How to Spend a Weekend in Amsterdam – Advice from a Local

Are you wondering what to do in Amsterdam for a weekend? You have come to the right place. I lived in the Netherlands for four years and my friends and family would come to visit me frequently. Can you blame them? Amsterdam often appears on surveys for the best places to live in the world.

They would often take one day off work and spend 3 days in Amsterdam with me. I am now an expert in squeezing in as many activities as possible in a 3-day weekend in Amsterdam for my first-time visitors.

But for those who have been to Amsterdam several times, I would usually incorporate some time outside Amsterdam as well. Otherwise, I would take them to less well-known places or have a relaxing time eating our way around the city.

It is up to you whether you take the Friday off work and start your Amsterdam mini break then, or you extend your weekend through to Monday.

Read on to find out more about spending a weekend in Amsterdam.

Is a Weekend Enough Time in Amsterdam?

Given the flight time of around an hour from London, it makes perfect sense to come to Amsterdam for a weekend. If you are travelling from North America, the journey will take much longer, so it isn’t logical. (Although, I travelled from Toronto to Amsterdam for 3 days just for my graduation ceremony, which I don’t recommend unless necessary!)

Therefore, you could combine a weekend to Amsterdam with other European cities, such as London, Paris or Copenhagen.

There are so many things to do in Amsterdam and its surrounding cities that you could fill a whole week. But, if a weekend is all you can spare, don’t fret because 3 days is plenty of time to experience Amsterdam. Although, you can still come to Amsterdam for 2 days if you do not want to take any time off work.

In that case, assuming you are in Europe, you need to make sure you take a flight on Friday evening. Then, take one of the last flights of the day back on Sunday. However, you will have to sacrifice some sights. 

I typically use Vueling to fly from London to Amsterdam. Book your flights on Vueling here.

If you spend longer than a weekend in Amsterdam, you will have time to go on some day trips to places such as Utrecht, Leiden or the seaside.

How to Organise Your Time During a Weekend in Amsterdam

If you have read my article on your first trip to Amsterdam, you will see that I have recommended many activities and places to see. Therefore, this is how I suggest you organise your time to see Amsterdam in weekend.

My best advice is to take your time to experience the city out and about, rather than spending your days in a coffee shop. A coffee shop is where they sell weed, not to be confused with just a regular café.

I have compiled all my Amsterdam insider tips and favourite things to do. I’ve put these activities into an itinerary so you can replicate them exactly as I would. Of course, before you go, make sure you check all venues are still open and make your reservations in advance.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know for Your First Time in Amsterdam

Weekend Itinerary for Amsterdam

Read on for ideas on how to create the perfect weekend in Amsterdam.

Day 1 in Amsterdam

Arrival

Assuming you took a morning flight to Amsterdam, you will arrive at around noon. You will probably be feeling peckish but excited to start exploring the city.

For information on public transport around the city – read my article for first-timers in Amsterdam. I talk about the I Amsterdam City card, which gives you access to museums, public transport and a canal cruise.

So, I recommend that you grab a quick lunch on the go or some Dutch fries and a sweet snack later on. Depending on where your hotel is, you could find a local café and pop in.

Canal cruise

The best way to start your exploration of Amsterdam and understand how magnificent the city is, in my opinion, is by going on a canal cruise. Hop on a boat and cruise the canals.

You will also learn about the city, and it will teach you why certain buildings are wonky or how the locals get furniture into their houses.

Book your luxury boat cruise here.

Explore de Pijp

After the boat tour, take some time to explore the neighbourhood of de Pijp. Depending on where your canal cruise finishes off, you may need to try out the transportation system. I talk about how to get around Amsterdam on public transport in this article.

While in de Pijp, try a stroopwafel or some poffertjes at Albert Cuyp market. There are also some cute boutique shops to check out.

Walk along Amstel River

Next, from Albert Cuyp market, walk towards the Amstel River. As you get to the Amstel River, continue walking to get to Magere Brug, a.k.a Skinny Bridge.

Once you have walked off your snack, you can take the tram from Weesperplein to Hogeweg in time for dinner at De Kas. Alternatively, you can take an Uber.

Dinner in Amsterdam

De Kas is my favourite restaurant in Amsterdam. I included a sample menu and some information about dining at this restaurant in my guide to visiting Amsterdam. Given its popularity, you must make a reservation at least a week in advance.

After dinner, head to a local bar for some post-dinner drinks. Or take an Uber back to your hotel to rest before tomorrow’s busy day of exploring.

Day 2 in Amsterdam

Pancakes for breakfast

Seize the day and head to the nearest pancake restaurant. There are many located all over the city, for example at the chain Pancakes! Amsterdam.

Make sure to slather your pancake in the famous Dutch syrup, schenkstroop.

Ride a bike

Following your pancake stop, find your local bike rental shop. Pick up some bikes and spend the rest of the morning exploring the city.

If you are a newbie to biking or the city of Amsterdam, I would suggest you stay out of the way of the main city centre and stick to quieter paths. Vondelpark is a great place to bike as well.

Arrange your private bike tour here.

Lunch

You will likely be eager to fuel up your stomach during or after your bike ride. So, make your way over to the Foodhallen for lunch.

The Foodhallen is outside the nine canal streets, so you will have the chance to see a different part of Amsterdam. It is a casual dining experience where you can pick your food from independent stands.

Exploring Amsterdam on foot

It’s time to walk off lunch again. Spend the afternoon walking around the city. I detail what It’s time to walk off lunch again. Spend the afternoon walking around the city.

For more details of a self-guided walking tour of Amsterdam and its canals, check out my Amsterdam first-timer guide. You will stop at places such as Dam Square and the Flower Market. You may also notice some interesting street art in Amsterdam during your walk.

Afternoon beverage

Near to the Flower Market, you will find a shopping centre. On the third floor, there is a lovely café with a 360-degree view of the city. Stop at Blue Amsterdam for a coffee or a glass of wine.

Red Light District

Depending on what time of the year you come to Amsterdam, you can visit the Red Light District before or after dinner (depending on the sunset time). You will get a good idea of the atmosphere when it is dark, so for example, in the winter you can have a pre-dinner walk.

If you want to learn more about the ins and outs of the Red Light District, visit the Red Lights Secrets Museum. You can also book a Red Light District walking tour.

Dinner in Amsterdam

For dinner tonight, check out Black and Blue, a steak restaurant, or La Maschera Lillo Tatini, an Italian restaurant.

Again, make sure you book a table, so you don’t waste time wandering around the city looking for somewhere with space. It is very easy to end up in a super touristy restaurant in Amsterdam.

Day 3 in Amsterdam

Visit a museum

Start your last morning in Amsterdam with a visit to a museum. If you plan to visit the Anne Frank House, you must book tickets in advance. Other options for museums include the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum.

You should note that the Anne Frank Huis is only open from 9:00 am on Saturdays or Sundays and opens at 12:00 pm on weekdays. So, make sure you consider that if your weekend stretches into Monday.

Explore Jordaan

If you chose to visit the Anne Frank House, you will already be in the Jordaan neighbourhood. If you go to one of the other museums, take a tram to Marnixplein.

Walk around Jordaan and see for yourself how beautiful the houses and canals are in this part of the city. You may consider booking a private walking tour with a local to really get to know this stunning part of Amsterdam.

Time for a sweet treat

Indulge in a mid-morning snack at Winkel 43 with a slice of apple pie. It is known to be the best apple pie in the city. The café also serves a light lunch, or you can try another café in the neighbourhood.

Farewell drink

Enjoy a last drink at W Lounge Rooftop bar or at the Skylounge. Both bars are located close to Centraal Station if you are taking the train for your onward journey. Head to the airport or train station and leave Amsterdam.

Souvenirs

If you want to bring any cheese home with you, I usually buy it from the Albert Heijn supermarket at the airport. My favourite cheese is Dutch smoked cheese that comes in slices.

What to Pack for a Long Weekend in Amsterdam?

The clothing worn in Amsterdam is not as formal as you might find in a city such as Paris. You can get away with more casual clothing, but do not bother bringing your sweatpants – it is not that casual. Jeans and a nice top works well in Amsterdam, as well as a flowy dress and sneakers.

Travel suitcase

Many airlines that fly to Amsterdam from Europe are budget airlines. As a result, travelling light is the key to success. You most likely will only be allowed to bring one small carry-on suitcase.

Of course, you can always check in a suitcase, but that seems a bit excessive for only a few nights away from home. Always check the measurements of the carry-on allowance for airlines such as EasyJet because they are very strict with technicalities like this.

For reference, Easyjet’s cabin baggage limit is 56 x 45 x 25 cm or around 21 inches. You must make sure your ticket includes a cabin bag this size because the standard seats may only include a small bag under the seat in front of you.

Check out Samonsite’s cabin baggage here.

If you want a small bag that will come go on the plane for free, consider a duffle bag. To give you an idea of size, this extra small duffle bag from the North Face would be small enough.

Trainers

Many of Amsterdam’s streets are cobblestone, so leave your fancy footwear at home. You will need some comfortable shoes, and trainers are the perfect solution.

Given that the dress sense in Amsterdam is quite laidback, you will fit in wearing trainers. But make sure they are not too scruffy and they are clean. You will also be thankful that you packed trainers for riding a bike to avoid injuries to your feet.

I wear my Adidas U Path Run trainers all the time. They are so comfortable and I like how they look; however, they are difficult to get hold of now. I also recently bought a pair of New Balance 574 and love them.

Day bags

Even though you will have a tight squeeze in your carry-on bag, you may want to pack one or two handbags with you. The first should be small enough to put essentials in, such as a phone, purse, money etc. The second should be a bit bigger so that you can fit in an umbrella, water bottle and an extra layer in case.

Unless you are travelling all around Europe or travelling further afield, I do not think you will need a backpack.

For the first option, I always go for a cross-body bag because it feels safe and secure. Yes, there can be pickpockets in Amsterdam, so make sure it zips up nice and tight. I have a Kate Spade bag that easily fits in my wallet, phone, keys, tissues, lip balm etc.

For the second, larger bag, opt for a shoulder bag, such as the Longchamp Le Pliage. The Pliage bag is perfect because, as the name means in French, it folds up, so you will be able to stuff it in your carry-on suitcase.

I have the all-black Longchamp bag from the Néo collection (see image above). I have a size small, which is enough room as a day bag, but not for a weekend/overnight bag.

Portable phone charger

You will be using your mobile phone a lot during your weekend in Amsterdam, whether for directions or taking pictures. Therefore, I recommend bringing a portable charger that fits nicely in your bag.

Scarf

Unless you are travelling to Amsterdam between June and September, I recommend that you pop a scarf in your suitcase.

Early mornings, evenings or cloudy days can bring a chill to the city. It also means you can get away with a leather jacket or another thinner jacket on cooler days.

Practical clothing

Even though I mentioned a dress earlier, make sure you do not bring a suitcase full of dresses or skirts. Unless they are mid-length and flowy, they do not work well for biking around the city. Bring some looser fitting bottoms that allow you to pedal easily on a bike.

If you are bringing skirts, you should bring tights as well.

Travel adapter

If you are travelling to Amsterdam from the UK or outside of Europe, pack your European adapters. Click for a North American to Europe adapter or here for UK to Europe adapters.

Where to Stay For a Weekend in Amsterdam

When you visit Amsterdam for the weekend, I recommend staying close to the city centre in one of the negen straatjes (9 canal streets). Given your short trip to Amsterdam, you want to avoid any additional travel time to get into the city.

Hotel Recommendations in Amsterdam

For those wondering what the best hotels in Amsterdam are, I would like to provide some insight to book for your Amsterdam itinerary.

For more deals on hotels, visit Expedia or Booking.com

Recommended further reading

If you still have questions from my Amsterdam weekend guide, make sure you check out my Amsterdam for first-timers article for more travel tips.

For other ideas on how to spend a long weekend, check out other articles on my travel blog, such as 8 ideas for UK getaways in the UK. You can also check out my Malta travel guide.