Amsterdam in 48 hours? Challenge accepted! Imagine vibrant tulip fields, spinning windmills, charming neighboring towns, all before a sunset canal cruise. Join me to chase adrenaline at A’DAM Lookout, uncover hidden gems in Haarlem, and live a fairytale in Utrecht. This isn’t just a trip; it’s a whirlwind Dutch adventure.

What to do in 2 days in Amsterdam?

Day 1: Blossoms, Windmills and sunset canals

Morning: Chasing Tulip fields

Your Dutch experience starts with a burst of color! We planned our trip in April specifically to see the tulips😍, and it was worth it. Our chosen tulip destination was “The Tulip Experience Amsterdam,” where we wandered through fields of millions of blooming flowers of different colors. There are many other gardens and fields you can visit, so be sure to do your research. Check their opening times and the expected peak bloom, as the season ends in early May.

Midday: Haarlem’s Historic Charm

Next, we journeyed to Haarlem, a picturesque city. We began our exploration by soaking in the atmosphere of the Grote Markt, Haarlem’s central square, lined with cafes and historic buildings. We even tried the black ice cream, a local specialty!

Marveling at the grandeur of St. Bavokerk, a stunning Gothic church also known as Grote Kerk, which stands just near the Markt, was a highlight.

Then, we walked walked across the canals, admiring the beautiful buildings that lined them, and made our way to Molen de Adriaan, a beautifully restored windmill. Finally, we wandered through the historic Amsterdamse Poort, one of the city’s remaining medieval gates.

Afternoon: Windmills at Zaanse Schans

After Haarlem, we traveled to Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum that showcases traditional Dutch life. We explored the working windmills, wandered through the charming village, and captured postcard-perfect photos of the iconic green wooden houses. This experience offered a glimpse into the Netherlands of centuries past.

Evening: Amsterdam’s sunset ride

We concluded our day with a free ferry ride at sunset. You can find the ferries just behind Amsterdam Centraal Station. These ferries cross the IJ river to the northern part of the city. Alternatively, you can take a canal cruise at sunset to explore the illuminated city at night. We initially planned to take the cruise, but unfortunately, flight delays caused us to omit some of our plans.

Day 2: Amsterdam adventure and Utrecht fairytale castle

Morning: Swing into the day at A’dam Lookout

We started the day with an adrenaline rush at the A’DAM Lookout. We secured the earliest spot by booking online through their website, maximizing our day. We swung “Over the Edge,” a truly thrilling experience, and then enjoyed breathtaking panoramic views of Amsterdam from the balcony, capturing photos for lasting memories.

Amsterdam’s Iconic canals

Then we spent the rest of the morning exploring Amsterdam’s famous canals. We wandered through the Jordaan district, known for its charming canals, narrow streets, and trendy boutiques. Here you can capture photos of the iconic bridges, leaning houses, and picturesque canals. Don’t miss the iconic canals like Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Herengracht.

Afternoon: De Haar Castle – A fairytale Escape

Our next stop was outside Amsterdam to De Haar Castle in Utrecht, a magnificent medieval castle and the largest castle in the Netherlands. We explored the interiors, strolled through the beautiful gardens, and took some amazing photos. It is one of the most luxurious castles in Europe and well worth the travel time.

🏰 How to get to there?

• Take the train from Amsterdam Centaal to Utrecht Centraal (around 30 minutes)
• Take the sprinter from Utrecht Centraal to Vleuten (~10 minutes)
• Then take the bus 111 from Vleuten to Castle De Haar (~12 minutes)

Travel tips to save money and time:

Save on hotel costs

We recommend booking your hotel near Amsterdam Centraal Station to minimize travel time between different destinations. We discovered that some bus routes cease operation at night, making a central location ideal. We found affordable hotel options through https://booking.com, and we encourage you to do the same.

Save Big on Roaming with an eSIM

I’ve personally used eSIMs on all my recent trips, and highly recommend them as a cost-effective and convenient way to stay connected. I used yesim.app, to choose my travel destination and buy the most suitable plan. Then I followed the instructions to install my eSIM.

If you book through the links above, we’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Be Prepared for the weather

The Netherlands can be unpredictable, so pack layers (and a poncho) and be prepared for rain.

And with that, our Dutch adventure came to a close! Next we crossed the borders into Belgium. Stay tuned for the next post to follow our Belgian escapades!