Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting over 6 million international visitors each year. With world-famous museums, historic canals, cobbled streets, and a lively cafe culture, it’s easy to see why so many people flock to the Dutch capital for a short city break. But is 2 days really enough time to make the most of everything Amsterdam has to offer?
How much can you see in 2 days in Amsterdam?
A lot! While more time in Amsterdam is always better, you can still see and do quite a bit in just 2 days if you plan carefully. Here’s an idea of what’s possible to accomplish in 2 days in Amsterdam:
- Visit at least 2 of the major museums – the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House are the top picks
- Take a canal cruise to admire Amsterdam’s iconic waterways and architecture
- Wander the lively Jordaan neighborhood and its charming cafes and shops
- Stop by the famous Bloemenmarkt, a floating flower market on the Singel canal
- See the old harbor and wander the houseboats in the Amsterdamse Bos recreational park
- Stroll along the boutique-lined Nine Little Streets in the heart of town
- Admire the architecture and sample Dutch pancakes in the scenic Begijnhof courtyard
- Tour the historic Royal Palace of Amsterdam in Dam Square
This provides a nice introduction to some of Amsterdam’s top sights. You’ll get a taste of the city’s art, history, architecture, neighborhoods, food, and more. It’s certainly not everything, but it’s enough to give you a good sense of Amsterdam’s charm in just 2 days.
The best way to see Amsterdam in 2 days
To maximize your time, the best way to experience Amsterdam in 2 days is to focus on the city center and reserve tickets for major attractions in advance. Here’s a suggested 2 day Amsterdam itinerary:
Day 1
- Start at the Rijksmuseum to see Dutch Golden Age painting masterpieces. Pre-book tickets online to avoid long queues.
- Wander next door to the Van Gogh Museum and admire the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s artworks.
- Stroll through Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s version of Central Park.
- Have lunch at Foodhallen, an indoor food hall with diverse cuisine stalls.
- Cruise the Canal Ring and admire Amsterdam from the water.
- Visit the Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s famous floating flower market.
- End the day people watching from a cafe terrace in cozy Jordaan neighborhood.
Day 2
- Start at the Anne Frank House and learn about Anne’s life during WWII.
- Stroll down Nine Little Streets for boutique shopping.
- Tour the historic Begijnhof courtyard.
- Have lunch at In de Waag, a restaurant in Amsterdam’s oldest surviving gate.
- Visit the Royal Palace in Dam Square.
- Take a walk through the Red Light District to take in some local color (optional).
- End with dinner at Dylan Amsterdam, a Michelin-starred restaurant.
This pace fills the 2 days with a variety of Amsterdam’s highlights across different neighborhoods, hitting the major tourist sights along with some local flavor.
Top tips for visiting Amsterdam in 2 days
To make the most of only 2 days in Amsterdam, keep these tips in mind:
- Stay central. Pick accommodations close to the city center, ideally within the Canal Ring or Jordan neighborhood. This minimizes transit time.
- Pre-book tickets. Skip the ticket line at places like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum by reserving entry times online ahead of time.
- Go early or late. Avoid the midday crowds by sightseeing first thing in the morning or in the evening.
- Rent a bike. Cycling is an quintessential Amsterdam experience. Rent some wheels to cover more ground.
- Take advantage of meal deals. Look for museum cafes and restaurants offering discounts with meal purchases.
- Don’t overschedule. Balance major sights with spontaneous wandering for the true Amsterdam vibe.
- Ask your hotel. The locals at your hotel can provide customized tips for seeing the city in 2 days.
With smart planning, lively Amsterdam can be experienced satisfyingly – if not comprehensively – in just 48 hours. Accept you won’t see everything, stay focused on your must-sees, and simply enjoy the charming city!
Day trip options if you have more time
If you can spare more than 2 days in Amsterdam, taking some easy day trips provides a nice change of pace from the bustling city. Here are top day trip options to consider:
| Day Trip | How to Get There | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Zaanse Schans Windmills | 15 min train ride from Amsterdam Centraal Station | Iconic green wooden windmills, cheesemaking demos |
| Keukenhof Gardens | 40 min bus ride from Amsterdam | Stunning tulip gardens open seasonally in spring |
| Giethoorn | 90 min by public bus and boat | “Venice of the Netherlands” village of canals and thatched cottages |
| Edam/Volendam | 30 min by public bus | Charming fishing villages with Dutch cheesemaking history |
Each of these make for relaxed day trips to experience the small towns, quintessential Dutch landscapes, and heritage sites just outside the city.
Where to stay in Amsterdam for 2 days
With just 2 days to experience Amsterdam, where you stay matters. Look for accommodations that:
- Are centrally located within the Canal Ring or Jordan neighborhoods
- Are within an easy walk of major public transportation
- Provide easy access to pedestrianized areas
- Offer breakfast and helpful amenities like free WiFi
Recommended areas include hotels on or around:
- Dam Square
- Rembrandtplein
- Leidseplein
- Nine Little Streets
- Jordaan neighborhood
Avoid staying too far outside of the city center or in Amsterdam South, as you’ll waste valuable time traveling to sights. Centrally located hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs maximize your Amsterdam experience.
Getting around Amsterdam in 2 days
Amsterdam is very walkable, so you can cover a lot on foot. But bicycles, boats, trams and buses help connect the dots. Here are the best transportation options:
- Walking – The best way to experience charming Amsterdam is on foot wandering the cobblestone streets of the city center.
- Bicycle – Renting a bike allows you to visit farther flung neighborhoods and parks easily.
- Public transport – Trams, metro, buses and ferries are convenient for crosstown trips and day trips.
- Canal boat – Hop on a canal cruise to understand the layout of Amsterdam by water.
- Taxis/Uber – Useful as needed for quick point-to-point trips.
Whichever methods you choose, acquire an OV-chipkaart public transport pass to save money on multiple rides. And be sure to pick up a good city map!
Sample 2 day Amsterdam itinerary
To see how you could realistically experience Amsterdam in 2 days, here is a detailed sample itinerary:
Day 1
- Morning: Have breakfast at your hotel then walk to the Rijksmuseum. Spend 1-2 hours admiring Dutch Golden Age masterpieces. Next, walk over to the Van Gogh Museum and see Vincent’s iconic works like the Sunflowers and Bedroom paintings.
- Midday: Break for lunch at the Rijksmuseum cafe or Foodhallen indoor food hall. Fuel up on bitterballen, stroopwafels, or other Dutch specialties.
- Afternoon: Stroll through nearby Vondelpark. Then make your way to the Bloemenmarkt flower market for a colorful stroll along the Singel canal.
- Evening: Canal cruise time! Board a small open-air boat for a 1-hour loop around the Canal Ring taking in views of the city at golden hour. Grab dinner in Jordaan at cozy Brown Cafe de Pieper.
Day 2
- Morning: Start at the Anne Frank House (pre-booked online) and learn about Anne’s life in hiding. Afterwards, browse the boutique shops of Nine Little Streets.
- Midday: Have a classic Dutch lunch at In de Waag restaurant in Amsterdam’s oldest gate structure.
- Afternoon: Visit the Royal Palace of Amsterdam and snap photos of the building’s grand exterior from Dam Square. Then take an Uber to Amsterdamse Bos park. Rent a bike and ride through the peaceful forested paths.
- Evening: Freshen up at your hotel then take the tram to trendy De Pijp neighborhood for an upscale dinner at Bazar Amsterdam. Return to your hotel by tram or taxi.
This provides a balanced introduction to Amsterdam’s top attractions while allowing time to soak up the city’s quintessential canalside and neighborhood vibes. With smart planning, 2 days is just enough time to check off the highlights!
Frequently asked questions about visiting Amsterdam in 2 days
Is 2 days enough time for Amsterdam?
While more time is ideal, 2 days is enough to experience the best of Amsterdam’s major attractions and atmosphere if you plan carefully. Focus on the museums and neighborhoods you most want to see and take advantage of morning and evening hours to avoid crowds.
What are the must-see attractions in Amsterdam in 2 days?
Top attractions to prioritize in 2 days include the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Jordaan neighborhood, canal cruises, Vondelpark, and Amsterdam’s old historical sights like Begijnhof, the Royal Palace, and Red Light District.
What is the best way to get around Amsterdam in 2 days?
On a short 2 day trip, focus on walking, public transportation, and potentially biking or Uber to get around Amsterdam efficiently. Canal cruises also help orient you to the central district layout.
Where should I stay for 2 days in Amsterdam?
To maximize sightseeing time, look for centrally located accommodations within or close to the Canal Ring, in neighborhoods like Jordaan or near key squares like Dam, Rembrandtplein, and Leidseplein.
Is Amsterdam safe for a 2 day trip?
Yes, Amsterdam is very safe, especially in the central district and main tourist areas. Solo female travelers shouldn’t have any issues, just use normal urban precautions.
Conclusion
While Amsterdam deserves much more time to fully embrace everything the city offers, it’s possible to experience the highlights in just 2 action-packed days. Focus your limited time on Amsterdam’s top museums, neighborhoods, historic sights, and atmosphere for an introductory taste of all the Dutch capital has to offer. With smart planning to maximize your time, 2 days allows you to check off the most famous Amsterdam experiences.
