24 hours in Amsterdam: what to see and what to do?

In this blog, we will give you the best tips where you can see as much of the city as possible in a short time (24 hours).

Go directly to:

• Amsterdam in 24 hours
• Amsterdam by train or by car
• Stay the night in Amsterdam

Amsterdam in 24 hours

While you gather your friends or get yourself travel-ready, we'll make sure you plan your day as efficiently as possible. Don't worry; you'll have plenty of time to enjoy all the highlights of Amsterdam!

• Below you will find a handy itinerary that we have mapped out for you, making it super easy!
• Tips from locals: who better to give you tips than our own Amsterdam hostel staff? That's why you'll find some great tips from our staff between the lines!
• Worried about a wet forecast during your day out? We know, it is Amsterdam after all. But don't worry, these tips are mostly rain-proof, mostly 😉

We have mapped out a great route for you to make the most of your day in Amsterdam.

Start your 24 hours in Amsterdam off right at Bakers & Roasters, close to Central Station. This popular brunch spot serves a mouth-watering breakfast menu, with dishes such as eggs benedict, pancakes and açai bowls. There are plenty of vegetarian, vegan and even gluten-free options too! It's the great way to start your day with a nice cup of coffee while people-watch the local Amsterdammers zipping around from A to B 🚲

Don't want to miss a moment of the city? Then opt for takeaway and take a stroll through the waking city, while enjoying your breakfast.

📍 Bakers & Roasters - Kadijksplein 16, 1018 AC Amsterdam

Time to wander the cosy streets of the Jordaan like a true explorer! Dive into the local boutiques, admire the art galleries and pause at cosy cafes for a refreshing drink. Don't forget to keep your phone at hand for those perfect Instagram-worthy snaps of the picturesque canals and charming facades.

Always wished to taste the best apple pie in Amsterdam? Then be sure to visit Winkel43. Don't be alarmed by the many tourists here, it is not a tourist trap! Even many locals cannot resist eating a slice of apple pie here.

📍 Jordaan, Amsterdam

📍 Winkel43 - Noordermarkt 43, 1051 NA Amsterdam

Your stomach is starting to growl, so that means time for a tasty lunch! Dive into the world of flavours and aromas at one of the trendy food markets, like the Foodhallen or Market 33. Here you'll find dishes from all over the world and there's something for everyone! Try something a little more adventurous and share different dishes with your friends for a real taste sensation. Both food halls are beautifully decorated and all the restaurants are Instagram worthy. This lunch spot is not only super delicious, but also super cosy!

📍 Foodhallen - Bellamyplein 51, 1053 AT Amsterdam

📍 Markt 33 - Claude Debussylaan 33, 1082 MC Amsterdam

Take the (free!) ferry to the trendy NDSM wharf and discover Amsterdam's vibrant street art scene. Here you can stroll past colourful murals among the old industrial buildings. This is Amsterdam's creative and cultural breeding ground with lots of cosy restaurants, various studios and festivals. Don't forget to take a few photos of the impressive and insta-worthy artworks you encounter along the way. Have you spotted former mayor Eberhard van der Laan's graffiti artwork yet?

📍 NDSM-werf

Amsterdam Noord is the upcoming part of Amsterdam in recent years! From the cutest waterfront cafés to film houses in old warehouses. Get inspired by the creative vibes of Amsterdam Noord and visit one of the vibrant creative breeding grounds such as the Tolhuistuin, or how about the A'DAM Tower? Take the lift to the rooftop bar for spectacular views over the city and the IJ River. Fancy an adrenaline rush? Step into Europe's tallest swing and dangle 100 metres above the ground with Amsterdam beneath your feet.

📍 Tolhuistuin - IJpromenade 2, 1032 KT Amsterdam

📍 A'DAM Toren - Overhoeksplein 1, 1031 KS Amsterdam

Picture this: it's a warm summer evening in Amsterdam and you fancy a relaxing night out with friends. Where do you go? Hannekes Boom, of course! Located at the waterfront close to Central Station. This is the place for a cosy dinner. Take a seat at one of the picnic tables on the terrace and enjoy the beautiful view over the water.

From juicy burgers to delectable vegetarian dishes, this is the place to be! Complete the evening with home-made fries 🍟 and craft beers 🍻 on tap.

📍 Hannekes Boom - Dijksgracht 4, 1019 BS Amsterdam

Still craving more? Then this hidden gem is your next, or perhaps final stop. At Brewery Poesiat & Kater Proeflokaal in Amsterdam Oost, you'll find locally brewed beers, as fresh as can be. The beer range pays homage to the craft tradition of brewing. From classic pilsners to a tad crazy seasonal brews.

It's the ideal place to get together with friends and enjoy good food and home-brewed beer on the large sunny terrace!

📍 Poesiat & Kater - Polderweg 648, 1093 KP Amsterdam

Step inside Amsterdam's Kopstootbar and prepare for an evening of surprises and fun. This unique place offers a casual atmosphere and a special drink experience you won't find anywhere else. In fact, Kopstootbar is known for its iconic kopstoot: a glass of cold beer served with a shot of Dutch gin (called jenever here). But besides the craft drinks, the parties at Kopstootbar are legendary. From funky beats to danceable tunes and everything in between, the DJs know exactly what you're craving!

Looking for a different party? Don't worry! Kopstootbar is just around the corner from Leidseplein, Amsterdam's entertainment centre. So there's plenty of choice of nice bars and nightlife pubs.

📍 Kopstootbar - Marnixstraat 429, 1017 PK Amsterdam

The best part of all, our hostels are always nearby! So after your adventures in Amsterdam, it's easy to crash on one of our comfy beds. Tip for when you've been in the city till the late hours: opt for the late check-out and sleep in just like back home 🛌

By train or by car? We give you some handy tips!

By train

Public transport’s often the easiest and most stress-free option for a day out in Amsterdam.

Travel cheaply by train

Check the NS Spoordeelwinkel (only in Dutch) for economical combi deals. For example, it’s often cheaper if you book a museum and a train ticket.

Park and Ride in Amsterdam

If you do come by car, using the Park & Ride’s the easiest and most economical option.

P+R rates

Park your car for a cheap rate at one of the P+R locations on the outskirts of Amsterdam. Here you pay just a fraction of the cost of parking in the city centre.

Where to park?

Choose from several P+R locations, such as Sloterdijk, Arena, Zeeburg and RAI. They are strategically located and offer easy access to public transport.

Easy parking ticket

As soon as you arrive at the P+R, exchange your parking ticket for a transport ticket at the P+R ticket machine. This ticket’s your key to cheap public transport into the city centre.

Quickly into the city centre

With the ticket from the P+R location, you’re ready to explore the city! Hop on the tram, metro or bus and you'll be in the bustling centre of Amsterdam in no time.

Parking in and around Amsterdam

Parking in Amsterdam isn’t a cheap joke, but the option’s there. For example, park your car at Parking Centrum Oosterdok, near Amsterdam Central Station. For the cheapest option, you can book a day ticket from €5 up to a maximum of €25 per day.

Want to be sure of a spot? Then reserve your parking ticket in advance.

Travelling within Amsterdam

Arrived in our capital? Then the best (and most fun) way to discover Amsterdam’s by bike. Near our Amsterdam hostels, you can easily rent bikes for the day.

Our Amsterdam experts have gathered more tips for you.

And for staying the night? We've got you covered at two cosy hostels!

Or stay at one of our other hostels nearby (Spoiler: we have 21 hostels in the Netherlands to choose from!)