2 Days in Amsterdam: Highlights, Map & Tips

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The wondrous city of Amsterdam is a major European holiday destination, popular city break and an epicenter for culture. Its list of world-renowned museums and historical sites is equally as impressive as its reputation for nightlife and vibrant character.

Amsterdam never ceases to surprise and amaze its visitors with a never-ending list of must-see attractions, astounding canal system, and art history.

The best part? Experiencing many of the city’s highlights is possible with just a few or even 2 days in Amsterdam.

In this guide, you’ll find a list of places to realistically visit during a 2 day Amsterdam itinerary plus other useful tips!

Amsterdam Highlights

Don’t have time to look over all the details? Below are the highlights you must see during your 2 days in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Tulip Shop & Museum
Anne Frank House
Houseboat Museum
De 9 Straatjes
Vondelpark
Museumplein
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
Van Gogh Museum
Rijksmuseum
Jordaan District
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
Waterlooplein Market
Amsterdam Museum
museum Rembrandthuis
Willet-Holthuysen Museum
Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum in Amsterdam
Oude Kerk
Dam Square
Royal Palace Amsterdam
Chinatown
Red Light District

✈️ Find Cheap Flights to Amsterdam

The Essentials for Two Days in Amsterdam

🛩 The quickest way to get to the city centre from Schiphol Airport is by train. Book tickets ahead of time and arrive in Amsterdam within 15 minutes!

🛌 Hostels are very popular in Amsterdam and the cheapest form of accommodation. You can also find rooms within hostels that have private bathrooms.

🚉 Consider buying the Amsterdam Travel Pass if you plan on taking the train and tram instead of walking.

👩🏻‍🎨 If visiting multiple museums is on your Amsterdam itinerary, opt for the Museum Pass, which includes admission to a majority of the big museums in the city.

Is 2 Days in Amsterdam Enough?

Without committing to any day long tours or day trips from Amsterdam, it’s easy to experience an eventful two day itinerary. Many of Amsterdam’s favoured attractions are within the city centre which itself is very simple to navigate.

The layout of Amsterdam city is a grid, yet semi circular. This means it’s quite uncomplicated for visitors to navigate in terms of directions and getting around.

Identifying the places you want to see during your 2 days in Amsterdam and then creating your route is the best strategy for seeing as much as possible.

If manageable, plan a trip for two full days in Amsterdam which means you should spend 2 nights in Amsterdam. For visiting museums, cultural and historical sites, it’s best to plan on accomplishing these types of excursions during the mornings or afternoons.

Some tours and activities are much shorter than others. For 2 days in Amsterdam, it’s recommended to visit the smaller museums if your priority is to see as many in two days as possible.

Another aspect that makes visiting Amsterdam in two days doable are the many sites available to see outdoors, for free and any time of the day. Not sticking to a strict schedule allows for a less stressful two day itinerary.

If you have the stamina, Amsterdam sightseeing can also effortlessly extend into the evening and well into the night.

If you’re particularly keen on experiencing the city’s vibrant nightlife, visiting Amsterdam on a weekend is the most ideal scenario.

2 Days in Amsterdam on a Map

Top Places to Visit in Amsterdam in 2 Days

How to Spend Day 1 in Amsterdam

Select a Souvenir from the Amsterdam Tulip Shop

This small shop also doubles as a tulip museum which only costs €5 to enter and features the famous flower’s history. More conveniently, it’s the perfect place to pick up a small gift or souvenir to take home.

The shop even offers airline friendly products! Another location where you can view a lovely flower market in Amsterdam is along Singel street near the Munttoren tower.

Tour the Anne Frank House

A visit to the monumental house where Anne Frank and her family spent two years in hiding is a must do while in Amsterdam. Tickets can only be purchased ahead of time and online so plan accordingly.

Tickets are available from the Anne Frank House website every Tuesday at 10am CEST. It is one of the more affordable museums in Amsterdam and starts at €16 per adult.

👣 WWII and Anne Frank Walking Tour of Amsterdam

Book a Canal Cruise

The boat canal cruises are a lovely experience and gives you an overview of the city’s layout, without having to walk! Tours like this one pass by Amsterdam’s main attractions and offer unlimited cheese and drinks.

A tour of the canals that only lasts one hour is ideal so it doesn’t eat up too much of your day. Additionally, try to choose a cruise which departs and returns to the same point.

🥂 Evening Canal Cruise of Amsterdam

Experience the Houseboat Museum

You’ll notice every canal in Amsterdam is lined with houseboats, another unique characteristic of the city. If you’ve never had the chance to visit one, this museum only costs €5 and is definitely worth it!

The Houseboat Museum is an effortless yet unique place to check out that’s not on the typical Amsterdam tourist circuit.

🎨 Van Gogh Museum Ticket & Canal Cruise

Admire Vondelpark

If you’re visiting on a sunny day, or with children who need to burn some energy, a visit to Vondelpark is a splendid afternoon activity. Vondelpark’s origin dates back to the 1800s and was originally developed as a private park by affluent citizens of Amsterdam.

It is beautifully landscaped with English-style gardens and undoubtedly the most picturesque park in Amsterdam.

Relax at Museumplein

The sprawling green lawn of Museumplein is the gateway to three of Amsterdam’s most popular museums. It also happens to be a peaceful place to take a breather while powering through 2 days in Amsterdam.

In the summer or warmer months, the park hosts regular events and festivals including the Museum Craft Market which happens on the 3rd Sunday of the month.

Visit Museums

All within close proximity to each other, you’ll find the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum or Stedelijk Museum. Two out of the three museums close at 6pm and one at 5pm which means you’ll need to decide on the one museum you really want to visit on day one.

Of course, you can always return the next day for the museum(s) you missed out on if you want to. As these are the most prominent museums in Amsterdam, admission will cost more than €20 per adult.

🎟 Official Van Gogh Museum Ticket

Explore the Jordaan District

The Jordaan quarter of Amsterdam is arguably the most charming and one of the best areas for dinner and drinks. During the day, it’s also known for its original storefronts and design aesthetics.

After drinks at one of Jordaan’s atmospheric bars, head to Pesca Amsterdam, a notable seafood restaurant with an open fish market within your meal’s view.

An alternative area to Jordaan that is equally as picture perfect is Negen Straatjes (or De 9 Straatjes). Although the canals run through the entire city centre, Negen Straatjes is the official location dubbed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Amsterdam.

😋 Jordaan District Foodie Walking Tour

How to Spend Day 2 in Amsterdam

Walk Through the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s beautiful botanical garden is a quiet plant sanctuary nestled in the middle of the bustling city centre. Originally from the 1600s, the garden is a piece of Amsterdam’s integral history and also comparatively inexpensive to visit with admission below €15 per adult.

Visit More Museums like the Amsterdam Museum

With numerous rotating collections, the Amsterdam Museum is ideal for many different types of visitors. From Heineken relics to wedding rings from the first gay wedding in the world, the museum’s range of exhibits is uniquely marvellous.

Additional museums which are lesser frequented, niche and less expensive to visit include:

Museum Rembrandthuis
Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum in Amsterdam
Willet-Holthuysen Museum

🎫 Purchase the Amsterdam Museum Pass

Shop at Waterlooplein Market

Amsterdam’s outdoor flea market is actually a tradition as the same site has been used for markets since the 19th century. Nowadays, you can sort through international memorabilia, thrifted clothing and knick-knacks for your mantel.

One of the best parts about Waterlooplein are the food vendors. You’ll find countless food trucks and stalls selling quick and delicious eats.

Appreciate the Details at De Oude Kerk

Also known as the Oude Kerk Amsterdam, the 14th-century church is an outstanding landmark to the city’s landscape.

At most times, exhibits are held inside the church which are typically free to visit. Otherwise, admiring the church’s interior and its stained glass makes for a fantastic free culture destination along your 2 day itinerary.

Feel Royal at the Royal Palace Amsterdam and Dam Square

For a little over €10, you can visit the deeply historic royal palace of Amsterdam. Although it’s not the actual residence of the royal family, it’s still remarkable to walk among the extravagant and decadent interiors of the building.

The grand structure is officially used for receptions, state events, inaugurations and an annual New Year’s dinner.

Just outside of the palace is Dam Square. It is the largest square in Amsterdam and has served as a momentous meeting point since the 17th century.

🏰 Royal Palace Entry Ticket With Audio Guide

Wander Through Chinatown

Although the Chinatown neighbourhood isn’t large, it’s very densely occupied which makes it one of the most interesting places to visit in Amsterdam.

Immigrants from Asian countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and China have a long history with the city and settled in Amsterdam in the early 1900s.

Take a Peek at the Red Light District

You’ll likely find the Red Light District on any Amsterdam itinerary which means it’s not a unique thing to do by any means. Is it still worth visiting? Absolutely!

The site is equally as historic as it is iconic and it’s tough to compare it to anywhere else in the world. It also doesn’t take long to visit and is free to walk through. Both features which are perfect for spending 2 days in Amsterdam.

In or around the Red Light District, you’ll also find some of the city’s best (and most colourful) nightlife for those looking to keep the party alive.

🚨 Amsterdam Red Light District Guided Tour

Where to Eat During Your 2 Days in Amsterdam

Proper Indofood (Indonesian food)
The Good Companion (Fish and chips)
De Carrousel Pannenkoeken Amsterdam (Pancakes/Dutch food)
Pancakes Amsterdam (Pancakes/Dutch food)
Cafe Kadijk (Indonesian food)
Bird Thais Restaurant (Thai food)
Kartika (Indonesian food)
The Pantry (Dutch food)
Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx (Potato fries)
Piet de Leeuw (Steak/Dutch food)

Practical Info: Visiting Amsterdam for the First Time

1. Getting From and to the Airport in Amsterdam

Flying to Amsterdam for just two days could not be easier for a city break due to the conveniently located airport. Amsterdam’s international airport (Amsterdam Airport Schiphol) is very well connected to the city center by public transportation.

There is a direct train from Schiphol Airport which leads to Amsterdam Centraal Station in just 15 minutes.

Not sure when you’ll arrive at the airport? No worries, the train departs every 15 minutes, all day and almost all night. For less than €5 one-way, there is no cheaper or quicker way to get from and to the airport than by train.

🎟 For single tickets from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam centre, buy tickets online beforehand. You can also combine airport transfer with Amsterdam’s public transportation travel pass.

A taxi transfer from Schipol Airport to Amsterdam city is also an option, but will be much more expensive. If you are travelling with young children or a large group and even plan on splitting the expense, a taxi transfer can prove itself to be worth the cost.

2. How Expensive is 2 Days in Amsterdam?

Before diving into the average trip cost for visiting Amsterdam, it should be noted that there are many free things to do in Amsterdam. If museums and tours are not a priority or interest to you, you can get away with spending under $150 per day, including hostel accommodation.

For most people, you’ll likely want to experience some of Amsterdam’s most famous attractions or activities, and rightfully so! Here are some of the most common expenses to account for when planning an Amsterdam trip.

Activities and Transportation

Boat Canal Cruise: These can cost as low as €15 per person but can get up to €30+ depending on the specific tour and what it includes (gin, unlimited champagne or pancakes!).

Bike Tour: On average, around €30 per person.

Museums: Ticket prices widely range on which museum you visit but large ones such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk will cost €20+. Alternative sites such as The Anne Frank House and Grachtenmuseum (Museum of the Canals) are less than €20 per person.

Most attractions offer free admission for children up to 5 years and some even allow anyone under 18 for free.

Public Transportation: An unlimited pass for the use of train, tram and bus travel within Amsterdam centre costs €18 for one day and €24 for two days. For the use of public transportation within a one hour timeframe, a ticket costs €3.40.

📸 Book Discounted Activities in Amsterdam

Food

Drinks: A typical pint of beer or glass of wine can be found for under €5. Cocktails and specialty drinks cost between €7-€12.

Dinner: If you’re not visiting a high end restaurant, it’s possible to enjoy an inexpensive dinner that will set you back less than €20 per person. At many of Amsterdam’s nicer eateries, you’ll find the menu full of items over €25 per dish.

Casual Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks): For breakfast, expect to pay between €2-€3 for an espresso or cappuccino. A complete morning meal of pancakes, eggs or toast will cost you between €10-€15.

A typical Dutch baguette with deli meat costs under €5 and is the cheapest fast food in addition to fries (or patat). Lunch menu items at a sit down restaurant will vary from €10-€15.

🍟 Book an Amsterdam Food Tour

Accommodation

Dorm room style accommodation at a hostel can cost as little as €55 for one night and are usually the most centrally located.

Hotel rooms and Airbnbs within the city centre of Amsterdam range from €200-€300 a night on average. In winter, accommodation prices tend to fall by 10-15%.

🛌 Find Places to Stay in Amsterdam

Estimated Total Budget for 2 Days in Amsterdam

An estimated budget per person for two days in Amsterdam comes out to around €200, excluding accommodation. For €200, this includes entrance to a couple of museums, one or two tours, public transportation and meals. Of course, long weekend trips to Amsterdam packed with many activities, drinks and nice restaurants can easily reach €500 in spending costs.

3. Getting Around Amsterdam

On Foot

For those who like to walk, Amsterdam is a paradise for pedestrians. It’s also the ideal way to explore a city like Amsterdam. By always taking public transportation, you could be missing out on many little things in between.

Walking from one site to another among your 2 day Amsterdam itinerary items is also completely free. The numerous bridges that connect Amsterdam’s roads provide easy and quick access throughout the city’s canal neighbourhoods.

Public Transportation in Amsterdam

Public transportation is the second best way to get around Amsterdam. Although it’s a bit more expensive in comparison to other European cities, it’s efficient and has a diverse range of options.

Amsterdam’s public transportation system consists of the bus, tram, metro, train and even ferry. As a tourist, there are a couple of different options for short term access to transportation.

First, if you do not plan on always using the metro or bus, you can purchase hourly access only when you need it. There is no need to purchase an OV-Chipkaart as a tourist which is a rechargeable pass.

You can simply use your debit or credit card to buy a 1 hour (or 24 to 48-hour) ticket onboard the tram, metro or bus. Secondly, there is the option to purchase an unlimited travel passes which we’ll get into below.

🚐 Buy Transportation Tickets for Amsterdam

Bicycling in Amsterdam

After one minute in Amsterdam (or anywhere in the Netherlands), you’ll notice the mass use of bicycles. Getting around by bike in the Netherlands is favoured by locals, great for the environment and an affordable way to see the city.

However, if you are not a bicyclist at home or used to biking throughout crowds, it’s probably not the best solution. It can quickly get overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re doing.

🚲 Rent a Bicycle in Amsterdam

4. Tour and Travel Passes

Similar to many major destinations, you’ll come across something called a “city pass” in Amsterdam. The I Amsterdam City Card is designated specifically for tourists and was created to make visiting attractions and getting around Amsterdam easier for a non local.

The major benefits of taking advantage of this city pass is the unlimited use of public transportation and select museum entrances.

The I Amsterdam City Card starts at €60 per person for one day or €85 for 48 hours. It is not necessarily inexpensive so if you are considering it, we highly advise making sure it’s worth it.

To determine this, identify exactly which museums, tours and attractions you plan on attending. If the individual entrance fees are much less than the cost of the pass, the city card is not worth the value. Keep in mind, for only 2 days in Amsterdam, there are only so many museums and sites you can cram into 48 hours.

A full breakdown of what the City Card includes can be found here.

If museums and attractions are not high on your priority list, there is a cheaper city pass alternative. With the GVB Public Transport Ticket, a tourist can use unlimited public transportation within Amsterdam city for only €15 (or €9 per day).

This eliminates the worry of when you need to pay for the metro. Knowing you can simply hop on and off as you please will make your trip less stressful.

🎟 Buy the Amsterdam Transportation Pass

The Best Time to Visit Amsterdam

Visiting Amsterdam in the summer is delightful. Amsterdam’s temperatures never reach a scorching high which make it one of the few major cities that’s not unpleasant to walk through in July. In other words, you won’t be consistently sweaty as you’re dashing from one site to another.

Spring (March – May) is one of the most popular times to visit the Netherlands due to tulip season.

Amsterdam is no exception as you’ll see flowers begin to bloom and storefronts lined with floral arrangements. The city also jump back to life in the spring after a dark period of winter months.

Although fall and winter months are cold in Amsterdam, it’s the best time to visit for cheaper accommodation. Amsterdam is no hidden gem but visiting during these months will free the streets up from other tourists, just a bit.

If you are the type of traveller that can endure any weather with a good coat, fall is the best time to visit Amsterdam.