Amsterdam is a great place for a short trip, while exploring other cities in Europe or even staying here as a layover. There are many things to do and see, but below is the one day guide to Amsterdam that will ensure you see the most and the best of the city in one day.
1. Walk around the Nine Streets
The first thing we did when we got here was to look up “The Most Instaworthy places in Amsterdam”, and we found that the Nine streets were number one on every guide to Amsterdam.
The Nine streets are compiled of nine small streets, united together through the bridges which cross the canals. Here is where you can take that perfect Amsterdam souvenir picture with the bikes! You can also wander around the streets as there are many cute boutiques and coffee shops of very good taste.
If you are craving a juice, The Juice Brothers offer very nice freshly squeezed juices. I tried the ‘Purple Rain’, which I highly recommend! Food wise, Fabel Friet were making potato fries which we just could’t resist. They had only just opened 8 days ago, but we were blown away by the fries topped with parmesan – a must if you are visiting Amsterdam!
If you are in the mood for shopping, there are also many cute shops which you can check out – such as Anna+Nina which sells very tasteful jewellery and Love Stories, a very cool brand selling swimwear, lingerie and much more.
2. Visit the Anne Frank Museum
If there is only one museum which you must visit in Amsterdam, it is the Anne Frank House. As you probably already know, it is also one of the most famous museums in Amsterdam.
Whether or not you grew up reading Anne Frank’s diaries, it is incredibly fascinating to learn about her life and actually see where she wrote her diaries. As you walk through the house, you can find so many notes and small memoirs from her life. If you have read her book, it is even more amazing to visualise everything which you held so long in your imagination.
This museum will take about 1-2 hours, so be aware of that if you only have one day in Amsterdam. Perhaps it is best to go here first thing in the morning when it opens at 9 AM if you want to explore the city for the rest of the day.
3. Take a Canal Cruise
If there is one thing which you must do in Amsterdam, it is to take a canal cruise.
This applies especially when you only have one day in Amsterdam, because a canal cruise is a great way to get the sense and a general overview of the city. Even if you think you will have time to see all of Amsterdam on foot, you probably won’t. Moreover, a canal cruise gives a completely different perspective of the city!
If you have limited time, it is probably best to book your cruise in advance to plan your day and avoid disappointment.
4. Visit the Red Light District
You can’t visit Amsterdam and not go to the Red Light District. It is a very historic place with the prostitutes in the windows – this might shock you at first, but that’s what makes this experience so unique!
I recommend going here in the evening, when it is the most alive. People gather around in pubs and bars, people walking in the streets – it is probably the most busy area of Amsterdam during the night. I guarantee you that it will put you in the mood to party, particularly if you are visiting on the weekend!
Good tip: It is NOT ALLOWED to take pictures of the women in the windows. Take it from someone who learnt it the hard way…
5. Visit a Coffeeshop
Another appeal of Amsterdam is the coffeeshops (not to be confused with normal coffee shops which serve coffee and cakes). These are casual cafes where you can legally buy and smoke marijuana.
Of course, if you are visiting with family or the idea of smoking weed does not appeal to you, this is not for you.
However, if you are visiting Amsterdam for one day with friends it is an experience worth trying which you will not get anywhere else!
Tip: they all close around 1 am or earlier, so be aware that you need to go out early if you want to visit one of these.
Some Coffeeshops you can visit are below:
- Bulldog – be aware that this one does not serve pre-rolled joints. If you are a beginner probably best going elsewhere first!
- Coffeshop New Times – This Coffeshop almost looks like a normal coffee shop. With outside seating, it is best to visit this one in the summer when you can enjoy the nice warm air.
- Grey Area – According to Time Out, this one is the favourite of many celebrities including Snoop Dogg.
- Barney’s – this one is an exclusive and high class coffeeshop. It is slightly more expensive that the others but the service is also better.
Have you visited Amsterdam? Which of the above things did you do? What did you enjoy the most?
