City Guide
48 Hours in Amsterdam Centrum: What to See, and Where to Get Groomed
Zafri22 May 20262 min read
A two-day walking plan for Amsterdam's city centre — Dam Square, De Wallen, the canals, Kalverstraat — with a barber stop that actually fits the schedule.
Two days is enough to see Amsterdam Centrum properly if you stay inside the canal ring and walk. Here's how we'd spend it — and where to fit in a haircut so you look right in the photos rather than after them.
Day one: the historic core
Morning. Start at Amsterdam Centraal and walk down Damrak towards Dam Square. The Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk and the National Monument are all on one square, and it's the natural centre of the city.
Late morning. Cut into Nieuwendijk, the oldest shopping street in Amsterdam. This is also the moment to book yourself in: Prime Barbershop, Nieuwendijk 85, is a two-minute detour from the Dam and open from 10:00. A men's haircut or fade is €40 and takes 40 minutes — easy to slot in before lunch on your first day so you're sharp for the rest of the trip.
Afternoon. Walk east into De Wallen — beyond the reputation, it's the oldest part of the city, with the Oude Kerk and some of the prettiest small canals in Amsterdam. Then Nieuwmarkt for a drink.
Evening. Dinner around the Spui or the Jordaan edge, both walkable.
Day two: canals, culture and shopping
Morning. The canal belt — Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht — is a UNESCO World Heritage site and best seen on foot in the quiet hours. The Anne Frank House sits on Prinsengracht; book well ahead.
Midday. Kalverstraat for the big shops, or the Negen Straatjes for independents and vintage.
Afternoon. The Begijnhof courtyard, the Amsterdam Museum, or a canal cruise leaving from Damrak.
Evening. Back through Nieuwendijk towards the station. If day one got away from you, we're open until 21:00 every day — a beard trim is €25 and takes half an hour.
Where to get a haircut in Amsterdam as a visitor
Two things matter when you're travelling: language and location. At Prime our barbers speak English, Arabic, Spanish, French and Dutch, so explaining what you want isn't a problem — bring a photo if it's easier. And at Nieuwendijk 85 we're a flat five-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal, so it works whether you're arriving, leaving, or filling a gap in the middle.
Walk-ins are welcome all day. If your schedule is tight, book online through Fresha for a confirmed slot.
Read more in our [visitor's guide to getting a great haircut in Amsterdam](/blog/visitors-guide-to-getting-a-great-haircut-in-amsterdam), or see the full [services](/services) menu.
Prime Barbershop Amsterdam Nieuwendijk 85, 1012 MC Amsterdam Centrum Phone: +31 6 4282 5105 Open daily: 10:00–21:00
