More about: Amsterdam in 1 Day: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit
Many tourists decide to take advantage of cheap flights and come for just 24 hours to discover this incredible city. If that sounds like you, pack your rucksack because we’re off to explore the top attractions Amsterdam has to offer; from the city centre and Dam Square, to the Anne Frank House and the Flower Market, finishing with one of the most typical things to do: the Red Light District. Let’s get started!
- Amsterdam Offer: Van Gogh Museum Tickets and Canal Cruise
- From £35
- At your own pace
- Admire over 200 works by Van Gogh and other artists such as Gauguin and Monet
- Skip-the-line access
- Includes a boat trip
- Book now
- Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter Anne Frank Tour
- From £29
- At your own pace
- Explore the Jodenbuurt, the Anne Frank House and the Jordaan neighbourhood
- Small groups
- Local guide
- Book now
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise
- From £12
- 1 hour
- You’ll pass by the narrow bridge, the Anne Frank House, the opulent Golden Curve and the red-light district
- Medium-sized groups
- Audio guide
- Book now
Start your day by visiting the Van Gogh Museum
The best place to start a cultural day out in Amsterdam is the Van Gogh Museum, which opens early and allows you to take your time enjoying its impressive collection. Here you’ll see some of his most famous works, such as Sunflowers and The Bedroom in Arles, as well as learning about his personal life. To avoid wasting time queuing, it’s best to buy your ticket for the Van Gogh Museum in advance or even book a guided tour to make the experience even more enriching. The museum is well connected and easy to reach from anywhere in the city centre.
Further information
- Where: Museumplein 6
- Price: from €40 including a river cruise
- Duration: 1 hour
- Of interest to: fans of modern art and Van Gogh’s biography
Stroll through the Flower Market
From the museum, a stroll of just 15 minutes takes you to the famous Flower Market, also known as the Bloemenmarkt. It is a floating market, built on barges, where you’ll find bulbs, seeds and botanical souvenirs. Originally, traders would travel by boat selling flowers along the canals, and this market retains that unique spirit. It’s a brief but charming stop, perfect for admiring the colourful stalls and discovering the role of the canals in the city’s daily life. What’s more, you’ll be right next to the canals in the centre of Amsterdam.
Further information
- Where: Singel canal
- Price: free
- Duration: 30 mins
- What you’ll see: bulbs, souvenirs and plenty of colour
Take a break and try some authentic chips
It’s time to recharge your batteries with a traditional snack. Chips are practically a religion in the Netherlands, and in this area you’ll find one of the most famous spots: Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx, where you can choose from dozens of sauces. A perfect snack before you carry on exploring.
More information
- Where: Voetboogstraat 33
- Price: approx. €5
- Duration: 20–30 mins
- Tip: ask for the “Joppie” sauce if you want to try something local
Visit the city centre: Dam Square and the Royal Palace
Dam Square is the heart of the city. Demonstrations, concerts and events are held here all year round. Opposite the Royal Palace you’ll find the Nieuwe Kerk church and, nearby, the Amsterdam Wax Museum. You can also take the opportunity to do some shopping at De Bijenkorf, one of the capital’s iconic department stores.
Further information
- Where: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal
- Price: from £12
- Duration: 1 hour
- Tip: pop into the Palace if you have time
Visit the Anne Frank House
After lunch, it’s the perfect time to move on to one of the day’s most important stops: the Anne Frank House. This historic and moving site allows you to explore the rooms where Anne and her family lived in hiding during the Nazi occupation. It’s an emotional and memorable visit, and booking an Anne Frank tour of the Jewish Quarter can help you understand the historical context even better. Its proximity to the city centre makes it very easy to reach on foot and an essential stop for any visitor with just 24 hours in the city.
Further information
- Where is it?: Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV.
- How much does it cost?: around €10.
- Duration: up to 1 hour with a guided tour.
- What’s on offer?: a journey through Europe’s recent history through the eyes of a young girl.
Take a stroll through the 9 Streets
To clear your mind after such a moving visit, a stroll through the 9 Streets neighbourhood is ideal. This area, situated between Leidsestraat and Raadhuisstraat, combines designer shops, art galleries and charming cafés. Wandering through its cobbled streets allows you to immerse yourself in one of the city’s youngest, most modern and most photogenic areas. This stop is a regular feature of the many tours of Amsterdam, and is ideal for relaxing for a while and soaking up the local atmosphere.
Further information
- Where is it?: between Leidsestraat and Raadhuisstraat.
- How much does it cost?: free to walk around, but shops are expensive.
- Duration of visit: around 40 minutes.
- What’s on offer?: a modern, alternative side of Amsterdam, perfect for exploring at a leisurely pace.
Go and see Amsterdam’s oldest building
As the day draws to a close, I suggest heading to the Red Light District to visit one of the city’s architectural treasures: the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam’s oldest building. Dating from 1302, this church is of immense historical value, and thanks to its central location, it’s very easy to include it in your itinerary. Although it’s impressive from the outside, if you have time, do go inside and explore its Gothic interior.
Further information
- Where is it?: Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX.
- How much does it cost?: approximately €10.
- Duration of visit: between 20 minutes and 1 hour.
- What’s on offer?: a glimpse into the city’s medieval past.
Take a canal cruise at sunset
There’s no better way to round off the afternoon than with one of the city’s most iconic activities: a boat trip along the canals. Enjoying the sunset on board whilst cruising through Amsterdam’s historic canals is a magical experience. There are plenty of options, but if you’d prefer to avoid queues and guarantee your place, it’s best to book your Amsterdam canal cruise in advance.
Further information
- Where is it?: next to the Red Light District and the city centre.
- How much does it cost?: from 12
- Duration: between 1 and 2 hours.
- What does it offer?: a comfortable and scenic tour to round off the day in style.
Put the icing on the cake with a delicious dinner
After the cruise, the city centre is brimming with options for a lovely dinner. From gourmet spots such as Vermeer or Martine of Martine’s Table to charming restaurants like Bridges, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. It’s the perfect way to round off a full day in the city.
More information
- Where is it?: in and around the Red Light District.
- How much does it cost?: between €20 and €120.
- Duration of visit: 2 hours.
- What’s on offer?: varied, high-quality cuisine to suit all types of traveller.
Round off the day with a drink in the Red Light District
Finally, after dinner, you can round off your day by exploring one of the world’s most iconic and talked-about neighbourhoods: Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Although it’s famous for its lights and shop windows, it’s also home to pubs and cafés where you can soak up the local atmosphere. Everything is conducted legally and respectfully, and experiencing it first-hand is part of understanding what this city is all about. A great way to get to know it in depth is to book a tour of Amsterdam’s Red Light District and explore it with a guide.
Further information
- Where is it?: between Damrak Street and Nieuwmarkt Square.
- How much does it cost?: pubs and coffee shops between €10 and €50.
- Duration: around 2 hours.
- What’s on offer?: the chance to explore a unique, modern neighbourhood brimming with nightlife.
What’s the best way to get around Amsterdam?
Although the centre of Amsterdam can be easily explored on foot, there are other very practical ways to get around the city. As you know, this is the cycling capital of the world, so it’s a great idea to book a bike tour of Amsterdam and discover the city just as the locals do. You can also choose to hire a bike yourself and explore at your own pace.
The tram is another of the most convenient options, ideal for slightly longer journeys. What’s more, if you want to explore the city quickly and flexibly, you can book a seat on the City Sightseeing tourist bus and hop on and off as often as you like. In any case, cycling is one of the best ways to get around Amsterdam.
Further information
- On foot: ideal for the historic centre.
- Cycling: fast, eco-friendly and 100% local.
- Tram: connects neighbourhoods and museums to the city centre.
- Sightseeing bus: handy if you’re short on time.
Basic tips for visiting Amsterdam
To make sure your break is perfect, bear in mind these tips for sightseeing in Amsterdam if it’s your first time in the city:
- Book in advance: tickets for museums and tours tend to sell out quickly, especially in high season.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a fair bit of walking, even if you combine it with cycling or travelling by tram.
- If you’re looking for a coffee, avoid the coffee shops (they sell cannabis); instead, look for a bakkerij or a traditional café.
- In the Red Light District, be respectful: taking photos of the shop windows is prohibited and discreet behaviour is expected.
- Check the weather before you set off: it can start raining at any moment, so always carry a raincoat.
Amsterdam is a city to be enjoyed as much for its history as for its modern, liberal atmosphere. In just 24 hours, you can have an intense and very fulfilling experience if you plan your itinerary well.