Our day in Amsterdam captured the city’s essence – lively, scenic, and full of surprises. From the moment we stepped out of Centraal Station, we were surrounded by a maze of canals, flower-topped bridges, and the constant flow of bikes. After refueling with Dutch pancakes, we biked through the city like locals, weaving between historic streets and gliding along the canals past gabled houses and café terraces. After conquering bustling Damrak we rode through Vondelpark and beneath the Rijksmuseum’s iconic archway, feeling the pulse of Amsterdam at every turn. As evening fell, the pace slowed with a reflective visit to the Anne Frank House, followed by a peaceful canal cruise beneath glowing bridges and sunset skies – the perfect end to a day that blended history and quintessential Dutch charm.

🗓️ Itinerary

This plan came from our September 1, 2025 afternoon exploration and one night stay before heading home from our 12 day Switzerland trip.

✈️ Travel to Amsterdam

• 🚆 9:35 AM – Train: Luzern → Zurich Flughafen (79m, every 30m, skipped stopover in Zurich due to rain)
• 🧳 10:44 AM – Arrive at airport, check luggage, go through security only (no immigration for Schengen flights, counters open 9:30 AM, quick lunch)
• ✈️ 12:30 PM – Zurich (ZRH) → Amsterdam (AMS) via Swiss Airlines LX 728 (1h 40m)
  • 🛬 2:10 PM – Arrive in Amsterdam
• 🚆 2:59 PM – Train: Schiphol Airport →Amsterdam Centraal (16m, every 7m)
  • 💡Sit left side for water view 
  • ⚠️ Check for train strikes or delays. It took us almost an hour to get to Amsterdam due to a train collision delay as well as the first train being completely full.  
  • 🚘 Backup – 22m Uber
  • 📲 Download the train app to purchase tickets or use Apple Pay at the entrance/exit for direct pay
• 🚶‍♀️ Walk (5m) to art’otel Amsterdam
• 🏨 3:30 PM – Check in to art’otel Amsterdam

🚲 Explore Amsterdam

• 🥞 3:30 PM – Late lunch @ Pancakes Amsterdam (Dutch pancakes & poffertjes, 🌾 GF menu)
• 🚶‍♀️ 4:30 PM – Walk (3m) back hotel to pick up rental bike & locks
  • 🎟️ art’hotel: Offers bike rental – 18€/day or 13€/3h. Includes locks but no helmets. Bikes available in the hotel premises, can return any time, and charged to your room.
  • Backup: Donkey Republic (€15/day, 2€/15m)
• 🚲 4:45 PM – Amsterdam city bike (30-60m, 6.6 mi, Komoot bike route, 💡 This bike was during “rush hour,” and it was very chaotic – especially on Damrak. We recommend biking later in the evening and along the main canals and Vondelpark to avoid traffic and have a more pleasant ride.)
  • ❤️ Dam Square: Pass through the historic heart of Amsterdam
    • 🚲 Ride south via Martelaarsgracht → Nieuwendijk → Damrak
  • 🏡 Begijnhof Courtyard: Quick historic stop
    • 🚲 Ride southwest via Kalverstraat → Heiligeweg → Spui
    • 🅿️ Park bike near Spui 
    • ⏰ Optional: Bike (6m) directly to Anne Frank House (skip Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, Jordaan)
  • 🛍️ Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes): Boutique-lined streets and canal photo ops between Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht
    • 🚲 Ride west via Singel 
  • 🏛️ Rijksmuseum (7m): Stop outside for photos and views of the museumplein
    • 🚲 Ride south on Prinsengracht / Marnixstraat to reach Rijksmuseum 
    • 🎨 Optional: Rijksmuseum visit (open 9 AM – 5 PM, ⏰ time permitting)
  • 🏞️ Vondelpark (2m): Short scenic cruise through the park’s main path
    • 🚲 Ride through the gates under Rijksmuseum and enter Vondelpark 
  • 🛶 Jordaan Loop (20m with light stops): Complete a loop with the most scenic canals in Amsterdam 
  • 🏠 End at Anne Frank House
    • 🚲 Ride back north along Leidseplein → Leidsegracht → Westermarkt
    • 🅿️ Park bike at Westermarkt racks along Prinsengracht
• 🏠 6:15 PM – Visit Anne Frank House (🎟️ BOOKED 1h audio guided tour w/ entry window 6:15-6:30 PM, 💡 Arrive early and don’t miss entry time.)
  
  
• 🚤 8:15 PM – Canal cruise in front of Anne Frank House at Prinsengracht 263 (🎟️ BOOKED via Viator Flagship Amsterdam, 1h, unlimited cheese and wine)
  • 🌅 8:25 PM – Sunset on the river
• 🚲 Bike (5m) back to art’otel Amsterdam along canal to return bike.
• 🚶‍♀️ Walk (11m) to Red Light District just east of Centraal Station
  • 🚦 Stroll through Red Light District (De Wallen)

💡 Tips

• 🚆 Train delays common: Check the NS app before boarding – Amsterdam’s system is busy and trains may be full or rerouted. On arrival, a bunch of trains were cancelled due to a collision and the first train we tried to board was too full to board, which delayed our train leaving for close to an hour.
• 🚘 Uber backup: Keep Uber ready in case of strikes, rain, accidents, or rush-hour train chaos.
• 📲 Easy payment: Tap in/out for trains with Apple Pay instead of buying a ticket.
• 🏨 Central convenience: Stay near Centraal Station for easy walking or biking to all major sights.
• 🚲 Hotel bikes: Rent through your hotel, if available, for max flexibility and ease of payment. Locks are typically provided but helmets are not – no one wears helmets.
• 🔒 Lock smart: Secure both frame and wheels – bike theft is frequent.
• ⚠️ Rush-hour caution: Avoid biking 4-6 PM when locals dominate the lanes
• 🚴 Safer routes: Use Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Vondelpark for scenic, lower-stress rides.
• 🏠 Book Anne Frank House early: Book as tickets become available 6 weeks before as they sell out quickly; arrive 15 minutes early – entry times are strict.
• 🎨 Quick museum stop: Even if you skip Rijksmuseum, ride under its archway for the classic photo.
• 🏘️ Canal charm: Wander De 9 Straatjes and Jordaan for boutiques, bridges, and postcard views.
• 🌳 Park break: Cruise or bike through Vondelpark to unwind after sightseeing.
• 🚤 Sunset cruise: Evening canal tours – like Flagship – offer the best reflections, soft golden light, and fewer crowds. Watching the sunset along Prinsengracht and gliding beneath the illuminated bridges as the city lights flickered to life was absolutely stunning.
• 🧳 Airport timing: Leave extra time – train issues are common. We encountered train issues to and from the airport and were glad we had plenty of time built in to our schedule.
• 🎟️ Security slot: Reserve a screening time in the Schiphol app three days before flying in case there are long security lines. We ended up not needing it because we arrived so early, but it would have been helpful if we were running tight on time.
• ⚠️ Extra screening: U.S. flights often require a second check at the gate – keep passport and electronics handy.

📸 Summary

🥞 Pancakes Amsterdam

Pancakes Amsterdam was our first stop after arriving in the city – cozy, casual, and quintessentially Dutch. Just steps from Centraal Station, this bright café serves traditional Dutch pancakes and fluffy poffertjes, with plenty of gluten-free options clearly labeled and prepared on dedicated pans. We ordered the bacon and apple and apple crumble Dutch pancakes, both delicious with crisp edges and rich flavor. Unfortunately, the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream add-on was disappointing – pre-packaged, delayed, and served after the pancakes had cooled – and the service felt inattentive overall. Even so, the quality of the pancakes and convenient location made it a decent spot for a quick, classic Dutch treat.

🚴‍♂️ Amsterdam City Bike

Our Amsterdam city bike ride was both exhilarating and chaotic – a true crash course in local life. Starting at art’otel near Dam Square, we quickly learned that cycling here is an art form mastered by locals. The first stretch along Damrak was intense amid the rush-hour blur of tourists and fellow cyclists, but we soon reached the peaceful Begijnhof Courtyard, a hidden oasis surrounded by historic homes and gardens. From there, we rolled through the charming, boutique-lined Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes) before continuing beside the scenic Prinsengracht Canal. We then glided beneath the Rijksmuseum’s iconic archway and into Vondelpark, where we were greeted with tree-lined paths. We looped back toward the Anne Frank House along Singelgracht and parked along Westermarkt near Westerkerk for our evening tour.

📈 Biking Stats

🏠 Anne Frank House

Visiting the Anne Frank House was one of the most moving experiences of our trip. Stepping through the narrow rooms of the Secret Annex, guided by the museum’s thoughtful audio narration, brought the story to life in a deeply personal way. Seeing the original diary pages, photographs, and the hidden staircase behind the bookcase offered a sobering glimpse into history and the resilience of the human spirit. The museum’s respectful tone and intimate setting make it a place of quiet reflection that lingers long after you leave.

🚤 Canal Cruise

Our Flagship evening canal cruise was pure Amsterdam magic. Departing near the Anne Frank House, we set off as the sun dipped behind the gabled rooftops and the city’s bridges began to glow with twinkling reflections on the still water. With a glass of wine in hand and a plate of cheese nearby, we drifted past the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Herengracht, gliding first by the towering Westerkerk before continuing toward the legendary Magere Brug, the city’s romantic “Kiss Bridge/ Skinny Bridge” (Magere Brug), where couples who share a kiss beneath its lights are said to stay in love forever. It’s also featured in a scene in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever. Our final highlight was the Seven Bridges View, where a perfectly aligned row of illuminated arches created one of Amsterdam’s most enchanting nighttime scenes. As we cruised back toward Centraal Station, we passed the famous “Dancing Houses” on Damrak, their tilted façades and shimmering reflections epitomizing Amsterdam’s crooked charm. The golden light, calm water, and cozy atmosphere made it the perfect finale to our day – a peaceful contrast to the city’s daytime buzz and a reminder of why Amsterdam is best seen from its canals.

🛑 Zürich Stopover

We had planned a stopover in Zürich between Lucerne and our flight to Amsterdam, but ultimately skipped it due to a forecast of steady rain. The idea was to store our luggage at Zürich HB, wander the Old Town’s cobblestone lanes, and enjoy brunch by Lake Zürich before heading to the airport. While we missed the chance to stroll along the Limmatquai and see landmarks like the Grossmünster and Fraumünster, the extra rest and stress-free travel morning turned out to be a smart call before our afternoon flight. Here’s the itinerary we had planned:

• 🚆 7:09 AM – Train: Luzern → Zürich HB (42m, every 30m at xx:09/:35 from 6:09 AM – midnight)
• 🧳 7:51 AM – Arrive in Zürich and store luggage at Zürich HB train station self-service lockers
  • Located in main hall near tracks 3/4 and also lower level – follow signs for “Schliessfächer” or “Luggage lockers”. Open 24/7. You keep the key/token or get a digital QR ticket. 
  • Cost (for 6h): Medium: CHF 7, Large: CHF 9, Jumbo: CHF 12. Most carry-on bags & backpacks fit in medium lockers. Large rolling suitcases may need large or jumbo.
• 🚶‍♀️ 8:00 AM – Explore Zürich’s Old Town and/or grab a lakeside coffee/snack (1.5h)
  • 🕰️ Walk south from Zürich HB to Limmatquai (river promenade) 
  • 🏘️ Enter Niederdorf and stroll cobbled alleys with historic buildings and murals 
  • ⛪ Arrive at Grossmünster, snap photos of Zurich’s iconic twin-towered church
  • 🌉 Cross Münsterbrücke bridge with views of both churches and the river
  • ⛪ Reach Fraumünster, admire exterior or peek at Chagall windows (if open)
    • ⛵ Optional detour: Walk across Quaibrücke bridge for Lake Zurich views (15m)
  • 🏞️ Climb to Lindenhof Hill for panoramic views over the Old Town and Limmat
  • 🌊 Walk along the river toward Lindenhofstrasse
  • 🚶‍♂️ Return to Zürich HB (10m)
• 🚆 10:35 AM – Train: Zürich HB → Zurich Flughafen (9-12m, every 10m)
  • 🧳 Retrieve luggage at Zürich HB train station