24 HOURS in Amsterdam

AMSTERDAM VIBE

Amsterdam, the touristy city full of cafes, bike lanes, and sometimes called “Venice of the North” because of the various canals. This city is a common connector hub so if you are a world wide traveler you probably will experience a day-long layover in the city. That doesn’t seem like a lot of time, but you can get the full experience in only 24 hours, and trust me you will probably get little sleep while you are there. I am going to give you a list of quick activities to fill your time in Amsterdam while feeling like you didn’t miss a beat. Amsterdam is full of history, museums, food, and  the countryside of Holland is filled with beautiful tulips along the highways and windmills that you can see for miles.

If you are not experiencing a layover but want to travel to the city considering the time of year is important. During the winter and during the summer months is when the city is the busiest and therefore tends to be more expensive. Spring and Autumn are the perfect time to visit because of weather, cost, and less crowds. Amsterdam is a very touristy city so hotels in the centre can often be expensive, I would encourage staying in a hostel especially if it is only for one night, you can book a hostel through the hostelworld app

I would recommend before starting your day buying a 24 hour OV-Chip card, because these travel passes allow you easy mobility between city buses, trains, and trams. Depending on where you are in the city most things are walking distance and cycling is the next best option especially in Amsterdam. The infrastructure of the city is designed to safely compliment multiple cyclists despite some cobbled streets in Old Town that are a little difficult to bike through. There are parking decks for bikes only and bike signal lights all around the city, to find out more about bike culture in Amsterdam read more. Break is important for a full day of exploring, and De Pijp is one of the most popular spots for breakfast as well as Omelegg.

BEST MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM

Museumplein (Museum Square) is an old historic area home to Amsterdam’s three most important and famous museums: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art. It is possible to visit all three in one day but I would choose two and try to buy your tickets beforehand because these places fill out quickly. The Anne Frank house is right next door, and it's common that it will have a line all the way to the Van Gogh Museum. This nation knows the importance of history and the arts, and their museums have preserved the culture of the area. 

After exploring the Museum Square if you head west you will be footsteps away from Vondel Park. This park is a great place to take a seat and people watch everyone that is exploring the city. It is a beautiful place to take photos in front of the huge letters that read AMSTERDAM. At VondelPark there are lots of fountains, lakes, paddling pools and rose gardens to enjoy here in Amsterdam’s largest park. Many locals flock to the park to hang out, exercise, or to relax after work. It is among the best places in Amsterdam to absorb the city’s daily life. There are also several cafés and bars hidden amidst the park’s greenery and you will probably also see several pancake stalls here which are a must-have if you are in Amsterdam.

Jordaan is the most famous and well-loved neighborhood in Amsterdam, known for it’s beautiful canal-side houses. Dam Square, Amsterdam’s most important square, is located in the heart of Amsterdam very close to the Red Light District so make sure you stop there afterwards. You’ll see the Royal Palace and the National Monument. Canal cruises are a nice way to end the evening or afternoon and there are many options for canal trips depending on your lifestyle. 

Amsterdam is known for its legalization of risque businesses such as prostitution and the cannabis industry. It is legal to buy and smoke cannabis openly throughout the city, which has been a huge reason why it's a touristy city and people flock all around the world to visit. Amsterdam is known as the number one destination city in the world for Bachelor parties. There are many tours that you can take while in Amsterdam, such as the Red Light Tour or a Cannabis Coffee Shop Tour. You can also experience the world’s favorite beer at The Heineken Experience. The Heineken Experience is in the centre of town and offers a really fun interactive experience even if you are not a beer lover!

Amsterdam old historic feel, architecture, and landscape have made The city’s medieval centre This city is special, so if you have the chance to visit even just for a day.