Search for a place or activity
Boats sailing in the canals of Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Itineraries for Your Trip to Amsterdam

Amsterdam locals share their perfect days.
Find your Amsterdam itinerary

2 Days in Amsterdam for First Timers

Curated by Helen ShepherdSouth Londoner on the loose in Switzerland.

With some planning, 48 hours allow ample opportunity to experience Amsterdam, with its canals, museums, and Red Light District, as well as some of its surrounding highlights. Here are your options for making the most of two days in the capital of the Netherlands.


Day 1: Morning

Begin with an Amsterdam city tour to gain an overview of the capital. Opt to zip around by Segway, saving time and foot fatigue, or take in the main attractions on a hop-on hop-off boat journey along the city’s UNESCO-listed canals, benefiting from unlimited use for a chosen period.

Day 1: Afternoon

Spend your afternoon learning about the city’s coffeeshops and sex trade history as you explore sights associated with Amsterdam’s renowned alternative culture, or opt to visit trendy Jordaan for a taste of Dutch fare and the opportunity to meet and dine with locals.

Day 1: Night

Unwind after a busy day on a nightlife tour of popular area bars to experience the city after dark. Or, if you’re not quite ready to hang up your exploring hat for the evening, discover the De Wallen neighborhood on an Amsterdam Red Light District tour.

Day 2: Morning

Discover the Netherlands' wider heritage or the impact of one of the country’s most famous exports with a morning spent exploring the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum, starting early and taking advantage of skip-the-line access to maximize your time.

Day 2: Afternoon

With a number of historic villages, charming windmills, and the colorful Keukenhof Gardens nearby, it’s well worth spending a few hours outside the city. Take advantage of flexible half-day tours that offer a range of departure and return times, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Day 2: Night

Take a seat on a canal boat and relax after two days of sightseeing with a cruise along moonlit waterways. Evening cruises typically include drinks and snacks, but if you’d rather end with a more complete dining experience, opt for dinner cooked and served in the home of a local chef.

See more things to do in Amsterdam