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2 Days in Amsterdam: Itinerary With Maps and Tips

September 15, 2019

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If you want to be in any European city and you’re looking for a place with amazing architecture, fascinating culture and rich history then Amsterdam is for you.

Most of the attractions are within walking or biking distance. The public transport system is also pretty reliable if you want to take that instead. There’s plenty of interesting places to visit and things to do for you to get at least acquainted with this quaint, vibrant city.

From quirky neighborhoods to the intriguing red-light district, a charming old town to the museum quarter, exploring Amsterdam is bound to be a captivating adventure. Got a couple of days? Here’s 2 days in Amsterdam itinerary that’ll take you to see the best that the city has to offer.

2 Days in Amsterdam: Itinerary With Maps and Tips

Day 1 of 2 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary

1. The Jordaan and The 9 Streets

Enjoy a late lunch and a stroll through some of Amsterdam’s vibrant neighborhoods, in Jordaan and The 9 Streets which are right next to each other. After hours of exploring a palace and a museum, you probably have worked up an appetite and The Jordaan has some of the city’s best restaurants for you to have lunch.

Along Jordaan, there’s the quiet courtyard Suykerhofje, where you can relax a bit before checking out the 15th-century ‪Noorderkerk‬ church and its unique architecture.

The 9 Street meanwhile, is made up of 9 picturesque shopping streets that mostly feature independent shops and boutiques. (This is actually a great location to get some of the best souvenirs in Amsterdam!). From here, you can stroll through more treelined streets with beautiful houses and buildings for about 10 minutes to De Wallen.

2. Dinner Along the Singel Canal

A perfect way to end your first day in Amsterdam and a great place to have dinner is in one of the restaurants along the Singel Canal.

This iconic area is the one you often see in photos, postcards, and posters that represent Amsterdam, with the colorful buildings reflected in the water.

The place looks even more spectacular at night with the lights adorning this famous scenery. Either get a table by the window or buy a takeaway dinner that you can eat as you walk around and take in the spectacular evening sights of Amsterdam.

3. Dam Square

Start your first day in Amsterdam exactly on the place where this city began — at Dam Square, which is within walking distance from the Central Station. Back in the 13th century, this was the site of a dam on the Amstell River, which links the settlements on both sides.

This is also where the city got its name. Today, dam Square stands out as a space that’s not made of narrow roads lined with tall houses by the canal, as is the rest of the city.

It is a good place to people-watch while enjoying coffee and a takeaway breakfast, take in the city that’s just waking up and admire the magnificent stone buildings such as the Krasnapolsky Hotel, Town Hall and the Royal Palace. Dam Square is also one of the best free things to do in Amsterdam.

4. Royal Palace of Amsterdam

Located at the heart of Amsterdam in Dam Square is one of the country’s three palaces. This one functions as a venue for royal events such as the New Year’s reception and welcoming heads of state that visit the Netherlands.

You can take a guided tour or explore with a free audio tour. Marvel at the stunning Citizens’ Hall and admire the intricate artwork and furniture that often depicts some of the most significant historical events in the Netherlands.

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Admission Fee

Adults – € 10

Students – € 9

Museumkaart – Free

Under 18 – Free

Contact Information

Phone: +31 (0)20 – 522 61 61

Email: [email protected]

Address: P.O. Box 3708 1001 AM Amsterdam The Netherlands

5. De Wallen

More Amsterdam attractions await at De Wallen, one of the best places to be on a late afternoon. You can pass the Royal Palace on the way as you continue to walk up north to see the medieval Oude Kerk‬ church as well as the nearby ‪Church of St. Nicholas‬.

Walk further until you reach one of the most iconic Amsterdam sights — the ‪Damrak. This is where you’ll most likely catch the sunset as you admire the colorful houses reflect on the waters of the canals.

From here, it’s just a seven-minute walk to an area in Amsterdam that’s not quite an attraction or tourist spit but an intriguing place to see nonetheless, the Red Light District.

6. Red Light District

Watch the city light up in neon red as day turns to night in a rather controversial area if you’re not quite used to the idea. Prostitution is legal in the Netherlands and at present, there are hundreds of them registered and working in Amsterdam’s red-light districts.

The one in De Wallen maybe the largest and most popular but there are three in the city. This place is really just one street and a few side alleys, where you’ll see sex workers by the window lit with a red light.

Remember to be respectful and do not take photos. The area is safe but because of the number of tourists, there are threats of pickpockets so be mindful of your surroundings.

7. Rijksmuseum

Just a quick tram or bus ride from the Royal Palace is the massive Rijksmuseum. It houses an extensive collection of 8,000 artifacts, art pieces and other important items that are predominantly Dutch.

Some of the stunning masterpieces you’ll find here are from luminaries like Frans Hals, Rembrandt, and Johannes Vermeer. Be sure to also visit the Gallery of Honor and the 17th and 19th-century collections.