No matter whether you planned a very short trip or have an unexpected layover, to cover all of Amsterdam in 24 hours would require super powers. In other words, it just isn’t possible. With so many things to do in Amsterdam and such little time, it would be easy to feel overwhelmed. However, you can still enjoy many of the highlights, and this 24-hour guide will help you do it.

Things to Do in Amsterdam: Morning

Begin your morning with breakfast at one of the three locations of De Bakkerswinkel. This chain of cafes was born in 1981 when the first one opened in Zoetermeer. The decoration is eclectic with plenty of wooden tables, flowered dishes, and a homey feeling. Once you have had your fill of fresh slices of bread with spreads and toppings, fried eggs, yoghurt with muesli, and other baked goods, head to Dam Square.

Perhaps one of the most well-known locations in the city, Dam Square gets its name from its original function: a dam on the Amstel River. The dam, which dates back to around 1270, eventually became wide enough to accommodate a town square. The current square, however, is made up of two parts: the old dam and an adjacent plaza.

The monument in the middle of one portion of the square was erected in 1956 to memorialize the victims of World War II. Photo Credit: Nenad Basic/Shutterstock.com

What was once a busy market square is now more of a gathering place. Bypass the street performers and head straight for the Koninklijk Paleis, also known as the Royal Palace. Built as a city hall during the 17th-century, it became the palace of King Louis Napoleon and then of the Dutch Royal House.

Before heading inside, take a moment to appreciate the palace from the outside. Exactly 13,659 Norwegian spruce wooden poles were driven into the ground to support the weight of the building on Amsterdam’s soft ground. And while the first few rooms are not that impressive, be prepared for some major beauty in the Citizens’ Hall. The Palace is one of the real highlights when it comes to things to do in Amsterdam, and while you could spend the whole day here, you need to limit yourself to just the morning. So keep an eye on the time and skip the smaller side rooms if needed.

From here enjoy the peaceful Jordaan area as you head to the Anne Frank Huis. Preserving the location where the Frank family hid from the Nazi’s during WWII, the museum opened in May 1960 and regularly receives more than a million visitors a year. One of the more popular things to do in Amsterdam, you’ll need to have booked tickets well in advance via the website; otherwise, you will be stuck waiting in a very long queue.

Things to Do in Amsterdam: Afternoon

It wouldn’t be a trip to Amsterdam without eating some friets (fries). One of the best places to do so is the hole-in-the-wall establishment known as the Vlaams Friethuis Vleminckx. Established in 1887 and available in Amsterdam since 1957, the real delight is in choosing one (or more!) of the 25 different sauces/sauce combinations available. Your mother might not approve of you eating fries for lunch, but hey, you’re on holiday! [clickToTweet tweet=”In 2015 the Netherlands imported 239 million Euros worth of french fries/frozen potato products:” quote=”The Dutch potato crazy? While the best fries are made from freshly cut potatoes, in 2015, the Netherlands imported 239 million Euros worth of french fries and other frozen potato products.”]

After you have replenished your energy reserves, head straight to the Museum District (consider taking the tram to get you there faster) and visit the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum. You won’t be able to cover both of these entirely so pick one for a more in-depth visit, or be very selective in what you see and get a flavour of both. Either way, buy tickets ahead of time to avoid the queues as much as possible.

Things to Do in Amsterdam: Evening

Once you have finished at the museum(s) and grabbed a quick photo at the iconic I amsterdam letters, pop back on the tram in the direction of Central Station. Designed by Petrus (Pierre) J.H. Cuypers, the station was built between 1881 and 1889. If the Gothic/Renaissance Revival facade, turrets, and ornamental details have you thinking of a museum you just left behind, that makes sense. The Rijksmuseum was also one of Cuypers’ designs.

Amsterdam Centraal is the largest railway station of Amsterdam, Netherlands. Photo Credit: adidas4747/shutterstock.com

In front of the station you will find a number of cruise boat operators and that’s good news for you. Because by embarking on a canal dinner cruise, you’ll be able to kill two birds with one stone. You’ll see the city from the water and fit in getting something to eat.

Afterwards, if you so desire, you can go for a walk through the Red Light District or even take in some of the entertainment there. Just remember to put your camera away as photos of the “windows” are not allowed here.

Have you visited Amsterdam on a short trip? What tips would you give? What are the must things to do in Amsterdam?

Featured Photo Credit: Eo naya/Shutterstock.com