One of the most beautiful, green, nature-focused cities in Europe – Amsterdam is a must visit, especially now with a direct Eurostar train route from London. Top tier museums, food, parks, cheese, beer, biking, coffee shops, cafes, and fun. I’d recommend two full days to maximize the experience – easy weekend trip or an add-on to a broader European adventure, especially with its major international airport and hub for KLM (part of Delta’s SkyTeam).

The NYT put it best with this summer 2023 article, “Often caricatured as a sex-and-drugs haven, or a kind of continental Las Vegas, Amsterdam was not always an obvious choice for European cultural travel. Its image has undergone a significant transformation in the last decade” and “now it’s a bonafide cultural mecca”.

I have visited Amsterdam a few times and was tasked this summer with putting together a 2-day itinerary for my first timer parents, and this is the source of the recommendations in this post. Remember, you go to a cafe for simply coffee, and a coffee shop for coffee with a side of additional fun.

Trivia fact for your visit – the three X’s in the flag represent the three dangers of Old Amsterdam – fire, floods, and the Black Death.

When to visit:

The end of April boasts their most exciting holiday, King’s Day, and the annual tulip festival, however, still winter coat weather!

Where to stay:

• Amsterdam Marriott: For the consistent brand / central location, ~10 minute walk to museums in Museumplein.
• Ecomama: For a unique, green, artsy hostel with private rooms. Great for meeting fellow travelers, linking into inexpensive experiences (walking tours, pub crawls, trivia, etc). Walking distance (~15 minute) to center of town.

Day 1: Museums & Outdoor City Exploring

Morning @ Rijksmuseum

• Morning timed entry to the Rijksmuseum in Museumplein (Museum square) hub of Dutch artwork, including Rembrandt’s iconic Nights Watch.
• Grab a bite at one of the cute coffee + waffle stalls in the square, for a quick snack before/after the museum.

Jordaan Neighborhood – Lunch @ Cafe t’ Smalle + Anne Frank House + Amsterdam Cheese Museum)

• Walk to the Jordaan neighborhood for early lunch at Cafe t Smalle (canal side dining with sandwiches, salads, and a famous apple tart).
• Afternoon timed entry to the Anne Frank House – book well in advance to secure tickets. If you are unable to visit the house, there is an Anne Frank memorial along the canal, for a moment of reflection and remembrance.
• Amsterdam Cheese Museum for cheese samples (top floor), the history of Dutch cheese making (on bottom floor), and picnic supplies. Must visit while in the neighborhood!

Afternoon @ Vondel Park & Van Gogh Museum

• Walk to Vondel Park to explore the many meadows, lakes, bridges and enjoy mid-afternoon picnic. Walk over to Museumplein for the next museum stop (~10 minute walk).
• Late afternoon entry to the Van Gogh Museum (enter by 4:15 pm closes at 6 pm). Manageable museum to knock out in 1.5 hours, only a few, concise floors and easy walking flow.

Evening @ ‘The Dam’ + Rembrandtplein + Red Light Bar

• Walk to ‘The Dam’ to see the crowded city center, main shops/stalls, and ongoing festivals.
• Dinner in Rembrandtblein (Rembrant square) – happening, local, outdoor dining around a square centered around the Nights Watch in sculpture form.
• Red Light Bar in the Red Light District to grab a Heineken and people watch – part of the cultural experience! Safe to walk around at night, very crowded with all ages, couples, families, bachelor + bachelorette parties, etc.

Day 2: Biking, Boats & Beer

Morning @ Windmill Bike or Canal Tour

Morning spent on a tour of the Amsterdam’s canals or biking the surrounding idyllic towns, for views of meadows, windmills, and cows!

• Book ahead by searching available top-rated Bike or Canal tours on Viator.
• If visiting in April, you can take tours outside of the city for the tulip festival.

Afternoon @ Heineken Experience

Afternoon touring the Heineken brewery, and ending on their rooftop with a fresh Heineken pint and sweeping views of the city.

Coffee Shop Recommendations:

You must visit a coffee shop while in Amsterdam, even if you do not partake in the full menu’s offering! It’s mandatory to order a coffee, tea, or pastry as part of your visit and makes for a lovely cultural experience with locals and tourists alike. Below are my list of favorite + most frequented spots – just remember you go to a cafe for simply a coffee, and a coffee shop for coffee with an additional side of fun. Bonus points for taking some to-go, and heading to Vondel Park for a picnic.

• The Original Dampkring: Featured in Ocean’s 11, means ‘The Atmosphere’ in Dutch. Near the center of town, great place to start the day of exploring in the main ‘The Dam’ square and nearby museums.
• Bulldog Palace: Near Museumplein (hint, visit before Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum). Tourist hotspot with good reason – built inside a former police station and has artifacts from the prohibition era.
• Bluebird: Locals, quiet, and unpretentious. Visit before dinner in Rembrandtplein or your adventure to the Red Light District, both a short walking distance away. Located near the recommended Ecomama accommodation.