1 Day in Amsterdam: A Complete Guide to the City’s Highlights

Amsterdam is a city that can feel overwhelming at first glance with world-class museums, winding canals, historic neighborhoods, and an ever-growing list of must-visit cafés and cultural sites. Add in the fact that Amsterdam can also be an expensive city, and you will want to make the most of every hour here.

The good news? With many of its major attractions clustered close together, Amsterdam is easy to explore in a short amount of time. If you only have 1 day in Amsterdam, you will not be able to see everything, but you’ll still come away with a genuine sense of the city’s charm.

For a short visit, I recommend staying near Amsterdam Centraal Station. It puts you right at the foot of the city's Old Centre and makes arriving, departing, and getting around by foot, tram, or bike easy. As far as hotels go in this area, I recommend the Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam, Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam, and the art'otel Amsterdam. While accommodations in this area may cost a bit more, if you are only in Amsterdam for one day, splurging on a centrally located hotel is absolutely worth it for the convenience.

This Amsterdam one-day itinerary shows you exactly how to spend your time, from canals and cultural highlights to great food stops and iconic Amsterdam landmarks, so you can experience the best of Amsterdam in just 24 hours.

Table of Contents:

1. Is one day in Amsterdam enough? 
2. 1 Day in Amsterdam Itinerary: How to Spend 24 Hours in the City
3. Map of this 1 Day in Amsterdam Itinerary
4. FAQs About Spending One Day in Amsterdam
5. Final Thoughts - How to Make the Most of 1 Day in Amsterdam

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. That means we may earn a small commission or receive compensation if you click on a link and make a purchase or take action - at no additional cost to you. These partnerships help support the content we create and maintain this website.

Is one day in Amsterdam enough?

The short answer is yes, but with some caveats.

Amsterdam is a compact city, and many of its major attractions are close together. That means even with just 1 day in Amsterdam, you can see a surprising amount: a canal cruise, a world-class museum, and a stroll through historic neighborhoods like the Jordaan or De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets). Amsterdam's efficient tram and metro network also makes it easy to move quickly between sights.

That said, one day in Amsterdam will only give you a taste of Amsterdam. You will not have time to explore every museum in Museumplein, see every landmark, or discover the city’s hidden gems. If your goal is to see the highlights and get a feel for the city’s atmosphere, then one day is enough time. However, if you want to dive deeper into the charming neighborhoods, enjoy a day trip (or two), or explore Amsterdam’s food scene at a slower pace, then I recommend planning for three or four days in Amsterdam.

1 Day in Amsterdam Itinerary: How to Spend 24 Hours in the City

For travelers passing through the city on a layover, visiting on a day trip from nearby cities, or simply a short getaway, this one day Amsterdam itinerary is designed to help you experience the best of the city without feeling rushed.

Morning in Amsterdam

Start your day with breakfast in the Old Centre. I love Mortimer, a trendy breakfast and brunch café not far from the Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal. 

Our next stop fits naturally into the question many travelers ask: what to see in Amsterdam in one day? My answer always includes at least one museum.

Option #1: Art Museums in Museumplein 

After breakfast, walk towards Museumplein. (If you would prefer to save a few minutes, Tram 2 and Tram 12 are also an option, connecting Amsterdam Centraal Station to Museumplein.) Museumplein is home to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, and the Moco Museum. Opting for a morning admission time slot means fewer crowds, shorter lines, and more time to wander through the museum of your choice before the midday rush.

Since you only have one day in Amsterdam, you really only have time to visit one museum. Here is a quick overview of each museum to help you choose the best fit for your interests.

• Rijksmuseum: Amsterdam's largest and most iconic museum, the Rijksmuseum is home to Dutch Golden Age masterpieces like Rembrandt's The Night Watch and Vermeer's The Milkmaid. The building itself is a work of art and its collection gives a sweeping overview of Dutch history and culture. Tickets should be purchased online from the Rijksmuseum website, in advance of your visit. Since seeing the entirety of the museum's collection in one day is not feasible, I highly recommend booking a guided tour. Guided tours last approximately one hour and are available in both English and Dutch. Guided tours can be booked online, ahead of your visit, or in-person at the museum after you arrive. Following the completion of your guided tour, I recommend spending another hour or two exploring the museum before your next stop on this one day in Amsterdam itinerary. 
• Van Gogh Museum: A must for lovers of Impressionism, this museum traces the troubled life and incredible work of Vincent van Gogh. Highlights include Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters, and Almond Blossom. To make the most out of your time at the Van Gogh Museum, I suggest renting an audio guide. I found that the audio guide did an excellent job providing additional insight into the paintings on display. You should plan to spend 2-3 hours at the Van Gogh Museum. Tickets for the Van Gogh Museum must be purchased online from the Van Gogh Museum website as they are not sold on-site.
• Stedelijk Museum: As Amsterdam's premier contemporary and modern art museum, the Stedelijk Museum's collection spans 20th- and 21st-century artistic movements, with art from Jeff Koons and Yayoi Kusama. The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions from both Dutch and international artists. It takes approximately 2-3 hours to see the entirety of the Stedelijk Museum. Tickets are only available for purchase online via the Stedelijk Museum website.
• Moco Museum: The Moco Museum is home to works by world-renowned artists including Banksy, Warhol, and Basquiat. The museum's collection also features work by up-and-coming artists in contemporary art, while simultaneously offering digital and immerse art experiences. The museum is the smallest of the four listed here, taking about 90 minutes to see the collection, which is great with only one day in Amsterdam. Discounted tickets are available on the Moco Museum Amsterdam website. 
  

Option #2: Explore the Jordaan & Visit the Anne Frank House

Alternatively, head to the Jordaan and the Anne Frank House, one of Amsterdam's most visited landmarks. You can spend time wandering Jordaan's picturesque canals and narrow streets. This neighborhood is filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and small cafés.

The main draw in the Jordaan is the Anne Frank House, where visitors can walk through the Secret Annex, see her preserved diary, and learn more about one of the most powerful stories of the Holocaust. You can expect to spend around 90 minutes visiting the Anne Frank House.

Tickets for the Anne Frank House go on sale on Tuesdays at 10:00 AM CET, six weeks in advance and almost always sell out quickly. So, if you are looking to see a somber, but significant landmark in Amsterdam, be sure to book your tickets well in advance of your visit. Tickets for the Anne Frank House are available on the Anne Frank House website.

Midday in Amsterdam

No matter how you spend your morning in Amsterdam, the midday hours are a great time to check off a few more Amsterdam experiences. Feel free to mix and match depending on your travel pace and interests, a few of options include: 

• Heineken Experience: The Heineken Experience is a fun, interactive tour of the original Heineken brewery (today, Heineken is brewed in Zoeterwoude in South Holland), complete with tastings. While this is definitely a touristy experience, it is fun, especially if you are interested in Dutch beer culture. Tickets for the Heineken Experience should be purchased online, in advance of your visit, via the Heineken Experience website. Keep in mind that the legal drinking age in the Netherlands is 18 and children under the age of 18 are not permitted inside of the Heineken Experience.
• Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market): Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt, set along the Singel Canal, is the world’s only floating flower market, with stalls built on barges docked here. While it is no longer the main hub for locals to buy beautiful flowers, it remains a colorful spot to browse tulip bulbs, fresh flowers, and souvenirs. Bloemenmarkt is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and on Sunday from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
• A'DAM Lookout: For a different perspective on Amsterdam, head across the IJ River to A’DAM Lookout. The observation deck offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline, canals, and surrounding countryside, and adventurous visitors can even try “Over the Edge,” Europe’s highest swing. It is a quick (and free) ferry ride from Amsterdam Centraal Station, making it an easy add to your one-day itinerary if you want a memorable view. If you purchase your tickets online via the A'DAM Lookout website, in advance, you can receive discounted admission. 

Lunch in Amsterdam 

By now, you will also likely be ready for a bite to eat. You can either pause for a sit-down lunch, or keep things moving with a local snack. A warm stroopwafel or a cone of crispy Dutch frites are classic Amsterdam treats that will not interrupt your time sightseeing.

Otherwise, check out one of my favorite spots for lunch in Amsterdam: De Carrousel Pannenkoeken. Located a 3-minute walk from the Heineken Experience and about 10-minutes from the Museumplein, De Carrousel Pannenkoeken provides an excellent opportunity to try some Dutch classics like pannenkoeken and/or poffertjes!

Late Afternoon & Early Evening in Amsterdam

As your one day in Amsterdam begins to wind to a close, balance some additional sightseeing with some time to simply enjoy the atmosphere. Late afternoon is also an excellent time to take a canal cruise, one of my favorite experiences in Amsterdam!

Canal Cruises in Amsterdam

A canal cruise is the best way to experience Amsterdam and canal cruises are something that I have done on every visit and will continue to do again and again. There is simply no better way to see Amsterdam than from the water! A canal cruise provides an opportunity to take in the historic canal houses, bridges, and landmarks while also learning more about the city's history through either live or recorded commentary. 

I personally find the city to be magical from the water in the late afternoon as golden hour sets in, when the water reflects the warm light and the city feels at its most atmospheric.

Each of my recommended canal cruises last between 60 to 75 minutes, but may be as long as 90 minutes. There are plenty of cruise options to match your style, including:

• Classic Boat Cruise with Optional Cheese & Wine (Flagship Amsterdam): The highlight of my last trip to Amsterdam was this canal cruise with Flagship Amsterdam! I booked the wine and cheese option, so while cruising through Amsterdam's canals I also got to enjoy some fantastic Dutch cheese and wine. Plus, the guide and captain made the experience warm and memorable! 
• Open Boat Cruise & Unlimited Drinks & Bites Option (Flagship Amsterdam): Also from Flagship Amsterdam, this open-air boat cruise lets you take in the canals while enjoying the fresh breeze. Plus, as a bonus, there is the option to add unlimited drinks and snacks to make your cruise even more memorable. 
• City Centre Canal Cruise (Stromma Netherlands): This straightforward, budget-friendly canal cruise is great for first-time visitors to Amsterdam . The cruise covers Amsterdam's main canals and landmarks visible from the water, while providing an audio guide for more information about the city. I took this canal cruise on my first trip to Amsterdam in 2022 and I thoroughly enjoyed it! 
  

Many cruises depart near Amsterdam Centraal Station, which makes it easy to fit into your 1 day in Amsterdam. 

However, if you would like a slightly different experience, there are also cruises with the Blue Boat Company that depart near the Heineken Experience which even includes admission to the Heineken Experience. So, if you are planning to visit the Heineken Experience as well as take a canal cruise during your one day in Amsterdam, booking a combined ticket is a smart way to bundle the two and save a bit of money.

Additional Amsterdam Landmarks to Explore

As you continue exploring Amsterdam in the late afternoon and early evening, here are a few more highlights to add to your sightseeing list. 

• The Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes): Either before or after your canal cruise, I highly recommend a stroll through this picturesque neighborhood, not far from Dam Square. The Nine Streets is filled with boutique shops, galleries, and cute cafés. Even if you are not shopping, it is one of the most scenic areas of the city. However, if you are looking to shop, keep in mind that most stores in this neighborhood are open every day from 10:00/11:00 AM to 6:00/7:00 PM. On Sundays, you may find that stores do not open until noon. 
• The Dancing Houses: Near Hotel de l'Europe, you will find a row of Amsterdam's famously crooked canal houses, leaning at quirky angles thanks to centuries-old foundations. While similar tilted houses can be seen throughout the city, these "Dancing Houses" are among the most photographed. 
• Dam Square: Dam Square is Amsterdam's central square, home to the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and plenty of street performers. While it is not everyone's favorite spot (it is a bit touristy), it is historically important and a natural crossroads that you are likely to pass through during your one day in Amsterdam. 
  

Evening & Dinner in Amsterdam

After a full day of sightseeing, wrap up your time in Amsterdam with dinner near Amsterdam Centraal Station. This area is close to where many of the canal cruises dock, plus it makes departures easy if you are catching a late train or staying in a nearby hotel. Plus, there are plenty of fantastic dining spots in the area! 

Keep in mind that the Dutch typically eat dinner earlier than in many other countries - usually between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM - and if you are visiting on a weekend or traveling with a group, I would recommend making dinner reservations in advance. 

Here is a list of some of my favorite restaurants in Amsterdam within walking distance of Amsterdam Centraal Station:

• The Seafood Bar (Damrak Location): The Seafood Bar is popular for its fresh seafood and oysters. They have multiple locations around the city, but the Damrak location is the closest to Amsterdam Centraal Station. I also want to add that I really love the food and service at The Seafood Bar, so much so that I have actually eaten here twice!
• Sea Palace: You likely spotted this floating Chinese restaurant during your canal cruise. Its tiered pagoda design is as memorable as the food served inside. 
• Mojo Japanese Kitchen: A great options for travelers craving sushi and sashimi during their one day in Amsterdam. 
• Gaja Korean BBQ & Bar: Gaja offers a quintessential Korean barbecue experience in Amsterdam with tabletop grills.
• Carstens Brasserie: A contemporary Dutch brasserie that highlights local ingredients and offers a modern take on traditional Dutch cuisine. It is a great pick if you want a taste of the Netherlands before you leave. 

If you are not quite ready to end the night, Amsterdam has a thriving cocktail bar scene. One of my favorite cocktail bars in Amsterdam is Tales & Spirits. Tales & Spirits offers inventive cocktails and playful presentations, making it a great, lowkey way to end an evening in Amsterdam. 

Evening Walk

One of my favorite ways to close out a day in Amsterdam is with an evening walk along the canals. Amsterdam is beautiful at any hour of the day, but there is something especially magical about the canal houses illuminated after sunset. I especially love the stretch of canal houses near Munttoren and Hotel de l'Europe (the area near the Dancing Houses), but even the houses in Damrak are lit up beautifully at night. 

Map of This 1 Day Amsterdam Itinerary

To make your day easier, I have pinned all of the stops from this itinerary onto a single map. You can save it to your Google account or open it directly in the Google Maps app while exploring Amsterdam.

FAQs About Spending One Day in Amsterdam

• Is one day in Amsterdam enough? Yes and no. One day in Amsterdam is not enough to see everything that the city has to offer. Amsterdam is full of incredible museums, beautiful neighborhoods, and hidden gems that deserve more time than just one day in Amsterdam. However, the city is compact, and its major attractions are close together, which means you can still experience a lot in a single day. With a smart plan, you will be able to visit an art museum or the Anne Frank House, enjoy a canal cruise, explore the Jordaan or The Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes) neighborhoods, and end your day with dinner by the canals.
• What to see in Amsterdam in one day? In one day, it is best to focus on a few highlights rather than trying to do it all. Many travelers choose a museum in Museumplein, such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk, or Moco, or visit the Anne Frank House in the Jordaan. Pair that with a canal cruise, time to explore The Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes), and a nice dinner near Amsterdam Centraal Station, and you will have a well-rounded day that captures the essence of the city.
• What to visit in Amsterdam in one day? Beyond the main museums and canal cruise, popular one-day stops include the Bloemenmarkt (floating flower market), the Heineken Experience, A'DAM Lookout for views over the city, and iconic photo spots like the Dancing Houses near Hotel de l’Europe.
• What are the best things to do in Amsterdam in 1 day? If you only have one day in Amsterdam, the best things to do are those that give you a sense of the city’s culture, history, and charm. A canal cruise is a must, as it is the best way to see the city. Pair that with either the Anne Frank House or one of the major museums like the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum for a dose of history and art. Wandering through Jordaan or The Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes) lets you see Amsterdam’s canal houses and while shopping in local boutiques, while Dam Square gives you a feel for the city’s historic center. Ending the day with dinner by the canals rounds out a one-day visit to Amsterdam perfectly.
• Where should I stay if I only have one day in Amsterdam? For convenience, stay near Amsterdam Centraal Station. You will be close to arrival and departure points as well as within walking distance of Jordaan, Dam Square, and Museumplein. Great options include Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam, Park Plaza Victoria, and art'otel Amsterdam.

Final Thoughts: How to Make the Most of 1 Day in Amsterdam 

Spending just one day in Amsterdam might feel ambitious, but with thoughtful planning you can experience a few of the city's highlights, including a world-class museum, and the city's historic neighborhoods. You will not see everything, but you will leave Amsterdam with a real sense of what makes this city so special.

If you are planning a longer stay or want to explore Amsterdam in more depth, be sure to check out our Amsterdam Travel Blog. It covers Amsterdam's neighborhoods, restaurants, public transportation, hidden gems, and travel tips to help you make the most of your time in the city. For more details on the city's landmarks, check out our blog post on the Top Amsterdam Landmarks to Visit on Your First Trip. 

💬 Have you visited Amsterdam, even if just for a day? Drop a comment below, I would love to hear what your highlights were or what you would add to this itinerary! Or are you actively planning a trip to Amsterdam and have questions? Send us a message or drop a comment and we would be happy to help. Happy travels!