What to Do in Amsterdam for a Day

By: Leah Shoup

Explore the Amsterdam canals by boat

The best way to see the city’s canal system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is on one of its iconic canal cruises. Make a reservation in advance!

Walk along the Damrak

The Damrak itself serves as a bustling avenue, connecting the Amsterdam Centraal train station to the grandeur of Dam Square–where most walking tours begin.

See the floating flower market

A must-visit in the summertime, it’s been selling vibrant flowers since 1862. Purchase a seed packet or traditional Dutch souvenirs while you're here!

Visit one of the famous Amsterdam museums

With only one day in Amsterdam, you’ll have to choose between the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, and the Rijksmuseum.

Discover the Jordaan neighborhood

Here, you can relish the beauty of Amsterdam’s canals while strolling past beautiful historic homes, art galleries, and quaint shops.

Shop in the Nine Streets

Named after nine popular shopping streets in the city center, spend some time perusing the boutiques, cafés, and vintage clothing stores here.

Try authentic Dutch food

When visiting Amsterdam, you'll definitely want to try some local foods, like raw herring, stroopwafels, and bitterballen.

Experience the Red Light District

It’s up to you to decide whether or not to include the Red Light District in your Amsterdam one-day itinerary. We think it's worth a brief stroll past.

Sip cocktails at a speakeasy

Feel like you've traveled back in time to the 1920s at one of our favorite local speakeasies. Check out Door 74 or Bar Oldenhof.

See a movie at Pathé Tuschinski.

One of our secret tips: if you're looking for unique things to do in Amsterdam, see a movie at this famous Art Deco cinema during your trip.