48 Hours in Amsterdam
Elaborate waterways and quaint cobbled streets combine with fascinating culture and hedonistic nightlife to make Amsterdam one of our favourite destinations for a short break. This is how we'd spend two days there.
Day One
Arrival
It's easy to get to the city centre from Amsterdam airport. The train runs every 15 minutes direct to Amsterdam Centraal Station and costs just 3.80€. The bus takes a little longer at around 30 minutes, costs 3.60€ and departs from the airport every 30 minutes. A taxi is around 40€.
10am
Start the day by devouring an authentic Dutch breakfast. You’ll find no shortage of quirky cafes serving up rich coffee and traditional hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles served on bread) but, for breakfast with a difference head to the Homomonument. Here you can board the Gs Brunch Boat, which sets off three times a day.
With two cafes back on land, Gs are experts when it comes to all things runny, fried, and sunny-side up. They offer brunch, two drinks, dessert, and coffee for 37.50€, complete with a cruise down the Keizersgracht canal through Gratchengordel.
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2pm
Time to discover some of the city's museums! While you could choose the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum, top of the list is the Anne Frank House. Here you’ll find that famous secret annex, and learn about the Frank family and Amsterdam's role in World War II.
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8pm
Just a short taxi ride away in the Watergraafsmeer area, you’ll find Restaurant en Kwekerij De Kas, which offers a dining experience with a twist. The restaurant is set inside a collection of greenhouses that date back to 1926. Inside these and across the farmland, Kwekerij grow all their own veggies and herbs and then base their menu on the harvest that day. They team it with locally sourced fish and meat, which means you're getting the best of Amsterdam. There's a 3-course set menu and an option for the chef's table.
Day Two
10am
Start your day with a walk along the Singel Canal to Vondelpark, the city's most famous park. Along the way you can stop in at Reypenaer, the cheese-tasting room, and pick up some of your smelliest favourites. Then meander along the rustic avenues and stop in at the Bloemenmarkt (below), the world's only floating flower market, before making your way to Vondelpark.
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4pm
The steamy chambers of retro spa Sauna Deco is the place to relax before the trip comes to an end. It's in Gratchengorden and costs 25€ for standard entry, which includes saunas, steam baths, and relaxation areas, although you can add various treatments onto your visit.
6pm
There are lots of places to grab a bite before hopping the train back to the airport from Centraal. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, Sea Palace restaurant is worth a look. It's a giant floating Chinese restaurant. Traditional Dutch it ain't, but it'll certainly be a memorable final meal in Amsterdam.
And take a look at our city break deals and Europe hotel deals and find your trip!
This post was written by guest blogger Vicky Philpott, the travel writer behind VickyFlipFlopTravels (and frequent visitor to Amsterdam).