48 hours in Amsterdam

48 hours in Amsterdam

Sabry Battistella • 5 Oct 2023
Undoubtedly one of the most charming cities in Europe, Amsterdam is filled with unique experiences and the most beautiful places to visit. See this city with its many canals, and learn about its history and heritage — and enjoy some delicious food and beer in between.

Day 1

See Amsterdam at its most picturesque on a canal cruise through the city’s historic center.

10:00 AM

Exploring the capital of the Netherlands is great fun. Thanks to its compact size and over 150 canals, it’s easy to discover the city on foot or by boat. Start your first day with a popular canal cruise to view the city from the water. You’ll see the wonderful 17th-century architecture and hustle and bustle of daily life up close.
Savor the diverse flavors of Amsterdam on a 3.5-hour food tasting tour of the lively Jordaan neighborhood.

12:00 PM

Join a food tour for lunch, while you walk around the hip Jordaan area. Delight in Dutch favorite bites, from poffertjes (mini pancakes) to apple cake, to cheese. Not only will you get the chance to sample some delicious Dutch delicacies, but you’ll also get to meet some like-minded travelers, making this one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam.
Learn about Anne Frank's life on a walking tour of Amsterdam.

2:00 PM

Time to work off all that delicious food, and do as the Dutch do and join a bike tour. See Amsterdam’s highlights such as Museumplein and Vondelpark. Once you’re done biking around, get an in-depth history experience on a walking tour of the life of Anne Frank. You’ll learn fascinating stories about the Jewish Quarter and the Second World War.
Enjoy panoramic views of Amsterdam from one of its newest attractions with an entrance ticket to the A’DAM Lookout observation deck.

5:00 PM

End your first day with a trip up to the A’DAM Lookout Observation Deck. Enjoy a sundowner drink as you see Amsterdam below with a 360-degree view from your viewpoint on the 20th floor.
You can't go wrong on a night out in Amsterdam. Explore the De Pijp — Amsterdam's coolest neighborhood.

7:00 PM

The night is yours to explore. Head back to the Jordaan for dinner in a cozy restaurant, or try the hip De Pijp area for some bar-hopping.

Day 2

Skip the ticket line at the Rijksmuseum and admire over 400 masterpieces.

9:00 AM

Today is all about celebrating the mastery of the Dutch, from art to food to beer, and even jewelry. Start with a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, one of the best things to do in Amsterdam when it rains, where you will see the world’s largest collection of masterpieces by this famous Dutch artist. While you’re in the Museumplein area, you can visit the Rijksmuseum too. It houses works of Dutch masters such as Vermeer and Rembrandt, and the building itself celebrates the grand architecture of Renaissance and Gothic styles.
Taste the delicious cheeses of Henri Willig at a 45-minute cheese tasting.

1:00 PM

If you haven’t stopped for a pancake, frites (French fries), or waffle yet, you can still your hunger with a delicious Dutch cheese tasting. Taste five cheeses and a local beer as you learn about cheese manufacturing in the Netherlands.
Visit the oldest diamond polishing factory in the world on a guided tour in Amsterdam.

3:00 PM

Amsterdam is famous for its diamond-polishing history. Take a tour through a private diamond factory to see master craftsmen at work. Be amazed at stunning diamond artifacts as you learn about the history of this craft.
Come and discover what lies behind the doors of the former Heineken brewery and learn everything there is to know about the famous beer.

5:00 PM

You’re sure to be thirsty by now, so take a deep dive into the world of Dutch beer at the Heineken Experience. This self-guided tour will teach you all about the brewing techniques, history, and innovations at Heineken. End off with a delicious glass of the good stuff.
See Amsterdam at its most picturesque on a 1.5-hour canal cruise by night.

7:00 PM

End your last evening in Amsterdam with an evening canal cruise. The illuminated canal houses and bridges create a magical atmosphere.
Visit the world's largest spring garden between mid-April and mid-May.

Further afield

If you’re visiting in springtime, seeing Keukenhof Gardens with its over 7 million tulips in bloom is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A rainbow of colors greets you with brilliantly designed flower beds and sights to see as you explore the 32 hectares of floral splendor. The journey from Amsterdam takes under an hour, so it’s perfect for a day trip.

Plan your trip to Amsterdam