How to combine your business trip with sightseeing
Even on a busy business trip, Amsterdam offers plenty of ways to enjoy the city. Start by planning around your meetings – many key attractions are close together, making them easy to fit in. For example, the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum are all in the Museum Quarter, while the canals and Jordaan district are perfect for a relaxing walk nearby.
Early mornings or evenings are ideal for exploring the city when it’s quieter. A canal-side stroll or a quick bike ride can give you a real sense of Amsterdam’s charm without taking much time. Lunchtime can also be an opportunity to visit a local café or market, such as Albert Cuyp Market, for a quick taste of Dutch life.
If your schedule allows, consider an extra morning or evening to enjoy a canal cruise or a visit to the historic city centre. Keep a small daypack, wear comfortable shoes, and embrace a flexible approach – even short bursts of sightseeing will make your trip more memorable and energising.
For those of you who are short on time, here are our tips for must-see sights in Amsterdam. Even if you only have a couple of hours to spare, they’re worth the trip.
You will not have time for ALL of the museums
Amsterdam has a Museum Square and yes, you got it right, this is where the three major museums of the city are situated. However, those who often visit museums will agree that visiting one is extremely time-consuming. It might seem like a good idea to go to Museum Square and visit them all, but even one full day will not be enough.
We recommend you pick one and we would suggest the Van Gogh museum. Take a look at the creative masterpieces of this iconic artist and what’s not to love about his ‘Sunflowers’ painting. By only visiting one museum, you will be able to take a lot more in than if you try and visit them all and not take anything in.
Fit your business lunch/dinner around sightseeing
If it is a business trip, you are most likely to have at least one meal with your business partners. So tell them to arrange the meal in Foodhallen – this place is what the name implies – a food hall! It is an indoor food market, with various vendors serving delicious food. This can be a good way to fit in business and sightseeing together.
Sorry to be so obvious, but, take a walk!
There are so many beautiful canals to see in the city but with your busy schedules, it might be hard to get them all in. Chances are if you walk to and from your meetings, you’ll see many beautiful canals. But here are three we don’t think you should miss – Herengracht, Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht.
They are all surrounded by beautiful period buildings, the ones that make Amsterdam so famous, constructed in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age. After all, Amsterdam canals are UNESCO heritage sites and you can always explore them on foot after your busy day is done and you’re walking back to your serviced apartment.
Efficient transport around Amsterdam
Getting around Amsterdam is easy if you plan ahead. The city’s compact layout makes walking a practical option, especially around the Museum Quarter, Jordaan, and city centre. For longer distances, trams and buses are reliable, and a single OV-chipkaart can cover all public transport. Many business travellers also choose to rent a bike for a short period, which can be a quick and scenic way to move between meetings while enjoying the canals. Knowing the fastest routes in advance saves precious time and helps you fit in sightseeing without rushing.
Time-saving sightseeing hacks
Amsterdam is full of must-see attractions, but queues can eat into a tight schedule. Booking tickets online in advance for popular spots like the Anne Frank House or Van Gogh Museum ensures you don’t waste valuable meeting hours. Mobile apps can also help you check real-time tram or bus schedules, avoid lines, and locate nearby points of interest. Even small conveniences, like purchasing a canal cruise ticket digitally, allow you to make the most of short breaks between meetings.
Combine sightseeing with networking
Business trips don’t have to separate work and leisure. Amsterdam offers plenty of spots where professional connections can flourish while you enjoy the city. Hotel lounges and co-working cafés in central districts are ideal for informal meetings, while after-work visits to canal-side bars or cultural events provide relaxed environments to connect with colleagues or clients. Integrating sightseeing into networking activities means you gain both professional and personal experiences in the same outing.
We hope these tips will help you get some sightseeing in during your next business stay in Amsterdam. If you get a chance to visit the famous I AMSTERDAM letters, why not post it on your socials and tag Situ, we’d love to see!
We hope you have a lovely trip!
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