Do you only have 48 hours to explore the city of Amsterdam? Don’t worry; two days are enough to see the highlights of the city. That means you can make the most out of your trip. All you need is the right itinerary and our help here at Ask The Dutch Guy and you will have a fantastic time.
Day One
Here’s what a typical first day in Amsterdam would look like if you want to see and experience the city’s popular spots.
Visit The Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is a popular museum in the whole world. And it’s a huge one. Therefore, it only makes sense you visit this first thing in the morning, especially if you want to see everything here.
You can allot the first half of your day exploring masterpieces by Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer, and Frans Hals. Expect to spend two to three hours here!
I Amsterdam Sign
Head outside and don’t forget to take a photo with the I Amsterdam sign. It’s likely crowded at this time, but there are object removal apps you can now get for FREE on your mobile phones to remove people and things in your photo. On the other hand, consider taking a photo by the sign before you head to the museum. By that time, there will be fewer people.
You can have lunch in the museum square as there are plenty of kiosks here where you get some food. If you plan to visit the Van Gogh Museum next, you can eat lunch inside the museum at the Museum Cafe.
Van Gogh Museum is now open for visitors
Rembrandtplein
This is a small area in the city, but it’s filled with beautiful spots and views. Check out the Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug), which served as a city gate.
Then, you can walk to the Blauwbrug bridge to see the stunning Amstel view.
A couple more steps and you’ll find yourself in Rembrandt Square where you can take a photo with the statues. While you’re here, walk a bit further towards the only floating flower market in the world.
Bloemenmarkt
If you want to see the tulips in the city and it’s not the season for it yet, this is where you see tulips and other types of beautiful flowers. Flower merchants are on floating barges that sell flowers and other gardening supplies. Indeed, this is a sight to behold that you won’t find anywhere else in the world! As mentioned, Bloemenmarkt is the only floating flower market in the world.
The Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes)
For dinner, explore the nine streets of the city. Here you can sit at a cafe for a drink and go on a shopping trip. Make the most out of your first day by exploring the nine streets—there are many things you can discover here.
Day Two
For your last day, it’s all about exploring neighborhoods, having good pancakes, and many more. Here’s what we have planned for you.
Have Some Pancakes
Pancakes are a popular Dutch food, and they make really good pancakes. So, on the morning of your second day, make sure to grab some pancakes for breakfast.
We suggest you check out Pancake Bakery, which is a famous breakfast spot that serves huge pancakes topped with anything you can imagine. Make sure you get before opening time to avoid waiting in line!
Anne Frank House
After breakfast, it’s time to see another popular spot in the city—Anne Frank House. If it’s your first time in the city, and I’m assuming it is, your trip to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without a visit to her house, and the good news is, if you had a spot at the Pancake Bakery for breakfast, you only need to walk a little to get here.
You can tour the hidden rooms and see the movable bookcase that covered the entrance in the rooms. But keep in mind your tickets can only be purchased online in advance, so before you go here, get your tickets ready!
ANNE FRANK HOUSE
Planning to Visit Anne Frank House? Check out the best tour packages now.
In September 2021, Amsterdammers expect most restrictions to ease up, if things go as planned. As more and more people are being vaccinated and with the fluctuating infection numbers, expect more summer season restaurants to begin allowing people to dine in.
Most of Amsterdam’s public venues are currently open, just in time for the summer months. Some foreign travelers may be asked to show a negative Covid-19 test result when travelling to the Netherlands or to self-quarantine for 10 days, especially when coming from countries and regions with high coronavirus infection rates.
Vaccinated travelers from the US and UK are not required to quarantine upon arrival. It is also best to check Schiphol Airport’s website for updates, flight schedules and additional rules.When traveling within the country, there are no restrictions, but people are advised to avoid busy places, and to travel as little as possible.
Also, foreign tourists are no longer obliged to reserve their accommodation before they travel to the Netherlands. The pandemic may not be completely over soon, but Amsterdam has opened its arms a little wider so that travelers and visitors could once again enjoy summer in this beautiful city.
