2 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary | How to Spend 48 Hours

Amsterdam is one of the best cities in the entire world. If I could, I would spend months, not days, there. However, time can be limited and constraining. I’ve been lucky enough to go to Amsterdam a half-dozen times from the U.S., so I’ll give you 2 days in Amsterdam itinerary you can’t refuse.

The good news with limited time in Amsterdam is that the city is small and highly functional. If I could, I would move to Amsterdam in a heartbeat.

The city is set up perfectly for residents, and there’s plenty to do while you are there. Imagine the best worlds, including fantastic art, museums, boating, biking, parks, Heineken beer, awesome souvenirs, and underrated food.

Yeah, I can get behind that. There are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam. No matter who you are traveling with.

You can go family-friendly with museums and good food or explore bars and parks with friends. As a person that hates cars, Amsterdam is a great city for me—enough with the love fest in Amsterdam. I’m here to help you see everything in 48 hours.

Things to Consider for Your Amsterdam Trip

Amsterdam is the official capital of The Netherlands. The city is known for its artistic heritage, picturesque canal system, amazing architecture, and canal houses with gabled facades.

Amsterdam is known for being one of the best-preserved cities in Europe and has many traces of the 17th-century Golden Age, so the entire city is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Amsterdam features an eclectic Museum District that houses the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Moco Museum, STRAAT Museum, and an epic park system.

Cycling is the preferred method of commuting, adding to the city’s character and charm. Amsterdam is famous for plenty of things, like the Anne Frank House and the Royal Palace.

As I was saying, Amsterdam is a very liveable city, and it’s very functional. You should be able to conquer the top attractions by spending two days in Amsterdam. The only problem is that you’ll likely want to be back for more.

Map for Visiting Amsterdam

If you are flying into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, take a peak out the exit doors to snap a picture with the iconic landmark, the I Amsterdam sign. This sign was formerly in front of the Rijksmuseum and is now a welcome sign for Amsterdam city visitors outside Schiphol Airport.

Below is a map of Amsterdam to give you a flavor of the city and the setup. Think of the city center as the shape of a “U” due to Amsterdam’s canals. In the top middle of the “U” canal ring lies Amsterdam Centraal Station (or Central Station).

It’s a great drop-off spot if you arrive in Amsterdam via train. I love getting dropped off here as it’s the best way to get right into Amsterdam’s hustle, bustle, and oddities.

From Amsterdam Centraal Station, you can walk to most key areas of Amsterdam Centrum (or Amsterdam city center). The canal rings extend in a U-shape and layer around the city. If you like square streets and straightforward street lettering, Amsterdam is not for you.

Each side of the canal streets is a one-way street, so you want to walk/bike on the appropriate one-way side of the street.

I hope this map from Google Maps sets the stage for your experience when you visit Amsterdam. Before, we get into a breakdown of the Amsterdam itinerary day by day. Let’s break down the various neighborhoods in the city to help you find out where you should stay.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Another reason why I love Amsterdam so much is because of the wide array of boutique and luxury hotel options. I used my travel hacking skills to stay at the Pulitzer Hotel. It was one of the trips of a lifetime. I can’t wait to go back.

Here are some areas I’d recommend that you stay for an awesome experience:

Jordaan Neighborhood

Jordaan is a stretch of an area in the city center famous for upbeat cafes, boutique shops, and pretty houses. “Jordan” comes from the French word Jardian, meaning garden. An approximately 1-hour sightseeing tour offers a perfect way to discover much of town.

A little outside the neighborhood of Jordaan is Anne Frank House, the largest museum of arts and science in Amsterdam, the largest museum devoted to the history of book-making art and science at the center of Amsterdam.

Neighborhood vibes, great dining, and quaint (there are plenty of hidden gems of Amsterdam in this neighborhood). If you like what you are hearing, here are some hotels near and around this area:

• The Hoxton – In an excellent location and with reasonably priced rooms. You can lounge at the trendy restaurant and excellent bar after a full day of exploring.
• Pulitzer Hotel – The Pulitzer was an iconic experience I would definitely need to experience again.

If you want to make the most of your two days in Amsterdam, book a nicer hotel. Amsterdam is filled with excellent luxury and boutique hotels.

Vondelpark

Vondelpark is the largest city park in Amsterdam, only a few blocks from the Van Gogh Museum. This park opened in 1865 to its original name, New Park or Nieuwe Park. There is a free-range theatre and numerous cafes, including the amazing ‘T Blauwe Teehuis.

June through September are popular times to visit Vondelpark for theatre shows and concerts. The city park is named after the 17th-century actor and poet Joost van den Vondel.

It attracts millions of tourists annually and is only 6 minutes from the Vincent Van Gogh Museum and Museumplein (or Museum Quarter). This area provides a quieter, cozy, and relaxing Amsterdam trip. If you like the sounds of all the above, then check out these top picks for hotels in the Vondelpark area:

• The Dylan – The Dylan is another very well-known luxury hotel featuring amazing dining and a unique, modern atmosphere.
• Pillows Amsterdam, Vondel – I stayed here in August a few years ago. It was an amazing experience and definitely worth heading back to. It’s right next to Vondelpark, so if you want to experience Amsterdam in a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Pillows Amsterdam is your place.
• Conservatorium – One of the world’s most legendary luxury hotels. The hotel combines class, comfort, history, and style in one.

De Pijp

The De Pijp neighborhood is situated in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The area has been one of the city’s major hotspots for entertainment and nightlife in the past two decades.

The De Pijp neighborhood was built on a formerly poor and highly polluted site. It is a vibrant multicultural district with many cafes, shops, restaurants, and galleries.

Fabulous markets, close to everything, and you won’t have to deal with swarming tourists. If you like the sounds of all the above, then check out these top picks for hotels in the De Pijp area:

• The CitizenM – Extremely close to many things and has a well-decorated modern atmosphere.
• Pestana Amsterdam Prinsen Hotel & Lounge – The luxury Pestana is a hotel with excellent rooms and incredible service.

Amsterdam Centrum / Central Amsterdam

Named for the Dutch word meaning center, Amsterdam Centrum (AKA Central Amsterdam) is one of Amsterdam’s most popular tourist attractions. Home to the head offices of the Netherlands’ largest railway stations, it is easy to reach by public transport.

It has two main shopping streets, Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk, featuring two large department stores (Kalverstraat) and smaller fashion retail areas (Nieuwendijk).

This is right amid the tourist central area and is generally filled with people. It’s a central area right in the city center, but you will be swarming with people. There are also two churches worth exploring nearby: Oude Kerk and Westerkerk.

• Oude Kerk is Amsterdam’s oldest building, established in 1306. The beautiful exterior of this Gothic church has two dark towers that can be seen for miles around.
• Westerkerk was designed by Hendrik de Keyser, who designed 10,000 buildings in Amsterdam, including the Dutch parts of the Rijksmuseum. It has two amazing towers that are well worth exploring.

If you think this sounds like a good idea, here are some top picks for hotels near Amsterdam Centrum:

• Sofitel Grand Amsterdam – One of my all-time favorite luxury hotels in Amsterdam, filled with modern art and design. This is one of the top luxury hotels in Amsterdam that also won’t destroy your budget.
• Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam – This hotel is the epitome of excellence with its modern amenities. And that’s not all – it proudly offers two restaurants that provide sweeping panoramic views of Dam Square. No doubt about it, this establishment is the ultimate choice for discerning travelers in search of unparalleled luxury and comfort.

See Related: Travel Tips for Amsterdam (+ Top Do’s & Dont’s)

De Wallen (Red Light District)

De Wallen is the Red Light District of Amsterdam. The area has a 2-block radius and offers plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, art galleries, cozy hotels, boutique shops, etc.

There are also many opportunities to take tours around the Red Light District area. Generally not for me. If your Amsterdam itinerary concerns nightlife and partying, you’ll want to stay in De Wallen.

This is one of the most popular areas in Amsterdam for people who love to party. Whether you pick up some designer jewelry at Van Baerle, grab a drink on the canal at Cafe Touissant, or snack on delicious stroopwafels, this is your place!

Here are some options to stay near De Wallen to make the most of your stay.

• Art’otel Amsterdam Centre – This traditional hotel in central Amsterdam has two restaurants, bars, spas, and a rooftop terrace. You’ll also be close to Dam Square and be centrally located.
• Radisson Blu – This hotel has all modern amenities, including two restaurants with panoramic views of Dam Square and the Red Light District. It is definitely a top option for any traveler looking for luxury and comfort!

See Related: Best Markets in Amsterdam to Visit

Plan Your Trip: 2 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary

You can find a wide variety of ways to reach Amsterdam, Netherlands. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is located 9 km southwest of Amsterdam.

It takes 20 minutes to arrive at the city center from Amsterdam Airport. The train is the quickest transportation mode, costing about 5.40 euros for one journey. You can also hire airport taxis to reach the city center where we’ll explore most attractions.

We strongly recommend staying in the city center for two days in Amsterdam. For sightseeing, use an I Amsterdam City Card for free entry to over 44 museums, free public transportation rides, and discounts.

Let’s get into my Amsterdam itinerary and how you should approach each day. For Amsterdam, I like breaking my days up into buckets.

See Related: Best Brunch & Breakfast Spots in Amsterdam

Amsterdam Itinerary Day 1: Museums, Neighborhoods, and Nightlife

On your first day, visit the city from a tourist perspective and visit the museums. Usually the first day in a city, you are excited to see the landmarks. So, take the day to hit all the museums and iconic spots in the city. Then, venture into the neighborhoods for good food and fun in the evening.

Start your morning out with the Anne Frank House.

Visit the Anne Frank Museum

It’s a must-see on your Amsterdam itinerary. I don’t just say that because everyone else does. The Anne Frank Museum is Amsterdam’s third most visited museum beyond the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.

You can be moved and inspired by the story of Anne Frank and how she dealt with such tragedy and despair. It’s truly a humbling and inspiring experience all in one. You can visit the Anne Frank House to see the original version of Anne Frank’s diary and notebook, historical papers, photographs, and film clips. The family’s secret hiding place is the most affecting aspect of the house.

You must buy your tickets in advance because Anne Frank House is very compact. They can’t fit many visitors there in one day. You can grab your Anne Frank House tickets by visiting their website or on GetYourGuide.

The lines can get very long, given how important this museum is. Then, work your way down to Museumplein to see the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is one of Amsterdam’s top attractions and is the most visited museum in Amsterdam. You’ll find two floors displaying the world’s largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh paintings, drawings, and sketches in the permanent collection. But there are also two temporary exhibition spaces so you’ll always have something new to see.

The museum itself is modern and very inviting. It has a great café that serves food until 2 pm (a rarity in Amsterdam). And it has large windows providing natural light. The 2nd floor of the museum also features occasional concerts by pianists–an excellent opportunity to enjoy an evening performance in this beautiful space!

Check out Vincent van Gogh’s paintings like The Potato Eaters or Sunflowers. These are some of his most famous works; you can’t miss them in the museum. Like the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum can get very busy.

It’s a smaller museum and can get extremely busy during the afternoon, so go there right after the Anne Frank House, but it is an absolute must-have on your Amsterdam itinerary.

Get your tickets in advance so you can skip the line.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is much bigger than the Van Gogh Museum, so you might not notice. Even if it is busy, you might not notice. There are a ton of things to see in the Rijks… It’s a full-blown national museum, so it’s similar to other iconic museums out there.

They have exhibitions and rooms to see in addition to classical art. Get tickets in advance so you can skip the line.

Moco Museum

If you have enough energy left after filling up your day with museums, consider the Moco Museum. I went there during the Banksy exhibit, and it was awesome.

It’s a small museum you can conquer in less than 1 hour. Moco stands for Modern Contemporary. You’ve already got your money’s worth from your I Amsterdam city card.

Make Your Way Over to De Pijp

As I mentioned, with some of the neighborhoods to visit, you should try to hit De Pijp after the museums, as you can find a few great markets and excellent food.

In De Pijp, you can check out the Albert Cuyp Market. It’s a busy happening market with a lot to do and see. You might get a souvenir or some good street food along the way.

Check out this photo of the Albert Cuyp Market during a peak afternoon. This was right after we hit a few museums. If you want to stay efficient with your time, use one of these top Amsterdam tours to see more for less.

After your Albert Cuyp Market stopover, you can continue your museum expeditions by hitting the Heineken Experience. I’ve actually never been, but I’ve walked past it. The Heineken Experience is like a museum, so I’ve heard…

It hasn’t been on my to-do list. I’d rather drink Heinekens at a Dutch Cafe (if you get my drift).

Visit Spui Square & Begijnhof

From there, venture to the Begijnhof Chapel, featuring iconic shots and old-world charm. You’ll hardly know that you are in the middle of the city center. There are a ton of awesome Dutch cafes for you to sit outside and people-watch in the square.

After seeing the Begijnhof Chapel, head to Spui for a happy hour beverage to enjoy your time. From there, you can head slightly north, about one block, to find two iconic Dutch restaurants for classic Dutch fare, Haesje Claes Restaurant and d’Vijff Vlieghen.

Both restaurants are housed in 1600 Dutch houses and feature outstanding traditional Dutch food.

See Related: GetYourGuide vs Viator

Amsterdam Itinerary Day 2: Bike, Food, and History

Contrast your first day of tourism with a little more local flavor for when you visit Amsterdam. The second part of your 2 days in Amsterdam itinerary will include a ton of different transportation, including using a bike to explore the city and taking a canal cruise to see the city from a new perspective.

Rent a Bike to Begin Your Day

If you have such a short visit to Amsterdam, you’ll need efficient transportation. And it doesn’t get more efficient than biking in Amsterdam. Start your day by finding a full-day bike rental and grabbing some wheels to make your way around the city.

Once you get your bike, you can zoom around town extremely easily. I’ve crafted up a pretty awesome personal bike tour for you to go on. It will only last 45 minutes throughout the day, but you’ll make stops.

On the bike route above that I crafted from Google Maps, you should start somewhere around the Royal Palace or Dam Square, just a central spot in the middle of Amsterdam.

From there, here are your routes to get you a good mix of everything:

Grab Some Delicious Food at The Hallen

Your first spot should be direct to Foodhallen, where you can indulge in many awesome food options. Foodhallen is a food market with a variety of different foods from traditional Dutch to international.

There is a 2nd area called the Kanarie Club with much more space, and your food will come out much quicker. They have many options, so you can try as many if they don’t meet your taste buds the first time.

I particularly like De Ballen Bar, which has a variety of bitterballen (a Dutch specialty you must try). There are a ton of food stands with great options for everyone then, after you have some lunch and fuel up.

Bike Through Vondelpark

Head through to Vondelpark. Vondelpark is a sprawling park with ponds and architecture. It’s a great way to cruise with your bike and gaze at everyone enjoying themselves.

Check out what it’s like biking Vondelpark from the ViaTravelers YouTube channel.

Vondelpark Biking Tour | Cycling in Amsterdam's Best Park [4K]

Watch this video on YouTube.

Consider parking your bike and walking around Vondelpark to take in the scenery. Fantastic parks are everywhere in Amsterdam. If you can’t reach Vondelpark, consider jetting to Westerpark or Rembrandtpark. Regardless, at least one of these parks is a must-visit on your 2 days in Amsterdam itinerary.

Rembrandt House Museum

Next, grab a beer, coffee, or snack at the Rembrandt House Museum and Rembrandtplein. If you get an I Amsterdam card, ensure that your card is valid and eligible.

You’ll be able to see Rembrandt’s old house, but on the way, you will see a ton of awesome other landmarks, such as Leidseplein (a fun square with dining) and potentially Magere Brug (a little more east which is a historic bridge).

Depending on where you stay, you could easily go to the Bloemenmarkt to see the floating flower market.

Bloemenmarkt or Flower Market – the only floating flower market in the Netherlands.

The Bloemenmarkt is the only floating flower market on the globe. It is situated on Singel Canal between Koningsplein and Muntingplein.

Flower stalls have been a feature of the houseboat since 1862. The market is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The flower market is free to visit all year. From there, head toward De Gooyer if you want a combination of a classic Dutch windmill and some amazing beer.

That is where Brouwerij ‘t IJ is an excellent local craft brewery. So, another stopover to grab a beer, sit outside and gaze at the old, classical Dutch windmill. Alternatively, we’d recommend a guided tour of the Amsterdam canals by cruise.

Explore Amsterdam on a Canal Cruise

I have this tradition that I always take a canal cruise on my last day visiting Amsterdam. It’s such a great way to end a trip to Amsterdam.

If you only have so many days in Amsterdam, you will not see it all and surely won’t see all of Amsterdam’s canals. One of the most efficient ways to get around Amsterdam is by boat.

On a canal cruise, you can opt for a more romantic experience, a party experience, or even a history and culture experience.

Amsterdam offers all types of canal cruises, so you’ll be sure to find something that suits you best. There is something about exploring Amsterdam by boat that differs from anything else.

Tour Amsterdam by Night

Finally, head over to De Oude Kerk (the Old Church). It’s one of the oldest churches in Amsterdam. This is in the heart of Amsterdam’s old city so there are plenty of things to see on your journey there. When you finish your journey, you’ll have plenty of things to explore in the old city, including Dam Square, all nicely lit up.

On the history side of things, you should see some of Centrum. I like going in the evening when the lights are bright, and there’s a ton of action. It will save you time (and money) to ensure a successful trip.

Check out our favorite list of the best Amsterdam tours to try out.

See Related: Things to Do in Amsterdam in December

Final Thoughts: Is 2 days in Amsterdam enough?

Are you ready for Amsterdam? You should be… I’m already jealous of you as I won’t be able to join you… 2 days in Amsterdam should suffice to see the biggest tourist attractions and the main city center neighborhoods. However, if you want to learn about museums to discover more about the parks and other attractions, you might need a day or two.

Whatever it is, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours, or even one month. An Amsterdam visit is better than not being in Amsterdam at all! This iconic European capital city is an excellent place that I believe everyone needs to visit Amsterdam at least once in their lifetime. Who knows? Maybe I’ll live there one day.

What are you doing to do on your two days in Amsterdam itinerary? Again, if you have any questions about where to go and what to see, please feel free to reach out to me directly. I’m here to help.

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