A short flight from London, Amsterdam is the perfect city break to trade in the rat race of London for a weekend of cycling and picturesque landscapes. There is so much to do in this beautiful city that 24 hours just doesn’t seem sufficient. Ensure you make the most of your time with the Sybarite’s guide to 24 hours in Amsterdam.
Wherever you are in the world, breakfast is the most important meal for the day. This is no different in Amsterdam and judging by the size of their Dutch Pancakes, you will be set for the rest of the day. De Carrousel Pannenkoeken is a lovely restaurant with amazing food situated in an old carrousel. The Dutch Pancakes are bigger than your head and taste delicious. Whether you have a sweet tooth or fancy something on the savoury side, De Carrousel has something for everyone.
If you really want to blend in with the locals the first thing you need to do in Amsterdam is rent a bike. This is the cheapest and most effective mode of transport; it can get you quickly to most places in the city. There is no shortage of bike rental shops but Your City Bike were friendly and gave us some great ideas when it came to places to visit.
If you don’t fancy a bike ride, Amsterdam is famous for its beautiful canals. No matter what time of year you visit, a Canal Cruise is a must-do. Your captain will point out key areas in Amsterdam including the infamous Red Light District. You can do this in the evening with a beautiful dinner or hop on and off throughout the day to get the complete experience whilst sightseeing.
Another Amsterdam must is the Anne Frank House & Museum. Entering the attic where the Franks hid during the Second World War is a humbling experience and well worth waiting in the queues that can form. Ensure you pre-book tickets online to make the most out of this experience. If you don’t manage to pre-book tickets then check the website for the best and easiest times to visit, as this is a busy attraction.
The Heineken Experience is a great way to blow off some steam after a packed day of sightseeing. Learn about the Heineken family and how this famous beer came to be, and ensure you save a token for the pouring at the end of your tour. Fancy a brewery that is a little more niche? Visit the Brouwerij’t IJ Brewery for an array of beers and a cosy local atmosphere.
Finish your day off with the amazing views at A’DAM Lookout bar. Here you can sit and soak in this beautiful city with a cocktail in hand.
