What to do in Amsterdam in two days with the City Card
3 July 2026
Image from Merijn Roubroeks
What to do in Amsterdam in one day with the City Card
Last updated on 8 October 2026 at 12:03
Reading time: 4 minutes
If you only have one day to spend in Amsterdam, this itinerary will be the perfect introduction to Amsterdam. See the iconic canals with a canal cruise, wander the cobblestoned streets of De Pijp and make the most of your time by paying a visit to the Rijksmuseum and the Heineken Experience with the I amsterdam City Card . With it, you can enjoy free access to attractions and unlimited public transport, maximising every minute of your stay.
9:00-10:00: Breakfast time
Start the day with a fresh coffee and a big breakfast – you will need it. You can find excellent breakfast, brunch and coffee in every neighbourhood in the city – see our guide to the best breakfast spots.
10:00-13:00: Explore the treasure trove of the Rijksmuseum
Image from Koen Smilde
Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam
(regular price €25 – free with the City Card)
One of the most famous and popular art museums in Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum holds works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Dyck, Jan Steen and more. Take your time to walk through its galleries and get inspired by unique pieces of history, from dolls’ houses to ship models. Check out the Rijksmuseum's highlights to decide what to focus on during your visit and use your time wisely. For more art, explore other museums on the Museumplein such as the Stedelijk and Moco Museum, both of which are included in the City Card.
13:00-14:00: Lunch recommendations for De Pijp
Grab lunch in the De Pijp neighbourhood, which is packed with small cafes and restaurants. If you are into the street food experience, hit the Albert Cuyp market where vendors serve every food imaginable, from amazing stroopwafels and fresh-caught fish to dim sum and Turkish flatbread wraps.
14:00-16:00: Heineken Experience
Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam
(25% discount with the City Card)
Learn about how this world-famous brewery started in an interactive tour of the old Heineken brew rooms. Smell the hops and delve into the history of Heineken, its brewing process and the iconic star logo.
16:30-17:30: Canal cruise
Image from Blue Boat Company
(regular price €20 – free with the City Card)
If there’s one must-do to take away from this list, do not miss the iconic canal cruise on Amsterdam’s waters. Enjoy an hour-long boat cruise along the UNESCO-protected canal belt as you learn about the history behind the ever-leaning facades, quirky bridges and unique architecture.
19:30-21:00: Dinner in Noord
Don’t miss a chance to discover more of Noord, one of Amsterdam’s neighbourhoods that combines its rural old-style areas with wharves and modern architecture on the other side of the River IJ. Discover restaurants and cafes within walking distance from the free ferry and enjoy riverside views with your evening meal.
Staying longer? Check out our three-day culture itinerary with the City Card. And if you're still in the research phase, this walkthrough will help you plan your trip to Amsterdam in 6 easy steps.
Making the most of a single day in Amsterdam
While everything on this itinerary is within walking distance, you may find it convenient to use your City Card for public transport connections. It's easy to get around the city via trams and buses, which will take you wherever you need to go. To make sure you're ready to explore, get to know the public transport system in Amsterdam and how to use your City Card. If you are strapped for time, the Rijksmuseum and the canal cruise are definite must-sees. If you don't have enough time to stop by the brewery, you can always grab a local beer in one of Amsterdam's many brown bars.
