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My Suggested 3-5 Day Itinerary for Visiting Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in the world . I love its beautiful brick buildings, majestic canals, open skyline, rich history, and relaxed, easy-going attitude toward life.

Over the years, I’ve visited Amsterdam more times than I can count and have spent countless hours walking the city, making friends with locals (I briefly lived here years ago), and getting under its skin.

The city was founded in the 12th century but came into prominence during the Dutch Golden Age (1588-1672). At that time, Amsterdam was the center of the world economy and was both an economic and cultural powerhouse.

Today, Amsterdam is one of the most popular places in the world to visit (try to avoid the summer when the crowds are a little too much). There are so many things to do in Amsterdam that it deserves more than just a few (and often drug- and alcohol-filled) days most travelers give it.

How should you spend your time in this world-class city?

With so much to see and do, I put together what I think is the perfect itinerary for you. This Amsterdam itinerary can help you get acquainted with this cosmopolitan city, covering the main sights while also taking you off the beaten path to show you the real Amsterdam.

Table of Contents

Day 1 : Canal Tour, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, & more

Day 2 : Anne Frank House, Jordaan, Amsterdam History Museum, & more

Day 3 : Jewish Historical Museum, FOAM, Oosterpark, & more

Day 4 : Museum Amstelkring, Rembrandt House Museum, Museum Van Loon, & more

Day 5 : Waterlooplein Flea Market, Hash, Marihuana Museum, & more!

Day Trips from Amsterdam : Haarlem, Noord, and Windmills

Where to Stay in Amsterdam : Centraal and De Pijp

Amsterdam Itinerary: Day 1

Take a Free walking tour A great way to orient yourself to the city is with a walking tour. You can learn some history, find out where the major sights are, and explore all those winding canals. I think free walking tours are a wonderful first activity in any city. Amsterdam has two really good free walking tours:

• Free Walking Tours Amsterdam

Both tours give you a general historical overview of the city and its landmarks. (Be sure to tip your guide at the end though!)

If you’re not on a tight budget and want an in-depth alternative tour, check out Black Heritage Tours . Their tours aren’t free; however, they are incredibly informative (currently only offering private boat tours due to COVID-19). They focus on the impact of slavery during the growth of the Dutch empire and highlight Black contributions to the country and culture. It’s super educational.

For more tours (walking tours, museum tours, food tours), check out my list of the best walking tours in Amsterdam as well as Get Your Guide . I use them a lot to find activities in destinations I visit.

Explore the Van Gogh Museum This may be one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, but don’t let the crowds deter you. The museum features many of Van Gogh’s best works of art alongside an excellent biography of his life. I can spend hours just staring at the paintings as Van Gogh is one of my favorite painters. The museum also has paintings by other famous artists of the period, like Monet, Manet, and Matisse. Try to come late in the late afternoon when the crowds subside. You can choose your entry time when you book skip-the-line tickets and avoid the long line to get in.

Museumplein 6, +31 20 570 5200, vangoghmuseum.nl. Open daily from 9am to 6pm in the summer with reduced hours in the spring, fall and winter. Admission is 20 EUR.

Visit the Rijksmuseum The Rijksmuseum is located right next to the Van Gogh Museum, and after years of renovation, it’s now beautifully remodeled. The museum still features an extensive Rembrandt collection, and you can see his famous “The Night Watch” painting here. Besides Rembrandt, there’s also an incredible and robust collection of other classic Dutch painters, like Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer. Over 1 million works of art, craftworks, and historical objects are kept in the collection, and around 8,000 objects are on display in the museum so be sure to budget a few hours!

You can get skip-the-line tickets here or book a joint canal tour and museum ticket for just a few more euros.

Museumstraat 1, +31 20 674 7000, rijksmuseum.nl. Open daily from 9am–5pm. Admission is 22.50 EUR.  

Amsterdam Itinerary: Day 2

Tour Anne Frank House This is where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. It showcases her childhood, life in the attic, as well as other information about the Holocaust. There’s also a display of her real handwritten diary.

While it’s a sad and moving place, in all honesty though, I didn’t like it. I found it to be anticlimactic. You basically do a rushed walk through the house as the crowds pack the place. You don’t get to let everything soak in as you’re being pushed from behind by the endless crowds. It’s maddening!

Personally, I think the Jewish History Museum does a more thorough job of relating the events in Anne Frank’s life to the Holocaust. However, if you don’t mind waiting in line and are curious about Anne, it’s worth the wait. Be sure to book your tickets online in advance or you’ll be stuck waiting in line.

Prinsengracht 263–267, +31 20 556 71 05, annefrank.org. Open daily from 9am-10pm. Admission is 16 EUR. Tickets are only sold online on the official Anne Frank House website .

For a more intimate and guided look at Anne Frank’s world in context, this expert-led guided walking tour through the Jewish Quarter covers the life of Anne Frank and the Dutch Resistance during World War II. It’s a really good tour to take!

Wander Jordaan This heavily residential area is an old working-class neighborhood turned hip. It’s probably the most overlooked part of Amsterdam. Although it’s right near the city center, hardly any tourists enter this maze of restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s peaceful and a great place to wander while avoiding the mass of tourists crowding the main streets just a few blocks away. While in the area, be sure to eat at Moeders (traditional Dutch food) and Winkel 43 (get the apple pie).

Visit the Tulip Museum Located in a room inside a tulip shop, this little basement museum does a wonderful job of telling the history of tulips in Holland and the infamous tulip craze that rocked the Dutch economy. It’s one of the best off-the-beaten-path attractions in Amsterdam . It’s never crowded, and it’s only 5 EUR!

Prinsengracht 116, +31 20 421 0095, amsterdamtulipmuseum.com. Open daily from 10am-6pm. Admission is 5 EUR.

Bellamyplein 51 or Hannie Dankbaarpassage 47 [both entrances work], foodhallen.nl. Open Sunday-Thursday from 12pm-midnight (Fridays and Saturdays until 1am). Kitchens close 2 hours before the food hall’s closing time.

See the Amsterdam History Museum This museum features a very thorough history of Amsterdam. It’s big, so you’ll need 3–4 hours to really go through it in detail. There are a lot of relics, maps, paintings, and audiovisual displays throughout the museum. My favorite is the computer graphic at the entrance showing the growth and construction of the city over time. I can’t recommend this museum enough. It’s one of the best history museums I’ve ever visited.

Kalverstraat 92, +31 20 523 1822, amsterdammuseum.nl. Open daily from 10am–5pm. Admission is 25 EUR.

For a more educational look, The Prostitute Information Center, or PIC, offers tours of the neighborhood where a current or former sex worker explains the practices of the trade. The center started in the early 1990s and aims to dispel some myths and misconceptions about prostitution, in general, and in Amsterdam, in particular.

Enge Kerksteeg 3. +31 20 420 7328. pic-amsterdam.com. Tours run Wednesday-Saturday at 5pm.

Amsterdam Itinerary: Day 3

Keizersgracht 609, +31 20 551 6500, foam.org. Open daily from 10am–6pm (9pm on Thursdays and Fridays). Admission is 15 EUR.

Tour the Jewish Historical Museum Often overlooked in favor of The Anne Frank House, the Jewish Historical Museum tells the history of the Jews’ prominent and influential position in Amsterdam. The exhibit on World War II does a great job of highlighting Dutch complacency, resistance, and guilt over the Holocaust. With 11,000 items, artifacts, and works of art, it’s the only Jewish history museum in the country. Personally, I think the museum does a better job when it comes to highlighting the history and struggles of Jews in the Netherlands than the Anne Frank House does.

Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1, +31 20 531 0310, jck.nl. Open daily from 10am–5pm. Admission is 17 EUR.

Relax in Oosterpark Everyone goes to Vondelpark to lounge around, bike, or get high, but east of the main city center is a beautiful park with fewer people that is just as relaxing. Oosterpark is about a 30-minute walk from the city center, but the walk takes you through residential areas of the city not often seen and way off the tourist map. I enjoy coming here because it’s far quieter and more peaceful than Vondelpark. There are sculptures (such as the National Slavery Monument that commemorates the abolition of slavery in 1863), playgrounds, ponds, and plenty of space to picnic or lounge. If you want a quiet park experience, this is it!  

Amsterdam Itinerary: Day 4

Visit the Rembrandt House Museum Dutch painter Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn is generally considered to be one of the most prolific, most talented artists in history. He lived and worked in this house between 1639 and 1658 during the Dutch Golden Age. Visitors can explore the home to get a sense of how he worked and lived (they’ve recreated how it was decorated during Rembrandt’s time). I wasn’t too impressed (I’d rather spend time admiring his paintings), but Rembrandt enthusiasts shouldn’t overlook it.

Jodenbreestraat 4, +31 20 520 0400, rembrandthuis.nl. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am–6pm. Admission is 17.50 EUR.

Visit Noord – Leave the city center, take the ferry across the IJ, and visit the up-and-coming area of Noord Amsterdam. In the last few years, a lot of people have moved here (it’s cheap), cool markets, restaurants, and bars have opened, and a lot of old industrial land has been reclaimed for public use. It’s the new hip place to be but has much fewer crowds than the central part of the city! Be sure to visit the famous EYE, Amsterdam’s film institute, and consider renting a bike to explore the area.

See Museum Amstelkring Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (“Our Lord in the Attic”) is one of the most interesting churches in the city. Hidden inside a 17th-century canal house, the clandestine Catholic church was built during Protestant rule. It was never really a secret but it was out of sight and out of mind for the authorities. The drawing room here is quite beautiful and the furnishings make it one of the most impressive 17th-century rooms left intact.

Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38, +31 20 624 6604, opsolder.nl. Open Tuesday–Saturday from 10am-5pm (Saturdays until 6pm) and Sundays from 1pm–6pm. Admissions is 16.50 EUR.

Explore the Museum Van Loon The Museum Van Loon is a double-sized canal house built in 1672 that is located on the Keizersgracht canal. The house was owned by the wealthy Van Loon merchant family who curated a beautiful art collection in their home (Willem van Loon co-founded the Dutch East-India Company in 1602, a massive trading firm and often considered the first multinational corporation in the world). Today, their historic house is a museum showcasing period furniture, paintings, porcelain, and family portraits. There’s a beautiful garden here too. This is definitely a place not to miss.

Keizersgracht 672, +31 20 624 5255, museumvanloon.nl. Open daily from 10am–5pm. Admission is 13.50 EUR.

Hang out in Vondelpark Vondelpark was created in 1865 and spans over 120 acres. It’s Amsterdam’s largest and most popular park is a great place to walk, bike, people-watch, enjoy a picnic, or just relax, especially after a visit to a local coffee shop. There’s a playground as well as places to play sports, and numerous areas for kicking back. During the summer, Vondelpark is filled with people, especially locals who hang out at the café Blauwe Theehuis for drinks in the center.

Try the Heineken Experience This museum used to be a lot better when it was cheaper and they offered more beer. It’s not a working brewery and, in comparison to the Guinness Museum in Dublin , it’s not great. But the price of admission buys you two beers and the interactive self-guided tour tells you all about how the beer was made and how the company evolved over the centuries (the beer dates back to the 1870s). It’s not a must-see, but if you like Heineken, then it is worth checking out. Get your tickets for the Heineken experience here.

Stadhouderskade 78, +31 020 261 1323, heinekenexperience.com. Open Sunday-Thursday from 10:30am–7:30pm, Friday-Saturday from 10:30am–9pm. Admission is 21 EUR.  

Amsterdam Itinerary: Day 5

Visit the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam If you like modern art, this is the place in the city to see it! The museum is home to over 90,000 items including works by Jackson Pollock, van Gogh, and Andy Warhol. Founded in 1874, the exhibitions cover paintings, drawings, photography, graphic design, sculptures, sound, and installations. They also have a collection online with over 1.5 million digitized pieces of art.

Museumplein 10, +31 20 573 2911, stedelijk.nl. Open daily from 10am–6pm. Admission is 22.50 EUR.

See the Houseboat Museum This decorated houseboat provides an interesting glimpse into what living on the canals is like. The museum is located in a former cargo ship (built in 1914) that was later converted into a living museum as the owner was bombarded by questions so often that he thought it would just be easier to open up the boat to the public and let them see it for themselves. I walked away with one impression of life on the canals: super neat, but super cramped. With admission at 5 EUR, it’s one of the cheapest museums in town and is worth a quick visit.

Prinsengracht 296K, Jordaan, Centrum, +31 20 427 0750, houseboatmuseum.nl. Admission is 5 EUR. Hours vary per season.

Take an alternative art tour I was really blown away by this unique tour that I took last time I was in Amsterdam. You get to see the city’s street art in alleyways, squats, and independent galleries while you learn about Amsterdam’s alternative side and underground and immigrant culture. All the people I took on it loved it. Visit Alltournative Amsterdam for more! (Tickets are 22.50 EUR per person.)

Wander the Amsterdam library The city’s library is a beautiful modern building built in 2007. It’s gigantic, overlooks the IJ, and has a wonderful top-floor cafe for impressive views of the city. It’s one of my favorite places to relax in the city. It’s quiet, peaceful, and there’s nothing like reading a good book with a great view!

Oosterdokskade 143, Centrum, +31 20 523 0900, oba.nl. Open Monday-Friday from 8am–10pm and Saturday/Sunday from 10am-8pm.

Waterlooplein 2. waterlooplein.amsterdam. Open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am-6pm.

Visit the Erotic Museum This museum is in the middle of Amsterdam’s Red Light District and highlights eroticism in all its forms through the ages. It has sculptures, paintings, drawings, photographs, and other artwork from all around the world. Also included here are erotic sketches by John Lennon from The Beatles, which is something you won’t see every day! It’s similar to Sex Museum Amsterdam but focuses more on the “art” side of nudity and sex.

Oudezijds Achterburgwal 54, +31 20 627 8954, erotisch-museum.nl. Open daily from 11am-1am. Admission is 7 EUR.

Check out the Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum This museum presents information about the historical and modern use of cannabis for medicinal, religious, and cultural purposes. The exhibits focus heavily on how hemp can be used for agricultural, consumer, and industrial purposes as well as covering all the medicinal, religious, and cultural uses of the plant. There’s also a section about the ‘reefer madness’ panic of the 1930s, including all kinds of propaganda films and posters. There are also displays on how hash is made, the 1960s counterculture, and more (there are over 9,000 items in the collection so it covers a lot of ground).

Oudezijds Achterburgwal 148, +31 20 624 8926, hashmuseum.com. Open daily from 10am-10pm. Admission is 9 EUR.

Day Trips from Amsterdam

Day trip to Haarlem – Just a quick 35-kilometer (22-mile) train (or bike) ride from Amsterdam, Haarlem is a quiet walled city that dates back to the Middle Ages. It has a beautiful central church, a great outdoor market, and all the beauty of historic Amsterdam with fewer crowds (there are canal cruises to be had here too). Don’t miss the Corrie ten Boom House, a house used to hide Jews and other refugees during World War II. Some 800 people were sheltered here during the war, and the house has now been converted into a museum that you can tour. The train to Haarlem costs 4-8 EUR and takes about 15 minutes. It’s the perfect place to escape for an afternoon.

See the windmills – The Dutch are famous for their windmills, so why not set out on an adventure to visit the windmills surrounding Amsterdam? There are eight in total — most of which are in Amsterdam West. De Gooyer is the closest to the city center and also happens to be a brewery, making it the perfect place to start (and maybe never leave). It’s just a quick 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central.

You can also take guided tours to Zaanse Schans , an open-air living history museum that is often known as the windmill town. Here, you not only learn about the inner workings of the windmills but other traditional Dutch crafts, like clog- and cheese-making.  

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Though Amsterdam is fairly small, there are still a number of neighborhoods to choose from, depending on what kind of vibe you want and what you want to see. Centraal is a bustling-but-convenient choice, where you’ll find Dam Square, the Centraal train station, many museums, and tons of shopping.

Personally, I think De Pijp is the best neighborhood to stay in as it’s a lot quieter and less touristy. The streets are lined with cool bars and restaurants, and the Albert Cuyp Market, the biggest street market in Amsterdam, is here too.

For a detailed look at the best areas to stay in, check out my post about Amsterdam’s best neighborhoods and, for more hostel suggestions, be sure to check out my complete list of the best hostels in Amsterdam .

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Amsterdam: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Some of my favorite places to stay are:

• St. Christopher’s at the Winston
• Flying Pig Downtown

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in Amsterdam .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They can save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Amsterdam? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Amsterdam for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Home » Europe » Netherlands » Amsterdam

Epic 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary (2024)

Amsterdam is a city on many traveller’s bucket lists. It’s full of exciting sights, beautiful architecture, and classic European charm. There is an abundance of things to keep you busy during a trip here, and many experiences that are unique to the city!

If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and you’re not entirely sure yet what to see or do in the city, this itinerary should be a great help to you! We’ve put together some exciting suggestions for your Amsterdam trip, where to go, must-see spots, and even a few free things to do in Amsterdam!

While there may be too many things to see and do on just one short trip to Amsterdam, we hope you’re ready for a jam-packed itinerary on your trip to the city.

Of course, you can always head out and explore the city spontaneously, but if you’re on a short trip you risk missing out on some of the best spots. This 3-day Amsterdam trip planner has the best of the best and is organised into an order that should allow you to see it all and really enjoy your time there.

And if you can stay a bit longer, we’ve added in some extra cool places at the end as well!

Let’s have a look…

A Little Bit about this Amsterdam Itinerary

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Whether you’re flying straight into the city for a short trip, or you’re backpacking in Amsterdam , there are so many things to see and do!

While you can do a lot of walking around the different neighbourhoods, it may take you a while to get from one to another on foot. Most Mokummers (or Amsterdammers) travel by bike , and for this reason, public transport is not as reliable as one would hope. 

That’s why it’s important to stay in the right area. Luckily, most of Amsterdam’s epic hostels are located in the ideal neighbourhood to explore the city. They might even offer free bikes that you can make use of!

You can travel by bus or tram through the city too. Buying a transport pass will save you some money. Alternatively, you can rent a bike for the duration of your stay, and look like a real local! 

While getting from one stop to the next, really try not to rush things and rather enjoy the beautiful city with its parks, cute alleys and canals. We’ve planned each day to be entertaining but not overpacked, so there’s always time to stop at a little coffee shop or chill along one of the beautiful canals here and there.

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3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 in Amsterdam: Jordaan District , Anne Frank House , Westertoren Tower , A’Dam Lookout , Brouwerij ‘t IJ , Heineken Experience , Red Light District
• Day 2 in Amsterdam: Museumplein , Rijksmuseum , Van Gogh Museum , Hash Marijuana & Hemp Museum , Cannabis Coffeeshop , Canal Cruise , Leidseplein
• Day 3 in Amsterdam: Ferry to Amsterdam North , House of Bols , Stroll a Park , Dam Square
• More Places to See in Amsterdam: Ouderkerk aan de Amstel , Foodhallen , OT301

With Amsterdam City Pass , you can experience the best of Amsterdam at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Amsterdam is quite small but full of diverse and interesting neighbourhoods. The entire city is divided into 8 districts, each of which has its own neighbourhood divisions. Choosing a place to stay in Amsterdam is probably a question of what kind of visit you want.

For example, there are quite a lot of hostels right inside the red light district and in fact, some of the best hostels in Amsterdam are here. However, it can be loud and raucous and some find the surrounding temptations hard to resist.

Most visitors find the Old Centrum district the easiest and most convenient place to stay. You can reach anything and everything from here. It’s perfect whether you’re looking to shop, go on a canal cruise, or explore a museum or three. Old Centrum is also home to the infamous Red Light District, for those who are intrigued. There are also loads of the Best Airbnbs in Amsterdam in this location.

A slightly less touristy neighbourhood would be Oud Oost. This is the ideal place to find accommodation if you’d like to immerse yourself in the life of locals. While there aren’t as many tourist attractions to be found in the neighbourhood itself, you’ll be close enough to the Old Centrum district to enjoy the activities there.

With so many things to do in Amsterdam , you should be sure to stay somewhere where you can get to all the sights easily and quickly.

Best Hostel in Amsterdam – St Christopher’s at the Winston

With so many amazing hostels to be found in Amsterdam, it can be hard to pick a favourite. This is one that really stands out though. Its central location, beer garden, and cheap continental breakfasts put this hostel at the top of the list. They also give food and drink discounts for nearby bars and restaurants!

Best Airbnb in Amsterdam – Best Amstel View

For a novel stay in Amsterdam, what could be better than renting a private houseboat? This cool Airbnb can sleep up to seven people in three bedrooms (plus a sofa bed in the living room). The comfy living room provides incredible views over the water, and you can sit and chill on the outside deck too. There’s a long dining table and a well-equipped kitchen, as well as a separate toilet and the main bathroom.

Best Budget Hotel in Amsterdam – Hotel Plantage

Located in the heart of Amsterdam this hotel offers brilliantly green views of the city. With many fascinating attractions and landmarks, you’ll be positioned perfectly to enjoy Amsterdam. Free WIFI, comfy rooms, and all necessary amenities will ensure you experience a pleasant, but affordable stay.

Best Luxury Hotel in Amsterdam – Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht

Flowing with luxury from the inside out, Andaz Amsterdam is the most elegant place to stay in this magnificent city. The beautifully designed rooms, all boasting modern comforts, are sure to make you want to stay in all day. The convenient location makes this one of the best hotels in Amsterdam to enjoy the best of your visit.

You can also check out all the best VRBOs in Amsterdam !

The first day of your 3 days in Amsterdam is packed with all sorts of things. From exploring famous districts to some short physical activity (nothing too bad, we promise!), a bit of culture and beer tasting.

For all the curious people, we’ve added in the Red Light District at the end of Day 1, but if that’s not your thing, you can skip it!!

Every map that you see in this article includes a hyperlink to an interactive version on Google Driving. After clicking the map image, the interactive version will be opened in a new tab.

8:30 AM – Explore Jordaan District

The Jordaan district is a culturally-rich area of the city is possibly the best place to start your Amsterdam travel adventure.

Spend your morning strolling down the beautifully decorated streets. Enjoy the colourful architecture on one side and the picturesque canals on the other! There are little shops along the streets too, where you can find charming Dutch souvenirs!

There are plenty of markets to be found in the neighbourhood, as well as some charming old churches.

It’s also one of the best food spots in Amsterdam! If you need your coffee fix in the morning and tasty breakfast, you’ll find loads of cute little cafes in Jordaan District. We’d recommend stopping at Paradox Coffee Shop, one of the best-reviewed cafes in the area. Make sure to eat enough so you’re full for the next couple of hours of explorations.

• Cost  – Free
• How long should I stay here?   1 hour max
• Getting there –  Bike/Metro/Walk, depending on where you stay.

9:00 AM – See the Anne Frank House

If you haven’t yet heard of Anne Frank or her diary, you should definitely do some quick research before your Amsterdam trip. She was a young teen when her family had to go into hiding from the invading Nazis.

Long story short, Anne wrote a diary detailing her family’s time living in this confined attic space. The Anne Frank House is the very place where they hid away and lived for almost 4 years before being captured and tragically dying at a concentration camp!

The house is one of the more popular tourist spots, and it’s definitely a place that everyone should see at least once! However, it’s known to get quite busy and crowded.

Inside the museum, you’ll be told the story of Anne Frank and Amsterdam under Nazi Occupation. The way their lives were during those times, and what exactly happened in that attic. It can be quite an emotional activity, and it is definitely an educational trip, but it’s also a must-see attraction on your 3-days in Amsterdam itinerary.

Take a self-guided audio tour so you really get to grips with what happened here.

• Cost  – $5-12 USD
• How long should I stay here?   1-2 hours max
• Getting there –  It’s in walking distance from Stop 1

11:30 AM – Climb the Westertoren Tower

After a slightly sobering visit to the Anne Frank House, cheer yourself up a bit with some exercise and extraordinary views of Amsterdam! The tower is incredibly close to the Anne Frank House, in fact, Anne wrote about watching the tower out of the Annex’s window.

The Westertoren (or Westerkerk) Tower provides an incredible viewpoint from its platform, located about halfway up the tower. The only way to reach the platform is by climbing a winding spiral staircase, and then a set of ladder-like steps!

As such, it’s quite an active experience so you should be reasonably fit and mobile. Children younger than 6 are not allowed to do the tour.

You can’t go up yourself, so you’ll need to book a guided tour. These run every 30 minutes and are in groups of about 6 – 10 people. The guides are local university students, that speak impeccable English, and know their city well!

• Cost  – $9
• How long should I stay here?   30 Mins
• Getting there –  It’s in walking distance

12:30 PM – Enjoy the Views at A’Dam Lookout & Swing Over the Edge!

We’re not done seeing this city from the sky yet! With so much going on, sometimes higher up is the best place to be. You can pretty much see all of Amsterdam from this panoramic-view deck. If this is the only thing you manage to do while visiting the city, it would be worth it!

The A’Dam offers more than just some quiet reflecting over the city, though. The main attraction here is the Over The Edge swing! This recently opened attraction is the newest and possibly most exciting way to get a bird’s-eye view of this wondrous Dutch city.

The Over The Edge swing is Europe’s highest swing! It sits on A’Dam Lookout’s deck at 20 storeys high! Not only will you be able to enjoy 360-degree views of the city, but you’ll get your heart pumping and adrenaline flowing with this (literal) over the edge swing!

• Cost  – $5-15 USD
• How long should I stay here?  30min – 1 hour
• Getting there –  Take your Bike!

3:00 PM – Stop Off at Brouwerij ‘t IJ

Let your feet touch the ground and guide you straight to Brouwerij ‘t IJ. You can take a 20-minute cycle from the A’Dam Lookout, alternatively, hop on public transport or order an Uber. It’s just under 5km distance, so if you’re feeling fit you can walk it too!

However you decide to arrive, you will be rewarded when you get there! Brouwerij ‘t IJ is a small brewery on the IJ (pronounced ‘eye’) River. It produces certified organic beer and sits at the foot of a stunning windmill. Making it the perfect spot for an afternoon stop.

You can book a guided group tour (private tours are also available, but costly!) and see the ins and outs of a working brewery. Then, settle down to a beer tasting and/or pairing experience! The bar is open for those who wish to chill a little longer and enjoy full-size beers.

Once you’re done, make sure to cross the road and try some of the best ice creams in Amsterdam at De Ijsmolen (The Ice Cream Shop). It’ll make your stomach happy, cool you down after all those beer tastings and maybe even sober you up a bit.

• Cost  – $7.30 USD
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours
• Getting there –  Bike/Uber/Public Transport

4:30 PM – Get the Full Heineken Experience

While our morning was all about viewpoints, our afternoon is pretty much all about beer! Something Amsterdammers actually know quite a bit about.

Set in Heineken’s first-ever brewery, The Heineken Experience is a top attraction in Amsterdam. Run by local Amsterdammers, the tour offered will not only give you insights into Heineken’s past, and how they became the much-loved beer that they are now but will also let you see how it is made.

While the actual brewery was closed down years ago, due to it being too small for demand, it has been transformed into an epic beer experience. You can take a group guided tour, or set off on your own self-guided tour of the brewery. After the tour everyone sits down for a Heineken or two and a few laughs!

Once you’ve had enough of beer, head to dinner at one of the fabulous restaurants in Amsterdam and recharge so you’re ready for the last stop of the day. Just keep your hands off garlic if possible. You’ll see why…

Be sure to snap up tickets before you go and take a guided tour around the facilities.

• Cost  – $26.40 + 2 free beer
• Getting there –  Take the Ferry!

8:00 PM – Discover the Red Light District

The Red Light District may have a controversial reputation, but it is definitely an interesting place to experience.

Also known as De Wallen, this neighbourhood is internationally known for its openly tolerated brothels, sex shops, and even its lenient drug laws. This is one neighbourhood where the darker (or more fun) side of humanity is allowed to roam free.

The Dutch have allowed this district to keep running, with soft laws, and it works! It’s also a fantastic tourist spot, because where else can you be sure to see a museum of prostitution or a sex peep show?!

Whether you visit for the more hardcore places, or simply to see what all the fuss is about, visiting the Red Light District is a must on your 3-day Amsterdam itinerary if you’re looking to fully experience the city!

If you want to check out this area but you’re a little unsure or you want to learn a bit more about the history of the Red Light District, why not take a guided walking tour instead.

• Cost  – Free unless you go into Clubs… expensive if you do!!
• How long should I stay here?  Up to you…
• Getting there –  Take public transport in case you want to have a drink.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Day two is going to start nice and slow. After a tasty coffee, we’re going to fresh up your art knowledge by checking out some of the most famous museums in Amsterdam. Afterwards, you’ll experience what Amsterdam is mainly known for among young travellers: coffee shops and weed!

9:00 AM – Check Out the Rijksmuseum

This fantastic museum is home to many famous artists’ paintings and artwork. It also has an impressive research library, as well as other exhibitions and displays.

The exhibitions constantly change, so be sure to check out online what’s being showcased during your visit.

You can organise a private or group guided tour, or simply browse through the galleries at your own leisure once you’ve got your tickets .

If you’re an art lover, you might already know about this museum as it showcases classic paintings like Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch”.

If you haven’t had breakfast yet, the Rijksmuseum cafe (also called Groot Cafe) has some of the best and most delicious breakfasts in the area.

• Cost  – $22.50 USD
• How long should I stay here?  2 hour
• Getting there –  Walk from Rijksmuseum.

11:30 AM – Visit the Van Gogh Museum

Thanks to the famous Van Gogh’s Dutch heritage, this museum is one of Amsterdam’s most well-known. It is also home to one of the largest collections of his works!

See the well-known painter’s drawings, letters, and (of course) some of his most famed paintings. There are also displays that change often and show other pieces that influenced Van Gogh’s works.

Thanks to this museum being so popular, it can get really busy! So, expect a few crowds and embrace the experience. The time of day doesn’t really make much of a difference to how busy it gets. However, doing this visit before lunchtime will probably mean slightly fewer crowds.

To visit the Van Gogh museum, you must buy your tickets online beforehand . The website shows time slots and days that are available. You won’t be able to buy tickets when you get there, so go prepared!

If you fancy yourself a painter, you can join one of the walk-in workshops while you’re there and try your hand at painting a masterpiece!

Insider Tip:  If it’s raining – especially during the weekend – the museum is bound to be extra busy, so avoid visiting over this time, or come prepared to deal with the crowds!

• Cost  – Around $22 USD
• How long should I stay here?  2 hours
• Getting there –  In walking distance from Spot 2.

2:00 PM – Discover the Hash, Marijuana & Hemp Museum

Cannabis enthusiasts will fall in love with this museum, which is dedicated to all things Cannabis Sativa L. There is an Amsterdam branch as well as a branch in Barcelona too. The building in Amsterdam, however, is the oldest Cannabis museum in the world, also thought to be the most important!

The museum has various displays showing the history and use of hemp, hash, and Marijuana. From early Japanese hemp clothing to Christopher Columbus’ connection with Cannabis, you can learn more about the different uses of hemp and hash throughout the years. All very educational!

Visit both of the two venues that make up the museum – a hash and marijuana venue with a Cannabis garden, and an industrial hemp museum. Together, these venues hold over 12 000 objects relating to Cannabis.

• Cost  – $10 USD
• How long should I stay here?  1 hour
• Getting there –  Take your bike or public transport.

3:00 PM – Experience an Amsterdam Cannabis Coffeeshop

There are many designated coffee shops in Amsterdam where you can go to buy and smoke weed. While this is somewhat of a controversial topic in places, it’s also one of the biggest tourist attractions to the city!

It’s important to note that coffee shops are different from koffiehuises and cafes. A coffee shop is the only place you’re going to find Mary-Jane on the menu. In many of the shops, you can bring your own and smoke – but it’s only legal to buy from the coffeeshops so the smartest thing to do is buy off their menu.

To find a licensed seller, look for the green and white sticker on their window. You won’t find joints on sale in an ordinary cafe or koffiehuis.

The strains and potency of the weed are not regulated in Amsterdam, so be careful when smoking – try out small amounts at a time. It’s also a great idea to share with a group! Cannabis can be a great way to make friends.

If you’re a little unsure about the ins and outs of visiting a coffee shop, why not take a guided walking tour , which includes an optional joint, it’s a great way to get some more information whilst making you feel totally comfortable.

• Cost  – Can vary between $7-$13 USD per gram
• How long should I stay here?  Up to you!
• Getting there –  You can easily find a shop in walking distance.

4:00 PM – Enjoy a Relaxing Canal Cruise

Something that everyone should do at least once in Amsterdam, is a canal cruise! Leaving this activity for last means that you’ll enjoy the sun setting over the city. This makes for some idyllic views.

The evening cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes, and an audio guide is provided in your preferred language (they have 21 options). You’ll hear the history of Amsterdam, how it came to be the magnificent city it is today, and how it continues to thrive.

This is the perfect end to a busy day, and after the cruise, you can easily make your way to one of the nearby restaurants to enjoy a lovely meal.

If you’re here during the busy season you might want to pre-book your cruise to be sure you get it at the right time for sunset or dinner.

Insider Tip:  This is actually quite an activity to do right after visiting one of the coffee shops! (If you know what we mean!)

• Cost  – $25 USD
• How long should I stay here?  1.5-2 hours
• Getting there –  If you’re close to the canal, the next station will be in walking distance.

6:00 PM – Explore Leidseplein

Get ready to party with the locals at Leidseplein! This square comes alive at night, offering up a host of nightclubs, bars, and other fun-loving spots. There are 100s of restaurants in and surrounding the square, and some great international food to be found!

For those who are into betting, there’s a casino in the area as well. Arguably, though, the biggest highlight of the area is the assortment of live music found at various establishments.

It’s also not too far away from the Central district, and public transport runs through to the other districts as well, so you won’t have any hassle getting back to your hotel! This is the best way to end your Amsterdam visit if you only have 2 days in Amsterdam.

• Cost  – Depends on your consume.
• How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours
• Getting there –  Take Public Transport/Uber so yo can have a few drinks!

If you’ve booked 3 days in Amsterdam (or perhaps even more!) then you’ve got the perfect opportunity to view some of the lesser-known Amsterdam attractions. While the city caters well for the throngs of tourists it receives each year, there are many more things that you should take a look at.

9:00 AM – Take a Ferry to Amsterdam North

Don’t be one of ‘those’ tourists! You know, the ones that never leave the central district. It can be tempting – since most of the sights are right there! Trust us, though, you should see the Northern districts if you’re staying for longer than a day or two.

The ferries to the Noord are an experience unlike most. Firstly, the majority of them are completely free! They allow bicycles and mopeds to be taken on as well, so you have your transport ready for exploring on the other side.

There is no booking, no tickets, and no fuss! Amsterdam’s northern districts are full of delightful spots for a small bite to eat and a refreshing drink. Or you can take a short trip up to the nearby nature reserve, where you can take in gorgeous views of the landscape, and the windmill!

While you’re there, you should really check out the pancake boat. This is a small cruise boat that takes you down the IJ River while serving you an all-you-can-eat pancake buffet!

• Cost  – Free!
• Getting there –  Use maps to find the closest station!

11:30 AM – Enjoy a Tour of the House of Bols

The Bols family were celebrated Dutch spirit-makers and alcohol sellers who left quite a legacy. Located centrally to all the exciting happenings in Amsterdam, you’ll find the House of Bols. This Genever house is both an academy and a museum of sorts.

You can book a self-guided tour through the distillery, which will give you a detailed history of Lucas Bols himself. See how the Bols legacy began, and how it has evolved through the years.

Take a tour through the different rooms in the ‘house’. You’ll make your way through an entire cocktail experience that will ignite your senses. From sight, smell and, of course, taste.

Then you’ll make your way to the ingredient room, which will help you discover the ingredients that go into creating an authentic genever. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Genever Room, and learn more about the history of Genever itself.

Then, finally, it’s time for one of the skilled bartenders to create your choice of cocktails. Enjoy it slowly with your group in the mirror bar. Once you’ve finished your drink, you’ll get a crash course in bartending, and will have the chance to make your very own cocktail!

• Cost  – $18
• Getting there –  Take a bike and enjoy the city views.

1:30 PM – Stroll through a Park or Two

Amsterdam is home to more than 30 parks and gardens – each one as majestic as the next! These green oases are perfect for a break from city life. You’ll find parks both big and small, as well as many extraordinary Botanical Gardens.

If you’ve already managed to view and visit the big tourist attractions throughout the city, your next move should definitely be a picnic in the park.

During fair weather months, you may even catch some live music, or a festival bringing one of the parks to life! These are sure to get you in the spirit and are a great way to meet other travellers and locals.

Many of the parks are also fantastic places to hop on board a gondola and enjoy one (or more!) of the famous canal cruises that we keep talking about!

• Getting there –  Walk or take your bike!

3:30 PM – Check Out Dam Square

The city square, known as The Dam, is home to many famed Amsterdam attractions. Places such as the Royal Palace, New Church and Madame Tussauds are all around the square. You can easily walk from one attraction to the next, and manage to see them all in a day!

The square is also close to the Red Light District and offers many cannabis coffeeshops along its streets. Visit one of these and experience the smokier side of Amsterdam. The Red Light District offers up its own itinerary of interesting fun.

You can also go for a canal cruise from nearby, making this the best spot to start a day of exploring! Since there are so many things to do and see, it’s best if you dedicate a large portion of your day to The Dam.

If you’re in town during one of the festivals or special days, you’ll see the square light up with excitement and transform into what seems like another world! The best and most popular festival is probably King’s Day, which is celebrated every April.

• Getting there –  Public Transport/Bike is the most efficient way.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Amsterdam

Westerpark is close enough to the city centre to make exploring a breeze, yet just far enough away to offer a more chilled out stay making it the best place to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors.

• Admire the artistic works at Museum Het Schip.
• Relax at Het Stenen Hoofd, an urban beach that’s popular with locals.
• Sample local beers at De Prael brewery and Troost.

Did you fall in love with the city? Don’t worry, we don’t blame you! We’ve listed up a couple of other awesome places that you might want to check out if you’ve got more than 3 days in Amsterdam. 

Visit Ouderkerk Aan de Amstel

This quaint little village sits just outside Amsterdam. You can reach the village easily by bike, bus, or boat! Or, if you prefer, you can take a drive out; either with a rental car or by ordering an Uber.

There are many groups that cycle together from Amsterdam to Ouderkerk Aan de Amstel, but the boat ride up the Amstel River is just as scenic! You could also opt for an early morning cycle, and then go back to the city in an open boat – weather permitting!

There is quite a surprising number of things to do in the village! From checking out the beautiful windmill at the bottom of the village to trying out some traditional Dutch cuisine in one of the many restaurants dotted along the river bank.

Mostly, strolling through the cobbled streets and greeting the friendly locals is an experience on its own! The village offers a delightful break away from human chattering and car motors and lets you sit in wonder while listening to the birds sing.

• Getting there –  Preferably by boat, but Uber works too.

If you love food, and who doesn’t, then this is the best place in Amsterdam. In this neighbourhood, you’ll find everything you’ve ever wanted to eat from dim sum to pizza and doughnuts. This area was once an old tram depot, so it has plenty of history behind it. But it’s now filled with food stores that offer some of the best snacks in the city.

Take your appetite and go from stall to stall in this area. Try everything that peaks your fancy and take your food to one of the outside benches and watch the crowds while you eat. When you’re full, there are several shops and boutiques selling clothes, ornaments and other goods that you can browse in.

And as is the norm with Amsterdam, the shops are all quirky and unique, so make sure you enjoy the atmosphere while you’re there.

• Cost  – Free to visit
• Getting there –  Easy to reach by Public Transport

Chances are that you’ve never seen anything like the alternative music scene in Amsterdam. This is a city that prides itself on being different from everyone else, and that’s definitely reflected in the music at this venue. Run by volunteers, this is the best place to hear some of Amsterdam’s up and coming musical talent. And the location is actually a legal squat, which makes it all the more interesting and unusual.

Chances are that you’ve never seen anything like the alternative music scene in Amsterdam. This is a city that prides itself on being different from everyone else, and that’s definitely reflected in the music at this venue.

• Cost  – It really depends on the night.
• How long should I stay here?  Up to you
• Getting there –  Grab an Uber!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

While it is impossible to say that there is a ‘worst’ time to visit Amsterdam, many have differing opinions on the ‘best’ time to go.

Of course, it depends solely on the type of activities that you enjoy most. Each of the four seasons fully transforms and takes over Amsterdam’s landscapes, and each brings with it a new list of things to do.

Visiting Amsterdam during the winter will mean lots of rain and dreary days. This is also the low tourist season in Amsterdam, which means there will be fewer tourists and cheaper prices. You also might get lucky and see some snow!

The best time to visit Amsterdam is during the spring and autumn i.e. the shoulder months. The weather will be fair, the tourists haven’t arrived in force yet, and prices will be reasonable.

Summer is when the streets of Amsterdam are jam-packed. As such, prices will be higher but Amsterdam is really fun during this time and it’s the best time for taking day trips in Amsterdam due to the longer and warmer days.

While you’re there, why not check out other places in the Netherlands? The country might be small, but there is an incredible amount to explore.

Packing for Amsterdam is like packing for any other European country . Depending on the season, you’ll need shorts & t-shirts or warm things to cover up. Amsterdam can get quite cold during the winter months, so be sure to pack a warm pair of boots and a good jacket. Apart from that, dressing casual and packing the essentials is plenty enough for your Amsterdam trip. When you’re in Northern Europe it’s always best to pack a waterproof jacket too!

OK,  Amsterdam is a relatively safe city.   However, its popularity with tourists – and permissiveness for drugs and sex – can sometimes cause slight chaos. It is arguably the most dangerous city in the Netherlands … which actually isn’t saying much!!

Don’t be alarmed though! The peril is not quite as bad as it may seem. Most of the crime and chaotic disturbances happen in the Red Light District. While many tourists arrive in the city with the decided purpose to visit this notorious district, it’s not advised that you stroll the streets alone at night. Petty theft in this area is pretty common and inebriated tourists are often the victims.

Staying safe everywhere else in Amsterdam is quite easy, actually. Stay vigilant when walking down quiet streets alone. Keep your valuables close to you. Don’t buy any illegal drugs – this is the quickest way to screw up your visit.

Also, don’t fall for scammers. As with any tourist destination, you’re going to find people looking for a quick buck. Stick to your guns and don’t let sob stories or crafty tales cause you to lose valuable exploring money.

And last, but definitely not least, don’t smoke weed anywhere but in a coffee shop. It’s not legal everywhere, and you wouldn’t want to get yourself into trouble in a foreign city.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Amsterdam

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Amsterdam itinerary.

How many days do you need in Amsterdam?

The perfect amount of time to spend in Amsterdam is three days.

What should I avoid in Amsterdam?

Be careful when booking accommodation as often they can be a scam. Check out our guide on where to stay in Amsterdam if you need help with accommodation.

What should I add to my Amsterdam itinerary in the winter?

The Rijksmuseum is one of the top museums in the world and it’s huge, you could easily spend a few hours here, making it the perfect winter activity.

What is a cool thing to do in Amsterdam at night?

One of the coolest, and strangest, things to do at night in Amsterdam is to take a stroll down the Red Light district. It is certainly an eye-opener…and not suitable for children.

Ready for your Amsterdam adventure yet? We bet you are! This city is indeed a fast-growing commercialised tourist spot but it’s still a wondrous place to visit. Between the natural beauty, the spectacular architecture, and the great cultural vibes, it’s a city that everyone should see at least once.

Spend a fast-paced weekend in Amsterdam, or book a longer, slower stay – it’s up to you! It may work out a bit too expensive to spend more than 3 days in Amsterdam, but there is always the option to stay in a neighbouring village. Many locals cycle from these villages to the city centre, so it can’t be that hard!

However long you do decide to stay, be sure to tick off the must-see attractions so that you leave with no regrets!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Mathilde Magnier

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Amsterdam Itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on April 5th, 2024

In this Amsterdam travel guide blog, I’ll go over my favorite things to do and see in the city with detailed planning on 1, 2, or 3 days Amsterdam itinerary. For your convenience, I’ve also compiled links to transportation, hotels, tours, and other services here.

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital , known for its open skyline, rich history with tons of museums and art galleries, and some charming brick buildings. It’s one of the popular attractions for most tourists traveling to Europe.

I truly love the international feel of the city and enjoy the visit here, by strolling along the beautiful canals and parks, and visiting the historic homes and Dutch village. One of my favorite cities in Europe.

For a first-time visitor to Amsterdam, it is recommended to plan for 2 to 3 days Amsterdam itinerary to experience the city. I visited Amsterdam during my trip to the Netherlands and have spent a wonderful holiday here. There are so many things to do in Amsterdam that it deserves more than just a few days.

This Amsterdam travel guide blog will show you just how many things there are to do and see in your Amsterdam itinerary, and why it should be a part of your next itinerary. While this travel guide to Amsterdam is long. For your convenience, I’ve compiled links to hotels, tours, and other services here. Check it out!

Table of Contents

Pre-Trip Essential

To plan your Amsterdam itinerary, remember to check out our travel tips here to make sure you’re maximizing the days and visit in Amsterdam. Check out the details!

Getting Around in Amsterdam

Amsterdam can be visited on your own two feet to discover the beauty of Amsterdam at your own pace. However, you can also take advantage of the trams and the metro to save some steps. The best transport ticket that we highly recommended using in Amsterdam is the Amsterdam Public Transport Pass . It is a very useful pass that covers unlimited transportation on buses, trams, and the metro for all GVB transports during its period of validity.

Single ticket costs €3.20 for one hour, and you can purchase a single or multi-day ticket from 1-7 days transport passes that best out your travel schedule. However, please note that you can’t use the train from the airport to Centraal with this pass. This Amsterdam Public Transport Pass is more economical and saves you the hassle of visiting the ticket machines whenever you want to take the tram, bus, or metro.

Get Discounted Amsterdam Public Transport Pass From Klook

Amsterdam is famous for its bike culture and there are more bikes than people. So no surprise there are many hotels and shops throughout the city that rent bikes for visitors. MacBike is one of the largest bike shops in Amsterdam that rents bikes and provides bike tours in Amsterdam. It’s great to do if you just want to have fun for an hour, or day to explore the city like local by bicycle.

Another BEST way to see Amsterdam get around Amsterdam during your visit.

I Amsterdam City Card

I Amsterdam City Card is a must-have for first-timers when traveling to Amsterdam. The perks of having such a card give you what Amsterdam has to offer via free museum passes and metro tram rides! With access to 70+ museums, public transportation, and a canal cruise, you’re able to visit different attractions and museums using the city card.

Cards are available for 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours. Although it is a bit pricey, I Amsterdam card will be worth it if you decided to walk around Amsterdam and visit many museums.

Get Iamsterdam City Card From Klook with Cheaper Price

At least two days if you plan to visit Amsterdam’s top sight. Three days will allow enough time for you.

We believe the best time to visit Amsterdam is from April through June. It is also one of the busiest times to visit Amsterdam, especially during the prime blooming time for spring blooms starting from April until May. Many travelers around the world flock to Amsterdam and Keukenhof. So expect larger crowds during this time.

Where To Stay

Amsterdam is a big city with several options for accommodation in Amsterdam, of course, which will vary depending on your budget. I’ve been searching for the best hotels, for each budget and these are my recommendations:

• Mid-Budget – Amsterdam Wiechmann Hotel – Excellent location in Jordaan right on Prinsengracht canal. Great selection of rooms and some rooms offer a canal view.
• Mid-Range – Hotel V Nesplein –  Great location in the heart of the city, modernized and stylish rooms, friendly staff.
• Luxury – Monet Garden Hotel Amsterdam – Excellent location, comfortable and clean rooms, some rooms with a view of a canal, amazing staff.

Already have a hotel booked? To search for the best accommodations at the best prices, I suggest checking out Booking.com with the best price always.

See whether your hotel is in a good area in my guide to Where to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors .

3 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary

This Amsterdam itinerary for three days is perfect for you if you are visiting the city for the first time. It covers all the places you must see. You can find detailed planning from this Amsterdam itinerary.

Day 1 in Amsterdam Itinerary:

• Arrived in Amsterdam in the morning.
• Tour the Anne Frank House (1-2 Hours)
• Wandering at The Nine Streets (1-2 hours)
• Dam Square (1 hour)
• Exploring the De Wallen (1-2 hours)

Day 2 in Amsterdam itinerary:

• Strolling along the Albert Cuyp Markt (1-2 hours)
• Visit the Rijksmuseum (2 hours)
• Explore the Van Gogh Museum (2 hours)
• Relax at Vondelpark (30 minutes)
• Sniff the Tulips at Bloemenmarkt (1-2 hours)
• Try the Heineken Experience (2 hours)
• Canal Tour (1-2 hours)

Day 3 in Amsterdam itinerary :

• Day trip to Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans, or Keukenhof.

Amsterdam itinerary: Day 1

Our first day in Amsterdam itinerary is more free and easy. After we check in to our accommodation, we spend most of the time wandering around the city. Most of the attractions are flexible and easily adjust, except the Anne Frank House which recommended pre-booking the time slot in advance.

Day 1 in Amsterdam Itinerary: Arrived in Amsterdam in the morning – Tour the Anne Frank House – Wandering at The Nine Streets – Dam Square – Exploring the De Wallen.

A wonderful day to explore the amazing Amsterdam.

Anne Frank House

Firstly, we took the tram to Amsterdam Centraal and walked towards Anne Frank Huis, one of the top attractions in Amsterdam. 

Dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank on how she and her family lived in a secret annex, hidden away from the Nazis for two years and one month. During this time, Anne kept a journal which would become one of the important pieces of WWII. The Anne Frank House is the secret hiding annex mentioned in the journal and visitors can tour the hidden rooms and see the movable bookcase here.

Anne Frank left her mark on Amsterdam despite her untimely passing in 1945. This statue pays tribute to the young writer near her former house.

This popular Anne Frank House can only be visited with a ticket bought online for a specific time slot. You will reserve a specific time slot, which eliminates the waiting time.

• Address : Prinsengracht 263–265, Centrum.
• Opening Hour : Open daily from 9:00 to 22:00.
• Admission Fee : €16
• Official Website : https://www.annefrank.org/en/

Amsterdam Travel Tips : If you are curious about Anne and plan to visit Anne Frank House in your Amsterdam itinerary, just be sure to book your tickets online in advance. Tickets are released two months in advance.

Alternatively, you can consider joining the Guided Walking Tour on the Story of Anne Frank that covers Amsterdam’s Jewish sites. In this walking tour, you will discover Amsterdam’s WWII history and follow in the footsteps of Anne Frank in the Jewish Quarter. Note: Tour ended outside the Anne Frank House (entrance not included).

Nine Streets (DE 9 STRAATJES)

Next, we spend the late afternoon exploring the Nine Streets of Amsterdam. Located to the south of Anne Frank House, the 9 Streets are transverse streets that consist of nine side streets of the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and Singel in central Amsterdam with many small and diverse boutique shops, cafes, art galleries, and restaurants. It is one of the best places in Amsterdam if you are looking for what to eat in Amsterdam.

At nine street, you can very easily spend the rest of the day here, hopping from shop to shop. Even if shopping is not your thing, many monumental buildings can still be admired. A delightful place to explore.

Continue your walk through Dam Square, the main square of Amsterdam. There are two notable buildings sitting on Dam Square, Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and Royal Palace. The Royal Palace was built to be a town hall but was later converted to a palace for King Louis I.

Dam Square is a bit crowded and touristy, but worth a quick visit for a limited time.

De Wallen (Red Light District)

Perhaps the most famous place in Amsterdam. While prostitution is legal in Dutch, “window shopping” in the Red Light District once was a very popular thing to do. The Red Light District, also known as De Wallen, is the biggest and oldest prostitution area in the Netherlands. It is lined with sex shops, gay bars, peep shows, and cannabis shops along the valley.

During day time, De Wallen is a quiet place and just look like any other part of the city. But, at night, this area is full of window prostitutes under the typical fluorescent neon red lights. Tourists from all around the world move slowly down the street and stare at the girls in the window.

This attraction may not be for everyone, but worth taking a look at what all the fuss is about. A place to see and experience for a very brief time.

Amsterdam Travel Tips : No photo. It is said that they will grab and smash your camera if you dare to take a picture of the girls at work.

Note : As of 2021, a decision was made to relocate the Red Light District farther from the city center.

Amsterdam Itinerary: Day 2

For your second day in Amsterdam, I recommend starting the day 2 Amsterdam itinerary with a satisfying breakfast before kick starts any activities.

Next, spend your morning visiting Amsterdam’s most popular museums, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. These are Amsterdam’s most popular museums, so expect them to get crowded, especially at midday. Spend the afternoon time to try the Heineken Experience and canal boat tour. Fun fill activities in Amsterdam.

Day 2 in Amsterdam itinerary : Strolling along the Albert Cuyp Markt – Visit the Rijksmuseum – Explore the Van Gogh Museum – Relax at Vondelpark – Sniff the Tulips at Bloemenmarkt – Try the Heineken Experience – Canal Tour.

Start Your Day with a Great Breakfast

What to do in Amsterdam in the morning? A satisfying breakfast at Amsterdam.

Bagels & Beans is a famous chain restaurant with a few other stores in Amsterdam. We stopped for a quick breakfast before spending a day at the nearby art museums. Good selection of bagels and delicious ‘fillings’ for breakfast and good coffee to start your day in Amsterdam. So fresh and tasty!

If you’re looking for an inexpensive, filling, incredibly tasty place to eat and refuel, Bagels and Beans should be top of your list. Highly recommended.

After a satisfying breakfast, we kicked start our day 2 of the Amsterdam itinerary at Albert Cuypmarkt

Albert Cuyp Market

After your breakfast, it is time to visit Amsterdam’s local market. Whenever visit a country, I always make time to go to the local market. The ‘Albert Cuypmarkt’ is my favorite thing about visiting Amsterdam. An excellent market in Amsterdam with a wide variety of things to buy.

Situated in the historical neighborhood De Pijp, Albert Cuyp Markt is the largest and most famous place to go if you are up for a taste of the “Real” Amsterdam. It is a nice place where you can find fresh food such as seafood of any kind, cheese, and not to forget all those mouthwatering street food. 

If you are there, try eating a raw herring the traditional way — by holding on to its tail. Everything is very fresh.

• Address : Albert Cuypstraat, 1073BD Amsterdam.
• Opening Hour : Open daily from 9:00 until 17:50. Closed on Sunday.
• Admission Fee : Free.
• Official Website : https://albertcuyp-markt.amsterdam/

Visit the Rijksmuseum

Amsterdam has its fair share of museums and the Rijksmuseum is one of the city’s most distinguished institutions. Rijksmuseum is a national museum boasted of 80 galleries full of art and artifacts that tell the history of the Netherlands.

Rijksmuseum housed an extensive Rembrandt collection including the famous “The Night Watch” painting by other classic Dutch painters, like Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer. For art lovers, Rijksmuseum is a museum on your Amsterdam itinerary.

Reserve Rijksmuseum Entrance Ticket Here

• Address : Museumstraat 1, Oud-Zuid, +31 20 674 7000, rijksmuseum.nl.
• Operating Hours : Open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
• Admission Fee : €22.5.

Amsterdam Travel Tips : Rijksmuseum is extremely popular among travelers visiting Amsterdam. The lines can get very long with long waiting hours. It is recommended to buy your entrance tickets online in advance.

Explore the Van Gogh Museum

Another major attraction in Amsterdam is the Van Gogh Museum. Dedicated to the famous Dutch painter, this world-famous museum has the largest collection of Van Gogh’s best works of art, as well as his contemporaries like Monet, Manet, and Matisse. There are over 200 paintings and 500 drawings inside the museum.

To visit the Van Gogh Museum, you need to purchase your tickets online in advance with the pre-reserve time slot and enter the museum within a half-hour of your reserved time. This helps to eliminate the waiting time to enter the museum.

Reserve The Van Gogh Museum Entrance Ticket Here

You’ll need about 2 hours to explore Van Gogh Museum.

• Address : Museumplein 6, Oud-Zuid.
• Operating Hours : Open daily from 9am–6pm (Summer).
• Admission Fee : €20.
• Official Website : https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en

Relax at Vondelpark

After some time indoors at the museums, walking through the Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter to the massive Vondelpark. It is Amsterdam’s largest green space spans over 120 acres. The park is fountains, statues, and plenty of locals exercising and getting together.

Take a rest in the Vondelpark. A great place to go for a walk if you get a case of museum overload.

Sniff the Flowers at Bloemenmarkt

Heading south, our next stop is the delightful Bloemenmarkt to see the beautiful flowers and florists traded in Singel Canal.

Amsterdam is known for its flowers and canals, and this floating flower market, Bloemenmarkt combines the two. The delightful Bloemenmarkt is found down on the Singel canal. It never runs out of beautiful flowers and florists have traded on barges at Bloemenmarkt since 1862.

The market starts operating at 9:00 on Weekdays and Saturdays and only opens at 11:00 on Sundays.

Try the Heineken Experience

One of the best-known beers in the world. The Heineken Experience is an an-hour-long interactive self-guided tour where you take a look at the history of Heineken, learn how they do it, and how to serve your own beer. The whole journey through multiple floors of the museum takes one through an exhilarating experience.

It’s indeed a great experience visiting the fabulous ancient brewery. We loved the experience and the beer. The staff were super friendly and always with a smile on their face. You get two free beers at the end, to enjoy in a nice atmosphere. It’s not a must-see, but if you like Heineken then it is worth checking out.

Amsterdam Travel Tips : Pre-order for Heineken Experience online and avoid the long queue. Besides, you can couple your Heineken Experience visit with a canal boat tour with an additional €10 once finish the beer tour. Perfect planning.

Heineken Experience and 1-Hour Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

Would highly recommend it.

• Address : Stadhouderskade 78, De Pijp, Oud-Zuid.
• Operating Hours : Open daily from 12:00 to – 18:00.
• Admission Fee : €21

Tour the Amsterdam Canal Ring

Amsterdam is known for canals and you cannot experience Amsterdam without a walk along the canal. The city center is surrounded by four canals with concentric belts that go around the city. They are kept really clean and it’s very relaxing walking alongside the canals. A beautiful and landmark piece of manmade landscape.

If you have spare time I recommend walking or cycling along these canals , there are many little restaurants and pubs to stroll around. Besides, there are so many different areas you can walk around all connected by canals. It’s particularly beautiful when you walk on the bridges while sunset, such a view!

We also recommend boat rides to see a bigger area of Amsterdam. It’s amazing to cruise the canals and take in the architecture and people along the way. It gives first-timers a very good idea of Amsterdam. Simply stunning.

There are numerous options, from enclosed boats with large groups of people to open boat tours to private tours. Most of the Canal tours are started from Central station which cost €15 to €50 per person depending on the boat type.

Get the 1 Hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise Here. Hassle Free and cheaper rate if you get it online here.

Amsterdam itinerary: Day 3

Within two days you have seen the highlights most tourists visit while in Amsterdam city. For visitors staying 3 days in Amsterdam, planning a day trip is a great idea for your Amsterdam itinerary. There are some beautiful places to see in The Netherlands, from tulip fields to windmills. do yourself a favor and explore more.

There are so many day trips from Amsterdam and you can either use one of my suggestions mentioned below or find other activities that interest you.

Here are the multiple day trip options from Amsterdam for you depending on your interests:

• Zaanse Schans – Picture-perfect stereotypical Dutch village.
• Giethoorn – Quaint village in the east of the Netherlands and famous for its fairytale canals.
• Keukenhof – Wonderful flower garden that you can’t miss in April and May.

Zaanse Schans

One of the popular day trips from Amsterdam is Zaanse Schans. This picture-perfect stereotypical Dutch village is located not far from the city, making it perfect for a day trip in the Amsterdam itinerary.

Zaanse Schans is like an open-air museum by showcasing the visitors what life was like in the Netherlands back in the 18th and 19th centuries. This charming Dutch village has collections of the historical windmills, cheese and clog-making process, and gorgeous green cottages with greenery and animals.

If you’re looking for a taste of the Dutch lifestyle, plan for a day trip to Zaanse Schans. Great photo opportunities!

READ MORE : Zaanse Schans Itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

Set in the province of Overijssel, Giethoorn is a quaint village in the east of the Netherlands and famous for its fairytale canals. The most special about Giethoorn is the fact that it has no roads, only canals connecting up the many cute cottages and old wooden bridges in the village. Taking a boat ride is the best way to see Giethoorn and admire all the beautiful old cottages with their traditional thatched roofs.

Imagine cruising peacefully down the canals, passing ancient thatched-roof farmhouses, drifting under tall old wooden bridges, and hearing those ducks quacking just by the boat. A perfect day trip from Amsterdam.

Getting to Giethoorn by public transport is time-consuming and complicated as you’ll have to change several trains and take one bus. Due to the complexity of transport arrangements, the easiest way to get to Giethoorn is to book a tour to Giethoorn directly from Amsterdam.

Recommended Tour : Giethoorn Daytrip from Amsterdam With Boat Cruise

If you plan to visit Amsterdam during April and May, make sure to include a day trip to Keukenhof. Known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof is a gorgeous wonderland of flowering daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths. It is also one of the world’s largest flower gardens with more than 7 million flower bulbs planted every year. The best place to admire the beautiful flowers of Holland.

To get to Keukenhof by public transport, take bus#397 to Schiphol Airport. Next, from the airport, take bus#858, the Keukenhof Express, to Keukenhof.

For hassle-free, you can consider going to the Keukenhof with a tour arrangement. This tour will get it easy to get to the gardens and enjoy them at your own pace. Skip-the-line Keukenhof Ticket is included.

Skip-the-line Keukenhof Ticket and Transport from Amsterdam

Overview: Amsterdam Itinerary

In short, here is an overall perfect Amsterdam itinerary for first-time travelers. There are so many attractions with wonderful things to do and see in this compact nature city. Three days in Amsterdam is never enough to fully explore this amazing city.

There are still more attractions awaiting us to discover and we wish to spend more time here. That said, you won’t be disappointed and will know why Amsterdam is one of Europe’s best destinations.

Here is our other travel post related to Amsterdam Travel Guide:

Amsterdam Food Guide: A Dutch Food Experience

Where to stay in amsterdam: best areas and hotels.

• Zaanse Schans Itinerary: A Day Drip from Amsterdam
• Seasonal Trip: Day Trip To Keukenhof: A Travel Guide Blog

Hope you found this Amsterdam itinerary travel guide blog useful and can you give a rough idea of planning your trip to Amsterdam. Anything else we should add to this Amsterdam itinerary? Share with us!

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A Little Adventure… The Ultimate Travel Guide to Enjoy Amsterdam Like a Local

Last updated on January 26, 2024 by Shannon

The constant movement of moving for nearly 10 months on my round the world trip  caught up with me in Amsterdam. My time in Europe the previous weeks had been an opportunity to slow down and sink into a slower pace of travel. Instead of racing through sights as I did in Southeast Asia , I wanted to see the best things to do in Amsterdam, but I was also keen to delve deeply into one place .

Jump straight to the best things to do in Amsterdam to live like a local if you’re keen on tips versus story. :)

Table of Contents

En Route to a Housesit in Amsterdam

Staying in Amsterdam for weeks instead of days—trying out Amsterdam as a local vs a tourist—was a practical way to combat the weariness that had crept into my travel days . That’s how I found myself with many weeks to hunker down in Amsterdam and “live like a local” during a housesit, where my only job was to feed a cat and bike the streets of Amsterdam to my heart’s content.

Getting to Amsterdam was a bit of a debacle. Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic charmed me in every way . Although I had intended to stay a couple of nights, I cozied into a cute hostel and stayed for a week while I ate my face off and rafted down the Vltava River .

When it was time to leave the Czech Republic, I booked a flight—the trains prices were Europe  expensive  since we hadn’t booked ahead, the difference was a 50 euro flight versus a 135 euro train ride. My cousin and I hadn’t bought a rail pass this time, so the flight was the better deal. 

The day before our flight, I realized that I had booked the wrong day. Since it was an extra day rather than a day sooner, my cousin and I didn’t miss our flight, thankfully! After a scramble to book another night at our hostel, I knew it would be nice to settle into one place for weeks and dispense with the time-consuming travel planning aspect of a round-the-world trip … at least until it was time to move onward to the UK !

Amsterdam . What a gorgeous city and a true treat that my cousin had a friend who just-so-happened to need a house-sitter so she could visit family in the states over summer break. In exchange for feeding her two cats we had: two bikes, a gorgeous flat, two museum cards, and the opportunity to truly dive into Amsterdam and travel the city like a local.

Pick out accommodation on Booking.com.

This is the only booking platform I use because it rewards you for loyalty, and I regularly score free breakfasts and 15% off my hotel.

How to Travel Amsterdam Like a Local

The house-sitting flat served as homebase for my time living like a local in Amsterdam . After 10 months of eating at restaurants and cooking in hostel kitchens, Amsterdam’s incredible farmers’ markets were precisely the boost I needed. During the summer, fresh fruits and locally-grown veggies fill Amsterdam’s markets—and farmers’ markets run somewhere in the city nearly every day of the week!

Juicy red currants had just come into season when I arrived in late July and they graced my breakfast every single day. Other gorgeous carrots, beans, zucchini, and tomatoes made for a delicious chili one night.

And the beautiful veggies and fruits were just one reason to enjoy the farmers’ markets: it’s also the best place to find locals.

I ultimately spent much time uncovering the best things to do in Amsterdam as a traveler, and the food aspect is one of the best ways to actually see what it feels like to live in a city. Few Dutch people eat in Central Amsterdam every night of the week—instead they shop for food, cook, and enjoy the bounty of locally-grown foods.

So while I did heavily explore Central Amsterdam and the iconic sites, I also cooked my meals and ate like a local whenever possible. Then it was on to using my newfound bike, museum card, and local tips from friends to dive into the city one step at a time.

Here’s how to feel more like a local when you’re visiting Amsterdam.

Rent a bike and navigate Amsterdam like a pro.

Amsterdam has a reputation as one of Europe’s most progressive cities. And while a lot of that reputation comes from the “coffee shops” selling a range of legal consumables, there’s so much more to the city.

The biking culture is strong, in fact it’s beyond strong—with absolute support from the government Amsterdam has a phenomenal network of safe bike lanes that, in may cases, are given priority over cars.

Biking around Amsterdam isn’t just safe, it’s practically required if you want to travel the city like a local. My friend left me an old jalopy of a bike of putter on through the streets as I explored the museums, parks, and markets.

With weeks on my side, my bike and I explored all the nooks-and-crannies that I could find in the city, and I whittled down the list of things to do in Amsterdam to my core favorites—those things that you could feasibly visit with just a few days, in fact. Because although I loved deeply exploring, that’s a lot of time for most travelers and Amsterdam is often just a stop along a longer trip to Europe.

How to Rent a Bike

To properly undertake the next steps, you need to rent a bike in the city. It’s not only the preferred transport for locals, it’s faster and way more fun than either walking or public transport. There is no shortage of bike rental companies , so pick one near your accommodation.

Once you’ve rented a bike, ease yourself into learning to navigate. There are rules to the road here, and biking is pretty serious—locals whiz past at top speed and the bike lanes have their own traffic lights, too.

Don’t let this scare you away though, because the city’s streets are designed to accommodate a lot of bike traffic and bikes have the right of way. When my friend took me around the city before she left for the states, she pointed out the most commonly misunderstood bike riding rules.

How to Follow Local Biking Norms

Cars yield to bicycles but buses and trams do not yield—you better GET OUT OF THE WAY asap if you’re in the path of one barreling down on you. Just as you’d expect, the red bike lanes run alongside major roads and work just like roads—you bike on the right side of the street, riding with the flow of traffic.

Bike traffic signals rest at eye level at every intersection, and you know it’s your signal because the lights are in the shape of a bike! Call me lame, but this delights me. I quickly learned that you must only use the bike signals right next to you, not ones across the intersection (picture the screeching and squealing of car tires as I figured that one out!).

Anyhow, you will grow to love your rented bicycle and you can rest assured that locals will help give you wide berth—tourist bikes are painted bright yellow and red, and locals stay well clear of floundering newbies (I didn’t have that benefit on my crusty-rusty bike). 

Once you’re at a stop, lock your bike securely. Truly, pay attention. The couple that I house-sat for loaned me the jalopy bike because of the high rate of bike theft. Locals secure every part of their bikes and I had to use three locks on the bike every time to ensure its safety (one each for the frame, tire, and seat).

So, you’ve secured your rental bike and now everything that you could possibly want to see in Amsterdam is bike-able—from the Museum complex to the Anne Frank House to the Red Light District. By renting your bike, you’ve now parted with the only money you’ll spend on transportation until you need to leave the city.

Spend the morning lost in Amsterdam’s best museums.

There are roughly 26 museums and/or places of interest in the city (and there’s a great free-map at the tourist office/museum information desk). Another score for the house-sitting hookup was a museum card that I could use to my heart’s content.

Although I visited most museums, including the obscure ones, the two most obvious and well touristed are solid—that’s why they’re so well touristed! You have to visit the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. The Anne Frank House is also unskippable. And a heads up: the EYE Film Museum and the Theatre museum are skip-able unless you have loads of time and an incredible interest.

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is worth every penny of a visit and it would be a crime to scrimp and skip it. It’s a phenomenal museum, even on a repeat visit like mine. The museum is larger than it was years ago, and seems to have even more exhibits, each showcasing masterpieces from Van Gogh and his contemporaries. The works chronicle Van Gogh’s life, and other stunning artists on display include Paul Gauguin and Emile Bernard.

There’s also an interactive exhibit on one of the upper floors for those wanting to get in touch with their inner geek (read: me) and learn more about the restoration process—it details how they even know these paintings are actually authentic Van Goghs!

Rijksmuseum

I cannot leave out the Rijksmuseum , which has amazing silver-work the likes of which I have never seen, in addition to china and various objets d’art . All told, it’s a different experience than the Van Gogh Museum, where it’s all about looking at paintings. Here, there is a good deal of variety as you wander rooms and exhibits.

If you’re on the fence about visiting, just go and spend however much time you want looking at it all. Any pressure to whole spend the day there is entirely internal, because you can just wander and find pieces that strike your fancy, and then keep going.

After months on the road, I’ve learned to let go of anyone else’s expectations of how I should travel, and instead I enjoy a few hours of art and culture, then I like to head back outside and find something else to do.

I visited both of these museums twice, whenever I was nearby, and I gently strolled the corridors, stopped at pieces that caught my eye, observed, read the descriptions, soaked it in, and then went on my way. I much prefer to spend 10 minutes in front of a handful of intriguing paintings than 30 seconds at dozens in a rush to “see it all.”

Skipping some and focusing on what catches your eye will take some of the chore out of visiting museums—if Amsterdam is part of a larger European trip, start with moderation or you’ll just burn out.

Visit the markets and eat all of the things!

For foodies, there is nothing more delightful than Amsterdam’s gorgeous organic food markets. I was lucky to stay in a place with a fully stocked kitchen so I could cook a feast. But backpackers with a hostel kitchen, or hotel travelers with a mini-fridge, can also take part by buying fresh fruits or items for a picnic lunch in the park.

Amsterdam is a progressive, green city at the forefront of the movement to make cities green and increasingly live-able. And you can feel it at every level of life when you’re in the city. In addition to biking around the city instead of cars, locals have a huge selection of fabulous outdoor food markets. While I am the first to rave about the exotic treats you can find on the streets of Asia, just because the city is Western doesn’t mean you should skip the markets!

A wander through the local bustling markets is just as enlightening to the culture of the Netherlands as it is when strolling around Luang Prabang, Laos . I wandered through the stalls, took in the crisp scent of every vegetable imaginable, and marveled at the rich selection of fresh, in-season produce.

Instead of buying Washington apples shipped from the US’s Pacific Northwest, local farmers sell juicy blueberries, currants, and other seasonal delicious, delights. It’s not only an eco-friendly adventure, it was a lot of fun, too!

Currants had just come into season when I arrived in July and these juicy red berries topped my yogurt and muesli every morning—easy enough for hostels and hotel travelers, too! Fresh oranges also packed up well for my long days of biking around the city and they were the perfect anti-dote to my craving for fresh Florida oranges—not the same, but lovely  :-)

Interacting with locals, however, remains the best reasons to wander through daily and weekly markets. You can never truly know a place until you talk to the locals and embed in the daily routines.

Even on a short trip to the city, the markets are a great place for trading dialogue and a bit of shopping fun while picking the perfect apple for your afternoon snack. Nearly every person in Amsterdam speaks English and if they started speaking in Dutch, I just asked for English and they flawlessly switched languages.

Beyond seeking fruits and snacks in the markets, cooking a feast using the local ingredients is a great way to feel like an authentic part of Amsterdam, after all, the locals don’t eat out every night! My friends and I cooked a feast in Italy using fresh local pasta, fresh organic tomatoes, and top-quality olive oil—it grand fun to shop around and dodge locals picking out their weekly produce.

The same holds true for Amsterdam—pick out gorgeously fresh veggies, pop into the local bread shop for fresh bread, and cook the city’s best flavors.

And just for fun, one fun find at a huge flower market was Cannabis seed starter packs. It’s just one of those things that you’re likely only going to see while wandering the streets in Amsterdam really and it cracked me up. Talk about getting some local color!

Pick a park or day trip and enjoy a picnic lunch.

What ultimate guide to Amsterdam like a local could be complete without including one of the top ways locals relax: with a picnic in the park! The city has many green spaces, and most are tourist-free and filled with locals, kids, and pets.

Alternatively, locals are just as likely to head outside the city on a day trip to any of the  many nearby and fascinating cities/sights. Both are equally incredible, but the park is easy for those on a time crunch since you can easily combine it with a visit to the nearby museums.

To truly feel like a local in Amsterdam, you have to relax and take it slow enough to destress and truly soak in the sunshine and fresh air. In addition to legal “coffee shop” purchases, open container laws are lax here—a stark contrast to the United States—so you can enjoy a bottle of wine, cheese, and bread while relaxing.

One of my favorite days in Amsterdam when I spent an entire afternoon reading and snacking in Vondelpark.

For visitors already renting a bike to explore the city, the trip to Vondelpark is a cinch—it’s extremely close to the Rijksmuseum and the whole museum complex. There is a delightful little bread shop and grocery store on Overtoom (on the left side of the street if coming from the train station side of town). This street is just around the corner from Vondel Park and the bread shop has the freshest bread in the city according to my local friends (it was pretty tasty!).

Whenever I needed a break, I would peddle to this small market, lock the bike up tight, and go on a mini shopping indulgence. Although I could wander the shop for a very long time, I instead picked out a loaf of bread, chose a temptingly expensive chunk of exotic cheese, grabbed a bottle of wine, and headed lakeside at Vondel Park to people watch.

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Beyond knowing how to explore like a local and the things you can pop around to see and do, these are the most important things to do that should absolutely be on your list when planning your time in Amsterdam.

Visit the Rijksmuseum.

The Rijksmuseum is a museum located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It is home to a collection of art and artifacts from the Dutch Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. The museum is known for its collection of Dutch masterpieces and is a must-see for anyone interested in art and history.

Explore the canals.

Amsterdam is famous for its network of canals, and taking a boat tour is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. There are many boat tour companies in Amsterdam that offer a variety of tours, ranging from short sightseeing trips to longer cruises.

Visit the Anne Frank House.

The Anne Frank House is dedicated to the life of Anne Frank, a young girl who wrote a diary while hiding from the Nazis during World War II. The museum is located in the house where Anne and her family hid during the war and is a poignant reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.

You can also take a two-hour walking tour that shares more of her history and the impact of WWII on Amsterdam.

Learn more About Van Gogh.

Even if you’re not a Van Gogh fan, or a fan of museums in general, you should spend an hour or more at the Van Gogh Museum, which is home to the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings in the world. The paintings will make you think, and the exhibits are well done for those interesting in learning a bit more about his life and work.

Stroll through the Jordaan neighborhood.

The Jordaan neighborhood is a charming area of Amsterdam known for its narrow streets, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. It is a great place to wander and explore, and you can find a variety of local products and souvenirs in the neighborhood’s many shops.

Also head to the Lindengrachtmarkt. Located in the Jordaan neighborhood, the Lindengrachtmarkt is a weekly market that is held on Monday mornings and is known for its variety of fresh produce and other products. It makes for a good wander!

And in general, just get lost in the city. There are a lot of formal things you can do in Amsterdam—museums, cafes, sights, but taking time to soak in the vibes and unique architecture of the city might be one of the things you most remember.

Relax in Vondelpark

Voldelpark is one of the more understated things to do in Amsterdam, but it’s actually one of my favorite. It’s nice to just relax and have a space where locals and tourists alike happily coexist.

Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest park and you can relax and enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of grassy areas to sit and picnic, as well as walking and cycling paths. Rent a bike at one of the many bike rental shops in Amsterdam and explore the park on two wheels—there are a variety of walking and cycling paths that are great for exploring with kids, or solo.

Also, located in the center of the park, the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre is a popular venue for concerts, films, and other events. Check the schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, visit the Vondelparkpaviljoen. Located on the edge of the park, the Vondelparkpaviljoen is a popular café and restaurant that is a great place to grab a bite to eat or a drink.

And of course, if you’re traveling Amsterdam with kids, check out the playground. Vondelpark’s playground is a nice spot to let the kids unwind and blow off steam if you’ve spent the day at museums or cultural spaces.

Take a brewery tour

Amsterdam does not lack for breweries and beer bars, and touring them is a great way to learn about the city’s brewing history while sampling delicious local brews. There are several brewery tours available in Amsterdam, ranging from small, local breweries to larger, more well-known breweries. Pick at least one if you have any interest in beer as it’s one of my favorite things to do in Amsterdam.

Three well-known Amsterdam breweries to consider visiting include:

• Brouwerij ‘t IJ : Located in the east of Amsterdam, Brouwerij ‘t IJ is a small brewery that is known for its flavorful and unique beers. The brewery is located in a windmill and has a popular beer garden that is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink.
• De Prael : Located in the center of Amsterdam, De Prael is a brewery and pub that is known for its wide range of beers and its lively atmosphere. The brewery often has live music and other events, and it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
• Brouwerij de 7 Deugden : Located in the west of Amsterdam, Brouwerij de 7 Deugden is a small brewery that is known for its high-quality beers and unique flavors. The brewery has a cozy taproom that is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink.

Two lesser-known Amsterdam breweries to consider include:

• Oedipus Brewery : Located in the north of Amsterdam, Oedipus Brewery is a small, independent brewery that is known for its unique and experimental beers. The brewery has a cozy taproom that is a popular destination for craft beer lovers.
• Wilderen Brouwerij : Located in the west of Amsterdam, Wilderen Brouwerij is a small brewery that is known for its high-quality beers and unique flavors. The brewery has a cozy taproom that is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink.

Respectfully visit the Red Light District.

The Red Light District usually doesn’t need much of an introduction—its best known for its legal prostitution and sex work. While it can be a controversial destination, it’s also a unique part of Amsterdam’s history and culture. If you choose to visit the Red Light District, be respectful of the people who work there and to follow the local laws and customs.

And note that this is probably a skip for families, especially at night. It’s pretty obvious from the street what’s happening, so although it’s safe enough to walk around with kids, take a different street home if you need to pass through to get back to your accommodation.

Go shopping at the Albert Cuyp Market

The Albert Cuyp Market is Amsterdam’s largest outdoor market and is a great place to find fresh produce, local crafts, and other products. The market is held daily and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

If you’re into markets (and who isn’t!), also consider Ten Katemarkt. Located in the Oud-West neighborhood, the Ten Katemarkt is a smaller market that is held on Saturday mornings and is a great place to find fresh produce, flowers, and other products.

Cruise the canals for a unique vantage point.

You’ll be spending your days in Amsterdam criss-crossing the canals, and one of my favorite things to do is cruise the city from those very canals. These waterways are an important transportation route through the city and a canal cruise passes many of the more iconic and historic building in town.

Spend a few hours exploring the city’s intricate network of picturesque waterways, which showcase its rich history, charming architecture, and vibrant culture.

Nearly all of the cruises provide insightful commentary, often available in multiple languages, highlighting Amsterdam’s landmarks, hidden gems, and the role of the canals in the city’s development.

Book this 75-minute canal cruise for a fun thing to do that costs under $20 per person. This cheese-and-wine canal cruise is also great and only costs a few dollars more.

Visit the Moco Museum

Brush up on your modern art at the Moco Museum. This contemporary art museum is renowned for its collection of modern and contemporary artworks feature artists such as Banksy, Salvador Dalí, Roy Lichtenstein, and more.

The museum showcases a diverse range of thought-provoking and visually striking pieces, making it more fun to visit that some museums. With a focus on urban and street art, the Moco Museum offers a unique and immersive experience that reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of contemporary art.

Learn the history of milling at an iconic windmill.

There are several iconic windmills near Amsterdam, and any one of them makes a lovely day trip from the city. Depending on which one you choose, you can either visit by bike or by train.

Zaanse Schans is probably the most popular and picturesque options—it’s located just a short distance from Amsterdam. This historic village features a collection of well-preserved windmills, traditional Dutch houses, and various artisan workshops. It provides a great opportunity to learn about Dutch history, culture, and craftsmanship, and it’s nice to get fresh air outside of the city. You can see different types of windmills, such as sawmills, oil mills, and paint mills, each serving a unique purpose.

Organize a day tour to Zaanse Schans for the most streamlined trip, or you can DIY it.

Other notable windmills you could visit from Amsterdam include:

• Kinderdijk : Located a bit farther from Amsterdam, Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its 19 well-preserved windmills that were historically used to drain water from the low-lying land. Book this day tour to get the most out of a trip to Kinderdijk.
• Molen de Adriaan : Situated in Haarlem, not far from Amsterdam, this windmill is located right in the heart of the city and offers guided tours, allowing you to learn about the history of milling.
• De Gooyer : This windmill is located in Amsterdam itself and is a distinctive landmark. If you’re short on time and long on things to do, this is the most convenient way to see a windmill.

Go to the Artis Royal Zoo

The Artis Royal Zoo is Amsterdam’s oldest zoo and it has a really wide variety of animals from around the world. Kids visiting Amsterdam will love that they get a trip to more than the zoo—the Artis Royal zoo includes a large aquarium, a butterfly garden, an arboretum and botanical garden, and a planetarium, too.

Unlike some zoos or aquariums, where you’re there and done in an hour, you kids could easily enjoy a few hours here.

Buy your ticket online ahead of time for a discounted rate.

Get silly at the Upside Down Museum.

Get a few great photos for social media at the Upside Down Museum. This is a fun and quick museum that offers a nice break for anyone, but particularly those with kids in tow. You can grab a ticket in advance , then immerse yourself in the 25 different experiences and optical illusions.

Take a bike tour

Exploring Amsterdam by bike is the best way to see the city and get around. It’s a very bike-friendly city and the areas tourists will explore featre an extensive network of bike lanes.

Plus, biking is a sustainable and environmentally-friendly mode of transportation and if you have older kids, it’s a fun and healthy way to get them to engage with the city. You can easily cover a lot of ground on a bike and can stop and explore areas that you might not be able to reach by foot or public transportation. Everywhere you want to go, and all the things you want to do in Amsterdam are going to be accessible by bike.

Travel Planning Tips for Amsterdam

Where to stay.

Many of apartment rentals are a bit outside the city-center. If you’re keen to be in the think of things, or if you’re in Amsterdam for a short time, use Booking.com —it’s my go-to for assessing hotels.

Getting Around

I truly recommend renting a bike to get a feel for the city. Although the public transport is great, locals use the bikes in masse and it’s just easy. You can also rent bikes with kids seats or larger attachments that can hold 2+ kids in an attached doohickey—basically there are few reasons you  shouldn’t rent a bike. But if you’re in need of other transport options, download the Uber app—it’ll get you anywhere you need to go and you’ll save a few bucks on your first ride.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for any trip, and I have never traveled without it. Although biking in Amsterdam is safe, because you won’t instinctively know the biking rules of the road like a local, there are inherent risks. Take cautions and be prepared by insuring yourself. I use IMG Global when I travel Europe.

Additional Amsterdam Travel Tips

• High season in Amsterdam is busy . There is very little affordable last-minute accommodation throughout the summer, so plan your trip months out if you hope to find the best hostels, private rooms, or even rental flats.
• Activities are easier to plan at the last minute, and you can easily either explore solo or find local tour companies offering sightseeing tours not only in Amsterdam, but to surrounding areas of the Netherlands, as well.
• Don’t forget to bring a European plug adapter so you can charge your electronics, and the Rick Steves Amsterdam & Netherlands is far better than the Lonely Planet for this destination.
• Respect local customs and laws. Amsterdam is a diverse and liberal city, but it’s important to remember that it is still part of the Netherlands and has its own laws and customs. Respect local laws and traditions, and be mindful of your actions and behaviors while you’re in the city.

Essential Travel Planning Resources

❗ Yes, you need travel insurance . IMG Global is the travel insurance I’ve used for well over a decade of traveling solo, and with kids. Here’s why .

🧳 Smart packing can save your trip. Shop my favorite travel gear , including all of the packing essentials for world travel , gear to keep you safe on the road, my favorite travel books , and more.

🛏️ Find great accommodation . Booking.com is essentially the only hotel booking site that I use. It has a wide and affordable selection of traditional hotels, but also hostels and vacation rentals, too. Use these pro tips to find the best travel accommodation .

📍 Navigate more effectively. Rome2Rio is super handy to assess the full range of transport options between two cities—shows everything from flights to trains, buses, minibuses, and more. If you’re booking a rental car, I’ve always found the best deals on RentalCars.com .

✈️ Book affordable flights. Expedia is one of the first places I look for low-cost flights .

☕ Peruse all of my tips for round the world travel , or learn how to move and live abroad .

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First Time Guide to Amsterdam: Three Days in Amsterdam itinerary by a resident

June 7, 2023 by Karen Turner 37 Comments

I’ve been living in the Netherlands for nearly three years with most of my time spent living in Amsterdam.  I usually recommend that if you’re visiting Amsterdam, three days in Amsterdam is perfect.

I’ve created a three day itinerary for Amsterdam with advice on what to do in Amsterdam based on my time as a resident. As someone who’s spent quite a bit of time in Amsterdam, I cover the famous sights, but I try to focus on showing you some of neighborhoods that make Amsterdam unique rather than the touristy hubs.  I include a free map (at the bottom) with the best places to visit in Amsterdam during 3 days.

This is a suggested itinerary for Amsterdam, so I try to give options and I completely understand if you choose to skip something.  That said, I’ve carefully crafted this Amsterdam itinerary to minimize walking, public transit, and biking.

• 1 Your three day itinerary for Amsterdam
• 2.1 Let’s start off with breakfast
• 2.2 Red Light District in Amsterdam
• 2.3 Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder
• 2.4 Stop for cookies at Van Stapele Cookies
• 2.5 Browse books at American Book Center
• 2.6 Discover secret Amsterdam (ish): Begijnhof
• 2.7 Lunch at Blue Amsterdam
• 2.8 Browse the flowers at Bloemenmarkt (Amsterdam flower market)
• 2.9 Canal Cruise
• 2.10 Enjoy the Jordaan (9 Streets and Canals)
• 2.11 Stop off for a drink at a brown bar
• 2.12 Dinner in de Jordaan
• 2.13 Anne Frank House
• 3.1 Breakfast in De Pijp (or just coffee)
• 3.2 Second breakfast (or the main event): Stroopwafels and browsing at Albert Cuypmarkt
• 3.3 Graffiti in De Pijp
• 3.4 Museumplein 
• 3.5 Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh museum
• 3.6 Snack/Coffee: Bagels and Beans or Albert Heijn in Museumplein
• 3.7 Vondelpark
• 3.8 Dinner in de Pijp
• 3.9 Drinks in De Pijp
• 4.1 Breakfast on Haarlemmerstraat
• 4.2 Wander down Haarlemmerstraat and find Cafe Papeneiland
• 4.3 Westelijke Eilanden
• 4.4 Ferry to NDSM
• 4.5 Lunch at Noorderlicht or Pllek
• 4.6 Exploring NDSM / IJhallen (if you’re lucky)
• 4.7 Ferry back to Amsterdam Centraal
• 4.8 Brouwerij ‘t IJ
• 4.9 Hipster it up and enjoy a night out in Amsterdam Oost.
• 4.10 Where to stay in Amsterdam for any budget
• 5 Essential Amsterdam Tours for First-Timers
• 6 Your free map of your complete Amsterdam itinerary for three days
• 7.0.1 Click for information about the best day trips from Amsterdam
• 7.0.2 Click for information about 25 secret places in Amsterdam

Your three day itinerary for Amsterdam

I’ve tried to keep it more low-key.  Obviously, it’s possible to pack in more activities, but half the fun of Amsterdam is getting lost along its gorgeous canals.  This Amsterdam itinerary is in three parts: Classic Amsterdam, Cultural Amsterdam, and New Amsterdam.  If you’re in Amsterdam for only two days, you can pick two of the days to follow and I have a one day itinerary for Amsterdam i f you’re in a rush. 😉

I’ve designed this Amsterdam itinerary to minimize walking as much as possible as well as public transportation and biking.  I’d recommend maybe renting a bike for Day 3.  I have tips for biking in Amsterdam with information about bike rental and etiquette.

Day 1:  Classic Amsterdam

Today’s itinerary for Amsterdam will cover the must-sees of Amsterdam at a reasonable pace with designated snack stops.  Although I published a one day in Amsterdam, I’ve tried to minimize walking to make it easier on you if you’re coming off a flight from the US.

Let’s start off with breakfast

Head to Omelegg for a tasty and affordable omelette or the Bakkerswinkel if you’re looking for a tasty pastry (and coffee) with your coffee. 

Both can get busy later in the morning on weekdays, but it shouldn’t be too bad on a weekend if you get there on the earlier side. I also like  Bakers and Roasters , a Kiwi breakfast place serving up delicious vegan-friendly food, but it’s a bit more of a walk.

Red Light District in Amsterdam

You might be wondering why I’m recommending going to the Red Light District  after breakfast, but this area is absolutely insanity at night and/or weekends. 

The hard-working ladies in Amsterdam work daytime too.  I find the area is far less crowded during the day, so I recommend seeing it  if you’re curious. Just be aware that you cannot take photos in the Red Light District due to maintaining privacy for the workers.

Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder

This museum in Amsterdam is one of my favorite museums.  Although it’s not as famous as many of the others, it’s a great way to learn about Dutch history, architecture, and religious persecution while seeing the well-maintained interior of three beautiful canal houses. 

It’s a bit quirky, but it’s never crowded and entry is affordable.  The coolest part? There’s a hidden secret church with  two stories in the attic.

Stop for cookies at Van Stapele Cookies

These Amsterdam cookies are made-to-order and if you’re a chocolate fanatic, you must stop off here while you’re in Amsterdam.  The cookies are soft, but the interior is just pure white chocolate that melts in your mouth.   If you’re in need of a drink after, I recommend the ubiquitous Coffee Company  for a pick-me-up. (Note: Due to blowing up on Tiktok, the line at van Stapele can be quite long, but I still think that it is worth the wait!)

Browse books at American Book Center

If you’re a literature lover, you’re guaranteed to find a good book to read at the American Book Center.  Click for a list of my 15 favorite books about Amsterdam . It’s just cozy and I often spend hours in here.

Discover secret Amsterdam (ish): Begijnhof

Close to the entrance to the American Book Center, you’ll find the entrance to the Begijnhof. This historic hofje used to be where women who chose to be dedicated to the church would live together. 

It’s a little touristy compared to other hofjes in Amsterdam, but you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret as soon as you walk through the door. It gets very quiet and people still live in stunning historic hofje.

Lunch at Blue Amsterdam

This restaurant with epic views of Amsterdam is hidden in a shopping center close to the Bloemenmarkt.  I recommend using your phone GPS to find the mall prior to taking the elevator up to the top.

If you are looking for something to enjoy outside and do not mind another line, CHUN is quite famous for its sandwiches (especially the Rib Eye Bulgogi) and bubble tea. There are benches close to the American Book center if the weather cooperates.

Browse the flowers at Bloemenmarkt (Amsterdam flower market)

If you have a bit more time in Amsterdam, you can take a day trip to see the tulip fields.  However, if you have limited time, you can head to the Bloemenmarkt (the Amsterdam Flower Market) to browse for Dutch souvenirs .

Be sure to have the vendor check if you’re allowed to bring that variety back to your home country as some are not allowed to be exported outside of the EU unfortunately.

Canal Cruise

A canal cruise is one of the most relaxing things to do in Amsterdam and I think it’s a must if you only have three days in Amsterdam.  Instead of going to the canal cruises outside of Amsterdam Centraal that have recorded tours, I recommend looking for one with a live captain. It’s far more engaging and I enjoyed the canal cruise that I went on .

Enjoy the Jordaan (9 Streets and Canals)

Half the joy of Amsterdam is wandering around its canals. My personal favorite canals are Herengracht and Keizersgracht.  I just love strolling along the canals taking in the stunning houses. 

Before you walk too far up the canals, stop off in the 9 streets, a shopping area filled with local boutiques and cute coffee shops.

Stop off for a drink at a brown bar

Even if you’re not an alcohol drinker, be sure to stop off at a brown bar for the atmosphere.  These historic Amsterdam bars often date back to the 1700s and I just love admiring the wooden interiors. 

Cafe Chris is one of my favorite bars in Amsterdam although you can easily pick the cutest historic cafe that you pass on foot.

Dinner in de Jordaan

Head to my favorite Indonesian take-out place in Amsterdam for a quick to-go meal along the canals: Pondok Indah .  Be sure to bring cash and say hi to Pieter for me.

You can get a filling portion of tasty Indonesian food while taking in the canal views in the tiny restaurant.  Otherwise, head to SLA for a healthy organic/vegan meal that is reasonable and delicious.  Click for vegan restaurants in Amsterdam.

Anne Frank House

The best time to go to the Anne Frank House is  after dinner if you don’t have tickets. I recommend buying tickets ahead for the Anne Frank House using the official website as it allows you to skip the line.  Without having a reservation, the line can last hours, especially during peak hours

I understand that there are not that many tickets. I recommend having late (or early) dinner to ensure that you give yourself 1-2 hours to try to get into the Anne Frank House.  In summer/peak season, you might want to give yourself more time, so check the closing hours.  Anne’s story is truly powerful regardless of whether you’ve read her diary prior to going.

Day 2: Cultural Amsterdam

Amsterdam isn’t just weed, prostitutes, and canals.  There’s a lot of culture here and this part of the Amsterdam itinerary is about soaking up the culture!

Breakfast in De Pijp (or just coffee)

Start off at my favorite breakfast place in De Pijp: CT coffee and coconuts .  This vegan-friendly restaurant in a former theatre is both beautiful and has great coffee. I particularly like their smoothies made with coconut. Just don’t eat too much as I have plans for you!

Second breakfast (or the main event): Stroopwafels and browsing at Albert Cuypmarkt

Let’s pretend that you didn’t eat so much food at CT coffee and coconuts.  Save your space for the fresh  stroopwafels that you’ll find at Albert Cuypmarkt, one of Amsterdam’s best street markets.

You’ll find haring , stroopwafels, souvenirs, batteries, … name it and it’s here.  If you’re curious about haring, be sure to stop at one of the haring stalls to sample pickled or raw herring.  It’s your call if you prefer to eat in the market instead with getting a coffee beforehand.

Graffiti in De Pijp

De Pijp is the cooler, modern part of Amsterdam and you’re bound to find some great graffiti here.  I particularly love the “Wake me up when I’m famous” mural.  You’ll find directions to this mural in Amsterdam here, which is easily one of the best photo spots in Amsterdam .

Museumplein 

I particularly love lounging in the grass on a nice day with friends after a lazy day spent at one of the museums.  (The rest of Amsterdam agrees.)

Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh museum

You can’t miss these two famous museums in Amsterdam if you’re a lover of art. Personally, I prefer the Rijksmuseum as I feel that it’s far larger than the Van Gogh museum.

Admission for both is pretty steep, so I think going to  both museums during your three days in Amsterdam might be a bit much as you can see a few of Van Gogh’s artwork in the Rijksmuseum.    You can buy your tickets ahead for the Rijksmuseum on their website, so you can skip the line .

Snack/Coffee: Bagels and Beans or Albert Heijn in Museumplein

That mid-day slump can come hard after a busy day in the museums. If I’m in the area around Museumplein, I usually stop off at Bagels and Beans for a pick-me-up coffee and/or head into the Albert Heijn in Museumplein for a snack.  Both are reasonable, so even if you’re visiting Amsterdam on a budget  and feeling broke after the Rijksmuseum, you can afford this.

Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s most famous park and it’s beautiful year-round.  It’s a short walk from the museums to Vondelpark and I just love walking around the park.  A complete loop can take about one hour and there’s a teahouse in the middle of the park if you want to take a break.

Dinner in de Pijp

Get on the tram back to de Pijp (or walk).  For dinner, I recommend heading to Sari Citra  for Indonesian food, The Butcher for a great hamburger,  Bazar  for Middle-eastern-inspired food, or  Ladybird for American comfort food (think wings and fried chicken elevated).  You can’t really go wrong here as these are all my favorite places to eat in De Pijp.

Drinks in De Pijp

For a beer, head to Gollum for the beer selection as well as atmosphere.  Otherwise, head to the secret bar in the back of the Butcher for cocktails .     If you’re looking for something different , you can read about Amsterdam coffeeshops with furry friends here.

Day 3: New and off the beaten path Amsterdam

The itinerary for this day in Amsterdam focuses more on showing you something different.  If you’re feeling like you’ve seen the canals and you’re after something different, this should give you a peek into the secret side of Amsterdam and some residential areas that are a bit different. 

Alternatively, it’s very easy to take a day trip to another Dutch city .  If you’re curious about bike riding in Amsterdam, I recommend this day for the day that you rent a bike.  I have a post detailing what to know about bicycling in Amsterdam .

Breakfast on Haarlemmerstraat

You’ll be starting off today in a different area outside of Center.  If you’re not too hungry, I recommend stopping into Stach on Haarlemmerdijk for a coffee before taking in spectacular views of the canals nearby.  I especially love their homemade peanut butter cup and pastries.

If you’re looking for a full breakfast, head to G’s Jordaan for a hearty creative breakfast (check hours as they’re not open every day) or The Breakfast Club for a classic brunch. 

Wander down Haarlemmerstraat and find Cafe Papeneiland

It’s hard to miss this iconic Amsterdam photo spot and the view still makes me sigh when I walk past it.  It’s one of those iconic Amsterdam things.  (If you want to see more of the Jordaan, follow this walking route .)  

Afterward, stop into Kaasland , a local cheese shop, for samples and to buy cheese as a souvenir.  It’s not like the touristy ones in Center, so it’s well-priced and you can try ALL kinds of cheese here.

Once you walk down the street, you’ll find lots of cute shops as well as a few with adorable cats.  Click for my favorite shops with cats in Amsterdam , which includes a few in this area.

Westelijke Eilanden

Once you’re done, head up towards the scary-looking tunnel close to  Nieuwe Teertuinen .  As soon as you pass underneath, you’ll be entering one of my favorite neighborhoods in Amsterdam: the Westelijke Eilanden.  These artificial islands were warehouses and the homes of shipbuilders historically and the area is just dreamy with few tours. 

Don’t come here on a segway.  It’s just lovely to walk around this calm and beautiful area after spending two days in Amsterdam’s busiest area. You’ll find a couple of secret spots in this area included in my secret Amsterdam guide .

Ferry to NDSM

Once you’ve seen it, head up to the Westerdoksdijk ferry to NDSM.  The ferry is 100% free and you’re allowed to bring a bike on the ferry!  NDSM is a newer part of Amsterdam that is warehouses, but not the historic sort.  It’s the “ Williamsburg ” of Amsterdam.   Click for my guide to Amsterdam Noord!

Lunch at Noorderlicht or Pllek

Once you’re in NDSM, you’ll be sure to be delighted by the graffiti, but be sure to stop off for food at Noorderlicht or Pllek.  Both are restaurants with a good assortment of food and great views of the water.  Pllek is made of shipping containers while Noorderlicht is an old greenhouse.

Exploring NDSM / IJhallen (if you’re lucky)

I often just love exploring the new graffiti around NDSM although if you’re lucky enough to come here during the once-monthly IJhallen, Amsterdam’s biggest flea market, you’ll want to bring cash with you.  I consider NDSM kind of a must if you’re in Amsterdam for three days as most people only see the historical part of Amsterdam without every seeing the modern part.

Ferry back to Amsterdam Centraal

Instead of heading back the same way, catch the ferry back to Amsterdam Centraal prior or walking of take the bus to Brouwerij ‘t TIJ. You might be wondering how I’ve managed to write an Amsterdam itinerary without including Heineken, but there’s a method to the madness. As a resident, I feel that it’s overrated and expensive, so I’ve brought you to my favorite alternative to the Heineken Experience.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ

You  might have noticed that I left the Heineken Experience off this list. Why? You can get 100% Amsterdam-produced craft beer that you won’t be able to find outside of Amsterdam. Similarly, for the cost of entry to the Heineken Experience for one person, you can get a few beers at Brouwerij ‘t IJ , a local Amsterdam brewery in a windmill.

Hipster it up and enjoy a night out in Amsterdam Oost.

Amsterdam Oost has a lot of great options although De Kas is a great high-end option for those looking for something unique (albeit expensive). 4850 and Beyoglu are more mid-priced options. For budget eating, Boi Boi is always a great choice.

Where to stay in Amsterdam for any budget

If you’re looking for something cheap and central, consider staying at Stayokay Hostel . For a mid-range hotel, I recommend the Student Hotel , which has a great design and comfy beds. Those looking for a boutique hotel will love  Pulitzer Hotel with a central location composed of 20 typical Amsterdam canal houses.  For a more luxurious experience, consider staying at the Conservatorium Hotel .

Essential Amsterdam Tours for First-Timers

Amsterdam, with its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and vibrant culture, is a city that promises unforgettable experiences. If you’re visiting for the first time, there are some tours that will truly enhance your understanding and appreciation of this Dutch gem. Dive into the world of art with a guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum , where you can marvel at masterpieces and learn about the artist’s life and inspirations. For a more relaxed experience, embark on the Classic Boat Cruise , optionally paired with cheese and wine, offering stunning views of the city’s landmarks. If you’re in the mood for some fun, the Canal Booze Cruise with unlimited drinks promises a lively time on Amsterdam’s waterways. For those keen on exploring the city’s rich history, the Old City Private Walking Tour is a must. Each tour offers a unique lens through which to view Amsterdam, ensuring you capture the heart and soul of this enchanting city.

Your free map of your complete Amsterdam itinerary for three days

Have you been to amsterdam any feedback on this three days in amsterdam itinerary anything you hated, click for information about the best day trips from amsterdam, click for information about 25 secret places in amsterdam.

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About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

October 1, 2018 at 10:49 pm

Thanks so much for this information. We leave in two days, from Oregon in the U.S., to go to Europe, with three days in Amsterdam You post is perfect for us.

November 8, 2018 at 8:37 pm

We will be visiting Amsterdam for 3 days from Paris in December. Any suggestions for our December trip? Thank you

November 9, 2018 at 10:50 am

Hi Monica, I have a whole post about Amsterdam in winter. Similarly, I just published a post about Christmas markets in the Netherlands. Also search my website for the Amsterdam Light Festival! Both are great for December.

Best, Karen

November 18, 2018 at 6:50 am

Planning on going in late September next year. Is there a way to work in a leisurely bike ride with this itinerary? If so, are there routes that are especially lovely? I appreciate all the food recommendations. My trip is basically to see architecture, eat and drink 🙂

November 18, 2018 at 6:03 pm

Hi Stacey, You might want to check my Secret Amsterdam or Amsterdam Noord posts for some ideas for some leisurely bike rides. I generally don’t say that bike riding in Amsterdam is relaxing (you can find another post focused on biking in Amsterdam), but you can find some cute former villages in Noord. Glad to hear that and hope you have a good trip!

https://www.wanderlustingk.com/travel-blog/amsterdam-noord https://www.wanderlustingk.com/travel-blog/secret-amsterdam-places

March 27, 2019 at 2:11 pm

What a thoughtfully written, informative post. Leaving for our first trip to Amsterdam next week and looking forward to experiencing this beautiful country. Thank you for posting this!

May 8, 2019 at 7:26 pm

This is a great post. We are going in early june in a mom’s trip, coming from NYC. Any recommendations about clubs, etc? We are throwing a divorce “trip” for one of the moms 🙂

May 9, 2019 at 6:43 am

Great post. We are flying Monday May 13 to Budapest for a 15 day Viking Cruise arriving in Amsterdam May 30 for 4 days. Will we miss all the tulips by May 30? We will do several of the things you mentioned

May 9, 2019 at 2:07 pm

Hi Judie, unfortunately the tulips are gone now!

May 18, 2019 at 11:08 am

Hi, In Amsterdam for 3 nights with my 5 year old daughter. Want to keep it fun but relaxed and also try to cover the absolute essentials. What would reccomend for us in terms of places to see / eat vegan / vegatrian food and shop ?

May 19, 2019 at 5:24 am

I have a whole post about vegan food in Amsterdam if you search. 🙂

May 26, 2019 at 7:47 pm

I am so happy that I found your informative and detailed posts. I will be traveling with my adult daughter in July for 3 days. Do you have a section on how to get around? I was thinking about getting the 3 day GVB pass and pay for my train ticket to Sloterdijk station. We only plan on visiting the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. We already booked our canal ride. Looking at all the city passes are confusing. I think our best bet is to purchase everything separately except for the GVB pass. Any insight would be appreciated.

May 28, 2019 at 1:07 am

I recommend the GVB pass and buying admission to those museums in your case.

June 25, 2019 at 4:39 am

Thank you so much for this post

August 11, 2019 at 4:49 pm

Thanks for your post. My wife and I are traveling to Amsterdam in October for a three day stay before we head to Frankfurt for business. Any suggestions for a great boutique hotel near all the shops, restaurants and sites. Not sure if it is better to stay in the city center or out near the Vondelpark area. We are not looking for budget just a very cool upscale type boutique experience near the sites and great atmosphere.

August 12, 2019 at 12:08 pm

I just wrote an entire post (Where to stay in Amsterdam) that is live today that includes great boutique hotels that aren’t too pricey! Please check this guide for more information.

August 30, 2019 at 12:18 pm

Thanks for such a great post. Just returned from a 3 day trip to Amsterdam staying in Jordaan area. Really useful guide. We loved eating at Vegan Junk Food and Bagel and Bean for breakfast. We hired bikes and you post on cycling was very useful. We used Black Bikes lots of stores and found the staff really helpful. By Day two we were wizzing all over The city! We love Cats so thanks for your recommendation. Unfortunately we went around 12 and all the cats were sleeping! Not to worry the food was great and all goes to a fantastic cause. On our first visit to the cookie shop Van Stapele had ran out of dough so was closed by 4pm. Second earlier visit and lush soft cookies. Yum. We would recommend a visit to NSDM. Nice free ferry ride, an absolute if you are looking for retro / vintage furniture.

Overall thanks for all the options/ suggestions

September 3, 2019 at 10:36 am

Hi. Thank you for the informative post. I have some questions on the transportation. I will be going to Amsterdam for 4 days and wil be staying at a hotel which is only 2 mins walk to Central Station). Do I still need to buy GVB train ticket online? My itinerary is basically 1 day to Zaanse Schans and Volendam and second day to Giethoorn.

I read that the GVB train ticket does not cover to/from airport and not to Giethoorn too.

Thank you!.

September 3, 2019 at 11:18 am

Hi Ai, I would say it’s not necessary. You can buy a day ticket for the day that you go to Zaanse Schaans, but otherwise you will need to buy a train ticket for Giethoorn.

September 4, 2019 at 9:55 am

Great itinerary and tips! I was wondering if you have any suggestions for Amsterdam if it’s raining ? Looks like our entire stay is going to be rain.

Thanks Sunny

September 4, 2019 at 11:04 am

It doesn’t matter much. Get an umbrella

December 14, 2019 at 6:32 am

Thanks for this awesome post! I just began researching for our three days in January, and I think you’ve just planned our itinerary:). I appreciate the vegan tips as well.

January 7, 2020 at 12:52 am

Hi Karen. I am planning a trip in late April and will be bringing my wife and 3 adult daughters. My grandparents came to the US in 1925 from Holland. I would like an opportunity to meet, recognizing somewhat distant, relatives. Any suggestions on how to make that happen??

January 7, 2020 at 12:39 pm

I recommend checking the city archives for your family wherever they are from and checking ancestry websites. Sorry, but this is not something that I have done before!

January 13, 2020 at 8:59 pm

Thanks so much for this informative post! My husband and I will be traveling from Los Angeles to South Africa in June and are planning to spend 3 nights in Amsterdam to break up the trip. So thankful to have found this site! This is perfect!

February 3, 2020 at 4:25 pm

Myself and my partner are visiting Amsterdam thi xfriday – Sunday We are in our 60s Can you recommend which form of travel we should use We need travel from airport to hotel

February 7, 2020 at 12:16 pm

You can do train then taxi from Amsterdam Centraal or public transit 🙂

October 4, 2020 at 6:13 pm

Great website, we are planning to stay in Amsterdam a few days after a Rhine cruise which ends up there and plan on staying a few more days, around April 24, 2021. Hopefully travel will be back again. Question on what would be the best transportation to the hotel with I am sure a amount of luggage?

October 9, 2020 at 1:22 pm

A taxi would be easiest! There’s a stand close to where cruises dock.

September 30, 2022 at 9:18 pm

Thank you for this thoughtfully prepared plan for 3 days in Amsterdam. I was not excited about another big city but now I am able to see the charm of this city. I am looking forward to the triop!

December 2, 2022 at 8:22 pm

This is great information. I prefer to get vacation advise from a local. My family will be in Amsterdam May 2023. Our ages range from 65 to 10. Are things that we could all enjoy? I notes that several of you recommendations mention beer. Will my granddaughter be allowed in these places? Are there any special places that you would recommend for her. We will be celebrating a 10 years birthday, a 40 years birthday and a 40 year anniversary.

January 2, 2023 at 12:52 pm

I do not have kids myself, so I would recommend checking some of the family-friendly blogs. Kids are typically allowed into cafes in the Netherlands, but there are lots of better options for you all. 🙂

July 4, 2023 at 7:47 am

Firstly, thanks for the very informative articles. We are in Amsterdam for two days in August. We do not want to cab to sightseeing locations. Do you recommend the walking tours and hop on- hop off tours? We do have a canal tour booked. Also, do you recommend a half day tour to Leiden? Thanks a ton!

July 6, 2023 at 10:18 pm

You do not need to cab as public transit is very efficient and Amsterdam is small! Walking tours are more limited due to a newer city rule, but it is a great way to see the city. Leiden is close enough to Amsterdam that a half day is enough especially if you see the city center on an afternoon. I have a guide to Leiden if you want to check!

September 18, 2023 at 1:43 am

Great blog!! I’m going to share your blog with my stepmom and auntie as we are planning our 2024 grils trip to the Netherlands. We prefer to stay in VRBOs as we like to chill and soak up the local lifestyles. Do you suggest staying outside of the city or in? We like to establsih a home base for 10-14 days and venture out that way. I understand that getting around the Netherlands is very simple by train, correct? I’m going to read all of your blogs to get a good idea on how be stay in the Netherlands!! Thanks so much for these!

December 12, 2023 at 4:12 pm

Hi Stefanie,

Thank you for your kind words!

Regarding accommodation location, it depends on your preferences. Staying in the city provides easy access to attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. On the other hand, staying outside the city might offer a more tranquil atmosphere. Since you prefer establishing a home base for 10-14 days, you might consider a central location with good transport links.

Yes, traveling around the Netherlands is very convenient by train. The rail network is extensive, making it easy to explore different cities and regions.

Have an amazing girls’ trip in 2024!

Best regards, Your Wanderlustingk Team

October 6, 2023 at 6:59 pm

Hi! this thursay i’m going there, something especial to do this October? Thank you for everything!

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9 Best Things To Do in Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam! The capital city of the Netherlands, where incredibly beautiful, lopsided, gingerbread-style houses align with serene canals. In addition, the world-famous museums in Amsterdam, its history, and biking are the city’s absolute highlights! It belongs to the best city trips in Europe for many reasons – discover the best in our Amsterdam travel guide.

Things To Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is incredibly popular with people who spend their layover or a few days in the city. Therefore, it’s usually busy at the tourist attractions like the dancing houses of Damrak, Dam Square, and the Royal Palace. Pay a quick visit to these places and continue with the following things to do in Amsterdam.

1. Wander the 9 Straatjes

The ‘9 Straatjes’ (nine streets) is the name for nine photogenic, lively streets filled with galleries, sandwich shops, boutique clothing stores, and restaurants.

The 9 Straatjes and its beautiful architecture are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Amsterdam Canal Belt. Cross the first bridge behind Dam Square to step into the nine streets, which are closely located to the Anne Frank House .

Here are all your hotel options in Amsterdam.

2. Amsterdam Museums

The city of Amsterdam is world-famous for its art and history museums. Just on Museumplein alone are four major museums: Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum, and Moco Museum. Additionally, visit the Anne Frank House or the Maritime Museum. 

Moco Museum

The Moco Museum is home to modern and contemporary art from artists like Banksy and Kaws. With their digital art exhibition, they are making art even cooler and attracting a younger audience. An audio tour is built into the Moco app, so make sure to download this. ( Book your tickets here )

Budget tip: Save money by ordering online tickets where you enter before 10 AM.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum is the most visited museum in the Netherlands . It is a treasure trove of Dutch arts and history, with Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch’ as an absolute highlight. Please note that booking a Rijksmuseum ticket in advance is necessary. 

3. Cruise Amsterdam’s canals

Cruise the canals of Amsterdam, go under the old bridges, and pass the beautiful houses. This might be the best way to see the city! Rent a boat in Amsterdam and enjoy the freedom of being on the water with friends. We recommend having a look at electric boats as these are quieter and greener. 

Boat tour: Easily book your boat or cruise online

Alternatively, join a canal cruise on a shared cruise boat. These have guides onboard explaining about the city and its history.

4. Hortus Botanicus – Botanical Gardens

One of the world’s oldest botanical gardens is located in the center of Amsterdam! Hortus Botanicus is an escape from the city, established in the 1600s for medicinal herbs, and now features a greenhouse, butterfly house, palm house, and stunning outdoor gardens. 

The greenhouse with a metal canopy walkway is divided into three different zones with varying climatic conditions to simulate the subtropics, the desert, and the tropics. 

The palm house is a super picturesque building housing centuries-old palms. Also, visit the cafe at the entrance for a drink or snack.

5. Amsterdam’s Restaurants and Cafes you have to see!

There are numerous incredible cafes and restaurants in Amsterdam. The following are our favorites, taking into account its look, unique location, and tasty food. Note that none of these places are located in the city center, but because of that, these spots are more unique.

Bar Botanique 

Bar Botanique is, as they say, a green oasis in the heart of the colorful, lively neighborhood. It is beautifully decorated and has a fantastic menu with a few vegetarian options too. Open daily! ( Location )

Pllek (best thing to do in Amsterdam in summer)

Get your feet in the sand at the city beach of Pllek! A restaurant in Amsterdam North constructed from old shipping containers and decorated with mostly second-hand and recycled items. Their food is made from organic products, and they have vegan and vegetarian options available. The easiest way to get here is by ferry from Amsterdam Central Station. Open daily. ( Location )

Waterkant is an artsy waterside terrace just outside the city center and located nearby to the ‘nine streets’. It is great for drinks, with both out and inside seating. Open daily. ( Location )

De Ceuvel Cafe

A creative hangout at a former shipyard; De Ceuvel Cafe is the spot to enjoy green, sustainably focused, tasty food and drinks on a terrace in the sun at the waterside. It is located in Amsterdam North, and the easiest way to get there is by using the metro. Closed on Mondays. ( Location )

6. Vintage Shopping

Vintage shopping is well-represented in Amsterdam. There are countless unique and great second-hand stores all over the city. Vintage clothing is so popular because of its exclusive, good-looking pieces. Plus, it is environmentally friendly! 

Read more: The best stores in Amsterdam for vintage shopping 

7. Biking in Amsterdam

The Netherlands is a cycling country. There are over 23 million bicycles, with 17 million inhabitants! Rent a bike in Amsterdam, as it makes exploring the city so much easier and a greater adventure. The Jordaan is the prettiest neighborhood and fantastic to cycle through! 

Biking in Amsterdam does, however, come with a set of rules. For example, use the biking lanes, watch out for the tram tracks, always make room for others, and always lock your bike .

Bike Rental Shops in Amsterdam are:

• Black Bike – Offers bike models that locals would drive. Pick-up and drop-off at 13 locations.
• MacBike – cheapest option, least pretty bikes. 
• Yellow Bike – bike rental and guided tours. 

Tip: Don’t feel comfortable on a bike? Then probably don’t cycle in Amsterdam! Public transport, like the tram, will get you pretty much anywhere in the city.

8. Vondelpark Amsterdam

Escape the hectic city life, as the locals do, by visiting Vondelpark. A large public park centrally located near Rijksmuseum. It is also the largest park in Amsterdam, and visiting Vondelpark is free! Take in the local life of people cycling, running, or skating through the park.

9. Day trips from Amsterdam

Public transport in the Netherlands is well arranged. Making day trips from Amsterdam is, therefore, usually very easy and efficient. 

Read more: best day trips from Amsterdam

Windmills at Zaanse Schans

Windmills are a symbol of Dutch cultural heritage. The colorful windmills of Zaanse Schans can easily be visited on a short day trip from Amsterdam.

Read:  Windmills at Zaanse Schans, the perfect day trip from Amsterdam

Broek in Waterland, Marken & Volendam

Visit typical Dutch villages like Marken, Broek in Waterland, and Volendam, each with beautiful wooden houses, narrow alleys, and drawbridges. Additionally, rent an electric boat at Teagarden Overleek to sail along the grassland with grazing cows and through authentic villages like Broek in Waterland.

Book a guided tour to Volendam and Marken online

Important to Remember

There are so many other things to do in Amsterdam that aren’t named in this travel guide. Therefore, we want to point out a few basic rules and common misconceptions. 

• Smoking weed is legal, but only inside the coffee shops! Police will fine you for smoking weed in public.
• Do not take photos of the women in the Red Light District.
• Tulips are not located in Amsterdam. Visit tulips near Amsterdam at Lisse, Keukenhof, or the Noordoostpolder.
• Kingsday, a national holiday, is on the 27th of April (previously April 30).

Where to Stay in Amsterdam? 

Amsterdam has a large selection of accommodations throughout the entire city. The Canal Belt is the most expensive area, with a hotel at an average price of 130 EUR per night. Apartments in Amsterdam (± 80 EUR a night) have been cut down in their number but are still an okay option.

Hotels in Amsterdam 😴

Getting Around in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s city center is relatively small; however, it’s just a bit much to explore all on foot. Hence, locals cycle through the city! But luckily, it has great connectivity with public transport throughout the entire city as well. 

By bicycle: Rent a bike in Amsterdam and get from A to B fast and easy. You can easily rent one in the city for about 10 – 15 EUR a day. Cycling is the quickest way to get around the city center.  

By foot: Most distances in this Amsterdam travel guide are walkable. But taking a bus, tram or metro will be useful at some points. When crossing the streets, watch out for cyclists, as they have priority. By public transport: The easiest way to get around is by using the bus, metro, and tram. GVB is a transport company, and they have good deals on day passes.

How to Get to Amsterdam

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is a hub connecting to other international destinations. The city of Amsterdam is a quick 15-minute train ride from the airport to Amsterdam Central Station.

Alternatively, you can also drive to Amsterdam and park on the outskirts of the city center. Depending on where you park, prices vary between 10 – 20 EUR for a day parking ticket.

We recommend to rent a car in Netherlands through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Your Budget for Amsterdam

It is good to budget your trip to Amsterdam. It is slightly more expensive than other cities in the Netherlands, like Rotterdam . Plan to spend around 90 – 140 USD per day, with accommodation and restaurants as the largest expenses.

Costs of Traveling in Amsterdam

Travel on a budget in Amsterdam, from $650 − $1330 USD weekly per person, mid-range $1020 − $2320 USD, and high-end from $2210 − $3390 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $60 − $300 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $50 − $150 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $10 − $30 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $40 − $80 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $15 − $60 USD
• Activities: $15 − $35 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to Visit Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a great city to visit year-round. However, weather-wise, April to September has the most days of sunshine.

The best time to visit Amsterdam will be April and May, with rays of spring sunshine, temperatures between 10 – 20 degrees, and a city that isn’t too crowded with tourists. 

Alternatively, winter from November to March can have beautiful days, too, and even the chance of the canals being frozen. Ice skating on the canals was a yearly returning event twenty years ago, but it has unfortunately become very rare due to climate change. 

Note: During Kingsday (April 27) and Pride Parade every hotel room is booked in the city. Book far in advance.

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• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

Zaanse Schans Windmills: A perfect Day Trip from Amsterdam

9 best day trips from amsterdam, 11 best things to do in utrecht.

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Welcome to My Amsterdam Travel Blog!

Well done you found my amsterdam travel blog, what you can find on this amsterdam travel blog....

Essentially, you can find nearly all the information you may need to plan a trip to Amsterdam, starting from choosing the best time to visit, through to figuring out where to stay and what to do.

I am constantly adding new content about what you can do in Amsterdam and the surrounding region (as well as in the rest of the Netherlands ) so please do follow me on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram to read the newest posts on Amsterdam travel when they are published. Also, I have an Amsterdam Travel Guide board on Pinterest that you may like to follow, as well as this board sharing all the articles I've written on Amsterdam travel .

But hey, let's do a big juicy link dump of all the things I've already written and shared about Amsterdam. At my last count I have over 100 blog posts on Amsterdam , but of course some are more helpful than others so the ones listed below really are my best Amsterdam travel blog posts.

These posts will help you plan your Amsterdam trip (and each link opens in a new page) so get ready to start reading all about this fantastic city that still amazes and impresses me no matter how long I live here. 

IMPORTANT: Visiting Amsterdam in 2020 - Social Distancing Rules, Wearing a Mask & More Tips for Safe Travelling

Armchair Travel in Amsterdam - The Best Virtual Tours & Experiences

When is the Best Time to Visit Amsterdam?

Where to Stay in Amsterdam - Neighbourhood Guide

An Accessible Travel Guide for Amsterdam for Disabled Visitors 

The Best Hotels in Amsterdam for All Budgets

The Best Hotels in Amsterdam City Centre

The Best Luxury Hotels in Amsterdam

The Best Tips, Ideas & Hotels for an Amsterdam Staycation

The Ultimate Amsterdam Bucketlist (The Best 50+ Things to do!)

100+ Free Things to do in Amsterdam

The Best Amsterdam Souvenirs & Gifts

The Best Books About or Set in Amsterdam

The Best Photo Spots in Amsterdam

The Best Parks & Outdoor Spaces in Amsterdam

Solo Travel in Amsterdam (& 30+ Best Things to do in Amsterdam Alone)

The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Amsterdam - The Best Vegan Restaurants, Cafes, Shops & More!

The Best Coffeeshops in Amsterdam (And What You Need to Know About Cannabis in Amsterdam )

The Best Things to do in Amsterdam at Night

How Expensive is Amsterdam?

Tips for Visiting Amsterdam on a Budget

The I amsterdam City Card - Is it worth getting?

Guide to Visiting Amsterdam with Kids

Guide to Visiting Amsterdam with Teenagers

Best Things to do During One Day in Amsterdam

Tips for Cycling in Amsterdam

Your Guide to Amsterdam in  Spring  /  Summer  /  Autumn  /  Winter

Guide to Visiting Amsterdam at Christmas & New Year

Tips for Seeing Amsterdam from the Water (Canal Cruise/Private Boat/Pedalo and more!)

Tips for Finding Tulips in Amsterdam (All Year!)

Tips for Finding Cherry Blossom in Amsterdam

Guide to De Pijp Neighbourhood in Amsterdam

Tips for Staying in Self-Catering Accommodation in Amsterdam

The Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

A Local's Guide to King's Day in Amsterdam

Tipping Etiquette in Amsterdam

The Best Ways to Travel Virtually to Amsterdam - Best Virtual Tours, Experiences & More!

Things to do in Amsterdam with a Dog

Photos of Empty Amsterdam Streets (And How to Take Them)

and if you're curious - The Reasons We Live in Amsterdam

I'm going to update this page again soon with a few quick tips and my favourite things to do in Amsterdam, as well as adding all the latest Amsterdam travel blog posts as and when they're published, but really the most in-depth information about Amsterdam travel is already in the posts above! If you don't have time to read all the blogs now, then here are some images for you to pin the post and read it later. 

And if you have an Amsterdam travel question that isn't answered here, then contact me on  Facebook ,  Twitter  or  Instagram  - I'll do my best to get back to you as quickly as I can! Thanks! And happy Amsterdam travel planning!

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How to See the Best of Amsterdam in 2 Days: Itinerary, Map & Insider Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: December 23, 2023

Planning a visit to Amsterdam and wondering if two days are enough and how to see the best of Amsterdam in 2 days ? This guide covers all the must-see places that you can see in the city in two days. In addition, we share a suggested 2-day Amsterdam itinerary and insider tips for your trip. Find out!

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands is a lively, vibrant place. With its beautiful canals, historic buildings, world-class museums, and lots of cultural attractions, a visit to Amsterdam is always an extraordinary experience. One you won’t quickly forget.

If you are planning to spend 2 days in Amsterdam and are wondering what to see and do in the city, this article should give you a good idea of how to best plan your time. For a shorter stay, please check our guide to the best of Amsterdam in 1 day , whereas if you have a bit more time, check out our 3-day itinerary for Amsterdam .

Rain or shine, there are endless things to do in the city! In this itinerary, we included all the ‘musts’ and our best suggestions for what you can see and do in Amsterdam in two days. In addition, you’ll also find some alternative tips and ideas to suit your interests or the season when you travel.

This guide will also be perfect for those looking to spend a weekend in Amsterdam. To help you plan your trip, we also include a map of all the places we recommend visiting – see further below.

Good to know: We live in Belgium and have been to Amsterdam many times, but it’s always nice to get a local’s perspective as well. So for this guide, we also included tips from bloggers at Ask The Dutch Guide . They are from the Netherlands and helped us create this guide that will help you to see the very best of Amsterdam in two days.

To help you plan your Amsterdam city break, we indicated all the locations and places of interest mentioned in this article on the map . That way, you have a better idea of where everything is and how to plan your time.

Take a look at our suggestions, pick the places that interest you the most, and use this guide as an inspiration to help you plan your own dream trip to Amsterdam. Of course, you can switch things around and create your own perfect itinerary that best suits your interests.

At the bottom of this article, you can also find some essential tips for your visit (or check out our Amsterdam travel tips for even more info). Find out!

TIP: If you are planning on exploring Amsterdam for a few days, you might want to consider getting a multi-day public transport ticket . It includes all trams, buses, metro, and even ferries and makes it simpler to get around the city and make the most of your time.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Here’s our suggested Amsterdam 2 day itinerary:

On your first day in the city, we suggest visiting one or two popular museums, going on a canal cruise, exploring the canals on foot, and visiting the main areas of central Amsterdam. This will give you a good introduction to the city.

Here’s what your first day in Amsterdam could look like:

Anne Frank House

Anne Frank House is one of the most popular places to visit in Amsterdam. Many people come to Amsterdam just to see this house where a young Jewish girl and her family hid from the nazis during WWII. During that period (1942-44), she kept a diary where she described the daily life in their hiding place, her thoughts, and feelings.

In 1944, their hiding place was discovered, and Anne was deported to Auschwitz concentration camp and later to Bergen-Belsen camp. She died in 1945, a few months before the war ended. Of the whole family, only Anne’s father survived. He later published her diary which has been translated into 70 languages and is now known all over the world.

Good to know: As you can imagine, the original part of the Anne Frank House is a rather small place. So the number of visitors is very limited. If you are planning to visit here, you’ll have to reserve your tickets online in advance. Tickets are available 6 weeks in advance and in the high season, they always sell out at least a few weeks upfront.

That’s why we list Anne Frank House as the very first thing to do on this Amsterdam itinerary. If you can, get the tickets for a time slot first thing in the morning. That way, you are more flexible during the rest of the day. But you can always make this itinerary work out depending on the availability of the tickets.

TIP: If you can’t get the tickets for the museum anymore – or if you also want to learn more about Anne Frank’s life and WWII history in the Netherlands – consider this guided tour . This brand new tour is the only one that includes a visit to Anne Frank House.

Alternative: If you are not interested in the Anne Frank House or cannot get the tickets anymore, visit one of the other best museums in Amsterdam . More info on day 2 of this itinerary below.

Amsterdam Canals & Canal Cruise

No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without exploring its magnificent canals . Dug in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, Amsterdam canals are lined by some of the city’s most impressive buildings. Nowadays, the canals are where you can catch a glimpse of authentic Amsterdam. Beautiful, chaotic, lively, and vibrant.

There are many ways to explore Amsterdam canals – on foot, by boat, or by bike. Keep in mind that there are many kilometers of canals and there’s no way to see them all on such a short visit. We recommend walking at least a few sections of the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht and taking a canal cruise to explore more.

This is something you can do after visiting a museum in the morning. It’s a great way to get a quick view of the city. It will also give you a good overall perspective of where everything is.

All the boat tours last about 60-75 minutes and usually pass Herengracht , one of the most impressive canals in the city. During the boat ride, you will see a lot of landmarks and popular buildings as well. 

TIP: There is a very nice canal cruise that starts right next to Anne Frank House (see here ). This is also an excellent option if you are visiting Amsterdam in the warmer months as the boat they use in the summer season is open.

Alternative: If you start your day in the vicinity of the railway station, you can also take this canal cruise that starts in that area. You can easily walk to Anne Frank’s House from there (so you could visit the museum after the cruise). It’s a nice 20-30 minute walk along the beautiful Prinsengracht and the old town. After the tour and the museum, you can then explore the Jordaan neighborhood nearby.

LEARN MORE: Info & Tips for Best Canal Cruises in Amsterdam

Jordaan Neighborhood

After your visit to Anne Frank House and the canal cruise, it’s time to explore the city deeper. Get to know the real character of Amsterdam by checking out the side streets of the main canals! The best way to go about this is to explore Jordaan , a popular neighborhood in the city center.

Grab a cup of coffee or get some lunch at one of the cafes in this quirky neighborhood. This will give you that extra jolt because you will be walking a lot more here before you retire for the night. You should definitely try Dutch pancakes in this neighborhood!

You can easily explore this neighborhood on your own. Jordaan is famous for its arts, food, and architecture. Some parts of it are quite touristy, but if you head just a bit further away from the main canals, you’ll find a very local feel and authentic Amsterdam where there are (luckily) more locals than tourists.

TIP: Most walking tours also come to this neighborhood and there is an excellent Dutch food tour that starts in this area at around 11 am. But with just two days in Amsterdam, you’ll have to choose what’s worth your time and money the most. If you want to explore the city center with a local guide, probably a better way to see a lot in a short time is by taking a bike tour .

The Nine Streets

Another nice place to see in central Amsterdam is the area called the Nine Streets ( De Negen Straatjes ). This is a series of old cobbled streets that connect the main canals between  Leidsegracht and Raadhuisstraat .

The 9 Streets area is famous for its narrow streets, charming houses, and indie boutiques. Here, you can still find a touch of authentic Amsterdam and quirky stores that haven’t been taken over by big groups that have forever changed so many other places in the Netherlands.

No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without spending some time exploring the nine alleyways and the surrounding canals.

Amsterdam Begijnhof

If you are looking for another more authentic experience in Amsterdam, don’t miss the  Begijnhof (Beguinage). This medieval inner courtyard where the women of the Catholic sisterhood lived is one of the hidden gems in the city center.

The last Beguine who lived here passed away in the 70s and the houses are now private residences.

This small area houses a church, a few historic houses, and one of the original wooden houses in Amsterdam. This black house is the oldest in the city and just one of the two that survived the big fire.

It is not entirely unknown, but not nearly as busy as all the main attractions of Amsterdam. It’s a nice place to escape the hustle and bustle for a few minutes.

Practical information: In order not to disturb the residents too much, Begijnhof is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. You can visit free of charge. It has two entrances, but it looks like recently you can only enter via Gedempte Begijnensloot (at the end of the Schuttersgallery).

Damrak, Dam Square & the Royal Palace

Afterward, head on over to Dam Square , the main square of the city. On one side, you’ll see the Royal Palace Amsterdam, and on the other – a National Monument .

This is a popular place to meet and there are often all kinds of events taking place here. It’s always crowded. Nevertheless, it’s worth a quick visit for a couple of pictures, just beware of pickpockets.

After that, continue northwards along Damrak , an avenue that connects Dam Square with the Amsterdam Central Station. Here, you’ll find the former stock exchange Beurs van Berlage , and some of the typical houses that you often see on postcards from Amsterdam.

TIP: Don’t miss Damrak Waterfront . It’s one of the most photogenic places in Amsterdam. Behind it, in the direction of the Red Light District, you’ll also find lots of restaurants. This is a good (although touristy) place for dinner.

Red Light District

Towards the evening, it’s time to hit the popular Red Light District .

In this area, you will find about 400 red-light and blue-light windows, a lot of ‘coffee’ shops, and bars. Be mindful that the area gets really packed at night. Grab a drink and bask in the party scene before you call it a day. Just note that alcohol consumption or smoking is no longer allowed in public areas.

For a few years already, there are talks of moving the Red Light District out of the city center altogether. And indeed, some women working here have moved to the quieter streets a bit away from the sight of tourists.

Many people find a visit here a bit intimidating, so they prefer to go with a local guide. You can visit with a guided walking tour through the area and I have to say that the tours are really good. We recently took this highly-rated tour and – despite having been to the area many times before – we learned so much. If you want to get some background information about this historic area in Amsterdam, I highly recommend this tour.

Of course, you can always go and wander around on your own or book a private tour . There are also several museums in the Red Light District. The best one by far is the Museum of Prostitution where you can learn some history and interesting facts.

TIP: In addition to the Red Light District tours, there are now also ‘cultural’ Ganja tours of coffee shops. So if you want to get to know this alternative side of Amsterdam but don’t know where to start, this popular tour might be something to consider.

There are so many ways to spend your second day in Amsterdam! You can opt to see more of the top Amsterdam attractions and visit the floating flower market, check out some of its world-class museums, have a relaxing time in a park, or even take a 15-min train ride to Haarlem for dinner. Or you can end your trip with a relaxing canal cruise in the evening… This is the itinerary described in detail further below.

Alternative: You can also start your second day in Amsterdam with a visit to the flower market, followed by a short half-day tour to the Windmills of Zaanse Schans . After that, you can still visit one of the museums and the park.

If you’re not interested in the museums at all, then consider taking a day trip from Amsterdam and explore more of the Netherlands. Here you can find our selection of the best day trips from Amsterdam . In that case, visit the floating flower market on day 1 of this itinerary.

TIP: If you are visiting Amsterdam in the spring, you should definitely consider taking a trip to Keukenhof Gardens and Lisse tulip fields , just outside the city. You can book a transfer with the tickets (go first thing in the morning!) and then explore more of the city after you get back in the early afternoon.

Here is what your second day in Amsterdam could look like:

Bloemenmarkt – Floating Flower Market

Start your day with a visit to the famous floating flower market of Amsterdam. The Bloemenmarkt has various florist shops that sell many types of flowers, flower bulbs, and all kinds of Dutch souvenirs. 

This is the best place in the city to find the beautiful flowers that the Netherlands is so famous for. And, of course, the tulips. It’s also the most colorful of the Amsterdam attractions!

The flower market is a really touristy place with so many souvenirs and tourist groups flocking the area. But it’s also one of the places that are so typical to Amsterdam that you really shouldn’t miss it. Furthermore, if you don’t want to spend anything, you don’t have to! Just take in the beautiful views of flowers and make sure you take plenty of snaps for the ‘gram. 

TIP: Come here in the morning before the tourist groups arrive. The market is usually open from 9 AM (from 11.30 AM on Sundays). If you buy flower bulbs, make sure that they feel firm. Don’t buy flower bulbs that feel soft, show signs of mold, or are damaged.

Van Gogh Museum

If you are looking for a nice museum to visit in Amsterdam, in addition to Anne Frank’s House, we suggest the Van Gogh Museum . Here, you can see the world’s most extensive collection of Vincent Van Gogh masterpieces. They also have about 500 drawings and over 750 of personal letters on display.

The museum is not your typical art gallery—instead, it tells the story of Van Gogh’s life through his art. You will gain a personal insight into his life and where he drew his inspiration from. Even if you’re not a big fan of Van Gogh and his art, the museum is so well done that it’s really enjoyable!

Count at least an hour for your visit to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Ideally, you plan 1,5-2 hours for a visit. If you plan well and get your tickets in advance, this will be the time well spent.

Good to know: The museum is open daily all year round, from 9 AM. Tickets are only available online and the number of visitors is limited. So make sure to get your museum tickets online in advance! With an online ticket, you can visit both the permanent collection and any of the temporary exhibitions.

READ ALSO: Tips & Tricks for Visiting Van Gogh Museum

Rijksmuseum

Another extremely popular museum in Amsterdam (and the most visited museum in the country) is the Rijksmuseum . This is one of the main attractions in the city and is definitely worth a visit as well.

You can find world-renowned artworks on permanent display here, such as The Night Watch, The Milkmaid, and also some important paintings by Vincent Van Gogh. You will also find masterpieces by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Johannes Vermeer. Moreover, they regularly change their exhibitions throughout the year.

Most of the people who come to the museum spend two to three hours here. But you could easily spend half of the day here. Rijksmuseum is enormous, with approximately 8,000 objects of art and history.

TIP: If you are really into art and you think that you might need more time here, then it’s probably best to come here early in the morning. That way it’s easier to plan your day and the museum is not that packed yet. After that, have lunch and then visit the nearby Van Gogh museum in the afternoon.

Practical information: The museum is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Also here, it’s best to book your tickets online as that will guarantee you a timed entry and will allow you to skip the ticket line.

Alternative: Instead of the more traditional Rijksmuseum, you may want to check out the nearby Moco Museum . It’s a great modern museum that – among many others – at the moment of writing features works of Banksy, the most famous street artist in the world.

Vondelpark & Heineken Experience

After your museum tour, check out Vondelpark . This beautiful park is just a few minutes walk from the Museumplein (where Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and many other museums are located).

The park is a scenic spot with a lake and a big variety of plants. It’s especially beautiful in spring when there are tulips everywhere. And while it’s very popular with locals and tourists alike, the park is so big that it never really feels crowded.

If you feel like it, you can even rent a bike to get around the park. Or simply go for a relaxing stroll.

TIP: There are several cafés in the area, so this is also a good place for you to have lunch. If you are visiting two museums on the same day, you may want to take a relaxing walk in the park in between your museum visits.

In this same area, you can also visit Heineken Experience . Located inside Heineken’s oldest brewery, this is now an interactive museum. If you like this famous Dutch beer, this is a must! But even if you are not fond of beer, it’s really impressive. We recently visited here and I can highly recommend it. It’s another typically Dutch experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

Alternative: If you prefer to learn about (and taste) other traditional drinks, check out the House of Bols , the world’s oldest distilled spirit brand experience. It’s also located in this area.

Haarlem OR…

If you want to see a bit more of the Netherlands, for dinner, you could visit the nearby town of Haarlem . It’s only 15 minutes from Amsterdam by train, but you’ll first have to get to Central Station, etc.

In Haarlem, have dinner in the main square, stroll around the city center, and just relax. It’s a beautiful medieval town surrounded by a defensive wall, with old buildings, cobbled streets, and winding canals.

Haarlem is a very picturesque place. It is also referred to as a “scaled-down” version of Amsterdam. It deserves more time than just a few hours, however, but if you absolutely want to see as much as possible in just two days in Amsterdam, it can be done.

TIP: If you decide to go here, install the NS Railway app and check if the trains are running normally before heading to the station. Just recently we were in Amsterdam and wanted to go to Haarlem for a couple of hours. Luckily, we checked the app first because the trains were not running due to a technical problem, so it saved us quite a walk to the station.

… OR Amsterdam Canals at Night

If you find the practicalities of getting to Haarlem not worth the trouble, just stay in Amsterdam and have a relaxing evening in the city.

You can go for a walk along the beautifully lit canals, find a nice restaurant for dinner, and you can also opt for an evening canal cruise . This way, you can rest on the boat after a long day of walking in the city and you can see the canals in a very different light.

Yet another alternative would be to visit A’DAM Tower . Located just across the water and easily reachable by a free ferry from behind the Central Station, a visit here takes you to a more modern part of Amsterdam. The views from the top of the tower are amazing and you can have a drink at their rooftop bar before (or after) dinner.

Are two days enough for Amsterdam?

Yes, two days are enough for all the main landmarks of Amsterdam. You can see all the ‘musts’, visit several of its best museums, and a few lesser-known areas. In addition, if you plan well, you can even take a short half-day excursion outside the city. Amsterdam is, therefore, also a perfect destination for a weekend trip!

With these activities and places to visit, your two-day trip in Amsterdam will surely be worth it! And even though two days are not enough to explore the city thoroughly, you’ll get a very good view of what Amsterdam is truly about.

TIP: If you have more than 2 days in Amsterdam, take a look at our recommended 3-day itinerary or 4-day Amsterdam itinerary . I also suggest getting out of the city and exploring some of the Dutch countryside or other beautiful towns in the Netherlands. You can find all our best suggestions via the link below!

LEARN MORE: Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

Practical Tips

Book in advance! Amsterdam is an extremely popular destination, one of the most-visited cities in Europe. So make sure to book your hotels and tours in advance. By doing so, you can look forward to a smooth two-day visit to the city.

Pack comfortable walking shoes  – you will be walking a lot.

Get a city card. With two days in Amsterdam, it might be interesting to consider the IAmsterdam city card . You can get a card for 24 hours, 48 hours, or longer. It includes free entrance to 60 museums, public transport, a canal cruise, big discounts for many other attractions and some restaurants, and many other perks. The longer your stay, the more sense it makes.

If you are not keen on walking more than necessary, use public transport . You can get (multi) day tickets online in advance and use them for all buses, trams, ferries, etc. If you are just taking a tram occasionally, it is now possible to pay by simply scanning your debit card or smartphone payment method on the tram.

If you want to explore Amsterdam by bike , it’s best to go with a guided bike tour and a local guide . If you rent a bike, I’d try to stick to the parks and avoid the busy roads. Biking in Amsterdam can be very chaotic and stressful if you don’t know where exactly to go as locals use bikes for commute and don’t have much patience with anyone interrupting the steady flow of bikes all over the city.

If you don’t absolutely have to, don’t come to Amsterdam by car. We live in Belgium, and with a big family, and on a weekend, it’s cheaper and easier for us to simply drive to Amsterdam. But the parking fees are crazy. Last time we paid over 50 EUR for (not a full) day.

Beware of pickpockets. As in any other bigger city in the world, beware of pickpockets. Be mindful of your belongings and don’t carry around anything you don’t absolutely need.

Check the weather forecast before you leave for the day. The weather can be very changeable in this part of Europe, especially during the shoulder season. Also, adapt your plans to the weather a bit if you can, but don’t stress about it too much. Even in the rain, Amsterdam is amazing! And it hardly ever rains the whole day anyway.

Stay in the city center – more info below.

LEARN MORE: Tips & Tricks for Visiting Amsterdam

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

If you are visiting Amsterdam for the first time and want to make the absolute most of your trip, stay as close to the city center as possible.

The best location to stay for sightseeing in Amsterdam is southwest of Central Station. It’s a nice area with lots of shops and restaurants and within easy walking distance of all the main attractions.

Here are some of the best hotels in the most central part of Amsterdam, for all budgets, sorted from high to low:

• €€€€€ NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace  – a very popular (and reasonably priced) 5* hotel.
• €€€€ Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre  – one of the top picks – 4* hotel.
• €€€ Hotel The Exchange  – very good location/ value 3* hotel.
• €€ Hotel Clemens  – best-rated 2* hotel in the center.
• €+ ClinkNOORD Hostel  – one of the best lower-budget options, easily reachable by a very short (and free) ferry ride from the center.

Our personal recommendation close to the station is Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam – one of the best price/value/location 4* hotels in the city center.

If you don’t mind taking a tram/taxi to your hotel, check out Park Centraal Hotel close to Rijksmuseum. We recently stayed here for a few days and absolutely loved it. This part of town is perfect for the best museums in Amsterdam , sightseeing, etc. It’s not ideal if you are planning on taking day trips and have to go to the station a few times during your stay, but the tram ride is only 12 minutes, so even that is doable.

READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Amsterdam on Your First Visit

So, this is our guide to the best of Amsterdam in two days.

We hope that it will help you experience the bustling capital city of the Netherlands and get the absolute most of your short visit. It’s a place that you will never forget!

If this itinerary inspired you to spend more than two days in Amsterdam, be sure to check our guide to some of the most popular sights and tourist attractions in the city as well (link below). There’s so much more to see in Amsterdam that you could easily fill a few extra days here as well, not even to mention all the nice places to see outside the city…

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

More tips for visiting Benelux:

• Must-see in spring (NL): Keukenhof Park & Dutch Tulip Fields
• Charming towns (NL): Top Places to See in Delft & Alkmaar Cheese Market
• Dutch windmills (NL): Kinderdijk Windmills
• Where to go in Belgium (BE): Belgium Itinerary
• Luxembourg & surroundings (LUX):  Best Day Trips from Luxembourg
• Interesting to know (BE):  Belgium Facts
• Brussels (BE): Best Things to Do in Brussels & Where to Stay in Brussels
• Bruges (BE): Best Things to Do in Bruges & Bruges Christmas Market
• Antwerp (BE):  Best Things to Do in Antwerp  & Antwerp Hidden Gems
• With kids (BE):  Best Theme Parks in Belgium
• Belgian war sites (BE):   Ypres and WWI Sites  &  Bastogne War Museum
• Amsterdam in June
• Amsterdam in December
• Amsterdam at Christmas
• Belgium in Winter

READ ALSO: Travel Photography: Simple Tips for Better Pictures

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Image credits: personal collection and Depositphotos.com

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Thursday 2nd of November 2023

Hi, Wonderful and helpful website! I am looking at flying into Paris for my western European trip with a hire car. In Rome I have thoughts of parking at the airport and staying a night in rome to see all the sights. In Amsterdam, I was considering spending a night south of Amsterdam near the tulip field, a night north of Amsterdam near the Windmills tours, but on the third night I was wondering if you think it will be feasible to find a airbnb or hotel where I can park the hire car. What do you think? Many thanks,

Saturday 4th of November 2023

Hi Rachael, first, you may want to rethink your itinerary. Driving from Paris to Rome and/or Amsterdam is quite a trip (and in two different directions). Plus, you really don't need a car for visiting major cities in Europe, not even to mention the tolls you have to pay on the highways in some countries (France, Italy), fixed fees (Switzerland, Austria), parking fees, and limited traffic zones or other ecologic restrictions which are different in every country and even every city... And don't forget that traffic can be really bad in and around all the big cities everywhere in Europe. Plus, if you rent a car in one country, you also have to check if they allow you to take it abroad and if there are any additional fees for that. Let's just say that you'll need to do A LOT of research and it will likely cost you a lot more than using other means of transportation. The best way to travel between Paris and Amsterdam is by train and if you want to go to Rome, it's easier (+ faster and cheaper) to fly. As for accommodations, it's never easy to find a place with parking in the city center, but you can use public parkings. Parking is usually not a problem outside the cities, but you have to check each accommodation separately. You may want to take a look at our article with tips on how to plan a trip to Europe for some additional information and itinerary ideas. Hope this helps.

Saturday 19th of August 2023

This is one of the very best travel help sites I've come across in the past several years of planning my Europe trip! Thank you for a job above and beyond "well done".

Friday 25th of August 2023

Glad to help, Cheryl. Appreciate your kind feedback. Good luck with the planning and have a great trip!

Marc Witter

Monday 1st of August 2022

Why in the world I didn't find you earlier I'll never know. HOWEVER, I did, just before we are leaving for Amsterdam. I spent many days reviewing many sites to see what we would do in the three days we have in the city, before leaving on a Viking Cruise. After reviewing your entire blog I must say you really have the highlights down to a T. I had already booked the two museums, and some smaller things but will select your choices for two canal rides-day and night, Ann Frank Jewish section tour (without going in as we missed the boat there as it's sold out), Haarlem for one night dinner and finally will visit the Jordan neighborhood. You write in a very clear and concise manner making it easy to follow your suggestions. I'll be sure to look you up for my next Europe trip as well as tell my friends. Continued best wishes to you and your family. Safe and Happy Travels. Aloha

Tuesday 2nd of August 2022

WOW - thank you for your kind words, Marc. Your comment made my day! Hope you have a great time in Amsterdam and enjoy your cruise. Happy travels!

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Amsterdam travel blog — The fullest Amsterdam travel guide for first-timers

Amsterdam is a strange city, but strange things are not strange at all because they are rooted from the most civilized ideas. A city in which you should not be surprised to see a warning: “You will be not arrested for using drugs in Amsterdam. Call 112 for medical assistance ”, which means you will not be considered guilty if you use drugs. Or another special thing is that there is a separate neighborhood for prostitution, yes it is a government-approved job to operate normally like any other profession. It is a civilized country with a high sense of every citizen.

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• Amsterdam 2 days itinerary — What to do in Amsterdam in 2 days & how to spend 2 days in Amsterdam?
• How to get around Amsterdam cheap? — 7 cheapest & best way on how to travel cheap in Amsterdam
• The Hague blog — The fullest the Hague guide for first-timers
• Rotterdam travel blog — The fullest Rotterdam travel guide for first-timers

So, is Amsterdam worth visiting? Let’s discover one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe through our Amsterdam travel blog (Amsterdam blog) with the fullest Amsterdam travel guide blog (Amsterdam city guide, Amsterdam visitors guide) for a wonderful trip to Amsterdam on a budget for the first time from how to get there, where to stay, best places to visit and what to do… in Amsterdam below to find out the answer!

There are many other interesting things, of course there are many beautiful museums, the signature canals that only the Netherlands has and the habit of taking bicycles as a daily means of transportation of Amsterdam people. We can explore them slowly.

Amsterdam city guide: When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

This depends on each person, some people like to go in the summer from May to August because it is the tourist season, the weather is not too hot as other Mediterranean cities and this time Tulip flowers also bloom. But some people like to go in the spring because you will avoid crowded scenes if you go in the summer, and spring is the season where the flowers at Keukenhof flower garden bloom from mid-March to mid-May, and the flowers garden also only open during that time.

In Amsterdam there is usually rain all year round but usually is drizzle and only rain in the evenings. However, if you intend to travel here, you should bring a jacket or a cold coat to prevent storms and unusual cold winds. Because of such weather, most of the hotels here are not equipped with air conditioning, but instead have a fireplace in the room. From December until January, the coldest time, dense snowfall, everything seemed to freeze. However, it is rarely frozen, so you can not play ice skating on the canals like in the movies you often see.

If you have a chance to come to Amsterdam in the winter, it is extremely noticeable because the Netherlands is in the sea climate region adjacent to Northern Europe, so the winter here is super cold, you will just want to remove your hands from the pockets a little bit, try to press button to take photos and then have to put your hands back into pockets immediately. It’s so cold, so remember to bring really warm clothes, until May but in Amsterdam, the temperature is still around 10 degrees Celsius, how do you feel?

Amsterdam travel blog: Getting around Amsterdam

Generally Amsterdam has all kinds of public transport like many other cities, such as Metro, Tram, Bus and especially people here love to ride bicycles. Bicycles have become Amsterdam’s distinctive cultural feature, simple, improve health and protect the environment.

The single ticket (Single Journey) price for all means of public transport is €2.80 and you can use all types of public transport within 1 hour, unlimited daily tickets cost €7.50. In addition, there also is OV Chipkaart card is cheaper if traveling a lot, just like EZ Link card when you traveling by MRT in Singapore . Bicycle rental prices range from EUR3-10/day.

Read more: How to get around Amsterdam cheap? — 7 cheapest & best way on how to travel cheap in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam blog: Where to stay?

There are 2 options for you to stay in Amsterdam, you can stay in the city center, convenient for traveling and more bustling, but the room rates is quite expensive. For backpackers, it is advisable to choose suburban hotels to save costs. In the suburbs you should choose the hotel near Metro station to going into the city only takes 5-10 minutes by train is also very convenient, but in the evening will not be bustling. To find such hostels you should find on Hostelworld.com or Airbnb.com will have more options and cheaper prices than regular hotels. The room rates at Hostelworld.com, Booking.com or Agoda.com are basically the same, but Hostelworld.com gives you more options on the type of hostel rooms.

In the city you may consider some of the following areas:

Central Station : This is the spot that will be very convenient for you because usually going from the airport to the city or taking a train from other cities in Europe has an end point at the central station. There are many hotels, hostels for you to choose from, restaurants, eateries or cafes around a lot, nothing to criticize, of course, the price will be more expensive than other remote areas. You can book hostel Budget Hostel Heart of Amsterdam with room rates from $23/night ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) at a good price, only a 10-minute walk from the station and located right the Dam Square.

Rembrandtplein : This area is located not far from the central station or Dam Square, but there are many luxury hotels, bars or restaurants. Staying in this area you can go to the Royal Palace and the National War Memorial very close. The good hostel at a nice price in Rembrandtplein has Stayokay Amsterdam Stadsdoelen with room rates from $25/night ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) , just a few steps away from Metro, flower market.

In addition to the above areas there are some other areas you can find on Booking.com or Agoda.com , that is Red Light district, also quite interesting if you want to try, this area does not have many hotels or hostel, the evening is not bustling with restaurants, cafes but only things that everyone knows!

Below are some best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

XO Hotels Couture (Address: Delflandlaan 15, 1062 EA Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 881 2595), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $62/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Lloyd Hotel (Address: Oostelijke Handelskade 34, 1019 BN Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 561 3636), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $51/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

XO Hotels Park West (Address: Molenwerf 1, 1014 AG Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 262 9263), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $62/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Ambassade Hotel (Address: Herengracht 341, 1016 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 555 0222), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $273/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Estherea (Address: Singel 303-309, 1012 WJ Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 624 5146), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $111/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam (Address: Rusland 17, 1012 CK Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 623 1231), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $161/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel2stay (Address: Tempelhofstraat 2, 1043 EC Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 229 6345), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $108/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Amsterdam Teleport Hotel (Address: Heathrowstraat 5, 1043 CE Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 210 3535), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $75/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky (Address: Dam 9, 1012 JS Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 554 9111), a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $184/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Amsterdam Centraal Station (Address: Oosterdoksstraat 4, 1011 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 530 0800), a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $219/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Casa (Address: Eerste Ringdijkstraat 4, 1097 BC Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 665 1171), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $60/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Check out more top and best hotels in Amsterdam via Agoda.com or Booking.com

Amsterdam travel guide: What and where to eat?

If you want to saving on eating and drinking in Amsterdam for Amsterdam on a budget trip, it is best to avoid restaurants in the center, just go to the supermarket to buy bread and sausage to eat, in Europe I used to saving costs like that. It only took about 10 euros a day while eating a meal in the restaurant you have to spend at least 15 euros. But if traveling without trying to discover some of the signature foods in that city, it is really flawed. Here are some traditional dishes or unique foods in Amsterdam that you can try.

Stroopwafel

Stroopwafel biscuits consist of two layers of thin baked dough made from butter, flour, sugar, eggs, water, yeast, cinnamon with caramel filling in the middle, dded honey, hazelnuts, jam, ….. depending on the chef’s improvisation and the request of the guests, that selling quite a lot at Albert Cuyp market.

In addition to being a popular street food in Amsterdam, Stroopwafel is also used for breakfast, dinner meals of Dutch people.

Dutch French Fries

The dish is of Belgian origin and quite popular in the world, however, only potato chips in Amsterdam are enchanting and voted as the world’s best potato chips.

Drop by the stalls and cafes on the streets of Amsterdam, and you’ll easily buy a “paper funnel” filled with crispy golden fries and a special sauce layer to eating on the street. There are more than 22 types of sauces served with fries such as chicken egg sauce, peanut sauce, vegetable sauce, spicy sauce … Depending on your preferences, you can choose your own sauces.

Bitterballen

One of the best dishes to come with a cool Heineken bottle. Bitterballen are deep-fried meatballs and are often served with mustard.

Appeared in 400 BC, with delicious, attractive flavor, cheese has become one of the most delicious, famous food in the Netherlands and also the largest cheese export country in the world. Therefore, any traveler when traveling to the Netherlands wants to enjoy cheese in this country. With a unique recipe, according to the long-standing traditional recipe, this cheese has created a delicious, new flavor, which makes diners love it.

This is a dish made from potato wrapped kernel inside and then fried. Today this dish becomes more common and popular in street food. There are over 100 different kinds of kernels made from meat, fish, vegetables, tubers, cheese … and used as an appetizer for luxurious parties, meals, holidays, …

The truly Dutch-style croquette must be soft, crispy outside and special flavor due to the skillful hands of Amsterdam chefs.

Vietnamese Loempia

Surprised? Is the name of the fascinating street food in Amsterdam related to Vietnam?

This dish has been around since the 1980s, with the first name being Loempia. Because of similar the Indonesian Loempia dish, the Dutch changed their name to Vietnamese Loempia to make it easy to distinguish.

This dish is similar to spring rolls in Vietnam but the ingredients and processing have changed to suit the Dutch. The outer shell of the cake is thick and yellow is similar to Vietnamese Hollow donuts (hollow bread) cake, the kernel is made up of a mixture of shrimp, meat, carrot, pepper, … This dish served with mayonnaise, tomato sauce or chili sauce.

Herring is not only a delicious, attractive dish in the Netherlands but this herring fish is also a familiar dish, popular with the people here. The dishes made from herring are very diverse and rich, each dish has its own unique flavor, but the best is still herring salad dish. The fishes were bought will be processed cleanly, filtered out the bones only to take the lean meat, then marinated with spices, salt and pepper and leave it for 1-2 days to be used. Make sure, when you enjoy this dish once, you will want to come back and enjoy it for the second time.

Kibbeling (Deep fried battered fish pieces)

If another specialty: Herring salad does not make you feel attractive, surely Kibbeling – deep-fried cod pieces will definitely seduce you right from the first bite.

Fresh fish is battered and deep-fried. This is a famous specialty of Amsterdam people in particular and in the Netherlands in general, and I am passionate about this dish. This dish is sold in many places, but it is best to go to seafood markets, restaurants near the coast to enjoy.

A delicious Dutch dessert. This mini and hot pancake is sold in many restaurants around Amsterdam but nothing can win against a hot pack of poffertjes just bought at a roadside stall. Poffertjes are made from simple ingredients such as yeast, buckwheat flour, sugar, butter… that are pureed, mixed together, then deep fried, create a very attractive flavor that makes diners will be impressed.

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How To Spend The Ultimate Weekend In Amsterdam

Museums, quirky hotels and plenty of fun activities… it’s time for the ultimate weekend in Amsterdam.

I really love Amsterdam. It’s one of the shortest flights you can take from London, yet you really feel like you’ve landed somewhere different. For me, it’s a city that oozes fun. It’s a wonderland of treasure-packed museums, Golden Age canals, Dutch brick buildings and narrow lanes. I’m sure once you’ve visited you’ll feel like ONE weekend in Amsterdam is simply not enough, but hey, it’s a good start!

To truly make the most of your 48 hours in Amsterdam, consider ordering an  I Amsterdam City Card . It’ll give you free or discounted entry to tonnes of museums and attractions in the city.

48 hours in Amsterdam will have you sipping on espresso at a café by the Singel canal, partying until the sun comes up, enjoying a dose of culture at one of the city’s top museums, and  getting lost in the endless boutiques of De Piip .

One thing I should mention… there’s a lovely mix of vibes in Amsterdam. Old and new, villagey areas and busy commercial districts – it’s somewhere where you really CAN have the best of both worlds. Hang out by the quiet canals, or hop on a bike and zoom around the city taking in the architecture, views and all that makes the city special. No doubt you’ll soak up plenty of Amsterdam’s buzz along the way. 

Whether you’re into history, culture, architecture, or want to party until dawn, this weekend guide to Amsterdam is the perfect place to kick off your trip planning.

Planning your trip to Amsterdam? Here are a few quick highlights:

The Ultimate Weekend Guide To Amsterdam

Hop on a bike around jordaan.

Sooooo, forget walking. In Amsterdam, bikes always come first!  58% of locals cycle daily, so hop on a bike and explore the city on two wheels. Jordaan is one of Amsterdam’s most central neighbourhoods, and one of the prettiest too. A cycle around there is what weekends in Amsterdam were made for!

With maze-like streets, quaint art galleries, and flower-lined canals, it’s a great area to explore. There’s also plenty to see and do in the area… from museums and markets, to quirky cafes.

Wander around De 9 Straatjes

If you’re looking for an intro to local culture, head to De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets.). It’s basically an assortment of picturesque streets, dotted with cute stores. It’s a lovely area to walk around, and you’ll find dozens of townhouses-come-fashion-boutiques, cafes, specialist stores, plus vintage and antique shops. You could pick up some lovely Amsterdam souvenirs to take home too!

Relax at Amsterdam’s favourite escape

One of the most popular parks in the entire country, Vondelpark remains a local and tourist favourite. Around 10 million people visit each year, so a little trip should definitely be on your list of things to do on your weekend in Amsterdam. Whether you want to relax on the grass after a long day, chill by the pond, cycle around it or catch one of the open-air concerts or festivals, it’s a lovely contrast to the busier areas of the city.

Spend a few hours in Museumplein

Grab some food, put on your comfiest shoes and brace yourself for an exciting journey through art, culture, and history. The Museumplein district allows you to jump right into Dutch history, culture and more by visiting some of Europe’s top museums.

From the artwork of top Flemish masters to ensemble portraits to Van Gogh masterpieces – you’ll find it all here. If you only have 48 hours in Amsterdam, then perhaps choose one museum rather than trying to cram all of them in to a short time.

• Rijksmuseum – This is definitely a crowd favourite. Visited by over 2.2 million people each year, the museum is a treasure trove of Dutch arts and history. The star of the show is Rembrandt’s Night Watch . Hate queueing? Book special ‘skip the line’ tickets here .
• Stedelijk Museum – If you’d rather get a good old dose of contemporary art and design, then this is the museum for you. It’s home to both temporary and permanent exhibitions, so check out the latest listings for what will be on during your visit.
• Van Gogh Museum –  This museum gives you the chance to step into Van Gogh’s world. Along with the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, you can also see some of the artist’s personal belongings and letters. It can get busy, especially at weekends, so consider booking in advance .

Cruise along Amsterdam’s canals

No doubt when you think of visiting Amsterdam, you think of canals, so it’d be a shame not to hop on a canal cruise and explore the city from the water. It’s one of the best things to do in Amsterdam.

I’d recommend taking this trip at the start of your city break as you’ll get a great overview of Amsterdam’s history and top attractions, and the general layout of the city, before you decide what to do with the rest of your time. Check latest prices here .

Check out cool street art at Spuistraat

It turns out Amsterdam is one colourful city! While some of the architecture is vibrant (and the colourful tulips will brighten up anyone’s day!) there’s something else adding to the fun of the city. Head to Spuistraat and you’ll find buildings covered in colourful murals by some of the world’s most famous street artists.

Explore the Red Light District

Despite its seedy reputation, you can’t spend the weekend in Amsterdam and not visit the Red Light District. In fact, if you had more than 48 hours in Amsterdam, I’d recommend spending an entire day exploring the area!

There’s plenty more to it than weed, sex workers, and tourists – the neighbourhood is, in fact, one of the oldest in Amsterdam. A warren of alleyways ending in medieval churches, neon-lit canals gliding between raucous bars, and surprising museums. You’ll be amazed at what you stumble across!

Have a deeply moving experience at the Anne Frank House

Another must-visit for a weekend in Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House is home to a museum experience retelling her incredible story. It’s a harrowing journey, but an important one, as you learn all about her life, and see where she hid when the Nazis swept through Europe.

Fly through the air on Europe’s highest swing

Adrenaline junkies – rejoice! If you want to see Amsterdam from a whole new perspective, then you’re going to absolutely  LOVE   A’DAM LOOKOUT . As you take your seat on the highest swing in Europe, you’ll be amazed by 360 degree views of the city. I reckon this is the perfect start, or end, to your weekend in Amsterdam! You’ll need to buy a ticket for the lookout, then once you’re up there the swing is a little bit extra!

Visit the home of Heineken

The Heineken Brewery is a mecca for beer lovers! Where else do you get to learn about the history and heritage of one of the most well-known beer brands in the world? Not to mention trying multiple samples? Definitely book in advance as it can get busy.

Enjoy a cold drink at Xtracold Icebar

Looking for the perfect place to chill out in Amsterdam? I’ve found the perfect spot! Enjoy a freshly made cocktail in -10 degrees, snap some pics sitting on giant ice blocks, and marvel at the impressive ice sculptures – no doubt you’ll enjoy your visit to one of Amsterdam’s most unique bars! Check latest prices here .

Eat at one of Amsterdam’s coolest restaurants

One of the highlights of your weekend in Amsterdam will be… EATING! Yep, this is a city that boasts hundreds of amazing, unique and stylish restaurants. Here are a few I’d recommend paying a visit to…

De Culinaire Werkplaats Restaurant – Ever been to a restaurant where you pay what you want? This unique Amsterdam restaurant has monthly menus that are inspired by art and abstract concepts… e.g. dishes inspired by light or architecture. While sometimes its a set menu, there are times when you choose what to pay for your meal.

The Avocado Show – Avocado isn’t just a breakfast food at this trendy Amsterdam restaurant. All the dishes celebrate the humble avocado, and alongside classic dishes with eggs, you’ll also find beautifully presented poke bowls, pancake stacks and even an avocado cheesecake!

Mama Kelly Restaurant – The cutest, most Instagrammable restaurant in Amsterdam, you’ll definitely want to snap some pics when you dine at Mama Kelly! There’s more to this spot than the adorable pink and gold decor, the food is pretty good too! Expect smoothie bowls, salads and oysters at lunch, and signature chicken and lobster dishes at dinner.

Stay at one of Amsterdam’s quirkiest hotels

Andaz hotel, amsterdam.

It’s like someone asked the designer to run wild with his imagination when it came to designing this hotel! From the minute you enter, to the minute you get into your room, you will be met with surreal, dream-like designs, architecture and furniture. Expect an Alice in The Wonderland garden, tulip-shaped chairs, all types of abstract architecture and plenty more. The rooms are as quirky as you would expect too… expect a giant fish turning into a spoon, walk-in closets, and wordy wallpapers.

Check the latest prices and availability here . 

Kimpton De Witt Hotel, Amsterdam

The blue and grey colour scheme of the Kimpton De Witt hotel gives an overall soothing feel to the whole place. Add to this plenty of local artwork, lush plants, spacious rooms, and intricate attention to detail and you’ve got yourself the perfect place to stay for your weekend away in Amsterdam.

Hotel, Not Hotel

One of the quirkiest hotels in Europe, this Amsterdam hotel is the embodiment of weird and wonderful design. It’s set in a former market, but the rooms each have their own personality, theme and art installations. Spend your night inside a Dutch tram carriage, a crow’s nest or even a gingerbread house! You’ll even get to look for secret bars… which might lead you to a Kevin-Bacon-dedicated-bar! I told you it was weird (in a good way!!)

Crane Hotel Faralda

So, someone apparently looked at a crane once and decided they wanted to build an entire hotel on top of it. So, yes. This hotel is situated on top of a harbour crane and boasts extremely luxurious suites – some with Jacuzzis overlooking the entire city! Pretty cool if you’re looking for a unique hotel in Amsterdam.

I hope this Amsterdam travel blog helps you plan an amazing few days in the city! If you’re wondering what to budget for your trip find out about the price of travel to Amsterdam . Have a great trip! 

Continuing your travels in the Netherlands? I’d recommend a visit to The Hague. Find out all about my time there in my Travel Guide To The Hague.

Enjoyed this post? Pin it for later…  

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

2 thoughts on “How To Spend The Ultimate Weekend In Amsterdam”

Hi, this was soooo helpful! Thanks a lot 😊

Thank you Wilma! I hope you have an amazing weekend in Amsterdam!

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Top things to do in amsterdam.

Top Amsterdam Tours

Amsterdam has so much more to offer beyond the common stigmas of the city. The city looks and feels like a Northern European Venice with its many canals and interesting architecture. The canals leave significant room for boat tours which are a ton of fun! The food and beverage scene in Amsterdam is also international in flavors which makes a food tour a must!

Amsterdam “Locals” Food Tour in Albert Cuyp Market

Explore Europe’s largest open-air market where you can taste Dutch delicacies from stroopwafels to beer flights!

Amsterdam Half Day Bike Tour

Beginning in the heart of Amsterdam, head through the Jordaan district and the city’s largest park. See the Rijksmuseum, Heineken, Amsterdam Central Station, and more. Bike Rental Included.

Skip the Line Rijksmuseum Tour

]With your expert art historian guide, see the best of the museum including Rembrandt’s famous The Night Watch. Learn the stories and discover the hidden gems of these artists and their works on this fun and informative tour!

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9 Best Tulip Tours From Amsterdam To See Tulip Fields in 2024

There are many ways to get the ultimate experience Amsterdam, so I sum up all the best tulip trip from Amsterdam!

Table of Contents

Best Tulip Tours In Amsterdam

The best place to visit famous tulips is not in Amsterdam but in Lisse.

It is not easy to get there if you take public transportation, but don’t worry, the tulip garden Keukenhof has worked with some travel companies offering tours to catch the beautiful flowers!

Top-Rated Tulip Day Tour From Amsterdam

Join a day tour that includes tulips, windmills, and more!

Day Trip From Amsterdam To The Tulip Garden, Keukenhof, Zaanse Schans, Cheese Factory, And Windmills

Want a quality day trip to famous Keukenhof, visit the historical windmills, see the famous views, and join the clogs wooden shoe workshop in Zaanse Schans in a small group?

This affordable small guided tour has a maximum of 16 guests. It comprises a windmill, a cheese factory, Clogs Wooden Shoe, and a tulip garden Keukenhof.

The meet-up point is a 5-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. First, you visit Zaanse Schans, where the guide explains the area’s history, and you have time to take photos with the nice view and join the Clogs Wooden Shoe workshop.

The next stop is to visit the cheese factory, so you know the history of Gouda cheese and try the different kinds of local cheeses, then head to the windmills. Afterward, you visit Keukenhof to end your day.

You can see beautiful cities and famous attractions at an affordable price in one day!

Keukenhof Tulips Garden & Giethoorn Day Tour From Amsterdam

If you want a day trip to experience the authentic Dutch village after Keukenhof, sign up for this tour!

The tour begins at IBIS Amsterdam Centre, less than a 5-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station.

Besides Keukenhof, the tour takes you to the renowned Dutch village, Giethoorn, known as the “Venice of North.” Public transportation takes around 2 hours from Amsterdam to Giethoorn, so it is very time-efficient to join a tour.

You have two hours to explore Giethoorn, including a 1-hour guided boat tour. The boat trip was the best experience in Giethoorn; you can imagine yourself living there while taking the boat trip.

Day Trip Excursion To Keukenhof, Zaanse Schans And Volendam

If you want a smaller guided tour, this tour is for you.

This guided private trip only consists of 8 guests at maximum. You will get the attention and support you need from the guide.

This tour starts from This is Holland, where you can take the 3-minute free ferry from Amsterdam Central Station. First, you visit and take nice pictures at Keukenhof, then head to Zaanse Schans, where you can see eight historic windmills, taste the locally-made cheese, and try on some classic wooden clogs!

The last stop is at Volendam, the old local fishing village village. You can try local food, like Smoked Eel, Stroll through the Historic Village, and experience the fish village vibe.

Join the tour if you want to visit different cities in one day!

Day Trip From Amsterdam To See Tulips At Keukenhof, Tulip Farm visit, And Windmill Cruise

Want a day tour that spends more time with the tulips? Get an insider look at the tulip business life? Pick this tour!

The meeting place is near This Is Holland, 3 minutes away by free ferry from Amsterdam Central Station.

Your day trip starts at the tulip farm, De Tulperij, where you can understand the tulip industry and the tulip stories in the Netherlands.

At De Tulperij, you will take many pictures at the bulb fields. Besides, the third-generation tulip farmers, Mr. Daan and Mrs. Anja, guide you through the tulip areas to learn everything about how these flowers are grown and the behind-the-scenes of the tulip industry.

Next, you will be guided to the Keukenhof and take a relaxing boat trip to see spectacular views of the passing scenery, including beautiful bulb fields, traditional windmills, and authentic Dutch villages.

This is the best tour to get all the ins and outs of the tulip season!

One-Day Excursion To Keukenhof, Tulip Fields, And Delft from Amsterdam

If you’ve been to Zaanse Schans and Volendam or would like to explore cities like Delft, hop on this tour.

Delft is another must-visit city known for iconic Delftware, and it is also where the famous artist Vermeer is from!

The private tulip tour departs at NH Hotel Amsterdam Barbizon Palace, less than a 5-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station to the garden, Keukenhof.

After visiting Keukenhof, you have 30 minutes to take pictures in the fields with the tulips. Afterward, it is time for Delft.

In Delft, you visit Delft Blue Pottery Factory for the workshop to learn about Dutch handcraft tradition . Also, you will have a chance to explore the city with a guided walking tour.

Delft is my favorite city besides Amsterdam. Delft is also a canal city but much more relaxing, so you can enjoy the local vibe here.

Helicopter Ride To See The Tulips Area

Want to have the tulip experience that you will never forget? Join this exclusive helicopter ride to see the Dutch tulips.

You will see the colorful tulip fields and much more than that!

This tour takes you into the sky to see the colorful flower fields, Dutch homes, towns, farms, windmills, and coastlines, and enjoy the unique sand dunes from above!

Discover the tulips and the Dutch sceneries with a helicopter flying experience!

Electric Vehicle Self-Guided Tour With GPS To See The Tulip Fields And The Beach

If you want more flexibility on your tulip trip, rent an electric car!

The car has a GPS guide, so you can explore the tulip fields and won’t get lost!

Perfect for travel solo, couple travel, or if you travel with your kid! As long as you have held a driver’s license for at least 3 years!

Cycling In The Iconic Tulip Fields Near Tulip Garden Keukenhof

Have you ever imagined taking pictures of yourself in the tulip field?

One of the best ways to do so is by joining a tulip bike tour, where a local travel guide shows you the best places to appreciate the tulips and take Instagram-worthy pictures or videos!

If you want to challenge yourself even more, join this small but affordable guided tour , where the guide takes you on a train and bike tour from Amsterdam to Keukenhof.

Landover Tulip Tour

If you want a more comfortable ride without a thrilling helicopter ride or cycling yourself, join the Landover Tulip tour!

In this 2.5-hour small guided tour, the expert guide takes you to the tulip fields on a jeep; you don’t need to do anything. The guide shows you to the fields, castle, and the De Tulperij tulip farm.

You will see more than just the flowers, but take a deep dive into the tulip industry at the tulip farm, De Tulperij.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

When is the tulip festival in amsterdam.

The tulip season starts from mid-March to Early May.

The world-famous tulip garden, Keukenhof , is not in Amsterdam but in Lisse and is open to the public from 21 March to 12 May 2024. You can find what you can do during Amsterdam Tulip Season and what tickets you need to pre-book beforehand.

Is Keukenhof Worth Visiting?

Yes, definitely.

You can see all kinds of tulips inside the tulip garden, the advanced gardening styles and other traditional performances. What I love about Keukenhof the most is that you can take many pictures in the garden.

If you have time, you can join some tulip field tours after visiting Keukenhof . Hence, you get the ultimate tulip experience in the Netherlands.

When Is The Best Time To Visit The Keukenhof Tulip Garden?

The tulip season is usually from mid-March to early May, depending on the weather.

You can always see lovely and blossom tulips inside the tulip garden, Keukenhof; for the tulip field near the tulip garden, the best time to visit the tulip field is in mid-April.

How Much Time Is Enough For Keukenhof?

You can decide how many hours you want to stay at Keukenhof, but for most people, you can see the best part of the garden within two hours; if you plan to see all the flowers in the park and enjoy your time there, it can take four hours.

I went there with some friends, it took us around three hours since my friends and I really enjoyed time at our own pace and also had lunch there.

Read my Keukenhof Garden Tips and things to do near Keukenhof , so you know to make your trip better!

Do You Need To Book Tulip Garden Keukenhof Tickets In Advance?

The tulip season attracts millions of tourists worldwide each year, so if you want to register your tickets early. If you are more interested in the tulip tours, reserving the spots beforehand is also recommended.

Besides the tulip tour, there are also some tickets you need to book in advance for the trip to Amsterdam in April .

How Do I Get The Ultimate Tulip Experience For My Trip In Amsterdam?

First, BOOK YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE!

There are millions of visitors each year to see the renowned Dutch tulips.

If your trip to Amsterdam is planned, book the tickets now so you won’t miss any fun tours and get your perfect tulip day!

I strongly recommend pre-book your tickets for upcoming Amsterdam trip in April .

Can I Bring The Tulip Bulbs Back To the US, UK, Or My Home Country?

Buying tulip bulbs at the airport is recommended since these bulbs usually have a certificate of inspection for the US/UK on the box. Please make sure you see the certification before paying.

Is It Needed To Stay Close To Keukenhof?

No. Keukenhof is in Lisse, but there’s no need to live close to it since it is very accessible by public transportation.

Suppose you want affordable accommodation with excellent access to public transportation. In that case, I recommend hotels in Amsterdam , like Hotel2stay , Meininger Hotel Sloterdijk , and Inntel Hotel .

Tulip Sightseeing Tours Near Amsterdam Conclusion

If you want to fully immerse yourself in Dutch tulips, join this tour , which includes visits to the tulip garden and the tulip farm on the same day. If you wish to combine your Keukenhof visit with the world-famous Giethoorn, check out this tour .

If you’ve planned your trip to Giethoorn but have yet to visit the famous windmill area, Zaanse Schans, and the Dutch fisherman’s village, Volendam, this tour is one of the most popular tours in the dutch tulip season. Reserve your spots before it’s sold out.

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