The Best 5 Things to Do in Amsterdam in One Day

What to do in Amsterdam in one day? So many questions, so little time, you only got one day! Here are the top 5 things you can do in one day to make you short trip the most memorable!

This post will highlight 5 things to do to really enjoy Amsterdam in a short period of time. Consider taking the best canal tour with those dam boat guys, having brunch in the Joordan district, and finishing the night at Waterkant! These suggestions are given by a local so they hopefully won’t disappoint but will give you memories that last.

This post is about what to do in Amsterdam in one day.

What To Do in Amsterdam in One Day

I was able to go to Amsterdam for the second time last year and only had really a day to experience the city. The best decision I made was to take the canal tour which was fantastic and I’ll share more about it below. I was able to get lots of suggestions and re-visit what I did in 2019 to create this list. These suggestions will fill up your day and allow you to experience the city in the best way in a short period of time!

1. Take a Canal Tour

I only had 1 day in Amsterdam and I really wanted to take a proper canal tour. I took the best tour out there by Those Dam Boat Guys!

This canal tour is a small group tour that allows you to get in all the nooks and crannies of the canals, that larger boat tours wouldn’t allow. We had the best tour guide names Domonique and she really gave us the rundown on Amsterdam from a locals perspective.

We purchased our tickets, easily online the night before, and took an Uber to the meeting place. If you’re taking the train, their headquarters is about a 15-minute walk from Central Station. We took this tour on the cusp of winter so it was cooold. Luckily, this tour runs rain or shine as well as with the changing weather. There was a covering over the boat that really blocked out the cold very well and they also had blankets on board which kept us very warm and comfortable.

The tour in total took about 1 1/2 hours. On your tour, it’s not a lot of people, they really try to limit it so it’s very personable and comfortable. You are more than welcome to bring your own drinks on the tour so you can enjoy them. I’m sure if you go during the summer when it’s hot, this would be good. One of the guests brought his own cooler on the boat and offered drinks to everyone. It’s a very chill and laid-back experience.

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Domonique grazed our ears with the beautiful history of Amsterdam and how the culture has evolved over the centuries. Some interesting thing we learned is that for one the people don’t refer to themselves as dutch. It was the nickname given by Englishmen who thought their language sounded harsh and “dirty” (recheck into this). Also, the people of the Netherlands practice gedogen, which I can best describe as a deep tolerance for others. Whether religion, orientation, or way of life, they accommodate differences.

Dom told us that this ideology is ingrained in society and is taught from a young age. She described it as if you were to have a house party and play loud music until 3 am, your neighbor won’t call the cops on you for disturbance. However, if they decide to start renovating their house at 5 am, you shouldn’t complain!

As green as the canal looks, it’s apparently safe to swim in? I wouldn’t but that’s what we learned. Also, you’ll learn about houseboats and the cost of some. We’re talking in the millions!

As you listen to the guide, you will also become more familiar with the city and they will give your tips on things to do, and explore so you really get the best of the best on how to experience Amsterdam.

The tour time has various time slots, so you can select the time that works for you! Make sure to book because they can sell out quickly. Each tour may have a different tour guide, hopefully, you’ll get Dom, but I’m sure anyone will be just as fantastic. This company was so accommodating as well, we were late to get the boat and the tour patiently waited for us!

Compared to the last canal tour I did in Amsterdam, this one is way better and well worth the money and you gain so much from it!

Price: 32.50€

Location: Prinsenstraat 13H, 1015 DA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Walk Around the Area

When you’re done with the tour or before, walk around the surrounding area where you can enjoy local shops.I had a warm pastry and chai tea that I was able to enjoy while on the boat from Oslo.

2. Visit the Joordan District

After your tour, take a walk in this popular neighborhood. Joordan is filled with beautiful greenery and houses. The beauty of the city is shown in this neighborhood. I’ve enjoyed walking around and marveling at the houses and shops you’ll find on the canal.

While you’re here, enjoy a nice breakfast as you overlook the lush greenery and canal, especially in the early morning when the city is at its quietest. Reading a good book as you soak in the morning sounds divine. Or, come back later for lunch, maybe after your canal tour, and indulge in the sites.

Another activity to try while in the Joordan district is to check out the Lindengracht Market, a place to buy fresh cheeses and produce. You could come here first, pick some goodies from eh market and have a little picnic on the canal! (Only Open on Saturdays from 9 am-4:30 pm).

If you really want to pack in lots of history into your day, you can also visit the Anne Frank Museum in the Joordan district.

3. Visit a Local Market

Speaking of local markets, Amsterdam lacks none. If you wanted to make your one day in Amsterdam a thing of markets, it’s possible, It seems like you can find fresh produce and unique finds all over this city at various times.

Niewmarkt (New Market Square)

Enjoy the New Market Square for your one day in Amsterdam. This is a popular square where locals come to get good food and relax. There are small markets that happen daily and a bigger market that happens on Saturdays. You can find fresh organic produce and on some days antique finds.

Dom recommended when you come here, to try a strop waffle.. which I have yet to try! It’s like a waffle cookie that’s held together by maple-flavored caramel. It’s a popular Netherlands dessert.

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You could also come here for lunch and try some Asian-inspired cuisine. The Asian food in Amsterdam is very popular and very good. You could try some Malaysian, Thai or Indonesian food. Dom recommended trying an Indonesian spring roll at one of the restaurants! I’ve personally had Indonesian food from Long Pura, and it was absolutely delicious.

Farmer’s Market on Noordemarkt

This market was highly recommended by the tour guide as another place to pick up fresh food and artisanal finds. It was recommended you can find some really delicious cheeses at this market as well as fresh bread! You can also find other products like spices, honey, and homemade cakes. This market attracts people on the weekend who don’t even live in Amsterdam so it’s definitely worth checking out.

Saturday 9 am-3 pm
Monday 9 am-1 pm

Location: Noordermarkt 1015 MV Amsterdam

4. Visit the Amsterdam Tulip Museum

Take a detailed look at the Netherlands’ most popular flower by taking an immersive 25-minute-1-hour tour about the…. tulip! Learn about the history dating back to the Ottoman Empire and beyond! This museum has 6 rooms designed to keep you engaged and entertained throughout your time.

Dive deep into how the various types of tulips are bred and see what grows best per season. If you wanted to start growing tulips at home, this museum has resources to teach you how.

After becoming a tulip expert, you’re probably like dang, can I have one? Well, of course, you can! Seize the opportunity to buy tulip bulbs that can be shipped worldwide, therefore, if you live in the US or Canada, the tulips are pre-certified bulbs that you can either ship or fly with you and will pass through customs.

These are high-quality tulips! This would make a great gift for yourself, or friends and family. What a nice thing to bring home from your 24 hours in Amsterdam!

Price- 5 euros. Can only be purchased at the museum, not online
Location: Prinsengracht 116, 1015 EA Amsterdam, Netherlands

5. Have a Nightcap

The day is coming to an end and some good drinks, dinner, and maybe a little bit of dancing sounds right up your alley.

Hotel De L’Europe (Freddy’s Bar)

Come to Freddys’s bar at this popular hotel directly facing the canal. This hotel was bought by Alfred “Freddy” Heineken. Apparently, he bought this hotel and would constantly come to the bar for drinks almost every night and leave super late at night. He was a regular at his own hotel. channel rich bish vibes for the night and enjoy a luxurious cocktail while you bask in live jazz music. This could be a great place to pre-game before dinner or a sweet way to end the night.

Waterkant

Lastly, if you really want to turn the night up, make a reservation at Waterkant. It’s a large restaurant with live music and Surinamese food located right on the canal. This place is a mood on its own but on the weekend things really pick up. Enjoy the upbeat atmosphere where you may hear afrobeats, house music, and anything that gets the night rolling.

Sunday- Thursday (11 am-1 pm)
Friday & Saturday (1aam- 3am)
Make a reservation online here

Location: Marnixstraat 246, 1016 TL Amsterdam, Netherlands

Here are the top 5 things you can do in Amsterdam if you only have 1 day to spend. I’m sure by the time you’re done, you’ll beat but the enjoyment will be overflowing. I love this city and I know you will enjoy it as well.

Let’s travel around the world, together:)

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The Best 5 Things to Do in Amsterdam in One Day