first time visiting Amsterdam, how do I make the most of 2 days?

[LennyPugGoat]

Arriving 11am ish on Sat and flying home on the Sunday 10pm.

Stay in a cheaper hotel nearer to the airport or spend extra to stay more central?

How much to hire bikes, boat trips, spends for food?

It’s for an older couple looking for a speedy couple of days away, also willing to try a bit of space cake/smoke should they decide to so looking for recommendations as well.

No one we know has visited, please help, it’s in April if that helps

Spend more on the hotel to stay centrally.

The hop-on-hop-off canal cruise is ideal way to discover Amsterdam. The boat/bus stops at key attractions, such as Rembrandt Square and Albert Cuyp. There’s a central audio guide system. When something piques your interests, simply step off and investigate. When you’re done, get back on and continue your journey. There are three routes and 16 stops, so it’s a great way to see a great deal of the city. It’s €23 for a day ticket, €25 for a 24-hour ticket, and €35 for a 48-hour ticket.
Just next to ClinkNOORD, MA’DAM sky bar, is the place to head for amazing views of the city after dark. The Eye Film Museum (just a minutes walk from ClinkNOOORD) is open until 11 on Saturday. Some museums, likeMadame Tussaud’s and theRed Light District museums, are usually open until late most nights.
The Cotton Club in Nieuwmarkt has live jazz on Saturday evenings.

We travelled everywhere using the trams which were brilliant. The Anne Frank museum is good but gets very busy so go early (you'll still have to queue even then but for a lot less time). Van Gogh museum was also very good.

Food is cheaper outside of the center of the city, but there is a steak reastaurant called Loetje across frim the central station which has very reasonable prices. You do order everything separately there (in Loetje) so ask for chips or whatever with your steak.

Canal boats are expensive but fun, Anne frank museum is interesting, Rijksmuseum has a lot of art. I love Van Gogh so also love their museum. There is also a Heineken museum (have never been muself) and a Bols museum (gin) if you want something different. There is an old palace on dam square but it isn't always open to public so check.

It's really easy to use the trams. Amsterdam around the canals is pretty, so lots of walking around.

Stay cheap and central the public transport is excellent (I've stayed at the boatel several times cheap and basic) if you are heading for a smoke try and choose one with terrace seating, unless you love hardcore drum and bass

Central is best, looks for places the local eat and drink in.
This is dutch food but excellent
www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g188590-d697000-Reviews-Restaurant_Haesje_Claes-Amsterdam_North_Holland_Province.html
Ann Frank wasn't for us. We felt the Heineken museum wasn't that good either, its nice to get a boat ride or just wander.
We got the local bus from the station and went to Marken
Get the boat to Volendam
www.visit-volendam.com/how-to-get-to-volendam-by-boat/

www.visit-volendam.com
Then Bus to Edam its just a nice place to see, but if you catch a festival is a great day out
www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/north-holland/edam-10.htm
Then bus back

Be mindful that if you have the space cake at the start of your break, the rest of your plans may go to pot

Thank you for the advice and links

It is roughly 1/2 by train from the airport, I would stay central.

The Anne Frank House needs to be pre-booked. There may be tickets available - only online - on the day but that is not sure.

While Edam, Volendam and Marken are lovely, if you only have two days I would stick with Amsterdam. It is easy to go around by tram and walk and lots to do for 2 days.

The Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum also need to be pre-booked.

Hire a bicycle. Everybody does that. Forget buses and trams.

My Amsterdam recommendation. It's on the same street as Anne Frank's house.

pancake.nl/en

in April - take the train to sassenheim (about 45 min from amsterdam central) to see the tulip fields.