Looking for a great 2-day Amsterdam itinerary? You are in the right place! I used to live in the Netherlands and would often visit Amsterdam for the weekend. There are so many ways you can spend your time in this city that it can be hard to know which ones are the best. To help you have the best trip, let’s jump in and look at the ultimate way to spend 48 hours exploring Amsterdam.
Amsterdam in 2 days itinerary
Day 1: Exploring the City
#### Morning: Breakfast at Bagels and Beans:
Start your day with a delicious breakfast spot loved by the Dutch. They have options for all dietary requirements, but my top option is the Thai Chicken Bagel.
Visit the Anne Frank House:
Explore the historic Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. You need to book tickets way in advance, especially in the summer. This is one of the most popular landmarks in Amsterdam, so it is often fully booked.
Walk along the canals:
Take a stroll along Amsterdam's picturesque canals, soaking in the charming atmosphere of the city. There are plenty of canal-side bars for you to grab a drink at on the way!
#### Afternoon: Head to Foodhallen:
This modern indoor food market offers a variety of lunch options from local vendors. You can easily eat your way around here, but if you are to only order one thing, try Bitterballen.
Spend the afternoon exploring the home of the world's largest collection of Vincent van Gogh's artwork. There is always something going on here, from exhibitions to painting workshops. You can even arrange for a guided tour to learn about van Gogh from an expert. But like most Amsterdam attractions, book in advance!
Explore Jordaan:
Wander through the quaint streets of Jordaan, filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. This is where you will find most Dutch people spending their afternoon and is a great place to find unique souvenirs.
#### Evening: Red Light District:
Experience Amsterdam's nightlife by taking a stroll through the infamous Red Light District, known for its bars, clubs, and entertainment. It isn’t signposted, which surprises a lot of visitors; you just stumble upon it. It is a popular spot at night and is full of tourists. But if you are concerned about walking this area alone, book a tour!
Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Relaxation
Morning:
Breakfast at Bakers & Roasters:
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this spot known for its delicious coffee and brunch options. If you want to get on with your itinerary, you can grab some super tasty options for on-the-go.
Rijksmuseum:
Spend the morning exploring the Rijksmuseum, which houses an impressive collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Even if you are not an art lover, this iconic building is worth visiting on any trip!
Afternoon:
Vondelpark:
After the museum, relax in Vondelpark, Amsterdam's largest park, where you can enjoy a picnic, rent a bike, or simply people-watch. This place is best enjoyed on a sunny day. However, it is so central that it is worth taking a walk through it, even on a rainy day.
Pro tip: If you plan to rent a bike, be careful. The local cyclists will show you no mercy!
Canal Cruise:
Take a scenic canal cruise to see Amsterdam from a different perspective and learn about the city's history and architecture. There are lots of great options, but the best value-for-money option is the Flagship Cruise.
Evening:
Dinner at De Pizzabakkers:
This is one of my favorite chains you can find around The Netherlands. Famous for their pizza and prosecco, you can enjoy a delicious wood-fired pizza in a cozy setting. If you can’t decide what to order, their specials board always has plenty of options. But my go-to has always been the Parma ham Pizza; it’s next-level good!
Is 2 days enough in Amsterdam?
Two days in Amsterdam can give you a decent taste of the city. You won't be able to see absolutely everything, but you can definitely hit up the major attractions and soak in the atmosphere.
To save money and get around more attractions, it is well worth investing in the Amsterdam city card. It includes public transport for your trip and access to over 70 places. However, to experience the city at its best, I do recommend spending 4+ days here.
When is the best time of year to visit Amsterdam?
The best time to visit Amsterdam really depends on what you're looking for.
If you're into mild weather and nature, springtime (especially April and May) is fantastic. The city's famous tulips are in full bloom, and you'll catch locals soaking up the sunshine in parks and cafes. This is my favorite time of year in the Netherlands and a great time to visit Keukenhof Gardens!
Summer, from June to August, is bustling with outdoor events and is also a very popular time to visit the city. The weather is much warmer, and you can enjoy long days exploring the canals or chilling in beer gardens. However, flights and accommodation prices are incredibly high, and booking popular attractions like Anne Frank's House becomes challenging.
Winter is another popular time to book a trip to Amsterdam. However, you will not find it as festive as other places across The Netherlands or Europe.
No matter what time of year you decide to visit, you are guaranteed an amazing city break!
How To Spend 2 Days In Amsterdam Final Thoughts
Two days in Amsterdam may not sound like a lot, but you will be surprised by how much you can see and do. From the stunning canals to the endless great places to eat, Amsterdam truly does offer it all!
To experience the very best of the city, try and visit in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. This will allow you to see the highlights without the crowds or high price tags.
Lowri Thomas
