Thanks to my credit card points, I was able to visit Amsterdam over the 2022 MLK weekend. You can truly wander around the city and get lost in the canals for days on end. Even more so once you realize how many cute boutiques and shops there are! Here is my Amsterdam weekend itinerary to help you maximize your time.
To set yourself up for a successful, jam-packed weekend, I recommend staying in the city center. Particularly, De 9 Straatjes (the 9 streets). You can book the Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, a Hyatt property, using credit card points. That’s what I did. The hotel was clean, bright, and central. To kick-off your Amsterdam weekend itinerary, we begin with food.
Where to eat in Amsterdam:
One of my favorite parts about Amsterdam is the variety of cuisines. There is no shortage of places to eat in Amsterdam for whatever your taste may be.
- Breakfast
- Bakkerij Wolf: Super cute, trendy spot with great food. When we were asking for recommendations later in the trip, everyone mentioned it! I ordered the Wolf Plateau and my partner ordered the Shakshuka. Both were divine!
- Bocca Coffee: Had an excellent pain au chocolat that was fresh out of the oven!
- Greenwoods Keizersgracht: We didn’t make it here but there was always a line out the door. It looked really good!
- Saint-Jean: Was too out of the way but heard amazing things about this bakery. One of the barista recommended it as well!
- Lunch/Dinner
- The Pantry: Traditional dutch restaurant. If you want to eat inside, make a reservation in advance. The food was great. I had the savory beef and onion stew with red cabbage and mashed potatoes and my partner had the “Menu 1” set option.
- Umaimon Ramen Noodles: SO. GOOD. I ordered the Butatama Miso Ramen and am still thinking about it. My partner had the Tori-Katsu Shoyu Ramen.
- Eetcafe Singel 404: Great lunch spot and the first time we tried bitterballen! It’s a Danish specialty croquette. You must try it when you go! We also ordered the fried chicken sandwiches here and had Dutch beers.
- A. van Wees Tasting Locality: Another traditional Dutch restaurant recommended by the gallery worker at Carré d’artistes. I ordered the local charcuterie and cheese board along with the slow cooked beef over fries.
- Black: Their kitchen is open late, and they have a good burger!
- Breweries
- Heineken Experience: The standard brewery tour and experience that you’d expect.
- Brouwerij ‘t IJ – Proeflokaal de Molen: I wish we made it here! The canal cruise captain also highly recommended it.
What to do in Amsterdam:
Honestly, I could just wander around the streets and be perfectly content. If you’re looking to do more than just walk, here are some ideas of what to do in Amsterdam.
- Canal river cruise: I booked our cruise through Airbnb and our guide, Captain Storm was excellent! Definitely a highlight of the trip and an experience we’d do again. It was great to be on the water, they provide a ton of snacks, bitterballen, and drinks. (The mulled wine was perfect for the winter!) Since it was so rainy and cold during our trip it was nice to cozy up in a covered boat.
- Museums
- Rijksmuseum: Unexpectedly massive. Great collection of art. A must see.
- Our Lord in the Attic Museum (Former Hidden Catholic Church): Came highly recommended by our canal cruise captain as the museum you should see if you only have time for one. We will definitely go on our next trip!
- Van Gogh Museum: During our trip, tickets were only available online and were unfortunately sold out. Book in advance if you want to go!
- Anne Frank House: I went on my first trip and recommend a visit.
- Moco Museum Amsterdam: They apparently have a Banksy exhibit and a lot of other cool modern art. Hope to make it there next time!
Where to shop in Amsterdam
I couldn’t believe how many cute boutiques and shops there were in Amsterdam. I did not remember that from my first trip! (Definitely a good thing for my wallet!) The nine streets are packed with unique stores that I could spend weeks browsing through.
- Things I like Things I Love: Wonderful boutique! So chic and aesthetically pleasing. Also reasonably priced. I had to pull myself away from buying more. They had a lot of beautiful taper candles. I bought a pack of four and a black long sleeve shirt.
- Rain Couture: Great if you need a waterproof, windproof jacket, coat, or trench coat. If I didn’t already have three trench coats, I would’ve left with one of theirs!
- Arket: I finally made it! I’ve been wanting to go to this store for years. It’s owned by the H&M group but as of now is only in Europe. Found a great button down and a light jacket.
- ByNouck: Jewelry store.
- Samsoe Samsoe: Men’s and women’s clothing. A Copenhagen brand.
- Carré d’artistes: My favorite art gallery. I fell in love at the Soho NYC location and always visit when I see a location. I purchased my first piece of art at this Amsterdam gallery!
- Mendo: Unique coffee table book store.
- Marie-Stella-Maris: Natural hand & body care products along with luxury home fragrances.
- Velour Amsterdam: Didn’t make it this trip. Next time!
- Love Stories Boutique: Also on my list for the next trip!
Hope this Amsterdam weekend itinerary helps you plan your own weekend trip! There is so much to explore, eat, and do. I’m just scratching the surface.
