Things To Do In Amsterdam In One Day

Home to some of the world’s most vibrant and lively attractions, Amsterdam is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s museums, take in its beautiful canals and bridges, or simply relax in one its many beer gardens, Amsterdam has plenty to offer those visiting the city for a short duration. With a myriad of activities to choose from, it can often be difficult to decide how to make the most of your one day in the capital of the Netherlands.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in Amsterdam in one day. From exploring the city’s many tourist attractions, to taking part in some of its unique activities, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to make the most of your short stay in Amsterdam.

A Brief History of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with its origins dating back to 1275. During this time, it was a modest fishing village located on the banks of the River Amstel. In the following centuries, Amsterdam flourished into an important trading port, becoming an international hub for art, culture and commerce.

Today, Amsterdam is home to more than 800,000 people and is one of the most visited cities in Europe. It is renowned for its winding canals, its rich cultural heritage, and its vibrant nightlife. It is also a popular destination for tourists from around the world who come to explore its many attractions and sample its famous Dutch cuisine.

Popular Sights and Attractions

When visiting Amsterdam for a day, there are plenty of sights and attractions to explore. Some of the most popular include:

The Rijksmuseum

One of Amsterdam’s most famous attractions, the Rijksmuseum is an art museum that houses an impressive collection of Dutch art and artefacts. The museum’s permanent collection includes works by renowned Dutch painters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer, as well as a variety of sculptures and other artworks dating back centuries. Visitors can also explore the museum’s many interactive displays and multimedia presentations.

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a must-see attraction in Amsterdam. It is dedicated to the life and legacy of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who documented her experiences during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during World War II. The house has been preserved as it was when Anne and her family lived there, giving visitors an insight into their lives during this tumultuous period in history.

Vondelpark

Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest public park and one of the city’s most popular attractions. Spanning over 47 hectares, the park offers an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can enjoy walking or cycling around its lush green spaces, or take part in a variety of activities such as picnics, outdoor sports and live music events.

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of works by the famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. The museum’s galleries showcase over 200 paintings and 500 drawings by the artist, including some of his most famous pieces such as The Starry Night and Sunflowers. The museum also houses a variety of temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience is an interactive museum dedicated to the famous Dutch beer brand. The museum offers visitors the chance to learn about Heineken’s history and brewing process, as well as sample some of its beers. The experience also features live music events, brewery tours and beer tastings.

Unique Experiences

As well as exploring Amsterdam’s many attractions, there are also plenty of unique experiences to be had in the city. From taking part in traditional Dutch activities such as cheese tasting and windmill tours, to exploring its vibrant nightlife scene, there are plenty of ways to make your one day in Amsterdam truly unforgettable.

Cheese Tasting

One of Amsterdam’s most popular activities is cheese tasting. The city is home to a variety of cheese shops offering a range of traditional Dutch cheeses such as Gouda, Edam and Maasdammer. Visitors can sample these cheeses while learning about their history and production process.

Canal Tour

Taking a canal tour is one of the best ways to explore Amsterdam’s picturesque waterways. Visitors can enjoy views of the city’s historical bridges and buildings while learning about its rich maritime history. Tours are available in both daytime and evening cruises, allowing visitors to take in the city’s sights at any time of day.

Windmill Tour

Amsterdam is home to over a dozen windmills located outside its city centre. Visitors can take a tour of these windmills to learn about their history and explore their beautifully preserved interiors. Most tours include a visit to a local cheese farm where visitors can sample delicious Dutch cheeses.

Beer Tasting

One of Amsterdam’s most popular activities is beer tasting. Visitors can sample a variety of Dutch beers at one of the city’s many beer gardens or breweries. Many tours also include visits to local pubs or breweries where visitors can learn about traditional beer making techniques and sample some of Amsterdam’s finest beers.

Nightlife Scene

Amsterdam’s vibrant nightlife scene is renowned around the world for its eclectic mix of bars and clubs playing every genre imaginable from rock, pop, hip-hop and techno. Visitors can explore some of the city’s many bars and clubs or take part in one of its famous pub crawls to sample some of Amsterdam’s best beers.

Popular Tours

In addition to exploring Amsterdam’s many attractions and unique experiences, visitors can also take part in some of its most popular tours. Here we will discuss two of the city’s most popular tours in detail:

Amsterdam Beer Cruise

The Amsterdam Beer Cruise is one of the city’s most popular tours for beer lovers. This three-hour cruise takes visitors along Amsterdam’s beautiful canals while sampling some of its finest beers from local breweries. Along the way, visitors will learn about Amsterdam’s rich brewing history as well as get an insight into traditional beer making techniques from experienced brewers. Guests will also enjoy live music from local bands while indulging in delicious snacks such as Hollandse Nieuwe (Dutch pickled herring) and Kaasstengels (cheese sticks). Book your Amsterdam Beer Cruise here.

Amsterdam Coffee Tour

The Amsterdam Coffee Tour is a two-hour tour that takes visitors through some of the city’s best coffee shops while sampling some of its finest coffees. Along with learning about different coffee brewing techniques from experienced baristas, visitors will also get an insight into Amsterdam’s vibrant cafe culture from knowledgeable guides. At each location guests will be served generous samples of coffees from around the world as well as traditional Dutch pastries such as stroopwafels (syrup waffles). Book your Amsterdam Coffee Tour here.

Conclusion

From exploring Amsterdam’s historic sights and attractions, to discovering its unique experiences and taking part in its popular tours, there is plenty to do in this vibrant Dutch city if you are only visiting for a day. Whether you are a beer lover looking for a tour through Amsterdam’s breweries or a coffee enthusiast wanting to discover the city’s cafe culture, there are plenty of ways to make your one day in Amsterdam truly unforgettable.