2 Days in Amsterdam for First Timers

Start your 2-day stint in Amsterdam on a small-group walking tour that covers its Jewish heritage, including landmarks such as the Portuguese Synagogue and the Auschwitz Monument. Visiting the Anne Frank House (the former home of the world-famous World War II diarist) is a must, so head inside the museum when your tour ends here—be sure to book your tickets in advance on the website.

This city is world-famous for its waterways, so no visit to Amsterdam would be complete without a canal cruise on its Canal Ring (Grachtengordel), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass highlights such as Westerkerk, a 17th-century church where Rembrandt is buried, and the comically named Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug).

You’ll be well overdue for dinner by now, so spend your evening enjoying the Dutch delicacies of the Jordaan neighborhood, a trendy district renowned for its quirky cafés and gastronomical scene, on a food tour that introduces you to staples of the Netherlands’ underappreciated cuisine.

Even if you don’t consider yourself an art buff, the Van Gogh Museum is a must-visit, thanks to its beautifully curated selection of works, such as the immediately recognizable Sunflowers and Self-Portrait in Grey Felt Hat. If you’re keen to see masterpieces by more Dutch artists, take a small-group tour of the Rijksmuseum afterward—it’s within walking distance and has one of Europe’s largest collections of art.

With a number of historic villages, charming windmills, and the colorful Keukenhof Gardens nearby, it’s well worth spending a few hours outside the city. Take advantage of flexible half-day tours that offer a range of departure and return times, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Take a seat on a canal boat and relax after two days of sightseeing with a cruise along moonlit waterways. Evening cruises typically include drinks and snacks, but if you’d rather end with a more complete dining experience, opt for dinner cooked and served in the home of a local chef.

• I’m in Amsterdam for two days. What are the must-see attractions that I should visit?

Two days in Amsterdam is a good amount of time to check out most must-see attractions, including the Anne Frank House, Canal Ring (Grachtengordel), Red Light District (De Wallen), and Van Gogh Museum. If time allows, you may even be able to squeeze in a half-day tour to Keukenhof or Zaanse Schans and Volendam.

• What are the top foods and drinks to try in Amsterdam?

While you can find almost any food in Amsterdam, local highlights like poffertjes, bitterballen, and kroketten are especially popular, with the latter two often served alongside craft beer and jenever in bars, brown cafés, and breweries. Food tours—especially around Jordaan—are a great way to discover other Dutch delicacies, including pickled herring, kibbeling, stroopwafels, and apple pie.

• How can I avoid the crowds in Amsterdam?

One of the best ways to avoid the crowds in Amsterdam is by hopping on a canal cruise. Along with offering a comfortable way to see the sights (and avoid the busy streets!), many boat tours also come with a guide, so you can learn more about the city as you go.

• Which Amsterdam neighborhoods should I stay in if I’m in town for two days?

For a 2-day trip, you probably want a base close to the city center. Jordaan is a good option—close but not too close—with the Anne Frank House and The Nine Streets just a short stroll away. Other options include Grachtengordel, De Pijp, and Oud-West.

• What’s the easiest way for a first timer to get around Amsterdam?

Most of the time, the easiest way for first timers to get around Amsterdam is by exploring the city on foot. However, if you want to do as the Dutch do, you can also brave the city’s streets by bicycle. While there are plenty of bicycle rental shops around, bike tours are a great way to learn the lay of the land—and the laws—first.