Two Days in Amsterdam: Quick Travel Guide & Itinerary
As part of my three-week Europe trip a few years ago, I was fortunate to spend two days in Amsterdam and instantly fell in love with the city. I was amazed by the unique architecture, network of canals, and rich history of the city. I’m already counting down the time until I am able to go back.
If you are also planning to visit Amsterdam for a short amount of time, this guide to two days in Amsterdam is for you. It will explain some travel tips for the city, where to stay, what to do, and what to eat. Then I recommend a simple 2 day itinerary that will allow you to see the major sites without getting overwhelmed.
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What to Do in Two Days in Amsterdam
There are so many great things to do in Amsterdam. Ranging from structured activities such a museum tours, to simply wandering the city, you can easily be entertained in this city. With only two days in Amsterdam to see the highlights, here are some of the top activities to fit into your itinerary.
Wander the Canals
The canals are what make Amsterdam so unique and charming. Spend time wandering the canals by foot or bike to find the hidden gems of Amsterdam. This World War II walking tour is great if you prefer to explore with a guide.
Canal Boat Tour
Another way to see the city is through a canal boat tour. There are many tour operators throughout the city, and you do not need to book ahead. One option is an open-air booze cruise which I recommend for a sunny day.
The other option is a closed-top tour with a commentator. While the second option is less exciting, it is good in poor weather. Touring the city on a boat allows you to cover a lot of ground faster than you could walking. It’s also a great way to relax and take some time off your feet.
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank house is an absolute must during your one day in Amsterdam. The museum and tour are incredibly well done. This tour will be emotionally and mentally difficult but extremely important and educational. Be sure to book your tickets early; they can sell out months ahead of time.
Visit a Museum
Admittedly, I am not much of a museum person, but there are many great ones in Amsterdam. Some of the most popular are the Van Gogh Museum which highlights and celebrates his art and the Rijksmuseum which showcases art from many popular artists.
Heineken Experience
This guided tour of the Heineken factory in the heart of Amsterdam is a great way to learn about and taste this popular local beer. The experience includes a tour of the facilities, education on the beer making process, and lots of samples.
What to Eat in the Netherlands
With only two days in Amsterdam, you need to be sure to try the most popular foods. Here are the foods you cannot miss during your trip:
- Cheese – The best place to try a variety of local cheeses at the Cheese Museum where you can learn about the cheese making process and try a ton of samples
- Stroopwaffel – this thin waffle layered with caramel is best enjoyed with a warm coffee
- Bitterballen – these small, fried, meat balls are super tasty and pair great with a cold beer
- Poffertjes – small, fluffy pancakes covered in powdered sugar are a great breakfast or sweet treat
- Fries – there are French fry stands all around the city. They are served in cones with a ton of sauce options. The most traditional sauce is mayonnaise.
Itinerary for Two Days in Amsterdam
Now that I’ve explained where to stay, what to do, and what to eat in Amsterdam, here is my best itinerary for two days in Amsterdam. This itinerary is highly customizable based on which activities appeal the most to you:
Day 1: Start the morning with the WWII walking tour to learn about the city and get your bearings of where different sites are.
From there, continue your history with a tour of the Anne Frank house. Wind down with a tour of the Heineken experience.
Day 2: Kick-off your second day with a museum visit to either the Van Goh Museum or the Rijksmuseum based on your interests.
In the afternoon, relax with an open-air canal cruise. Round out your two days in Amsterdam with a self-guided food tour, while exploring the city.
For more European itineraries and travel guides, check out my complete guide to three weeks in Europe.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Ultra-Luxury: Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
This hotel is a splurge, but it is beautiful. Located along the canals, with classic Amsterdam architecture, this resort is quintessential for the city.
The rooms are the perfect mix of luxurious and homey, with high end finishes and modern design. The hotel is also conveniently located in the city center.
Luxury: Intercontinental Amstel Amsterdam
This luxury resort is sure to catch your eye as you pass along the canals. The building has traditional architecture that continues into the rooms, which all look like a royal palace or museum.
In addition, the hotel is conveniently located in the center of the city, walking distance to most popular tourist sites.
Affordable Luxury: Hyatt Regency Amsterdam
If you want to stay in luxury without breaking the bank, the Hyatt Regency is a great option. Its located near the above two hotels, all in a great location.
The rooms are surprisingly large for a European hotel and are designed beautifully in a mid-century modern style. The biggest difference between this hotel and the other two is the lack of a pool, which you likely won’t use on an Amsterdam vacation anyway.
Fun Facts about Amsterdam
- Half of Amsterdam is three feet above sea level, balancing on 11 million poles
- It’s possible to travel 60 miles around the city through the canals
- There are estimated to be over 1 million bicycles in Amsterdam
Best Time to Visit Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a beautiful summer destination, with mild temperatures and typically good weather. When I visited in July, we unfortunately had grey skies and a bit of rain, as seen in the photos, but this is unusual for this time of the year.
To take advantage of summer in Amsterdam, but avoid the European summer crowds, I recommend visiting in late May or September.
Spring in Amsterdam is also beautiful during tulip season from March through May, with the peak of the season in April.
How Long to Stay in Amsterdam
This guide covers two days in Amsterdam, but you could easily spend up to five days without getting bored. I recommend Amsterdam as a long weekend destination, but extend to longer if you plan to take day trips to nearby areas such as Bruges, Rotterdam, or local villages.
Getting There
The two best ways to get to Amsterdam are by flying or taking the train. To fly into Amsterdam, you will travel into the international airport, Schiphol (AMS). To get from the airport to the city, take the train to the Amsterdam Centraal station.
Amsterdam is easily accessible by train from nearby cities such as Paris, Frankfurt, London, or Brussels. If possible, I recommend taking a train into the city for lower prices and better views compared to flying.
Transportation around the City
Once you get to Amsterdam, it is a fairly walkable city. I never took public transportation or a single uber during my trip. However, your trip may not be the same.
One of the most popular ways to get around Amsterdam is on bike. There are more bikes than people in the city! I recommend this option if you are staying outside of the city center, but in the popular tourist areas, riding may be overwhelming.
There is also comprehensive public transportation in the city. This transportation pass provides unlimited access for 1-7 days based on the option you select.
Quick Facts about the Netherlands
Currency: Euro
Language: Dutch
             Average Climate: Summer 60-70 degrees, Winter 40-60 degrees
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