How to spend the ultimate weekend in Amsterdam

17.10.2024 - 15:19 / lonelyplanet.com

Oct 17, 2024 • 9 min read

I spent a long weekend in Amsterdam, but it might not be exactly the one you’re imagining. Sure, there were bike rides, brown bars and buttery cakes, but also paddleboarding on the canals and treasure hunts in the lanes of The Jordaan.

I stayed on the edge of the Museum Quarter, one of Amsterdam's most interesting neighborhoods, right where it meets De Pijp over the canal – well away from the frenetic intensity and souvenir shops of the city center. Picture mornings by the water, cobblestone streets leading to cozy cafes and local bars that feel more like someone's living room than part of a busy capital city.

Drawing from my favorite moments from that trip, as well as insider tips I picked up from locals and colleagues during my time at Lonely Planet, I've put together the ultimate guide for enjoying a relaxed weekend in Amsterdam.

When to arrive: The sweet spot for travel is late September to early October. It’s still warm, but the summer crowds are dialing back. Winter is chilly but cozy – there's always somewhere dry and interesting to explore, from world-class museums to come-hither nooks and toasty-warm brown bars (local pubs).

How to get from the airport: From Amsterdam's Schiphol airport, hop on the train to Amsterdam Centraal (€5.90 for a single ticket, 15–20 minutes), or take the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) train to Amsterdam Zuid (€4.30 for a single, 7 minutes) and change to the city Metro.

Getting around town: Trams connect every corner of the city and run like clockwork. The I Amsterdam City Card combines free entry to major attractions (after payment for the card) with unlimited travel on public transport; purchase the pass online before you arrive in Amsterdam. Or if you're game, rent a bike and pedal the streets like a local. Just be ready to share the lanes with seasoned cyclists who are keen on getting places fast; stay sharp and avoid blocking the lanes if you pause to people-watch.

What to pack: Comfortable shoes for walking and warm layers. And don't forget a rain jacket or umbrella, no matter what the season. 

Where to stay: Residential areas such as De Pijp and The Jordaan have lots of character and are conveniently close to the major attractions. I stayed at Avani Museum Quarter, serving up calm convenience on the boundary of De Pijp and Museumplein. The hotel is close to all the major museums and overlooks a canal in a quieter part of the city.

Morning: Drop your bags at the hotel and head straight to Bakkerij Mater in De Pijp. The smell of fresh sourdough alone is enough to tempt you inside, and their bread and butter pudding, still warm from the oven, will shake off any lingering travel fatigue. If you're after something more substantial, sandwiches stacked