Will you be spending 1 day in Amsterdam? Are you looking for things to do and places to see?
Well, you have come to the right place because I have visited Amsterdam and fell in love with this delightful European capital city instantly.
When you think of the Netherlands, don’t you visualize canals and windmills? Perhaps even wooden shoes, bicycles, and brightly colored tulips?
Well, Amsterdam is all of those things and even more! As the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is lovely if not provocative, with its ‘red light’ district.
There is a lot to do, and much to see in Amsterdam. If you rely on my 1 day in Amsterdam itinerary, you will be well prepared!
Don’t forget to check out my tips on healthy travel and how to avoid getting sick on a plane.
Now, let’s dive into the best places to visit in Amsterdam, Netherlands!
1 Day in Amsterdam Itinerary You Should Steal
Stop 1: Visit The Anne Frank House
I am here to share my best advice on what to do when traveling to Amsterdam for one day.
The Anne Frank House is often a top priority for Amsterdam in 1 day. This unassuming building is where the Frank family and others hid during WWI.
It is surreal to walk through the rooms described in Anne’s famous diary.
When looking for what to do in Amsterdam for a day, this museum is an interesting and historic way to begin.
No matter how familiar you are with the Anne Frank story, a visit to the secret annex will be unforgettable for you and those traveling with you.
Anne Frank’s diary is on display, along with absorbing and thought-provoking exhibits. But it is not until you see the starkness of the attic, that the real tragedy is so profoundly felt.
You must purchase tickets online beforehand. If you do not already have a pre-purchased ticket when you arrive, you will likely not gain entrance to the attraction.
This is what happened to me, and I do not want you to be disappointed as well!
After you complete your tour, plan a pleasant stroll through the quaint neighborhood of Jordaan and enjoy the ivy-covered buildings.
Book Here: Amsterdam: Life of Anne Frank and World War II Walking Tour
Stop 2: Enjoy A Bike Ride Like The Dutch
When you think of Amsterdam, you probably think of bicycles, right? For good reason, Amsterdam is consistently rated as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.
There are more bikes in Amsterdam than there are cars or even residents! You will see all types of people riding around in unique bike setups.
Do as the locals do and grab a bike to tour around the city. You can rent a bike and ride where you like or join a group tour to see the city with a knowledge guide.
There are many bike tours to choose from to match your budget and personal tastes. Visit historic sights or perhaps take a food tour.
If you have more time in Amsterdam, read my two days in Amsterdam itinerary.
Book Here: Amsterdam: 2-Hour City Highlights Guided Bike Tour
Stop 3: Take A Canal Cruise
Another popular activity for your one day in Amsterdam is cruising the canals to get another view of the city. Most cruises are narrated so you can learn about the history of the canals and architecture.
The Dutch canal system was created in the 1600s to combat the perennial flooding the Netherlands endured.
The frequent flooding wreaked havoc on the Dutch, causing loss of life and creating financial hardships. Today, Amsterdam is 10 feet below sea level!
Amsterdam’s canals have earned the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation as a location so unique it must remain protected for generations to come.
There are many kinds of canal cruises to select, many of which are budget-friendly. Most last and hour to two hours. Some include meals, perfect for a romantic sunset cruise.
Amsterdam takes on a magical aura at night with twinkling lights everywhere. A cruise is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in the evening!
Canal cruising is the perfect way to learn about Amsterdam and see the city in such an interesting way. I suggest adding a canal cruise to your 1 day itinerary for Amsterdam!
It will probably be a bit chillier sailing on the canal waters, no matter the season you visit Amsterdam. I love this lightweight waterproof rain jacket Just toss it in your backpack when not using it.
Book Here: Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise
Book Here: Amsterdam: Classic Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine Option
Stop 4: Soak Up Culture At Museumplein
Museumplein is the unofficial cultural center of Amsterdam. It is where the top museums of Amsterdam meet: the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum.
The Rijksmuseum holds 800 years of Dutch history. Make sure to see the gigantic painting of The Night Watch by Rembrandt.
The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh paintings, drawings, and letters. The Stedelijk Museum displays contemporary art and designs.
All three museums require admission. As I always suggest, it is best to have prepurchased entrance tickets beforehand for all the museums and attractions you wish to visit.
Since you only have 1 day in Amsterdam, you do not want to spend time in line waiting to purchase your tickets. Plus, tickets bought online often are discounted and have skip-the-line perks.
Museumplein is the open square between the popular museums. When I visited, it was crowded with locals and tourists alike as it is quite popular.
There are always activities and in the warmer months exhibits and markets.
Make sure to take a picture in front of the iconic I Amsterdam letters. They are HUGE, and you cannot miss them.
Book Here: Amsterdam: Rijksmuseum Entrance Ticket
Book Here: Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Ticket
Stop 5: Visit The Amsterdam Flower Market
When you think of the Dutch, you think of flowers, especially tulips, right? Me, too!
The Amsterdam Flower Market, Bloemenmarkt, is where you can find blooming tulips of every single color. You can also buy tulip bulbs to bring back home with you to enjoy later.
If you do plan to take flower bulbs out of the country, make certain they have a customs-cleared stamp on them. This will ensure you do not have any difficulties when leaving the Netherlands.
The flower market is housed in about a dozen or so covered flower stalls on one of Amsterdam’s canals. Yes, it is a floating flower market!
The time of year you visit will determine the kinds of flowers available. But there are always blooming flowers for you to see and smell.
The flower market is a beautiful place to check out after enjoying breakfast in Amsterdam.
Book Here: Amsterdam: Highlights & History Walking Tour
Stop 6: Go Shopping At The 9 Streets
The 9 Streets, or 9 Straatjes, is a trendy Amsterdam area. It is where even the locals go to see and be seen.
Three streets cross over two canals, forming nine small streets. This is one of the coolest places to go in Amsterdam for shopping or photography.
You will find everything you desire in this fashionable district. There are lots of swanky shops, cafes, bookstores, restaurants, and bars. The area is overflowing with fashion and food.
I like to bring my reusable bags along when I travel. This means less trash to throw out and they are convenient. Some stores will charge you for a sack.
These lightweight yet heavy-duty reusable shopping sacks are so cool and fold down into themselves to a tiny size to pack away.
This is a great destination to take memorable photographs when you are in Amsterdam for one day! The colorful shops and bars paired with the Amsterdam canals make for very pretty backdrops.
There are so many boutique hotels in Amsterdam in this trendy area too.
Book Here: Amsterdam: City Center Walking Tour
Stop 7: Grab A Beer At The Heineken Experience
The Heineken Experience is one of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam for anyone interested in local beer.
Tour the original Heineken brewery to learn about the beer’s history and how it is made. Heineken has been around since 1873 and the green bottle is iconic.
Two drinks are included with your tour ticket as well! Enjoy your beer at the Best ‘Dam Bar or on the rooftop terrace.
There is also a 2.5-hour VIP tour with access to a hidden bar and a personalized Heineken gift.
This is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam for adults. The drinking age in the Netherlands is 18, and you must be this old to do the tour.
You can also order this popular lager at any bar when visiting Amsterdam in a day.
Book Here: Amsterdam: Heineken Experience Ticket
Stop 8: Check Out The Red Light District During Your 1 Day in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District is not for the faint of heart. DO NOT BRING YOUR CHILDREN HERE!
I visited the naughty Red Light District during the day during my 24 hours in Amsterdam. I am no prude, but it is a very provocative and erotic district.
You MUST be aware of this if you intend to visit the Red Light District. This is where Amsterdam’s legal prostitution takes place.
In the evenings, sex workers attempt to lure visitors from behind windows lit with red lights. Although no picture-taking is permitted, visitors are welcome.
If you intend to make this part of your 1 day in Amsterdam, know there is a strong police presence to keep the neighborhood safe.
This is certainly one of the most unique things to do in Amsterdam at night.
Book Here: Amsterdam Red Light Guided Walking Tour
Where to Stay During 1 Day In Amsterdam
If you are spending the night in Amsterdam, there are plenty of choices for accommodations. Whether you want a luxury hotel or a stylish hostel in Amsterdam, there is something to fit your needs.
Affordable Hostel with Shared Lounge Areas: ClinkNOORD Hostel. Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range Hotel in a Great Location: ibis Styles Amsterdam Central Station. Check Rates: Booking.com
Luxury Hotel with Beautiful Decor and Views: Hotel Estheréa. Check Rates: Booking.com
Packing Tips For Your 1 Day In Amsterdam Itinerary
Read my tips about how to pack lightly to make your Amsterdam trip more organized!
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring during your 1 day in Amsterdam itinerary. This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, these RFID sleeves will help prevent identity theft.
I was not a fan of packing cubes until I started to use them! This is the exact set of packing organizers I use whenever I travel. I cannot believe how much they do help with organization.
Don’t forget to bring along a universal power adapter on your Amsterdam travel itinerary. This world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. the 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse to carry.
And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble. You can find filter replacements here.
Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium. Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you.
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
Perhaps you need a more substantial backpack for your international travel. This antitheft backpack has a charging port, is water-resistant, and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop.
You will be walking more than usual during your 1 day Amsterdam itinerary. A sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must. These waterproof all-season shoes are affordable and yet fashionable.
Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these Go Walk high sneakers come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.
I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals. I like them so much I purchased another pair in a different color.
These flip-flop Vionic Tides are another style I have several colors of. I bring several colors when I travel. I never have to worry about my feet aching. Highly recommend Vionics.
We all need to protect our eyes from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These unisex polarized sunglasses come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.
If you are fond of the aviator-style of sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick Tips For Your 1 Day In Amsterdam
UPDATED: Stay vigilant! During our last trip to Paris, our family of four was robbed 3 times. We discussed at great length how we had to remain vigilant to protect ourselves against pickpocketers.
Please do not have any preconceptions of who can violate you by stealing your possessions. Stay vigilant and alert. Hope you have more success than we did..
Call your credit card company for two reasons: 1) to notify the bank that you will be out of the country and give them your exact travel dates.
2) To check to see if the bank charges foreign transaction fees every time you are out of the country and use your card. If it does, inquire about applying for a credit card that does NOT charge such fees.
When using an ATM in the Netherlands make sure it is in your bank’s network, so you do not incur a transaction fee every time you use an ATM to withdraw money.
Also, consider withdrawing larger amounts of money, fewer times, to limit the transaction fees by your bank.
Whenever you can, purchase advanced tickets to Amsterdam attractions whenever possible during your 1 day in Amsterdam. Tickets purchased online, in advance, are mostly always discounted, and many times come with a “skip the line” perk.
You will have more time to spend at the attraction since you will not be waiting in the entrance line. Also, you can better pace yourself during your busy days.
Next, check out my tips for surviving a long-haul flight!
Next, check out my tips for surviving a long-haul flight!
3 Days In Dublin: The Ultimate Itinerary You Should Steal
Michael Taricani
Nice write up. Looks like a great place even though there were some crooks around. The city is very colorful. We see it a lot on House Hunters.
Linda Malys Yore
The larger European cities are known for their pickpocketers and thieves. I experienced it in Paris.