 10 minutes if you’re cycling, or in 30 minutes if you’re walking.
This is a large public space close to some of the city’s best museums. It’s where you’ll find the Van Gogh Museum, the Moco Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum as well as a bunch of other attractions. There are skate ramps, a basketball court, and a craft market that’s open every third Sunday of the month.
If you happen to be visiting Amsterdam on a third Sunday in the month, definitely check out this market for unique souvenirs.
Rijksmuseum is also close to Museumplein. It’s one of the city’s most famous museums, with an amazing collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, as well as other European art. The museum is situated in a beautiful 19th-century building and it’s definitely worth it to just walk past the museum to get a good look at the impressive building.
We don’t necessarily recommend touring any of the museums, simply because of the time constraint. But if you have an hour or two to spare, the Van Gogh museum is by far the best option. It houses the largest collection of artists’ works in the world, plus it’s got a great museum should where you can buy all sorts of unique Van Gogh-themed Amsterdam souvenirs.
Jordaan Neighborhood
This itinerary presumes that you’re staying in central Amsterdam, preferably in the Jordaan neighborhood. Once you’ve explored all the other tourist attractions and you’ve visited Museum Square, you can cycle back to your accommodation in Jordaan. But don’t start packing your bags just yet, at least not before you’ve explored Jordaan.
Go for a walk around the neighborhood and see the colorful townhouses that line the sides of Amsterdam canals. This neighborhood is known for its many cafes, restaurants, and bars, which tend to come alive in the evenings when the locals get off work. You can spend your final few hours in Amsterdam tasting the local cuisine, or just experiencing the city’s nightlife.
This district was originally built in the 17th century to house the immigrants and the working class. A large number of immigrants meant that Jordaan is truly a melting pot of different cultures, which is evident in the city’s locales and shops even today. The district is also home to many museums, monuments, churches, and other landmarks.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
If you’ve only got one day in Amsterdam, you’ll make the most of it if you stay in the city center (De Waalen, Grachtengordel, Jordaan). You’ll be within walking distance of most tourist attractions, plus you’ll have the option of stopping by your accommodation, whether it’s to drop off souvenirs or rest and recharge before going out again.
Jordaan neighborhood is easily the best option for tourists who only have one day in the city. It’s centrally located so you have easy access to all the popular tourist attractions, plus it’s one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Amsterdam. Sure, you’ll pay more for a hotel room or an Airbnb in the central part of the city, but it’s worth it to be so centrally located, plus it’s just for one night.
De Pijp is another trendy neighborhood in Amsterdam with a variety of popular attractions. It’s close to Rijksmuseum and Museumplein, so you could do this itinerary in reverse if you decide to stay in this neighborhood.
It’s worth noting that the De Pijp is not quite as central as the other recommended neighborhoods, so you’ll pay less for accommodation but you’re still just a 15-minute bike ride from the heart of the city.
Tips for Visiting Amsterdam
Don’t do drugs. Although Amsterdam is world-famous for its coffee shops, we don’t recommend getting high if you only have one day in the city. You’ll most likely zone out and you’ll miss out on all the wonderful attractions Amsterdam has to offer! So, skip the weed and stick to the tourist attractions. But if you’re dying to try the weed in Amsterdam, at least wait until the evening to smoke it.
Buy tickets in advance. If you want to visit Anne Frank House or any other museum for that matter, it’s smart to purchase your tickets well in advance. If possible, pay extra for skip-the-line tickets – you’ve only got one day in the city, so it’s fine to pay more for a ticket if it means you don’t have to waste an hour or two waiting in line.
Watch where you’re walking/biking. Cyclists in Amsterdam are pretty savage and they will run into you on purpose if you’re walking in the bike lane. So, unless you want your one day in Amsterdam to turn into a multi-day hospital stay, never walk in the bike lane and never cycle on the sidewalk.
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
