Last updated on January 3, 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
Sundays in Amsterdam can be a lovely way to explore the Dutch capital at a relaxed pace. After all, it's only on the weekends that you'll be able to experience the city through the eyes of a local, since everyone will really be out and about! This is how to pass the perfect Sunday in Amsterdam.
If you are thinking of seeing a lot of attractions and monuments while in Amsterdam, consider buying the I Amsterdam City Card, which includes free admission, free admission to 70 museums and attractions in Amsterdam and the region and access to public transport. To determine whether or not the pass is worth it, add up the cost of the individual attractions you want to visit and see if you'll save money. Find more details here.
Is Amsterdam busy on Sundays?
The answer to this question is yes and no, depending on what time of day you go out! You see, first thing in the morning many people will be sleeping, having gone out for drinks and restaurants and clubs the night before.
Later in the day (from noon onwards), the city can get pretty busy when everyone gets up and starts enjoying the rest of their weekend. Sunday is also one of the most popular days of the week to visit the Rijksmuseum (the largest art museum in the Dutch capital).
Is everything open in Amsterdam on Sundays?
Yes, almost everything you could want to see and do is open on Sundays. From museums to attractions, restaurants and cafes, there is no shortage of open places to visit.
As mentioned above, just keep in mind that the city can get quite busy in the afternoon (particularly the museums), so make sure you go earlier if possible. That being said, certain stores will be closed on Sunday and some supermarkets may be open on reduced hours, so be sure to shop the Saturday before.
Sunday activities in Amsterdam
If you're the type of person who prefers to engage in activity followed by activity or enjoying your long, lazy weekend, Amsterdam has you covered. For even more insight into the city, be sure to check out our top Amsterdam travel tips and our suggested itinerary for a day in Amsterdam.
grab the brunch
Over the last decade or so, like many other places in Europe (including Paris and London), brunch has become increasingly popular. As such, a favorite pastime for many Amsterdam residents is to meet up with some friends and go for lunch.
Some of the best spots in the city include Coffee and Coconuts (in Amsterdam's trendy Pijp neighborhood), Benjis (in the Oost neighborhood), and Koffie Academie (there are two locations of this popular cafe). Just be sure to book early as many spots can be reserved and fill up fast on the weekend!
canal cruise
The canals are beautiful to walk on, but navigating them gives you an idea of how they work and why they are so important to the city. Plus, you'll see some of Amsterdam's best sights and beautiful architecture from a different perspective.
Canal cruises generally take between 60 and 90 minutes and depart from various locations, many around the Central Station area. Alternatively, you can save your cruise time for later in the day and take a sunset cruise around the city, offering views of the city bathed in a golden hour glow. Find more details of the cruise here.
relax in the park
If you've chosen to get around the city by bike (and I recommend you do, as it's definitely the best way to see Amsterdam), the first thing you'll notice is how many little parks and green spaces there are.
The largest park in Amsterdam is Vondelpark. During the weekends, this lovely green space fills up with people enjoying picnics and there are even several cafes and restaurants dotted around the park. In the spring there are even flowering trees in the Helmerbuurt part of the park.
Discover a small museum
If there's one thing I absolutely adore about Amsterdam, it's the number of quirky little museums on offer. From a museum dedicated to tulips to a cultural center that is all about cats, there really is something for everyone when it comes to the Dutch capital.
One of my personal favorites when it comes to off the beaten path museums is Our Lord in the Attic. One of the oldest museums in Amsterdam, Our Lord in the Attic (known in Dutch as ‘Museum Amstelkring Ons Lieve Heer op Solder'), it is quite a substantial church, located in the attic of a 17th century house. For more inspiration, check out our guide to Best little museums in Amsterdam.
Take a food tour of Amsterdam
One of the best ways to discover any new city or culture is to discover the place with your mouth. If it rains during your stay in the city, one of the most comfortable ways to relax is enjoying a gastronomic tasting or a tour.
Explore the city through its food scene at this guided tour of amsterdam. Highlights of this Dutch food tour include the chance to try seven local specialties, including the ever-famous Stroopwafel. Otherwise, visit the largest market in Europe and discover the city's Pijp district. Check prices and availability here.
Going out on a day trip
If the sun is shining and you want to see more of the Netherlands outside of its capital city, why not take a day trip? If it is spring, you will certainly want to visit ‘The Garden of Europe', that is, Keukenhof.
If you are looking for another city with a good atmosphere and lots of interesting architecture, then you should make sure to go to Rotterdam. If it's a foodie day trip you're after, then heading to Gouda or Zaandam is a no-brainer. Just keep in mind that, outside of Amsterdam, more places will be closed on Sundays, so don't head out on a day trip from the city and expect to do a lot of shopping.
What to wear to explore Europe
In the summer, you can't go wrong by pairing a cute midi dress with classic white sneakers for a smart-casual, laid-back look that's just as stylish for walking down cobbled city streets as it is for meandering along coastal paths. I love this dress and have it in various color ways. As for tennis shoes, this is my go to shoe.
When it comes to winter in Europe, most places (with the exception of some islands) It can get quite chilly so warm layers are a must. I find those cute booties like these They are the perfect combination of practical and cute.
intermediate seasons (spring and summer) in Europe it tends to come with a mix of rainy and sunny days, so again, layers are a must. Trench coats and sneakers are the best uniform for exploring the continent.
Finally, a cross body bag like these It is a must. I personally use a shoulder bag for this brand and I love its shape, size and versatility. In addition to being convenient and compact, it's one of the safest ways to transport your valuables, while still looking stylish. I also recommend bringing a travel adapter. like this so you can charge all your electronics during your stay!
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sophie nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza and history. A fan of all things French, she runs solosophie.com when she's not chasing the next sunset or consuming something sweet. She currently lives in Paris. Subscribe to Sophie's YouTube channel.
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