24 Hours in Amsterdam: How to Make One Night Count
Often called the “Venice of the North,” Amsterdam is famous for its iconic, gabled houses and picturesque canals that shape the city’s layout and charm. I arrived in Amsterdam the day before my AmaWaterways Tulip Time river cruise, eager to make the most of every moment in this beautiful city. If you’re planning a river cruise, I highly recommend two key planning details:
- Arrive at your cruise port at least one day early to avoid the stress of possible flight delays.
- Book at least one pre-cruise tour or excursion with a local company to jumpstart your understanding of the area’s rich history.
Below, I’m sharing my top pick for where to stay plus three fantastic tours to help you make the most of your 24 hours in Amsterdam.
Wake Near the Water: Book a Canal Hotel
I stayed in the lovely Hotel Estheria, prized for it’s prime location, elegant decor and thoughtful amenities. Located on the oldest canal in Amsterdam (the scenic Singel Canal is part of Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal ring), and featuring 92 uniquely themed suites, the ambiance here felt very enchanting, with it’s ornate chandeliors, whimsical decor and complementary tea, coffee and infused water selections.
The establishment’s rich history dates back to the 17th-century and has been family run for over 75 years. In addition to it’s glowing reviews, I also choose this gem as it’s location allows you the convenience to walk to several famous landmarks including:
- Anne Frank House and Museum, 10 minute walk
- Flower Market Blossom 5 minute walk
- Royal Palace and Dam Square, 7 minute walk
- Bike tour, 10 minute walk
- Canal Boat Tour, 10 minute walk
- Museums, 15 minute walk
Anne Frank House and Museum
While walking the streets of Amsterdam, it was hard to comprehend how the Nazi’s had once took ahold of this city and tormented so many Jewish families. Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl whose family hid for over two years in a secret annex behind a canal-side house, is world-famous for the diary she kept during that time. Today, you can visit the Anne Frank House & Museum, where her original diary is on display along with exhibits that tell her story. After two years in hiding, the family was discovered and deported to Auschwitz. Tragically, only Anne’s father, Otto Frank, survived and within the museum you can read more about his efforts to advocate for human rights, tolerance and Holocaust education. Walking behind the hidden bookcase and through the rooms where the family lived in silence—without access to the outside world—is a deeply moving experience.
Tickets to the museum are released six weeks in advance and sell out quickly.
Canal Cruise (with cheese and wine, please)
Taking a canal cruise in Amsterdam is one of the most iconic—and memorable—ways to experience the city. Since Amsterdam was built around its canals, many of its most beautiful buildings, arched bridges, and hidden courtyards are best seen from the water. As you glide past gabled townhouses, historic warehouses, and charming houseboats, you’re not just sightseeing—you’re floating through centuries of Dutch history, all without the crowds of the streets.
My cruise included local cheese, wine, and beer, plus a fantastic skipper who shared fascinating stories dating back to the 17th century. It was the perfect introduction to the city—and you can book your own unforgettable canal experience [here].
City Bike Tour
Did you know there are more bikes than people in Amsterdam? Amsterdam is a biking city through and through and with an incredible cycling infrastructure, hopping on two wheels lets you immerse yourself in daily Dutch life. A guided tour lets you see much more than you could by walking—often including hidden neighborhoods, quiet courtyards, and parks that are off the tourist radar. We even stopped at a great restaurant in a lovely city park to have a beverage and Dutch apple pie.
Is an Amsterdam adventure calling your name? From where to stay, tours, dining, flights and transfers, I work with European suppliers to bundle everything together and make your trip seamless. Perhaps a river cruise is on your list and you’re looking to unpack once and embark on an incredible journey down one of the many spectacular rivers of Europe? Every sailing with AmaWaterways offers something unique and special and you can view all of the amazing itineraries and even book your next river cruise here.
Be sure to check out my Ten Tips you need to know prior to sailing with AmaWaterways and you can also read about my sailing on the Colors of Provence or Tulip Time itinerary. I am an AmaWaterways Certified Advisor and my assistance is 100% complementary to you! Reach out to me at [email protected] or fill out a quote request here.
