Two Days in Amsterdam Itinerary: 8 Best Cheap Things to Do/See for First-Time Visitors

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Exploring Amsterdam in just 2 days might sound like a challenge, but trust me, it’s doable—and on a budget!

If you’re visiting the Dutch capital for the first time, you’re in luck!

Amsterdam is the kind of place that feels like it was made for short trips—and for people who don’t mind walking off their Dutch pancakes—a phrase often used in the Netherlands for a stroll after a delicious meal.

With its dreamy canals, quirky houses, and plenty of history to uncover, it’s a city that packs a lot into a little.

If you’ve only got two days and you’re on a budget, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with tips to make the most of your time without spending all your money on cannabis and tulips.

Let’s dive in!

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About this 2-day Amsterdam Budget Itinerary

This two-day itinerary to Amsterdam is perfect for first-time visitors with limited time who wish to explore the city’s highlights quickly.

Also, keep in mind that this itinerary isn’t packed with a lot of paid activities and tours.

Since this is a budget itinerary, I’ll cover how to get there, when to visit cheaply, what you can do or see on a budget, and a few general travel tips.

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The Perfect 2 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary

AMSTERDAM ESSENTIALS


Accommodation: Booking.com / HostelWorld

Getting there: Flight / Bus / Train

Getting around: Foot / Bike / Metro / Bus

Activities & Tours: GetYourGuide / Viator

Food: TripAdvisor

What Months Are Cheaper to Visit Amsterdam?

The best time to visit Amsterdam if you’re on a tight budget is between November and March.

This is the off-season, so there will be fewer people, and flights and hotels will be cheaper.

We’ve been there during both busy and off-peak periods, and the prices are very different. We had to stay in Zandeem during our summer trip.

It’s a small city that’s only about 12 minutes by train from Amsterdam.

So even if it can be cold during the winter, the warm cafes and joyous atmosphere make up for it.

Is 2 Days Enough to See Amsterdam?

Absolutely! For sure, Amsterdam is full of many things to see and do; two days is enough time for first-timers to see some important highlights without feeling overwhelmed.

Think of it as a teaser for future trips.

I’ve been to Amsterdam twice, but I still want to go back to do things I haven’t done on our earlier trips, like see a tulip garden and hidden gems in the city or nearby villages.

So, for your first visit, I think you should really focus on the city’s unique vibe, the canals, and its nine streets.

How to go to Amsterdam on a budget?

That depends on where you’re travelling from. Assuming you’re already in Europe, there may be several cheap options to go to Amsterdam.

Just keep in mind that, depending on when you wish to visit Amsterdam, the following options may differ in price.

By Flight

Flying is often the fastest and sometimes the cheapest option, especially if you book early.

Budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air offer affordable flights to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) from major European cities.

Once you land, it’s only a 15-minute train ride to Amsterdam Centraal Station, the city’s main hub. Check other options on how to get from Amsterdam airport to the centre here.

Tips on How to Buy an Amsterdam Train Ticket from the Airport for First Timers

Soon after leaving the arrivals gates, you’ll be in an area with yellow Dutch railway machines.

These are close to the train station and the lifts that lead to the train platforms.

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It’s quite simple to purchase tickets from NS yellow machines:

• Step 1: If you don’t understand Dutch, change the language on the machine to English.
• Step 2: Next, choose I want to go to central Amsterdam.
• Step 3: Select 2nd class and 1 ticket if you’re travelling alone.
• Step 4: Choose Visa/Mastercard as the payment method. The ticket will be printed and placed in the small slot beneath the machine once the payment has been completed.

By Train

If you’re already in Europe, taking the train to Amsterdam is a beautiful and easy way to get there.

Travelling from London, Brussels, or Paris to Amsterdam is easy and cheap with Thalys trains and other transport options.

Check for deals on sites like Trainline or Omio—booking in advance often gets you the best price.

Look for deals on Omio!👇🏽

By Bus

For the cheapest choice, long-distance buses are the way to go. FlixBus, for example, offers low-cost rides to Amsterdam from several European destinations.

Even though it takes longer, buses often drop people off at Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam Sloterdijk, which is only a short tram ride from Amsterdam’s city centre.

Just be sure to compare the costs of trains and flights. It might cost a little more to take the bus if you’re coming from London or most places in the south of Europe.

Is Amsterdam Easy to Walk Around?

Amsterdam is unquestionably far more walkable than London, especially for first-time visitors. The city is small, and walking is the ideal way to see its central area.

This makes travelling to Amsterdam on a budget considerably easier, even though it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world.

The canals are lovely, the streets are charming, and it’s intriguing to stroll around the cobblestone streets. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes.

There are also a lot of signs and friendly people—yes, the Dutch are renowned for being blunt!

But that shouldn’t stop you from asking for help. Some people will be glad to show you the way.

Where to stay for 2 days in Amsterdam?

If you’re a first-time visitor, the best cheap places to stay in Amsterdam will depend on when you go.

As I said at the beginning of this post, we couldn’t find any cheap places to stay in Amsterdam city during our second summer visit.

However, on our first visit (during the off-season), we stayed at a wonderful Hotel2Stay self-serviced apartment in Sloterdijk.

This modern accommodation is located very close to the Sloterdijk tram and bus station. It also takes five minutes to walk to the train station.

It takes less than 5 to 10 minutes to get to Amsterdam Central by train from the Sloterdijk train station.

Overall, Oud-West and Amsterdam Noord are the cheapest places to stay in Amsterdam.

Browse for budget stays in Amsterdam here! 👇🏽

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2 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary for First-Timers

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Day 1: Explore the Heart of Amsterdam

Morning: Breakfast

A good breakfast will give you energy throughout the day. You can either grab something quick or make something at your accommodation.

This is what we normally do when we go on a trip. There’s usually a local supermarket close by.

I would advise against wasting time standing in big lines simply to stop by one of the charming cafés for the well-known Dutch pancakes.

Instead, use the money to buy other delicious Dutch treats, such as stroopwafels, which you can quickly eat later.

Once you’re full and ready to start exploring the beautiful Dutch capital, you’ll want to see the most intriguing places.

So, here are my top 8 suggestions for cheap things you can do in Amsterdam as a first-time visitor.

#1. Explore Amsterdam’s canals

Ahh, there’s something special about strolling along the iconic canals in Amsterdam. If you happen to stay in the Sloterdijk area, as we did during our first visit, you’re in luck!

Just a 3-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station, you’ll find the vibrant canal houses you’ve undoubtedly seen a lot on Instagram, standing tall like a real-life postcard.

Plus, admiring their reflection in the water is free, unless you count the desire to go on a nearby boat ride.

However, I would advise you to postpone the boat journey and treat yourself later.

Walk on through the Jordaan area, which has charming streets with narrow pavements and photogenic bridges.

#2. Red Light District Walk at Midday

Explore the Red Light District for free, which is a striking cultural contrast to what many first-time visitors—including myself—may be accustomed to.

I found this quite fascinating when I read about it, and as you might guess, we had to walk through the Red Light District during our two days in Amsterdam.

As a traveller who was born and raised in Africa, I was struck by how open and honest people were about sex work. Despite the culture shock, it reveals the Dutch’s forward-thinking perspective.

Pro Tip: Just a quick reminder to please respect sex workers and don’t take photos if you spot them on the windows. Fortunately, daytime visits have fewer extremely shocking scenes.

#3. Afternoon: Lunch and Stroopwafels

After seeing how fascinating the Dutch society is, it’s time to eat! Check out Van Wonderen Stroopwafels to try one of Amsterdam’s well-known treats filled with chocolate.

I’m not normally a fan of sweet treats, but my first bite… Let’s just say that it was love at first crunch.

There are so many toppings to choose from, but honestly, the classic version is just amazing.

The best part is that you can walk in without a reservation.

You may have to wait a little (but not too long) because Van Wonderen Stroopwafel is the most famous stroopwafel shop in Amsterdam, but it is well worth the wait!

#4. Evening: Dinner & Oud-Zuid (Old South) walk

In the evening, walk around the Oud-Zuid (Old South). It’s a beautiful, mostly quiet area with high-end restaurants and shops.

It also gives off a vibe that is both local and touristy, with a unique mix of culture, food, and fun.

Speaking of dinner, after a day of walking, you might be looking for a nice, quiet spot to unwind or jot down your thoughts in your travel journal for the day (if you’re anything like me).

You should check out the Copper Bar and Kitchen; it’s a lovely spot! We had a wonderful time at this lovely modern bar restaurant, perfect for dinner or just enjoying a glass of wine.

If you’re looking for a perfect spot for dinner, I suggest checking out Little Saigon Zeedijk.

It’s about a half-hour walk from the Copper Bar and Kitchen, and they serve out huge portions of delicious food that are cheap for Amsterdam.

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Day 2: Museums and Hidden Gems

#5. Morning: Explore Zaandam

Start off your morning by making your way to Zaandam. The charming small city of Zaandam is a hidden gem you can add to your 2-day Amsterdam trip.

This city is just lovely, with its vibrant and historic buildings and a chill shopping area. It’s an ideal place for a day trip from Amsterdam!

One of the most well-known attractions in Zaandam is the Inntel Hotel Amsterdam, which is known for its stunning exterior.

Enjoy the vibrant streets or wander through the lovely streets; this quaint town will leave you with wonderful memories.

Best of all, you don’t have to spend much to enjoy yourself here. Most of its best parts are free to see.

Pro Tip: You don’t have to spend much time here. Two to three hours will be enough.

From Amsterdam Central Station, you can take a short 13-minute train ride to Zaandam.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, you might consider taking a direct bus from Amsterdam Central Bus Station.

#6. Midday: Visit a Museum (Optional)

When you get back to Amsterdam, spend the rest of the morning walking around the Museumplein, which is where most of the city’s museums are located.

Explore Dutch art at the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh’s life at the Van Gogh Museum. If you’re not into museums, the park is a wonderful place to stroll through for free.

If you are considering visiting the museums, I would recommend booking your ticket in advance and checking the availability for your visit. 👇🏽

#7. Afternoon: Launch at Blue Amsterdam

Grab lunch at Blue Amsterdam, one of Amsterdam’s budget-friendly rooftop restaurants. Getting to the top is truly an experience.

Once you arrive, you will be greeted by the restaurant’s wonderful layout, which offers stunning views of Amsterdam’s houses.

#8. Evening: Explore Amsterdam’s Canals on a Cruise

End your trip by taking a budget canal cruise for a unique view of the city and sunsets. It is simple to make a booking directly on the site or online.

I appreciated that the boats were covered with glass, as it allowed for a pleasant experience even during the winter season—there was no need to be concerned about feeling cold.

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Final Thoughts on this 2-Day Amsterdam Itinerary

Even though two days in Amsterdam isn’t much, it’s still enough to experience the unique atmosphere of the city and create memories.

Many people may think that Amsterdam is a sinful city because it is allowed to use cannabis (weed), people are carefree, and the laws aren’t too strict.

But to be honest, the city has a lot more to offer than just coffeeshops (also known as cannabis shops).

I don’t remember seeing any strange behaviour during both of our trips. If you go to Amsterdam with the right attitude, you’ll still have a wonderful time.