Amsterdam has always been one of those cities that feels straight out of a postcard – canals weaving through charming neighborhoods, bikes zipping past, and a vibrant mix of art, history, and culture around every corner. My husband and I recently spent two days here, and while it was a whirlwind trip, it turned out to be the perfect balance of sightseeing, relaxing, and soaking up the local vibes. I am so happy we were able to check this destination off of our list; it’s been on my radar since my study abroad program was canceled in 2020 due to COVID. Now, I can’t stop imagining the life I would have created there for 8 weeks as a 20 year old college student.

Here’s a look at our two-day itinerary and the highlights that made Amsterdam unforgettable.

Travel Day 

Our adventure began with an overnight flight from Boston to Amsterdam. With a seven-hour journey ahead, we packed snacks, queued up some movies, and tried to sneak in as much sleep as possible. Arriving in Europe always feels magical, and stepping off the plane in Amsterdam was no different. I love the feeling of being surrounded by so many different languages, understanding nothing but feeling completely immersed.

After landing, we checked into our hotel: Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – City Hall with a canal view. We went budget-friendly this trip, but I love my IHG membership—it comes in handy for earning points while traveling with the Army National Guard.

Once we settled in and freshened up, we grabbed a late lunch and walked around a bit before exhaustion hit. Jet lag had us asleep by 6 p.m., excited to wake up refreshed for our first full day.

Day 1: Art, Canals & Exploring the Heart of the City

Breakfast at Milky

After a very early night, we were up and ready by 6 a.m. We stopped at Milky, a cozy café where the cappuccino and hearty breakfast gave us the perfect energy boost to start the day. Make sure to arrive early and know the wait is totally worth it! They are a no reservation cafe but their pancakes and crepes are to die for! After a delicious breakfast, we then headed off to the Rijksmuseum.

Rijksmuseum 

Our next stop was the Rijksmuseum (tickets through GetYourGuide—love them!), one of Amsterdam’s most famous art museums. It houses masterpieces from Dutch painters like Rembrandt and Vermeer, and it’s an absolute must for art lovers (or honestly, anyone who appreciates history and beauty). We spent a few hours wandering the galleries, and while it’s easy to get lost in its vastness, every corner felt worth exploring.

Lunch at Box Sociaal

By the time we left, we were ready for food. Box Sociaal was the perfect pick – casual, friendly, and serving up delicious plates that hit the spot. 

Afternoon Wandering

We then spent the afternoon sightseeing on foot, visiting landmarks like Leidseplein, Muntplein, Begijnhof, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Damrak, and the city’s lively waterfront. Along the way, we popped into shops, grabbed coffee, and people-watched—it’s one of the best ways to experience anywhere you go.

While many of the landmarks weren’t over-the-top, the architecture and history made them worth the walk. We even bought tickets to tour the Royal Palace, which gave us a fascinating glimpse into Dutch history and the country’s monarchy.

Dinner at Frenzi

For dinner, we found ourselves at Frenzi, a cozy spot tucked along the canal that instantly felt like the kind of place you’d want to linger. The menu leaned Italian, and every bite we had was fresh, flavorful, and comforting in that way only pasta and good wine can be.

The real star of the evening, though, was their espresso martini. Smooth, strong, and just the right balance of sweet and bold—it was hands down one of the best I’ve ever had. Between the food, the cocktails, and the lively-yet-relaxed atmosphere, Frenzi ended up being one of those finds that makes a trip feel extra special.

Evening Strolls

As the sun set, we wandered past the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) and continued into the Red Light District. Seeing the city lit up at night gave us a whole new perspective. Even though we weren’t “shopping,” we couldn’t leave Amsterdam without experiencing the unique nightlife—it’s definitely a city that comes alive after dark.

Day 2: Shopping, Relaxation & A Special Dinner

Morning Coffee & Reading

We started our second day slowly, grabbing coffee and a bagel from Tony’s NY Bagels. The food was amazing and felt like a piece of home in their never stopping city. We enjoyed a little quiet time with our books and each other before heading into our final day in the city.

Shopping & Exploring

With no strict agenda, we wandered through Amsterdam’s shops. From quirky souvenirs to high-end fashion, the mix was eclectic and fun. I especially loved window shopping along the designer streets, soaking in the unfamiliar yet exciting atmosphere.

After a morning of shopping, we then visited the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. It was a short stop, but beautiful—lush greenhouses, rare plants, and a peaceful break from the busy streets. While not an all-day activity, it added a refreshing contrast to the bustling city.

Canal Tour – Booked through Get Your Guides

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a canal tour. We booked ours through GetYourGuide with a wine-and-cheese add-on—and it was worth every penny. Gliding past tilted canal houses, under bridges, past historical locations and alongside houseboats felt like stepping into a painting. Our guides were fantastic and kept the wine glasses full. We went with Flagship Amsterdam, and I’d highly recommend their tours if you’re in the city.

Evening Reset

Travel can be tiring, especially when sightseeing by foot, so we made time to head back to the hotel and recharge before the evening’s plans. During this time we recovered from our afternoon wine drunk and refreshed for the night.

Dinner at MOON

We saved the best for last: dinner at MOON, a revolving fine-dining restaurant perched high above Amsterdam with panoramic views. As the restaurant slowly turned, we watched the skyline shift from golden sunset to sparkling night. It felt like we were floating above the city.

MOON isn’t just about the view—the food is exquisite. The seasonal menu offered two options per course, and over the span of two hours we enjoyed a beautifully paced five-course meal, each plate arriving like a work of art. The flavors were layered, the presentation stunning, and the wine pairings elevated the whole experience.

What made MOON unforgettable was its rhythm. Nothing was rushed; instead, it felt immersive, giving us space to savor each course, sip our drinks, and have uninterrupted conversation. For couples seeking a romantic and elevated night in Amsterdam, this is the spot.

Final Thoughts

After our two days here, I’d have to say Amsterdam was awesome, and I’m so glad we finally checked it off our travel list. The city is beautiful, full of history, and we really enjoyed our time exploring. That said, 2–3 days is the perfect amount of time here. For us, it felt like a one-time trip—we experienced everything we wanted without feeling like we missed out. However, I’d definitely want to stop back on another trip to see their tulip season.

While I don’t see myself revisiting Amsterdam for more than another few days, I’d absolutely return to explore other areas of the Netherlands, which seem just as (if not more) charming in their own unique ways.

With love,

Wander with Miranda ♡