48 hours in Amsterdam
Day one is the two big art museums and De Pijp. Day two covers the old centre, the canals and the free ferry across the IJ.
- Length: 48 hours
- Pace: balanced
- Rough cost: €120–€210 pp
- Best for: Art lovers and first-timers
The plan
Day 1 · Museumplein and De Pijp Museumplein, Vondelpark, De Pijp
- 09:00–11:30 RijksmuseumBook aheadIndoors
- 11:30–12:30 Lunch on Museumplein
- 12:45–14:45 Van Gogh MuseumBook aheadIndoors
Timed tickets only. The letters and late works are upstairs.
- 14:55–15:45 Vondelpark
- 16:00–17:00 Albert Cuyp Market and De Pijp
Street market Mon–Sat until about 17:00; try a fresh stroopwafel.
- 18:30–20:00 Dinner in De Pijp
Day 2 · Old centre and the IJ Grachtengordel, Jordaan, Centrum, Noord
- 09:00–10:00 Anne Frank HouseBook aheadIndoors
First slot of the day.
- 10:05–10:30 WesterkerkIndoors
Rembrandt is buried here somewhere.
- 10:35–12:00 The Jordaan and the Nine Streets
- 12:00–13:00 Lunch in the Nine Streets
- 13:15–13:45 Begijnhof
Hidden courtyard of almshouses; free, keep quiet.
- 13:55–14:30 Dam Square and the Royal Palace (outside)
- 14:45–16:00 Canal cruise
- 16:15–17:30 Free ferry to Noord and the EYE Film Museum
Ferry 901 leaves from behind Centraal Station every few minutes.
- 18:30–20:00 Dinner in Noord or back in Centrum
Rough cost
Per person. Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House and canal cruise tickets, transport, mid-range meals.
Prices checked November 2026 against official and widely published 2026 rates; they change, so confirm before you pay.
Book ahead
- Anne Frank House — Book the day tickets are released.
- Van Gogh Museum — Online only, timed.
- Rijksmuseum — Timed tickets.
If it rains
- Instead of Vondelpark: Stedelijk Museum next door
- Instead of Jordaan walk: Amsterdam Museum or the Rembrandt House
Good to know
- Under-18s get into the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum free.
- The free ferries to Noord run day and night.
Book it
- Tickets and tours in Amsterdam (GetYourGuide)
- Hotels in Amsterdam (Booking.com)
These may become affiliate links that pay us a small commission at no cost to you. How we handle that. Official links in “Book ahead” are never affiliate links.
Want some fresh air after the city? When to see nature’s big moments (Roamglade).
