Originating as a fishing village in the 1200’s, Amsterdam grew to become one of Europe’s most visited cities and for good reason. There are tons to do and to see here from the legendary Van Gogh Museum and tons of local artists, to music venues and concerts, to the red light district to just walking around and enjoying the beauty of the canals. Amsterdam is a beautiful city that offers so much to see and do but what if you’re only here for a short period of time? What’s the must see and do while you’re in Amsterdam for only 24 hours? Well, luckily we got you covered. Here’s a list of things to do in Amsterdam if you’ve got 24 hours to kill.
1. Skip the line at the Rijksmuseum (from USD 26.57)
You’ve only got 24 hours so you wanna make the most of them. That’s why with this pass you can skip the wait-in-the-line at the Rijksmuseum and get in there to see some 800 years of Dutch art and history. The Rijksmuseum is home to over 400 pieces of art from iconic artists like Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Vermeer. Plus over 8000 objects from the Netherland’s history. The museum has free WiFi and the whole experience should be a little over two hours.
Amsterdam: Rijksmuseum and Optional Frans Hals Entry Ticket
2. Icebar Amsterdam (from USD 27.0)
Known as the “coolest bar in Amsterdam” this entire bar is made of ice. From the glasses to the bar everything is made of ice. Relax in the warm lounge first where you can sit back and have a drink, then put on a provided thermal jacket and has an arctic adventure right in the heart of the city. Marvel at some of the ice sculptures and light shows in this unique Amsterdam club. Price of the tour comes with three free drinks included!
Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam, 3 Drinks Included
Duration: 45 minutes
3. Red light secrets museum (from USD 16.0)
Get a more up close and personal with Amsterdam’s notorious Red Light District in this museum dedicated to the neighborhood. Located inside a former brothel house, this museum is home to preserving the hidden world of prostitution. Trace the history of Amsterdam’s prostitution business beginning from the 1500’s to its legalization in the 2000’s. See a typical workroom and stand in the window where prostitutes once advertised. Experience the world’s oldest profession and hear stories from those who lived it set in this building built in the 17th-century.
Red Light Secrets: Museum of Prostitution Amsterdam
Duration: 1 hour
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4. Red Light District tour (from USD 25.45)
Amsterdam is home to the iconic Red Light District. Even if you’re someone who does want to partake, the Red Light District is still of one Amsterdam’s most tourist-friendly places so there’s nothing to worry about. Join a local guide as you learn about the history of the area as well as take in the local landmarks - the Condomerie, Old Church and Newmarket. Take in the sights of the area and visit the leather area of Warmoestraat and the local S&M specialty shops, video cabins and sex shops.
Amsterdam: Red Lights & Dark Amsterdam Tour
Duration: 1.5 hour
Amsterdam Tour Guide
Locally Louke
Hi, my name is Louke and I live and work in the historical city of Amsterdam. My style of guiding is custom. That feeling you get from meeting up with a friend that shows you around their city. Obviously, I will take you to see the things on your bucket list and I will help you get the lay of the land and share tips and tricks of how to get the most out of your stay in my city.
Tours by Locally
Amsterdam Tour Guide
5. Food and the Albert Cuyp Market (from USD 102.0)
Delight your senses and indulge yourself with some of Amsterdam’s best traditional foods. Make sure you show up ready to eat because this two-hour trip is all about the food. Visit an organic market where you can indulge in some traditional Dutch like fresh Herring with pickles and onions or the delicious Stroopwafels. The Albert Cuyp Market sells everything from sausages to spices and flowers, so you’ll certainly find something here to take back home.
Private Food and Albert Cuyp Market Tour in Amsterdam
Duration: 2 hours
6. Two-hour bike tour (from USD 22.0)
As the old saying goes; “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”. And in Amsterdam, they are big on their bikes. So why not join the masses and hop on a bike for this two-hour Amsterdam tour. Bike along the canals and go past some of Amsterdam’s landmarks like the Rijksmuseum, the Heineken Brewery, and the Van Gogh museum. Explore some of the city’s hippest neighborhoods while you learn a little history and take in the sights.
2-Hour Amsterdam City Center Bike Tour
Duration: 2 hours
7. Hop-on hop-off boat day pass (from USD 46.0)
There’s a reason why Amsterdam is called the “Venice of the North” and that’s because of its many beautiful canals. The hop-on-hop-off day pass is a great way to get around the city, see some of the major highlights and best of all the chance to cruise at your leisure. As an added bonus, those who purchase this pass also get access to the Heineken experience! Discover the brewing traditions of one of the world’s most renowned beer companies. The boat makes nine stops along the tours for guests where you’ll see the best of Amsterdam’s hottest tourist spots.
Amsterdam Hop-on Hop-off Boat Day Pass, Heineken Experience
Duration: 1 day
8. Van Gogh Museum (from USD 23.0)
Skip the lines with this pass to the iconic Van Gogh Museum. As one of the world’s most recognizable artists, you’ll have the chance to skip the long lines in front and head on in to see some of his most amazing pieces of art by Van Gogh. On top of seeing some of the most iconic pieces like “Sunflowers” guests will also have the chance to see some of his personal things including letters he wrote. There are also works from Gaugin and Monet on site that certainly should not be missed.
Van Gogh Museum Ticket in Amsterdam
Duration: 2 hours
9. Coffeeshop and Food tour (from USD 125.0)
For those not in the know, there is a difference between the “Coffeeshop” and the “Coffee Shop”. The latter one sells coffee and the former sells another commodity Amsterdam is known for. This tour gives you a private look into Amsterdam’s liberal drug culture while showing you some highlights of the best spots around town. The private tour allows for a personalized glimpse into the city’s famous Coffeeshops but of course, all that “touring” might give you the urge to have a snack. Luckily you’ll also get a tour of some of the best authentic Dutch eateries in town so you can keep the party going.
Private Amsterdam Food and Culture Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Venice of the north
Amsterdam is iconic for many reasons, there’s so much to see and do here that fitting it all into one day is not always an easy task. But with so many things to see and do, there’s no shortage of things to fill a 24-hour tour of the city, the only hard part is choosing what to do!
History
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