What You Can Do In One Day In Amsterdam

A day in Amsterdam may seem like too little to get to know all the attractions that this beautiful city has to offer. However, if you have to make a long stopover there or just go on a getaway, in 24 hours you can soak up the charm of this beautiful European capital if you organize yourself well.

One option is to purchase the Amsterdam City Card to fully enjoy that day. It gives you access to more than 60 museums, as well as unlimited public transport, a free crossing through one of the canals, and the chance to explore the metropolitan area. It costs 60 euros and is for individual use.

If you want to go on your own , it is also more than possible. Keep in mind the following recommendations to organize your one-day visit in Amsterdam.

1. Rijksmuseum, a must in a day in Amsterdam

The Rijksmuseum is the most famous museum in Amsterdam, and it is no wonder. It houses around 8000 works by the most important painters  of all time, including Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Vermeer. Whether you are a painting lover or not, the truth is that taking advantage of the visit to the city is worth enjoying these wonders.

The Rijksmuseum  opens at 9 in the morning. It is best to arrive a little earlier to avoid congestion in the lines. If you have the Amsterdam City Card you can enter at no cost. Otherwise, you must pay just over 17 euros.

2. Van Gogh Museum or Vondelpark

A day in Amsterdam should be used to visit other museums in this city. It is very different to see a work of art on the Internet or in a book than to appreciate it live, especially if we are talking about Van Gogh, one of the painters who transmits the most with his works. In the Van Gogh Museum there are 200 paintings and about 400 drawings by this artist.

But if you don’t like museums and you’ve had enough visiting the Rijksmuseum, a good alternative is to go to the Vondelpark , the most important park in Amsterdam for a while. It is a good place to spend some quiet time and contemplate the daily life of the Dutch.

3. The flower market or Bloemenmarkt

This is another essential if you are going to spend a day in Amsterdam. It is about a 20-minute walk from the Vondelpark, which is in the same area as the Van Gogh Museum. It is one of the most beautiful places in Amsterdam and also one of the most traditional. It houses 15 floating shops selling flowers, seeds and plant-related accessories.

It is the only floating flower market in the world, one of those singularities that you can only see in Amsterdam. It has been in operation since 1883 and today it is not as lush as it was in the past, but it is still a colorful and lively place. The best time to go is between April and May, when the tulips bloom.

4. The Leidseplein

It is considered the liveliest area in Amsterdam. After having walked around the city and having seen some of its great attractions, you probably have an appetite. This is an excellent place to eat and to integrate into typical Dutch life.

The place is full of bars, restaurants, clubs and theaters. It is also normal to see many street artists in this area. The Municipal Theater and the American Hotel are two architectural gems that you will be able to appreciate here. In addition, there are charming little cafes with terraces and a giant chess set on Max Euweplein Street, near it.

5. Walk through the canals

The walk through the canals is another of those plans that are typically traditional in Amsterdam. In the Venice of the North, multiple excursions are offered to do this tour that, obviously, you can also do on your own.

There are different routes, but all of them will allow you to appreciate the architectural wealth of the city  from a point of view more in line with the environment. These crossings are also offered at night and have the added charm of seeing this beautiful city illuminated, in all its glory.

6. Dam square, a must in a day in Amsterdam

If what it is about is to make the most of a day in Amsterdam, you cannot miss this Dam Square. There is a 22 meter high obelisk that is the country’s national monument. This structure is dedicated to the fallen Dutch during the Second World War.

The Royal Palace is also located here. Nearby is the Oude Kerk, a church that is the oldest building in the city. Leaving it, you find yourself facing the famous Red Light District, a place that distinguishes Amsterdam from other capitals in the world.