Amsterdam is a city that is both historic and progressive, elegant and bawdy. There are 17th century canals alongside trendy cannabis shops and bicycles outnumber humans.
However, it is possible to get a good feel for the city in one day – and an Amsterdam walking tour is a fantastic way to do it!
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We designed our One Day in Amsterdam Self-Guided Walk to take you to more than 18 of the best sights. Plus, an Amsterdam Walking Tour Map is included!
About Our Amsterdam Walking Tour
Sightseeing in Amsterdam is best done on foot. To see the top sights, we will have to cover some ground, so expect the tour to take at least 2 hours.
Don’t worry, we created an easy-flowing route that is perfect for first-time visitors or those who have yet to discover all the prime places.
We highlight individual attractions, provide step-by-step walking directions and include two Amsterdam Maps. One being interactive and the other is an Amsterdam PDF Map.
You will also find our Walking Tour Amsterdam Tips and more suggestions for things to do throughout the article.
Want this tour without the advertisements? You can buy it here for less than a cup of coffee!
One Day in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Planning what to see in Amsterdam is no easy task – especially if you are limited to one day. Whether you have 2 hours or 24, you can use our outlined Amsterdam walk.
The main route of our tour circles the city in a loop. Those with more time can consider our ‘If You Have Time’ suggestions to create a full day of sightseeing.
Even if you are short on time, we recommend reading through the ‘If You Have Time‘ sections. There may be detours you want to make during your walking tour in Amsterdam!
What You Will Need for this Amsterdam Walk
Fortunately, not much. We provide all of the information for where to walk in Amsterdam – you just have to follow along! However, we do have a few tips before you set off.
Connectivity
You can print our Amsterdam Sightseeing Map PDF, but a reliable signal is necessary for navigation.
Back when our phones were locked, used GlocalMe to stay connected abroad. Their eSIM data packages are priced competitively and the hot-spot allows up to 10 devices to be connected at once.
Amsterdam Walking Shoes
The city is fairly flat, but we still suggest having durable travel shoes. I wear these trainers by New Balance and Kris prefers Merrell Trail Shoes.
Travel Camera
You can really take in the beauty while walking the Amsterdam canals and streets. In order to truly capture it all, we recommend using an actual camera.
We shoot with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens. It’s a great set-up and the bundle comes with loads of accessories, making it an excellent value camera for traveling.
Amsterdam Tourist Card
If visiting the museums and other top attractions in Amsterdam, consider purchasing a City Card. It includes entry into many recommended venues (except the Anne Frank Museum).
Plus, it provides free access to public transportation and a canal boat ride, which is a wonderful way to end your one day in Amsterdam!
Self-Guided Free Walking Tour of Amsterdam
Okay, lace up your shoes and grab your camera – it’s time to go see Amsterdam! We’ll start off at Central Station. Map.
#1 Amsterdam Central
Central Station was opened in 1889 and today 200,000 passengers pass through daily. The south-facing main entrance opens onto the most historic part of the city.
Across and slightly to the left is the towering Basilica of Saint Nicholas. The church was built in the late 1800s and is free to visit.
Pro Tip: Access to the north side of the station is via the Cuyperspassage – a tunnel of 80,000 Delft Blue tiles (Map).
The famous Netherland tiles are a must-see, so if you have time we recommend ducking in on your Amsterdam sightseeing route.
Directions: Walk straight away from the front of Central Station onto the west side of Damrak Street. Map.
#2 Damrak
This is the main north-south route from Central Station to Dam Square. Once a busy waterway, the Damrak Canal was filled in to make a street in 1672.
The remaining small body of water you see across the way was at one time a thriving harbor. Buildings open directly onto ships for a quick transfer of goods.
Many boat tours now depart from here. We offer more information about canal cruises in Amsterdam at the end of the post.
Most buildings along Damrak were built in the 18th or 19th century – and more than 20 of them are designated as Royal Monuments. The large, brick Beurs van Berlage was once the stock exchange and is now a concert hall.
Stay on Damrak to the south end of Beurs van Berlage. On your right, you will see the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, stop in for a sample!
After a few nibbles, use the next alley on your right – the elegant Beurspassage – to cut across to Nieuwendijk.
Now turn right to the first store on your right, Van der Linde Ice Cream Shop. There will likely be a line, but it moves fast, so pop in for a scoop of Mr. Whippy Vanilla (cash only). Map.
#3 Nieuwendijk
Running parallel to Damrak is Nieuwendijk. A pedestrian-only shopping street, it is one of the most historic places to walk in Amsterdam.
The narrow, brick lane is home to more than 200 shops and nearly 100 of the structures are labeled as national heritage sites. Directions: Walk south to Dam Square. Map.
#4 Dam Square
This is in the historical center of Amsterdam and located at the original Amstel River Dam, which was built in 1270.
A major sightseeing stop on our Amsterdam city walk route, many notable buildings and monuments are on the square.
Make sure to set your eyes on the Royal Palace. It was constructed in 1655 as City Hall and converted to a royal residence in 1808.
Also find De Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and the National Monument pillar, which was built in 1956 and honors the victims of World War II.
Top Tip: For a free view of Dam Square from above, go to the 3rd floor of the Peek & Cloppenburg Department Store.
If You Have Time: Facing the front of De Nieuwe Kerk, take the narrow passageway, Eggertstraat, around the east side of the church into an ancient part of the city.
Here you will find De Drie Fleschjes (Three Little Bottles). The classic Amsterdam tavern is a jenever bar (a local Dutch gin) that dates to 1650. Map.
Directions: From the WWII memorial on Dam Square, walk north on Warmoesstraat to Wijde Kerksteeg and turn right. Map.
#5 De Oude Kerk (The Old Church)
This 800-year-old place of worship is Amsterdam’s oldest building; it was consecrated in the year 1306.
Built as a Catholic Church, it is now a Calvinist Dutch Reform Church, but the space is also used as an art gallery (and is free with the City Card).
If You Have Time: Just north along the canal is the Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder – or Our Lord in the Attic Museum.
The hidden church and historic house are one of the most fascinating buildings in the city. An entry ticket is required, but is included with the City Card. Map.
Directions: Walk around the church to the right, cross Oudekennissteeg bridge and continue to the next canal. Map.
#6 Red Light District
The Red Light is an odd prostitution-as-a-tourist-attraction sight. During the day, most of the window boxes are vacant. At night, it is quite a different scene.
The Red Lights Secrets Museum and Erotic Museum are also found along the street. To get a better understanding of the area in full swing, take this Red Light District Private Tour at Night.
Directions: Walk north on Oudezijds Achterburgwal to Korte Stormsteeg, go right to Zeedijk and then right again. Map.
#7 Amsterdam Chinatown
A plethora of Asian (not just Chinese) shops and restaurants line Zeedijk, the main street through what is commonly called Chinatown.
The He Hua Buddhist Temple, built in 2000, is a striking difference to the rest of the architecture found in Amsterdam Old Town.
Directions: Continue south to Nieuwmarkt Square and De Waag. Map.
#8 De Waag
The Weigh House is Amsterdam’s oldest non-religious structure. Dating to the 15th century and once part of the city walls, it now houses a popular and atmospheric restaurant.
Directions: Exit to the south on Sint Antoniesbreestraat; cross the canal to the Rembrandt House Museum (free with the City Card); turn right on Zwanenburgwal. Map.
#9 Waterlooplein Market
This outdoor market is one of the best in Amsterdam. It has more than 300 stalls selling second-hand clothing, antiques, tools, books and other trinkets.
It originated as a Jewish bazaar in 1893 and was revitalized as a general market in the 1960s. (Closed on Sundays.)
Directions: At the southeast end of the market, turn right on Waterlooplein Street and right again before the bridge and onto the waterfront. Map.
#10 National Opera & Ballet
The National Opera and Ballet, nicknamed Stopera, fronts the Amstel River. The modern building, constructed in the 1980s, was met with many protests – thus the alternate name: Stop the Opera…or Stopera for short.
Many of Amsterdam’s iconic houseboats are moored along this scenic section of the Amstel. Directions: Walk a few steps south onto the decorative bridge. Map.
#11 Blauwbrug (Blue Bridge)
The ornate Blauwbrug is named for an old wooden bridge that used to straddle the river on the same site.
The current one dates to 1883 and features sumptuous decorations. Despite not being painted royal blue, the original name stuck.
Pause for a moment and take in the views. The Opera is directly north and the Hermitage Amsterdam Museum is to the southeast.
Directly south is the Magere Brug – or Skinny Bridge – which is a picturesque wooden drawbridge and one of our favorites.
If You Have Time: There are several Amsterdam sights near Rembrandtplein that are worth exploring.
Two that we recommend are the Willet-Holtuysen Museum and Museum Van Loon, both of which are historically preserved canal houses (and are free with the City Card).
The Archives Museum (in the De Bazel Building) is also close by and offers excellent exhibits and free clean toilets!
For a quick snack, pop into Eetsalon Van Dobben, an iconic Amsterdam sandwich shop – which offers a discount with the City Card. Use this route to visit these additional spots.
Directions: Walk to Rembrandtplein to see the Rembrandt statue that is surrounded by a cast of characters from his most famous painting, The Night Watch. Then continue on to Muntplein. Map.
#12 Munt Tower on Muntplein
This busy square is actually a bridge with six streets leading on to it. The Munt Tower (Munttoren) was once part of a city gate, and in the 17th century, it also served as a mint.
Directions: Continue south and turn right (west) on Singel to the Flower Market. Map.
#13 Bloemenmarkt
These flower market stalls are housed on barges and sell everything from seeds to fresh cuts. This floating marketplace is one of the most colorful (and fragrant) spots in the city!
If You Have (A Lot Of) Time: Make your way to Vondelpark and Museumplein, where you will find the famous Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum before continuing your canal exploration on Prinsengracht. Map.
Directions: Continue west to Koningsplein and turn left. Walk to Prinsengracht and turn right for an exceptional Amsterdam canal walk north along the ring. Map.
#14 Amsterdam Canal Ring
The network of canals in Amsterdam date to the 17th century and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The system is a unique urban plan and one of the best places to walk in Amsterdam.
Once an integral part of the city’s development and maritime trade, the land around the canals was purchased by the richest residents. They built beautiful gabled houses, enhancing the appeal of the area.
Most of these were constructed on wooden foundations that are shifting. However, the homes that appear to be leaning over the street were purposely built to look bigger than they really were.
If You Have Time: Turn right at Leidsegracht and walk the 2 blocks of this quaint canal with lovely bridges. Then, make a detour to the secret Begijnhof Garden that conceals two hidden churches (and is accessed via an inconspicuous arched doorway).
From the courtyard, continue to the Amsterdam Museum and take a peek at the Civic Guards Gallery exhibit, then exit through the leaning portal. Map.
#15 Nine Streets Amsterdam (Negen Straatjes)
This tiny neighborhood is a 3-by-3 grid of picturesque lanes lined with boutique stores, high-end specialty shops and chic cafes. Originally occupied by tanners, many of the streets are named after animals.
Combined, they are one of the most picturesque places to see in Amsterdam. Wander freely or use these directions for a quick 12 minute walk.
If You Have Time: The Houseboat Museum (included with the Amsterdam City Card) sits on the west side of Prinsengracht Canal at Berensluis Street. Although quite small, it’s interesting to see how the inside is decorated! Map.
Directions: Now continue walking north on Prinsengracht to the next stop. Map.
#16 Westerkerk
This protestant church that was built between 1620 and 1631 and features the tallest religious tower in Amsterdam at 279 feet.
Famous Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn is buried here and, in 1966, Queen Beatrix chose Westerkerk as the location of her wedding ceremony.
It’s free to go inside to see the interior. Directions: Take a very short stroll north along the canal to #263. Map.
#17 Anne Frank House
The story of Anne Frank is well-known worldwide. Her diary detailing the time her family spent hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam was first published in 1947.
The house where they hid, numbered 263 Prinsengracht, is now a museum. Tickets should be booked in advance; it is not included with the City Card.
If tickets are unavailable, consider joining a private tour – like this one – or a group Anne Frank Tour to learn more about her life in isolation.
If You Have Time: For a quick snack of classic Amsterdam fries, go to Heertje Friet (Map); for a savory meal of Dutch-style pancakes, the Pancake Bakery is nearby (Map). For a Dutch beer, head to Proeflokaal Arendsnest (Map).
Directions: Walk north past Anne Frank House to the first bridge, Leliegracht, and cross west into Jordaan. Map.
#18 Jordaan Neighborhood
The working class settled this enclave in the 17th century and they attracted many people with political ideals.
In the 1970s, gentrification took over, bringing young professionals, well-to-do families and trendy cafes, bars, galleries and specialty shops.
Today, the inviting district is characterized by elegant houses, many of which hide hofjes (inner courtyards) and feature Gable Stones.
The stone plaques displayed on the front of the homes were first used in the 16th century. They were a means of identifying the inhabitants by depicting the owner’s profession or family name.
Pro Tip: For a unique way to experience the neighborhood, join a Food Tour of Jordaan!
If You Have Time: The Tulip Museum (free with the City Card) is a surprisingly interesting spot!
The often humorous displays detail the history of tulips in the Netherlands – as well as the hysteria of the Golden Age Tulipmania. Map.
Directions: Crisscross north through Jordaan and eventually turn right (east) onto Brouwersgracht.
Named in the late 1500s for the breweries that occupied the canal houses, it’s considered by many to be one of the most beautiful Amsterdam canals. From here, it’s an easy walk back to Central Station. Map.
That concludes our Amsterdam Walking Tour. Keep scrolling for maps, more things to do and our honest travel advice!
Amsterdam Walking Tour Maps
Our map of the Amsterdam City Center is interactive; click on any of the markers for more information and zoom in or out for a better view.
The blue numbers are the primary sights (#1-18); the orange pin-drops indicate the If You Have Time attractions.
Amsterdam Self-Guided Walking Tour Printable Map
To print our Amsterdam Walking Route Map below, click on it and then right click outside of the image and select print!
More Amsterdam Sightseeing Options
Too much walking? No problem! There are alternate choices that are much easier on your feet.
Amsterdam Bus and Boat Tour
The classic Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus moves tourists effortlessly through the streets to top attractions. The ticket is good for 24 hours and also includes a boat route!
Bike Rental
A popular alternative to walking is to rent a bike! You can discover the top places to visit in Amsterdam on two wheels at your own pace (or join a tour).
Amsterdam Canal Boat
Want to cruise the canal? Of course you do! There are plenty of options, so have a peek at these sightseeing cruises to find one that fits your style.
Best Amsterdam Day Trips
Have enough time for an excursion? Consider taking a day trip to see the Famous Dutch Windmills, the iconic Tulip Fields, lovely Haarlem or even over to fairytale Bruges, Belgium!
Amsterdam Travel Advice
Amsterdam is a fascinating city and there is so much to explore here! You can create your complete trip plan with our Amsterdam Itinerary – but for now we have a few essential tips to share.
Planning Your Amsterdam Trip
There is a lot that goes into planning a trip to Amsterdam – from what to see to things to eat to where to stay.
Get (and stay) organized for your vacation to Amsterdam by utilizing our Trip Planning Printables!
Watch Out for Bikes in Amsterdam
Bicycles are everywhere. As fans of pedal power, we were impressed with so many people using bikes as their method of transportation.
We found it amazing how effortlessly they moved about, even with the extra encumbrance of hauling groceries, musical instruments and multiple children. Visitors, however, need to be aware!
What To Eat and Drink in Amsterdam
Although we were hesitant at first, we absolutely love the food in the Netherlands! Read our article on Dutch Cuisine, which includes everything from cheese to apple pie.
Having a locally brewed Heineken is an essential Amsterdam experience. The distinctive red star logo is plastered throughout the city and it’s sold just about everywhere.
That said, don’t miss out on the unique and creative local beers. In fact, we have a complete guide to the Top Amsterdam Craft Beer Bars!
Where To Stay in Amsterdam
Staying in Amsterdam is expensive – so before you book your accommodations, read our guide for Finding Cheap Hotels.
For an Amsterdam layover hotel, Ibis Budget Amsterdam Airport is just a short walk to the bus station where you can catch a ride into the city center.
When we were in Amsterdam for Christmas, we stayed at the stylish Volkshotel near the hip De Pijp District. Key features of the property were the creative rooms, co-working space and rooftop hot tubs!
For those who prefer staying closer to the city, there are many choices as well. We suggest checking out Park Mansion Centre Hotel or The Toren!
Amsterdam Travel Insurance
Trip insurance may help cover costs associated with cancelled flights, lost luggage or when travelers become ill or get injured.
If you haven’t already obtained coverage for your European Vacation, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to the Netherlands! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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