Amsterdam in a weekend
A weekend is exactly right — any longer and you're just eating stroopwafels
Amsterdam is the perfect 2-night city — compact, walkable, boat-navigable. Base yourself in Jordaan or De Pijp (not the Red Light District), rent bikes on Saturday morning, and pre-book Van Gogh + Anne Frank — both sell out weeks ahead.
The plan
- 1Friday evening
Eurostar or fly. Drop bags, walk to De Pijp for Dutch beers at Café Berkhout. Rijsttafel dinner at Sampurna.
- 2Saturday morning
Van Gogh Museum first slot (09:00, pre-booked). Then Vondelpark stroll.
- 3Saturday afternoon
Rent bikes, cycle Jordaan canals. Lunch at Winkel 43 (best apple pie in the city).
- 4Saturday night
Canal cruise at sunset (Those Dam Boat Guys — small, unbookable in high season).
- 5Sunday morning
Anne Frank House at 09:00 (pre-booked). Then Nine Streets shopping.
- 6Sunday afternoon
NDSM ferry (free from Central) for street art + rooftop lunch at Pllek.
Anne Frank House opens booking 6 weeks in advance — set a calendar reminder. Van Gogh Museum same. Both sell out.
The Red Light District at night is loud and touristy — sleep elsewhere. Dam Square attracts pickpockets.
Other weekend cities
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