Amsterdam Travel Guide : Where To Stay & What To Do
Amsterdam in 2 Days: Where to Stay, Eat, and What to Do
Years ago, when I studied abroad, Amsterdam was high on my list—but I never made it there. Fast forward to now: Justin and I took a spontaneous trip, just the two of us. If I were to do it again, here’s exactly how I’d structure the perfect 48-hour trip to Amsterdam.
Short version? You only need two full days to experience the best of the city.
Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting? My Honest Review
Amsterdam is clean, walkable, beautiful—and also, a bit underwhelming depending on what you’re after. It’s a true melting pot, so while it’s full of charm, it doesn’t feel wildly different from most big cities. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
If you’re on a multi-city Europe trip and craving ease, great coffee, and efficient public transit—Amsterdam delivers. It’s a low-effort, high-reward kind of place.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam (Best Hotels for a 2-Day Trip)
We stayed at the Kimpton De Witt, which I’d absolutely recommend. It’s centrally located and just a 10-minute walk from the train station—perfect if you’re hopping between European cities.
Other great Amsterdam hotel options:
The Pulitzer Amsterdam – Iconic, charming, and right on the canal
The Dylan – Elegant and boutique-style with a Michelin-starred restaurant (If I return, I’ll be staying here)
Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht – Artsy, canal-front, and very design-forward
The Conservatorium Hotel – Ultra-luxury with a full spa and wellness center
Best Things to Do in Amsterdam in 2 Days
You can comfortably fit two major attractions per day and still leave time to explore, shop, and relax. Here’s what I’d prioritize:
Anne Frank House – Book tickets in advance. New time slots release every Tuesday for six weeks out. Deeply moving.
Van Gogh Museum – Another must-book in advance. It sells out quickly and lines can be long.
Jordaan Neighborhood + Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) – Perfect for strolling, shopping, and people-watching.
Canal Cruise – We skipped this (we preferred walking), but it’s a peaceful way to see the city.
Day Trip Option – Delft or Bruges if you’re staying longer than two days.
We clocked over 20,000 steps a day without even trying—it’s that kind of city.
Where to Eat in Amsterdam (No-Fluff Restaurant Guide)
Amsterdam’s food scene is global and casual—French bistros, Indian takeout, dim sum, and wood-fired pizza all coexist easily.
honorable mentions include :
Momenti – Cozy Italian with a small, focused menu. Homemade pasta and a great wine list.
The Seafood Bar – Fresh, light, and family-run with a few locations around the city.
Little Collins – Solid lunch and brunch option with Aussie vibes.
Nnea – Incredible pizza. Reservations required and worth it.
We often just wandered until we found a place that felt right—no planning, no pressure. Always satisfying.
Best Coffee and Matcha in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s third-wave coffee scene is legit—think house-made nut milks, gorgeous interiors, and baristas who care deeply about your pour-over.
Where to go:
Bocca Coffee – Minimalist, serious about the beans
Screaming Beans – Organic, excellent, and ideally located for shopping in the Nine Streets
Uncommon – Best matcha in the city
Our mornings started slow and sweet with canal strolls and flat whites from screaming beans before hitting up museums.
Where to Shop in Amsterdam (Fashion, Beauty, Cheese & More)
Head straight to The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) for boutiques, vintage, Dutch design, and a few classics.
Top shopping spots:
Skins Cosmetics – Luxury, clean beauty, and niche fragrances
De Bijenkorf – Iconic Dutch department store. Think Selfridges meets Nordstrom: designer boutiques on the ground floor, ready-to-wear and sneakers upstairs.
De Kaaskamer – Beautiful cheese shop in the Nine Streets. Sample a few, grab a sandwich, and bring some home as gifts.
I didn’t shop much this trip but I certainly tried on a lot of shoes at De Bijenkorf
Wellness in Amsterdam: Spa & Sauna Experience
If you're craving true R&R, Sauna Deco is the spot.
Housed in a 1920s Art Deco building (formerly a Parisian department store), Sauna Deco offers dry saunas, steam rooms, and peaceful lounges filled with books, board games, and wicker chairs. The air is laced with eucalyptus from the steam room —it’s heaven.
What to know:
€25 for 4 hours of access
Massages available (25- and 55-minute options, all under €75)
No phones allowed—and that’s a gift
Bring flip flops or hotel slippers (robes and towels available for rent)
Justin and I played checkers between sauna rounds. Four hours without screens or pings? Total nervous system reset.
Note: The saunas are mixed-gender and nudity is expected (towels optional). It might feel intimidating at first—but five minutes in, you realize no one cares.
Stretch Your Legs: Vondelpark
Need some fresh air? Head to Vondelpark—Amsterdam’s version of Central Park. Locals walk dogs, run, picnic, and read in the grass.
Final Thoughts: Should You Visit Amsterdam?
Yes—if you’re craving a city that’s clean, stylish, and easy to explore. Amsterdam isn’t the most “wow” destination, but it’s a lovely breather between the big, chaotic ones. It’s well-designed, well-fed, and full of cozy pockets to discover.