Visiting the Dutch capital and looking to venture outside the city for a day or two? This ultimate list of the best day trips from Amsterdam as recommended by travel experts has got you covered!

Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful and fascinating European capitals and you can easily spend a week or more enjoying all it has to offer, from the romantic canals and beautiful architecture to the delicious food and vibrant nightlife.

But Amsterdam is also a great base to explore more of the Netherlands. And it being a small country, it’s certainly easy to do so. In fact, the possibilities are endless.

To help you decide where to go and what to do, I asked fellow travel writers about their favorite one-day trips from Amsterdam.

Here’s what they said.

Read More:

• Amsterdam in a Weekend: A 2 Day Amsterdam Itinerary

Best Day Trips from Amsterdam:

Eindhoven

Recommended by Zoe from Together in Transit

For a day trip to the South of the Netherlands, find yourself visiting the city of Eindhoven. It’s an easy day trip to choose, with it being only 1hour 40mins driving from Amsterdam or 1hour 20mins by public transportation.

I personally recommend Eindhoven as it’s a pretty unique and fun city to explore if you have never been.

To start with, the Strijp-S area just north of the city center is an upcoming and lively location for those who love architecture both old and new. This is due to the factory buildings being converted and redesigned into housing, restaurants, local boutiques, and art workshops.

Eindhoven also has a cool city vibe, with all the main shops for a day of shopping with friends as well as grabbing a bite to eat in many popular or top foodie hotspots.

There are many museums worth visiting too, such as the Philips Museum. For something alternative, explore the local street art at the bear pit, where you can see all the latest graffiti art and maybe even a live artist.

If you can, visit during the GLOW festival. This free event happens in November and gets the city all lit up at night, with special lights from many of the top buildings as well as special areas with lit-up artwork and designs.

So, whether you want to shop till you drop, explore a museum or visit an event, a day trip to Eindhoven offers something for everyone!

Utrecht

Recommended by Cosette from KarsTravels

A perfect day trip from Amsterdam is Utrecht. Located in the middle of the Netherlands, Utrecht is a beautiful city with canals, wonderful museums, and fun festivals year-round. From Amsterdam, it’s only 45 minutes by car or half an hour by train.

Utrecht is famous for its Dom Tower and canal area. The Dom Tower is an iconic landmark in Utrecht and is visible from afar, dominating the skyline of the city.

The Oudegracht (part of the canal area) dates from before the 10th century and has an extensive system of wharves and vaulted cellars. There are more historical buildings along the canals, such as the city hall, Stadskasteel Oudaen, and the Winkel van Sinkel. Join a canal cruise and admire all the city’s highlights from the water.

Another thing to do in Utrecht is to visit one of its museums. The Speelklok museum has a collection of self-playing musical instruments. While the Spoorwegmuseum is all about everything to do with the railways.

If you’re in the city at the right moment, then festival TREK is fun to visit. This is a food truck festival at the Griftpark. Or try the Whisky Tasting Festival at the Werkspoorkathedraal. Last but not least Festival Oude Muziek at the Neude, which is all about music.

You can also take a street art tour or wander around yourself to admire the beautiful street art in Utrecht, ranging from paintings from Caravaggio, like The Lute Player and Sleeping Mars, to a mural of a bookcase from JanIsDeMan that went viral.

Book a private day tour from Amsterdam to Utrecht here.

Alkmaar

Recommended by Alina from World of Lina

With just a 30-minute car or train drive away, Alkmaar is one of the best destinations to choose as a day tour from Amsterdam.

The gorgeous city of Alkmaar is located in the province of North Holland. It’s a beautiful, historic city with canals, old buildings, and various interesting museums such as the National Beer Museum or the Holland Cheese Museum.

The reason why the latter is located here is that Alkmaar is the cheese capital of the Netherlands. So if you’re a cheese lover, check out the city’s cheese market at the Waagplein main square in the city center. It takes place every Friday from 10 am to 3 pm and offers up to 30,000 kilos of different sorts of cheese.

Besides the famous cheese market, in the old center, you find many historic monuments, great shopping districts, and countless welcoming terraces, cafes, and restaurants for every budget.

The city is also a starting point of many beautiful cycling routes leading through stunning nature and along dunes and beaches.

The best and easiest way to get to Alkmaar is by taking the train. This way, you can relax, lean back, and enjoy the beautiful Dutch countryside. Trains leave every 10-20 minutes from the Amsterdam central station and tickets cost between €9 and €22.

Gouda

Recommended by Anjali from Cheerful Trails

Gouda is one of the most interesting day trips from Amsterdam. It is a quintessential town in the Netherlands surrounded by canals and Dutch windmills.

This tiny town is mainly known for its production of cheese, but there is so much more to it.

Gouda is home to significant architectural sights such as the Stadhuis (City Hall) and Church of St. John. The Church of St. John is notably known for its beautiful stained windows that showcase different depictions in each frame of the glass window.

Closely located to the church is the Gouda Museum, which is a must-visit attraction for artsy people. Here, you will find a collection of pottery, paintings, sculptures, and more artifacts dating back to various periods.

Next, take a leisurely walk through Market Square to see many quaint stores and cafes.

Many cafes have outdoor seating from where you can enjoy your meal or drink while admiring the gorgeous Church of St. John and City Hall. Don’t forget to try a delicious stroopwafel at one of the cafes.

For cheese lovers, Goudse Waag – a cheese museum with a tasting room is one of the unmissable attractions in Gouda.

Finally, make your way to the Red Lion Windmill. This picturesque working mill was originally built in 1727 and is located on the edge of one of the canals in the center of Gouda.

The most convenient way to reach Gouda from Amsterdam is by taking a train ride from Amsterdam central station. The journey is less than an hour long. You can also reach Gouda by road via an hour-long drive.

Or you can book a private day trip from Amsterdam to Gouda and a real cheese farm here.

Rotterdam

Recommended by Yaren & Antoine from Bug In Our Bag

Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and less than an hour a drive away from Amsterdam. You can also get there by bus or train.

Unlike Amsterdam, the buildings in Rotterdam are almost brand new since the city was heavily bombed during the German invasion in World War II. This is why checking the architecture out in the city center is very interesting.

Rotterdam is also home to the Markthal, one of the biggest food courts in Europe. Besides the possibility to enjoy a variety of dishes from all around the world, in the Markthal you can also see the impressive ceiling art known as “The Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam.”

On your way to the Markthal, you can pass by the cube houses which are perfect to take some pictures. Be respectful though: there are actually people who live in those cube houses. You also have the opportunity to visit the Cube House Museum, which is basically a show house.

But the Cube House Museum is not the only interesting museum in Rotterdam. There is also the Dutch Pinball Museum which has more than 100 pinball machines from the 1900s to this year. Besides learning about the history of pinball, you can play on the machines for as long as you want!

Book a guided day trip from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, Delft, and The Hague here.

Zaanse Schans

Recommended by Raksha from Solopassport

Known for its spectacular wooden houses and historical windmills, Zaanse Schans is a perfect one-day trip from Amsterdam.

Just around 20 kilometers from Amsterdam, the old windmills date back to the 18^th and 19^th centuries and are living history.

The Zaanse Schans is a residential area in the neighborhood of Zaandam, and it gets its name from the river Zaan and its original function as a sconce against the Spanish. More buildings were added to the windmills to create an open-air museum.

The best way to reach Zaanse Schans is by taking a train from Amsterdam Central station. The nearest train station is Zaandijk – Zaanse Schans and the train journey takes just over 15 minutes. Then walk about 15 minutes to the windmills.

Even though there are plenty of things to do in Zaanse Schans, the number one thing is to take a walk viewing all the beautiful windmills, which are 8 in total.

There is also a dedicated museum called the Zaans Museum, dedicated to preserving and protecting the artifacts and heritage of the Zaan area. The area also has many cafes that serve delicious hot chocolate and cookies.

You’ll need at least 3 to 4 hours to see the windmills and explore the museum.

You can join a half-day tour from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans windmills here.

Giethoorn

Image: Travel with Co

Recommended by Jacoba from Travel with Co

Did you know that The Netherlands has its own Venice? Giethoorn is a small village in the province of Overijssel that’s also known as “the village with no roads”.

Most of the village is not accessible by car but has narrow paths for pedestrians and cyclists.

In addition, Giethoorn is surrounded by water, so there are countless beautiful wooden bridges and you can rent a boat everywhere.

Exploring Giethoorn by boat is definitely one of the best things to do in Giethoorn, because this way, you’ll get the best experience. From the water, you’ll have a great view of the cute houses with straw roofs.

Giethoorn is also located in one of the 21 national parks in The Netherlands, called Weerribben/Wieden National Park. When you explore Giethoorn by boat, you will also sail through some tranquil sections of this beautiful place.

There are also many hiking and cycling trails in Giethoorn and the surrounding area. A great way to explore the Dutch unspoiled countryside and get some fresh air.

Giethoorn is a great destination for a day trip from Amsterdam since it’s only a 1.5-hour drive and you’ll find yourself in a different world. Make sure to get there early to avoid the crowds.

Book a full-day tour to Giethoorn, including a boat cruise, here.

Delft

Recommended by Lara from The Best Travel Gifts

As much as I love Amsterdam (I actually live in Amsterdam, so I truly do love the city), sometimes you just want to escape the big crowds and tourists. And for that Delft is the perfect place to be.

Delft is a small city, located about 70 km south of Amsterdam, which can be reached from Amsterdam within an hour both by car and public transport.

It has a charming inner center, beautiful buildings, interesting history, and cute canals like Amsterdam, but without the crowds.

If you are interested in architecture, the best places to visit in Delft include De Oude Kerk (The old church), the old canal, De Oosterpoort (The Eastern Gate) and of course the main market square with the beautiful new church, city hall, and Zwaag.

Admire the city from the water on a Delft canal cruise. For stunning views over the entire city, make sure to climb the New Church’s tower.

For those who would love to learn more about Dutch history, specifically about the 80-year war with Spain, The Prinsenhof museum is a great place to start.

Delft played a significant role in that period, and the Prinsenhof is also where William the Silent a key player in Dutch history was assassinated. So make sure to visit that museum for more details about Dutch history.

Other museums worth visiting in Delft include: the Lambert van Meerten Museum, the Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles (the manufacturer of blue Delftware), the Musuem Paul Tetar van Elven, and The Science Centre Delft.

The latter is part of the Technical University of Delft, and personally, I think it’s a great museum for both kids and adults who are interested in science.

Book a day trip from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, Delft, and The Hague here.

Zeeland

Image: Offbeat Escapades

Recommended by Antoine and Marielle from Offbeat Escapades

Zeeland is a must-see region in the Netherlands and one of the best day trips to do from Amsterdam.

It’s about an hour and 30 minutes drive from the capital and is known to be the number one summer destination of the country. If you don’t want to drive, you can also take the train or bus to one of the main cities of the province.

In Zeeland, you can enjoy everything the North Sea has to offer. It has various towns that can be found near popular beaches.

As such, the region offers culinary highlights like mussels, fish, and lobster — which are the freshest you will ever find in the country. If we were to mention one Dutch province that is famous for its seafood, Zeeland would be it.

However, the beach and gastronomy are not the only note-worthy things about this region. Zeeland is also a province steeped in rich history, culture, and nature.

There are many popular museums and medieval sights to see such as visiting its capital, Middelburg.

The region is also one of the flattest parts of the country so going on a bike ride or camping is another wonderful experience to have.

Keukenhof Gardens

Recommended by Ania from The Travelling Twins

Everyone knows what Netherland is famous for – flowers, especially tulips.

The most famous spring gardens in the country are The Keukenhof Gardens. They are located 40 km away from Amsterdam in the town of Lisse.

The gardens are vast and have more than 7 million flower bulbs. In spring, when the garden is blooming, you feel like the whole world is blooming.

Given the close proximity to Amsterdam and good connection via shuttle buses, the Keukenhof Gardens make for a perfect day trip from the Dutch capital.

They are open every day from 9 am until 7 pm, from mid-March until the end of May. The entry ticket costs 18,50 Euros for adults and 9 Euros for children. The tickets can only be bought online with time slot entry.

The most beautiful time to visit Keukenhof is during springtime when people can walk through acres upon acres of gorgeous flowers in full bloom. But there are also flowers that are only in season for a short period of time, so even if you visit the garden at another time, there will still be plenty to enjoy

There is also a children’s playground with a carousel and mini-train within the gardens themselves. In summer, the mini-railway operates to take visitors through the fields of blooms.

You can easily get to Keukenhof Gardens by public transport, train, or bus from Amsterdam Central Station or Schiphol Airport. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes.

If you are traveling by car, you can park your car in the parking lot nearby. The parking fee is 6 Euros for the whole day long. From there it takes only ten minutes to get to the gardens by shuttle bus

Keukenhof Gardens provide an excellent day out for everyone, so the only thing you have to remember is to have your camera or phone and an extra battery pack with you – you’re surely going to need it!

You can book a half-day tour to the Keukenhof Gardens, including the entrance ticket, here.

Antwerp, Belgium

Recommended by Sinjana from Backpack & Explore

Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world, is one of the best day trip destinations from Amsterdam outside the Netherlands.

Located within 160km, you can easily reach this Belgian city from Amsterdam by train or bus.

The diamond district of Antwerp is where 220 million dollars worth of diamonds is traded daily. But besides being such an important business hub, Antwerp has a unique history of multiculturalism.

The diamond trading is mostly controlled by the Jews who migrated here during the second world war and the Jain Indians who came only a decade back.

The best places to explore in Antwerp are actually free. The Steen Castle, Scheldt Riverbank, Diamond district, Mier market, and the exquisitely beautiful Antwerp Central station are some of them. These can easily be covered in one day in Antwerp on foot.

Antwerp’s busy skyline is dominated by some marvelous architecture – old and new. The 123-meter-tall tower of OLV cathedral and the Brabo’s fountain in the central square are the highlights.

Take a stroll in the Stadspark, eat your heart out at the foodies’ street, and cherish the sight of sparkling diamonds in the diamond district.

Antwerp is also famous for fashionable clothing. And of course, remember to taste the famous Belgian chocolates when in Antwerp.

So there you have it. The best day tours from Amsterdam as suggested by travel bloggers. Which one will you choose?

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.

They cover overseas medical assistance in case of accident or illness, travel delay or interruption, lost checked luggage, emergency medical or political evacuation, natural disasters, and personal liability, at very competitive prices.

You can subscribe online here for a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 364 days, or opt for a monthly subscription instead.

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.

Read More:

• Amsterdam in a Weekend: A 2 Day Amsterdam Itinerary

If you like it, Pin it!

The post 11 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam appeared first on The Yogi Wanderer.

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.

Read More:

• 11 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam
• Best Berlin 2, 3, and 4 Day Itinerary Ideas
• The Definitive London 4 Day Itinerary for 1st Timers

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.

They cover overseas medical assistance in case of accident or illness, travel delay or interruption, lost checked luggage, emergency medical or political evacuation, natural disasters, and personal liability, at very competitive prices.

You can subscribe online here for a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 364 days, or opt for a monthly subscription instead.

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.

Read More:

• 3 Days in Lisbon: The Ultimate Lisbon Itinerary by a Local
• Best Things to Do in Zurich in 1 or 2 Days: A Local’s Guide

If you like it, Pin it!

The post Amsterdam in a Weekend: A 2 Day Amsterdam Itinerary appeared first on The Yogi Wanderer.