A perfect day in Amsterdam

As a repeat visitor, I’ve never run out of reasons to return to Amsterdam. That’s because this city easily holds its own against other European capitals, thanks to its amazing architecture (especially those 17th-century canal houses), top-tier museums (all those Van Gogh sunflowers), and a dining scene that constantly punches above its weight. I’m always adding to my long list of places that I want to see when I visit my family here.

But what if you only have one day to take it all in? You won’t be able to experience everything—and you’ll likely have to choose between all those museums—but you can get a good sense of what Amsterdam has to offer. It’s small, as world-class cities go, but that just makes it more manageable for a day trip. Most of the attractions on this one-day itinerary are walkable (or bikeable, if you think you can keep up with Dutch cyclists), and a few trams can take you to the rest. I’ve included plenty of advice from Tripadvisor readers to make sure I’ve included all the must-see sights.

Amsterdam is obsessed with a Dutch delicacy called poffertjes (basically, they’re sweet, fluffy pancakes the size of a bottle cap), so see what all the fuss is about by starting your day at PANCAKES Amsterdam Westermarkt in the Jordaan neighborhood. It also offers a variety of sweet and savory pancakes served Dutch-style (large and thin), along with fluffy American-style ones. There’s a ton of tables inside, as well as some umbrella-shaded picnic tables outside.

After breakfast, begin your exploration with the Anne Frank House, a Tripadvisor “Best of the Best.” Reserve a timed entry ticket in advance, as it’s the only way to get inside this museum devoted to Jewish teenage diarist Anne Frank, who went into hiding with her family during World War II. The museum includes the “Secret Annex” where they remained for more than two years before being discovered. Half a block away is the Homomonument, three pink granite triangles extending into a canal that honor the gay men and lesbians who were also persecuted by the Nazis.

After, window-shop your way through the chic De Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) neighborhood on your way to the Museum of the Canals, inside one of the grandest canal houses. Here you’ll learn about the massive project that led to the creation of the canals in the 17th century. The interactive exhibit takes less than an hour.

Pop into the nearby De Kaaskamer cheese shop, where you can sample the aged Gouda, raw-milk Edam, and other Dutch cheeses that line the walls. Then make your way to the always-bustling Dam Square, a massive expanse where you’ll find many of the city’s top attractions. Here, you can ogle the Gothic Nieuwe Kerk (the exterior of the former protestant church is the most impressive part, unless there’s an interesting exhibit inside) and the Royal Palace Amsterdam (if you’re a history buff, the gilded interior is definitely worth a look).

The concept of rijsttafel (which literally means “rice table”) was invented by the Dutch, but the dozens of small dishes that make up the typical meal are definitely Indonesian. When hunger strikes, take a short tram ride to the Museums Quarter and indulge in rijsttafel at Sama Sebo, the oldest Indonesian restaurant in the city.

Now that you’ve refueled, you’re ready for an art-filled afternoon. You won’t have time for all of the city’s dazzling museums, so choose between the venerable Rijksmuseum (showcasing all the Dutch masters, including Rembrandt and Vermeer) and the Van Gogh Museum, (the world’s largest collection of the Dutch painter’s works). Whatever you pick, you’ve got to plan ahead and buy timed tickets online. They sell out early, especially in high season. If you didn’t get advance tickets, don’t worry. You can get into the equally great Stedelijk Museum, which focuses on modern art.

Toward the end of the afternoon, go for a stroll or bike ride in Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s most beloved green space. Spot ducks by the shores of the pond, wander down one of the many trails, or seek out the abstract Picasso sculpture near the center of the park. If it’s spring, enjoy the tulips; summertime brings lots of free concerts.

When the sun starts to set, take an evening canal cruise to see the city’s landmarks bathed in a soft glow. The arches of the bridges are especially pretty when they’re traced by strings of tiny lights.

For dinner, there are a crop of award-winning restaurants worth the splurge. One of the more reasonably priced ones is De Kas, set in the grassy Park Frankendael. It’s tucked inside a massive greenhouse where many of the herbs and much of the produce used at the restaurant is grown. It’s a pre-fixe menu of five or six courses, and the chef is happy to make a vegetarian or vegan version for you.

De Kas is a bit outside the city center, so if you want to stay close to Vondelpark, check out The Pantry. It’s a favorite of Tripadvisor reviewers for the cheerfully old-fashioned decor and traditional Dutch foods like herring and hutspot (mashed potatoes with stewed beef). The hard-to-pronounce dessert called vlaflip (vanilla custard with yogurt and fruit syrup) is an incredible way to end the meal.

Amsterdam is known for jenever, its own version of a juniper-based liquor (a distant relation to gin). To try some jenever, along with a dose of history, head back to the Dam Square area for a nightcap at Wynand Fockink, which has been making and serving this local favorite since 1679.

CANAL CRUISE TOUR OPTIONS

Dam Square: With just one day in Amsterdam, you’ll want to stay in the center of the city. On the edge of Dam Square, the historic Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam is walking distance to just about everything on this itinerary. While the location earns rave reviews from Tripadvisor reviewers, so do the spacious rooms done up in soothing shades of cream and oatmeal. Just off the square and with cheaper prices is Hotel V Nesplein, which readers like for its excellent breakfast and quiet rooms.