After an overnight stay in The Hague, we ventured to Amsterdam, the iconic city of canals. Rested and refreshed, we set out to explore as much as possible in a single, windy day, skipping museums and diving straight into the city’s charm. Here’s how our day unfolded:
1. Amsterdam Central
Amsterdam Central, a stunning architectural landmark and bustling transportation hub, welcomed us with its grand façade and intricate details. We purchased a two-day transportation pass at Hoofddorp via a vending machine and enjoyed a 35-minute ride on a Sprinter train. Upon arrival, we admired the station’s magnificence and prepared for our day of exploration.
2. Tony’s Chocolonely
Tony’s Chocolonely, near Amsterdam Central Station, is a paradise for chocolate enthusiasts and offers an immersive experience beyond a typical store. We delved into the brand’s inspiring story, sampled unique flavors like caramel sea salt and pretzel toffee, and created our own custom chocolate bars. Yuven excitedly designed his chocolate, choosing a milk-and-dark chocolate base, skipping toppings, and customizing vibrant red-and-blue packaging. The automated process was seamless, and we received a confirmation for collection before 5 PM. Despite the queue, the 45-minute visit was delightful, with chocolates and merchandise adding to the fun.
3. Dam Square
Dam Square, Amsterdam’s vibrant historical and cultural heart, serves as a bustling hub of activity and a popular gathering spot. Walking from Tony’s Chocolonely, we stopped to buy souvenirs and cheese from the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store before reaching the lively square. Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and iconic attractions like Madame Tussauds, the square was crowded with food carts and a vendor selling pigeon feed. After clicking some pictures and soaking in the lively ambiance, we spent about 15 minutes before heading to our next destination.
4. Van Stapele Cookies
Van Stapele cookies are a must-try indulgence in Amsterdam, offering the best cookies I’ve ever tasted. We purchased a box of six for €15 and received an extra one free as it was the last of the batch. The shop also gave Yuven a token to play a game, winning him a small toy. We savored the warm, delicious cookies while seated outside, thoroughly enjoying the experience. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the city—details can be found on their website!
5. Jordaan, Bridges, and Anne Frank’s House
Amsterdam’s iconic canals and bridges truly live up to their reputation, offering breathtaking views that captivate at every turn. We strolled through the charming Jordaan neighborhood, soaking in its picturesque canals, quaint art galleries, cozy cafes, and boutique shops that exude authentic Dutch charm. Passing by the historic Anne Frank House, we appreciated its significance from the outside. If you are planning to visit the Anne Frank House, reserve your tickets well in advance.
6. Indian Lunch at Kailash Parbat
From Jordaan, we took a tram back to Amsterdam Central Station, followed by a train to enjoy a delightful Indian lunch at Kailash Parbat near Vijzelgracht metro station (which has the longest escalators in Amsterdam). Energized, we boarded another tram to reach our next destination, Museumplein.
7. Museumplein
Museumplein is a cultural hub and home to some of Amsterdam’s most iconic attractions. The expansive square houses the Rijksmuseum, showcasing Dutch Golden Age masterpieces; the Van Gogh Museum, celebrating the works of the legendary artist; and the Stedelijk Museum, featuring contemporary art. Though we didn’t explore these museums, we enjoyed the area’s lush green lawns, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. While it was sunny when we arrived, the weather turned cloudy, and after half an hour, we boarded a tram to Oudezijds Voorburgwal 226 for our canal tour.
8. Canal Tour with Amsterdam Boat Trips
For our canal tour, we chose an intimate small-group experience over the standard options departing from Amsterdam Central. We booked a 5 PM slot online for €68 (€27 per adult, €14 per child), which included a complimentary cocktail. Onboard, we savored drinks while enjoying engaging commentary from the captain and assistant. Cruising through Amsterdam’s waterways provided a unique perspective of the city, with the cool breeze and vibrant ambiance enhancing the experience. The relaxing journey offered picturesque views and a memorable way to explore the city’s charm.
After our canal tour, we were torn between exploring the Jordaan area further or visiting A’DAM Lookout. Ultimately, we opted for the iconic observation deck. On the way, we stopped at Heinen Delfts Blauw to purchase a Delftware souvenir and grabbed some delicious fries from Manneken Pis Damrak.
We then headed to Amsterdam Central Station and took the free GVB ferry across the River IJ to Buiksloterweg. From there, it’s just a 4-5 minute walk to A’DAM Lookout.
8. A’DAM Lookout
It is an iconic observation deck in Amsterdam, providing spectacular 360-degree views of the city’s skyline, canals, and countryside. Situated atop the A’DAM Tower across the IJ River, it features Europe’s highest swing, Over the Edge, and a rooftop bar and restaurant for scenic relaxation.
We reached around 7 PM and booked a family ticket (€38 for 2 adults and 1 child) while standing outside the building. Upon arrival, a photo session awaited, followed by an exciting elevator ride to the 20th-floor indoor panorama deck with sound and lighting effects. The deck featured a VR experience booth, telescopes, historical exhibits, and essential amenities like lockers and restrooms.
The open-air sky deck on the 21st floor offered thrilling experiences, including the swing, picture spots, and panoramic information displays. It was windy and chilly, so we spent around 15–20 minutes enjoying the views. Mihir and Yuven tried the VR experience for an additional €14. They offer a lot of other things; details are available on their website.
We purchased a souvenir coin and photos before heading back. Watching the serene sunset near the river added a magical end to our visit. By 8:30 PM, we were on our way back to Hoofddorp and reached the hotel at 9:45 PM, ending the day with snacks and cookies.
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This article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Amsterdam.
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