Amsterdam in 24 hours: What, to Do, Where to Eat, Where to Stay & How to Get Around

Discover how to explore Amsterdam in 24 hours! From scenic canal walks, traditional Dutch eats and top attractions to budget-friendly hotels and ways to get around thr city, here’s how to make the most of a day in the Dutch capital.

Visit The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

One of the best places to visit in Amsterdm is The Rijksmuseum. This is the national museum of the Netherlands, home to some of the most famous Dutch masterpieces, including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, Van Gogh paintings, a big beautiful library and the William Rex boat. Sometimes you can even see workers restoring paintings live. The museum is super well-organized, so it’s easy to walk through and take in the highlights without feeling overwhelmed.

How to get to the Rijksmuseum

Getting there is easy—the museum is located in Museumplein, Amsterdam’s museum district. If you’re taking public transport, hop on tram 2, 5, or 12 and get off at the Rijksmuseum stop. From Amsterdam Central Station, it’s a 10-minute tram ride to the museum.

How to Book Tickets for the Rijksmuseum

We highly suggest you book your tickets to the Rijksmuseum in advance. You can also get the audio guide for €6.50 which is definitely worth it. Just keep in mind, only the paintings that are numbered are included in the guide, which are the most important pieces. If you’re planning to visit more museums throughout the year, consider getting the Museumkaart, which grants you unlimited access to over 30 museums, including the Rijksmuseum. Book tickets here.

Have Breakfast at the Rijksmuseum’s café

Before you even step inside, here’s a little pro tip: grab breakfast at the museum’s café. It’s a great spot to sit down, enjoy a coffee and something to eat, and plan out your route through the museum with the brochure they give you. The Rijksmuseum is big—you can easily spend 2 to 4 hours exploring—so having a game plan can help you make the most of your visit. We had the cappuccino, matcha latte and stroopwafel cheesecake. Stroopwafel is a dutch dessert made of 2 thin cookies held together by a caramel-y type syrup, tasting similar to biscoff. When in the Netherlands, it’s a must try! (The cheesecake and the original).

Coffee & Cakes

For another breakfast option, visit Coffee & Cakes Amsterdam for a relaxing coffee and slice of cake. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a quiet moment in the heart of the city. They have several locations, and the one we visited is at Singel 369.

Other locations include:

• Warmoesstraat 133
• Sint Luciensteeg 21
• Sint Annenstraat 31

Get Your 24 Hours in Amsterdam Itinerary

Planning a trip can be a lot—figuring out where to go, what to do, how to get around, and booking all the tickets.

So, we’ve made it easy for you! We’ve put together a 24-hour Amsterdam itinerary with all the details you need—places to visit, things to do, ticket links, the best routes to take, and even a custom Google Maps guide with color-coded pins.

If you don’t have the time (or energy) to plan everything yourself, check it out!

Explore Amsterdam on a Canal Cruise

Instead of walking around a museum, you can sit back, relax, and take in the city while floating through its famous canals. You’ll get to see all the beautiful 17th-century buildings, charming houseboats, and iconic bridges from the water, which is honestly one of the prettiest views of Amsterdam.

Plus, you’ll learn some cool history along the way, all while enjoying the vibe without having to walk everywhere. It’s the perfect way to soak in the city’s charm without wearing yourself out!

The one we did was by a company called Blue Boat Company and you get on very close to the Rijksmuseum.

Lunch at The Pantry – Traditional Dutch Restaurant

After exploring the museum, head to The Pantry, a cozy restaurant offering traditional Dutch cuisine. It’s located at Leidsekruisstraat 21, a short walk from the Leidseplein tram stop (lines 1, 2, and 5) or Rokin metro station.

At The Pantry, we tried their special menu, starting at €24.50. I ordered menu number 3 of 4, which included a starter, a savoury beef and onion stew for the main, served with red cabbage and mashed potatoes—perfect for a chilly day. Dessert was also included, and I had poffertjes—small, fluffy Dutch pancakes typically served with powdered sugar and butter. To make your own Dutch poffertjes at home, you’ll need a special poffertjes pan.

Exploring the 9 Straatjes and Famous Canals in Amsterdam

After your meal at The Pantry, head north on Leidsekruisstraat, turn right on Prinsengracht, and walk straight for about 10 minutes until you reach De Negen Straatjes (the Nine Streets), a collection of picturesque lanes known for boutique shops, cafes, and galleries. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of the Amsterdam canal and take a few moments to snap some pictures.

The canals in this area are a must-see, especially Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht, which are the three main canals that form a scenic loop around Amsterdam’s central area.

Grab a Late Afternoon Snack at Albert Heijn Supermarket

A fun thing you can do is go to a supermarket we love in the Netherlands called Albert Heijn, see what they have, that your supermarket at home doesn’t. Pick some stuff up and head over to Vondelpark for a late afternoon snack. They have specific things that are made for picnics like pre-packed charcuterie bits, cheese and wine boxes, olives, pre-made meals, etc.

There are many locations close to the park.

Picnic in Vondelpark

Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s biggest and most famous park. It’s beautiful and green with walking and biking paths, open fields, ponds, and even cafés. It’s the perfect place to relax, have a picnic, or just enjoy the fresh air. On sunny days, it’s packed with people cycling, jogging, or chilling on the grass.

Where to Have Dinner in Amsterdam

These restaurants all serve traditional dutch food, have a min of 4.6/5 star rating and are within walking distance from Vondelpark.

• Stamppot Amsterdam. We recommend the stamppot and the Dutch steak.
• De Hollandse Tulp. We recommend the sausage, stamppot and the apple pie.
• Stoop & Stoop eetcafé. We recommend the stamppot and the pea soup.
• Hollands Hap Hmm Restaurant. We recommend thr schnitzel.

Places to Stay in Amsterdam: Budget-Friendly Accommodation

If you’re planning a longer stay or need a place to rest during your short break to Amsterdam, here are six great places to stay in Amsterdam that offer good value for money without compromising on quality:

• Numa Amsterdam offer stylish, affordable accommodations in central locations, perfect for easy access to the city’s top sights. Numa Amsterdam The Crane, Numa Amsterdam Docklands, Numa Amsterdam Oosterpark & YAYS Amsterdam Salthouse Canal by Numa.

• Meininger Hotel in Amsterdam City West or Amsterdam Amstel offer budget-friendly, modern stays near major transport hubs, with easy access to the city’s top attractions.

• Boutique Hotel Notting Hill located in the heart of Amsterdam, this hotel offers stylish, modern rooms at reasonable prices, ideal for those wanting a chic but affordable stay.

• Bob W Amsterdam Noord a modern, sustainable 4-star aparthotel located in Amsterdam Noord.

• The Hoxton, Amsterdam a boutique hotel offering a great balance between style and affordability. It’s located near some of the best cafes, restaurants, and shopping in Amsterdam.

• The Student Hotel Amsterdam City (now known as The Social Hub) – a trendy, budget-friendly option with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those who want to be close to the city’s top attractions. Great for solo travelers or groups.

How to get around in Amsterdam

We highly recommend downloading Amsterdam’s transport app for schedules, routes and a way to purchase tickets online. You can scan your ticket with your phone, too.

If you really want to experience Amsterdam like a local, renting a bike is a great option! Biking is a huge part of Dutch culture, and the city is designed for cyclists, with dedicated bike lanes everywhere. Plus, it’s a fun and efficient way to cover more ground in your 24 hours here.

We recommend using BikesBooking, so you can easily book a bike and explore at your own pace. Just remember to stay alert—locals are pros at biking, and the streets can get busy!

The Full Walking Itinerary for Your Day Trip to Amsterdam

Here’s a complete guide to exploring Amsterdam on foot, a brief summary of everything we’ve covered in this post.

Breakfast at Coffee & Cakes
Start your day with a relaxing coffee at Coffee & Cakes Amsterdam.

Visit the Rijksmuseum
Begin your day at the iconic Rijksmuseum. Explore its incredible collection of Dutch art and history. Be sure to book your tickets online in advance for a smooth visit.

Walk to The Pantry for Lunch
From the Rijksmuseum, take a short 7 min walk to The Pantry for a delicious lunch of traditional Dutch cuisine.

Explore de 9 Straatjes District
After your meal at The Pantry, head toward the iconic area of 9 Straatjes (Nine Streets) district for a charming shopping experience. Walk along Prinsengracht until you reach Herengracht, where the 9 Straatjes begins.

Take in the Canals
Wander around the Amsterdam canals, particularly Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht. These three canals form the heart of Amsterdam’s historic canal belt and are perfect for a leisurely stroll with scenic views. If you have some extra time, we highly recommend taking a canal cruise to see all the beautiful 17th-century buildings, charming houseboats, and iconic bridges from the water, which is honestly one of the prettiest views of Amsterdam.

Day Trips from Amsterdam

If you’re as obsessed with cheese as we are, you’re in for a treat! The Netherlands is home to some of the world’s finest cheeses, including the famous Gouda and Edam. If you have extra time, we highly recommend a guided day trip to Gouda, Edam, and Alkmaar, where you can dive into the art of cheesemaking, explore traditional cheese markets, and, of course, indulge in plenty of tastings.

Europe Travel Inspiration

Planning more budget adventures across Europe? Check out our guide on the Best Winter Destinations in Europe on a Budget for top picks to explore during the colder months. If you’re short on time, our post on 24 Hours in Amsterdam is perfect for discovering the city’s highlights in just 24 hours. For general tips to save money while travelling, don’t miss Europe on a Budget: Travel Hacks You Need to Know. If road trips are more your style, we’ve got you covered with 9 Road Trip Tips: Plan a Road Trip Around Europe for stress-free planning and memorable journeys.

Sign up to get our free travel packing lists!