How to visit Amsterdam in a day?

Did you know that you can visit Amsterdam in just one day?

In many ways, Amsterdam is a city of extremes.

The ornate beauty of architecture dating back to the Dutch Golden Age combines with the city's modern, festive reputation.

Today's Amsterdam has a unique and fascinating flavor.

Amsterdam in a day: article summary

Start your day in Amsterdam with a Dutch pancake.

Dutch pancakes are an extremely popular breakfast in Amsterdam and a great way to start your stay in the city!

Pancakes generally come in two forms:

• Visit pannenkoeken (large pancakes the size of a full dinner plate)
• Visit poffertjes (small bite-sized pancakes served in a pile).

Pannenkoeken can be eaten with sweet or savoury toppings, and poffertjes are usually sweet.

Visit Amsterdam in a day: enjoy a stroll through the nine streets.

The nine streets are one of the most picturesque parts of Amsterdam, consisting of canal-lined streets brimming with unique galleries and boutiques.

Whether you want to take photos, buy a unique souvenir or both, it's well worth exploring the nine streets during your day in Amsterdam.

Located right next to the nine streets, the beautiful district of Jordaan is quieter and slightly more residential, and a fantastic place to enjoy beautiful canal views in Amsterdam.

Embark on a canal cruise.

One of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam, nothing can make you appreciate the ingenuity of a city on canals like jumping on a canal cruise.

There's something about admiring the phenomenal architecture of the Dutch golden age of Amsterdam city center from the water, making it even more special.

Be sure to plan ahead for canal cruises. fill up fast, and not all cruises are created equal.

Stroll along Dam Square past the Royal Palace.

Amsterdam's main square is one of the most popular places to visit in the city, and its central location makes it incredibly easy to get around. during your day in Amsterdam.

Once a market square, and before that a veritable dam originally built in 1270, Dam Square is today best known for housing the royal palace and the center of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam in a day: see Anne Frank's house

The secret annex where Anne Frank and seven others hid from the Nazis for over 2 years. It is located in a modest building in Amsterdam, just along a canal.

It's an incredibly moving museum, and I highly recommend a visit, but because of the small size of the place, tickets are very limited.

Ticket sales open two months before a given date, often selling out quickly, and additional tickets are offered every morning for same-day visits.

You can try to get tickets on the morning of your visit, but make sure you wake up early. The offer lasts only a few minutes, as many people reserve at that time!

The Rijksmuseum

Amsterdam's most famous art and history museum is home to absolute masterpieces of Dutch art, such as Rembrandt's famous "The Night Watch".

Visit Rijksmuseum also holds several pieces by Van Gogh, including one of his best-known self-portraits.

Amsterdam in a day: explore the collections of the Van Gogh Museum

While the Rijkmuseum owns a handful of Van Gogh's pieces, the bulk of his work in Amsterdam, as well as personal effects such as letters, are at the Van Gogh museum.

If you're a fan of the artist's work, this could be the right Amsterdam museum for you!

Tips for exploring Amsterdam in a day

As I mentioned earlier: Amsterdam's most popular museums are booked well in advance.

Amsterdam is one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe. Combined with the narrow streets lined with canals, Amsterdam is a very crowded place.

Visiting Amsterdam in one day is not an impossible mission. However, you'll need to get organized and sort out the places you absolutely must see. You can then come back to enjoy the rest of the city and discover the surrounding area.

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!