Only one day in Amsterdam? We’ve got your itinerary covered.
With only a day to spend in such a rich and happening city, you’re bound to feel a little strapped for time.
But look no further: we’ve compiled a one of a kind 12 hour Amsterdam itinerary. So you can spend those precious moments out and about in the city. Packed with both highlights and the hidden gems renowned among the locals, this is the ultimate condensed Amsterdam guide.
Morning in the Jordaan:
Kick off your morning with breakfast in a truly beautiful part of the city: the historic Jordaan. There’s something particularly special about wandering its cobbled streets before the busiest hours of the day. For the Melbourne style brunch enthusiasts, head to G’s: their eggs benedict and bloody mary’s are the talk of the town!
For something more traditionally Dutch, pull up a chair on the beautiful terrace of Winkel 43. The place is perched right on the market square of the Noordermarkt. Their Dutch apple pie served with dollops of whipped cream and a fresh mint tea is the local favourite!
Visiting on a Saturday between April and early November? You’re in luck: the Noordermarkt hosts its beloved organic farmers’ market right on the square. Local vendors sell artisan cheese, sourdough bread, seasonal vegetables, and freshly cut flowers from around 9am to 4pm. On a warm spring or summer morning, the café terraces around the square fill up fast — aim to arrive before 10am to secure an outdoor seat and soak up the lively market atmosphere alongside your apple pie.
If you’re keen to get going and would prefer to grab a little something to go, you’re similarly spoilt for choice. Walk towards de Negen Straatjes (‘the Nine Streets’), each lined with trendy boutiques and hip eateries. Pick any one of the quaint canalside cafes!
The first highlight of the day…
After breakfast it’s well worth buying a 24 hour OV chipcard. The card will give you unlimited access to trams, buses and trains. But wait! You have another important stop in the Jordaan before you head off: the Anne Frank house — make sure to read our guide on how to get Anne Frank House tickets before you go.
The powerful and wonderfully curated museum is perfectly doable with just a day in the city: you can find out how to get tickets for the Anne Frank house here. With a regular house and museum ticket, you should prepare for a visiting time of about 60 – 75 minutes.
Take the time to reflect on the museum and stop for delicious soup, sandwiches or a selection of traditional Dutch snacks at Festina Lente. This is a cosy local spot in the winter months, with a lovely canal-side terrace for sunny spring and summer days. They have a great selection of beers from local breweries on tap if you did decide to opt for that morning bloody mary! Look out for their rather static local regular, or ‘stamgast’, sitting outside the cafe with his cat…
Spend the afternoon among the Dutch masters:
From here, hop on to tram 5 over to Museumplein, where the best museums and galleries of the city triangulate. The Rijks museum is undeniably fantastic. But if the Dutch masters aren’t for you, head over to the Van Gogh or the Stedelijk modern art gallery. There’s something for everyone here! If you fancy a stroll, five minutes walk away is the beautiful Vondelpark, one of Amsterdam’s favourite outdoor spaces.
Evening ‘borrel’ in the bustling De Pijp:
For the evening make your way over to the hipster haven of De Pijp. Just a fifteen minute walk or a short tram journey on line 3 from Museumplein. For evening drinks and nibbles, or as the Amsterdammers call it, a ‘borrel’, bag yourself a table at Glou Glou. A picturesque organic wine bar with a sophisticated yet edgy Parisian feel. It’s a popular spot – but it’s well worth the wait for a table!
De Pijp’s restaurants have something for every kind of foodie. The buzzing square at Gerard Douplein is a perfect people watching spot, and offers a variety of different watering holes and restaurants. From Thai food at Bar Mash, Italian delights at Spaghetteria, to oysters at Brut de Mer, you’re bound to find something you love!
Hungry for more? See our local guide to the best local restaurants in Amsterdam.
Don’t miss out on our unique local stories…
Feeling satisfied? Great! We’ve whisked you around the rich and vibrant city of Amsterdam in just a day! Of course, you can always get in touch with us directly for a perfectly tailored private tour too, including bike tours, canal cruises, brewery explorations, and a local guide who can narrate authentic and original stories about the town.
We would love to hear from you! Curating a bespoke day in Amsterdam tailored to you and your group has got to be our all time favourite thing to do…You can reach out to us here to arrange a private tour.
If you want to make the absolute most of 24 hours in Amsterdam, our Ultimate Amsterdam in a Day private tour combines the city’s greatest highlights into one seamless private experience. Art lovers will not want to miss a private guided tour of the Rijksmuseum — one of the finest collections in the world, best seen with a guide who knows where to look.
Frequently Asked Questions About 24 Hours in Amsterdam
Is one day enough to see Amsterdam?
One day is enough to experience Amsterdam’s highlights if you plan carefully. Focus on the Jordaan neighbourhood in the morning, the canal belt and a major museum in the afternoon, and finish with a private canal cruise in the early evening. You won’t see everything, but you’ll leave with a genuine feel for the city.
What should I do first in Amsterdam with only 24 hours?
Start in the Jordaan district — one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful and historic neighbourhoods. Grab a Dutch apple pie at Winkel 43 on the Noordermarkt, or go for Melbourne-style brunch at G’s. The cobbled streets are quieter in the morning, making it the perfect time to explore before the crowds arrive.
What are the must-see sights in Amsterdam in 24 hours?
In one day, prioritise the Jordaan neighbourhood, the canal belt, the Westerkerk, and at least one major museum — the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum. A private canal cruise is one of the most efficient ways to take in Amsterdam’s iconic sights in a short amount of time.
What is the best way to get around Amsterdam in one day?
Walking and cycling are the best options for Amsterdam’s compact centre. Bike hire is widely available across the city. If you prefer not to cycle, the OV card gives you access to trams and buses connecting all major sights quickly and cheaply.
Can I do a canal cruise in 24 hours in Amsterdam?
Absolutely — and we strongly recommend it. A private canal cruise fits easily into a one-day itinerary and is one of the highlights of any Amsterdam visit. The best time is late afternoon or early evening in summer, when the light on the canals is particularly beautiful.
Where should I eat in Amsterdam with only one day?
For breakfast or brunch, head to the Jordaan — Winkel 43 for Dutch apple pie or G’s for eggs benedict. For lunch, explore the streets around the Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes) for independent cafés and lunch spots. In the evening, the canal-side restaurants of the Jordaan or Leidseplein offer excellent Dutch and international dining.
Just passing through? If you only have a few hours between flights, you can still see the best of the city with one of our private Amsterdam layover tours from Schiphol.
