One day in Amsterdam: 4 UNIQUE itineraries to steal! 

Last Updated on May 18, 2024 by Lauren Allen

One day in Amsterdam is nowhere near enough time. There are so many amazing things to see and do in the Dutch capital that you should aim to spend at least three days there. However, if one day is all you have in the city, be prepared for it to be a busy one!

Personally, I’ve visited the capital three times and there are still places I haven’t ticked off my Amsterdam bucket list. I’d like to go back again in the future to check out those activities and explore more of The Netherlands. 

In this post, I will share all the very best places to visit if you have a day in Amsterdam along with my top tips for making the most out of your time. Let’s get to it… 

Looking for a longer Amsterdam itinerary? Check out the following guides:

• Weekend trip to Amsterdam
• 3 days in the Dutch capital
• How to spend one week in Amsterdam

How to spend one day in Amsterdam 

How you choose to spend your time in Amsterdam will depend on your personal interests. Some people (like me) love to hit up all the best art galleries in a city while others prefer to be out in nature. Alternatively, some travellers love to check off adrenaline-pumping activities or visit hidden gems. 

Due to this, I’ve put together Amsterdam itineraries for a range of different interests such as:

• Highlights of Amsterdam
• Amsterdam for art lovers 
• A nature-buffs guide to Amsterdam 
• A budget day in Amsterdam

A quick note: Obviously, this just serves as inspiration and you can pick and choose different attractions from each list if you wish.

Highlights of Amsterdam 

A jam-packed itinerary to check off all the top hotspots 

This whistle-stop tour of Amsterdam will take you to all the top attractions so you can tick the highlights of your Netherlands bucket list! You’ll visit:

• The Damrak Dancing Houses
• Lovers Canal Cruise 
• Rijksmuseum
• A’dam Lookout
• Anne Frank House

The Damrak Dancing Houses

If you want that postcard shot of Amsterdam, you need to head to The Damrak. This main street in Amsterdam is located close to Central Station and it’s where you’ll find the popular dancing houses of the city. This is one of the most photographed spots in the Dutch capital so it’s the perfect place to get some snaps for Instagram! 

Lovers Canal Cruise 

Opening hours: Open daily from 10am until 9pm

Afterwards, head to nearby Lovers Canal Cruises. This company will take you on a boat canal cruise up and down the canals of Amsterdam. You’ll see some popular landmarks in addition to historical locations in the city. By the end of the hour-long tour, you’ll know lots of interesting facts about this well-loved European destination. 

A canal cruise of Amsterdam is a great way to start your day in the city as it gives you more ideas of places to visit. For example, you might learn about a particular museum that piques your interest that you weren’t already aware of which is (obviously) super helpful. 

Rijksmuseum

Opening hours: Open every day between 9am and 5pm

Once you’re done cruising the canals of the Dutch capital, head towards the Rijksmuseum. This is arguably one of the very best museums in Amsterdam as it showcases everything from impressive stained glass windows and paintings from famous artists, to a hidden (and very photogenic) old library. Furthermore, you’ll also find sculptures, historical exhibits and decorative arts. 

As it’s such a large museum, it’s easy to spend hours exploring the Rijksmuseum. However, I recommend choosing just a few exhibitions to check out as there is still more to see during your one day in Amsterdam! 

Top tip: Make sure you book an entrance slot in advance. Otherwise, you risk being turned away if the museum is fully booked. 

Anne Frank House

Opening hours: Open every day between 9am and 10pm

As one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam, visiting Anne Frank House is a must. 

During your visit to one of the most visited attractions in the city, you’ll discover more about this young girl’s story. You’ll see where Anne and her family went into hiding during the deadly Holocaust and get the opportunity to read snippets from her world-famous diary. 

Despite their heartbreaking story, the museum shares an educational and incredible insight into what the family (and many other Jews) went through during the reign of the Nazis. 

A’dam Lookout

Opening hours: Open every day between 10am and 10pm

Looking for unique things to do in Amsterdam? Then the A’dam Lookout is a must! Located on the top floor of the Rembrandt Tower, A’DAM Lookout offers panoramic views of the Dutch capital.

It’s also famous for having the highest swing in Europe. If you’re the daring type, you can swing “over the edge” for a truly unforgettable experience. This is for travellers that seek thrilling experiences that excite them! 

Aside from the views and the swing, A’dam Tower is also home to a VR Rollercoaster Ride which is worth checking out if you’re after more thrill.

Afterwards, consider heading to their onsite bar and restaurant where you can dine with panoramic views of Amsterdam. The restaurant serves a selection of dishes including steak, seabass, burgers and ravioli. 

A quick note: The menu is subject to change. Make sure you check on their website before visiting. 

Amsterdam for art lovers 

Visit the very best art galleries in Amsterdam in one day

One of my favourite things about Amsterdam is the sheer amount of amazing art galleries and museums on offer. During all three of my trips to the city, I’ve made time to visit some of the popular and lesser-known galleries and I’ve always been impressed by the selection of art on display. 

You’ll find everything from modern art museums and street art galleries to photography museums and paintings that date back centuries ago. Here’s a quick list of some (but not all) of the very best art galleries in Amsterdam: 

• NDSM Wharf
• Straat Museum
• Van Gogh Museum 
• Stedelijk Museum 
• Moco Museum

NDSM Wharf

If you’re looking for the coolest neighbourhood in Amsterdam, you need to head to NDSM Wharf. This area of the city is known for its hipster vibes, street art and an array of artist studios. In fact, it’s perhaps the most creative area in the whole city. 

I spent a day in NDSM Wharf on my most recent trip to Amsterdam and very much enjoyed my time there. I loved checking out all the incredible art on display, admiring the street art and grabbing a (much-needed) cup of tea from Noorderlicht Café.

There are several things to do in the area depending on the time of year. For example, you can:

• Check out the incredible street art 
• Hunt for the Anne Frank mural 
• Visit the Straat Museum (more on that later) 
• Shop for vintage goods 
• Attend an event 
• Spot the crane hotel 
• Grab a bite to eat
• Enjoy a drink or two 
• Attend a yoga class
• Hit up the nearby NXT Museum

A quick note: I’ll be writing a full run-down on things to do in NDSM Wharf so keep your eyes peeled! 

Straat Museum

Opening hours: Open daily from 10am until 6pm (with a later opening of 12pm on Mondays) 

If you have a keen interest in street art, Straat Museum is an absolute must-see. In fact, it’s one of the most unique things to do in Amsterdam. Unlike any other museums in the city, the Straat Museum showcases a large selection of colourful street art and large murals that will leave you feeling inspired. 

As you wander through the museum, you’ll become mesmerized by the impressive designs, vibrant colours and exceptional pieces that have been created by artists from across the globe. 

The fact it’s located in such a creative area of Amsterdam makes it even more worthy of a visit! Before leaving the neighbourhood, make a stop at one of the restaurants in NDSM Wharf to fuel up before more sightseeing. 

Van Gogh Museum 

Opening hours: Open every day between 9am and 6pm

After spending the first half of your day checking our NDSM Wharf and the Straat Museum, head back into central Amsterdam to hit up museums in Museumplein. First on the list is the Van Gogh Museum, an art gallery dedicated to the life and works of this world-renowned artist. 

The iconic museum located in the heart of Museumplein is home to the largest collection of Van Gogh’s work worldwide. This includes some of his most famous paintings such as his self-portraits and Sunflowers.

Unfortunately, another fan-favourite The Starry Night can not be admired at Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum as it is on display at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. 

Regardless, travellers and art lovers alike will see an impressive amount of Vincent’s work in addition to learning more about his daily struggles and inspiration. The museum also showcases information about the large impact Van Gogh had (and still has) on the global art industry. 

Stedelijk Museum

Opening hours: Open daily from 10am until 6pm

Next, it’s time to hit up Stedelijk Museum for all things modern and contemporary art! Here you’ll find everything from paintings and graphic design to multimedia installations, sculpture and photography. 

Throughout the museum, you’ll see works by celebrated names in the art world such as Piet Mondrian and other famous artists. They also hold a number of changing exhibitions throughout the year which means there are often new works to admire. 

With such a wide selection of art on offer from abstract art to pop art and everything in between, there’s something for everyone at this impressive art museum in Amsterdam. 

Moco Museum

Opening hours: Monday – Thursday from 9am until 8pm | Friday – Sunday from 9am until 9pm 

Last but by no means least is the Moco Museum. During peak season, this popular Amsterdam art museum is open until 8pm or 9pm every single day. As the others close a few hours earlier, it makes the most logical sense to leave Moco Museum until the end of the day. 

Once you’re in, you’ll find an exceptional selection of artwork from famed artists such as Banksy, Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama and many more.

However, perhaps the coolest part of the museum is the digital immersive art collection located in the basement. This vibrant and enchanting collection of digital works is sure to leave you in awe of the bright colours and patterns on display! 

A quick note: The Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum and Moco Museum are all located within a few minutes of each other by foot. This makes it incredibly easy to visit all three in the afternoon and evening. If you have time, you may also want to visit… 

FOAM Museum

Opening hours: Open daily from 10am until 6pm (with a later closing time of 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays)

If you’re visiting on a Thursday or Friday and you’re done checking out Moco Museum, consider making your way to Foam Museum. Open until 9pm, this is one of the very best photography museums in Amsterdam. 

With a focus on contemporary photography, Foam Museum offers emerging and established photographers the opportunity to showcase their work. My favourite thing about this museum is how thought-provoking the work on display was.

One particular exhibition caught my eye with its focus on grief. The creative (Lebohang Kganye) produced a series of photographs while grieving the loss of her mother. Discovering old photos of her mother while visiting family members in South Africa, she recreated the old photos of her mother with herself as the subject.

If you’re a lover of photography, consider adding this spot to your Amsterdam bucket list. 

A nature-buffs guide to Amsterdam 

Enjoy the outdoors and hit up the tulip fields 

When you first think of Amsterdam, nature probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, there are many beautiful locations in and around the city that give you the opportunity to appreciate nature. Some places and activities you can check out during your day in Amsterdam are: 

• Keukenhof Gardens (March to May on specified dates) 
• Hortus Botanicus
• Zaanse Schans
• Vondelpark

Keukenhof Gardens 

Opening hours: Open daily from 8am until 7.30pm

During tulip season, millions flock to Amsterdam to visit the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens. If you’re visiting between late March and mid-May, this spot needs to be on your one day Amsterdam itinerary! 

Although it’s pretty impossible to visit without heaps of other tourists, trust me when I say that Keukenhof tulip gardens are well worth visiting. During my visit there in mid-April, I was truly blown away by the beauty of these well-maintained gardens. 

Despite The Netherlands being known for tulips, you’ll also find a range of other flowers at Keukenhof including daffodils and hyacinths.

Top tip: If you want the biggest chance of visiting with fewer people, get there at 8am when the garden opens. This also gives you the opportunity to squeeze as much as possible into your day in Amsterdam. 

Read more: Tips for visiting Keukenhof Gardens

Hortus Botanicus

Opening hours: Open every day between 10am and 5pm

Next, head back into the city to visit Hortus Botanicus. This is the perfect place to admire a wide selection of beautiful plants and florals.

Dating back to 1590, this impressive Amsterdam attraction is one of the oldest botanical gardens not just in Europe, but in the whole WORLD. 

During your visit, you’ll spot plenty of plants and trees including palm trees, colourful South African plants and much more. 

If you wish, it’s also possible to book a one-hour guided tour for up to eight people. For €50, your guide will take you on a personalised tour based on the interests of your group. However, keep in mind that the tours need to be booked two (or more) weeks in advance. 

Zaanse Schans

Opening hours: Most attractions in Zaanse Schans are open daily from 10am until 5pm

From Hortus Botanicus, jump on a train towards Zaanse Schans.

In recent years, more and more travellers have started to flock to Zaanse Schans to discover more about Dutch history. The ever-popular open-air museum was built to showcase what life was like in The Netherlands during the 18th and 19th centuries. This makes it an ideal place to go to learn more about the country and its culture. 

Zaanse Schans is a must-see for nature lovers because of its stunning location surrounded by water. While there, make sure you spend some time visiting the Zaans Museum, Weavers House and the rest of the popular attractions in Zaanse Schans. 

Vondelpark

A stroll through Vondelpark is the perfect way to end your day in Amsterdam. Especially if you love the outdoors. Just a short walk away from the Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark is situated right in the heart of the city. This popular park boasts an impressive 120 acres of land full of blooming flowers, trees and ponds. 

During the summer months, the park comes alive with travellers and locals alike giving the park a very lively atmosphere in the evenings. Plus, it’s completely free of charge which is ideal if you are visiting Amsterdam on a budget. 

I recommend grabbing a takeaway coffee to enjoy as you wander through Vondelpark. 

Top tip: Depending on your interest in each attraction, you might not have quite enough time to visit every spot on this list in a day. If you think this is too much, feel free to skip one (or two) of these attractions and take things slow at the other locations instead. You know yourself best! 

A budget day in Amsterdam 

Discover the Dutch capital on a budget

As one of the most expensive cities in Europe, you might think it’s impossible to explore Amsterdam on a budget. However, with so many free things to do in the city, it’s highly possible to visit the Dutch capital without breaking the bank.

Here are some free things to do in Amsterdam if you have limited funds: 

• Visit the most photogenic spots in Amsterdam 
• Take a stroll through the flower market (Bloemenmarkt)
• Check out the library and see aerial views of the city
• Explore NSDM Wharf 
• Watch the sunset in Vondelpark

Photo spots in Amsterdam 

You’ll be surprised at how many stunning places you can see for free in Amsterdam. Just by exploring the city on foot or jumping on a few trams, you can check out some of the most photogenic spots in the capital. 

Checking out many of the very best Instagram spots in Amsterdam won’t cost you a dime. For example, the following photo-worthy spots are free to visit:

• The Damrak 
• Museumplein (with an impressive view of the Rijksmuseum in the distance) 
• Vondelpark 
• De Pijp
• The Nine Streets (and Jordaan district in general) 
• Staalmeestersburg

Trust me, your Instagram page will thank you! 

Bloemenmarkt

The floating flower market (or Bloemenmarkt) is well worth visiting if you’re in the area. Located in Amsterdam city centre, you’ll find a selection of plants and flower bulbs on offer. Alternatively, you can also buy ready-bloomed flowers which make the perfect props for photos. 

The stalls also sell a variety of souvenirs such as magnets if you’re looking for gifts or something to take home with you! 

Hit up the library 

Opening hours: Monday – Wednesday from 8am until 10pm | Closed on Thursdays | Fridays from 8am until 10pm | Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 8pm

Typically, libraries aren’t really the first things you think of visiting when you’re in a new city. However, if you’re looking for a unique thing to do in Amsterdam, add the public library to your itinerary. 

The library is known for its modern and clean interior and the vast collection of books. While the majority of them are (obviously) Dutch, they also stock books in English and a selection of other languages. 

However, the best part about the library is its aerial views of Amsterdam. Consider visiting during sunset to get the best views. Just keep in mind that if the weather isn’t great, access to the viewpoint will be closed. 

NDSM Wharf 

Not only is NDSM Wharf great for art lovers, but it’s great for those on a budget too! This is down to the fact there’s quite a lot to see and do in the area without spending a penny.

For example, you can wander around and check out the array of street art on offer completely free of charge instead of visiting the Straat Museum. While it’s not quite as impressive, it’s still a cool thing to do in NDSM Wharf. 

You can also check out the old warehouse full to the brim with artists’ studios. What’s cool about this place is the quirky vibe – You’ll find some interesting items hanging around as you explore which is all just part of the charm in my opinion. 

Sunset in Vondelpark

I’ve mentioned the beauty of Vondelpark already in this post, but sunset is perhaps my favourite time to explore this massive green space. Having spent a couple of hours wandering around there on my most recent trip to Amsterdam, I found a sunset stroll through Vondelpark incredibly relaxing. I’m sure you will too! 

Wondering where to rest your head? Check out this comprehensive guide for the top neighbourhoods to stay in Amsterdam!

FAQ for spending one day in Amsterdam 

Is one day in Amsterdam enough?

Absolutely not. Amsterdam is one of the most popular cities in Europe and with so many amazing museums, galleries and attractions, a day is nowhere near enough time to truly appreciate the city. 

Despite that, a day is long enough to get a feel for the city and decide whether or not you want to go back. Spoiler: I guarantee you’ll want to. 

How long should you spend in Amsterdam?

Ideally, you should aim to spend two or three days in Amsterdam at a minimum. However, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied should you decide to stay longer. There are also a number of great day trips from Amsterdam such as Zaanse Schans, Haarlem or Amsterdam Beach.

How much money do you need for a day in Amsterdam?

How much money you need for one day in Amsterdam depends entirely on your budget and what you want to do. You can explore the city on a budget by taking advantage of the many free activities. 

On the flip side, you can easily spend a lot of money in a day by visiting the most expensive attractions, opting for an expensive restaurant or hitting up some of the best cocktail bars in Amsterdam. 

At the very least, I’d say you need at least €30 for food and activities as Amsterdam is not particularly cheap. 

Tips for making the most out of your one day Amsterdam itinerary 

Get enough sleep the night before 

To see as much as possible, your day is likely going to be super busy and jam-packed. If you don’t want to flag halfway through the day, it’s essential that you get enough sleep the night before. Aim for 7-8 hours to ensure you are well-rested for a day of exploring! 

This is especially true if you’re travelling throughout the Netherlands as seeing a lot of places in the space of a week or two is tiring.

Wear comfortable shoes  

Secondly, the last thing you want when you’re likely going to hit over 20000 steps is sore feet. Make sure you wear comfy shoes that will help you discover the streets (and museums) of Amsterdam with ease. 

Eat on the go 

There are lots of fab places to eat in Amsterdam. However, with limited time in the city, do you really want to waste it waiting around for your food in restaurants? I thought not… 

The best thing to do on this occasion is to eat on the go. There are many spots where you can pick up fries, stroopwafels and many more popular Dutch dishes as you head from one attraction to the next. Save visiting the best restaurants and cafes until your next trip! 

Plan ahead 

When you only have little time in a city, planning ahead is crucial to ensure you make the most of your time. I recommend getting up Google Maps and pinning everywhere you want to visit. Then, visit each spot in order based on location. 

Book in advance

Something else to consider is that some museums and attractions in Amsterdam require pre-booking. Have a look online before your visit and pre-book to avoid any nasty surprises. 

For example, you are required to book a time slot in advance if you plan on visiting the Rijksmuseum. 

Consider buying an Iamsterdam city card

If you plan on visiting some of the most expensive attractions in the city, you may want to purchase an Iamsterdam city card. The card can save you money if you plan on visiting three or more attractions during your day in Amsterdam.

However, it’s worth noting that some of the most visited spots in Amsterdam (such as Anne Frank House) are not included. Make sure you double-check if the card grants you free entry into the places you want to visit. It may not be worth it otherwise. 

Conclusion for spending a day in Amsterdam 

While one day in the city is not enough, you can still check off many of the top things to do in Amsterdam and get a feel of the culture, history and beauty. After visiting three times myself, I’m sure you’ll want to return again and again in the future! 

Has this guide helped you plan your one-day trip to Amsterdam? Let me know in the comments or feel free to get in touch with any questions! 

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