Dear Amsterdam lover,

If you're planning a weekend in Amsterdam and feeling overwhelmed by all the things you're "supposed" to do, let me stop you right there. Amsterdam isn’t a checklist, it’s a feeling. And you don't need to see it all to feel like you've truly experienced the city. In fact, I think the best way to enjoy Amsterdam is to take it slow. I live here and photograph people every day who fall in love with the little moments: a canal corner lit by morning light, a garden tucked behind a museum, a quiet bench by the water.

So, let me share how I would recommend a weekend in Amsterdam if you were my friend.

Skip the Checklist, Keep the Soul

Here’s a secret: you don’t have to visit every place in a Top 10 list to have a meaningful time here. If your time is short, skip the pressure. Leave some of the areas on the list for your next visit.

Instead, make room for surprises. Amsterdam is full of small museums, peaceful cafés, and street corners that hold more charm than any Top 10 list can promise.

Choose a Neighborhood to Explore Slowly

Instead of criss-crossing the whole city, pick one or two areas and really enjoy them. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Western Canal Belt

Peaceful, central, and lined with tree-filled canals and beautiful bridges. This area is perfect in the morning. Note: avoid early morning sessions here on Wednesdays, because of trash collection until 10:30am.

2. Jordaan

A bit more lively, with boutique shops, hidden courtyards, and lots of local cafés. Note: avoid early morning sessions here on Tuesdays and Fridays, because of trash collection until 10:30am.

Turn Museums into Coffee Breaks

Don’t over-plan museum visits. Choose one or two that are small and relaxed:

• Museum Van Loon – A canal house with a lovely garden
• Foam – Photography exhibitions that are easy to wander through
• Huis Marseille – Another beautiful photo museum with a peaceful backyard

Many museums have cozy cafés, so you can treat them as part of your slow route.

Check out this video to see some of the gardens inside these museums, it’s from the Open Garden Days during the second weekend of June: Open Garden Days reel. Even if the event doesn’t take place during your visit, some of these gardens are still accessible with your museum ticket.

Bonus tip: One of the loveliest cafés in the city center is inside the Allard Pierson Museum of Antiquities. It’s located right on Rokin, and you don’t need to pay for museum entry to enjoy the café. Just let the staff at the entrance know you're heading to the café. The environment and the view are fantastic.

Let's draft an itinerary :)

If you’re starting your weekend in Amsterdam, let’s begin at the heart of the city, Central Station. From there, walk down Damrak, one of the most photographed streets in Amsterdam. It’s busy, yes, but it’s also full of energy and perfect to feel the pulse of the city.

Soon, you’ll reach Dam Square. Take it in slowly, the Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk, and the people watching are worth a few quiet minutes.

Before continuing, let’s have breakfast. I usually go for:

• Toastable Nieuwendijk: great for warm toasties and a relaxed vibe
• Greenwoods Singel: if you prefer a more classic brunch near the canal

After breakfast, start walking along Herengracht. Be sure to cross Torensluis, one of Amsterdam’s oldest and widest bridges. It has a story behind it; the name literally means “tower lock” and refers to a prison tower that once stood here. Now it’s just a beautiful spot.

You can continue through Blauwburgwal, a tiny street with a lovely name that means “Blue Citizen’s Wall.” It’s one of the shortest canals in Amsterdam and adds a little surprise to your route.

Then walk back to Herengracht and continue toward Melkmeisjesbrug, a small bridge that takes you into a side of the Brouwersgracht. Continue on this beautiful canal until reaching Prinsengracht, one of the most charming canals in the city.

Midday Treats: Apple Pie and Ice Cream

Soon you’ll reach Café Papeneiland. Please stop here. The apple pie is, in my opinion, the best in Amsterdam. It’s cozy inside, and the view outside is just as lovely.

From here, walk along the Prinsengracht and turn right into Anjeliersstraat, and keep walking until you reach a busy street full of character. To your right is Monte Pelmo, the neighborhood’s favorite spot for homemade ice cream. Expect a line, especially in warm weather, but it’s worth the wait. To your left is the fantastic view of the Westerkerk tower.

As you walk toward Westerkerk, you’ll have the Anne Frank House just across the canal. There's a quiet bench right there, sit down, breathe, listen to the water and street sounds. These are the moments that stay with you.

Lunch Stop

Now it’s time to eat. Two options I love:

• Pesca: a fun, theatrical seafood restaurant on Rozengracht
• Raïnaraï: a North African restaurant with gorgeous outdoor tables along the canal

Both offer something unique and feel like a reward after a beautiful walk.

Afternoon Plans: Museum or Park?

If you're in the mood for art, Rijksmuseum (or a museum at the Museumplein) is your next stop. Take the tram or enjoy a slow walk there. If museums don’t call you today, take your time exploring Vondelpark (search for 7 houses Amsterdam: Zevenlandenhuizen), and maybe continue toward the Amstel River. It's peaceful and spacious, a lovely way to end the day.

Now, this is how I imagine Day 2

Let’s start the day in the oldest part of Amsterdam, around the Red Light District. But don’t rush, this area has more layers than most expect. It’s not only nightlife. In the early hours, the streets are calm, and you’ll be walking through history.

Stop at Oudekerkplein, where the Oude Kerk (Old Church) stands. It’s the oldest building in Amsterdam and opens its doors to exhibitions and concerts throughout the year. You don’t need to enter; just take in the square, the sound of the bells, and the contrast between old and new.

A few good café options in this area:

• De Koffieschenkerij – inside the Oude Kerk, peaceful and full of charm. It has a great collection of books with old pictures of Amsterdam.
• Ivy and Bros – lovely spot with great coffee, fresh pastries, and a relaxed vibe that makes you want to linger a little longer.

Crossing the City’s Stories

Walk through the Nieuwmarkt area, past the Waag, and head toward the Maritime Quarter. This is a different Amsterdam, fewer canals, more ships. If you like history, peek into the Maritime Museum, or simply enjoy the harbor views.

From there, walk to the Hortus Botanicus. This botanical garden is one of the oldest in the world, and it’s like a green breath in the middle of the city. You can have lunch at their Orangery Café, surrounded by plants and peace.

You’ve walked enough. A boat tour in the afternoon is the perfect way to connect everything you’ve seen. I love Those Dam Boat Guys or any smaller boat operator that does slower, more intimate tours. If you're with someone, this part always feels like a little celebration. For a different tour, Rederij Lampedusa offers great migration stories, and some of them are quite impressive shows. Their focus is on how the city of Amsterdam was shaped through migration, telling stories from the past and the present.

End your last day with a special experience at:

• Flying Dutchmen Cocktails: for classic drinks in a beautiful setting. This option is if you go to dinner at another place.
• Belly of the Beast: a speakeasy tucked into the same building, but it has the option for food as well.

Don’t try to "do it all." Amsterdam reveals itself when you leave room in your schedule to get lost, take photos, or sit on a bench by the canal. Even with a short visit, you can find connection, stories, and beauty.

And if you're not sure where to start, I offer personal route planning and guides tailored to your dates and interests, even if you’re not booking a photo session.

Just let me know when you’re coming, and I’ll tell you what to look for.

Tot ziens (see you soon!),

Joanna

Vacation Photographer and local guide in Amsterdam, creating personalised routes in Amsterdam