Day 1: Art, Canals, and Stroopwafels

Morning – The Museum Quarter
Start at the Rijksmuseum for a dose of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces (yes, Rembrandt’s Night Watch lives here). Then pop next door to the Van Gogh Museum, where you can trace the artist’s life through color and heartbreak.

Pro tip: Buy tickets online to skip queues — especially during weekends or holidays.

Lunch – Local Flavor
Head to De Pijp, a lively neighborhood full of cafés and local eateries. Grab a broodje (Dutch sandwich) or a bowl of Indonesian nasi goreng — a nod to the Netherlands’ colonial past. For dessert, a fresh stroopwafel from Albert Cuyp Market is non-negotiable.

Afternoon – Canal Wander
Rent a bike or stroll along the Herengracht and Prinsengracht canals. Stop for coffee at Café de Jaren, which has waterfront views and perfect people-watching.

Evening – Jordaan District
Wind down in Jordaan, a former working-class neighborhood turned bohemian haven. It’s full of cozy wine bars, indie shops, and hidden courtyards. Try dinner at Café Sonneveld for hearty Dutch comfort food, or La Perla for excellent wood-fired pizza.

Day 2: Local Life and Hidden Corners

Morning – A Slow Start in the Nine Streets
Begin your day in De Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) — nine picturesque alleys filled with vintage stores, bakeries, and boutiques. Grab breakfast at Pluk Amsterdam or Vinnies, both known for great coffee and healthy bites.

Late Morning – Anne Frank House
A must-see, but it requires planning — tickets often sell out weeks in advance. The museum offers a moving look into history that deserves quiet reflection afterward.

Lunch – Canal Picnic
Pick up sandwiches or cheese from a local deli and picnic by the water at Westerpark. If the weather’s bad, try Foodhallen, an indoor food market with everything from sushi to bitterballen (crispy Dutch meatballs).

Afternoon – Explore by Boat
Hop on a canal cruise (the smaller, open boats feel more personal). It’s the best way to understand how the city connects — and you’ll see landmarks like the Skinny Bridge, Anne Frank House, and the 17th-century canal houses from a new perspective.

Evening – Drinks with a View
End your trip at A’DAM Tower, where you can sip cocktails while watching the sun set over the city. Feeling brave? Try the “Over the Edge” swing — Europe’s highest swing, dangling you over the skyline.