Pinterest image showing Amsterdam canals

This is a guest post by Amsterdam local David van Brakel

Famed for its picturesque canals and charming architecture, Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most charming cities. Whether you wish to admire art at world-class museums, enjoy the city’s hedonistic nightlife, or explore colorful neighborhoods and beautiful parks, a visit to the Dutch capital promises to be a memorable experience.

This two-day itinerary allows you to experience the city from a unique, local perspective and takes you to some of Amsterdam’s most popular tourist attractions.

Getting Around Amsterdam

Thanks to the city’s excellent transportation system, getting around Amsterdam is very easy.

From buses and metros to ferries, there are many options to choose from. However, the most popular form of transportation here is cycling.

Bicycle rentals can be found on every corner of the street and bike paths in the city are well-maintained. The good news is that many of Amsterdam’s popular tourist attractions are close to each other, which means that you can visit most of them on foot.

Places to Stay in Amsterdam

When it comes to accommodation options in Amsterdam, there is plenty to choose from. From posh five-star hotels and boutique properties to hostels and Airbnb apartments for rent, there is something for every traveler.

Budget travelers can look forward to spending the weekend at one of Amsterdam’s finest hostels such as The Bulldog or Flying Pig Downtown. Besides offering accommodation, these places host theme nights and organize various city tours. If you are traveling solo and wish to meet fellow travelers, make sure to book a dorm bed at one of these hostels.

I can also recommend the all-inclusive Banks Mansion Hotel where drinks and food are complimentary 24/7. The property is located right on the canal and the views from the suites and rooms are simply amazing. There is also the popular Dylan Amsterdam, one of the city’s finest boutique hotels.

If you wish to be close to the infamous Red Light District, check out the lovely and eclectic Mauro Mansion.

Things to do in Amsterdam

Vondelpark

Kick-off your Amsterdam two-day travel itinerary with a visit to one of the most popular parks in the Netherlands, the lovely Vondelpark.

Attracting over 10 million visitors per year, Vondelpark is well-known for its lovely lawns and ponds where you can unwind on a hot summer day. Visit the park’s Open Air Theatre that hosts summer shows and see the Orgelpark, a church that nowadays serves as a jazz music venue.

If you get hungry, places like Café Vertigo and Groot Melkhuis serve tasty local food delicacies.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

One of the best ways to experience Amsterdam as a first-time visitor is by going on a canal cruise. Explore the city’s charming canals and admire the stunning architecture from a totally different perspective.

Canal in Amsterdam at twilight with the buildings and bridge reflecting on the water

There are many excellent canal tours to choose from ranging from romantic evening cruises to family-friendly and hop-on-hop-off boat tours. My personal favorite is one of the open-air boat tours that offer a more intimate experience compared to the big touristy canal excursions. Eco-conscious travelers can hop on the Plastic Whale canal cruise and fish for plastic waste with nets.

Van Gogh Museum

Amsterdam is home to some of the world’s best museums and one of them is the extraordinary Van Gogh Museum.

Here, you will find more than 200 of Van Gogh’s paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters including masterpieces such as Sunflowers and Self-Portrait with Straw Hat. The museum also houses works by other artists like Monet and Matisse, as well as paintings by Dutch artists who were inspired by Van Gogh.

Learn about tickets and opening hours here.

The Amsterdam Flower Market

Also known as the Bloemenmarkt, The Amsterdam Flower Market is one of the must-visit spots while exploring the city.

Amsterdam flower market with buildings in the background

Located between Koningsplein and Muntplein on the picturesque Singel canal, it is the world’s only floating flower market. Expect to see a vast array of bulbs, tulips, daffodil, and narcissus. Besides flowers, the market also sells unique souvenirs that you can take back home with you.

Rijksmuseum

Located in Museum Square, Rijksmuseum is definitely the most popular museum in Amsterdam.

There are more than 250 rooms here and 1 million artifacts ranging from paintings and sculptures to handicrafts, books, and manuscripts. If you wish to admire art by Vermeer, Frans, and Rembrandt, Rijksmuseum should definitely be included on your list of attractions to visit in Amsterdam.

The Rijksmusemum in Amsterdam from the outside and one of the interior galleries

The informative guided tour is really good and you will have an opportunity to hear some rather interesting stories about the artists and their signature artworks.

Click here for ticket prices and opening hours.

Amsterdam’s Red Light District

Travelers who wish to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife can pay a visit to Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District.

It is a network of quirky museums, coffee houses, peep shows, and sex shops where thousands of tourists flock every night of the year.

Amsterdam’s red light district in the evening

Besides entertainment, the district is home to a couple of historical attractions including the picturesque Gothic-style Oude Kerk church. Solo travelers can book a guided tour of the district and enjoy the Red Light District’s blaring neon lights.

What to Eat in Amsterdam

Foodies will instantly fall in love with the Dutch capital. From Michelin-starred dining establishments to street vendors offering local treats, there is plenty to look forward to when visiting Amsterdam.

Street food you won’t want to miss tasting:

poffertjes (mini pancakes)
stroopwafels (cinnamon waffles with caramel syrup)
broodje (haring)
bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs)

Foodhallen with its numerous food stalls is the best place in the city to try a variety of local foods. I also recommend checking out the Moeders restaurant that serves all the favorite Dutch comfort foods.

Although many places in the city offer herring, my favorite joint is the Haring & Zo which is one of the last remaining herring stalls in Amsterdam.

Vegetarians and vegans definitely won’t stay hungry in the Dutch capital. The Meatless District offers a 100% vegan menu with signature dishes such as golden chia pudding and a barbacoa bowl.