I didn’t really like Amsterdam on my first visit. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the appeal. Between the drunken partiers, and the overselling of both the red light district and smoking weed, it regrettably came across to me as pretty seedy. While my first 48 hours in Amsterdam wasn’t enough time to truly appreciate the city, everyone convinced me to give it another chance. And I’m glad I did as it’s now one of my favorite European cities.
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Where Is Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is the capital, and largest, city in the Netherlands. The vibrant city, known for its picturesque canals, rich history, and creative spirit is in central Netherlands and is a great hub for visiting other places in the Netherlands and beyond.
Located in Western Europe, it’s easily accessible from many major European cities. There’s no arguing that Amsterdam’s location makes it a perfect destination for a quick city break. And even if you’ve only got 48 hours in Amsterdam, you’ll find plenty to see and do.
Are 48 Hours In Amsterdam Enough?
Amsterdam is a popular layover destination. A city for a quick getaway or an overnight stop on the way to somewhere else. It’s in the top 5 for flight connections in Europe which makes it easy not to give Amsterdam a fair chance. Too often too little time is spent digging deeper than the surface of a city that might surprise you.
48 hours in Amsterdam, in my opinion, is not enough time. But it should give you a chance to uncover some of the hidden gems of this historic city, and give you a compelling reason to visit again.
For anyone looking to really explore Amsterdam, you’ll need a minimum of 4 days. Longer if possible. Not to mention some of the easy day trips you can do from here to really add to your European adventure.
Top Tips To Ensure You Make The Most Of Your First Visit To Amsterdam
- Do a little research – a great way to find a couple of hidden gems in the city
- Book a restaurant or two – otherwise you might not get in where you want
- Plan a few activities but also leave some time to just walk around the city
- Don’t just stick to the one area – explore different neighborhoods
Getting Around Amsterdam
Amsterdam is incredibly easy to navigate, especially for short stays. The city’s compact layout makes it easy to walk to many of the city’s top sights. But you can also hop on the efficient tram network or rent a bike to experience the city like a local. Both are really handy for exploring Amsterdam’s further away neighborhoods to save your feet, or to avoid walking on a rainy day.
For quick trips across the canals, ferries and boat tours are reliable options too. There’s an easy-to-use and regular ferry service between Amsterdam Noord, where you might find cheaper accommodation, and Amsterdam Centraal station. Getting around is part of the fun in Amsterdam, after all.
Top Things To Do With Only 48 Hours In Amsterdam
With just 48 hours in Amsterdam, you’ll want to make the most of every moment. From iconic attractions to canal-side strolls and lively neighborhoods, here are the must-see highlights to fit into a shorter stay.
VISIT A MUSEUM OR TWO
Art, history, or something a little more unique, there are museums in Amsterdam for everything. As a big Van Gogh fan I couldn’t help but make my way to a museum all about his works. The Van Gogh Museum can keep you entertained for a couple of hours, and is a great introduction to one of the most famous Dutch artists.
The Rijksmuseum is maybe better if you’re looking for more variety in your art. The royal museum has works of many of the country’s celebrated artists including Vermeer, Rembrandt and more.
For a bit of a different vibe how about a visit to the Torture Museum, the Diamond Museum or the Jewish Museum. Wherever you look in the city there’s a museum, but with only 48 hours in Amsterdam you might have to decide on one or two.
TRY A DIFFERENT MODE OF TRANSPORT
Rent a bike and cycle around the city, if you dare. The cyclists move fast through the city, and as the old saying goes “If you can’t beat them, join them”. There are a number of bike rental shops in central Amsterdam, the best deals will be for a few hours or a full day vs. only one hour. Remember to cycle on the right, pass on the left.
Another unique transportation option is a boat ride along the many canals around central Amsterdam. There are a number of tours starting and ending at a few different places so there’s bound to be somewhere close to you. For a completely unique experience, take a evening canal boat cruise and see the city all lit up from the water.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: Worried about assimilating to the Dutch cycling culture – book a city cycling tour with a local pro. You’ll get to see places you might have otherwise missed, and will feel more confident about your cycling abilities.
INDULGE IN SOME CHEESE
The Dutch rival some of their European neighbors for delicious cheese in my opinion. I rarely leave Netherlands without a block of my favorite creamy gouda. Make sure to sample some of the best cheeses in the city during your visit.
A great place to start? The Amsterdam Cheese Museum. It’s small, but it’s free. There are free samples, and plenty of cheese (and cheese-related items) to buy.
Prefer a more refined cheese sampling experience? Kaasbar Amsterdam has dozens of European cheeses on the menu, all with complementary pairings. Sit at the bar and grab the cheese from a conveyer belt as it travels past you. Simply take what you want, order any extras, and they’ll add up your cheese tags at the end of the meal.
DISCOVER A HIDDEN GEM
The popular attractions are advertised everywhere, but sometimes you’ve got to dig for something a little more unique. Amsterdam has plenty of hidden gems though if you do some research.
One of my favorite recommendations came from my friend Carolin at Solo Travel Story – Amsterdam City Archives. This space is completely free to enter, and as well as some interesting photos and artifacts of old Amsterdam, the Treasure Room is a throwback to the 1920s with its colorful tile design.
Another favorite of mine is a Catholic church hidden in an old house, from a time of religious persecution in Netherlands. The Our Lord In The Attic Museum is an interesting enough canal-side house to visit, but just wait until you see the marvelous church concealed in the attic. Ornate marble columns, beautiful paintings and statues, and even a hidden pulpit.
MAKE FRIENDS WITH SOME LOCALS
Sit in one of the many bars of Amsterdam long enough and you’ll probably be able to strike up a conversation with a friendly local, or fellow traveler. But the locals I’m talking about befriending are a little more reserved. You’ve heard of cat cafés, but how about a cat boat?
De Poezenboot is a cat refuge on a canal boat only a few minutes from Amsterdam Centraal. Visit and play with some cute fuzzy feline friends, buy some souvenirs from the kitty gift shop, or for locals, you have the option to adopt one of the adorable residents. Entry is free, but donations are welcome (and recommended) – this is a non-profit, after all. Definitely one of the most fun things I did in Amsterdam.
TOP TIP: De Poezenboot cat boat is only open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 1pm to 3pm. Make sure to plan around this if you really want to visit. Be aware that it can get busy and since they limit visitors, you may have to wait.
LEARN A LITTLE LOCAL HISTORY
Amsterdam might have a difficult history through the 20th Century, but that also means it has more stories to tell than most places. The city was under Nazi occupation for much of WWII, it was bombed, and many of its persecuted Jewish residents were deported to the abhorrent concentration camps around Europe.
While historical sites might not interest all visitors, for those who do appreciate them you have one of the most famous here in Amsterdam. The Anne Frank House, where the famous teenager lived in hiding with family and friends for over 2 years. Tour the annex yourself, but remember to buy tickets in advance as they will sell out.
Missed out on tickets? The Holocaust Memorial across town is free, and a poignant place to pay your respects. On a lighter historical note, why not visit the Royal Palace. Impressive enough from the outside but if you’re lucky it might just be open for visitors so you can take a peek inside too.
STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES TULIPS
Time your visit with tulip season and see the city come alive with color from its most famous flower. Late March to mid-May is the best time for this. However fear not, you’ll find tulips for sale all year round at the Bloemenmarkt. They even sell them at the airport so you can take them home with you (check regulations for the country you’re traveling to).
At the very least you should learn a little more about the history of the tulip in Netherlands and how they became to be so popular. Did you know the flowers are originally from Central Asia? Visit the Amsterdam Tulip Museum to learn more. Tickets are €7 and it will take you around 30 minutes to visit. Buy some bulbs in the gift shop to take home. I bought some as a gift for my Mum and they grew perfectly this spring.
TRY A SWEET TREAT
Re-energize with a snack on the go so you can keep seeing more of Amsterdam on your short visit. There are lots of delicious bakeries and cafés to try, such as De Bakkerswinkel with their amazing scones (opt for the passionfruit curd to go with them).
And even with only 48 hours in Amsterdam, you can’t leave without trying the famous Stroopwafel. The only question is where? With so many options you might be spoiled for choice.
Melly’s was one of my favorites (Biscoff stroopwafel, anyone?), although I wasn’t as sold on FA Stroop. My dark chocolate raspberry wafel was super messy since the chocolate wasn’t set, so the raspberries just slid off into my hand. In my opinion you can’t beat Rudi’s Original at Albert Cuyp market. At €2.50 they’re probably also the cheapest in the city.
More Than 48 Hours In Amsterdam? Try One Of These Day Trips
By now you’ll probably agree with me that 48 hours in Amsterdam will not be enough. If you do have more time, there’s lots to see in the city, but there’s also much to see outside of the city.
Take a short trip to the Zaans Schans Windmills. A tour is easiest, although you can reach it by train if you really want. Here you can see some Dutch windmills up close – and even go inside one or two for a small fee.
Really taken with Dutch cheese? How about a trip to nearby Gouda or Edam? That’s right, the namesake towns for the popular cheeses are close to Amsterdam, and totally doable as a day trip. Easily accessible by bus or train, you can stock up on cheese and see a really cute small town or two.
Haarlem is one of my favorite day trips from Amsterdam. Less than 30 minutes by train, the small city is quaint, scenic and full of history. Check out the central church, the Ten Boom museum (where a family hid many Jewish residents during the war), and the Windmill de Adriaan.
Dining Recommendations In Amsterdam
So many great places to eat, so little time. You might be spoiled for choice in Amsterdam, but I also find that places get busy quickly. Best to make reservations if you can to avoid disappointment.
Mortimer Amsterdam was a favorite of mine. It’s a very small space – but visiting off season and on a weekday I didn’t need to wait for too long. Perfect place for a good brunch. I had the poached eggs in a butter chicken sauce. So good.
Brasserie De Luwte was another hit in my eyes. Fun and fancy cocktails, and elevated cuisine in a small canal-side restaurant. The lemon ricotta ravioli was divine.
Not too hungry? You can’t leave without a snack of “the best fries of the Netherlands” – Mannekin Pis. Not to mention over 25 different sauces to choose from. Do you go with one of the classic mayonnaise options, or ketchup, or do you get a little more adventurous? I’m partial to a little curry sauce, personally.
Final Thoughts On Spending 48 Hours In Amsterdam
I dislike that the first things mentioned about Amsterdam are usually sex or drugs. The city has so much more to offer. For your average traveler, that might be less a selling point and more a reason not to give it a better chance.
People need to know more about Amsterdam’s incredible art and museums. About the history, and beautiful buildings. Or the friendly people and how great a city it is for solo travel. And of course the quirky attractions and activities that you can find, even with only 48 hours in Amsterdam.
On a recent trip to Europe, the cheapest flight deal was going to Amsterdam. I almost didn’t take it because I had no real desire to visit Amsterdam again. But with plenty of people raving about the city, I decided to give it another go. With some additional planning to ensure I saw more of what interested me this time.
I’m really glad I gave Amsterdam another chance, and that I spent longer there my second visit. The extra time let me explore more of Amsterdam, and completely changed my opinion of it. So much so that I’m actually looking forward to my next visit, and would happily book flights that give me the opportunity to go back sooner.
48 hours in Amsterdam isn’t enough time to fully embrace it. But if you’re short on time, make sure to seek out some hidden gems that might make you fall in love with the city as much as I did (the second time).
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Do you think 48 hours in Amsterdam is enough? What would you recommend for visitors with limited time?
Your post came at a great time, as I’ll be off to Amsterdam this week. Of course, I eagerly pinned all of your food recommendations and will also stop at the Kaas museum. Rudi’s is on the list but have to do it on the first day, as he’ll be closed on the other days of my stay. Thanks so much for the shout out, I appreciate it 🙂 And I agree, Amsterdam is a bit of a slow burner, it also took me some time to warm up to it. But once you “get it” you want to return over and over again. Gorgeous pictures of the canals!
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
When flying to various places in Europe, Amsterdam has often been the hub that my flight routes through, and I look for options that allow me to stay in the city for a night or two. I really enjoy renting a bike and exploring. You’ve given me some ideas for my next layover. I need to check out Kaasbar Amsterdam for sure.
This was a great post, I enjoyed reading this and can certainly relate. From my experiences of going to Las Vegas, I was pleasantly surprised and delighted to find a part of Vegas that was outside of the Strip that was just as inviting and nowhere near as crowded. As for Amsterdam, there is definitely a reputation, so it’s good to see there’s far more than the Red Light District and the partying. The Van Gogh Museum would be of definite interest for me as I have been to the touring Van Gogh Experience, and really enjoyed it. The Anne Frank Museum and the Holocaust Museum would also be of interest to me. Those fries look pretty good, even though i’m not one for sauce or even ketchup on them, i’d make an exception here!
I agree. Amsterdam is actually pretty nice, it’s just that other people always emphasise the drugs and prostitution parts that it obscures everything else that’s there. Kind of like Phuket, everyone only mentions that one single street as if it’s the whole island.
I used to love Amsterdam but on my last trip in summer 2016 it was so super crowded, it stopped me from visiting. I will save some of your tips for my next trip, which will come, eventually. I have been to the Poezenboot (loved it) and will visit that tulip museum, since I love flowers! Thank you for all the tips in this post.
Interestingly, I had the same experience with Amsterdam. I didn’t have a great experience on my first visit, largely I think because of the place that we stayed and focus of the group I traveled with. Luckily, I’ve returned a number of times since, and truly enjoyed getting to know the city.
Love this. I have done a 24 hour layover twice but it’s not enough, especially with jet lag. Love this itinerary, though I really think a week in this region would be my hope next time. Thanks for the tips. Saving.
I did two nights and three days in Amsterdam after the pandemic ended as part of a two-week whirlwind Europe trip to five European countries. I am so glad that friends urged me to book the Van Gogh museum as the special exhibition was sold out on the day I visited. Your pics are great!
We have had a few short visits to Amsterdam and always found something fun to do on each visit. There is always another cheese spot to visit for sure! Would love to visit at tulip season.
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲. 𝗔 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗻 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝘀. 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗶𝘁, 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘅 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗶𝘁𝘆. 𝗜 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗜’𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 – 𝗗𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗲𝘇𝗲𝗻𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘁!
#𝗳𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗯𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 🥖🪽
I’ve been wanting to go back to Amsterdam during a warmer month (I was there in January), and bike around the city. It’s such a quintessianal bike city that I think it would be a great way to see it. I had no idea there is an Amsterdam Tulip Museum – how cool is that?! I would love to bring authentic Amsterdam tulips home!