Amsterdam is a popular European city break destination and is home to an international hub airport, for easy worldwide connections. Being only a short flight away from many European countries, Amsterdam is a great spot for a quick weekend break. The city packs a lot to see and do into a relatively small area. With so much to cover, planning an itinerary for a first time trip can be overwhelming. The below outline includes most of the top sights, as well as a couple of lesser known suggestions that might take your interest.
What.3.Words references shown in italics
Day 1
Morning – Boat Trip
Once you’ve arrived in Amsterdam and dropped off your bags, head down to the canal behind Rijksmuseum. Here you can pick up a boat tour to help you get a feel for the city. Amsterdam is best seen from the water and there are several companies offering tours of the canals, around an hour long. I recommend Blue Boat Tours (quit.singers.darling), with their friendly staff and comfortable, clean boats.
Afternoon – Museumplein
After landing ashore and grabbing some lunch, it’s time to explore Museumplein (villas.send.nitrogen) This recognisable greenspace is home to many of Amsterdam’s most famous museums. Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum are good choices for your first visit, but both are very popular and will require booking in advance. Depending on the season, you’ll also find other attractions open in Museumplein, like the ice rink during winter.
Evening – Red Light District
After sunset, it’s your chance to visit Amsterdam’s most famous neighbourhood – De Wallen. Home to the iconic Red Light District, the streets are most atmospheric when lit up with their red glow in the evening. While you’re here, stop by the Red Light Secrets Museum (slides.atom.spelling) to experience the district from the other side of the windows.
Day 2
Morning – Anne Frank Huis
Today, head to cosy Jordaan in West Amsterdam to visit the Anne Frank Huis (ripples.surgical.help). Former home to one of Amsterdam’s most famous residents, this is another museum that is well worth the visit. Booking is vital here too, as queues are often long and tickets often sold out.
Afternoon – Shopping in Jordaan and visit Amsterdam Noord
After a couple of hours at Anne Frank Huis, grab some lunch in a local cafe before exploring the many independent vintage shops in Jordaan. From clothes, furniture and trinkets, the narrow streets of Jordaan are a shopping paradise.
After shopping til you drop, head down to Central Station’s ferry port (soccer.visitors.possible) and catch a ferry to Amsterdam Noord, where you can escape the crowds and take a stroll along IJpromenade. This area is also home to a variety of attractions such as A’Dam Lookout, Eye Filmmuseum and new addition This Is Holland.
