Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities. A unique city, Amsterdam should be on the list of must-see’s on any European bucket list. 

Most European capitals boast grand cathedrals, historic castles, and other beautiful historic buildings, and although Amsterdam does have some of these typically European features, the city’s main attraction is the city itself laid out with a series of canals circulating out around the city center like the spokes of a wheel.

Depending on how much time you have, I would highly recommend just wandering around the city, exploring its unique nooks and hidden treasures. 

Here is a great list of things to do in you are trying to Amsterdam in 48 hours! This is only a start – there are countless sites to discover. To cut through all the noise while ensuring you don’t miss out, you need a personal travel guide by Guidester

Vondelpark

Extending over several hundred acres, Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest and most visited park. Popular with visitors and locals alike, the park offers great bike paths, green spaces for sporting or lounging on sunny days, an open air concert venue, and three outdoor cafes.

Tip: If you are in Amsterdam during a warm month, definitely save some time for  Vondelpark, it’s a great place to hang out and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Anne Frank House

This is the house where Anne Frank went into hiding during the second World War, and in which she wrote her famous diary. 

The secret room which held Anne is preserved in its original state, and available for tours all year long.

St. Nicholas Church

Standing opposite Centraal station, St. Nicholas is Amsterdam’s most famous revival church. 

The great neo-baroque and neo-classical church was built between 1884 and 1887, boasting a beautiful dome, stained glass windows, and the Netherlands most famous organ.