I love Amsterdam.  It is a city that effortlessly blends historic charm with a vibrant modern energy. From its picturesque canals and gabled houses to world-class museums and a buzzing food scene, there’s something for everyone in this Dutch gem. If you’re planning a short trip, a 2-3-day Amsterdam itinerary is the perfect amount of time to experience the highlights and get a true feel for the city.

Where I Stayed (And Where You Should Consider!)

For most travelers, Amsterdam is just one fantastic stop on a broader European adventure, and seamless travel connections are key. That’s why I’d highly recommend looking for hotels near Amsterdam Centraal Station. I found it to be an absolutely perfect base. Not only can you literally walk to a huge number of major sights (like Dam Square, the canals, and the Anne Frank House) directly from the station, but it’s also the central hub for all public transportation. Trams, buses, and the metro radiate out from here, making it incredibly easy to get anywhere else in the city, and of course, it’s a direct train ride to Schiphol Airport. It streamlines everything, especially when you’re short on time.  I like both the Doubletree by Hilton, where I stayed, with its great views of the river and Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam in the busy historic area surrounding Dam Square.

Getting Around Like a Local

Honestly, the best way to get around Amsterdam is on foot or by bike. The city center is incredibly compact, and just wandering the canals is an experience in itself. I rented a bike for a few hours, and it was such a blast to feel like a true Amsterdammer navigating the streets. For anything further out, the trams are super-efficient. I just bought a simple public transport pass, and it was perfect.

Day 1 – Canals, Culture & Reflection

Morning: Arrival & Canal Views

We arrived bright and early on a red-eye flight from the US and headed straight to my hotel. After dropping my bags, we immediately started exploring. The Royal Palace at Dam Square is pretty impressive, and it’s a great central point to start from.

Then, it was straight to the canals! Seriously, you can’t go to Amsterdam and not do a canal cruise. I hopped on one right away, and it was the perfect way to get an overview of the city. Seeing those iconic canal houses from the water is just magical. It really sets the scene for everything else you’ll see.

Afternoon: A Poignant Visit & Charming Streets

This was the part of the day I’d been anticipating: a visit to the Anne Frank House. I can’t stress this enough: book your tickets MONTHS in advance. I booked mine the second I knew my dates, and it was still a tight squeeze. It’s a truly moving and essential experience, but be prepared for a very reflective visit.

Afterward, I needed a bit of a change of pace, so I wandered through the Jordaan district. It’s right near the Anne Frank House and is just beautiful with its narrow streets, leafy canals, and hidden courtyards. I loved just soaking in the atmosphere.

Evening: Jordaan Flavors & Historic Vibes

With a bit of jet-lag, we grabbed a simple early dinner in the Jordaan. After eating, We decided to walk back towards our hotel, passing through parts of the Red Light District (De Wallen). It’s definitely an interesting area, quite historic actually, and always buzzing with people. Just remember to be respectful; photos of the windows are a big no-no.

Day 2: Art, Parks & Last Bites

Morning: Museum Immersion

Day two was all about art for us! We started our day at Museumplein, home to some of the world’s best museums. First up was the Rijksmuseum. You could spend days here, but we focused on the Dutch Masters like Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch.” It’s absolutely breathtaking.

Next, we headed to the Van Gogh Museum, just a stone’s throw away. This was another one where we booked tickets online way ahead of time to avoid the queues. Seeing so many of Van Gogh’s works in one place was just incredible. We were so glad we prioritized these two.

Lunch: Park Picnic

After all that art, we grabbed some snacks and headed into Vondelpark. It’s such a beautiful green space, and it was lovely to just relax, watch people, and recharge before the afternoon’s adventures. If you’re feeling energetic, renting a bike here would be fun too!

Afternoon: Market Magic & Last-Minute Souvenirs

For our final Amsterdam experience, we hopped on a tram to the Albert Cuyp Market in the De Pijp district. This place is vibrant! We loved Browse all the stalls, from fresh produce to clothes and souvenirs. You absolutely have to try a fresh, warm stroopwafel here – it’s a game-changer!

We spent a good hour just soaking in the market atmosphere and picking up a few gifts. The whole De Pijp neighborhood around the market is also worth exploring – lots of cool cafes and a really lively vibe.

Evening: One Last Look & Departure

As the afternoon wound down, we made our way back towards the city center to grab what unfortunately turned out to be an unremarkable dinner (that restaurant has since closed).  We really made the most of our two full days and the next morning grabbed an early train to Brussels.

My Top Tips for Your Quick Amsterdam Trip

• Book EVERYTHING in Advance: This is the biggest tip I can give you. Especially for the Anne Frank House and the major museums. It saves so much time and guarantees entry.
• Embrace Walking & Biking: It’s the best way to see the city. Wear comfortable shoes!
• Prioritize: You can’t see everything in two days. Pick your top 2-3 must-sees and then let the rest of your exploration be spontaneous.
• Try the Food! Don’t leave without having a stroopwafel, some Dutch cheese, and maybe some bitterballen.
• Be Aware of Cyclists: They’re everywhere, and they’re fast! Always look both ways in the bike lanes.

Our two days in Amsterdam were unforgettable. It’s a city that truly captures your heart. You might be tired by the end, but you’ll be leaving with incredible memories.

Are you thinking of heading to Amsterdam soon? What’s at the top of your must-see list?