Perfect Weekend in Amsterdam
Enchanting Golden Age canals lined by gabled buildings, rambling parks, cozy bruin cafés (traditional pubs), magnificent museums, diverse cuisine, and some of Europe’s best nightlife make Amsterdam a captivating place to spend a weekend. Its compact size and flat terrain make it easy to explore its vibrant neighborhoods as the locals do – by bike (rental companies are everywhere). Here’s our guide to the perfect weekend in Amsterdam.
Friday Evening
Borrel (‘drinks’) is a Dutch tradition. Start in the Medieval Centre with a frothy beer at industrial, concrete Bierfabriek, brewing a seasonally changing selection of beers. Alternatively, try jenever (Dutch gin), available in smooth jonge (young) and strongly juniper-flavored oude (old) varieties, poured in tulip-shaped glasses. Centuries-old Medieval Centre tasting houses include De Drie Fleschjes, Wynand Fockink, and Proeflokaal de Ooievaar.
For dinner, enjoy the history-steeped ambiance of d’Vijff Vlieghen, located in five beautiful 17th-century canal houses, or dine at De Silveren Spiegel, where sublime multicourse menus are served on handcrafted porcelain. Continue your night with innovative cocktails at Tales & Spirits, or enjoy live music at Bitterzoet. For a glimpse of Amsterdam’s wild side, visit the neighboring Red Light District – known for its lively bars, controversial shows, and ‘coffeeshops’ (cannabis cafes). Expect to encounter more tourists than locals in this vibrant area.
Saturday Morning
Immediately south of the Unesco-listed Canal Ring, the village-like neighborhood of De Pijp is at the heart of Amsterdam’s brunch scene. Fantastic spots include Bakers & Roasters (don’t miss the Navajo eggs or the Bloody Marys) and CT Coffee & Coconuts, located in a former art-deco cinema.
On Saturdays, De Pijp hosts Albert Cuypmarkt, Amsterdam’s largest street market. Browse stalls selling everything from bike locks and cosmetics to fresh flowers, fruits, veggies, cheeses, and ready-to-eat treats like stroopwafels (the ultimate hangover cure!).
Saturday Afternoon
Close by, in Amsterdam’s Old South, Museumplein is home to the city’s three major museums. The monumental Rijksmuseum features masterpieces by Rembrandt, notably his epic 1642 painting The Night Watch, alongside works by Vermeer. Van Gogh enthusiasts should not miss the Van Gogh Museum, housing the world’s largest collection of the artist’s works. Modern and contemporary art can be found at the Stedelijk Museum, showcasing works by Picasso, Matisse, Mondrian, and others. After immersing yourself in culture, unwind at the city’s beloved green space, the tranquil Vondelpark.
Saturday Evening
Adjacent to Vondelpark, Amstelveenseweg features a variety of bars and restaurants. Restaurant Blauw is an excellent choice for Indonesian cuisine, a prominent aspect of the Netherlands’ culinary heritage, featuring a rijsttafel (‘rice table’) offered in various meat, seafood, or vegetarian options. Another great spot is Blue Pepper, celebrated for its gourmet Indonesian dishes.
Simply hop over to Leidseplein, one of the nightlife hubs in the Southern Canal Ring, bustling with bars, clubs, and live music venues. The legendary venue Melkweg features an exciting range of gigs, cinema screenings, and multimedia exhibits. To Leidseplein’s northeast lies Rembrandtplein, home to life-size sculptures recreating Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. For 24-hour clubbing, explore locations like the 2500-capacity Warehouse Elementenstraat. If you prefer a lower-key Saturday night, consider concerts at the Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ, known for its exceptional jazz scene, or at Bimhuis.
Sunday Morning
Start your Sunday by hopping onto a free ferry across the IJ River to the post-industrial area of Amsterdam Noord. Once the site of the Royal Dutch Shell oil company, the towering A’DAM Tower now offers a stunning panoramic view from its rooftop and features a thrilling giant six-seat swing. The striking EYE Film Institute showcases cinema screenings and themed exhibitions.
Head northwest to the NDSM-werf, a transformed arts district with around 250 artists working in over 80 studios at Kunststad. Enjoy the lively atmosphere at the trendy bar/restaurant Pllek, located in repurposed shipping containers, featuring a beautiful artificial beach.
Sunday Afternoon
Spend your Sunday afternoon exploring Amsterdam’s scenic canals by renting your own boat. On the southern side of the IJ River, near the creative hub of Westergasfabriek, eco-friendly electric boats are available for hire through Boats4Rent or Canal Motorboats, with no boat license required. For a more eco-conscious option, join a ‘plastic-fishing’ cruise with Plastic Whale, using nets to collect waste from the waterways, which will then be recycled to create furniture and even the electric boats used for the trips.
On land, wander through the atmospheric Jordaan district, with its narrow streets lined with delightful restaurants and bruin cafés. Enjoy an excellent gastropub menu at De Reiger, or savor rustic pastas and risottos at Trattoria di Donna Sofia. The neighboring Western Canal Ring also boasts superb options for a final meal in Amsterdam, particularly De Belhamel, perched at the elegant Herengracht, offering exquisite dishes with picturesque canal views that will linger in your memory.
