36-Hour Guide to Amsterdam

Arrive in Amsterdam

Once you’ve dropped your bags off and freshened up at your hotel, head over to your pre-reserved canal tour, an excellent orientation to the city! I recommend Pure Boats Amsterdam or Those Dam Boat Guys.

Interested in a “coffeeshop” visit while in Amsterdam? Visit Boerejongens, the staff will answer questions kindly and support your desired experience.

For lunch, consider exploring the Albert Cuyp Market in the de Pijp neighborhood. You’ll find delicious street food, souvenirs, and friendly vendors. Food to consider for lunch: the stroopwafels at Rudi’s, Johan Kaas cheeses, or Greg Monsieur for a sandwich.

If you’re anything like me, staying awake the full day of arrival is paramount to adjusting to the time change. To keep you active and alert for your arrival day afternoon, grab a cappuccino and explore the Jordaan neighborhood. Here you will find the Anne Frank museum. Tickets are notoriously hard to reserve for this museum, so make sure to track the day you are able to purchase the ticket. In the event that you aren’t able to reserve a ticket, don’t fret - there are many Airbnb and Viator walking tours available to learn about Anne Frank’s life in Amsterdam.

Morning

Prioritize the Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands. Reserve your ticketed entry time ahead of your visit. There may be a line when you arrive, so get there a few minutes before you reserved time slot. Pro tip: avoid the €5 audio guide purchase by downloading the free Rijksmuseum app on your phone. Bring your favorite pair of headphones, and select one of the many free curated highlights tours available in the app! After you’ve completed your tour, enjoy the beautiful surrounding gardens.

Mid-day

For lunch and a little shopping along the way, walk over to Cafe Georgette - just a 6-minute walk from the museum. If the weather is good, opt for a table outside and enjoy people-watching as you savor your last few hours in this magical city.

If you love Amsterdam so much you rearrange your plans to stay longer than 36 hours, here are a few more activities to consider:

• Van Gogh Museum

• Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s floating flower market

• Book a bike tour! Local bikers take their trade seriously (you’ll discover this by finding a bench in the city and watching the morning commute of bikers!), so read a tour guide's description and recommendations carefully as you choose a tour.

• Take a brief train ride outside the city to wander the countryside, see a windmill and maybe even a cheese factory. Tours available on Airbnb and Viator.