MORNING: A quintessential canal stroll
Spend your morning exploring yet another 17th-century Dutch masterpiece: the UNESCO-listed Canal Ring. Stroll through the iconic Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) where boutique shops line narrow streets that open onto those endlessly photo-worthy Amsterdam canals. Then mosey into the more residential (but just as charming) Jordaan neighborhood. Don’t bother looking at your map—just wander from one impossibly cute block to the next.
CANAL RING TOUR OPTIONS
A ton of boat tours leave from outside of Centraal Station, offering a different view of the city via its historic canals (plus a great chance to rest your feet). Tours depart throughout the day; most are an hour long with audio or guide commentary.
The Canal Cruise by Captain Jack is a traveler favorite and a definite step up from your typical Centraal Station boat tour. Guides are personable and enthusiastic, and boats glide past a near- ridiculous number of sights in just 90 minutes. An added perk? You can chill out on a cushioned seat, snack on cheese, and sip a beer (all included).
You’ll get a true taste of the city—from Gouda to licorice—with the Jordaan District Small-Group Food Walking Tour. On this 3.5-hour guided walk, you’ll sample national favorites and learn about their place in Dutch history and culture.
AFTERNOON: The story of Anne Frank
For lunch, stop at the unassuming De Struisvogel, which sits in a canal house cellar and offers a well-priced fixed menu of Dutch dishes. After working your way through three delicious courses, head to the Anne Frank House to tour the Secret Annex where Anne Frank and her family hid for two years during World War II. Brace yourself—this is an emotional experience but well worth it according to some 60,000-plus Tripadvisor reviewers. This is one of the city's most visited sights, so you'll want to book timed tickets way in advance, as slots can fill up a month ahead. If you missed the chance to get tickets, the Anne Frank walking tour is a good backup plan, or just take a look at the house from the outside and continue exploring the endlessly wander-worthy Canal Ring.
Travelers say: “As a teacher I have taught about Anne Frank for many years, but nothing can prepare you for this experience. It is moving and such an important part of our history that we must keep alive. Everyone could feel the power of the history we were exploring. The mood was somber but also powerful as her message is still going strong.” —@LilLondon
EVENING: Essential Dutch dining (and drinking)
Unwind after an intense visit to the Anne Frank House at Café Smalle, a classic, cozy, canal-side "brown cafe," a nickname that comes from the wall-to-wall wood paneling. For dinner, Winkel 43 is just a few minutes’ walk and serves up local favorites in an adorable gabled house. Try “bitterballen” (breaded meatballs) as an appetizer and don’t miss the homemade apple pie with whipped cream for dessert. Afterward, take the five-minute walk to Proeflokaal Arendsnest, a bar that’s equal parts charming and chill, with an astounding 50 Dutch craft beers on tap.