Amsterdam in a Weekend: A 2 Day Amsterdam Itinerary

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Planning a weekend in Amsterdam? This 2 day Amsterdam itinerary has got you covered for the best things to do in Amsterdam in 2 days.

I visited Amsterdam for the first time in January 2020 for nothing less than my 40^th birthday. I wanted to celebrate in style and do what I love the most: traveling.

And what better city to celebrate life than the beautiful, romantic, laid-back, and free-spirited Dutch capital?

I’ve spent only 2 days in Amsterdam, but it was enough to surrender to its charms, from the picturesque canals and wonderful architecture to the cool vibe and delicious food.

So without further ado, here’s what to do in Amsterdam in a weekend, including where to eat, and where to stay in the Dutch capital.

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Amsterdam Weekend Itinerary

Friday evening – Red Light District

If you’re starting your weekend in Amsterdam on Friday evening as I did, I recommend kicking off your itinerary at one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods: the Red Light District.

In fact, Amsterdam has not only one but three different Red Light Districts, but the oldest, largest, and most popular one is De Wallen, right in the city center.

Contrary to what you might think, this is actually a very chill and safe area of the city and I felt very secure and comfortable roaming around the neighborhood.

Amsterdam Red Light District is famous for the windows, usually with a red neon light, where sex workers offer their services.

Prostitution is legal in the Netherlands since the year 2000, although not on the streets. Today, sex workers pay taxes and have access to medical care and work regulations.

Nowadays, there are around 300 windows in Amsterdam Red Light District. But in the last years, the city has been reducing the number of permits, and there are even plans to move sex workers out of the city center entirely.

In De Wallen, you can also find all kinds of sex shops, strip clubs, peep shows, and sex theatres, as well as many gay bars and cinemas.

It goes without saying that you should always be respectful of the sex workers – please, do not take pictures or film them behind the windows or during any kind of show! Besides being highly disrespectful, it’s also forbidden and can get you in real trouble.

For a true learning experience, I recommend taking a guided walking tour. You can also visit the Museum of Prostitution, the Erotic Museum, or the Cannabis Museum.

Speaking of which, most of the famous Amsterdam coffeeshops (not to be confused with traditional pubs or Brown Cafés) are also located in the Red Light District.

The country has a tolerance policy regarding soft drugs, which means they are not technically legal but decriminalized for personalized use (up to 5 grams).

If you’re over 18, you can buy and smoke weed and hash on coffeeshops (but not on the street). Alcohol and tobacco consumption is forbidden in coffeeshops.

If that’s your thing, in and around De Wallen, you’ll also find a lot of smart shops selling all kinds of cannabis products, from chocolate and massage gel, to weed seeds, pipes, and even mushrooms.

Last but not least, don’t forget to admire the beautiful Dutch architecture. After all, this is the oldest area of the city and one of the prettiest too!

Dinner at Cannibale Royale

For a late dinner, head to Cannibale Royale, a paradise for meat and craft beer lovers.

I recommend Cannibale’s Favourite Ribs, which were simply delicious! My boyfriend had a good but not great steak. As for sides, we ordered Mac ’n Cheese and the Crispy Garlic Broccoli, accompanied by a couple of beers.

I really liked this place, not only for the food but also for the very cool and laid-back atmosphere. We ate at their Rozengracht location, but they have a total of 5 different restaurants around the city, each with a unique character and quirky décor.

Make sure to book a table online in advance though, as they can get quite busy, especially during the weekend.

Saturday – Dam Square & Royal Palace

Start the first of your 2 days in Amsterdam at the city’s birthplace and most popular meeting point: the Dam Square.

Located in the heart of the medieval historical center, the Dam is Amsterdam’s main square and a national stage for all kinds of events, demonstrations, and festivities.

I was so lucky to see it covered in tulips in celebration of National Tulip Day, which by happy coincidence was also my birthday!

National Tulip Day is held on the third Saturday of January and marks the beginning of the tulip season in the Netherlands.

Every year on this day, Amsterdam’s Dam Square turns into a giant and beautiful garden of around 200 thousand tulips. And what’s best, visitors are invited to pick some flowers for free.

I didn’t though as the line for flower picking was already too long when we got there – arrive early if you want to go inside and pick some tulips.

But I did enjoy the music, fireworks, and the unexpected party atmosphere.

Dam Square is also the official address of the Dutch King. The sumptuous Royal Palace dominates the west side of the square and can be visited when King Willem-Alexander is in The Hague (where he actually lives). Book your entrance ticket with an audio guide here.

Some other attractions you can find in the Dam are the National Monument, the Nieuwe Kerk church, De Bijenkorf department store, and Madame Tussauds wax museum.

Jordaan District

From Dam Square, take a short walk to Amsterdam’s most picturesque district: the Jordaan.

Once a poor neighborhood, today the Jordaan is one of the most desirable (and expensive) areas of the city, attracting a young and artistic population to its narrow streets and canals.

The beautiful architecture and an abundance of restaurants and cafes, art galleries, and vintage shops give the district its very unique charm.

Take some time to stroll along its pretty streets and canals and soak up the authentic Jordaan atmosphere.

Anne Frank House

Next, head to the poignant Anne Frank House, in the Jordaan neighborhood.

A visit to the Secret Annex, where the Dutch-Jewish teenager and her family hid from the Nazis from July 1942 to August 1944, is one of the mandatory things to do in Amsterdam.

In the house now turned into a museum, you can see Anne Frank’s bedroom and admire her original diary, which would become a world classic.

The Anne Frank Huis is one of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam so remember to book your ticket well in advance. Entry is only possible with tickets purchased online here for a specific time.

Photos are not allowed in the museum.

Amsterdam Canals

Forget about Venice! Did you know Amsterdam has more canals than any other city in the world?

A total of 165 canals run for more than 100 km and under 1753 bridges, giving the city a romantic feel and the well-deserved title of Venice of the North.

Built in the 17^th century to drain and reclaim land and allow the city to grow, the channels of Amsterdam are considered an extraordinary work of engineering and urban planning and were listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2010.

Amsterdam’s main canals are the Singel, the Herengracht, the Keizersgrach, and the popular Prinsengracht. Together, these four parallel channels form the Gratchengordel, or Canal Ring.

The Canal Ring is cut by smaller radial canals, including the lovely Broouwersgracht and Reguliersgracht, considered two of the most beautiful waterways in the Dutch capital.

Give yourself enough time to wander around the Canal Ring and to stop and enjoy the gorgeous views wherever you look. And have your camera ready because you will need it!

Lunch at CT Coffee & Coconuts

For lunch, walk or take a short tram ride to the hip De Pijp district, just south of the city center.

De Pijp is popular, among other things, for its weekend brunch spots. Located in an old cinema, CT Coffee & Coconuts is a local’s favorite for a healthy breakfast with a tropical vibe.

Besides brunch, they also serve lunch and early dinner. All homemade and prepared with local and fresh ingredients.

I had a cake and tea here and would definitely come back for a proper meal!

De Pijp & Albert Cuypmarkt

What was once a working-class district is now one of the coolest districts in Amsterdam.

Trendy De Pijp is home to students, immigrants, artists, and intellectuals, as well as to many ethnic restaurants, nice cafés, and laid-back bars.

The Albert Cuypmarkt, the largest street market in the Netherlands and Europe, is also held here 6 days a week (from Monday to Saturday, from 9:30 am to 5 pm).

With more than 250 stalls, you can find virtually everything here, from fresh fruits and vegetables to secondhand clothes, and delicious Dutch treats, like herring sandwiches or the famous stroopwafels (traditional Dutch waffles filled with melted caramel syrup).

Another popular attraction in De Pijp is the Heineken Experience, where you can take a self-guided tour of the old brewery, learn more about the number one beer in the Netherlands, and of course taste it.

Dinner at Floreyn

I chose Restaurant Floreyn for my birthday dinner with my boyfriend and couldn’t have been happier!

Located in De Pijp, this place is a real treat for special occasions and food lovers.

Serving fine Dutch cuisine in a casual atmosphere, the chef at Floreyn prepares all meals with fresh regional and seasonal products. The menu also changes with the seasons, so you can expect a different experience every time you visit.

I started with beef tartare and then had the fish. My boyfriend opted for the duck. For dessert, we shared a cheese plate. All accompanied by local wine.

Everything was just perfect, and I can’t recommend this place enough!

We ordered à la carte, but you can also choose a menu of 4 to 8 courses and let the chef surprise you.

Sunday – Amsterdam Noord

Dedicate the second morning of your weekend break in Amsterdam to the hip north area of the city across the IJ River.

If you’re staying at Sir Adam Hotel like I did (see the where to stay in Amsterdam section below), just rent a bike and go explore.

If not, the 2-minute ferry ride from Amsterdam Central Station is free and available 24 hours. You can bring a bike on the ferry or rent one once you get here.

This former industrial area now turned hipster neighborhood is home to impressive works of architecture, iconic buildings, art studios, street art, and many cool bars and restaurants.

Visit the modernist Eye Film Institute with its popular terrace, admire the spectacular views from the A’dam Tower rooftop (more about my experience below), and then head to the NDSM Wharf for lunch by the waterside in an underground artsy vibe.

A’dam Lookout & Over the Edge Swing

For the best views of Amsterdam, take the lift up the 22 floors of the A’dam Tower to its 360° rooftop.

Or even better, ride the highest swing in Europe and swing 100 meters above Amsterdam for a rush of adrenaline.

When I booked my birthday trip to Amsterdam, I knew I wanted to do this to celebrate my 40^th anniversary in a big way. And needless to say, it was a thrill like no other!

The whole ride takes only a few minutes, but the view is incredible, and the feeling of swinging over the city is indescribable.

They also take a couple of photos of you up there that you can download on their website afterward. The one you see here was taken by my boyfriend though.

I would definitely do it again and highly recommend this amazing experience to all adrenaline junkies!

You can book your ticket here.

Canal Cruise

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a boat tour through its scenic canals.

I took a 1-hour cruise departing from Amsterdam Central Station. It was a lovely experience to see Amsterdam from the water and admire its beautiful canals and bridges from a different perspective.

I also learned a lot about the history of the city and its famous channels with the audio commentary in English.

Book your Amsterdam canal cruise here.

Flower Market

Last but not least, finish your 2 day Amsterdam itinerary with a mandatory visit to the Flower Market on the Singel canal.

Founded in 1860, this small but adorable market sells all kinds of gorgeous flowers, but the main stars here are of course the exquisite Dutch tulips.

And what better way to say goodbye to the Dutch capital than to buy a bunch of tulips to take home with you?

Have More Time in Amsterdam?

Take a day trip outside the city

Check out the best day trips from Amsterdam here.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Sir Adam Hotel

What can I say besides I loved everything about Sir Adam Hotel!

Conveniently located in Amsterdam Noord, just a 2-minute free ferry ride from Amsterdam Central Station and the city center, it was the perfect choice to celebrate my birthday in style.

We’ve stayed for 2 nights in a spacious deluxe room with an amazing panoramic view of the city and the IJ River.

In addition to all the usual amenities and comforts, our room also had an espresso machine, a record player with a selection of vinyl records, and even an electric guitar – unfortunately, none of us play but that was a really nice touch.

Not to mention the comfy bed with signature cotton linens and fluffy pillows, which made for a good night’s sleep after a day of sightseeing.

The music-themed Sir Adam Hotel shares the newly renovated A’dam Tower with the likes of Sony Music, MassiveMusic, a music school, and the iconic Shelter club.

It features a gym, a music library where you can choose some vinyl discs for your stay, and two quirky hotel lifts that turn into a karaoke or disco party on the move.

A delicious buffet and à la carte breakfast is served every morning at the Butcher Social Club, which is also a burger and cocktail bar during the day to late at night.

For party lovers, go up to the 20^th floor after dark, grab a drink at the Madam restaurant and bar, and dance on the highest dancefloor in Amsterdam. We personally couldn’t resist a late drink while admiring the mesmerizing views of the city at night.

Click here for more info and booking.

So there you have it. All you need to know in order to enjoy Amsterdam for a weekend and have a great time in the Dutch capital.

This Amsterdam weekend guide covers all the city’s top attractions and coolest neighborhoods, as well as the best activities, eats, and stays.

More travel tips

Travel Insurance

SafetyWing – Travel insurance is very important and you should never leave home without it! I use and recommend SafetyWing travel medical insurance for travelers, remote workers, and nomads.

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Cheap flights

Looking for the best airfare deals? Skyscanner is my favorite travel search engine for finding cheap flights around the world. They also offer price tracking and alerts to help you secure the best deals.

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, Booking.com is the best site out there. From hotels to apartments, resorts, villas, B&B, and guest houses, it offers the best prices for accommodation all over the world. I book the vast majority of my stays through them.

Yoga Retreats

Looking for a yoga retreat near home or in an exotic destination? BookYogaRetreats offers the best yoga retreats, holidays, and courses around the world for all budgets and levels of experience.

Tours

GetYourGuide is my favorite platform for local tours, unique experiences, and skip-the-line tickets to attractions all around the world.

Klook is another great resource for tours and activities, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Asia.

Car Rentals

Booking.com has a car rental search engine that compares the biggest brands in car hire and allows you to find the cheapest deals all around the world.

Have you been to Amsterdam? What would you add to this Amsterdam 2 day itinerary? Share in the comments section below.

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Amsterdam in a Weekend: A 2 Day Amsterdam Itinerary