Canals, bikes, galleries and a liberal streak that still manages to feel very considered. Amsterdam is calm without being sleepy, cultured without being showy and brilliant at turning something ordinary, coffee, bread, a bike ride, into the best part of your day.
This is a city best enjoyed at a human pace. Two days here should feel unrushed, a little indulgent and quietly well spent. It helps if earning a few extra points along the way feels effortless.
When to go
Amsterdam does not really do off-season. Like London, it works year-round, whether that is wrapped in scarves or flooded with summer light.
One date to know about is King’s Day, 27 April. The city turns orange, boats fill the canals and the party starts early. It is either the best possible time to visit or one to very deliberately avoid. No middle ground.
Day one: coffee, neighbourhoods, wine
Morning
Start somewhere that takes coffee seriously.
Locals
Exactly what the name promises. Excellent coffee, thoughtful plates and the sort of atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer than planned. Grab a window seat, order the chicken avocado sandwich and watch Amsterdam wake up properly.
Walk it off through De Pijp, dipping into side streets rather than sticking to the obvious routes. This part of the city feels lived in, not put on.
Lunch
Oeuf, De Pijp
Eggs, endlessly reimagined. Simple, playful and very good at what it does. Come hungry, stay for a glass of wine or a cocktail if the mood strikes. In Amsterdam, that is perfectly acceptable before 4pm.
Afternoon
Pick one cultural moment and commit to it. Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum or a long wander through the canals with no agenda. Trying to do everything is the fastest way to enjoy nothing.
If you want a quieter stretch, hire bikes and head slightly out of the centre. Amsterdam opens up quickly once you leave the tight canal ring.
Evening
Ease into the night.
Sheepskameel
Honest, unfussy cooking done extremely well. Classic dishes, beautifully seasoned, with a German wine list that deserves your attention. Relaxed, welcoming and exactly the sort of place you end up staying longer than intended.
After dinner, keep things simple.
Bar Parry
A proper neighbourhood bar. Sit at the counter, let the bartender take the lead and order whatever small plates appear in front of you. No reservations, no drama, very good wine.
Day two: markets, plates, canals
Morning
Start slow. Amsterdam mornings reward patience.
Collins or Little Collins
Two siblings, both excellent. Little Collins for brunch classics with a twist, kimchi pancakes, masala scramble, banana bread that people talk about for a reason. Collins if you want a longer, more leisurely sit. Book ahead where you can.
Afterwards, wander Albert Cuyp Market. Even if you buy nothing, it is worth it for the energy.
Lunch
Cafe R. de Rosa
If you need a reset between museums and meandering canals, R. de Rosa delivers. Easygoing, effortlessly cool and perfect for a mid-wander pit stop, whether that’s a strong coffee, a glass of wine, or something small and excellent to eat.
Afternoon
This is canal time. Walk, cycle or take a boat if your legs need a break. Amsterdam from the water is calmer, quieter and shows off in a very understated way.
If you want a glass of something natural and interesting, make your way to De Pijp.
Glou Glou
Natural wines with personality. Slightly cloudy, often surprising and always worth talking about. Walk in, grab a table or a bottle to take away and trust the staff.
Evening
Finish somewhere local.
Cafe Binnenvisser
A neighbourhood favourite with a seasonal menu and a strong focus on low intervention wines. Bright, buzzy and sociable without being loud. Exactly how Amsterdam likes it.
Where to stay
If you are booking accommodation, this is one of the easiest ways to make your points go further before you have even landed.
Sir Albert
Right in De Pijp and perfectly placed for markets, museums and long walks home. Stylish without trying too hard and extremely comfortable after a late night.
The Hoxton Lloyd
A little east, a little calmer and full of character. Spacious rooms, thoughtful design and a great base if you like coming back somewhere that feels relaxed rather than central-for-the-sake-of-it.
Generator Amsterdam
More social, more energetic and ideal if you like shared spaces and meeting people. A good option if you want a stay that feels like part of the trip, not just somewhere to sleep.
All of these, and more, are available on Yonder Hotels*. A very easy way to make your points work harder before you have even arrived.
Local notes worth knowing
- Bikes rule. Look both ways. Then look again.
- Lunch can last hours and often should.
- Nobody is impressed if you rush.
Amsterdam rewards curiosity, good manners and a loose plan. Two days is enough to get under its skin. Just not enough to get bored.
Places our people loved
Lo, Marketing: for my fellow plant-based legends, I've got you covered for the whole day. Start with coffee and pastries at Margo's or Saint-Jean. Both equally as delicious, both look great on Instagram (I work in content, okay). For dinner, check out Madre – veggie-first Mexican food. Both times I've been were for birthdays: the first mine, the second my sister's. The last time we went there, we literally had to be rolled out, we were so full. Worth it.
*But you need to be a Yonder member, obviously. What're you waiting for? Download the app now. 18+ and UK only. T&Cs apply.
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