Here’s what to do in Amsterdam for a day – from what to see and do, to what – and where – to eat and drink.
Famous for its flower-framed canal bridges, quirky coffee shops, and cycle-friendly culture, Amsterdam is among the top destinations for a city break in Europe. Most visitors spend at least a few days in the capital. However, as Amsterdam Schiphol is the main international airport in the Netherlands, many travellers visit on a layover for no more than a day, before flying on elsewhere.
Schiphol airport plays an important role for those on a quick layover, although taking the time to acquaint yourself with Schiphol airport information before your visit is key if you’re set on making the most of your short layover.
From iconic tourist attractions; to picturesque open spaces; hip clubs, and bars; and independent restaurants, you’ll never be short of things to see, do and eat in Amsterdam. In fact, the sheer choice can be overwhelming. So, if you can only spend one day in Amsterdam, what are the essential things to add to your itinerary?
Is it worth visiting Amsterdam for a day?
Despite being a relatively small city, Amsterdam offers plenty to see and do on a short city break. Ideally, allow at least 3-4 days to fully explore all that Amsterdam has to offer. However, if you only have a day to spend, here’s my recommended one-day itinerary for Amsterdam.
How to spend a day in Amsterdam
Explore Amsterdam’s green spaces
For such a developed city, Amsterdam boasts a surprising number of green spaces and outdoor parks – 30, to be precise. One of the most popular outdoor spaces is the Vondelpark, thought to attract over 10 million visitors every year. Amsterdam’s largest urban park, Vondelpark is home to an iconic open-air theatre; numerous children’s playgrounds; and various cafés, and restaurants. It’s perfect for picnicking, people-watching, dog-walking, and even roller-blading. Read more in my review of Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark.
Other popular parks in Amsterdam include Amstelpark, Rembrandtpark, Beatrixpark, Westerpark, and Erasmuspark.
Sample traditional Dutch food
It’ll come as no surprise that tasting traditional Dutch foods is one of my favourite pastimes when in Amsterdam. Here’s are some of the foods I recommend trying during your visit:
- Vlaamse frites (Flemish fries), loaded with various sauces and toppings. Fabel Friet and Manneken Pis are both highly recommended.
- Stroopwafels (syrup waffles): you’ll see these everywhere in Amsterdam, but the best I’ve tried are from the oldest bakery in Amsteram, Hans Egstorf. Based on the Spuistraat, the bakery itself is a beauty to behold.
- Traditional Gouda cheese and Dutch goats’ cheese, available at various cheesemongers dotted across Amsterdam (often with with free tasting!)
- Bitterballen: meaty Dutch croquettes made using meat or veal, rolled in breadcrumbs and fried
And, if you like street food, be sure to visit the Foodhallen. Located within De hallen in Oud-West, this eclectic food market sees 20 local vendors dishing up everything from Bitterballen, to authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Sail the canals
Did you even go to Amsterdam if you didn’t sail along one of the city’s 165 beautiful canals in a narrowboat?
A number of canal boat tours depart from Amsterdam Centrum, although there’ll usually be pick-up and drop-off points throughout the city. You’ll need to book in advance and, if you’ll only be spending one day in Amsterdam, I recommend booking online before you arrive. Often, the booking cost will include complimentary soft drinks and/or alcohol.
I’ve previously enjoyed an Amsterdam canal tour with Boat Amsterdam, who offer a range of audio and live guided tours along the city’s canals, and Amstel River (bookable online).
Explore Amsterdam’s museums
Home to the national museum of the Netherlands, the Rijksmuseum; the Van Gogh Museum; and the Anne Frank House, Amsterdam is a magnet for art and history enthusiasts alike.
For something a little less ordinary, check out the Sex Museum on the Damrak (almost opposite Centrum station).
Enjoy Amsterdam after dark
Amsterdam is fun by day, but the city really comes to life at night. From lively cocktail bars and clubs, to laidback coffeeshops, the nightlife scene caters to different groups and interests. Amsterdam’s Red Light District attracts tourists in their hoardes – some just curious to see what goes on; others looking for far more than merely window shopping!
Amsterdam is also home to 15 different casinos, with the Holland Casino (near the Leidseplein) among the most popular. Most of the casinos serve food too, so you could always grab a bite to eat while enjoying a game of roulette or cards with locals and fellow tourists. Don’t fancy heading out? Pay a visit to one of the many reliable and new online casinos in Europe on your smartphone, and try your luck from the comfort of your hotel room instead.
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s top tourist destinations, with good reason. However, with so much to attract tourists, the amount of choice can be overwhelming if you only have a short time in which to pend here.
If you’ve been wondering what to do in Amsterdam for a day, I hope my recommendations will help you to form your own one-day itinerary for Amsterdam, based on what you know you’ll enjoy doing most.
What other recommendations would you give to someone wondering what to do in Amsterdam for a day?