A Guide To 48 Hours in Amsterdam
Since visiting Amsterdam for the first time when I was 13, I always knew I wanted to live there at one point in my life. The sound of the water, the astounding architecture, its chilled atmosphere, and the great mix of people coming from all over the world always made it look like a great place to eventually relocate after my studies. When I finally moved to Amsterdam to do my exchange, I was obviously excited and ready to live the city I’ve dreamed so much about at the fullest. But then, as we all know, COVID-19 happened and made things more difficult. Despite everything, I tried to make the best out of the situation and after staying in Amsterdam for almost a year for my studies and an internship, I felt I could come up with a little guide for you guys with the best places to go and see. Hopefully it will come in handy once this pandemic is over!
Be aware that this 48-hour guide won’t be filled with those touristy spots you all know about. You won't go to the Van Gogh museum or the city centre. Real locals don't do that, ever. I’ll bring you to the places and neighbourhoods you would go to if you lived here and do things as if you were a local. Our days will be full with plenty of things to do, but don't be scared, Amsterdam has a big heart, but it’s indeed tiny and moving from one side of the city to the other doesn’t take too long. Let’s get started!
DAY 1
Staring at Jacobs (left), Jordaan (right)
You’ll start your first day in Youst, my favourite neighbourhood and where I used to live. The first thing to do is get some coffee-to-go at “Loft61”, the best coffee in town. Then it’s time for a nice walk in Vondelpark. Here you’ll see many people running, walking their dogs and enjoying the nature. I always though of it as a very relaxing place. Then it’s time for brunch at my favourite place, “Staring at Jacobs”. After an amazing brunch, it’s time to walk towards what’s probably the most picturesque place in Amsterdam, the Jordaan. If you need more coffee on your way there, you should stop by "Monks Coffee Roasters" and try their flat white. When you get to the Jordaan, I recommend getting lost between its streets filled with plants, bridges and gorgeous flowers. If you go on a Saturday, make sure to stop by the “Noordermarkt”. If you love apple pie, you definitely have to try “Winkel 43”, it’s the best in town.
Noordermarkt
Even though Aperitivo is not a thing here, Amsterdammers will never deny you some pre-dinner drinks. My advice is to walk on the canals and pick the place with the best view, but if you can’t choose, you can try "Black and Blue". For dinner, I suggest a traditional restaurant called "Moeders" which means "Mothers" in English. The walls are filled with pictures of the mothers of affectionate clients and employees, and the atmosphere is too good to miss.
DAY 2
During your second day in Amsterdam, you’ll discover the other side of the city. You’ll start by walking through the 9 streets, which could be considered the most photogenic and yes, touristy area of Amsterdam. You are making an exception here, solely because it’s honestly too pretty to miss. You will then walk all the way towards the Amstel, the biggest Canal of Amsterdam. Once you get there, you should cross Blauwbrug to reach today’s brunch destination: “Dignita Hoftuin". This restaurant is placed inside the Hermitage Museum’s courtyard and makes the perfect location when the weather is nice.
Dignita Hoftuin
Once your belly is filled with great coffee and delicious food, you should walk coast the Amstel and cross the pretties bridge of Amsterdam, the "Magere Brug”. Now that you are back on the canals, it’s time for some cultural activities. I suggest you visit the "Van Loon", a museum located in an aristocratic canalside house alongside the Keizersgracht. Another great option is the "FOAM", a photography museum located right on the other side of the "Van Loon" canal. It’s then time to go to what many consider Amsterdam’s most lively neighbourhood: De Pijp. Here you should just get lost and discover it’s many streets and shops. You will find the best coffee at "Scandinavian Embassy", the best fashion at "Baskets" and the best drinks at “Glou Glou”.
Amstel (left), 9 Canals (right)
IN SUM,
Amsterdam is truly a wonderful city. If you manage to run away from those crowded central streets, and pass through its bad branding, you will discover a city with great culture, beautiful neighbourhoods, and many fun things to do. When you come here, make sure to plan some time to get lost between its streets and canal and uncover its hidden streets and stores. You won't regret it.
