Amsterdam in 48 hours? Just enough time to fall in love and start planning your next visit. Whether it’s your first or fifth time, this effortlessly stylish city always leaves you wanting more.

Amsterdam is having a moment. Once defined by its Red Light District and smoky coffee shops, the Dutch capital has undergone a full-blown glow-up. Today, it’s a city of pastel canal houses, Scandi-chic cafés, curated vintage boutiques, and sleek, design-forward hotels. The crowd? Stylish, curious, and culture-hungry. Just an hour’s flight from Ireland and with seamless rail links from Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam is the ideal backdrop for a 48-hour escape that blends charm, creativity, and just the right dose of cool. Add a live Ke$ha concert into the mix, and your weekend suddenly goes from great to glitter-drenched unforgettable.

Where to Stay: Chic Sleep Spots

The Hoxton, Amsterdam – Located on the Herengracht canal, this effortlessly cool boutique hotel has vintage charm, a buzzing lobby bar, and one of the best brunch spots in town. Think polished parquet floors, moody lighting, and that signature Hoxton vibe.

Pillows Maurits at the Park  – Tucked in the green Plantage district, this refined five-star stay feels like a quiet retreat. Expect plush interiors, serene gardens, and Michelin-star dining on-site.

Hotel 717  https://717hotel.nl/ For something intimate and luxurious, this canal-front townhouse hotel oozes elegance and old-world glamour. Perfect for couples.

DAY 1: ART, CANALS & COCKTAILS

Morning, Check in, drop your bags, and head straight to Bocca Coffee for a perfectly poured flat white. From there, stroll over to Museumplein, home to the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum , you can't go wrong with either.

Lunch, Try Foodhallen in Oud-West, a chic indoor food market with everything from dim sum to gourmet burgers. Grab a G&T at the Gin & Tonic bar before exploring the nearby De Hallen design shops.

Afternoon, Wander the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) , a network of picture-perfect lanes filled with curated concept stores, vintage shops, and independent boutiques. Don’t miss Anna + Nina for quirky jewellery and Scotch & Soda for local fashion.

Dinner, The Secret Garden Amsterdam is an immersive experience set in a lush, botanical hideaway tucked behind unmarked doors. With its dramatic florals, moody lighting, and artful fusion cuisine, the space feels like a dreamscape made for indulgence. It’s equal parts dinner and theater ,intimate, unexpected, and undeniably chic.

Evening, Wrap up your day with drinks at Pulitzer’s Bar , timeless glamour, rich cocktails, and canal views. If you're not ready to call it a night, head to Bar Botanique https://www.barbotanique.nl/, a leafy paradise tucked away in East Amsterdam.

DAY 2: BRUNCH, BIKES & BOUTIQUES

Morning, Brunch at Pluk Amsterdam https://www.pluk-amsterdam.com/en/  in Jordaan is a must , think acai bowls, banana bread, and avocado everything in a Pinterest-perfect café. Rent a bike afterward and cruise through Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s answer to Central Park.

Late Morning, For modern art lovers, the Stedelijk Museum delivers bold exhibitions and an edgy vibe. Or visit the Moco Museum, known for its Banksy and street art collection.

Lunch, Head east to Dignita Hoftuin https://eatwelldogood.nl/dignita-hoftuin/ for garden views and seasonal plates. It’s hidden behind a historic chapel and feels like a secret locals-only spot.

Afternoon, Take a canal cruise, but skip the tourist traps. Those Dam Boat Guys  https://www.thosedamboatguys.com/offer small, relaxed tours with witty commentary and BYOB options. Afterward, pick up last-minute gifts at Skins Cosmetics or X Bank, a stylish Dutch department store in a former bank building.

Dinner, Finish in style at De Kas https://restaurantdekas.com/nl/menu , a greenhouse restaurant in Frankendael Park where nearly everything on your plate is grown on-site. It’s farm-to-table taken to another level.

Evening,Toast to the trip with a final glass of wine at GlouGlou, a natural wine bar in De Pijp known for its effortlessly chic, low-key crowd and ever-changing list of biodynamic bottles. Settle in with a glass of orange wine and soak up the buzz before heading to AFAS Live for the main event: Ke$ha takes the stage on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 8:00 PM, bringing glitter, chaos, and high-voltage pop energy to close out your Amsterdam weekend in unforgettable style.

As your Amsterdam weekend winds down, reflect on the magic: drifting along the canals, savoring dinner beneath the foliage at The Secret Garden, and losing yourself in Ke$ha’s high-energy live show at AFAS Live. It’s the kind of whirlwind escape that lingers long after the last song fades. The secret to making just 48 hours feel unforgettable? A little planning and saying yes to every moment.