24 HOURS IN AMSTERDAM: WHAT TO SEE, DO & EAT
Amsterdam has been on my bucket list for a while now, I recently travelled to Amsterdam for a day. Spending 24 hours in Amsterdam is not enough, but I got to see so much in the time I was there. Amsterdam has a lot to offer, coffee shops, tourist attractions, dessert shops and great shopping.
Amsterdam is a beautiful city, with it's signature historic architecture, a series of canals running through the whole city, houseboats and stroopwaffles.
THINGS TO DO
Canal Boat Trip
Highly recommend taking a trip on a boat through Amsterdam's canals. There are different tours, companies and starting locations. I really enjoyed cruising through the canals and seeing more of Amsterdam from a different perspective. Amsterdam is made up of a series of canals, the boat trip takes you along these canals and under bridges. You can see so many different types of houseboats and amazing architecture on the canals.
Hire a Bike
Bikes are the main mode of transportation to get around Amsterdam. There are people riding bikes on every street you turn on to. You can find bike rental shops all over the city, so why walk when you can cycle through the streets! Amsterdam is a really cute city, filled with cafes, shops and great architecture. Riding a bike gives you more time to enjoy seeing the whole city and you can fit more into your itinerary.
Anne Frank hid from Nazi persecution with her family and four other people during World War II. They hid in hidden rooms at the rear of the Secret Annex, a 17th-century canal house. The Anne Frank House is one of the main tourist attractions in Amsterdam. I highly recommend that you go and check it out. It can get busy and there will be lines to get in to see everything.
If you want to check out the Anne Frank House a ticket will cost €10. Tickets are only available online and there is a high demand. 80% of tickets are released two months in advance and 20% are released on the day at 9 am. Head over to the Anne Frank House website to book your tickets.
The Rijksmuseum features a range of contemporary and historical artworks. Most of these artworks are made by classic Dutch artists. It is an amazing piece of architecture and I highly recommend that you go and check it out. If you want to check out the Rijksmuseum a ticket will cost €20. Head over to the Rijksmuseum website to book your tickets.
This art museum is dedicated to the works of Vincent Van Gogh. If you enjoy art, then I highly recommend that you head over to the Van Gogh Museum. The museum makes the life and work of Vincent van Gogh and the art of his time accessible in order to enrich and inspire people.
If you want to check out the Van Gogh Museum a ticket will cost €19. Head over to the Van Gogh Museum website to book your tickets.
Taking a Photo at the I Amsterdam Sign
You can't go to Amsterdam without taking a photo at one of the I Amsterdam Signs. There are multiple signs around the city, Schiphol Airport, near the Sloterplas Lake and also in Museumplein. The signs are an iconic tourist attraction, you can't miss out the opportunity.
I took a photo at the Sloterplas Lake I Amsterdam Sign and it was so busy that day, due to a marathon/race being held in the city. It was still worth it to get the photo, it is one of my favourite memory from my time in Amsterdam. I recommend trying to get to the sign early in the morning, to avoid the crowds.
WHERE TO STAY
XO Hotels City Centre is located in the historical heart of the city, around the corner from the lively Dam Square and Warmoesstraat area. It is within walking distance to central station and many restaurants, cafés and bars. The main tourist attractions like the Anne Frank House, Dam square and the shopping area of Kalverstraat are close by.
Each room offers an en suite bathroom, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV s and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel has a bar and a lounge, where guests can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or tea.
The Best Western Amsterdam Hotel is located in the city's west district, just off the A10 city ring. It is only 20 minutes by public transport to the old city centre. The RAI Convention Centre, World Fashion Centre and World Trade Centre are 15 minutes away by metro.
Each room has an en suite bathroom with a shower, toilet, free toiletries, television, safe and a work desk. The hotel provides an international buffet breakfast every morning. There is a food corner located in the lobby, which offers salads, sandwiches and pizzas. You can also relax at the bar or out on the terrace.
$ $ ibis Amsterdam Centre Stopera
This hotel is located only a short 10-15 minute walk from Dam Square, Rembrandt Square and the station. Trams and buses are available nearby and various restaurants, bars and shops are in the area as well. The ibis Centre Stopera has a spacious courtyard where guests can sit during summer.
Each room features modern bright interiors, en suite bathroom, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV. A buffet breakfast is available every morning and also a Late Riser breakfast between 11 am and 12 pm.
WHERE TO EAT
Polaberry: For something sweet, check out Polaberry for the cutest and best Belgian Chocolate's.
Amsterdam Cheese Company: Perfect spot to grab some of Amsterdam's finest cheese. I stumbled upon this shop and it was amazing, so many options. Amsterdam is famous for its selection of cheeses, especially Edam and Gouda.
Waffles: The Netherlands is also known for Stroopwaffles! There are so many crepes and waffle shops in Amsterdam it is hard to choose. I recommend grabbing a Stroopwaffle, it is so yummy!!! Check out Van Wonderen Stroopwafels!
