Amsterdam looks like a watercolour: its concentric canals, dug in the Golden Age in the 17th century and UNESCO-listed, draw a human-scale city where narrow houses lean over the water. Here, you get around by bike, cross flowery bridges, and art rubs shoulders with legendary tolerance.
A weekend is enough to fall under its spell, between great museums and lively neighbourhoods. Here's how to make the most of it — find the activities on our what to do in Amsterdam page.
Day 1 — Masterpieces & memory: Van Gogh and Anne Frank
Start in the museum quarter. The Van Gogh Museum holds the world's largest collection of the tormented artist, from the Sunflowers to the self-portraits; right next door, the Rijksmuseum unfolds the splendours of Rembrandt and Vermeer, including The Night Watch. Set aside a good half-day so you don't rush.
In the afternoon, visit the Anne Frank House, where the young girl wrote her diary while in hiding during the Second World War. The visit, sober and deeply moving, is an essential act of remembrance. Tickets are booked online, exclusively and well in advance.
Museums & canal cruises in Amsterdam
Skip-the-line tickets for the great museums and canal cruises.
Day 2 — On the water and through the neighbourhoods
Nothing beats a canal cruise to understand Amsterdam: from the water, the city reveals its houseboats, bridges and gabled façades. In the afternoon, rent a bike like a true local and pedal from the Jordaan, a bohemian district of charming shops, to the floating flower market.
End with a break in a “brown café”, one of those warm traditional bars with weathered wood, to taste the Dutch art of living — gezelligheid, that untranslatable cosiness that sums up the city so well.
Bike tours & trips
Bike rentals, guided tours and day trips to nearby villages.
