24 Hours in Amsterdam | How to Make the Most of One FULL Day in Amsterdam
24 Hours in Amsterdam 🇳🇱
Amsterdam is one of those cities that feels like a painting—canals lined with tilted houses, bikes whizzing past, and the smell of stroopwafels in the air. If you’ve only got 24 hours to explore, don’t worry—I’ve got you. Here’s how to make the most of your day.
9:00am-Breakfast on the Canal 🥞☕️
Start your day off in Amsterdam at The Pancake Bakery, located right on the scenic Prinsengracht canal. This spot has been serving up Dutch Pancakes since 1973! The menu is packed with sweet and savory Dutch pancakes. One of their specialties is an Indonesian pancake with satay. One pancake is practically the size of your table, so fuel up, you’ll need it for the rest of the day.
10:30am-Wander the Jordaan Neighborhood🚶🏽♂️🏠
After breakfast, take a stroll through Amsterdam’s most charming area. Every street here is an aesthetic photo opportunity with cobblestone streets and unique canal houses. Not to mention the numerous courtyards filled with tiny artisan shops. There are also many tucked-away cafes to grab a coffee. If you’re into history, the Anne Frank House is just a few blocks away. I recommend booking tickets online in advance as tickets do sell out fast.
12:30pm-Canal Cruise Time🛳🚤
A trip to Amsterdam would not be complete without a canal cruise! Glide under historic bridges and past some of the most unique architecture in the world. A 60-minute cruise is perfect for relaxing and indulging in some Dutch history.
Pro Tip: go for one that includes audio commentary or a local guide—they’ll point out hidden stories about the canal rings, secret courtyards, and legendary merchant houses
2:00pm-Lunch at Foodhallen🍔🍣
Next, head to Foodhallen, an indoor food market located in a former tram depot. The atmosphere is unmatched, with long communal tables, buzzing chatter, and the smell of spices filling the air. Try a Dutch bitterballen for a local snack, or explore flavors from around the world like Vietnamese banh mi, Spanish tapas, or a classic burger. It’s a great spot if you’re traveling with friends who can’t agree on one type of cuisine. Don’t skip the dessert stalls; fresh churros or stroopwafels can be the perfect sweet ending to lunch.
Pro Tip: Try to grab a table by the windows as they often overlook a small courtyard, which is perfect for people watching.
4:00pm-Explore Amsterdam’s Museums
Amsterdam is home to world-class museums. Your choice depends on your interests:
Van Gogh Museum: Walk through the life and work of Vincent Van Gogh, from his early sketches to iconic sunflowers. The museum also houses works by contemporaries, giving context to his style.
Rijksmuseum: See masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer, plus historical artifacts that tell the story of the Dutch Golden Age. The building itself is stunning—don’t miss the central atrium.
Moco Museum: For modern and contemporary art lovers, this museum showcases works by Banksy, Warhol, and immersive installations that are perfect for photos.
Extra tip: Many museums now offer skip-the-line tickets online—worth it, especially if you’re trying to stick to a tight schedule.
Immersive art at the Moco Museum
6:00pm-Golden Hour at Vondelpark ☀️🚲
Spend some time before dinner exploring Amsterdam’s largest park. Golden hour transforms it into a placid escape with sunlight peaking through the trees and bikes parked along the path.
Find a bench and grab a coffee or stroopwafel from a nearby kiosk and soak in the atmosphere. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a bike and explore hidden corners of the park that most tourists miss, like the rose garden or small ponds with ducks and swans.
7:30 pm-Authentic Dutch Dinner on the Canals
For dinner, I recommend De Kas, a greenhouse-turned-restaurant where much of the produce is grown on-site. The menu changes daily, built around whatever is freshest from the garden that morning. Expect beautifully plated, seasonal dishes that make vegetables the star, paired with excellent wines. The atmosphere is airy, elegant, and unforgettable—one of Amsterdam’s most unique dining experiences.
Pro tip: If it’s on the menu, try the roasted lamb with garden herbs or the white asparagus in spring—both showcase De Kas at its best.
9:00 PM – A’DAM Lookout
The A’DAM Lookout is one of the most unique ways to see Amsterdam at night. Located across the IJ River, the lookout offers a 360° panoramic view of the city’s historic center, canals, and harbor, all lit up after dark. Visitors can take the interactive elevator ride to the top, enjoy drinks at the rooftop bar, and, for the adventurous, try the “Over the Edge” swing, Europe’s highest swing that takes you out over the edge of the tower. It’s a modern, exciting contrast to Amsterdam’s old-world charm, making it a must-do attraction in Amsterdam.
11:00 PM - Nightcap in a Brown Café
End you’re night at one of Amsterdam’s traditional Brown Cafés, with warm wood-paneled interiors, friendly bartenders, and a relaxed vibe. Try a local beer or a small glass of jenever, the Dutch gin, and listen to locals chat. These pubs are perfect for soaking up the authentic Amsterdam nightlife without diving into the club scene.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re skipping alcohol, try a glass of Chocomel (rich Dutch hot chocolate) or a refreshing fresh mint tea—both are local favorites and perfect for warming up while soaking in the cozy café vibe.
Midnight- Lights Out (or Keep Going…)
If you’re done, head back to your hotel or Airbnb. But if you’ve still got energy, Amsterdam’s nightlife is buzzing—Paradiso or De School keep the party going until sunrise. Either way, your 24 hours in Amsterdam are packed with history, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
