What to do in Amsterdam in one day

Rise and shine

Amsterdam coffee cafe Bru, Marie-Charlotte Pezé

Start the day right with a fresh coffee and a big breakfast – you’re going to need it. You can find excellent breakfast, brunch and coffee in every neighbourhood in the city - see our guide to the best breakfast spots. 
Duration: 1 hour

Soak up some culture

Van Gogh museum Amsterdam Jan Kees Steenman

When you have a little time on your hands, take the chance to delve into Amsterdam’s major museums. The Rijksmuseum is the largest museum in the country and home to Golden Age art from Vermeer, Van Dyck and Jan Steen. Discover the living history of the Rembrandt House Museum, or delve into a world of modern art at the Stedelijk – all three are free with the City Card.

Duration: 2 hours

Learn about Amsterdam’s Jewish history

Joods Historisch Museum Amsterdam Liselore Kamping

Delve into Amsterdam’s historically significant monuments, with a visit to Anne Frank House Museum, where the Frank family hid during WWII and the Jewish Historical Museum (free with the City Card), dedicated to Jewish arts and culture.
Duration: 2 hours

Browse the markets

NDSM Wharf Amsterdam

Hunt for treasure in the form of antiques, books and vintage clothing at one of the city’s famous markets. The IJ-hallen market at NDSM Wharf is one of the biggest, while the famous Albert Cuypmarkt in De Pijp is great for trying Dutch dishes like stroopwafels, poffertjes and cones of frites slathered in mayo. 
Duration: 2 hours

See the floating flower market

Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt (flower market) on the Singel canal is a favourite spot to photograph all year around, but it’s especially stunning in spring when the barges overflow with bouquets of fresh tulips in every colour imaginable.If you plan on purchasing tulips, look for firm bulbs to improve your chances of getting flowers that blossom.
Duration: 30-40 minutes

Hop on the ferry to Amsterdam North

ADAM Toren sunset Amsterdam Dennis Bouman

To see Amsterdam from a different angle, board the free ferry from behind Central Station to cross the IJ river. The landmark A’DAM Tower offers panoramic city views from its rooftop viewing platform, while the EYE Filmmuseum is a must for movie and architecture buffs. 
Duration: 2 hours 

Eat on the go

Foodhallen Amsterdam De Hallen Franklin Heijnen

Now that you've worked up an appetite,it's time for dinner. Amsterdam is truly a dining out paradise, with something on the menu for everyone. If you’re struggling to choose, then somewhere that really does have something on the menu for everyone is Foodhallen at De Hallen – a former tram depot in the newly hip Oud West neighbourhood now converted into a cultural centre and food and drink haven. Reminiscent of London’s Borough Market, this bustling, artisan food hall serves up a great selection of drinks and streetfood from some of Amsterdam’s best loved independent establishments. It’s well worth spending a few hours here trying out bites from different vendors.
Duration: 30-40 minutes

Hit the town

Air Amsterdam clubbing

With a global reputation for partying, there’s always something great going on somewhere in the city. If live music’s your thing, then Paradiso, Melkweg or Bitterzoet are good shouts. Clubs like Escape and Jimmy Woo have a strong DJ line-up at weekends, and the city’s brilliant LGBTI scene always makes for a colourful night out. Browse the What’s on guide for inspiration, or check out our clubbing and nightlife tips.

Duration: all night!