Amsterdam is a unique and beautiful city offering a huge variety of different excursions and cultural experiences. 24 hours is short which is why I would suggest staying longer, however, if you do only have a short time to visit here are my top suggestions!
TIP ÔÇô As soon as you arrive at Schiphol Airport I recommend that you buy a 24 hour OV Chip card. This card allows travel on the city’s trains, trams and buses for the day. Super easy!
Morning
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, book a table at ÔÇÿPancakesÔÇÖ just a few minutes from Centraal Station; they offer the best pancakes with sweet and savoury options to satisfy your cravings.
The best way to see Amsterdam, as the Dutch would recommend, is by bike. Spend the morning cycling around the city, pass the canals and head to Vondelpark. As a mid-morning snack, grab a coffee and cake in the atmospheric riverside caf├® ÔÇÿGroot Melkhuis’.
Afternoon
Try lunch at the ÔÇÿBurger Bar’ or, if you fancy something healthier, I would recommend ÔÇÿVinnes’ in Amsterdam centraal. The Burger Bar offers freshly cooked delicious brioche burgers whereas Vinnes is a Dutch caf├® offering scrumptious sandwiches, soups and salads.
Now lunch has been eaten and enjoyed, jump on the tram to Rijksmuseum the museum district! This is a beautiful area of the city and one of my personal favourites. The Van Gogh museum is a must; this is where you will see his greatest pieces on display (entry will cost Ôé¼17).
Alternatively, if you have the time or you simply do not want to head to the museums, book a river cruise down the canals. A fantastic way to explore the city!
Need a snack? Fancy something sweet? Three words: Van Wonderen Stroopwafels. These are a must try Dutch speciality (take note that the queue is usually out the door), everyone wants to get their hands on them! You simply cannot leave Amsterdam without trying Stroopwafels (even if you buy them from Albert Heijn- a local supermarket)!
Evening
This is when Amsterdam truly comes to life
Feeling fancy? Book a table at the panorama restaurant at the A’
dam Lookout; this rooftop restaurant offers the best 360 views of Amsterdam. If you are here as a couple this is the perfect romantic dinner setting!
For the adrenaline junkies, the A’dam Lookout has a giant over the edge swing and enjoy the view. Sundown on the giant swing is breath-taking and photos taken during the experience are free to download (perfect for uploading to your Instagram page).
After dinner, as the sun goes down, the Red-Light district livens up. Take a walk down the notorious streets; this is an experience you will not find anywhere else!
Located just outside the Red-Light district is the famous coffee shop The Bulldog; chill out here to complete your cultural experience.
If you are looking for another local coffee shop to relax in during the evening, I suggest heading to ÔÇÿEasy Times’. This place is full of comfy sofas and chairs and also has a DJ which complements the atmosphere perfectly.
After this fun-filled 24 hours, bed will be definitely be calling your name (if food doesn’t first)!
Words by Taylor Willis