World Travel Tips

Visiting Amsterdam in a day isn’t ideal, considering it’s a unique city with its romantic canals, distinctive architecture, and the unmistakable aroma from its coffee shops. We recommend spending at least two or three days here to truly absorb its charm. However, if you’re short on time, we’ve crafted an itinerary to help you make the most of your day in Amsterdam.

Visit the Rijksmuseum, a Must-See in Your One-Day Amsterdam Itinerary

Arrive a bit before 9:00 AM (opening time) at the Rijksmuseum entrance. It’s Amsterdam’s most famous museum, and although your time is limited, it’s worth spending at least an hour here.

The Renaissance building itself is a masterpiece, but inside, you’ll find over 8,000 top-tier artworks, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Vermeer. Definitely a highlight of your day in Amsterdam!

Admission is free with the I Amsterdam City Card; otherwise, it’s €20 per person.

Enjoy Stunning Views from the Bridge of 15 Bridges

After dinner, head to our favorite bridge in Amsterdam for incredible city views. Aptly named, from here you can see up to 14 more bridges, creating a magical panorama under the night lights and passing cruises.

Pay Homage to Rembrandt at Rembrandtplein

If you’re in Amsterdam for just a day, you won’t have time to visit Rembrandt’s House Museum where the famous artist lived (and faced financial ruin) from 1639 to 1658. Instead, honor him by visiting Rembrandtplein, where a statue in his honor stands. It’s actually Amsterdam’s oldest public statue.

Be Amazed at the Flower Market, Bloemenmarkt

If you enjoy walking, take a leisurely stroll from the Van Gogh Museum or Vondelpark to Bloemenmarkt; it’s about a 20-minute walk. Amsterdam is best explored on foot, as every corner seems like a scene from a painting. Alternatively, tram line 2 towards Central Station will get you there quicker. Get off at Koningsplein and it’s just a minute’s walk from there.

Bloemenmarkt, the floating flower market, is one of the most picturesque spots to visit in Amsterdam for a day. Consisting of 15 “floating” shops selling tulip bulbs, seeds, and other plants—even marijuana!

The market’s origins are quite interesting: initially, vendors would dock their boats to sell, but due to popularity, they established permanent shops. However, with tourism booming, authenticity is waning as souvenirs take over.

Explore the Begijnhof, a Quirky Gem in Your One-Day Amsterdam Visit

The Begijnhof was one of the most surprising spots we discovered in Amsterdam. It’s an ancient beguinage hidden in the heart of the city, where beguines—Catholic women living a nun-like lifestyle with more freedom—resided.

Refuel at Broodje Bert, the Best Dining Spot on Your One-Day Amsterdam Itinerary

Broodje Bert is the perfect place to recharge. Here, you’ll find hearty meal combinations, delicious sandwiches, and salads…

You can enjoy sandwiches from €6, complete omelettes from €8, and scrambled eggs from €7.50. The portions are generous, so for under €10, you’ll be more than satisfied. Definitely a great restaurant to dine during your one-day itinerary in Amsterdam.

Exploring Amsterdam in a day is a whirlwind, but following this itinerary ensures you experience the essence of this captivating city.

Stroll through the Famous Nine Streets

One of the most beautiful and special areas in Amsterdam, the Nine Streets are dotted with intriguing boutiques and charming cafés. Located within the nine blocks between the Anne Frank House and Leidsegracht.

Visit the Anne Frank House, Another Must-See on Your One-Day Amsterdam Tour

After dining at Broodje Bert, the best way to reach the Anne Frank House is on foot. It’s about a 20-minute walk through some beautiful spots. Alternatively, tram travel is free if you’ve purchased the I Amsterdam City Card.

Anne Frank has become one of the 20th century’s most famous figures due to her testimony, “The Diary of Anne Frank.” In Amsterdam, you can enter the house where she lived with her parents, sister, and two other Jewish families hiding from the Nazis.

Sadly, they were discovered in August 1944 and deported to concentration camps, where Anne died just a year later at the age of 15.

If you haven’t read her diary yet, we strongly recommend doing so in the months leading up to your visit. It’s essential for better understanding the situation and learning. Inside the museum, you can view some of her personal belongings. We believe this activity is crucial on your one-day tour of Amsterdam to learn from the past and remember those Jewish families who suffered during that dark period of history.

Get Lost in Jordaan, One of the Most Beautiful Districts

After visiting the Anne Frank House, we recommend wandering through Jordaan, our favorite neighborhood in Amsterdam. It’s absolutely stunning! Initially a working-class area, it has evolved over the years into one of Amsterdam’s most exclusive residential zones. Who wouldn’t want to live there? Take advantage of your one-day Amsterdam tour to stroll its streets and relax in one of its charming cafés. If you appreciate art, stop by several galleries and admire their works. If you have only a day, you’ll need to move fairly quickly, as there’s still much to see.

Visit Dam Square and the Royal Palace of Amsterdam

Next, head to Dam Square, Amsterdam’s most important square. You’ll always find plenty of people and talented street artists there. This square is renowned for its Royal Palace directly opposite. It’s one of three palaces owned by the Dutch monarchs in the country. Did you know that when it was built in 1655, it served as the city hall? Later, it was converted into a palace. Today, it’s not the official residence of the kings, but it’s used for special events or ceremonies. You can enter for €12.50, but we don’t recommend it if you want to see Amsterdam in a day.

Explore Nieuwe Kerk and Catch an Exhibition

As its name suggests, Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) was built when Oude Kerk (Old Church) became too small. It’s right next to the Royal Palace and is now a unique temporary exhibition space. Check to see if there’s an exhibition inside that interests you and go in. Entry is included with the I Amsterdam City Card; otherwise, it costs €16. We think it’s one of the most intriguing visits to make on this one-day Amsterdam itinerary.

Discover Oude Kerk, Amsterdam’s Oldest Building

And if you visit the new church, don’t forget about its predecessor. Oude Kerk is Amsterdam’s oldest building, constructed way back in 1302. It started as a wooden chapel, and the current structure is quite impressive. It’s located right in the heart of the Red Light District, creating a peculiar contrast. Seeing such a beautiful church with several brothels and prostitutes nearby is quite unique. Admission costs €12 but is included with the I Amsterdam City Card. Besides visiting the church, you can see an exhibition that changes every few months.

Photograph the Buildings along Damrak and Prinsengracht

To continue your one-day Amsterdam itinerary, we recommend capturing one of the city’s most famous panoramas: the beautiful houses along Damrak. Without a doubt, these are very picturesque houses right across the canal.

Take a Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

How easy it would be to see Amsterdam in a day from the water! No walking—just a cruise. Our advice is to start around 6:00 PM. No need to walk as cruises depart from Damrak. Several companies offer tours that pass by the city’s highlights, offering a different perspective. They usually last between one and two hours, depending on where you board, as there are multiple starting points throughout the city. If you have the I Amsterdam City Card, any cruise is included. Otherwise, you can book it online.

Exploring Amsterdam in a day is ambitious, but following this itinerary ensures you experience the essence of this captivating city.

Dinner at Jacketz Nieuwendijk, One of the Best Restaurants to Eat in This One-Day Amsterdam Itinerary

It’s one of the most unique restaurants we’ve dined at. If you’re a potato lover, you’ll find paradise here. Even if you’re not, it’s a perfect spot for affordable dining in Amsterdam. Just to give you an idea, all their dishes feature baked potatoes stuffed with your choice of ingredients: meat, fish, vegetables… lots of options!

And the best part is you can eat well for under €10, which is quite a deal in Amsterdam.

Explore Amsterdam’s Red Light District

To wrap up your day seeing the best of Amsterdam, you can’t miss the Red Light District. It’s particularly intriguing at night. There, you’ll find over 300 brothels and a bustling nightlife. Prostitution has been legal in the Netherlands since 2000, though this business in the Red Light District has been practiced for centuries.

So, don’t leave without experiencing the chaotic atmosphere with prostitutes, sex shops, and drugs as the main attractions. This is the other side of Amsterdam. We prefer the romantic side with its canals and beautiful architecture.

We hope this one-day itinerary for Amsterdam is helpful and that you thoroughly enjoy your visit. It’s a spectacular city!

Tags: Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam