The ultimate weekend in Amsterdam

Museums, quirky hotels and plenty of fun activities… it’s time for the ultimate weekend in Amsterdam.

I really enjoyed Amsterdam. It’s one of the shortest flights you can take from London or alternatively you can take the overnight bus to save a few pounds. For me, it’s a city that oozes fun. It’s a wonderland of treasure-packed museums, Golden Age canals, Dutch brick buildings and narrow lanes. I’m sure once you’ve visited you’ll feel like ONE weekend in Amsterdam is simply not enough, but hey, it’s a good start!

To truly make the most of your 48 hours in Amsterdam, consider ordering an I Amsterdam City Card. It’ll give you free or discounted entry to tonnes of museums and attractions in the city.

48 hours in Amsterdam will have you sipping on espresso at a café by the Singel canal, partying until the sun comes up, enjoying a dose of culture at one of the city’s top museums, and  getting lost in the endless boutiques of De Piip.

One thing I should mention… there’s a lovely mix of vibes in Amsterdam. Old and new, villagey areas and busy commercial districts – it’s a place where you really CAN have the best of both worlds. Hang out by the quiet canals, or hop on a bike and zoom around the city taking in the architecture, views and all that makes the city special. No doubt you’ll soak up plenty of Amsterdam’s buzz along the way. 

Whether you’re into history, culture, architecture, or want to party until dawn, this weekend guide to Amsterdam is the perfect place to kick off your trip planning. 

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO AMSTERDAM

Hop on a bike around Jordaan

Forget walking, hop on a bike and get peddling. In Amsterdam,  bikes  always come first!  58% of locals cycle daily, so hop on a bike and explore the city on two wheels. Jordaan is one of Amsterdam’s most central neighbourhoods, and one of the prettiest too. With maze-like streets, quaint art galleries, and flower-lined canals, it’s a great area to explore. There’s also plenty to see and do in the area… from museums and markets, to quirky cafes.

WANDER AROUND DE 9 STRAATJES

Nine Streets

If you’re looking for an intro to local culture, head to De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets.). It’s basically nine little streets that are packed with fashion boutiques, cafes, speciality stores, plus vintage and antique shops, and even a toothbrush shop. It’s a lovely area to walk around and you will definitely find something you like.

RELAX AT AMSTERDAM’S FAVOURITE ESCAPE

Vondelpark

One of the most popular parks in the entire country, Vondelpark remains a local and tourist favourite. Around 10 million people visit each year, so a little trip should definitely be on your list of things to do on your weekend in Amsterdam. Whether you want to relax on the grass after a long day, chill by the pond, cycle around it or catch one of the open-air concerts or festivals, it’s a lovely contrast to the busier areas of the city. 

SPEND A FEW HOURS IN MUSEUMPLEIN

Museumplein

Grab some food, put on your comfiest shoes and brace yourself for an exciting journey through art, culture, and history. The Museumplein district allows you to jump right into Dutch history, culture and more by visiting some of Europe’s top museums.

If you only have 48 hours in Amsterdam, then perhaps choose one museum rather than trying to cram both of them in to a short time. 

• Rijksmuseum – This is definitely a crowd favourite. Visited by over 2.2 million people each year, the museum is a treasure trove of Dutch arts and history. The star of the show is Rembrandt’s Night Watch. Hate queueing? Book special ‘skip the line’ tickets here.

• Van Gogh Museum –  This museum gives you the chance to step into Van Gogh’s world. Along with the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, you can also see some of the artist’s personal belongings and letters. It can get busy, especially at weekends, so consider booking in advance. 

CRUISE ALONG AMSTERDAM’S CANALS

No doubt when you think of visiting Amsterdam, you think of canals, so it’d be a shame not to hop on a canal cruise and explore the city from the water. I’d recommend taking this trip at the start of your city break as you’ll get a great overview of Amsterdam’s history and top attractions, and the general layout of the city, before you decide what to do with the rest of your time. Check latest prices here. 

EXPLORE THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT

Despite its seedy reputation, you can’t spend the weekend in Amsterdam and not visit the Red Light District.

There’s plenty more to it than weed, sex workers, and tourists – the neighbourhood is, in fact, one of the oldest in Amsterdam. A warren of alleyways ending in medieval churches, neon-lit canals gliding between raucous bars, and surprising museums. You’ll be amazed at what you stumble across! 

HAVE A DEEPLY MOVING EXPERIENCE AT THE ANNE FRANK HOUSE

Another must-visit for your weekend in Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House is home to a museum experience retelling her amazing story. It’s an alarming journey, but an important one, as you learn all about her life, and see where she hid when the Nazis swept through Europe.

It’s important to choose the best time to visit the Anne Frank House due to the sheer volume of visitors to the museum. I suggest queuing early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Tickets can only be purchased online, click here: https://www.annefrank.org/en/museum/tickets/