Itinerarly
One day in Amsterdam: a walking route in the best order
Amsterdam's centre is compact and flat, which makes it one of the easiest cities in Europe to see on foot. This plan follows the Complete Amsterdam audio tour in the Itinerarly app, from Dam Square to the Museumplein and back through the canal belt.
At a glance: 7 stops, about 6.1 km in straight lines between them (expect a bit more on foot), and about 2 h 20 of walking and listening, plus the time you spend inside the sights.
Morning: Dam Square, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum
- Dam SquareWelcome to Dam Square, the historical and political heart of Amsterdam. This vast esplanade takes its name from the original dam built on the Amstel river around 1270, which gave birth to the city.
- Anne Frank HouseYou are standing before the Anne Frank House, a site of universal emotional weight. It was in this canal house at Prinsengracht 263 that Anne Frank, her family, and four others hid for over two years during the Nazi occupation.
- RijksmuseumHere is the Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands and one of the world's greatest art museums. Its majestic building, designed by Pierre Cuypers in the 19th century, is a jewel in itself.
Afternoon: Van Gogh Museum, Begijnhof, Magere Brug, Canal Belt
- Van Gogh MuseumThe Van Gogh Museum houses the world's largest collection dedicated to the Dutch master, Vincent van Gogh. Through more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and his intimate letters, you will follow the artist's incredible and tormented journey.
- BegijnhofEnter the Begijnhof, a beguinage founded in the 14th century that is one of the oldest oases of peace in central Amsterdam. Once a home for single pious women, the Beguines, this square surrounded by private houses exudes a timeless serenity.
- Magere BrugHere is the Magere Brug, or 'Skinny Bridge', the most famous and arguably most romantic bridge in Amsterdam. Crossing the Amstel river, this traditional white wooden drawbridge is a marvel of historical engineering that still opens spectacularly for large boats.
- Canal BeltHere you are admiring Amsterdam's famous canal belt, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed in the 17th century, this crescent-shaped network surrounds the city's historical heart and illustrates Dutch hydraulic genius from the Golden Age.
Only have an hour?
Take the Amsterdam Express tour instead: 3 stops, about 1 h: Dam Square → Oude Kerk → Jordaan Canals.
Practical tips
- Anne Frank House tickets are sold only online and often sell out. Book as soon as they are released.
- The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum use timed tickets; you will not fit both in full in one day.
- Red paths are bike lanes. Look both ways before stepping onto one.
- The Begijnhof is a quiet courtyard: keep your voice down, people live there.
- The Magere Brug is lit up after dark and is a good last stop of the day.
Do it with a story at every stop
This route is the Complete Amsterdam tour in the free Itinerarly app. It walks you from stop to stop and plays a short narrated story when you arrive, in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese. See all the audio tours of Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you see Amsterdam in one day?
- You can see the main sights from the outside and visit one or two of them inside. This route links 7 of them in an order that avoids backtracking.
- What is the best order to visit Amsterdam's main sights?
- One efficient order is: Dam Square → Anne Frank House → Rijksmuseum → Van Gogh Museum → Begijnhof → Magere Brug → Canal Belt. It is the order used by the Itinerarly Complete Amsterdam audio tour.
- Is there a free audio guide for Amsterdam?
- Yes. The Itinerarly app has 3 free self-guided audio tours of Amsterdam, narrated in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese.