Amsterdam is one of those cities that feels both historic and modern, relaxed and buzzing, all at once. I love it far more than I expected to! With just two full days and three nights, I crafted an itinerary that balanced the iconic highlights with some hidden gems—and plenty of good food along the way.
Here’s how I spent my time and how you can fit the best of Amsterdam into a short trip.
🏨 Where to Stay
With only a couple of days, staying central is key. Amsterdam is wonderfully walkable, and being close to the canals means you can explore most of the city on foot.
We stayed at this Air B&B – it was centrally located, we walked everywhere!
🌸 Day 1 – Wandering, Pancakes, Art & Seafood
Day one was all about easing into the rhythm of Amsterdam.
- Wandering the Canals: There’s no better introduction to Amsterdam than simply walking along the canals, watching boats float past and spotting crooked, leaning houses. Fun fact – the decorated bikes you’ll see along the canals are from an artist in Tarpon Springs, Florida (close to where I live)!
- Upstairs Pancake House (lunch or breakfast): A tiny gem tucked away up a steep staircase, with only a handful of tables. Reservations must be made by phone, and it’s cash only—but the oversized Dutch pancakes are worth every bite.
- Rembrandt House Museum: Stepping into the home of one of the greatest artists of all time felt like stepping back into the 1600s. The house is beautifully restored, with demonstrations on how Rembrandt mixed pigments and etched his prints.
- Dinner at Pesca Fish Restaurant: A unique seafood experience where you pick your fresh fish and sides as if shopping at a market, then enjoy it prepared to perfection.
🚲 Day 2 – History, Canals & the Red Light District
With a full day, I mixed history with classic Amsterdam experiences.
- Anne Frank House: This was one of the most moving experiences of my travels. Walking through the secret annex where Anne and her family hid was unforgettable. Tickets must be purchased 6 weeks in advance online —they sell out quickly. I got up at 4am EST to get our tickets.
- Canal Tour with Those Dam Boat Guys: Forget the large, touristy boats. This small company offers casual, funny, and personal tours. Sitting low in the water with a drink in hand gives you an entirely different view of Amsterdam. And, our boat had an extra canine tour guide named Pixie!
- Short Trip to Zaanse Schans: Just outside the city, this open-air museum is filled with historic windmills and traditional Dutch houses. I’ll share a full post about Zaanse Schans separately, but it made for a nice contrast to the bustle of Amsterdam, and can be done in a few hours.
- Dinner at Roserijn Haarlemmerdijk: A cozy spot serving hearty Dutch fare in a welcoming setting—perfect after a busy day.
- Evening in the Red Light District: It’s unlike anywhere else in the world, and the fact that it sits behind Amsterdam’s oldest church (Oude Kerk) makes it all the more surreal. It’s busy, colorful, and something you really should see once! Make sure to keep your camera put away here!
- Coffee Shop Stop: Of course, you can’t visit Amsterdam without experiencing one of its famous coffee shops. We popped into Siberië, a relaxed spot along the canal with good vibes. Even if you’re not there for “that kind” of coffee, it’s worth it for the people-watching and atmosphere.
🍴 Bonus Meal After Lisse
After a day trip to see the tulip fields in Lisse (see my previous post), we had dinner at Kantjil & de Tijger. This Indonesian restaurant serves rijsttafel (rice table)—a spread of dozens of small, flavorful dishes. It’s one of Amsterdam’s must-try dining experiences. Make sure you go there hungry!
✨ Final Thoughts
Two days and three nights felt like the perfect amount of time to explore Amsterdam at a relaxed pace while still seeing its highlights. Between canals, culture, history, food, and even a coffee shop experience, the city offers endless charm.
Stay tuned for my next posts on our time in Zaanse Schans as well as our day trip to Antwerp, Belgium!
