Amsterdam; the Dutch capital is also known as "Venice of the North" and has so much to offer visitors on all fronts; whether it be culture, history, architecture, food or simply having a relaxing time exploring this stunning picturastic city.

Amsterdam has 165 canals, 1281 bridges, and no less than seventy-five museums for you to choose from!

With all these options available to you, how can you make the most of your time here if you're only popping in for 48 hours or the weekend?... Read on!

Post update in January 2023

48-Hours In Amsterdam

Museums

Amsterdam's museum quarter — The museum quarter of Amsterdam

Visit the iconic Rijks Museum: Here you'll find one of the most famous paintings in the world called 'The Night Watch' by Rembrandt. If you're more into modern art then MOCO is the one for you! Here you'll find Banksy, Andy Warhol, Dali, and much more.

MOCO museum in Amsterdam — MOCO Museum in Amsterdam

History

Visit the Anna Franks House: This place tells not only the amazing story of this brave Jewish girl that perished with most of her family in the Holocaust, but it also shows what it was like living and trying to survive WW2 in Amsterdam. Step inside the Royal Palace in Dam square, opposite the National Monument for the nation's fallen heroes.

Architecture

Take to the streets and don't forget to look up! The most beautiful symbols and ancient typical Dutch features can be found at the top of the houses. If you look closely you'll realize that all houses are not alike as they might seem at first: Different colors, sizes, gables, coat of arms, writings, and much more differs from house to house.

Plantage Middlelaan and the Jordaan are my favorites to wander around in. The cobbled streets surrounding the canals feature gorgeous, huge, and of course high-end homes. For example, the Herengracht and the Keizersgracht.

For Relaxation...

Walk around Vondel Park, have a picnic, and just chillax with the locals. Take a canal cruise after all, what you see from the water you can not see from land. Feeling sporty? Rent a canal bike! Add cheese and a small bottle of red wine to the mix and you’re set to have fun on the water. Don't forget to take a map!

Food and Drink

The culinary options in Amsterdam are remarkable! You will be able to find any type of cuisine you like, and then some. The nightlife is buzzing too with cool outside-the-box bar concepts you’ll have lots of fun discovering.

Must-visit places!

The Corner Bakery For a beautifully colorful, and over-the-top breakfast!

Crazy shakes at the Corner Bakery in Amsterdam — A colorful breakfast at the Corner Bakery in Amsterdam

Jansz is Perfect for a lazy brunch or afternoon drinks after exploring the area of the Jordaan and the 9 streets.
Gs This is one of my favorites mainly because of the atmosphere, it’s unique, fun, and a bit cheeky. A must-try is their BRUNCH BOAT! They sail on the weekends boarding at Keizersgracht 177. Reservation is a must.
For your evening fun head over to Satchmo; Jazz, live music during the weekends, a great crowd, and delicious food!
MOMO is a great combination of exotic drinks on the bar, and delish sushi and Eastern fusion dishes in the restaurant. It's beautifully designed, totally trendy, and buzzing with good energy!

Keep calm and drink a cocktail

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Keep calm and drink a cocktail 〰️

Bar Hachi, Albert Cuypstraat 18, 1072 CT Amsterdam.

There's a New Cocktail Bar in town, and it is a game changer, ladies and gents. Yes, I did say "gents!" Bar Hachi in the Pijp does it differently.

Bar Hachi serves truly unique cocktails, served to you in a beautifully stylish and funky interior. You will find dazzling designs ranging from animal prints to Japanese art and funky jungle prints. Even the music played here is refreshing, creating a wonderful and chilled ambiance.

Surprisingly, many people believe that cocktails are primarily for women. This cocktail bar begs to differ.
Each cocktail at Hachi tells an impressive story that transports you to another world. Boris, the bartender, shared his inspiration with me regarding one of their signature cocktails, which he created. A melon old-fashioned with an unusual ingredient: bacon-infused Bourbon! This came to him after he was asked to create a new cocktail using Midori, which is a melon fruit liquor. Melon made him think of a popular dish in the States, bacon-wrapped melon, which led him to bacon-infused bourbon, also popular in the States.

We spent a fabulous evening with my girl crew at the bar, soaking in the ambiance and having a taste of their beautiful selection of cocktails.

Normally, I stick to my favorites and classic cocktails, afraid to try something new and be let down, but not this time. I surrendered myself to Boris and went with his recommendations, and I'm happy I did. My Top Three Cocktails you must try are the Mini Moscow Mule, Mr. White, and Mr. Blonde.

Another thing that I loved was how the bartender knew exactly which cocktails to make for us to match our palates perfectly!

This is the standard to strive for ~ "Be happy; be hachi."

Images by Bar Hachi, Amsterdam.