What to do in Amsterdam in one day with the City Card

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 

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. 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

(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.