| Currency: Euro | Languages: Dutch and English |
| Best time to visit: Year round | Public transportation is easy and excellent |
Let me start by saying, you will not be able to see all of Amsterdam in 24 hours. If you can make room in your schedule to stay for 2 or 3 days, I highly recommend it. However on my last trip across the pond I only had one day in Amsterdam, and I made the most of it.
Because of the Red Light District and the city’s legalization of marijuana, Amsterdam is sometimes perceived as being a seedy city. On the contrary, the Amsterdam I experienced was full of a positive energy. Families biked together through the streets on their way to and from school. Couples strolled hand in hand over the canals. Everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful. I loved it there, and plan to go back to explore more of Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands.
I tried to follow a self guided walking tour for my trip, but honestly I had a hard time following the map and eventually gave up. Instead, in between going to the main attractions I wanted to see, I wandered aimlessly down the tiny narrow streets and along the canals the city is comprised of. This guide will not tell you a specific path to follow, because Amsterdam is a city best experienced by getting a little lost. I will tell you some of the must sees and dos in the area though. I am an incredibly organized trip planner, but this beautiful city reminded me that sometimes the best gems and experiences are had by chance.
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Where to Stay
Crown Bed and Breakfast –
Spuistraat 78, 1012 TW Amsterdam, Netherlands
It can be hard finding a spot to stay that is affordable and central in Amsterdam. I found such a place though at a charming establishment called Crown Bed and Breakfast. Built in 1728, the bed and breakfast was once owned and used by the royal family as a sugar storehouse. It is easily recognizable on the street, because of its red arched shutters running up the center of the building. This is the perfect place to stay for a visit of any length, because it is on a quiet street and centrally located. It is only a 10 minute walk to Amsterdam Centraal Stationsplein and a 5 minute walk to Dam Square. There are a lot of stairs leading up to the room via a spiral staircase and then an additional set leading to the breakfast area. My husband and I managed fine with two large suitcases, but this could be a problem for some. Book the Crown Double Room for a king size bed and the view pictured below:
Using Public Transportation in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is pretty compact and a beautiful city to rent a bike or walk around in. I recommend walking as much as possible, so you can see the canals and admire the architecture. If you are short on time though, don’t be afraid to utilize their public transportation to get around quickly. There are buses, trams, and metros. If you are visiting popular spots, the easiest public transportation method is via tram. I only used the tram a few times during my visit, so I bought one hour passes each time, but there are other pass options if you plan on using public transportation frequently during your visit.
A lot of tram stops have ticket kiosks or you can purchase tickets from the tram conductor (located in the last car of the tram). When purchasing from the conductor, you can only pay with debit or credit (this applies on buses also). If you already know you plan to use public transportation a lot for your trip, you can also purchase in advance. There are screens above each tram stop indicating when trams will be arriving and where they will be headed. Be sure to scan your pass each time you get on and when you get off, so you don’t get scolded by the conductor like I did 🙂
City Guide
Amsterdam has several outstanding museums, but you’ll be hard pressed to see them all in one day. I recommend narrowing the options down to two if you only have 24 hours there. The streets of Amsterdam are very pretty, and you won’t want to spend your entire visit inside museums. With that being said, here are the top museums you should consider for your trip:
Anne Frank House
Many have read The Diary of A Young Girl who lived in a secret annex with her family during the Holocaust so that they could avoid being deported to concentration camps. Few realize that the annex was preserved after the Franks were forced out of their hidden world and that it can be visited today. Eight people in total lived in the close quarters for just over 2 years. Anne faithfully kept a diary of her time spent there that has since been published and read by people world wide. She had dreams of one day becoming a famous writer. She achieved her goal, but sadly did not receive the recognition she yearned for until after her death in a concentration camp in 1945. The museum is a heartbreaking, but necessary reminder of the terrors Jews and other minorities endured during Hitler’s reign.
It is imperative that you buy your tickets far in advance, because they sell out very quickly.
Rijksmuseum
This stunning museum pays homage to Dutch art and history. Here you will find works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh, and many more. You can also find exhibits on other various cultures from around the world. The museum does a wonderful job showing the enormous impact the Dutch have had on both a regional and global scale. It also has a nice garden dotted with sculptures and a Michelin-starred restaurant. In the winter, an ice rink is set up in front of Rijksmuseum, where visitors can ice skate or grab a warm drink and bite to eat.
Don’t miss the ornate dollhouse at Rijksmuseum that inspired Jessie Burton’s novel The Miniaturist. You can read more about the book under Netherlands Books in the reading section of The Stickered Suitcase.
Moco Museum
This was one of my favorite experiences in Amsterdam. The museum is on the smaller scale, especially when compared to its neighbor, the Rijksmuseum. However, the collections of modern and contemporary art that rotate through the museum are great. Surrounding the museum is a small garden area where sculptures and interactive exhibits are frequently on display. I was thrilled during my visit to see works by KAWS and Basquiat. There was also a Banksy exhibit going on, and while I would much rather see his art on the streets where he intends for them to be seen, it was still fascinating to see his work up close.
My husband and I reserved our Moco Museum tickets for right when they opened. We basically had the museum and all of Museumplein to ourselves.
Van Gogh Museum
This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Vincent Van Gogh. Special exhibitions also include works of contemporaries and other similar artists. Get the audio guide so you can hear more about each piece and Vincent’s creative process. Some collection highlights include “Almond Blossom”, “The Bedroom”, “The Potato Eaters”, and original handwritten correspondence to and from the artist. If you are unable to visit the museum, but still want some Van Gogh merchandise, there is a gift shop in the center of Museumplein that has a good selection.
Into art? you may want to check out the Rembrandt Museum. Love handbags? Head to the Museum of Bags and Purses. Into ships and Dutch nautical history? Go to The National Maritime Museum. You will have no problem finding at least one museum in Amsterdam to capture your interest.
Take a Canal Cruise
See Amsterdam from a different perspective by taking a canal cruise. The city boasts 165 canals that are deeply entwined with Amsterdam’s culture and history. There are numerous tour groups to choose from, but I recommend picking one that uses smaller boats so you are guaranteed a good view, fewer people, and a more detailed historical account from your guide. From December to January, the city hosts a Festival of Lights where giant light displays can be found on the canals (pictures below). These exhibits are best seen via a canal cruise. Canal cruises are a fun way to get an idea of the city’s layout.
Dam Square
Dam Square is a central hub in Amsterdam city center. From it, you can easily access the Red Light District, the main train station, and many shops and restaurants. The square is a lively place where you can usually see various street performers. While there, don’t miss Madame Tussaud’s, the Royal Palace, and the National Memorial which commemorates the deaths of Dutch soldiers and resistance fighters during WWII. In December, the square is sprinkled with festive lights like the ones pictured below.
Near Dam Square is a 3 story restaurant called Oriental City that serves traditional Cantonese food. We weren’t hungry when we walked by, but I wish we would have gone back for dinner. Ask for a table by the window so you can have canal views while you dine. The menu is a little pricey, but it has raving reviews and the food looks yummy.
The Red Light District
I walked through this district during the day, and it is a really pleasant area just a few minutes walk from Dam Square. Be aware that you might see some forms of nudity in windows, but I didn’t find it overbearing or too noticeable. There is an unexpected lovely old church in the heart of the Red Light District that I stumbled upon called Oude Kerk. It is it the oldest building in Amsterdam, dating back to 1213! The church began as a wooden chapel, and over time it was rebuilt to be the stunning stone structure it is today. You can see the inside of the church (where Rembrandt and his family worshiped) Monday through Friday from 10AM to 6PM and on Sunday after services from 1PM to 5PM.
Beginhof
The Beginhof is a quiet courtyard dating back to the 1300s. The buildings surrounding the enclosed courtyard housed the Beguine, who were religious women living under a vow of chastity and solitude. The Benguine lived in the private dwellings until the late 20th century. In the courtyard you can also find a wooden house that is known to be the oldest house in Amsterdam. Please be respectful and refrain from being loud in the courtyard. It is still considered a place of tranquility, and the chapel is still active to this day.
Eat The Best Cookies in The World
While you’re in the same area as Beginhof, you must stop by Van Staple Koekmakerij. I am not exaggerating when I say they have the best cookies I’ve ever eaten, and I LOVE COOKIES. It is a teeny tiny storefront, so you may see a line formed outside the door. It moves quickly though, so don’t let this stop you. The staff is like a well oiled machine, working to provide each customer with freshly baked dark chocolate cookies filled with white chocolate. They know that they make the best cookie on the planet, so they choose to only have that one item on their menu. I was amazed by the workers speed and determination to ensure that every person who entered received a warm cookie. I almost made the mistake of only getting 3. Buy 12 or 30. We snacked on them for a few days after we left Amsterdam and then wished we had bought more. I will dream about this cookie for the rest of my life, and it saddens me to know that I will never be able to bake a cookie as perfect as this one.
Flower Market
Founded in 1862 this is the only floating flower market in the world. The market runs down the Singel Canal and offers many photo opportunities along the way. You can buy flowers of all sorts, but make sure you check to see if you will be able to fly internationally with your purchase. When I went in December, there wasn’t a whole lot going on, but they did have a few Christmas trees and wreaths for sale!
Albert Cuyp Market
You’re going to need food to keep you fueled for your adventures! Amsterdam is known for its delicious Dutch food so keep an eye out for street vendors while you’re exploring. I had great luck at the Albert Cuyp Market, an outdoor market selling clothing, shoes, jewelry, art, crafts, household items, and food. It is a good place to buy souvenirs and sample some traditional Dutch favorites. Here you will find pickled herring, stroopwafels, poffertjes, and much more. One of the best things I ate during my 2 week European excursion was fresh poffertjes drizzled with caramel at Cuyp Market.
If you want a heartier meal, go to the small burger joint at the market called The Butcher. It is known for serving one of the best burgers in Amsterdam. I ordered The Butcher with Cheese and sweet potato fries, and it was tasty!
End the day by strolling alongside picturesque canals as you make your way back to your lodging.
I hope you enjoy Amsterdam as much as I did! Happy travels!
