One day in Amsterdam - a local's guide to the best of the city
Our ultimate Amsterdam one-day itinerary, from must-try eats to the best way to see Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is our second home and one of our favourite European destinations for a great city trip. The capital of the Netherlands is famous for its iconic canals and has a lot to offer, from amazing museums to delicious Dutch food (yes, really!) and bars with serious vibes.
Join Dean in our 'One Day in Amsterdam' video, which features the best things to do in Amsterdam according to locals. This guide is full of experiences, restaurants, and bars you can visit for the perfect day in Amsterdam, whether you're in town for a stopover or want to spread them out to enjoy at your own pace over a weekend.
Dutch Breakfast at a Local Cafe
Start your day with breakfast at a Dutch cafe. While the Dutch traditionally have a simple breakfast culture of rye bread with cheese, Dutch cafes feature full breakfasts. Inspired by the Australian breakfast and brunch culture, expect a blend of Aussie cafe meals with a Dutch twist, including dishes like pulled barbecue pork eggs, fluffy pancakes, and avocado on toast.
There are many great cafes in Amsterdam, but Bakers & Roasters and Box Sociaal are nice international options, while De Dakduif is great if you want to eat breakfast like a Dutch person.
Location: Bakers & Roasters
Address: Eerste Jacob van Campenstraat 54, Amsterdam
Location: Box Sociaal
Address: Plantage Middenlaan 30A, Amsterdam
Location: De Dakduif
Address: Eerste Sweelinckstraat 12, Amsterdam
Boutique Shopping at De Negen Straatjes
For boutique shopping and thrift shopping, head over to De Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets). These picturesque streets are famous for boutique shops by local designers and second-hand stores, perfect for picking up some great pre-loved clothing at even better prices. De Negen Straatjes are quintessentially Amsterdam, with a diverse range of eccentric shops, from vintage stores like Bij Ons to wine shops and cheese shops like De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam and De Wijnwinkel, and even De Knopenwinkel, a fancy boutique that specialises in the best buttons in the world. You could easily spend all day shopping here.
Location: De Negen Straatjes
Address: Start at the Prinsengracht and turn into the Runstraat, Berenstraat or Reestraat
Taste Iconic Dutch Food at the Albert Cuyp Market
Jump on a bike or take the tram to the famous Albert Cuyp Market for a smorgasbord of all things Dutch. While you can wander around and shop for souvenirs, the Albert Cuyp Market is one of the best places to sample traditional Dutch snacks in Amsterdam. Try iconic Dutch eats like poffertjes (tiny pancakes), stroopwafels (waffles with hot syrup in between), and, if in season, the famous Dutch pickled herring.
Location: De Albert Cuyp Markt
Address: Albert Cuypstraat
Relax with a Beer and the Iconic Bitterballen
When the sun's out (and even when it's not), Dutch people flock to their local bars, known as cafés. These come in all shapes and sizes, and you'll find them dotted along the streets, from fancy cafés specialising in cocktails to classic ones serving Dutch beers straight from the tap. Join the locals and order some bitterballen: round, deep-fried croquettes filled with a creamy, thick ragout, traditionally made with beef or veal. Savour one of the best Dutch snacks as you relax with a Dutch beer and watch Amsterdam go by.
There are thousands of cafés across Amsterdam, and most of them will serve beer and bitterballen. For a consistently great experience, you can visit one of our favourites: Café de Tuin, Café Hesp, and Café Waterlooplein 77.
Location: Café de Tuin
Address: Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 13, Amsterdam
Location: Café Hesp
Address: Weesperzijde 130-131, Amsterdam
Location: Café Waterlooplein 77
Address: Rapenburgerstraat 169, Amsterdam
The Best Way to Experience Amsterdam: Rent a Boat
The best way to experience Amsterdam is by boat. Forget about booking a canal cruise, because Amsterdam allows you to captain your own boat. You can rent an electric boat from Mokumboot, which does not require a license.
We recommend stocking up on drinks and snacks and venturing out for two hours as you navigate the canals using a map and take in Amsterdam in the best way possible.
Location: Mokumboot
Address: Multiple Locations around Amsterdam
Eat and Drink at a Surinamese Bar
You might never have heard of Suriname, but this former Dutch colony in South America boasts one of the most vibrant food and drink scenes. Sample a slice of Suriname at Waterkant, a restaurant and bar named after the famous nightlife district in Suriname's capital, Paramaribo.
Order a pitcher of drinks, some Surinamese-inspired snacks, and sit along the canal as you savour some of the best Amsterdam has to offer.
Location: Waterkant
Address: Marnixstraat 246, Amsterdam
Watch us explore our favourite eats, drinks, and things to do in Amsterdam in just one day in our ANYDOKO Original about Amsterdam.
CREDITS
Director & Writer: Vikash Autar
Cinematographer and Editor: Michael Thompson & Tara Juan
Producer: Chelsea Li
Presenter: Dean Vowles
Production Company: ANYDOKO Studios
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