Amsterdam in 24 Hours: A Perfect Itinerary

Amsterdam is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage. It boasts picturesque canals, quaint coffee shops, and a blend of old and modern architecture. The city exudes a relaxing yet thrilling atmosphere, blending both traditional and progressive elements. With so many things to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. If you only have 24 hours in Amsterdam, here is a perfect itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

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24-hour Amsterdam Itinerary

Morning:

Start your day with a canal cruise. This is a great way to see the city and get a feel for its layout. There are many different companies offering canal cruises, so you can find one that fits your budget and interests.

After your canal cruise, visit the Anne Frank House. This is a moving and important museum that tells the story of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis during World War II.

Next, walk around Damrak and Dam Square. Damrak is a busy shopping street, while Dam Square is the main square in Amsterdam. There are many things to see and do in this area, including the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, the Nieuwe Kerk, and the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

Afternoon:

Around noon, take a break for lunch. There are many great restaurants in Amsterdam, so you can find something to suit your taste. If you’re looking for something traditional, try Dutch cheese, herring sandwich, stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables), patats frites (fries), or poffertjes (mini pancakes).

In the afternoon, head to the Jordaan neighborhood. This is a charming and historic district with narrow streets, canals, and 17th-century houses. There are many great shops and cafes in the Jordaan, so you can wander around and explore.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try some Dutch food at a “brown café.” These cafés are traditional Dutch pubs that serve food like bitterballen (fried meatballs), kroketten (croquettes), and kaassoufflé (cheese souffle). Be sure to also try stroopwafels! They are the perfect dessert.

Night:

After dinner, take a walk along the Red Light District. This is Amsterdam’s famous red-light district, where you can see women working in windows. The Red Light District is a safe place to visit, but it can be a bit overwhelming for some people. Be mindful that you’re not allowed to take photos or videos while walking this street. I managed to take the photo below before being told off by the women on the windows. 😅

Finish your day with a drink at one of Amsterdam’s many bars or clubs. There are bars and clubs to suit all tastes, so you’re sure to find something to your liking.

This is just a suggested itinerary, of course. There are many other things you could do in Amsterdam in 24 hours. If you have any specific interests, be sure to do some research and find activities that you’ll enjoy.

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Here are some additional tips for planning your trip to Amsterdam:

• The best time to visit Amsterdam is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild.

• The city is very walkable, so you can get around easily without a car.

• If you’re planning on visiting some of the city’s museums, be sure to purchase a Museumkaart. This card gives you free admission to over 60 museums in Amsterdam.

• Amsterdam is a very safe city, but it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.

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I hope this helps you plan your perfect 24 hours in Amsterdam!

But if you need help booking your perfect Dutch vacation, read this blog about the best websites to book affordable travel. Or check out my services and let me personally help you!