With its world-class museums, eclectic food scene and canalside charm – all just over an hour’s flight from the UK – Amsterdam is the ultimate European city break. Compact, picturesque and effortlessly walkable, you can easily soak up the highlights of the Dutch capital in one weekend. Here’s how:
Day 1
Morning
After arriving, the best way to get a feel for the city is to take a stroll. Amsterdam is defined by its canals, and the city’s Grachtengordel, or Canal Belt, dating back to the 17th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get your bearings by wandering along Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, looking out for the crooked, narrow canal houses and houseboats as you go. You could even kick off your trip with a canal cruise to familiarise yourself with the city and its architecture.
Afternoon
Flanked by canals, the Jordaan is a trendy district just outside of the city centre, known for its indie boutiques, cafes and galleries. Spend an afternoon exploring the neighbourhood’s shops, markets and quirky museums, and try the city’s famous (and unforgettable) apple pie at Winkel 43. Just down the road lies the city’s most visited museum, the Anne Frank House. Preserving the secret annexe where Anne Frank hid and wrote her diary during the Second World War, this museum is a huge draw for many visitors to Amsterdam. There’s always a long queue outside, so you’ll want to book your tickets well in advance.
Evening
End your first day with a peaceful walk along the canals and dive into one of the lively bars in the De Pijp neighbourhood. A popular haunt for stag and hen parties, Amsterdam has an infamous after-dark reputation. You can get a taste of the city’s rebellious side by venturing into one of its notorious ‘coffeeshops’, where the sale and consumption of cannabis is permitted, and by wandering through the Red Light District – De Wallen. The oldest district in the whole of Amsterdam, it can get crowded at night. However, during the early evening hours, it’s less overwhelming.
Day 2
Morning
Start your day in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter, home to three of the city’s most famous museums: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum. In 48 hours, you probably won’t have time to visit all three but you can’t really go wrong with whichever you choose.
While the Rijksmuseum houses masterpieces such as Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch’ and Vermeer’s ‘The Milkmaid’, the Van Gogh Museum is where you can see the artist’s world-famous ‘Sunflowers’. Better known for its modern pieces, the Stedelijk Museum is also a popular choice for art lovers.
Afternoon
One of the best ways to explore Amsterdam is on two wheels – just like the locals. It’s one of the most cycling-friendly cities in the world but the sheer numbers of cyclists mean you’ll need to be fairly confident with city cycling (and Dutch bikes) to get about safely. Vondelpark is always a pleasure to cycle around; it’s Amsterdam’s largest green space and home to a handful of restaurants and cafés – perfect for a lunch stop – and even an open-air theatre that puts on shows during the summer.
This is also a good opportunity to explore some of Amsterdam’s bustling markets. The Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp has everything from fresh stroopwafels and Dutch cheese to vintage clothing. Or, on a Saturday, swing by the Noordermarkt in the Jordaan for its tempting mix of organic food vendors, antiques and crafts.
Evening
For your final evening, book a candlelit table at a canalside restaurant and sample some of the Netherlands’ finest cuisine. If you’re looking to finish off your trip in true Dutch style, book yourself onto a twilight canal cruise. It’s the perfect opportunity to absorb the city’s infectious nighttime energy from afar, as you soak up the soft glow of the canal bridges and watch the city’s lights dance on the water.
