Extreme day trips have landed, and Amsterdam is the perfect place to have one.

Well, between the amazing culture and walkable streets, it makes sense that Amsterdam is now one of the top three international cities Brits visit on same-day return flights, according to Expedia’s 2026 Air Hacks Report. So, I spent the day in Amsterdam, and it didn't disappoint.

It was an early start, but it felt worth it knowing the day I had in store. Flights from over fifteen British airports land in Schiphol Airport, and the short flight (1 hour and 20 mins from Gatwick for me) meant I landed at about 8.30 am – the time I usually get up on a normal morning –  with the day ahead of me.  

One of the many perks of a day trip is the lack of baggage; the only queue I faced once we touched down was the passport checks and security, which took about half an hour. With a forecast of breezes and shows, I did make the most of my carry-on allowance (hat, scarf, gloves, layers), and when I stepped off the plane, I was grateful – the air was crisp, but it was cold. That being said, according to Expedia, June is the cheapest month to travel, so braving the weather isn’t mandatory. The train from the airport takes you right into the city centre in 20 minutes, and the whole process has a relaxed vibe that you don’t usually find with airport travel.

A day trip is about packing in as much as you can, but a true adventure is about seeing where the streets take you, and Amsterdam is perfect for both. I wandered down the streets of the Jordaan district and took in the winding canals and tilted townhouses. There were cool shops and many opportunities to stock up on souvenirs and stroopwafels, and it was the perfect district to take in the city’s creative, unique atmosphere. It’s quite easy to get lost, but it’s just as easy to find an exciting new route and get back on track in no time.Among the cobbled paths and cyclists, a traditional Dutch breakfast isn’t hard to find. Stroopwafels are an essential part of any Amsterdam trip, but I decided to start the day at Pancakes Amsterdam. In about 15 minutes, I was served up a stack of pancakes, fresh off the griddle, alongside a generous serving of syrup. They tasted as good as they looked, and after washing them down with some coffee, I went on my way.

The museum, which preserves the secret annexe where Anne Frank and her family hid during WWII, is one of the most visited sites in the Netherlands. The secret annexe behind Prinsengracht 263, where teenage Anne, her parents, and family friends hid from the Nazis between 1942 and 1944 during the German occupation of the Netherlands. Among the preserved living spaces are some of Anne’s and other residents' belongings, as well as exhibitions.

I didn’t get a chance to visit the Anne Frank House this time, as it sells out very quickly; make sure to check availability before you book your flights. 

If you’re comfortable with cycling and can navigate the roads, renting a bike is something to consider. While the city is totally walkable, cycling makes quick journeys even quicker. A canal cruise is a more leisurely way to take in the city on a large scale. I loved being able to take in all the ornate architecture from the Dutch Golden Age and learn that the canal belt is on the UNESCO World Heritage List; I’d recommend the canal cruise for anyone who’s visiting Amsterdam – or taking their first Extreme Day trip – for the first time.

There are tons of mouthwatering, freshly made food options, both sweet and savoury. This is a great area to take in the rich Dutch street culture and try some delicious local bites, like Poffertjes and Kibbeling, as well as cuisine from Suriname, Indonesia, and more.

Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter is home to some of the finest works of art in history, from the likes of Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Tickets are booked with timed-entry slots, so you’ll most likely only have time to go on one day trip. Just like the Anne Frank House, tickets get booked up early, so have a look at what’s available ahead of time. Stedelijk and Moco are must-visits for fans of contemporary art, while the Rijksmuseum is home to some of the Netherlands' Golden Age masterpieces. I decided to visit the Van Gogh Museum, and I was not disappointed. It was amazing to witness some of his most iconic works in person, and to see the evolution of his work and life was incredibly moving.

After the museum, it was time to head back to the airport, which was just as easy as it was in the morning. Because of the frequent trains and the fact that I didn’t have any luggage, this journey once again felt a lot more casual than a usual airport trip. 

When I sat down in the departures lounge, I realised I’d be using the flight home for a nap; the day had been so much fun that I didn’t notice just how much I’d packed into quite a short amount of time. One of the best things about the day was that it didn’t feel like I’d spent ages getting somewhere and having to leave before taking anything in. The travel time was such a small portion of the entire day; it felt like a short commute to a grand day out, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a little adventure.

Dublin, Paris, and Brussels are other great cities for a day trip, and on Expedia’s Flight Deals tool on the app, they highlight options at least 20% cheaper than typical route prices. Find out more here.