In this article, I present itineraries and my suggestions for visiting Amsterdam in 2 days and making the most of it!
Here you'll find
- A complete 2-day course
- Activities not to be missed
- Practical information and tips on how to make the most of it
- Off the beaten track
- And much more!
If you're looking for information on how to visit Amsterdam in 2 days, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Amsterdam in 2 days: article summary
Can you visit Amsterdam in 2 days?
Amsterdam is a lively capital, perfect for a city trip ! You won't be able to do everything in 2 days, but you're guaranteed not to be bored for a moment.
So yes, visit Amsterdam in 2 days is quite feasibleAnd it's easy to get around on foot, by bike or using the streetcars and subways that criss-cross the area.
If you can, don't hesitate to drop in! 3, 4 or even 5 days ! But for travelers who can only devote a short 48-hour stay, here are my suggestions for optimizing your time and making the most of your getaway to the Dutch capital.
Day 1: Museums and districts not to be missed
As soon as you arrive in the city, which may well be at the main station if you come from the airportyou can begin your visits.
You are in the heart of the city and I invite you to discover the west zone of the city, for a circular itinerary that will allow you to discover quite a lot.
Dam Square and the Royal Palace
Dam Square is one of Amsterdam's most famous squares, and is the home of the the Royal Palace. Whether you admire it from the outside or visit its interior - which I highly recommend - you'll be in for a real treat.
Anne Franck's House
Further west, you'll find the unmissable Anne Franck Housewhich is one of the key visits of a stay in Amsterdam. You'll discover the daily life of this Jewish teenager during the Nazi occupation, and the conditions under which she wrote her infamous diary.
Stroll through the Jordaan district
Since you are in the Jordaan districtDon't hesitate to explore it in greater depth. You'll meet the oldest cinema of the town, a store where you can sample the best cheeses in the country, or the small Tulip Museum, as colorful as it is interesting.
Discover an Amsterdam museum
Heading down to the south of the city, you'll come to the Amsterdam museums. You won't be able to visit them all, and your choice will depend on your artistic preferences.
For my part, I would prefer to visit the Rijksmuseum dedicated to local artor the Van Gogh Museum which features a vast collection by the famous painter.
Passing through the flower market
Go northeast for 15 minutes and you'll come to the Amsterdam Flower MarketIt's a place to discover for its colors, its historical significance and to do a little shopping. It's atypical and it would be a shame to miss out!
End the day in the Red Light District
Now all you have to do is head to De Wallenmore commonly known as Quartier Rougeto visit it, enjoy its bars, its many restaurants and its coffee-shop and discover the special features that have made this place internationally renowned.
Day 2: Unusual activities and culinary experiences
After a good night's rest, you can enjoy your 2e day visit to Amsterdam to take part in more unusual activitiesto local 100 % experiences or to explore Dutch art in greater depth.
A lovely canal cruise
Amsterdam is nicknamed the Venice of the North for its lovely canals. You can start your second day with a morning cruise to sail on the water and enjoy a different view of the city.
A brunch to regain your strength
If you've had a feast the night before, you're likely to be hungry in the morning. Why not take advantage of Amsterdam's many brunches by opting for a nice establishment, to take back a little energy before continuing your exploration?
An unusual experience
The Dutch capital is full of fun activities and exhibitions. I invite you to choose one for a great time.
Among the most exciting, which fit perfectly into a 2-day tour of Amsterdam, are :
- Body Worldsexhibition with plastinated bodies, stopping off in Amsterdam
- A visit to the Madame Tussauds the first of its kind after London's
- A passage through the Amsterdam Light Factory to discover works of art in a different way
- Flight simulator This is Hollandin Amsterdam's northern zone
- Visit Amsterdam swing and the panoramic view offered by this activity
A second museum in Amsterdam
Depending on your chosen activity, you'll have time to visit another museum nearby.
It could be a Street Art Museum (Straat Museum), the Moco Museum for lovers of modern and contemporary art, and the NEMO Amsterdam which will delight young and old alike with its fun science experiments.
Shopping and Gastronomy to end on a high note
You will find several shopping centers for shopping and bringing back cool souvenirs from Amsterdam.
Then all you have to do is choose a good restaurant in Amsterdam to spend a lovely evening before leaving this beautiful city!
Other activities you might be interested in in Amsterdam
This itinerary for visiting Amsterdam in 2 days is completely malleable to your whims. Here are a few more suggestions for thinking outside the box!
An excursion out of town
While Amsterdam has much to offer, its surroundings are well worth a visit. If you'd like to explore the surrounding area a little, the choice is yours:
- Volendam and Markentwo atypical locations famous folklore all over the world.
- The Hague, 3e home to the Madurodam theme park and its miniatures.
- Visit Keukenhofthe world's largest floral park!
A walk in the park
Even without leaving Amsterdam, you can get a breath of fresh air by strolling through one of the superb green spaces of the city. My No. 1 choice? The Vondelparkfor its wildlife and pleasant amenities.
Enjoy the Beaches
Yes, there are beaches in Amsterdam and the surrounding area. If you want to take advantage of the coast during your city trip, it's possible!
Where to stay for a weekend in Amsterdam?
To make the most of your 2-day stay in Amsterdam, I highly recommend staying in downtown (Centrum district), so as to be close to the main activities and the most useful transport links.
If you haven't chosen your accommodation, you can view my selection hotel in Amsterdam !
Tips and tricks for visiting Amsterdam in 2 days
Here are a few more tips to make your stay easier. Amsterdam is a pleasant city, adapted to tourismAnd with these tips, you'll get 100 % out of it.
Rent a bike to get around easily
The bike is main means of transport in Amsterdam and you can rent a bike to get around the city like a local. A fun way to discover the city at your own pace!
Think about the Complete Pass
If you are planning to visit as many museums as possible, take public transport, take part in various activities or go on a cruise, you might be interested in the complete Passes offered by the municipality:
- Amsterdam Passwith 3 essential activities
- The I Amsterdam City Card (available in 48-hour version) to save time and money
Organize your arrival
2 days goes by very quickly. So as not to lose time as soon as you arrive, if you're coming by plane, I advise you to plan your journey Schiphol - Amsterdam upstream center.
For me, the two best options are :
- the journey in shuttleprivate (most comfortable option)
- the express trainwhich takes just 16 minutes to reach the station (the most convenient option)
What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Amsterdam guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Amsterdam guide!
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