Amsterdam needs little introduction these days. As the capital of the Netherlands, it more than holds its own against the powerhouses of London, Paris and Rome. Like everyone who visits Amsterdam, I fell for the gorgeous canal houses, delicious sweet treats and impressive cultural institutions.
You’ll want to return to Amsterdam again and again – which is what I hope to do soon! Spending a long weekend in Amsterdam is a great way to get acquainted with the city if you’ve never been before. Here are some personal recommendations of things to do in Amsterdam to keep you busy.
Amsterdam Weekend Map
This map lists all the points of interest for your weekend in Amsterdam, which you can save and use as a guide during your trip!
Of course, there are MANY more things to do in Amsterdam than I’ve listed here, but these suggestions should give you a great flavour of what the city has to offer. Be sure to scroll to the end for a suggested 3-day Amsterdam weekend itinerary!
Things To Do in Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum
Located in the historic Museumplein, Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands dedicated to Dutch arts and history. Dutch Golden Age masterpieces like The Night Watch (1642) by Rembrandt and The Milkmaid by Vermeer (1657) plus thousands of other works by European masters are showcased here.
This sprawling 19th-century Gothic-Renaissance building is so huge that there’s no way to see everything in one visit. One place you shouldn’t miss is the Rijksmuseum Research Library. It’s one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever seen!
The other two museums on Museumplein to visit on your long weekend in Amsterdam (if you have time) are the Van Gogh Museum and the Moco Museum.
Rijksmuseum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day. You can book a timeslot ticket in advance (€22.50 for adults), but they don’t often sell out like the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House. Plan to spend a couple of hours here.
Blast Galaxy
This is a must-do, in my opinion, when visiting Amsterdam for the first time! Blast Galaxy is an arcade tucked away next to the beautiful Westerpark. Pay the €15 entrance fee (at the time of publication) and play unlimited vintage and modern video games.
It’s such great value and a lot of fun. Blast Galaxy also serves bar snacks and drinks so you could spend an evening here or wait out a spring shower.
They’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and have sporadic opening times for the rest of the week: Wednesday 12 – 6 p.m., Thursday 4 – 11 p.m., Friday 4 p.m. – 12:30 a.m., Saturday 12 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. and Sunday 12 – 8 p.m.
Jordaan
Spend as much time as possible in the Jordaan area over your Amsterdam weekend. This utterly beautiful neighbourhood is crammed full of cute cycle and walk-only streets. You’ll find flower boxes on bridges over canals, cute cafés, and independent boutiques. Here are some of the best spots to visit in Jordaan:
- Six and Sons: This is a cool gift and trinket shop with a focus on environmentally friendly clothing and locally made homewares.
- Tableware Amsterdam: Find an unexpected bargain in this secondhand homeware shop. Cross your fingers and hope to find an overlooked rare piece of local Delft ceramics.
- Houseboat Museum: Literally on a 1914 freighter houseboat, this eclectic museum gives you an inside look into what it’s like to live on the water in Amsterdam.
- Spiegel Amsterdam: This store only sells 100% Dutch souvenirs from local brands to soft toys of everyone’s favourite cartoon Dutch rabbit, Miffy.
Rent a bike or join a bike tour of Jordaan if you want to do as the Amsterdamers do! Or if the lightning speeds that the locals can cycle are a little intimidating, there are walking tours of Jordaan too.
Body Worlds
This fascinating human anatomy exhibit sits on the edge of the De Wallen neighbourhood, better known as the Red Light District. Sidestep the haze of the coffee shops and neon signs advertising adult entertainment and head straight to Body Worlds.
Dr Gunther von Hagens is the inventor of plastination and the creator of Body Worlds. This is a ground-breaking way of preserving the bodies of mammals and other species so they can be dissected and studied. Body Worlds is made up of these donated, preserved bodies.
Some Body Worlds shows travel the world, but this is a permanent exhibition.
If it sounds morbid and gross, it surprisingly isn’t! You’ll hopefully get a lot out of seeing how our bodies are affected by different environments and leave your long weekend in Amsterdam with new perspectives.
Body Worlds is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Tickets cost €22.50 for adults. Plan to spend around 90 minutes here on your weekend in Amsterdam itinerary.
Canal Cruise
Amsterdam’s canals are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important part of the city’s history. There are 100 km of waterways and around 1,200 bridges in this city. Learn more about them while sailing on a canal tour of Amsterdam.
Canal cruises are a relaxing, alternative way to see the city and a great option in rain or shine. Most tours last about an hour and depart from the Open Havenfront. Evening tours are a great option if you’d prefer to sail at sunset or see the city lit up at night.
This canal cruise in Amsterdam only costs around £15!
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is a green oasis in the city. Founded in 1638, it boasts an impressive collection of over 6,000 plants, including rare and exotic species. Visitors can explore various themed greenhouses, such as the Palm House, the Butterfly Greenhouse, and the Desert Greenhouse. The garden also features a picturesque pond, a medicinal herb garden, and a café where you can relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.
- Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Tickets: €12.00 for adults
Places to Eat in Amsterdam
De Carrousel Pannenkoeken
This is an essential place to stop for food for two reasons. First, De Carrousel Pannenkoeken serves some of the best Poffertjes in the city. Second, it’s housed inside the frame of a beautiful old carousel ride!
Poffertjes are small, fluffy medallion-sized Dutch pancakes that taste delicious with caramel. They’re a Christmas market staple though served year-round in the Netherlands.
Stroopwafels
Another Dutch dessert staple is stroopwafels. They consist of two soft dough waffle biscuits sandwiched together with caramel syrup. I ate at least one fresh stroopwafel every day!
They’re sold in several places throughout the city but Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels in the Albert Cuyp Market are the best in my opinion. Melly’s StroopWafels, Hans Egstorf, and Lanskroon Bakery and many other places also bake fresh stroopwafels.
You’ll likely see many Insta famous stroopwafel spots, and honestly? Don’t fall for the aesthetics; they’re overpriced and not freshly baked!
Foodhallen
Upmarket food halls are popping up in every major city and they’re awesome. Amsterdam’s Foodhallen is a huge, lively indoor food market with amazing local vendors serving everything from oysters to burgers to pasta.
I really enjoyed sampling bitterballen here. It’s a Dutch snack that looks like a scotch egg or small arancini with a thick meat stew filling inside a breaded and fried ball. De Ballenbar is the place to try bitterballen inside Foodhallen.
Winkel 43
Don’t leave the Jordaan neighbourhood without stopping by Winkel 43. This adorable café is super famous for its apple pie topped with an Instragrammable swirl of fresh cream. It’s a busy spot but the pie speaks for itself, it tastes absolutely delightful!
Takumi Tonkotsu Ramen
Amsterdam is a diverse, multicultural city where people from over 180 nationalities call home. You can find much more than good Dutch food here.
Ramen is my favourite dish and I thought this place was great and so comforting on a rainy day. Takumi Tonkotsu Ramen is inside Foodhallen which is one of the best things about it. You can return multiple times and try lots of different dishes.
Day Trips From Amsterdam
Keukenhof Tulip Fields
Visiting Amsterdam in the spring? It would be a shame to book a weekend in Amsterdam and not check out the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse. Over seven million multicoloured flower bulbs bloom there every year.
Tulip season runs from the end of March to May, but the best time to visit is mid-April. Combination tickets for the N.852 Keukenhof Express Bus include return transport to Amsterdam RAI station and a timeslot entrance. The journey time is only 40 – 45 minutes.
Tickets currently cost €36.50, so it’s far from an expensive day out. Choose an arrival time slot before 10:30 a.m. for the lowest crowds.
Zaandam
Travel a few miles north of Amsterdam across the canals and you can be in Zaandam. This city is famous for its unique blend of old and new architecture that you can only see in the Netherlands.
Head to the Gedempte Gracht canal and stroll along the tall green and blue panelled buildings. When industry declined in the 20th century, Zaandam revitalised its city centre and town hall in 2003. The Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam building is really cool and you need to see it to believe it exists!
Visit the Zaanse Schans neighbourhood in the north for majestic windmills and traditional wooden houses resting on the Zaan River. While they aren’t authentic to the area, these 18th and 19th-century buildings were carefully relocated here from around the Netherlands for preservation.
Take the train to Zaandam from Amsterdam Centraal Station. The journey takes around 15 minutes and services depart approximately every 20 minutes. It only takes a further five minutes to travel by train from Zaandam to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station.
Extra Points of Interest in Amsterdam
If you’ve got the time (and the energy!) to do a bit more exploring on your weekend in Amsterdam, here are some extra spots that are well worth considering:
- Van Gogh Museum: Located in the Museumplein, this museum is dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. It houses the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings in the world.
- De Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets): This charming area within the canal belt is a shopping haven with unique boutiques, vintage stores, and cosy cafés. It’s perfect for a leisurely afternoon of browsing and discovering hidden gems.
- Red Light District: Known as De Wallen, the Red Light District is one of Amsterdam’s most famous neighbourhoods. Beyond its adult entertainment, it offers historic buildings, charming canals, and vibrant nightlife.
- Tony’s Chocolonely Super Store: For chocolate lovers, a visit to Tony’s Chocolonely store is a must. Located in the city center, it offers a wide range of ethically produced chocolate bars and gifts.
- Anne Frank House: Though not recommended for your primary weekend in Amsterdam itinerary, it’s a deeply moving museum located in the Jordaan neighborhood. It offers insights into Anne Frank’s life and the atrocities of WWII.
Suggested Weekend in Amsterdam Itinerary
Day 1: Culture and Canals
Morning
- Rijksmuseum: Begin your Amsterdam weekend at the Rijksmuseum located in the Museumplein area. Spend a few hours exploring the masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age, including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid. Don’t miss the beautiful Rijksmuseum Research Library.
- Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Tickets: €22.50 for adults
Lunch
- De Carrousel Pannenkoeken: For lunch, head to De Carrousel Pannenkoeken and enjoy some delicious poffertjes inside the charming old carousel frame. Try them with caramel syrup for a true Dutch treat.
Afternoon
- Canal Cruise: After lunch, take a relaxing canal cruise. Enjoy the scenic views of Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage Site canals and learn about the city’s history.
- Cost: Around £15
- Duration: About an hour
- Jordaan Neighborhood: Post-cruise, explore the picturesque Jordaan neighborhood. Stop by Winkel 43 for their famous apple pie topped with fresh cream.
- Rent a bike or join a walking tour: Explore Jordaan like a local by renting a bike or joining a walking tour.
Dinner
- Foodhallen: In the evening, make your way to Foodhallen for a diverse dining experience. Sample various dishes from local vendors, including the famous bitterballen at De Ballenbar.
Day 2: Quirky Attractions and Local Flavors
Morning
- Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam: Start your second day with a visit to the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam. Explore the themed greenhouses, the picturesque pond, and the medicinal herb garden.
- Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Tickets: €12.00 for adults
Lunch
- Stroopwafels at Albert Cuyp Market: It wouldn’t be a weekend in Amsterdam without these! Head to the Albert Cuyp Market and enjoy a fresh stroopwafel from Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels. Stroll through the market to browse various stalls selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.
Afternoon
- Body Worlds: Visit the fascinating Body Worlds exhibit to learn about human anatomy through plastinated bodies. It’s an educational and eye-opening experience.
- Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Tickets: €22.50 for adults
- Time needed: Approximately 90 minutes
- Blast Galaxy: After exploring Body Worlds, visit Blast Galaxy, an arcade near Westerpark, and enjoy unlimited vintage and modern video games. It’s a perfect spot for some fun and relaxation.
- Opening hours: Wednesday 12 – 6 p.m., Thursday 4 – 11 p.m., Friday 4 p.m. – 12:30 a.m., Saturday 12 p.m. – 12:30 a.m., Sunday 12 – 8 p.m.
- Entrance fee: €15
Dinner
- Takumi Tonkotsu Ramen: For dinner, enjoy some comforting ramen at Takumi Tonkotsu Ramen.
Evening
- Canal Cruise (optional): If you didn’t manage to take a canal cruise on Day 1, consider an evening canal cruise to see the city’s illuminated canals and bridges.
Day 3: Day Trip from Amsterdam
Depending on the season, choose one of the following day trips:
Option 1: Keukenhof Tulip Fields (Spring)
Morning
- Keukenhof Gardens: Head to the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse to see over seven million multi-coloured flower bulbs in bloom. Take the N.852 Keukenhof Express Bus from Amsterdam RAI station.
- Journey time: 40 – 45 minutes
- Tickets: €36.50 (includes return transport and entrance fee)
Afternoon
- Explore Lisse: After visiting the gardens, rent a bike and explore the charming town of Lisse or adventure on one of the many cycling routes.
Option 2: Zaandam (Year-round)
Morning
- Zaandam: Travel a few miles north of Amsterdam to Zaandam. Explore the unique blend of old and new architecture along the Gedempte Gracht canal and visit the iconic Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam building.
- Journey time: 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam Centraal Station
Lunch
- Local Café: Enjoy lunch at a local café in Zaandam. Sample some traditional Dutch dishes or opt for international cuisine.
Afternoon
- Zaanse Schans: Visit the Zaanse Schans neighbourhood for its majestic windmills and traditional wooden houses along the Zaan River. This open-air museum offers a glimpse into 18th and 19th-century Dutch life.
- Journey time: 5 minutes by train from Zaandam to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station
This itinerary will make sure you see the highlights, but also give you the flexibility to add in some extra points of interest to your perfect Amsterdam weekend!
Spend the Perfect City Break Weekend in Amsterdam
Many first-time visitors over-plan their weekend in Amsterdam. It’s easy to do with so many museums, tours, and attractions. The key is to spend most of your trip to Amsterdam soaking in the historic charm of the canals, buying tulips you can’t keep, and eating way too much cheese and desserts.
