One Day in Amsterdam: A Self-Guided, Car-Free, Budget Itinerary
One Day in Amsterdam: A Self-Guided, Car-Free, Budget Itinerary
Sarah J.
Passing through Amsterdam on your way to another city and want to explore the canals? Or maybe this city is the highlight of your trip? Either way, this is the guide for you! Conveniently discover the highlights of Amsterdam in one day, all without a car (or boat!). Even if you have more than a day in Amsterdam, I'd recommend this guide to distinguish the top sights and get a feel for their costs.
Updated ago
1
Share
I travelled to Amsterdam by train, which worked really well as the station was in a very convenient location.
As always, I highly recommend dropping your bags off at your accommodation before doing the majority of sightseeing, just to make sure you do not cause any back-aches. If you aren't spending the night in Amsterdam, there are automated luggage storage options at Amsterdam Centraal, however they are quite expensive. Alternatively, you can use an online luggage storage service, like Bounce, to stow your items for the day.
Now that you have dropped off your luggage, it's time to begin exploring!
Using a combination of public transport and walking, you'll be able to see:
Anne Frank House
@sarahsolotravels
As expected, this museum is extremely well-done and respectful towards the victims of the Holocaust. An audio guide is included with the ticket price and gives a lot of context during your walk around the museum. Make sure to buy your ticket ahead of time as they sell out very quickly; they go on sale every Tuesday at 10am CEST for a visit six weeks later. When I bought my ticket, I was on the website refreshing at the exact time and was only able to just get one so make sure you are on at 10am.
Price: €1 (0-9 yrs), €7 (10-17 yrs), €16 (adult)
Various museum discount cards are accepted but a booking fee and advanced booking is still required.
Add to
Details
Royal Palace Amsterdam
@sarahsolotravels
The palace was closed when I visited, but it was nice to view from the exterior! At the time of writing this, it is open to visitors. If you do visit the inside, I would like to note that it may be difficult to do the rest of this itinerary in one day. If you are spending two days in Amsterdam, however, this would probably work well.
Prices: Free (0-17), €9-13
Add to
Details
Gassan Diamonds
@sarahsolotravels
I took a free tour here and it was really fun! We learned a lot about the diamond industry and were able to try on some diamond jewelry worth upwards of €50,000! This has to be pre-booked.
Add to
Details
Van Gogh Museum
@sarahsolotravels
I honestly don't even know where to start with this museum, it was truly amazing. I am not usually a huge fan of art museums, but they used Van Gogh's paintings to map out the story of his life and his mental health struggles. They have some very famous pieces and I really do highly recommend going. Make sure you book in advance, especially during the high season, as they do sell out of tickets.
Price: Free (0-17), €10-20
Various museum discount cards accepted.
Add to
Details
Vondelpark
@sarahsolotravels
I really enjoyed walking through this park. Because I was short on time, I took public transport to the western end of the park, and then walked back through it. There are some resident storks that nest in the park, so be on the lookout for their chicks! If you are lucky enough to see the magnificent birds, make sure you ask a local about their history.
Price: Free
Add to
Details
Food!
Fabel Friet
@sarahsolotravels
These fries were absolutely delicious! However, the restaurant is quite popular and often goes viral on TikTok, so I recommend getting there as it opens. I did this, and only had to wait a few minutes in line as they are very efficient. I got fries with truffle mayonnaise and parmesan cheese, and a cheese croquette for €9.15 total.
Add to
Details
van Wonderen Stroopwafels
@sarahsolotravels
If you want to get an infamous stroopwafel in Amsterdam, this is the place to go! However, I thought they were quite overpriced and simply enjoy the ones from Costco more.
Add to
Details
Lidl
@sarahsolotravels
My favorite supermarket in Europe, and the best place to find local snacks and pastries at reliable prices. Lots of locations in many cities.
Add to
Details
If I had more time in Amsterdam...
Rijksmuseum
@sarahsolotravels
If I spent two days in Amsterdam, I would have made a separate day out of this museum, the Van Gogh museum, and Vondelpark. It has some pretty famous pieces of work, but I ultimately decided I wanted to spend my time at the Van Gogh museum instead.
Price: Free (0-18), €11-23
Various museum discount passes are accepted.
Add to
Details
Where to go next?
Passing through Paris on your way to another city and don't want to break the bank? Or maybe this city is the highlight of your trip? Either way, this is the guide for you! Conveniently discover the highlights of Paris in one day, all without a car. Even if you have more than a day in Paris, I'd recommend this guide to distinguish the top sights.
50+ • Accessibility • Backpacker • Car-free • Couples • Digital Nomads • Family • Groups • Female Solo • Adventure • Architecture • Art • Budget • History • People & Culture
Free
Passing through London on your way to another city and don't want to break the bank? Or maybe this city is the highlight of your trip? Either way, this is the guide for you! Conveniently discover the highlights of London in one day, all without a car. Even if you have more than a day in London, I'd recommend this guide to distinguish the top sights and get a feel for their costs.
50+ • Accessibility • Backpacker • Car-free • Couples • Digital Nomads • Family • Groups • Female Solo • Architecture • Budget • History • People & Culture • Art
Free
Passing through Brussels on your way to another city and don't want to break the bank? Or maybe this city is the highlight of your trip? Either way, this is the guide for you! Conveniently discover the highlights of Brussels in one day, all without a car. Even if you have more than a day in Brussels, I'd recommend this guide to distinguish the top sights and get a feel for their costs.
Backpacker • Car-free • Digital Nomads • Couples • 50+ • Female Solo • Architecture • Budget • People & Culture
Free
Passing through Berlin on your way to another city and want to explore its rich history? Or maybe this city is the highlight of your trip? Either way, this is the guide for you! Conveniently discover the highlights of Berlin in one day, all without a car. Even if you have more than a day in Berlin, I'd recommend this guide to distinguish the top sights and get a feel for their costs. Please note that I am not someone who enjoys clubbing, so I have not included any clubbing/drinking attractions in this guide.
Accessibility • Backpacker • Car-free • Digital Nomads • 50+ • Female Solo • Adventure • Budget • History
Free
Want more information?
* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah J.
I am a solo female traveler who likes to explore on a moderate budget; I think it's important to recognize that some opportunities when travelling will never arise again, and it's worth shelling out for them! I prefer to travel very fast-paced, and my guides will reflect that. In order to accomplish this, I have done lots of research about every place I have visited to ensure I use my time wisely. I have only travelled around Europe so far, but I am hoping to expand my horizons in the coming years :)
Send A Tip
Support Sarah J.’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Explore related destinations
Read more about places in this guide
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Sarah J. 2024 • Help • Privacy • Terms • Copyright • Become a Seller • Seller Academy • About • Careers • Blog • Explore Places