This summer I had about 2-3 days between my studies finishing in France and my trip planned to Scotland, so I was trying to brainstorm where to go. The city that has always been on my list is Amsterdam, which has cheap flights available and plenty of intriguing entertainment options. After visiting it, I can safely say it is one of my favorite cities – see below for how I think you can get the best of Amsterdam in 48 hours!
Day #1:
Beautiful Canal in Amsterdam
I dedicated my first day in the city to tour Amsterdam’s wonderful history. This municipality is actually known as the “city of museums” because it has over 75 museums spread throughout the city limits.
Stop #1: Anne Frank Museum @ 9am
This is one of the most famous museums in the city because of its historical importance to the Holocaust and World War Two. Even though this is a small museum given Anne Frank resided in a tiny house’s annex, it is worth it for the emotional journey. This museum took us about an hour and a half to get through. Tickets go on sale 3 months before the date you wish to attend. Be aware that pictures are not allowed inside the premises.
Cost: 9 euros
Stop #2: Van Gogh Museum @ 11am
I thought that middle school taught me everything there was to know about Van Gogh, but this museum really displayed the complexity behind his story. The museum itself is 4 stories tall, so keep that in mind if you are traveling with a company that lacks a fondness for stairs. This museum takes anywhere from an hour to an hour thirty minutes to complete.
Cost: 17 euros
Stop #3: Lunch Break
Amsterdam has some excellent food – see below for some personal recommendations. One thing I love about the city is it does not lack a variety regarding cuisine.
The Avocado Show: This Instagram famous restaurant outdid my expectations. It was cute and cozy and also didn’t break the bank. Avocado is obviously integral to the menu. There is typically a line, so plan on arriving early.
Cafe Hans en Grietje: A quaint cafe with beautiful indoor and outdoor seating. The food is great and they even offer high tea if that you are interested!
Los Pilones: A great Mexican place with fantastic, high-quality cocktails. This location is in the heart of the city.
Stop #4: Rijksmuseum
The view outside the Rijksmuseum
This museum is more of a world history museum than a simple art gallery. This building has art and objects from every century and is in and of itself a work of art. It is massive in scope and worth anywhere from an hour to three hours depending on your preference.
Cost: 17.50 euros
Stop #5: Albert Cuyp Market
This flea market didn’t impress me when I first walked up, but the real reason to go is for the delicious Stroopwafel. There is a man in this market who will make them homemade right in front of you – they are cheap and delicious at the same time. As a fun fact, they were first made in the city of Gouda!
Stop #6: Dinner Time
Delicious Burger and Fries at Foodhallen
This city has some excellent places for dinner time. Here are my top suggestions:
If you are a Chelsea Marketing or Ponce City Market fan, this is the place to go. It is set up very similar, with lots of different types of restaurants from burgers and fries, to tacos, to hot dogs and sushi. The best part is that there is a bar in the middle so you can go and grab drinks as well. Going on a Tuesday, they had live music to enhance an already stellar atmosphere.
Cafe de Gaeper: Located in the city center, this gives you the American food you’ve probably been craving as homesickness is a very real threat.
Stop #7: Canal Cruise
Beautiful view on my Blue Boat Company canal cruise
Amsterdam is most famous for its canals, which are what make the city so unique. Don’t get suckered into a big boat with too many people as the crowd and potential coverings will restrict your view. Even though we were there in the summer, it still got cool at night to make things bearable from a weather perspective. In my personal opinion, I believe the best option is a small boat cruise right at sunset because there is less canal “traffic” and you can maximize the sight-seeing.
The Blue Boat Company is the best bang for your buck. Do the open boat cruise about 2 hours before the sunset goes down. The boat driver gives you some great Amsterdam facts but also gives you time to enjoy it yourself by providing ample quiet time on the mic.
Cost: 17 euros but bringing your own drinks aboard is acceptable and frugal.
Day #2:
We catered this day to personal styling and preference. I am a more adventurous person, but other people love more relaxing activities while still getting to see the city. Make this day about what you enjoy, but here are some ideas of what you can potentially do.
Option #1: Bike Tours
View of windmill during my Mike’s Bike Tour
Amsterdam is the bicycle capital of the world, with over 60% of the population using bikes to travel. As a tourist, it is very cool and interesting but daunting to actually do so yourself. If you love urban centers a city tour is appropriate, but if you think similarly to me then a country tour might scratch that itch.
Mike’s Bike Tours: I chose this company based on online reviews I’ve read as well as the fact that I wanted to do an outside the city tour. My countryside tour took us outside the city, where we got to see a cheese-making facility and an old school windmill.
City Tour Cost: 28 euros for a 3-hour tour
Countryside Tour Cost: 32 euros for a 4-hour tour and cheese tasting!
Option #2: Head outside the city center
What many people don’t know about Amsterdam is right across the large canal there are other great things the city has to offer as well. The best part is you can take a free ferry across and spend all day doing seeing an entirely new segment of Amsterdam!
De Pannenkoekenboot: Any other breakfast food lovers out there? This boat cruise is approximately 75 minutes and provides its guests with unlimited Dutch pancakes. It also tours you around the more modern areas of Amsterdam. This is one of the cooler concepts I came across and the cost provides great economical value.
Cost: 17.50 euros for unlimited pancakes
A’dam Lookout: This building right across the canal gives you panoramic city views while also engaging your daring side. At the top is a giant swing that you can use to see the city in a more adventurous way! Great deal and awesome views.
Cost: 12.50 euros
Pllek: Looking for an outdoors spot to grab a refreshing drink or some delicious food? This restaurant/cafe/music spot is all about environmental sustainability and enjoying good company. They have events going on pretty much every day and night.
Cafe de Cueval: This cafe is super similar to Pllek as well, being a more family-friendly restaurant with beautiful outdoor seating for everyone to enjoy. Reserving online ahead of a visit is encouraged.
Lunch and Dinner for Day #2:
The delicious BBQ at Cafe de Klos
Adding to the list of great places to eat from Day 1, here are some fantastic places for Day 2 to curb that voracious appetite.
Easily the highlight restaurant of our trip. This cozy bar atmosphere serves up some of the best BBQ I had, especially given the fact that we were in a foreign country. We sat right at the bar and got the biggest plate of ribs and baked potatoes! Given their portions are so large, you can share one plate with 2 people to make it more economical. I definitely recommend a reservation placement in advance of attending.
Casa di David: Probably one of the nicest restaurants I was recommended and 100% worth it, with a very Italian atmosphere and the food selection to match! Make sure you reserve your Italian feast online early to avoid time crunches.
Bars/Breweries:
The Amsterdam night scene is a young person’s dream. Taking a stroll through the Red Light District is a must, but there are great places to get drinks and enjoy the night elsewhere in the city. See some of my favorites below.
The Waterhole: Right in the heart of Amsterdam like with many other selections in this post, with cheap drinks and constant music. Any and all music genres are included in the playlists.
Bar Baarsch: This bar has a modern, trendy feel to it. They have a great wine and beer menu with delicious bar snacks to complement your palate.
Disco-Dolly: Wanting to get some of that energy out by tearing up the dance floor? Look no further than Disco-Dolly for a night out on the town.
Other Recommendations:
Amsterdam is a great city just to walk around and explore different entertainment options – planning is my style, but you can pull off a wanderer gypsy-like trip as well. We spent hours walking through the canals and stopping at cafes for coffee or drinks, with the scenery never lacking incentivization to stop and smell the roses. Walking through Vondelpark was lovely since our hostel The Flying Pig- Uptown was right nearby. The city is probably one of the cleanest I’ve ever been to, and no one was soliciting me on the streets to buy anything which can ruin a tourist’s experience. I hope you get a chance to check out amazing Amsterdam soon!
