amsterdam tour plan

Amsterdam's Public Transportation

Essential Dutch Phrases

One Week in the Netherlands

48 Hours in Amsterdam

Getaways From Amsterdam

Top Things to Do in the Netherlands

Castles to Visit in the Netherlands

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Things to Do With Kids in Amsterdam

Shopping in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Top Markets

Live Music in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Must-Visit Museums

Guide to the Keukenhof Flower Gardens

Must-Try Food in the Netherlands

Craft Beer in the Netherlands

Heineken Experience

Amsterdam's Top Restaurants

Nightlife in Amsterdam

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Airports in the Netherlands

Getting Around the Netherlands

Cities to Visit

Complete Guide to Amsterdam

How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Amsterdam

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

With its 17th century Renaissance architecture and stunning network of canals, the city of Amsterdam has Old World appeal mixed with parks, museums, restaurants, and other activities that make it a thoroughly modern city. Yes, the city's Red Light District and coffeeshop culture both are magnets for boisterous crowds, but from street markets and stroopwafels to bicycle tours, breweries, and canal tours, there are plenty of tamer activities to enjoy in this capital of the Netherlands.

Read on for when to visit, things to do, where to eat and drink, where to stay, getting there, and tips for saving money on your next visit to Amsterdam.

Planning Your Trip to Amsterdam

• Best time to visit: The most popular tourist season in Amsterdam is from April through September, when the temperatures are mild, flowers are in full bloom, and days are long, making it easier to take advantage of the city's daytime activities and vibrant nightlife on foot or by bike. But don't discount other times of the year. During the holidays, elaborate light displays on homes, businesses, and the city's canals make it a winter wonderland, while in late fall and early spring, streets and main attractions are less crowded and hotels and airfare are less expensive. For more about the weather in Amsterdam, read our seasonal guide to the city .
• Getting Around: The historic parts of Amsterdam are compact and easily walkable. The city also has an extensive public transportation network consisting of trams, ferries, buses, and metros, which all use the same public transport chip card  ( OV-chipkaart ). Bicycles, residents' transit of choice, are also available for rent at several outfitters throughout the city.
• Travel Tips: Because of its location on the North Sea, Amsterdam is notorious for its frequent rain showers and temperature shifts, so come prepared with closed-toed, water-resistant shoes and a waterproof jacket, hat, or umbrella (or all of the above!). Note that currently, citizens of the European Union, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not need a visa if visiting for three months or less as long as they have a valid passport.

Things to Do

From museums and historical sites like the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House to parks, street markets, canal and bicycle tours, and the rich culinary history of its multicultural residents, Amsterdam has a variety of activities to occupy visitors.

While the city has dozens of attractions, here are the can't miss ones:

• Take an evening canal cruise . Declared a UNESCO heritage site in 2010, the city's network of 165 canals provide a unique vantage point for viewing Amsterdam's most notable architecture, from the historic homes that ring the most central canals to the modern buildings along the Amstel River. From November through January, the city presents the annual Amsterdam Light Festival, with dozens of art installations from renowned Dutch and international artists in and along the water.
• Tour the Anne Frank House . See the secret annex where Anne Frank, her family, and four others hid during World World II as well as entries from her famous diary and other moving remnants of the impact of her short life and the horrors of Nazi occupation in this museum on Prinsengracht. Note that entry is ticketed and must be secured a few months in advance, so plan ahead.
• View the work of the Dutch masters at the Rijksmuseum . With works from Vermeer to Van Gogh to Rembrandt, this museum houses the largest collection of Dutch and Flemish art in the country. Follow your visit with a picnic on the Museumplein or stops at the adjacent Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum of contemporary art, or the Concertgebouw, the city's performing arts hall.

Explore more of the city's best with our articles on Amsterdam's top attractions , how to spend 48 hours in Amsterdam , and 50 More Things to Do in Amsterdam .

What to Eat and Drink

From traditional local dishes like stroopwafels, raw herring, and pancakes to international imports like Indonesian Rijsttafel ("rice table," or a meal with several small plates), Indian, and more, Amsterdam's food scene is varied and offers something for every taste.

To sample the best of the city, visit De Foodhallen , which has over 20 food stalls offering everything from Dutch bitterballen (deep-fried beef smothered in breadcrumbs) and hot dogs with sauerkraut to Spanish pintxos, Vietnamese banh mi, and Indian street food. Don't miss the spot's gin and tonic bar, or sip on the unofficial city drink at Razmataz, which offers 50 different variations on the classic. To learn about gin's predecessor and the native spirit of the Netherlands, genever, visit the House of Bols distillery and museum.

Visit one of the 250-plus food stalls at Albert Cuyp Market in the De Pijp neighborhood, for stroopwafel, fresh herring, produce, flowers, and other goods, then stop into nearby Glou Glou for natural wines and snacks like cheese, bread, and more. For rijsttafel, try Blauw Indonesian south of Vondelpark or Sampurna on the Singel canal in Jordaan. Beer lovers will want to tour the Heineken Experience or visit Brouwerij 't IJ , an organic brewery located next to a working windmill.

For more on the city's food, read about its authentic Mexican restaurants , where to find Asian restaurants , and where to spend 24 delicious hours in Amsterdam .

Where to Stay

Amsterdam has a variety of accommodations, from five-star hotels to budget-friendly hostels. The most convenient and expensive options are in the inner canal belt, which is bordered by Amsterdam Centraal to the north and the Museum District to the south. Options range from luxury boutique hotels like the Kimpton DeWitt, Canal House, and the Pulitzer Amsterdam to standard chains like the Hyatt Regency, the Marriott, and the Hilton. For more affordable hotels, Oud Zuid (Amsterdam South) as well as De Wallen (Red Light District) in the east offer hostels, Air BNBs, and reliable brands like Hilton and Marriott.

To help you narrow down your choices, we've rounded up the top hotels in Amsterdam .

Getting There

Over 108 airlines fly to and from over 300 destinations worldwide to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, which is Europe's third busiest by passenger volume, a KILM hub, and located about 11 miles (19 kilometers) southwest of the city. Amsterdam Centraal train station is about a 15-20 minute ride from the airport. A one-way fare is 5.50 euros, which includes a 1 euro surcharge for a disposable ticket. Fares for the seven-minute ride to Amsterdam Zuid (south part of the city) are 3.80 euros, and from there, you can connect via the city's metro system to other parts of town.

Taxis are also readily available at the airport, with fares into the city center averaging between 45-50 euros, as are rideshares like Uber.

Amsterdam is also a short train ride from other points in Europe, like Paris (3:18 via Thalys), London (3:55 via Eurostar), and Cologne (2:38 via ICE international railways).

Culture & Customs

• Bicycles are a huge part of Amsterdam's culture and often outnumber cars. Avoid standing or walking in designated bike lanes.
• Restaurant service is different than in the United States. As is common in Europe, service is slower, and you will often have to flag down wait staff to place an order or ask for a check.
• Tipping is optional at restaurants, as service is built into prices, but if you want to leave extra, rounding up to the nearest Euro or up to 10 percent of the total bill is appreciated.
• There is a difference between a "coffeeshop" and a coffee shop or café. A coffeeshop (no space) is a place that sells marijuana and related products, while a coffee shop or café is where one sips coffee.
• Photos are forbidden in the Red Light District to protect the identities of the workers.

Money-Saving Tips

• Purchase an I amsterdam City Card . Available for 24 (50 euros), 48 (80 euros), and 72 (93 euros) hour periods, the card includes a city map, free canal cruise, and free access to top museums like Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum.
• Pack a picnic for a park. From the 120-acre Vondelpark in Amsterdam-Zuid to Oosterpark, the city's first planned park, Amsterdam offers ample green spaces perfect for a picnic. Shop at nearby markets and food stalls to save money on expensive sit-down meals.
• Take advantage of the Last Minute Ticket Shop , which offers same-day, deep discounts to local theatre productions, comedy shows, and concerts starting at 10 a.m.
• Walk, bike, or utilize public transportation. Taxis and rideshares can be expensive, so explore the city on foot, via its extensive public transportation network, or as the locals do: by bike.
• Purchase an unlimited one, two, three, or seven-day tram pass, starting at 2.50 euros for children and 7.50 euros for adults for a single day of rides.
• Book a hotel or hostel outside of the city center. De Pijp, Plantagebuurt, and Haarlem are all neighborhoods that offer high quality, but less expensive accommodations and easy access to public transportation.

For more additional money-saving tips, read our guide for visiting Amsterdam on a budget .

How to Travel from Amsterdam Airport to City Center by Train, Taxi, Bus, and Shuttle

Your Trip to the Netherlands: The Complete Guide

I amsterdam Visitor Discount Card

Best Places to Honeymoon in March and April

The 10 Best Museums in Amsterdam

Reasons Why You Should Visit Amsterdam

A Travel Guide for How to Visit Amsterdam on a Budget

Top 10 Things to Do in Amsterdam

June in Amsterdam: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

How to Spend One Week in the Netherlands

The 9 Best Things to Do in Dam Square, Amsterdam

The 18 Best Things to Do in the Netherlands

October in Amsterdam: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

How to Travel From Amsterdam to Charleroi Airport by Train, Bus, and Car

Amsterdam Tourist Discount Cards

3 Days in Amsterdam: Detailed Itinerary (+Map & Essential Info)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: December 20, 2023

Visiting Amsterdam in the Netherlands for 3 days and wondering how to plan your time? In this guide, we share a  recommended 3-day Amsterdam itinerary for first-time visitors . It includes all the must-sees as well as a half-day excursions to the countryside that will make your trip so much more memorable.

This 3-day Amsterdam itinerary is perfect for a first visit to Amsterdam and will help you make the most of your trip. It is quite packed, but definitely doable. If you want to take things easier and linger around, simply skip one or the other attraction that interests you less. We also include some alternative suggestions making it very simple to personalize this itinerary based on your interests.

To make your planning easier, we also created a map indicating all the places mentioned in our guide. For each site and attraction, you’ll also find our experience-based tips such as when to visit, which tickets to reserve in advance, etc.

Good to know:  There is one thing that makes our itineraries different from others and that is that you’ll be sure to experience the best of the city in the specific time frame (in this case, the VERY BEST of Amsterdam in 3 days).

We take into account walking distances, opening times, and the time that you need in order to visit each place. We also do our best to make sure that you visit each place at the most optimal time.

For example, we won’t tell you to visit a lively city square or a cozy neighborhood in the morning when everything is still closed and there are hardly any people around; while you’re much better off starting your day at a popular museum before it gets too busy there. Please note that the hours in this itinerary are only indicated for your reference, to give you a better idea of how much time you need for various attractions.

Important!  Nowadays, many of the most popular museums in Amsterdam work with timed-entry slots, and some attractions only sell tickets online. Depending on the season, tickets for some of these museums sell out several weeks in advance.

So if you absolutely want to visit a certain place, be sure to plan ahead and book your tickets as soon as possible! It saves time and money and takes away all the stress.

Depending on ticket availability, you may have to adjust your itinerary, especially if you are planning the trip at the last minute. The good thing is that there are plenty of really nice alternatives to the most popular attractions.

TIP: If you want to do the ‘Amsterdam top-3’ (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and canal cruise), consider this digital  Amsterdam Pass . It allows you to pre-book time slots for the museums and saves time and money.

LEARN MORE:  Amsterdam Travel Tips

• DAY 1: Rijksmuseum, old town, canal cruise, Anne Frank House…
• DAY 2: Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Albert Cuyp Market, Heineken Experience, WWII history…
• DAY 3: Dutch countryside, A’DAM Lookout, East Docklands, Red Light District Tour…
• Where to stay

Map of this 3-day Amsterdam itinerary

To help you plan your trip, we created a  map  indicating all the places mentioned in our article.

As you can see below, we used different colors for each day. That way, you have a good overview of how this itinerary is structured. We grouped the sites in the most logical way, taking into account the best times to be at each place.

However, depending on the location of your accommodation and other factors, it might be more logical for you to do things slightly differently. So use this just as inspiration for what can be done, adjust where needed, and plan your own perfect city trip to Amsterdam.

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.

This is our recommended itinerary for 3 days in Amsterdam:

Rijksmuseum – Floating Flower Market – Begijnhof – 9 Streets – Dam Square – Royal Palace – Damrak – Central Station – Canal Cruise – West Church & Anne Frank House – Dinner in the Jordaan neighborhood.

DAY 1 planning info/ tickets to book :

• Rijksmuseum  –  timed entry tickets .
• Canal Cruise  – for this itinerary, we recommend  this open-boat canal cruise  starting either from Central Station or near Anne Frank House. In the colder season (or if you prefer a (semi) covered boat), take  this canal cruise  from the Central Station (this is the cruise that is included in the earlier-mentioned Amsterdam Pass .
• Anne Frank House  –  timed-entry tickets  are released about 6 weeks in advance and you have to book asap. If you can’t get the tickets, check if  this guided tour  is available for your travel dates. It’s the only guided tour that includes a visit to the museum.

On the first day in Amsterdam, you’ll likely want to see the historic old town and explore the nicest areas around the famous Canal Belt ( Grachtengordel ). In addition, we recommend visiting two of the most popular museums in the city – Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House. See below for our recommendations on how to make it all fit together in a day.

This is what your first day in Amsterdam could look like:

Rijksmuseum

9 – 10.30 AM.

Rijksmuseum  (or The Empire Museum) is the most impressive museum in the Netherlands. It houses a big collection of art, but the main focus is on Dutch masters such as Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh.

In terms of significance, you could compare Rijksmuseum to  the Louvre in Paris or Uffizi Gallery in Florence .

Some of the most important artworks such as ‘The Milkmaid’ or ‘The Night Watch’ are displayed in  The Gallery of Honour . In addition, be sure to check out the unique Cuypers Library . The museum often has temporary exhibitions too, although they usually require a separate ticket.

If you just want to see the main highlights, plan about 1-1.5 hours here. In addition, you can also visit the gardens which are open to the public for free. They are rather small, so you only need a few minutes.

Good to know: Rijksmuseum is one of the most popular places to visit in Amsterdam, so be sure to book  timed-entry tickets  in advance.

TIP: If you want to learn some background about the most important artworks at Rijksmuseum, be sure to get an audiovisual guide (available at the museum for a small extra fee). Alternatively, consider visiting with a guided tour – it’s the best way to make the most of your visit and better appreciate what you’re seeing.

Floating Flower Market

10.45 – 11 AM.

Next, we recommend a short stop at the Floating Flower Market . It’s located about 10-15 minutes walk from Rijksmuseum.

The market stalls are built over the Singel Canal so if you see it from the back side, it does indeed look like a floating market. However, as you walk through it, it looks just like a regular market.

Many people come here hoping to see lots of colorful tulips or other flowers. But which flowers you’ll see (if any) will highly depend on the season. The market is really tourist-oriented and you’ll mostly find flower bulbs and Dutch souvenirs for sale here.

Good to know:  Amsterdam Flower Market is open daily except on Sundays. So if your first day in Amsterdam falls on a Sunday, simply come here the next day. It’s quite centrally located, so it’s not difficult to adjust your itinerary a bit so that you can pass here.

Amsterdam Begijnhof

11.10 – 11.20 AM.

Amsterdam Begijnhof  (Beguinage) is another nice addition to any Amsterdam itinerary. It’s located about 5 minutes walk north of the Flower Market.

On the way, you can also pass several other nice places, such as the historic Munt Tower or Spui Square, as well as some popular shopping streets. If you want to do some shopping, try Dutch syrup waffles, etc. you will need to foresee a bit more time here.

Anyway, back to Begijnhof, which is not to be missed in this part of town. Begijnhof (or Beguinage) is a historic architectural complex surrounded by walls and small houses, with a church and green space in the middle. You’ll find similar sites in many places in Belgium too, for example, in Bruges and in Antwerp . They were built for  beguines , lay religious women who lived in a community without taking vows or retiring from the world.

Nowadays, Amsterdam Begijnhof is a residential area, but because of its historic significance, the site is also open to the public.

TIP:  Don’t miss a black wooden house in the corner of the square in front of the chapel (at nr. 34). This is one of the two oldest surviving wooden houses in Amsterdam.

Good to know: Amsterdam Begijnhof is usually open daily, between 9.30 AM and 6 PM, and is free to visit.

9 Streets & Lunch

11.30 – 1 PM.

The 9 Streets  ( De Negen Straatjes ) is one of the coziest areas along Grachtengordel , Amsterdam’s Canal Belt. It’s a small neighborhood around the famous canals Singel and Prinsengracht and consists of just 6 blocks between Leidsegracht and Raadhuisstraat.

This area has a rather authentic feel and is very popular with both locals and tourists. Here, you’ll find many independent shops and fashion boutiques, but also several food stores, small cafés, and restaurants.

This is a very nice place to walk around, do some (window) shopping, and people-watching. Just be careful and stay on the sidewalks as the streets are narrow and there is lots of bike traffic.

TIP: The Nine Streets could be a nice area to stop for lunch, but it’s also very busy. You’ll often see long queues stretching at some of the most popular eateries here long before they even open. Some of the most popular places include Pancakes Amsterdam and Fabel Friet , where – according to some locals – you can get the best fries in Amsterdam. Restaurant de Struisvogel is also very popular but is normally only open for dinner.

Dam Square & Royal Palace or Madame Tussauds

1 – 2.30 PM (you’ll need just a few minutes if you don’t visit any of the attractions inside).

Next, walk to the historic city center at Dam Square . This is the main square in Amsterdam and has been the heart of the city ever since its early beginning. On the way here, you could take a quick look inside the impressive historic building of Magna Plaza Shopping Mall.

Dam Square is home to the Royal Palace , although it’s only used as a ceremonial residence; the Dutch King and his family live in The Hague. On the Square, you’ll also find New Church, Amsterdam’s old Stock Exchange building, and National Monument to commemorate WWII.

Some of the most exclusive 5* hotels in Amsterdam like Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky or Hotel TwentySeven can also be found on Dam Square. Amsterdam’s biggest department store Bijenkorf is also located here, just like the popular tourist attractions such as Madame Tussauds  or  Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! .

Madame Tussauds has a collection of local and international celebrities, including the Dutch Royal Family, Van Gogh, and Anne Frank.

TIP:  If you are interested, you could visit one of the above-mentioned attractions and/or the Royal Palace. Here you can check if Royal Palace is open during your travel dates. If you want to be sure to visit, get your tickets in advance! Also for Madame Tussauds and other popular tourist attractions, it’s best to book in advance .

Good to know: Royal Palace or some of these attractions could also be good alternatives if you are not able to get tickets for the Anne Frank House Museum (more info below). In that case, you could even visit all the attractions here.

Damrak & Central Station

2.30 – 3 PM.

After visiting Dam Square, walk on Damrak toward the Central Station. Damrak is the wide street that connects the railway station to the historic town.

Don’t miss the beautiful covered gallery called  Beurspassage and the historic Stock Exchange building  Beurs van Berlage .

As you get closer to the station, on your right you will see some of the  most-photographed crooked houses in Amsterdam .

Canal Cruise

3.15 – 4.30 PM.

Next on this itinerary, we recommend doing a canal cruise . You could either opt for a canal cruise starting from Central Station or head to Anne Frank House first and do the cruise starting near the museum later in the day.

Amsterdam’s canal system spans over 75 kilometers (46 miles) and is very impressive. Taking a canal cruise is one of the must-dos in Amsterdam as it gives you yet a different perspective on the city.

You’ll see some of the oldest and most prestigious canals in Amsterdam, sail a small part of the Amstel River, and see many bridges and crooked traditional buildings.

There are tons of cruise options, but no matter where you start, the route they take is usually quite similar. Most of the cruises take about 1 hour, some – 1.5 hours.

Good to know:  For this itinerary, you could opt for  this popular traditional cruise  starting from Central Station. In the warm season, we recommend  a cruise on an open-air boat  instead. For the latter, you can opt to take it starting from Central Station or from Anne Frank House later in the day.

TIP:  For a more special experience or if you like to also have a small snack in the afternoon, you can also opt for  this popular canal cruise with a cheese and wine option .

READ ALSO:  Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Tips & Info

Anne Frank House & West Church

5 – 6 PM.

Anne Frank House  may not need an introduction. But if you are not familiar with it – it’s a museum dedicated to the Jewish girl Anne Frank and the diary that she kept while hiding here with her family during WWll.

Anne Frank House is one of the  most popular museums in Amsterdam and the tickets here always sell out. So if you want to visit, you absolutely have to  reserve your tickets  as soon as possible (typically, six weeks before your visit).

Following this 3-day Amsterdam itinerary exactly as described here, you could plan on visiting here at around 5-6 PM. However, depending on the availability of the tickets, you can easily adjust your schedule as needed. You could come here around noon after your visit to Rijksmuseum, or pretty much any time in the afternoon or even later in the evening.

The museum is normally open until 10 PM, so if you are booking your tickets in advance, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a timeslot that suits your itinerary.

Good to know: Tickets are timed, you have to arrive on time, and you should count about 1 hour for a visit. Anne Frank House has steep stairs and narrow passages, so it’s not suitable for people with mobility issues. The Secret Annex and the old part of the museum are not accessible by wheelchair.

Pictures are not allowed inside the museum.

TIP: Next to the museum, you can see one of the nicest churches in Amsterdam, West Church. If it’s open, take a look inside. Also, you can find a little statue dedicated to Anne Frank next to the south facade of the church.

Alternative: If you cannot get the tickets for Anne Frank House anymore, you could visit the Royal Palace, Madame Tussauds, or Ripley’s Believe It Or Not’ instead – see higher above for more info.

Jordaan Neighborhood & Dinner

You could end your day with a walk through the Jordaan neighborhood. This rather big residential area is located just across the Prinsengracht Canal from Anne Frank House.

If you want to see the most scenic part of Jordaan, check out the northern side in the direction of the Brouwersgracht Canal. You could walk from Anne Frank House next to Prinsengracht all the way to Brouwersgracht and then come back via the network of smaller streets in Jordaan.

There are also many really nice restaurants and local cafés in the Jordaan neighborhood. You can choose between simple traditional restaurants and cafés or fancier contemporary restaurants. There’s truly something for all budgets.

Here are some restaurant recommendations: Pesca for fish and seafood, Cannibale Royale Rozengracht for meat, or Winkel 43 for simple local dishes and traditional apple pie. I indicated all these restaurants on our map, and there are countless other options.

Good to know: Many restaurants are best booked in advance. So do some research before you go, and see if you can reserve a table at the place that you like.

In the evening, walk back to your hotel enjoying the scenery of the beautifully lit canals around you.

Van Gogh Museum – Vondelpark (optional) – Albert Cuyp Market  – Heineken Experience (or Moco Museum) – Rembrandt Square – Rembrandt House Museum – Life of Anne Frank Walking Tour (optional) – Dinner around Leidseplein.

DAY 2 planning info/ tickets to book :

• Van Gogh Museum  –  timed entry tickets .
• Heineken Experience (18+ only)  –  timed entry tickets . Alternative – Moco Museum – timed-entry tickets .
• Rembrandt House Museum – timed-entry tickets . Alternative – Life of Anne Frank & WWII Walking Tour – more info here .

On the second day in Amsterdam, we recommend getting to know two of the most famous Dutch painters – Van Gogh and Rembrandt, visit a local market, and Heineken Experience. If interested, you could also take a WWII-themed tour.

Here are our recommendations on how you could plan this day:

Van Gogh Museum

9 – 11.30 AM .

The Van Gogh Museum is a great place to get to know Vincent Van Gogh and his art beyond the most famous masterpieces. It’s a must-see in Amsterdam!

The museum has the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s art with several hundreds of drawings and paintings. Plus, you can also see fragments of personal letters between Vincent and his brother Theo, and learn more about his life as an artist.

Following this itinerary, you could come to Van Gogh Museum on the second day of your trip. Be sure to book your tickets in advance because the tickets always sell out at least a week or two in advance. Also, try to get the earliest time slot because this museum is extremely popular and gets very busy during the day.

TIP:  For a small extra fee, you can get an audiovisual guide that gives you some background behind the works you see.

Good to know: Van Gogh Museum is located on the Museum Square right next to Rijksmuseum. If you want to prevent backtracking and don’t mind spending half a day visiting two big museums one after the other, you could decide to visit here on day 1 of this itinerary as well. However, we recommend visiting these two museums on two separate days or you risk getting overwhelmed and unable to appreciate what you see.

Alternative: If you are not able to get tickets for Van Gogh Museum, consider visiting Moco Museum instead. It’s a wonderful contemporary art museum and is located just nearby.

LEARN MORE:  Tips for Visiting Van Gogh Museum

11.30 AM – 12 PM – OPTIONAL.

Vondelpark is one of the largest and best-known parks in Amsterdam. It’s located just near Museum Square, just a few minutes walk from Van Gogh Museum.

The park is mostly popular with locals, and you’ll see people biking, jogging, and walking their dogs here. It’s especially nice to visit in the warm season when everything is green, but it’s also not an absolute must, so you can just decide on the day itself if you feel like making a small detour here.

Not far from the northern entrance, there is a nice cafe where you could have some lunch. However, we recommend another place for lunch – see below.

Good to know: If you do a bike tour in Amsterdam , pretty much all bike tours will come to Vondelpark. Indeed, since the park is quite large, coming here by bike is the best way to see more of it.

We recently did this popular ‘Backstreets and Hidden Gems’ bike tour and it included Vondelpark in its itinerary as well. If you are interested in doing a tour like this, you could do it in the morning or afternoon of the second day in Amsterdam; just adjust the rest of your planning accordingly.

Albert Cuyp Market & Lunch

12 – 1.15 PM.

Albert Cuyp Street Market  is a very popular outdoor market in central Amsterdam. It’s located in the De Pijp neighborhood, about 10 minutes walk from Van Gogh Museum, and is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Albert Cuyp Street market has a very nice atmosphere and is a great place to try some traditional Dutch food or buy some souvenirs.

You can simply walk through the market in 10-15 minutes, or you can spend an hour or even longer here, especially if you decide to try local specialties at different market stalls. There are also a couple of nice cafes and restaurants if you rather sit down for a meal.

Good to know:  The outdoor market is open daily except on Sundays, from 9.30 AM to 5 PM.

TIP: If you are interested in learning more about traditional Dutch food (and tasting it), you could also visit the market with this highly-rated food tour . It usually starts around 1 PM and takes about 2 hours – a perfect alternative to lunch and something that you could easily fit into this itinerary.

Heineken Experience

1.30 – 2.30 PM. (18+ ONLY !).

Heineken Experience is one of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam and quite rightly so. Even if you are not interested in beer, or – like me – don’t even drink beer at all, I find that it’s well worth a visit.

Set inside the original Heineken Brewery in Amsterdam, this is so much more than an interactive beer museum. You’ll discover the story of the Heineken brand, visit the historic brewing room, and learn about the ingredients and the process of beer-making.

In addition, you’ll find yourself inside a sort of alternative beer universe with interactive exhibits and virtual reality experiences. Of course, you’ll also get to taste some refreshingly cold Heineken beer.

Good to know:  Heineken Experience is very popular and many time slots sell out at least a few days in advance. So be sure to  book timed entry tickets . You need at least 1 hour for a visit here.

While you can stay at the Heineken bar or rooftop terrace longer, we recommend leaving some time for several other amazing places in your itinerary – see below.

Alternative: If you are not interested in Heineken Experience or if you have kids in your group, you could visit Moco Museum instead.

Rembrandt Square

Next, head back to the city center and visit the area around Rembrandt Square (Rembrandtplein). This part of Amsterdam where the Amstel River meets some of the oldest canals is one of the most prestigious areas in the city.

The headquarters of Booking.com are located here, just like several other big companies. Some of the most exclusive hotels in Amsterdam such as Waldorf Astoria or Tivoli Doelen can also be found here. Several famous crooked houses on the shore of the Amstel River are also located in this part of the city.

Rembrandt Square itself is a bustling place with lots of cafes and restaurants.

On Sundays between mid-March and October, there is a weekly Art Market here as well.

This is not really an important stop, just a nice area to walk through on your way to the next place we recommend visiting – see further.

Rembrandt House Museum

3.30 – 4.30 PM.

There is one more museum that we highly recommend visiting in Amsterdam, and that’s the Rembrandt House Museum . It’s located about 10 minutes walk from Rembrandt Square in the 17th-century house where Rembrandt lived and worked at the peak of his career.

Because of its unique setting, this museum is very different from most others. A visit here is a bit like taking a trip back in time – you are literally stepping into the living room, the kitchen, or the studio of the famous painter. Everything is very well restored and kept as close to the original as possible.

This museum is one of my personal favorites in Amsterdam. It’s small and immersive and you can explore everything in about one hour. Not only it’s a great place to learn more about Rembrandt and his work, but it also gives you a glimpse into the everyday life of rich citizens of Amsterdam some 400 years ago.

Good to know:  The museum is set in the original house and has limited space, so the number of visitors is capped. If you want to be sure to visit at a specific time, book your  timed-entry tickets  in advance.

TIP: Be sure to get an audiovisual guide (included with a ticket) – it makes a visit so much more interesting.

Life of Anne Frank & WWII Walking Tour

5 – 7 PM – OPTIONAL.

If you want to make the absolute most out of your time in Amsterdam and you are interested in World War II history, we highly recommend this walking tour . It’s dedicated to Jewish history and the holocaust as well as the life of Anne Frank. We took many guided tours in Amsterdam and this one really stood out; the guide was excellent.

The tour starts in front of the Jewish Museum, takes you through the former Jewish neighborhood, passes the historic town center, and ends at the Anne Frank House. It doesn’t include a visit to any of the museums though.

Good to know: The main reason why we recommend this tour in the early evening of day 2 of this itinerary is because of where it starts (just 5 minutes walk from Rembrandt House). But since this tour is extremely popular and runs multiple times a day, you could easily plan it at any other moment of your trip.

Alternative: Instead of doing this tour, you could also visit some of the Jewish sites on your own. However, keep in mind that both – Jewish Museum and the Portuguese Synagogue usually close at 5 PM. So if you want to visit here, adjust your itinerary so that you get here at 4 PM at the latest. The same ticket includes entry to both sites.

The National Holocaust Names Monument is open to the public longer and is free to visit. The Memorial to Auschwitz Victims is located inside a park and can be visited at any time.

Leiden Square & Dinner

If you take the above-mentioned WWII tour, it will end close to Anne Frank House. You could find a nice restaurant for dinner in this area, but you could also walk to Leiden Square (Leidseplein).

Leiden Square is located southwest of the most impressive canals, about 20 minutes walk from either Anne Frank House or Jewish Museum. It’s actually very close to Museum Square and Vondelpark which you visited earlier this day, but evenings are simply a more special time to come here.

The area around Leiden Square is filled with theaters, entertainment venues, and tons of cafes and restaurants. It’s a nice place to be in the evening and the atmosphere is usually great, especially when the weather is nice.

For a special treat, check out Restaurant Watergang , for a gourmet Asian fusion meal – Momo Bar & Lounge at the  Park Centraal Hotel . If you are feeling nostalgic for American food, Hard Rock Café is also just nearby.

There are many restaurants in this area, but if you want to dine at a restaurant of your choice, you’ll have to reserve a table in advance.

Amsterdam countryside tour (tulip fields if visiting in the spring) – A’DAM Lookout – East Docklands – Red Light District Tour – Dinner in China Town.

DAY 3 planning info/ tickets to book :

• Dutch countryside tour  – there are  many options  for various durations and group sizes. We chose  this highly-rated tour because it starts early and gets back to the city before 3 PM leaving plenty of time for other activities.
• Red Light District tour  – there are  several options . We took  this popular tour  and I can highly recommend it.

On the third day, you could start with a half-day tour and visit the countryside outside Amsterdam and explore the more modern side of the city.

You could end the day at one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam, De Wallen, known as home to the famous Red Light District.

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

Amsterdam Countryside Tour

8 – 3 PM.

On the last day of your visit, you could explore some of the beautiful countryside near Amsterdam. There are several nice options, and a lot also depends on the season when you are visiting.

Since you only have three days in Amsterdam, we recommend a half-day tour and not a full-day excursion. If you start early, you can do more sightseeing in the city upon return.

Here are some of the best choices for a short excursion near Amsterdam:

• IN EARLY SPRING: Keukenhof Gardens and Lisse tulip fields. You could opt for a bus transfer + garden tickets , which should take about 5 hours. Alternatively, consider this popular tour that not only brings you to Keukenhof but also to see the windmills of Zaanse Schans. The latter option would take up the biggest part of the day, however.

LEARN MORE:  Tips for Visiting Keukenhof Gardens & How to Visit Lisse Tulip Fields

• ALL YEAR: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken. We recently did this tour . Since it starts very early, visits all 4 places, and only takes around 6-7 hours, it’s one of the best options if you want to make the most of your short time in Amsterdam.

LEARN MORE:  Best Places in the Countryside Near Amsterdam

• If you are not interested in the countryside, there are also many nice smaller towns that you could visit as a (half) day trip from Amsterdam. Haarlem, just 20 minutes by train, is one of the best options for a quick excursion. My personal favorite is Delft , about 1.5 hours by train from Amsterdam. In the summer, you could also take a train and visit Alkmaar Cheese Market .

LEARN MORE: Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

A’DAM Lookout

3 – 3.45 PM.

No matter which tour you choose in the morning, it will likely start and end close to the Central Station in Amsterdam. So when you come back to the city, we recommend a quick visit to A’DAM Tower on the other side of the IJ River, easily reachable by a free passenger ferry behind the station.

The ferry ride takes just a minute or two and ferries run non-stop. Many tours even end on the northern side of the river since it’s easier traffic-wise, so in that case, they’ll drop you off just near the Amsterdam Tower.

A’DAM Lookout is a rooftop experience located at the very top of the tower and offers stunning 360° views of the city. In addition, there are several attractions such as giant ADAM letters, a rooftop swing where you literally hang with your feet over the edge, and they also play a short film about the history of Amsterdam and the tower itself.

Even the elevator that brings you to the top is an experience in itself. And be sure to also visit the bathrooms – you can enjoy amazing city views while washing your hands.

There are also two rooftop bars – one inside and one (seasonal) outside. Grab a drink and sit down for a few minutes enjoying the views of the city and watching the boats go by on the river below.

Good to know:  You’ll need a ticket for A’DAM Lookout, but normally, there are no queues and you can simply get the tickets on the spot.

East Docklands

4 – 5.30 PM (you’ll need just half an hour if you do not stop anywhere).

After visiting A’DAM Tower, take the ferry back to the Central Station. From here, walk left in the direction of the East Docklands.

This is the more modern side of central Amsterdam. It gives you yet a different perspective of this diverse city.

First, you could walk on the Oosterdokskade, a wide waterfront promenade where you’ll see a floating Chinese restaurant Sea Palace. When the weather is nice, you’ll see lots of people sitting by the river enjoying the views.

As you walk further east and cross the footbridge, you’ll reach a very unique green ship-shaped building. This is the NEMO Science Museum , the best museum in the Netherlands for families with children. There is a nice rooftop cafe here too, and if it’s still open, you could walk up the stairs and check out the views from here (this part doesn’t require a ticket).

Continuing further down the waterfront, you’ll see some old ships and The National Maritime Museum . This is yet another interesting museum that is often overlooked by most visitors, simply because of the lack of time.

Alternative: If you decide not to take any excursion outside Amsterdam in the morning, or if you come back to the city earlier, you could visit one of these museums. With kids, definitely go to NEMO, just be aware that you need at least 2-3 hours for a quick visit there. Many people spend half a day. Maritime Museum can be done in much less time.

Good to know: Both of these museums are usually open until 5 PM, so be sure to adjust your schedule accordingly if you want to visit any of them inside.

De Wallen & Red Light District

6 – 8 PM (you’ll need much less time if you are not taking a tour or visiting any of the places inside).

De Wallen is one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam, nowadays best known as home to the  Red Light District .

While most people come here expecting to see the famous red-light windows, coffeeshops, and quirky attractions, there is so much history in this area that we highly recommend taking a tour with a local guide . It will give you a totally different perspective of the entire area around the Red Light District, and you’ll learn more about its past and present.

We recently took  this highly-rated tour  and found it very interesting. While we had been to this area countless times before, we learned so much this time. Highly recommended!

If, however, you simply want to see what this area is about or visit one of its unique museums ( The Red Light Secrets Museum is the best one), then you can just go on your own. You really don’t have to worry about walking around the Red Light District; apart from being shocking to some people, it’s just a regular neighborhood where local families live too.

If you are a bit uncertain, go during the day or early in the evening. Late at night and especially on weekends, the Red Light District can be very busy and a bit rowdy. Depending on when you come here, you will have a totally different experience. For the most authentic experience, it’s best to visit here in the evenings except maybe Sunday or Monday when it’s usually very quiet.

Dinner in Chinatown

For dinner, you could head to Amsterdam’s China Town, located just near the Red Lights District. There are restaurants for all tastes and budgets here.

For a simple meal, locals recommended us a Thai restaurant called Bird and it was excellent. On another occasion, we had dinner at A-Fusion , which is a more gourmet experience. The latter definitely has to be reserved in advance.

We indicated these restaurants on our map.

Where to Stay for 3 Days in Amsterdam

There are so many really nice areas and hotels to stay in central Amsterdam that deciding where to stay can be overwhelming. On the other hand, if you are looking for accommodation just a few weeks in advance, the prices can be so high that – depending on your budget – the choice can be a lot more limited.

So try to book your hotel as soon as you know your travel dates!

For this itinerary, you could stay pretty much anywhere in the historic center. If you want to be right in the middle of it all and close to everything, then consider the area close to Dam Square and the 9 Streets. Hotel Estheréa is a fabulous choice here, or – on a higher budget – Pulitzer Amsterdam .

If you are planning several excursions outside the city, then you may want to stay closer to the Central Station. Park Plaza Victoria is a very popular hotel in this area. We once stayed at Hotel Mai in Chinatown just 5 minutes walk from the station; it’s also a good mid-budget option. There are many others too.

If you are planning to visit Rijksmuseum one day and Van Gogh Museum the next day as recommended in this itinerary, you may also consider staying closer to the Museum District. Park Centraal Amsterdam is a wonderful choice in this area. We recently stayed here and loved this hotel.

On a lower budget , check out  ClinkNOORD Hostel  across the IJ River from the station. It can easily be reached by the free passenger ferry that runs every couple of minutes. If you are looking for a hostel-type of lodging, The Flying Pig Downtown is one of the best-rated choices in a very central location.

LEARN MORE:  Where to Stay in Amsterdam for First Visit

So, this is our suggested itinerary for 3 days in Amsterdam.

I hope that this detailed guide will give you a better idea of what can be done in Amsterdam in three days. Once again, use this itinerary as inspiration and adjust it to your personal interests or ticket availability, and plan your own perfect trip!

TIP:  Take a look at our  tips for visiting Amsterdam .  This article contains lots of useful information and tips to make the most of your first trip. Check it out!

More travel inspiration for Amsterdam & beyond:

• Best places to see in Amsterdam  (all the top sights)
• Amsterdam canal cruise  (experience-based tips)
• Top museums in Amsterdam
• 1 day in Amsterdam
• 2 days in Amsterdam
• 4 days in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam in June
• Amsterdam in December
• Christmas in Amsterdam
• Best day trips from Amsterdam
• Kinderdijk Windmills
• Alkmaar Cheese Market
• Best things to do in Delft
• Best tulip fields near Amsterdam
• Keukenhof Gardens

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!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Monday 19th of February 2024

This is exactly what I was looking for. We will be in the summer in Europe and looking for options and recommendations. We don't like the one day-rush visit to cities, we try to maximized our time even if we don't have a change to visit a lot of cities/places. Only question we have is about the Red Light District, I am traveling with my wife and 2 daughters (15 and 18), is it ok to do a quick walk early in the evening?

Thanks in advanced for your advice and dedication.

Hi Oscar, sure, you can visit the Red Light District with your family. I get this question all the time and I always tell people that plenty of local families live in that area, there is even a daycare center right in the middle of it. It's a unique neighborhood, that's for sure, but it's totally safe to visit and we have walked through it with our (much younger) kids many times. The rest is all in your head and how you react to it. There is just one place in this itinerary that you can't visit with under 18s and that's Heineken Experience. Have a great trip!

5 Days in Amsterdam: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

How to spend 5 days in amsterdam: the best itinerary + where to stay.

You want to spend 5 days in Amsterdam and you’re looking for the best things to do?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this 5-day itinerary in Amsterdam.

Five days is the perfect duration to discover the best places to visit in Amsterdam as well as the city’s surroundings.

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

You will see, planning your trip to Amsterdam will be super easy!

So, what are the best things to do in Amsterdam in 5 days? Where to stay? 

1. City Card I Amsterdam

5 days in amsterdam: must-see attractions:, one last tip for a perfect 5-day stay in amsterdam, a. dam square and the royal palace of amsterdam, b. the amsterdam dungeon or the amsterdam museum, c. the beguinage, d. the flower market, e. zuiderkerk and nieuwmarkt, f. the red light district, g. oude kerk, a.  jordaan district, b. the cheese museum, c. anne frank’s house, d. visit to a museum: rijksmuseum, van gogh, moco or stedelijk, e. vondelpark, f. canal boat tour, a. the albert cuypmarkt, b. heineken experience, c. skinny bridge (magere brug), d. visit to a museum or guided tour of amsterdam by bike, e. this is holland/a’dam lookout, day 4 in amsterdam – zaanse schans windmills, day 5: the villages of waterland, where to stay in amsterdam, visiting amsterdam in 5 days with your family, more things to do during your 5 days in amsterdam, renting a boat in amsterdam, map of your 5-day itinerary in amsterdam, 5-day itinerary in amsterdam: flight prices and tips, you’re traveling to the netherlands these articles will help you , how to avoid waiting in line (and save a lot of time) at amsterdam’s tourist attractions.

With more than 18 million tourists every year, Amsterdam is simply one of the trendiest destination in the world!

Visiting an European capital such as Rome , Madrid or London often means large crowds of people (we are talking about tens of thousands of tourists a day!) and Amsterdam is no exception.

Unfortunately, this means endless waiting lines in front of iconic monuments and museums such as the Royal Palace or the Rijksmuseum.

Hopefully, there are a few ways to avoid this 😉.

You actually have 2 options that will allow you to save a ton of time (and money!) during your 5-day visit to Amsterdam.

You will see, it’s very simple: I am going to tell your everything is this guide and you will just have to follow my advice for a perfect stay!

So, here are the two best solutions to save time:

Your first option to get priority access to the top attractions and save money is to get the City Card I Amsterdam.

Valid for a period between 1 and 5 days (depending one what you choose when booking), the City Card entitles you to free or reduced entrance to the main tourist attractions.

It also gives you free access to public transport, including trams, buses and the metro.

In my opinion, it’s really the perfect choice for a 5-day stay in Amsterdam.

Once you have placed your order online , you will receive an email with the instructions to redeem your City Card on arrival.

With the I Amsterdam City Card, you will get:

• Free entrance to the city’s museums (including the the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum of course!)
• A canal cruise
• Discounts on certain attractions such as the Amsterdam Dungeon and the Heineken Experience
• 25% off bike hire and in certain restaurants
• Unlimited use of public transport during your 5 days in Amsterdam.

To buy your I Amsterdam City Card and see the full list of attractions included, simply click on the button below:

2. Priority tickets for Amsterdam’s best tourist attractions

Your 2nd option to avoid queuing during your 5-day itinerary in Amsterdam is to buy skip-the-line tickets.

In Amsterdam, you can buy fast track tickets for the main museums as well as for the most popular activities such as the canal cruise or the bike tours.

Here is the list of all skip-the-line tickets and excursions I will be talking about in this 5-day itinerary in Amsterdam.

To view the prices and to book, simply click on the links below (you will also find them throughout the article):

•  The Royal Palace of Amsterdam
• The Dungeon 
• Amsterdam Museum
• Guided tour of the Red Light District
• Private tour of Jordaan
• The Rijksmuseum
• Van Gogh Museum
• The Stedelijk Museum
• Canal boat tour
• The Heineken Experience
• Guided tour of Amsterdam
• Guided bike tour
• This is Holland
• Anne Frank-related guided walking tour of Amsterdam
• Guided segway tour
• A day with a visit to the windmills + 1h boat tour + Volendam + Marken
• Visit to Edam + Volendam + Marken + Zaanse Schans + cheese tasting
• Keukenhof – Entry + transport

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!) , you should really book your accommodation.

As Amsterdam is one of the most touristic cities in the world , the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in Amsterdam by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at  traveler’s favorite hotels in Amsterdam.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in Amsterdam, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

5 days in Amsterdam: recommended itinerary

Let’s now plan your 5-day itinerary in Amsterdam!

For this itinerary, I assume you will be spending 5 full days in Amsterdam and purchased, the I Amsterdam City Card or your fast track tickets .

That’s the best way to save time and money during your stay!

If you still have questions after reading this guide or need help planning you holiday, don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section located at the end of this article.

So, what are the best places to visit in Amsterdam in 5 days?

Day 1 – Discover the historic center

Day 1 visits: 

A. Dam Square and the Royal Palace B. The Amsterdam Dungeon or the Amsterdam Museum C. The Béguinage (Begijnhof) D. The flower market E. Zuiderkerk and Nieuwmarkt F. Red Light District G. Oude Kerk

Let’s start you 5-day visit to Amsterdam in Dam Square, the city’s main square located in the heart of the historic center.

There, you will find:

• The National Monument
• Nieuwe Kerk church
• The Royal Palace of Amsterdam

Serving as the Town Hall from the 17th to the 19th century, and then as a royal residence , the palace’s rooms are worth a look for their period furniture, paintings and sculptures.

Entrance to the palace isn’t included in the City Card, so you should buy your skip the line tickets in advance. It would be silly to waste time before visiting your very first attraction of the day!

The price is the same as at the ticket office and the audio guide is included.

You need to book your tickets to the Royal Palace of Amsterdam here:

To get to Dam square, you have 2 options:

• A 10 minute walk from the central station on Damrak street or Nieuwendijk .
• Take the tram from anywhere in town.

For your 2nd visit, you will have the choice between 2 attractions, both relating to the history of the city but in a totally different style.

• The Dungeon of Amsterdam, where you can witness a session of torture , a trial during the Inquisition or witches burning at the stake . These staged productions with actors in period costume are the perfect opportunity to discover the country’s dark history. 

And the great part is that you will be invited to join in and participate during this 1h15 show!

Personally, I really enjoyed it, the acting and costume are great and it was a lot fun.

The City Card I Amsterdam entitles you to a 25% discount on your entry ticket.

If you don’t have the City Card, you need to book your priority tickets by clicking here.

• The Amsterdam Museum

If you prefer a more traditional visit, you can go to the Amsterdam Museum, dedicated to the 1000-year history of the capital of the Netherlands . Interactive, modern and instructive, it’s the perfect choice to discover the rich history of the Dutch capital.

Free entry with the City Card . Otherwise, you need to buy your tickets by clicking here.

The Dungeon and the Museum are both located less than 5 minutes from Dam Square on foot.

If you’re not interested in the Dungeon or the Amsterdam Museum, in the same area there is also the Body Worlds exhibition, Madame Tussauds wax museum and the Ripley’s museum.

Following a morning of indoor visits, you should dedicate the rest of the day to discovering the city center on foot.

You should start by visiting The Beguinage (“Begijnhof”), one of the city’s oldest inner courtyards , located near the Dungeon and the Amsterdam Museum .

It was once occupied exclusively by a community of women known as the Béguines, hence the name.

There, you can also admire the last wooden house in Amsterdam . This type of construction was banned in Amsterdam centuries ago because of the high fire risk.

Continue your walk for 5 minutes and you will reach the canal where one of the most popular attractions is located: the famous flower market.

In the Bloemenmarkt, you will find several nice small shops selling the iconic flower of the Netherlands, the tulip!

They come in all shapes, colors and materials: fresh flowers, bulbs, and even wooden sculptures.

You can also take advantage of your visit to the flower market to buy souvenirs . You will find the usual postcards and magnets as well as some more typical options such as the famous wooden clogs. 

I have no doubt that you will find at least a little something to bring back from your 5-day trip to Amsterdam!

Let’s continue your itinerary and head to Zuiderkerk Church , a 10-minute walk from the market via the Kloveniersburgwal canal .

If you’re lucky, you might be able to climb up the bell tower to contemplate the city. However, the opening hours are a bit random, and you will have to be accompanied by a guide to get up there.

But that’s doesn’t stop you from taking a look!

Not far from Zuiderkerk, there is another famous square in the city: Nieuwmarkt square.

The small castle with red shutters built in the center once was the gateway to the city. Nowadays, the ground floor houses a café and restaurant.

If you continue a bit further north, you will stumble on the tiny Chinatown district of Amsterdam , with traditional Asian grocery stores and shops.

Now comes the hottest part of the day!

Yes, it’s time to visit the famous Red Light District.

You’ve probably already heard of this iconic district of Amsterdam, known as a hotspot for prostitution.

It’s in this district that you’ll find the famous brothels’s red-fronted windows, behind which you can see the prostitutes waiting for their clients.

However, you shouldn’t take photos as a souvenir: it’s strictly forbidden, and you will have problems if you do.

To go deeper into the subject (and no, that’s not what you’re thinking! 😅), you can opt for a Red light district guided tour . You need to book it here:

Here are some slightly less traditional but equally instructive visits:

• Visit to the museum of prostitution in Amsterdam
• Visit to a brothel with a professional 

In the Red Light District, you can also find Oude Kerk, the oldest church in Amsterdam, built in the 1300s.

Personally, I really liked Oude Kerk typical architecture, with red bricks and large stained glass windows.

If you have the City Card Amsterdam , you can visit the inside for free , but it’s in my opinion not worth paying the 15€ admission fee otherwise.

In fact , you’re mostly paying to see one of the contemporary art exhibition they usually host inside, which in my opinion don’t really fit the place and are not really worth it.

Best things to do and see in Amsterdam on Day 2

Day 2 visits: 

A. Jordaan B. The cheese museum C. Anne Frank’s house D. Visit to a museum: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, MOCO or Stedelijk E. Vondelpark F. Canal cruise

After a good night’s sleep, you should spend the morning visiting a very typical neighborhood of Amsterdam: The Jordaan.

This district located to the west of Dam Square is especially famous for its traditional red brick houses lined along the canals.

While strolling around, don’t miss the beautiful Westerkerk church, the largest Protestant church in the country.

The best way to discover the Jordaan and learn more about Amsterdam is to book a guided tour.

The best 2-hour guided visit needs to be booked here:

And if you’re a food-lover, you should opt for this fantastic food tasting tour by clicking there!

In the Jordaan, you will also find the cheese museum.

To be honest, it won’t take you long at all to visit the museum itself: it’s just a small exhibition located in the basement of a cheese shop, with a few explanations about how cheese is made.

The shop on the ground floor offers a wide selection of cheese and free tasting. It’s thus the perfect place to taste all kinds of Gouda , an excellent local cheese that comes flavoured with pesto, chilli or truffles

True cheese-lovers might prefer to replace this visit with a tasting workshop!

The one I have selected allows you to taste 5 of the best Dutch cheeses , made by Henri Willig , famous for his high-quality traditional cheeses. And to make it even better, it’s accompanied by local wines and beers!

Simply click on the green button below to try the best cheese during your 5 days in Amsterdam:

Still in the Jordaan neighborhood, there is another place you should visit during your 5 days in Amsterdam: The Anne Frank house.

This is where the young girl wrote her world-famous diary, the diary of Anne Frank.

It tells the story of her entire family , who were forced to hide in a part of that house to escape the deportation of Jews during World War II.

You can visit several rooms of the house, decorated with photos, objects and newspaper articles that will immerse you in the family’s living conditions during this horrific period.

Before visiting Anne Frank’s house, you should be aware: admission tickets can only be purchased online on the official website by clicking on this link.

80% of tickets are sold 2 months in advance and the rest are released every day from 9.00 am. These tickets sell very quickly and you should really buy yours as soon as possible.

The house is located close to the cheese museum, across the canal.

If you couldn’t get tickets or don’t want to visit the house, you can instead opt for a guided tour of the Jewish quarter.

It’s a great way to learn more about Anne Frank and life in Amsterdam during WWII.

You need to book your 2h guided tour by clicking here:

After your visit to the Jordaan , it’s time to discover one of Amsterdam’s world-famous museums.

Most of them are located around the Museumplein , which translates as “Museums Square”.

To get there from Anne Frank’s house , you have 2 possibilities:

• A 30 minute walk along the canal
• By tram in 20 minutes.

The most famous museum is without a doubt the Rijksmuseum, the largest in the city.

There, you will be able to admire a huge collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age.

Some of the masterpieces on display include:

• Vermeer’s The Milkmaid
• Rembrandt’s The Night Watch
• Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait in Grey Felt Hat.

Entry to the Rijksmuseum is included in the City Card I Amsterdam or the  Amsterdam Pass. If you don’t have one of these city passes, you need to buy your skip-the-line tickets for the Rijksmuseum by clicking here .

Depending on your interests, you can also visit:

• The Van Gogh museum , dedicated to the famous Dutch painter. There, you can admire more than 200 of his paintings. Free entry with the City Card and Amsterdam Pass. Otherwise, you need to buy your skip-the-line ticket here.
• The MOCO is dedicated to contemporary art with an exhibition on Banksy. Free entry with the City Card and 10% discount with the Amsterdam Pass.
• Stedelijk Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design. Free entry with the City Card and 10% discount with the Amsterdam Pass.

To get some fresh air after a few hours at the museum, you should go relax at the Vondelpark.

The city’s largest public park is only a 5-minute walk from the Museumplein.

There, you will find several lakes , walkways for walking or cycling and playgrounds for the children.

You would rather enjoy a little pick-me-up after visiting the museums?

In that case, you should rather go to the House of Bols Experience . You won’t have to go very far as it’s located in a building right next to the Museumplein.

You will learn everything about the process of making the oldest spirits brand in the world, and get to taste an excellent cocktail at the end of it!

You need to book your tickets by clicking here.

To end your 2nd day in style, you can do the most iconic activity of Amsterdam: a boat tour on the canals.

It’s something you shouldn’t miss during your 5-day itinerary in Amsterdam!

Sit comfortably in the boat and discover the architecture of the capital from a new angle.

As there are lots of different cruises to choose from, I have selected the 5 best for you (simply click on the links for details and to book):

• 75-minute boat tour to the historic centre + audio guide
• One-hour boat tour with audio guide to admire the facades of houses of the Dutch Golden Age
• One-hour boat tour in semi-open electric boat to fully enjoy the view
• 90-minute evening boat tour to enjoy the city lights
• Luxury boat tour with drinks and snacks included.

Note that if you have the City Card I Amsterdam or the Amsterdam Pass , you are entitled to a free canal cruise.

Day 3: Best places to visit in Amsterdam

Day 3 visits: 

A. The Albert Cuypmarkt B. Heineken Experience C. Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug) D. Visit to a museum or guided tour of Amsterdam by bike E. A’DAM Lookout

Let’s start the 3rd day of your 5-day stay in Amsterdam at the Albert Cuypmarkt.

This market is one of the largest outdoor markets in Europe. In addition to classic fruits and vegetables, you will find local products, food stalls, flowers and souvenirs.

Albert Cuypmarkt is located in Pijp district and is open from Monday to Saturday .

Before lunch, you can enjoy a pint of beer at the Heineken Experience , just 5 minutes walk from the market.

You can visit the former premises of the famous brewery and learn more about the history of the company.

Of course, you will also learn everything about the different stages of beer production!

And at the end of your visit, you indeed get to enjoy a good pint of beer.

You need to book your tickets in advance here.

You can finish the morning with a photo break at the Skinny Bridge or “Magere Brug”.

Film buffs and fans of the James Bond saga will recognize the bridge that appears in the film ‘Diamonds are For Ever’.

This bridge dates back to the 17th century and was originally so narrow that only two people could cross it at the same time. This earned it the nickname of “Skinny Bridge .”

Since then, it has been enlarged twice to allow a few more people to cross at the same time, and it can also be opened to allow boats to pass.

Visually, it’s nothing exceptional, but it’s still an interesting historical anecdote of the city of Amsterdam.

In the afternoon, let’s continue your 5-day visit to Amsterdam.

You have different options:

• Visit a museum

There are a few museums located close to the Magere Brug:

• The Hermitage Museum
• Rembrandt House Museum
• The Tropen Museum

But as Amsterdam isn’t that big, you can also easily return to the Museumplein and visit one of the museums you didn’t have time for yesterday.

• Rent a bike or join a guided bike tour to discover the city like a local!

Amsterdam is famous for its numerous bike paths that run all over the city. If the weather is nice, you should really take a bike ride to immerse yourself in the local culture.

As you may know, biking is by far the favorite means of transportation of the Amsterdamers.

The easiest way to rent a bike, is to book it here:

And if you prefer to go on a guided bike tour to discover the best of the city with a local, you need to book it there:

• If you are going on this 5-day trip to Amsterdam with your family and you’re looking for an activity that the kids will enjoy , you should go to the Amsterdam Zoo or the NEMO Science Museum for a great fun activity.

At any time during the afternoon, you might also want to stop and relax at a coffee shop . Consuming cannabis sitting comfortably in a dedicated café is another Amsterdam institution, and it’s completely legal here!

There is are also a really good Cannabis and coffee shop guided tour that you need to book here:

At the end of the afternoon, return to Amsterdam Central Station.

From the other side of the building, you can take the free river shuttle boat and cross the river. You will arrive at Buiksloterweg dock.

You will then have to walk less than 5 minutes to reach the next activity of the day : This is Holland.

This attraction allows you to virtually fly over the Netherlands for about ten minutes. To complete the experience, the seats move and you can even smell the tulips as you pass over the fields.

A discount is offered with the City Card.

You need to book your tickets by clicking here. 

And to end your day in style, you can go to the top of A’DAM Lookout, Amsterdam’s observation deck. It offers a nice view over the whole city.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try the highest swing in Europe!

Entry to A’DAM Lookout is included in the Amsterdam City Card.

After exploring the city’s best places to visit during your first 3 days, you should continue your 5-day itinerary in Amsterdam with the visit of the surroundings.

So today, let’s go to Zaanse Schans, a village famous for its waterfront windmills. You will for sure have seen photos of it while in Amsterdam, as it’s featured on all postcards!

I won’t hide that it’s a very touristy place, with shops selling cheeses, clogs, souvenirs (more expensive than in Amsterdam) but it’s well done and everything was built while respecting the traditional architecture.

There are also 2 small museums: one on watchmaking (a craft specific to this village) and the other dedicated to windmills and their operation.

You can also visit the inside of the windmills for free with your Amsterdam Pass/City Card (€5 each otherwise) and take a short boat tour to see them from another angle (also free with the Amsterdam Pass).

You have several options to get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam:

• Take bus no. 391 or 891 from the central station. It runs every 15 minutes or so.
• Take the train to Zaanse station (20 minutes) and walk 15 minutes to reach the windmills.
• Opt for an organized day trip with transport and guide included. The hassle free solution! You need to click here to book it.

As the visit to the windmills will probably not take you all day, you should then head to the beautiful village of Haarlem.

You can get there by train.

You will first have to take the train to Amsterdam (20 minutes) and then another train to Haarlem (15 minutes).

When I was planning my 5-day visit to Amsterdam, I had not really heard of Haarlem and I am quite surprised because this small town is really worth a visit.

You will for sure love this very picturesque place , with beautiful brick houses, cobbled streets and a very impressive church (entry fee: 2.50€).

To ensure you don’t miss anything of this charming town, you should first go to the tourist office located on the church square. For 50 cents , you can buy a map with visit routes that takes in all the highlights. It’s called “Monumental Haarlem”.

In addition to the day trip I mentioned above, there are other organized day trips to visit the windmills , as well as some of the famous villages around Amsterdam like Edam and Volendam.

In this itinerary, you will see that I am suggesting you to visit these places during your 5th day in Amsterdam.

However, you can totally opt for one of these for Day 4 and do something else on the last day.

For details and to book your day trip , simply click on the orange links below:

• Visit the windmills of Zaanse Schans + 1h boat tour + Volendam + Marken .
• Visit to Edam + Volendam + Marken + Zaanse Schans + cheese tasting .

Spending 5 days in Amsterdam gives you enough time to discover another really nice place close to the city: the Wateland villages.

These authentic and traditional villages are nicknamed ‘Waterland’ because they are crossed by canals and some are located on the seafront.

To make your life easier, you should purchase the “Waterland Day Ticket” for 10€ from the automatic ticket machines at Amsterdam central station. You can use it for all your bus journeys between Amsterdam and the villages.

You should also go to the information center located inside the station to get the bus route map and timetables.

Here are the 7 villages of Waterland that you can discover during the day:

• Broek in Waterland, famous for its small wooden houses and its church ceiling painted with angels
• Monninckendam where guests can visit the Waterland Museum and St. Nicholas Church
• Marken: a pretty little island with a harbor and restaurants by the water.
• Volendam: a very cute village, with a lot of small shops and restaurants towards the harbor.
• Edam: a typical village, you will enjoy walking there to admire the beautiful houses.
• Purmerend: you can skip that one, it’s much less traditional and not that interesting (it just looks like a regular small town)
• Beemster: listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its polder, an artificial stretch of land claimed by draining water. Beemster Lake was drained from the 17th century using 43 water mills, a technical feat!

If you prefer to opt for an organized day trip , remember they all include a visit to the windmills of Zaanse Schans. So if you already visited the attraction yesterday or took an organized day trip, you don’t need to do it again.

Otherwise, here are the day trips I mentioned:

• Visit of Volendam + Edam + windmills 
• Volendam + Marken + Zaanse Schans + 1h boat tour

Instead , you can go to Zandvoort, a seaside resort 30 minutes by train from Amsterdam. It’s perfect if you want to enjoy the beaches. 

A bit further away (1h35 by car), you will also find the village of Giethoorn , known as the Venice of the North . This day trip needs to be booked here!

And if you’re going to Amsterdam between mid-March and mid-May , you should really visit Keukenhof park and its millions of tulips. Ticket with transport from Amsterdam needs to be booked  there.

Now, you know what to do in Amsterdam in 5 days.

There’s one last thing you need to take care of: choosing the perfect hotel for your stay!

In order to help you out, here is my selection of the best hotels in Amsterdam depending on your budget:

• Hans Brinker Hostel Amsterdam: Youth hostel 400 metres from the Rijksmuseum and 10 minutes from the Vondelpark. Bed in a dormitory from 26€, including breakfast. Strong points: the location, the warm welcome, the atmosphere. An excellent choice if you’re looking for a cheap accommodation in Amsterdam!
• Motel One Amsterdam: Located 2 km from the Rikjsuseum and the Albert Cuyp Market. Clean and well-decorated double room from 110€ per night, breakfast 11.50€. Strong points: helpful staff, location 2 minutes from the metro, the good breakfast.
• Jaz Amsterdam: Situated a 15-minute metro ride from the centre. Spacious and stylish room from 110€, breakfast 16.95€. Strong points: very friendly staff, good facilities, the fabulous breakfast.
• Motel One Amsterdam-Waterlooplein: Situated close to the Zuiderkerk and a 15-minute walk from Dam Square. Warm room with very comfortable bed linen from 154€, breakfast 11.50€. Strong points: close to the centre, delightful staff, good and varied breakfast. It’s my favourite for its excellent value for money in Amsterdam!
• Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre: Situated just a 10-minute walk from the railways station and the centre of Amsterdam. Spacious, modern and comfortable room, some with a river view, from 190€, breakfast 25€. Strong points: location, comfort, friendly staff, access to the sauna included. The best hotel for a high end stay in Amsterdam!
• NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky: Located right on Dam Square, this luxury hotel offers rooms with a sleek and modern decor from 310€, breakfast included. Strong points: central location for exploring Amsterdam on foot, exceptional bed linen, the excellent breakfast. Perfect for a romantic break in the heart of the city!
• Hyatt Regency Amsterdam: 5* hotel situated 800 metres from the zoo. Bright and elegantly decorated rooms from 360€, breakfast 28€. Strong points: the staff are concerned to ensure the well-being of their guests, the decoration, the location, the excellent restaurant. The best hotel in Amsterdam for a luxury stay!

And if you prefer to rent a luxury apartment for your stay in Amsterdam, the Keizersgracht Suite 471 is the best address in the city!

If these hotels are full or don’t suit you, you should take a look at the traveler’s favorites by clicking here : The Best Hotels in Amsterdam .

Since I had a very early flight home on the morning of my departure, I also tried out the Ibis Schiphol Amsterdam Airport situated 10 minutes from the airport (free shuttle). And I was pleasantly surprised: the rooms are modern, comfortable, and you can’t hear the planes at all.

If you plan to visit Amsterdam for 5 days with children, you will be happy to learn that Amsterdam is the perfect city to discover with your family.

Everything is easily accessible on foot and if the kids are tired, you can always take the tram to get around.

Regarding this itinerary, apart from the Amsterdam Dungeon which isn’t suitable for young children, this whole itinerary can be enjoyed with your kids.

Here are the best things to do during a 5-day stay in Amsterdam with your family:

• The flower market
• The Jordaan district
• The Vondelpark
• A Canal cruise
• Amsterdam Zoo
• NEMO Science Museum
• The day trip to see the windmills!

You can also add visits especially for them:

• Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum
• The Lego shop on Kalverstraat, with its gigantic Lego scenes and animations
• Micropia, a museum dedicated to microbes and bacteria. Truly original and well done! It’s located close to the zoo.
• Madurodam where you can see the main monuments of the Netherlands in miniature. A nice park with beautiful models located a 1 h 10 min drive from Amsterdam.
• A round of mini golf in the dark (get your tickets here)

If you want to modify this 5-day itinerary according to your interests, add activities or include guided tours , you should read my detailed guide of Amsterdam here: The 30 best things to do in Amsterdam.

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day on Amsterdam’s canals , you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip on Amsterdam’s canals? 😊

To help you visualize your daily itineraries during your 5 days in Amsterdam, I have created this map with all the places to visit day by day . You can view the legend of the map by clicking on the top left button, the one with a little arrow.

You can thus see the suggested itineraries for each day.

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices.

To check the rates and schedules for flights to Amsterdam, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

Once you will arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol airport , you will have 2 options to reach the city center:

• Take the train to the central train station
• Take the #397 bus to go to the Museumplein.

You should choose according to your hotel location!

For the “Schiphol airport – Amsterdam city center train” , you should really book your tickets in advance . You will save a lot of time when you will arrive!

You will get the ticket directly on your mobile (no need to print it), so you won’t need to queue at the ticket counter or vending machines.

To book your round trip “airport – city center” train ticket, simply click the button below:

If you don’t want to take a flight, you can also get to Amsterdam by train from many European cities.

To check the schedules, the rates and to book your tickets, it’s right there:

Need help organising your 5-day itinerary in Amsterdam? Feel free to ask me any questions you may have in the comments section below!

Discover all my articles about Amsterdam : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Amsterdam are listed there.

• Amsterdam: Top 30 best things to do
• 2 days in Amsterdam – The perfect itinerary for 48h!
• 3 Days in Amsterdam – The best 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in Amsterdam – The defitinive guide to plan your trip
• 5 Days in Amsterdam – The best itinerary discover the city and the surroundings
• Where to stay in Amsterdam? My guide to the best areas and hotels of the city

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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The best amsterdam itinerary for your first visit.

The Dutch capital of Amsterdam was a city that was on my forever bucket list but that just kept eluding me. We’ve visited every country surrounding the Netherlands, but somehow we just could never make it work. I was finally able to visit this incredible city for a week and I’m so happy I finally made it a priority! I fell in love with the old houses, meandering canals, and above all, the people.

I’ve met plenty of Dutch people and have some Dutch friends, so I was thrilled to finally see their home. I loved the people I connected with in Amsterdam and hope to come back again soon! It was just one of those trips that felt easy, with lots to do, but not stressful. For visiting mid-June I was surprised that it wasn’t nearly as crowded as I thought it might be. Compared to visiting Paris or London during peak season, Amsterdam was a dream!

I put a lot of time and energy into researching the best Amsterdam Itinerary to maximize my time there. I was able to cover a lot of ground in Amsterdam, but also do several day trips outside the city center to explore more of the beautiful countryside of Holland.

I visited with two other friends, so it was easy getting around without kids to worry about. I will say that if I had very small kids, I would have been stressed about them getting run over by bikes. The whole bike situation there is intense! The locals are cruising. They know what they’re doing, but it can make walking a bit hazardous. They should make you wear helmets if you walk! Ha! But seriously, just be cautious, especially while crossing the street, and don’t accidentally walk into a bike lane.

Here's a Short Cut

Why the Dutch are Different

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Before visiting Amsterdam, try to learn what you can about Dutch culture and history. If you’ve been following me for any amount of time, you know that I love connecting my travels to books (why I run the British Book Club Tour) so it will come as no surprise that I read a few books to prepare for this trip. I also watched some shows and movies. Here is what I recommend reading and watching:

I read the book Why the Dutch are Different and found it very insightful into the lives of the Dutch. This was a cross between a humorous memoir and a travel diary around Holland. The audio was great.

Midnight Blue was a great novel about a girl living in 17th Century Holland, a time when Amsterdam is at the peak of its power. It’s a great historical fiction about the birth of the famous Delft blue pottery. If you’re planning to visit Delft on a day trip from Amsterdam, definitely read this book.

Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers was a great easy read about Vincent Van Gogh and his brother Theo. I’ll admit I didn’t know a huge amount about Van Gogh, but it definitely made my visit to the Van Gogh museum more meaningful to understand a little more about his life.

The Hiding Place is a book I read in middle school that I wanted to re-read before my trip to Amsterdam. It’s the story of Corrie Ten-Boom, a woman whose family hid many people during the German occupation of WWII. You can visit her home in Haarlem. I was glad I re-read it before visiting the house.

The Diary of Anne Frank was another middle school re-read for me. We read it during the beginning of lockdown. It was good for my kids to get some perspective at that time. If you’re visiting the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, I highly recommend reading this or brushing up on it before you go. It will make your trip much more meaningful.

If you’re visiting the Anne Frank House or the Resistance Museum in Amsterdam, you should definitely watch A Small Light on Disney+. It made my visit to the house so powerful. I felt like I was friends with everyone involved. The show is so well done, but will make you cry. I watched it on the plane ride over and was in the bathroom crying. Just a disclaimer, that it’s less about Anne Frank’s life and more about Miep Gies, the person hiding the family in the annex.

These are some quick tips that I’m either glad I did or wish I would have done before visiting Amsterdam.

• Learn about the history of Amsterdam – You’ll appreciate your time there more
• Book a Flytographer shoot – Use code WANDERLUST for a discount
• Set up Apple Pay – most places take contactless/Apple Pay
• Watch out for bikes – especially when crossing the street
• Get the Go City Card – It will save you money!

Be sure to check out these first-timer tips for visiting Amsterdam for more ideas.

We wanted to stay somewhere central in the Amsterdam city center, but also be near Vondelpark. We chose Hotel Alexander and it was absolutely perfect. Very walkable to public transportation and within walking distance of most sites we wanted to see, but also in a quieter neighborhood so that we didn’t have the sound of nightlife while trying to sleep (getting too old for that).

It also had this massive replica of the Night Watch above my bed, which I thought was pretty comical. It was like staying in a mini Rijksmuseum. And speaking of…Hotel Alexander was designed by the same architect, Pierre Cuypers, who designed the beautiful Rijksmuseum. If you want some more hotel options, check out this good list of places to stay in Amsterdam here.

We got the 3 day Go City Card for Amsterdam and it more than paid for itself. It was a great way to see several museums for free and also to get our Zaanse Schans card. You can buy the Amsterdam Go City Card here.

Alright, now that you’re ready to prepare for your trip, let’s get down to planning out your Amsterdam trip! Here’s what I did each day.

Day 1 – Van Gogh Museum & Evening Canal Cruise

Day 2 – Photoshoot, Pancake Class, & Haarlem

Day 3 – Rijksmuseum, The Milkmaid Project, A’Dam Lookout, Cheese Museum, Tulip Museum, Houseboat Museum

Day 4 – Zaanse Schans, Tony’s Chocoloney, Foodhallen, Vondelpark

Day 5 – Delft & The Hague

Day 6 – Anne Frank House, Albert Cuyp market, 9 Streets, Resistance Museum, Microbe Museum, Red Light District

Amsterdam Itinerary Day 1 -Van Gogh Museum & Canal Tour

You’ll most likely be arriving at Schipol Airport. You can take the train into the city, but we had so much luggage that we opted to take an UBER to our hotel. The UBER pickup is located across the street at the Sheraton, just a quick 2-minute walk. It cost around $20 USD and was worth not hauling luggage on public transportation.

We jumped right into one of the many amazing museums in Amsterdam on our first day. Be sure to Book the Van Gogh Museum in advance, it does sell out. When we arrived there were no tickets left for the day, so I was glad we had pre-booked. You can get your tickets here.

We had a few minutes before our entrance time so we grabbed lunch at Museum Square which sits between the Van Gogh Museum, the MoCo Museum, and the Rijksmuseum. There are several food stalls. I just grabbed a hot dog, which was nothing to write home about. The burgers looked great though.

You can’t visit Amsterdam without taking a tour of Amsterdam’s canals. There are many options for canal cruises, but I didn’t want something that would be a large boat full of tourists, so I searched high and low for something more intimate. We decided on Pure Boats Amsterdam and it was absolutely perfect.

In fact, I ended up doing 2 tours with them. We took an evening tour before the sunset. They had a beautiful offering of cheese, crackers, nuts, and all-you-can-drink alcohol. I had apple juice in a fancy glass. It was perfect. Our guide was adorable. You get a totally different view of the city from the water and it’s just lovely!

I ended up doing a morning tour with my friend who’s flight was delayed and missed the evening tour. The morning tour was cheaper and shorter and also didn’t have any snacks, but did have drinks included. If I had to choose, I’d pick the evening cruise. But if you’re going with kids, then the morning cruise would be a great choice.

Since we had just flown in that morning, we were extremely exhausted and jetlagged. Instead of sitting down to a long dinner or eating something heavy, we opted to stop in at STACH, which quickly became one of our favorite snack stops and a great place to grab a treat or an iced chai! Lots of fun and local Dutch snacks to try!

Amsterdam Itinerary Day 2 – Photoshoot, Pancake Class, & Haarlem

One thing about traveling with your family or traveling solo is that I’m never actually in many (or sometimes any) photos! When I get the chance, I always like to book a Flytographer session when I travel. Not only do you get amazing photos by a professional photographer, but you get to meet a local and get a little early morning private tour of your destination. I booked a session with Tania and she was amazing. Doing a photoshoot by yourself can feel super awkward, but Tania put me right at ease and made me feel lovely and confident. You can use code WANDERLUST to get a discount on your photoshoot.

This was one of my favorite things we did on our Amsterdam itinerary. I booked a Pancake Cooking Class with Eat With . We were welcomed into our host’s home and given samples of traditional Dutch food like cheese and Applestroop (I’m obsessed) and pickled herring (I liked it more than I thought I would). Then our host taught us how to make Dutch Pancakes.

It was so fun to be welcomed into a local’s home and to learn a new skill that I could take home with me. My kids would have loved this activity too. I went home and cooked them Dutch pancakes. I highly recommend booking this class. It was worth the money for the experience, and we got fed too!

We took the train to Haarlem, which was easy to do. We had a tour of Corrie Ten-Boom’s house and then explored the lovely town of Haarlem. There are many cute shops here and we just spent a few hours wandering and shopping before taking the train back to Amsterdam.

If you want to try truly Dutch food, you may have to look a little harder than you’d think! Have you ever tried Dutch food outside of the Netherlands? Probably not, it’s because they’re not well-known for their food. So instead of lots of Dutch food places in Amsterdam, you’ll find a lot of international food choices, which is great, but also makes it harder to find traditional options. So we made a special trip to Moeders in search of traditional Dutch comfort food.

We visited Moeders, which means Mothers. It’s a mother-themed restaurant serving classic Dutch fare. Everything we had was delicious, but I think would be even better on a cold winter night! It was a lot of meat and potatoes. But the special part of Moeders is the pictures of all the mothers on the walls! Bring a picture of your own mom to hang on the wall!

Amsterdam Itinerary Day 3 – Rijksmuseum, The Milkmaid Project, Houseboat Museum, & A’Dam Lookout

Plan for several hours here and go in with a plan. Make sure you book tickets online in advance. Some of the most recognizable artworks are The Night Watch by famous Dutch painter, Rembrandt, and The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer, among many other beautiful works of art. Be sure to check out the Cuypers Library at the Rijksmuseum. It’s the largest and oldest art history library in the Netherlands and it’s absolutely gorgeous! If you have the Amsterdam Go City Card , the Rijksmuseum is included, but you still need to book your time slot.

We went to Winkel 43 for lunch. The big draw here is the apple pie and I have to say that it actually lived up to the hype! The food was good too.

Cheese & Tulip Museum

Take about an hour to see both the cheese and tulip museums. They’re small and cute, but so Dutch that you just have to go! You can sample all kinds of cheeses and take some home with you. They’re good outside the fridge for several days.

The Milkmaid Project

Now that you’ve seen Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, head over the The Milkmaid Project and step inside a painting. I randomly happened upon this project just by walking by the studio. This art experience was created by famous photograher, Sander Veeneman, who has recreated the “set” of The Milkmaid. It’s truly like stepping into a painting.

You can also recreate other paintings like Girl with the Pearl Earring or William of Orange. You can do group photos as well. Sander recreated Rembrandt’s Night Watch with all of his neighbors. Even if you don’t book a session, it’s worth walking into the studio to see his work.

This was such an incredible experience just talking to Sander. His passion for this project and art was so tangible and I loved spending time with him talking about the project. The cost is €95 and well worth it for the experience. You’ll get your own high-quality printed photograph to take home with you. Plan for about an hour for this experience and be sure to book ahead.

Houseboat Museum

Check out the Houseboat Museum. If you have the Go City card for Amsterdam, this museum is included. This is just an old houseboat that has been turned into a display so that you can see what living on a houseboat is like. You only need about 20 minutes to see it all.

A’DAM Lookout is a tall observation deck where you can see almost the whole city from above. To get here, you’ll need to take the free foot ferry across the IJ. You can take the elevator up to the top for the views or book “Over the Edge” swing!

A’Dam Lookout is covered by the Amsterdam Go City Card , but you still need to book your time on the swing. It was quite busy up here, but it was fun to see the old city of Amsterdam from above.

Dinner – Meatless District

We wanted to try this vegan restaurant in Amsterdam that had good reviews. For vegan food, it was really good. The beet root hummus and bread were amazing. I had the vegan chicken caesar salad, which was so insane because the “chicken” really tasted like chicken. Check out Meatless District if you’re into vegan food.

Amsterdam Itinerary Day 4 – Zaanse Schans, Tony’s Chocoloney, Foodhallen, Vondelpark

On day 4, we left the city and took a day trip to Zaanse Schans, an adorable living history village that shows you what life was like in the Netherlands hundreds of years ago.

We stopped at Rainbowls before heading to Zaanse Schans. We ended up loving it so much that we went back several times during our trip. They make amazing smoothie bowls, chia bowls, smoothies, and juices. It’s also in a super cute and artsy neighborhood called De Pijp.

After breakfast, we took an UBER to Zaanse Schans. Zaanse Schans is like a step back in time! It’s an old living history Dutch village with windmills, wooden houses, and little bridges over canals. It’s a great example of what life was like in the Netherlands in the past.

You could spend an entire day here, so give yourself enough time to see it all. It’s quite spread out and there are some great photo ops. If you have the Go City Card, the Zaanse Schans card is included. Just stop at the visitor center first to pick up your Zaanse Schans card. Show your card at each windmill or museum for free entry.

Be sure to visit the cheese shop where you can sample so many different types of cheeses! The cheese can be unrefrigerated for several days, so you may want to take a few wheels home with you.

This is a fun little touristy stop where you can pick up some Tony’s chocolate. They have a cool way to get the chocolate out by using a lever. Be warned: the labels are all in Dutch, so be sure you’re getting chocolate you want. This was a fun thing to bring home for my kids. They have a lot of flavors that you can’t get in the US.

Head back into the city and stop at Foodhallen where you can get any kind of food you like! It’s like a massive mall food court! Our favorite was the giant hummus plate! But they had everything from sushi to tacos. I have to say, Amsterdam does foreign food really well since their traditional food is probably not something you want to eat on a daily basis.

Foodhallen isn’t far from Foodhallen, so we walked over and took a long stroll through Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s main park. Since we were there in June, it stayed light until around 11:00 pm. It was fun to see so many people out and about so late at night. They call these the “white nights.” These photos were both taken around 10:00 pm!

Amsterdam Itinerary Day 5 – Delft & The Hague

On our 5th day in Amsterdam, we ventured out of the city again. We specifically went on a Saturday so that we could visit the Antique Market in Delft. So if you decide to take a day trip from Amsterdam. to Delft, save it for Saturday.

Today was another day trip day. We took the train to Delft early in the morning, which took around 45 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal, and walked to the Royal Delft Factory. I loved this factory tour. It was very well done, including a video, interactive museum, and you’re actually able to walk through the actual factory and watch the talented Delft artists painting the pottery and dishes. It was really incredible. There is a nice cafe at the factory, so we had lunch here.

If you want to spend a little more time here, you can book a class and paint your own plate or tile to take home. I couldn’t afford to buy anything at the gift shop, so a class might have been a better option for me!

If you plan to visit Delft, I recommend visiting on a Saturday so that you can explore and shop at the Antiekmarkt. We found so many great gems at this market, including more KLM houses for my collection.

I’m now wishing that I’d bought more, because they were a great price here. I also got an antique Delft vase. I was glad that I had just gone to the Royal Delft factory because I knew exactly what to look for and how to pick an authentic piece. They were also much more affordable than purchasing something at the Royal Delft Factory.

I also purchased a pair of old used clogs which sit on my doorstep with flowers inside. It’s a fun reminder of my time in the Netherlands. These were much cheaper than the tourist versions you can purchase at Zaanse Schans, so if you’re set on getting a pair of clogs, I would definitely get some here. They were around $15 vs. $65 at Zaanse Schans.

There are lots of things to do in Delft including walking along the Oude Canal, visiting the Old Church, Vermeer Centrum (Vermeer lived and painted here), and wandering the old city center. Honestly, I really fell in love with Delft and probably could have stayed here for several days. It was a nice break from the business of Amsterdam and it’s just so charming.

From Delft, we took the train to The Hague. This is the political center of the Netherlands. It’s a fairly large and modern city. The real reason we were here was to visit the Mauritshuis Museum and see Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring . This was a great art museum and I actually preferred it to the Rijksmuseum. It was smaller and more maneagable, it had great places to sit (I actually laid on the couch for a minute) and it had so much beautiful art that I actually really loved. Some famous works include Vermeer’s View of Delft , Paulus Potter’s The Bull, and Carel Fabritius The Goldfinch .

We took the train back into Amsterdam and had dinner at Blauw, an Indonesian restaurant. This was my first time having Indonesian food. It was really good! Everything is served family style, so there will be a lot of dishes on your table. We had all kinds of meats, rices, vegetables, and sauces.

Amsterdam Itinerary Day 6 – Anne Frank House, Albert Cuyp market, 9 Streets, Resistance Museum, Microbe Museum, Red Light District

The last day in our Amsterdam itinerary was all about World War II history. I saved the Anne Frank House until our last day and I’m glad I did. It was a very moving way to end our time in this beautiful city with a tragic history.

I couldn’t leave Amsterdam without having one more Dutch pancake! We stopped at Pancake Bakery and had a delicious banana Nutella pancake.

I was very excited to visit the Anne Frank house. I’ve been learning about her since I was 13 and it was such an incredible experience. I was so glad that I had done my research, re-read her diary, and watched A Small Light. It was worth it to have an experience that included so much understanding.

The house is very well done. It’s reverent without being boring. It’s sad, without being heartbreaking. An audio tour is included which was very well done. I definitely shed some tears. There’s an amazing gift shop with great books. I bought a great book to help my kids study the Holocaust and Anne Frank. You can also see all the languages that her diary was published in. It was fascinating.

You must book your Anne Frank tickets well in advance of your trip! There are no last minute tickets, so don’t even risk it, even during low season. Tickets are released 6 weeks before the date. I set an alarm and got up at 1:00 am to book our tickets. You can book a guided tour or a self guided tour. I wasn’t able to get the guided tour because spots are extremely limited. But the self guided tour was very well done.

De 9 Straatjes or “The Nine Streets,” are nine side streets in the heart of Amsterdam. The Nine Streets are located off the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and Singel in the city center. We did a little vintage shopping here and I found a few cute dresses, skirts, and shirts. All pants I found were definitely made for the much taller Dutch!

We walked to Albert Cuyp Market for lunch. Albert Cuyp Market, located in the vibrant De Pijp neighborhood, is the largest and most popular outdoor market in the Netherlands. With over 260 stalls stretching along the Albert Cuypstraat, you can find all kinds of goods, from fresh produce, fish, and spices to clothes, accessories, and electronics. It’s a great place to sample traditional Dutch treats like herring, stroopwafels, and fresh cheeses. It’s open six days a week and is closed on Sundays. We had falafel and a fresh stroopwaffel.

After lunch, we headed to The Resistance Museum, a museum dedicated to those who fought against the Nazis during WWII. This museum has so much information about specific members of the resistance and it very interesting. It’s really well done with videos and great labeling, but there is a lot of information. You may need to be ok with seeing about half of this, otherwise, plan on dedicating more than 2 hours to see all of it. Book your ticket ahead of time.

If you’ve had enough WWII history, you might want to consider Micropia . This Amsterdam museum is a museum all about microbes, which sounds weird, but it is actually super fascinating! I learned so much about the power of microbes. It’s really close to the Resistance Museum, so if you have extra time, you could do both.

It’s up to you if you want to visit Amsterdam’s Red Light District. I have mixed feelings about it. It’s part of the culture, but also not something I agree with or want to promote. I decided to go since I was there without my kids. I would never take my kids.

It’s just one of those places that you have to see to believe. There were women in windows in lingerie and men soliciting them. I just quickly walked through. It was very eye opening. If you want to avoid it, then I recommend taking notes of which streets are the busiest and avoiding those.

We wanted to end our time in Amsterdam with something fun and fancy. Secret Garden was beautiful inside. It was very expensive and the servings were very small, but the food was great. If you’re very hungry, I’d maybe opt for something else, but this was fun to taste!

That was our Amsterdam itinerary. I’m really happy with what we were able to accomplish in just under a week in Amsterdam. I think 6 days in Amsterdam was a good amount of time. I felt like we saw most of the city and were able to take several day trips. I would love to return to the Netherlands and explore more of the countryside.

I was really surprised at how much I fell in love with the culture, and even the food, in this country. I’d love to go back and visit during Christmas time.

I hope this helps you lay out your own Amsterdam itinerary! Please let me know if you have any questions about the city or what we did.

Frequently Asked Questions about my Amsterdam Itinerary

We had 6 days in Amsterdam and I think that felt like a good amount of time. There were a few more day trips I would have liked to take, so if you added a few more days, you could definitely fill them. But I really felt like I saw almost the entire city during our time.

Absolutely. If you cut out any day trips, I think 3 days in Amsterdam is a perfect amount of time.

I can’t speak for all the other months, but June was incredible. We had perfect weather the whole time, but keep in mind that a lot of places don’t have air conditioning, so it did feel hot in the hotel room. Once we had fans going it was fine. I would like to go back to Amsterdam in December to see the Christmas markets and the canals all lit up with Christmas lights.

I think for seeing the historic center of Amsterdam itself, 10 days is too long. But 10 days would allow you to take many more day trips from Amsterdam, which would be ideal. And the longer you stay, the slower you can travel, which is always a plus.

Absolutely, and I highly recommend doing so. Amsterdam is great, but the Netherlands are so much more than Amsterdam. Take a few days out of your Amsterdam itinerary to explore the rest of the country.

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Amsterdam » Entertainment » Things to do

Suggested walking routes in Amsterdam

If you feel like wandering the town by yourself then happily continue reading and these pages will give you suggestions for routes and time efficiency of your visit.

If you feel like touring the town with a knowledgeable guide, then have a look at our guided Amsterdam tours website.

Guided tour vs. exploring by yourself

Touring a city with a guide can be interesting because they can tell you amusing stories and facts along the way. And also can answer your questions that you may have. If you attend a tour with more people you might get to know someone interesting and there might be a festive atmosphere in a larger group.

However some people might preffer to walk the city by themselves. The reason might be privacy, flexibility or budget. If this is your case, you might find the following pages helpful.

One day in Amsterdam

Our suggestions for how to efficiently spend one day in Amsterdam. Take a canal boat cruise, try dutch traditional food, visit the most popular museums, visit the main city park, do some shopping or and see the chinatown, and finish it with a visit to the red light district.

Two days in Amsterdam

Some more museums, tranquil compound, districts outside of old town, canal houses, some high culture, and pubs and clubs.

Three days in Amsterdam

Finishing what's undone, more museums, windmills, villages, markets, and some more bars.

Historic walking route through Amsterdam

This route will give you an overview of the historic center of Amsterdam and the canal ring. Wander through the city and soak up the architecture of Amsterdam’s Golden Age.

Bicycle route through Amsterdam

From the center of old town by the canals and beyond, this tour provides a great overview of the larger city area and a little taste of feeling a little more Dutch on a bicycle.

Red light district walking route

This tour takes you through the Red Light District as well as the major nightlife areas of Amsterdam.

Day trips from Amsterdam

There are definitely many interesting cities and places in The Netherlands. It is a shame that many tourists see and are satisfied with only Amsterdam. Read about the options to visit these cities, towns and villages on our daytrips pages.

Amsterdam For A Week: One Week in Amsterdam Itinerary

Are you visiting Amsterdam for a week and looking for an itinerary? Look no more! I’ve guided tourists from all over the world for several years in Amsterdam, and I have put together this guide for the best trip ever.

I’ll show you an amazing one-week Amsterdam itinerary, the things you need to know about getting the tickets to your favourite attractions, where to stay in Amsterdam, how to get around the city, the best time to visit Amsterdam and insider tips for your week in Amsterdam.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate advertising links. This means that if you click through any of the links on this page and decide to make a booking I get a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps fund the running costs of my site.

Book Your Trip To Amsterdam: Logistical Tips And Tricks

Calculate how much money you’ll spend on your Amsterdam trip with the calculator below. All costs are per person.

Travel Cost Calculator

Total holiday cost: 0, day 1 amsterdam itinerary .

Amsterdam’s City Centre

Start your one week in Amsterdam by exploring the historic centre of Amsterdam and taking a walking tour with local Dutch food tasting. Visit popular landmarks such as the Royal Palace, the New Church, the most important canals, bridges, iconic squares, Begijnhof, the Mint Tower, the Flower Market, the LGBT street and the Amstel River.

Canal Cruise

Take a canal cruise to admire Amsterdam’s picturesque canals and charming architecture. It’s a great way to get an overview of the city but this time on water. There are many different canal boat tours you can choose from evening canals , open boat cruises , canal cruises with audio commentary , drinks and local snacks . My favourite canal cruise ever was a birthday gift from my boyfriend: a dinner cruise with a 4-course menu . I’ll never forget that experience!

Day 2 Amsterdam Itinerary

Van Gogh Museum

Visit the Van Gogh Museum to admire the works of the famous Dutch painter, Vincent van Gogh. Just like the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum is one of the most popular museums in Amsterdam. Make sure you buy your tickets at least 1 month before your trip!

Rijksmuseum

Explore the Rijksmuseum , which houses an impressive collection of Dutch art and masterpieces, including Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch.”

Museumplein

Explore the Museumplein area, home to several museums. Amongst the most famous museums like Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum, you can find other amazing ones like Stedelijk Museum, dedicated to modern and contemporary art, and the Moco Museum , which features works by Banksy and other street artists.

After a day of museums stroll through Vondelpark and enjoy its beautiful green spaces, ponds, and birds. If the weather allows make a picnic and relax after the cultural day.

Day 3 Amsterdam Itinerary

Jordaan neighbourhood

The Jordaan neighbourhood was a working-class neighbourhood that turned into a trendy area. It’s perfect to walk around, eat at a traditional restaurant like Moeders and enjoy less crowded streets. Next to Jordaan, you’ll find the ‘9 streets’ with cosy cafés and trendy boutiques.

Anne Frank House

Visit the Anne Frank House where her family hid during World War II. It showcases the rooms and how the whole family lived in the attic. You’ll also find her original diary in which she was writing her daily life in the attic.

Anne Frank House is a very popular attraction and you’ll need to buy the tickets at least 2 months in advance. Also, the visit can feel a bit rushed as there is little space and you have to walk in a line, but if you are a fan you definitely cannot miss the house of Anne Frank.

Try Dutch Food

Indulge in Dutch cuisine by trying local specialities such as stroopwafels, herring, and bitterballen . Explore the food hall market Foodhallen . It’s a local spot and gets busy during lunch and dinner.

Amsterdam’s nightlife

Experience Amsterdam’s nightlife by exploring the areas of Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. Enjoy live music, bars, and clubs.

Day 4 Amsterdam Itinerary

Day Trip To Zaanse Shans, Volendam & Marken

One of the things The Netherlands is famous for is its windmills. Take a day trip to Zaanse Schans, a pretty village located north of Amsterdam. You’ll explore the historic working windmills in Zaanse Schans, visit a cheese factory in Volendam, and learn about traditional Dutch crafts like wooden shoes in Marken.

Book a tour of the northern villages and enjoy one day in the Dutch countryside you’ll not forget.

Red Light District

Back in Amsterdam, end your day 4 in Amsterdam by strolling through the Red Light District and the Oude Kerk . I suggest getting a tour so you can understand the history behind it and the often misunderstood neighbourhood. Keep in mind that it is forbidden to take photos of sex workers.

Day 5 Amsterdam Itinerary

Nemo Science Museum

Visit the NEMO Science Museum , a hands-on museum where you can explore science and technology through interactive exhibits. It’s great for both kids and adults. Visit the cafeteria at the top of the museum for nice views.

Amsterdam Noord

Take the free ferry from behind the Centraal Station across the river IJ towards the north of the city. The area has grown in the last few years and it became one of the cool places to be. Be sure to visit EYE, Amsterdam’s film institute.

In Amsterdam Noord, there are two famous attractions: A’DAM Lookout – an observation deck with some of the best views of the city and This is Holland – a 5D flight over the must-see sites in the Netherlands. On the A’DAM Lookout, you also have the Panorama Restaurant where you can savour the views of Amsterdam together with your hamburger. Highly recommended!

Day 6 Amsterdam Itinerary 

Plantage neighbourhood 

Explore the Plantage neighbourhood and visit the Artis Royal Zoo . Discover a wide variety of animals and enjoy the beautiful gardens. If you are interested in the invisible world of microbes and life forms I wholeheartedly recommend ARTIS-Micropia Museum which is next door to Artis Zoo.

De Pijp neighbourhood

Explore the trendy neighbourhood of De Pijp and the famous Albert Cuyp Market. Browse through stalls selling fresh produce, local delicacies, and unique items.

Visit the famous Heineken Experience , where you can learn about the brewing process and enjoy beer tasting.

Day 7 Amsterdam Itinerary

Day Trip To Haarlem

Situated just a short train ride away from Amsterdam, Haarlem is perfect to escape the crowds and have an authentic Dutch experience.

This charming town is very picturesque and worth visiting. You’ll discover hidden courtyards, cathedrals and museums like the famous Teylers Museum, an institution filled with diverse collections of art, science, and natural history.

Beyond its landmarks, there are many boutique shops and yummy restaurants. Enjoy the tranquillity, explore the landmarks, and discover the charm of Haarlem’s boutique shops. Read more about Haarlem in my article Is Haarlem worth visiting?

Do you prefer to know about other day trips from Amsterdam?

Check out my article about weekend trips from Amsterdam .

Tickets You Have To Buy Before (Must Read)

This section is a must-read because I’ve met so many people wanting to visit these museums and could not make it because there were no tickets available.

These two museums need tickets in advance. Make sure you book yours ahead of your trip so you can enjoy the museums.

Anne Frank is a very popular museum and the tickets are always sold out. Book your tickets with at least 2 months in advance. 

The tickets are only sold on the official website of Anne Frank . There is no other way you can book these!

If you are in no luck finding tickets online, every Tuesday at 10 am CEST there are new tickets available for a visit 6 weeks later. 

Just like the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum is one of the most popular museums in Amsterdam. Make sure you buy your tickets at least 1 month before your trip!

Booking in advance your tickets will allow you to skip the line and enjoy the museum at your own pace.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Popular areas to stay in include the city centre (Centrum), Jordaan, De Pijp, and Oud-West. Distances in Amsterdam are short, so don’t worry if your hotel is not in the city centre because everything is well connected.

My handpicked recommendations:

• Couples: Hotel 717
• For a quiet night: Nhow Amsterdam Rai
• Design Lovers: Met Hotel Amsterdam
• Families: Sir Adam Hotel
• Luxury travellers: Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht – a concept by Hyatt
• Groups: Ecomama
• Solo traveller: Cocomama
• On a low budget: ClinkNOORD Hostel

If you prefer to peruse more hostels, then you can check out Hostelworld as they have the best deals and the biggest hostel inventory.

Getting To and Around Amsterdam

Amsterdam is well-connected to international destinations through Amsterdam Schipol and the Amsterdam Cruise Port & Passenger Terminal .

The most convenient way to reach Amsterdam’s city centre from the airport is by taking a train from the airport’s train station. Direct trains run frequently and provide a direct connection to Amsterdam Central Station in about 15-20 minutes.

From the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), you can easily access the city centre using various modes of transportation. Taxis and local buses are readily available outside the terminal, offering a straightforward journey to popular destinations in Amsterdam.

Best for sightseeing: One of the easiest and most convenient ways to see Amsterdam is by the hand of the Hop On Hop Off Bus . The Bus offers 10 stops while you listen to the most important facts about the places you visit along the way with its GPS audio guide in 19 different languages.

Public transport: Amsterdam has an efficient and extensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and metros, which can easily take you around the city. You can pay by card for your ticket on the trams and buses. For the metros, you’ll need to buy a ticket in a ticket machine. You can also buy tickets in advance from the official website of GVB.  

Bicycles: With more bikes than citizens, bikes are a popular mode of transport in Amsterdam, and renting one can be a fun and convenient way to explore the city. 

Taxi: Another convenient way to move around is by taxi , although it is more costly than other methods of transport. 

Boat: Make sure to include in your 1 week in Amsterdam a boat tour. There are many different canal boat tours you can choose from evening canals , open boat cruise , canal cruise with audio commentary , cruise with drinks and local snacks .

Walking is another great option, as many of Amsterdam’s attractions are within a reasonable distance from each other. Make sure you are not walking on the bike paths as this can cause accidents.

What To See In Amsterdam Aside from the Must Do’s

During your week in Amsterdam, you have enough time to explore other attractions. Aside from the Must Do’s in Amsterdam, there are so many more options to choose from.

Amsterdam is not a boring city at all! However, some attractions may require booking your tickets in advance.

Here are my recommendations for great sights to see in Amsterdam aside from the Must Do’s:

• House of Bols – If you are a cocktail lover, learn how to make your own cocktail in this workshop. It includes the entrance to the largest cocktail experience and two cocktails you’ll make yourself. 
• Ice Bar – The coolest place to have your drink at -10 degrees Celsius.
• Body Worlds – This is a stunning exhibition with 200 plastinated human bodies that explores how happiness can affect both your body and soul. I visited Body Worlds several times and every time I would discover something new about the human body.  
• Hermitage Amsterdam – A museum showcasing rotating exhibitions of art and history.
• Amsterdam Museum – One of my favourite museums in which you can learn about the city of Amsterdam from the stories of its inhabitants and historical highlights.
• Stedelijk Museum – Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art emphasizes that art and design develop alongside social movements and bear multiple histories that encompass diverse perspectives.
• Visit the Rembrandt House Museum , where the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt lived and worked. Explore his former home and studio.
• Museum Amstelkring – Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (“Our Lord in the Attic”) is a church that was secretly built during Protestant rule.
• Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple and Amsterdam’s Chinatown.
• Mezrab for storytelling and comedy fun.
• Goat farm at Amsterdamse Bos
• Wateroplein Flea Market
• Take a bike ride along Amsterdam’s bike-friendly streets and canals. Rent a bike and discover the city at your own pace.

Best Time to Visit Amsterdam

The best time to visit Amsterdam is during the spring (April to June) or the early fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded. 

The famous tulip season also occurs in spring (mid-March to mid-May), with colourful blooms in the nearby Keukenhof Gardens.

If you’re planning to visit the tulip fields and Keukenhof I’ve got you covered in this article.

Final Thoughts: One Week In Amsterdam Itinerary

Exploring Amsterdam for a week gives you the time to immerse yourself in the city’s vibe, visit world-class museums, and explore beyond the city limits on exciting day trips. By following a planned itinerary, you can make the most of your time in one week in Amsterdam.

Throughout your week, be sure to explore the city’s historic centre, take a canal cruise to appreciate its unique architecture, and visit renowned museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. Don’t miss the opportunity to wander through beautiful parks, such as Vondelpark, and the neighbourhoods of Jordaan and De Pijp.

For a deeper understanding of Dutch traditions, take a day trip to Zaanse Schans to see windmills and learn about traditional crafts. Consider exploring other nearby cities like Haarlem, Utrecht, or Delft, which offer their own unique charms.

Lastly, the best time to visit Amsterdam is during the spring or early fall, when the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded. However, Amsterdam can be enjoyed year-round, and each season brings its own charm.

So, plan your itinerary, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable week in the vibrant and picturesque city of Amsterdam.

Pin it for Later!

The number of days you should spend in Amsterdam depends on your interests and how much time you want to dedicate to exploring the city. Many visitors find that spending 3-5 days in Amsterdam allows for a good amount of time to experience the main attractions and get a sense of the city. However, if you’re interested in knowing more about the city’s museums, taking day trips, and slow travel, then you could easily spend a week or more in Amsterdam.

The amount of money you’ll need for a week in Amsterdam depends on your accommodation choices, dining preferences, and activities. As a rough estimate, a mid-range traveller should plan to spend from €100 up to €200 per day on accommodation, meals, local transportation, and attractions. This estimate doesn’t include shopping expenses.

Whether a week in Amsterdam is too long or not depends on your personal preferences and interests. If you enjoy exploring the city at a relaxed pace, a week in Amsterdam can be a great option. It allows you to experience the city’s atmosphere, take day trips to nearby destinations, and truly get a feel for the local culture. However, if you’re more interested in a quick overview of the city’s highlights, 3 days might be more suitable for you.

Travel Inspiration for Amsterdam and Beyond

What to See & Do:

35 Best Things To Do At Night In Amsterdam

Best Places In The Dutch Countryside

Weekend Trips From Amsterdam In The Netherlands

Best Instagram Spots in Amsterdam

The Best Places For Walking In The Netherlands

Itineraries:

Amsterdam in One Day Ultimate Guide: 1 Day Itinerary + Map

One Day in Zaanse Schans

Seasonal Guide:

Amsterdam In Autumn: The Ultimate Guide

The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Amsterdam Tulips’ And Keukenhof Gardens

More of the Netherlands:

What You Need To Know For Your First Time In Amsterdam

Is Haarlem Worth Visiting? Reasons And Things To Do

What Is The Netherlands Famous For?

What To Buy In Amsterdam

Dutch Phrases For Tourists You’ll Want To Know

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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

Where to stay in amsterdam, amsterdam itinerary day 1: coffee, views and culture, amsterdam itinerary day 2: arts and weed, amsterdam itinerary day 3: ferry rides and parks, what to do with more than 3 days in amsterdam, best time to visit amsterdam, plan a trip to amsterdam – what to prepare, faq on amsterdam itinerary, final thoughts.

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.

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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 4 Days

Bucket List , Europe , Itinerary , The Netherlands , Trip Plan

How to Spend Perfect 4 Days in Amsterdam for First Timers

Spending only a few days in any city won’t be enough time to appreciate everything the city has to offer. There is no way four days will be enough to explore charming cities like Amsterdam. At the same time, it is a reasonable amount of time to check off your Amsterdam bucket list and get a feel for the city during your first visit.

My Amsterdam itinerary for 4 days for first-time visitors is designed to help you see the best of Amsterdam with the limited vacation time. With this itinerary, I hope you can make the best four days in Amsterdam and lots of beautiful memories – as I did!

Updated on February 2, 2023. The original article was published on May 10, 2019.

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Bloemenmarkt (Amsterdam Flower Market)

Start your first day in Amsterdam with some tulips! I would’ve gone to tulip fields if I was in the Netherlands during the flower season. Since I wasn’t, the next best thing was Bloemenmarkt.

This flower market catches eyes as a row of flower shops are “floating” along the canal. The shops here sell more than just tulips; you can find all kinds of flowers and Holland souvenirs like painted clogs. In case you are interested, you can also buy tulip bulbs to bring home! But you must purchase the ones with the certificates to be able to pass customs in the U.S. or Canada. So be sure to ask the seller if they have not already marked as such. Spend about an hour max here.

Bloemenmarkt Hours : 9 am – 5:30 pm (Open at 11 am on Sundays.) | Open Google Map for Bloemenmarkt Location . 

Visiting Amsterdam in Spring? Don’t miss out on a day trip to the Tulip field! 

Munttroren – Pathé Tuschinski – Rembrandt Square

After lunch, enjoy the stroll around the neighborhood. Munttoren is a bell tower built in 1620, which was part of the city wall. Known as the Mint Tower, it’s a historical landmark with a small gift shop. It takes about five minutes to look around and take photos.

Walk towards Pathé Tuschinski Theater . It’s a historic cinema elaborately decorated in the art deco style. It’s something nice to look at from the outside to appreciate the architecture.

Continue walking along and you will arrive at the Rembrandt Square. The Rembrandtplein is an excellent place to people watch or take a photo with the Night Watch statues, which is an art installation inspired by Rembrandt’s masterpiece, The Night Watch.

Open Google Map for Munttroren – Pathé Tuschinski – Rembrandt Square .

Grey Area Coffeeshop (Optional)

Need a little picker-upper after the emotional visit to Anne Frank House? Or, would you be interested in a unique Amsterdam experience?

Grey Area Coffeeshop is near Anne Frank House. This coffee shop was a recommendation from the guide of the walking tour mentioned above. According to her, the cannabis shop has some reputation for selling quality cannabis. Yes, someone in the group asked her at the end of the tour. (I guess it is another benefit of a walking tour. Who else would you have asked this question?)

Grey Area Coffeeshop Hours : 12 pm – 8 pm | Open Google Map for Grey Area Coffeeshop Location .

Interesting Facts about Amsterdam Coffeeshops

Coffeeshop means something utterly different in Amsterdam. It’s a slang for the cannabis store. I didn’t realize it until I googled coffee shops in Amsterdam looking for coffee. I thought it was pretty funny!

Unlike what people believe, using and selling drugs are NOT entirely legal in Amsterdam ; however, it’s not illegal, either. (What?!!) It’s just “tolerated.” This is one thing unique about the Dutch culture; the authority turns a blind eye to “something in the grey area” as long as that doesn’t create inconvenience or harm to others.

What’s legal, then? Using soft drugs like marijuana for personal use is allowed. It’s ILLEGAL to cross the border with cannabis, so don’t forget to throw away any leftovers before you leave the Netherlands.

Not every Amsterdamer smokes pots. It might be an obvious statement, but I wanted to share in case you are curious about the local culture. It’s treated like a cigarette. The authority regulates it as a personal choice. People have a choice and access to it, and many choose not to smoke.

4 Days in Amsterdam : Day 2

Dinner: Dutch Classic Dishes at Moeders

For a traditional Dutch dish, go to Moeders, which is located right off the edge of the Jordaan district. It’s a hop, skip and a jump away from the tourist-crowded area, this local restaurant serves Dutch classics such as stamppot (vegetable mash pot), hachee (beef & onion stew), etc.

This endearing restaurant is dedicated to all mothers and decorated with thousands of photos of someone’s moms. (Moeders means mothers. Get it?) And their dishes are made as to how your Dutch mothers have cooked for you. The atmosphere is upbeat and cheering, and the staff here are all friendly, making you feel at home. I recommend making a reservation as it can get busy real fast.

Hours : 4 pm – 10 pm (Open at noon on Sat. & Sun.) | Open Google Map for Moeders Location .

Amsterdam Boat Tour

When in Amsterdam, taking a canal boat tour is a must. Do you think it’s too touristy? Nah. The Dutch know how to enjoy their canals. Amsterdamers pull out a table and chair to their doorstep to wine and dine with the canal view. When there is a national celebration such as King’s Day or Gay Pride, they parade on the water. All over the Netherlands, I saw the Dutch cruising the canal on their boats enjoying the weekends with a beer in their hands. I’m telling you, it’s not tourist stuff. Unless you have a Dutch friend who can take you on his/her boat party, a canal cruise is as local as it gets.

In summer, I recommend taking a boat tour in the early evening before the sunset . The streets along the canal get much quieter. The summer breeze on the ride gives a nice break from the heat during the day. But once the sun goes down, it can get chilly even in summer. So bring your jacket. (Some boat tours, like Those Dam Boat Guys, provide a blanket.)

The Big O and I took a tour with Those Dam Boat Guys (book here) , which was another recommendation from the Free Walking Tour guide. I would recommend Those Dam Boat Guys tour as it takes you on a much more intimate journey. Instead of the recorded or repeated announcement, you can have a meaningful conversation with your captain.

We had about seven people on our boat. During our two-hour ride, we shared a bottle of wine and snacks and took each other’s photos. One of the guys had an opportunity to drive the boat. We also got into an interesting conversation with Russian girls who claimed how Amsterdam is like a miniature St. Petersburg. We all got a good kick out of teasing those Russian girls on their national pride. (It was a light-hearted conversation, and no one’s feelings got hurt.) The ride was a fun and relaxing way to wrap up our day.

Alternatively, you can take this canal cruise tour , an evening canal cruise with bar service, or Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Canal Tour . If you have an I Amsterdam Card or other city passes, a canal cruise tour is most likely included. 

↡↡ Book Amsterdam Canal Cruise here ↡↡

4 Days in Amsterdam : Day 3

Albert Cuyp Market

This cute street market in De Pijp hosts lots of stands selling local foods, clothing & shoes, souvenirs, flowers, etc. I wasn’t too impressed with the shopping options. But the highlights here are local snack foods:

Vishandel Molenaar : Get Dutch haring (herring) and fried fish platter.   You can never have enough of Dutch haring in Amsterdam. But if you have to choose between this and Frens Haringhandel due to time constraints, I’d go with the latter.

Rudy’s Original Stroopwafels : This is the best stroopwafels we ever had in the Netherlands! The freshly baked stroopwafels ooze out sweet caramel syrup from the crispy wafers.   I couldn’t resist mini stroopwafels in a Delftware-print tin box. The Stroopwafels guy shared the Dutch tradition of how to eat stroopwafels at home. Put a stroopwafel on top of a hot coffee or tea for a minute, and the caramel inside melts. Yum!

By the way, if you are ever going to buy stroopwafels for a souvenir, make sure to get them in a tin box. Unfortunately, my tin box got dinged inside the luggage but protected the stroopwafels from turning into crumbs.

Poffertjes (Mini pancakes): I don’t know if this stand had a name. I got poffertjes with Nutella. Great snack food.

Hours : 9 am – 5 pm (Closed on Sunday) | Open Google Map for Albert Cuyp Market Location .

Dinner at Foodhallen

Head over to Amsterdam Oud-West for a relaxed meal at Foodhallen. Foodhallen is an indoor street food market and bars with music, where locals unwind after work and enjoy a happy hour. The food and beverage vendors here feature a variety of international flavors.

Foodhallen used to be a tram depot before it was renovated into a refined food court. The original red brick walls and a trace of railway reminisce the original architecture. The open space with high ceiling invites plenty of natural lighting. With a hint of nostalgia, its contemporary design creates the relaxed luxury vibes that are as inviting and chill as the city of Amsterdam.

The Big O and I gobbled our way through the food hall, sampling Chicken Masala, Fritto Misto, Fish & Chips, etc. But the highlight of the evening was the Gin & Tonic Bar. We drank a serious amount of beers traveling through Europe over a month. Although European beers – especially Belgian Trappist beers – are all tasty, it was nice to switch to something else. For that night, Gin & Tonic was our choice of drink. I think we sat there for a couple of hours, sipping a few specialty gin & tonics.    

Hours : 12 pm – 11 pm (Friday & Saturday opens until midnight.) | Open Google Map for Foodhallen location . 

4 Days in Amsterdam : Day 4

Breakfast: dutch pancakes.

If you have a chance to eat breakfast outside of your hotel, try Dutch pancakes at Pancakes Amsterdam Centraal . It’s a busy restaurant, so it might be hard to get a seat without a reservation. We had a Dutch pancake elsewhere in another city and liked it a lot. I can’t compare it to this restaurant’s; however, the restaurant is conveniently located in the area to start our Day 4 itinerary and has excellent reviews.

Hours : 8 am – 3:30 pm | Open Google Map for Pancakes Amsterdam Centraal Location .

Red Light District (De Wallen)

The red light district (a.k.a. De Wallen) is uniquely Amsterdam. As many of you may already know, prostitution is legal in this neighborhood of Amsterdam. But if you go to the area before the lights are turned on in the evening, it’s nothing like how you imagine it to be. You will see some sex toy shops and coffee shops in business; however, that’s as R-rated as it goes. 

UPDATE: Starting 2020, Amsterdam will ban organized tours of the red-light district as a measure to prevent mass tourism and sex workers as a tourist attraction. If you are intimidated to visit this alley in the evening but curious, join a walking tour while you still can.

↡↡ Book Red Light District Walking Tours here ↡↡

Pro Tip: Do not take photos in the Red Light District. Sex workers here do not appreciate being photographed, and their privacy is protected. Don’t risk your phone or camera to be thrown into the canal.

What’s more interesting to me, though, is that this red light district is also home to two religious places: The Old Church (De Oude Kerk) and Our Lord in the Attic Church (Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder).

What to Do in Amsterdam NDSM

We decided to go directly to NDSM. If Amsterdam is like San Francisco, going to Amsterdam-Noord is like visiting Oakland. The NDSM wharf looked a bit rougher and edgy with the industrial vibes. NDSM features colorful art displays outside and often hosts live music performances and outdoor cultural events.

Anne Frank Portrait

Titled “Let me be myself,” this gigantic wall art by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra catches eyes as soon as you get off of the ferry.

Noorderlicht Cafe

It’s a quite quirky restaurant with outdoor seating by the river. The food, beer and smoothies here were all excellent. The view also was amazing. This would be a perfect place to chill in the afternoon.

IJ-Hallen hosts a monthly flea market in an industrial space. The second-hand market sells clothing, decorations, furniture, and home goods. Note the event is not free (admission: €5 for adult, €2 for children). Check the event date here .

Crane Hotel Faralda Amsterdam

This is a unique and quirky hotel. The giant crane was converted into an industrial-chic hotel. The rooms in the 4-star hotel boast an unobstructed view of the city of Amsterdam over the IJ. Spending a night at this crane hotel would be an exciting experience for travelers who seek out-of-ordinary accommodation. Check the availability and rates here .

READ MORE    9 Unique & Unusual Design Hotels in Amsterdam + One Honest Review

↡↡ Looking for Amsterdam Hotels? Book Your Stay here. ↡↡

Brouwerij ’t IJ

Up for sipping some Dutch craft beer to celebrate the last evening in Amsterdam?

Brouwerij ’t IJ is a windmill brewery with a relaxing yet upbeat beer bar.   This brewery has both a lovely terrace and indoor space. Their craft beer tastes fresh on the tap although some of their beer selections can be found outside of Amsterdam.   Brouwerij ‘t IJ is an excellent alternative to the Heineken Experience.

Be warned that this brewery is a busy place. You have to be lucky to get a terrace seat. We somehow managed to get an indoor table. But at first, we couldn’t even order their beer flights (€10) because they ran out of the cups. We also got to try ox sausage with the cheese plate over a variety of beer. We weren’t a big fan of ox sausage, but if you try, eat with mustard.

• Zatte is a triple beer, and possibly the best beer in Amsterdam according to my husband.
• Columbus is an amber beer and has a heavy flavor.
• Ijwit is a white beer and light.
• Summer Ale is refreshing with the fruity note. This summer beer was my favorite.
• Natte is Duvel and has a creamy flavor.
• Flink is a pale ale. It’s refreshing but slightly bitter than Summer Ale.

Pro Tips : Brouwerij ’t IJ offers group tours at 3:30 pm Friday through Sunday. 

Hours: 2 pm – 8 pm (Opens early at noon on Friday – Sunday.) | Open Google Map for Brouwerij ’t IJ location .

Dinner at Instock

Update: Instock is permanently closed. For food inspiration, check out 15 Delicious Dutch Snack Foods & where to find them. 

Instock is an entrancing concept restaurant near Brouwerij ’t IJ. With its mission to reduce food waste, the restaurant creates a daily menu from food surplus  in partnership with Albert Heijn supermarket and other local producers. The chefs create a course meal out of unsold or returned produce received from the partners. For example, they make kimchi out of cauliflower leaves, which are thrown away otherwise. Isn’t it brilliant?

Growing up in the Asian culture where no parts go wasted when it comes to cooking, I think I can appreciate the concept. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to eat here simply because we had to rush back to the hotel to catch 4 am train the next day. But I’m intrigued by its social initiative and how they are tackling the challenges. I heard good things about their creative menu and would love to check out next time. Let me know how it is if you get to go before I do!

Hours: 6 pm-midnight, only opens from Thursday to Saturday  | Open Google Map for Instock location . 

I Amsterdam City Card

Free admission to 44 museums & attractions (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Canal Cruise, etc.)

Plus, unlimited use of GVB public transport!

Get GVB Daily Pass & Save $$$

Unlimited access to Amsterdam’s buses, trams, ferries and metro.

1-7 Day Pass Available.

Tips for Amsterdam First-Time Visitors

1. bring enough euro..

I was surprised to learn Amsterdam is still a cash society. Many restaurants and hotels do accept Visa and Master cards. However, if you go to a local market, small shops or less touristy restaurants, they don’t take credit cards. The major supermarket chain, Albert Heijn, also is cash only.

2. Tap water is safe to drink.

Save your money and environment. You can carry a reusable bottle ( like this 500ml collapsible bottle for travel ) to refill water wherever you can. Refrigerated water bottles at a supermarket are expensive, and will quickly eat up your budget.

3. Riding a bicycle is not as easy as you think.

The Dutch are one of the most chill and laid-back folks I’ve ever met…until they get on a bicycle. If you don’t follow the rule – because you the tourists are not familiar with it – they will flip off and curse at you. And they go really fast on a bicycle. Whether you are riding on a bike or walking, your best bet is staying out of that bicycle lanes.

4. Take Advantage of GVB Pass.

Amsterdam is small enough to explore on foot but not that small. I still preferred to take the tram if the distance is more than two tram stops. It saved me so much energy and time. But transportation in Amsterdam is expensive. It might make sense to buy the GVB day pass (click to buy) , or consider I Amsterdam City Pass (click to buy) , which comes with the GVB pass for 24, 48 or 72 hours.

As of 2022, a one-hour GVB ticket costs €3.20. A GVB day pass (€8.50) is valid for 24 hours on trams, buses and metros. The Day Pass costs less per day as you buy the pass for a more extended period at 2 days/48 hours (€14.50), 3 days/72 hours (€20), 4 days/96 hours (€24.50), etc. If you are staying in Amsterdam for four days and expecting to use public transportation daily, your transportation expense is only €6.13/day with the GVB 4-day pass, which is less than two separate GVB tickets. 

5. Bring a light jacket or raincoat even in summer.

Amsterdam weather is unpredictable. I was lucky to enjoy all the sunny days during my visit. But I was ready for rain on any day because rain is pretty common throughout the year. Even for hot sunny days in summer, it could get chilly at night. Think of the weather in San Francisco/Bay Area. If you are not used to such climates, like me, prepare a light cardigan/jacket or scarf to keep yourself warm.

Where to Go Next in the Netherlands

>> Rotterdam : A hip, modern city with funky architecture

>> Delft : Imbibe in artisan Delftware and Vermeer’s masterpieces like The Girl with a Pearl Earring

>> Utrecht : Visit Europe’s Most Beautiful Canal City with a 2,000-year history

>> Gouda : The most famous Dutch cheese city, but more than just a cheese market

>> Woerden : The last “real” Dutch cheese market

Hope this itinerary helped you plan your perfect four days in Amsterdam! Bon Voyage.

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Visit Amsterdam with the ultimate Amsterdam Trip Planner

Things to do in Amsterdam Amsterdam Travel Guide Amsterdam Itineraries

Amsterdam was founded in the 12th century and is known for its sprawling streets, nightlife, scenic places, and a staggering amount of museums. In addition to metropolitan delights like Coffeeshops and Red Light District, the city is bustling with beautiful canals. The city welcomes tourists for an opportunity to take a romantic canal walk while witnessing sailboats on the water.

Amsterdam abounds with exciting museums like art museums and even the Boat Museum so make sure you factor them into your itinerary if you’re planning on visiting this amazing place soon! If Amsterdam is in your buckets, this Amsterdam trip planner is all you need to know about what to do, places to visit, and Amsterdam Itineraries.

Best Time To Visit Amsterdam

Most people enjoy visiting Amsterdam during the summer months (from April to September) because it has mild weather during that time. However, Amsterdam during the holiday season is a pure delight. The city is decorated with huge pomp and show and tourists get to see the chancellery where Santa Claus lives in the Netherlands. Not only does it make for an interesting tale for children at home that you can tell them about on your return, but it truly is one of those once-in-a-lifetime types of experiences. Moreover, it is convenient during the winter season as there is fewer crowd bolstering on the streets and the fare is economical. Read more about the best time to visit Amsterdam .

Amsterdam Itineraries

Depending on how long you're in Amsterdam for - whether it's just a day or 5 days, we have the perfect itineraries crafted for you. Go through these Amsterdam itineraries and plan your stay well in advance!

Traveling to Amsterdam for the first time? You could use some help planning your daily itineraries. Apart from the basic planning (flight tickets, visa, accommodation in Amsterdam, etc.), you'll need to consider your day-to-day activities in the city - where to go, what to see, how to get there, and more. But fret not, for we are here to help.

1-Day Amsterdam Itinerary

Rijksmuseum

Van Gogh Museum

Amsterdam Begijnhof

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Anne Frank House

Read In Detail: A Comprehensive 1-Day Amsterdam Itinerary

Top 11 Instagrammable Places in Amsterdam

5-day amsterdam itinerary.

Royal Palace

Canal Cruise

Rijksmuseum, ‘I Amsterdam’

Albert Cuyp Market

Zaanse Schans

Volendam, Marken

Zandvoort Beach

Keukenhof Gardens

Heineken Experience

Read In Detail: A Comprehensive 5-Day Amsterdam Itinerary

7-Day Amsterdam Itinerary

Amsterdam Canals

Heineken Tour

Anne Frank Museum

Royal Palace of Amsterdam

House of Bols

Day trip from Amsterdam

Nemo Museum

Street Shopping

Read In Detail: A Comprehensive 7-Day Amsterdam Itinerary

Hacks To Buying Cheap Amsterdam Flight Tickets

Now that you've figured out the perfect time to visit the Netherlands and braved through the restrictions, it is time to look for flight tickets. Go through our 17 golden hacks for cheap flight tickets before scouring through the flight ticket websites. You'll be surprised how easy it is to save a pretty penny while booking flight tickets!

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Traveling involves a certain amount of uncertainty always. With the pandemic, this amount has only increased. Opting for travel insurance is not something many people have done (pre-pandemic), but post-pandemic, it is highly recommended that you opt for it. Choosing the right travel insurance plan gives you a safety net to prevent losses if things go downhill.

Travel insurance can be complex- how do you know what to choose? For this very reason, we can crafted a ultimate guide to choose travel insurance post-covid .

Packing For Amsterdam

The important thing to keep in mind is to pack smart. The weather in Amsterdam can’t be predicted and that’s why it’s a good idea to pack waterproof clothes. Packing comfortable shoes such as sneakers or boots is a good idea as it might get uncomfortable while sightseeing. From spring until autumn, mosquitos go crazy in Amsterdam! It is ideal to carry some kind of mosquito repellent to avoid rashes or discomfort. The weather in Amsterdam is usually warm, therefore, it is advised to pack light cotton clothes. The general style in Amsterdam is laid back and urban elegance. Pack some casual clothing with a few wardrobe essentials that you can dress up with sartorial flair.

Travel Packing Checklist

Where to stay in amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a popular city, therefore, it is certain to be brimming with accommodation options. Every neighborhood in Rome has its charm and is well-connected via metro or bus to the rest of the city. A good choice would be to live in the center of town near the city center. Stay close to amenities and be able to walk everywhere.

The canal belt, which lies north and south of the city center in Amsterdam, is one of the most beloved parts of the city. The most convenient and expensive options here include city-center apartments and other inner canal belt homes that are surrounded by fantastic bicycle paths, walking trails, and parks.

Accommodation on a budget There are several budget-friendly neighborhoods in Amsterdam and some of them are Amsterdam Zuidoost, Amsterdam Noord, Geuzenveld, and De Aker. One can find accommodation in hotels like Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam, Hotel Casa, Hotel Nadia, and Clemens Hotel among others. These hotels are economical and can be found in the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam.

Nightlife Amsterdam is famous for its bars and its music scene, so much so that you can visit a new bar or concert venue every day of the year and always find something fun to do. One can experience the thrill of bars in Bar Oldenhof, Rosalia's Menagerie, and Pulitzer's Bar. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of grooving to music at nightclubs like Paradiso, Shelter, and Disco Dolly.

Shopping hub Amsterdam’s top shopping excursions cater to the needs of global shoppers with a taste for top trends. While most tourists visit the Dutch capital for scenic boat rides through its canals, art museums, or vibrant nightlife, the city is also a wonderful place to visit with family or friends in search of quality goods at affordable prices. You can shop for high-end fashion at Kalverpassage, Magna Plaza, De Beurspassage, Amsterdamse Poort, and Winkelcentrum Brazilië.

A kiss of luxury Travelers can enjoy dining in the historic district of Jordaan while also making sure to visit top attractions like Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, and many more. Sauna van Egmond is an award-winning sauna resort with services ranging from facials to massages that are known for their high quality. Ratatouille Food & Wine features delicious French cuisine with 60 wines available to try right on site!

Getting Around Amsterdam

Though the historic parts of Amsterdam are not very far away from the commercial area, tourists sometimes feel that those two seem lightyears apart. This however isn't true because one can quickly and easily travel they want to by using public transportation provided by Skywire. There is an extensive public transportation network consisting of trams, ferries, buses, and metros that all use the same public transport chip card. Bicycles are also available for rent at several outfitters throughout the city. Moreover, Amsterdam Centraal train station is about a 15-20 minute ride from the airport.

I amsterdam City Card

5 best day trips from amsterdam.

Amsterdam is just one of the many amazing cities in The Netherlands. What makes it even better is that almost everything you might want to see is located near each other, so within just a few hours, you can enjoy its handful of must-see attractions. The beautiful gardens and tulip fields at Keukenhof are arguably one of the most popular excursions to make if you're in Amsterdam. If you're looking for something a little off the beaten path, then hopping on a train or bus to the charming fishing town of Volendam might be just the ticket. It's not far from Amsterdam and is also near Zaanse Schans, which is an open-air museum that contains many old Dutch houses.

Check out our list of 5 best day trips from Amsterdam :

Amsterdam Travel Tips & Hacks

• When you are traveling by public transport, please be sure to always purchase a ticket or use your transport card. It is important to remember to validate both the ticket and the card. In the case of the former, simply insert it into the reader in the transport. If you fail to do so and are checked, you will get a fine which will end up being unnecessary!
• Another way to experience the life of Amsterdam is by trying biking along the many bike trails rather than owning a car or choosing to drive one around. You can share a bike or use your own, either way, it will be astonishing!
• The streets of Amsterdam have become a haven for vacationers because of the many delicious Dutch delicacies one can find in abundance throughout the city.
• Ticket booking through online portals comes in many different forms and packages, some of which work on making your trip more organized or accommodating. You can plan your trip as per time constraints or spend time relaxing at the place when you get there; this largely depends on how you book your tickets with offers.

20 Amsterdam Travel Tips & Hacks

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FAQs: Amsterdam Trip Planner

Is amsterdam worth visiting.

Yes, Amsterdam is worth-visiting for everybody to unleash their wanderlust and discover the beauty and heritage of this city.

When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

The best time to visit Amsterdam is between March to April and September to November.

What are the top things to do in Amsterdam?

Tourists are usually seen bustling on the roads of Amsterdam. One can take a tour of the canals, go sightseeing, cycle to hidden gems, visit museums, try herring from a herring cart and much more.

What are a few of the must-visit places in Amsterdam?

Some of the must-visit places in Amsterdam are Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Speciality Museums, Van Gogh Museum, The Jordaan, A'dam Lookout, Vondelpark, and Moco Museum among others.

What should you pack for Amsterdam?

One should pack a proper balance of warm and light wear cotton clothes while visiting Amsterdam. While it might sometimes drizzle or rain heavily in the city, make sure you pack a raincoat, umbrella, sneakers or boots, and mosquito repellants too.

What is the cheapest mode of transportation in Amsterdam?

If you don’t want to walk around the city while experiencing the beautiful sights, you can choose to opt for an OV chip card.

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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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• Amsterdam Attractions
• Amsterdam Tours

Anne Frank Museum

• Who was Anne Frank?
• Plan Your Visit
• Guided Tours

Walking Tours

• Keukenhof Gardens Tickets
• Amsterdam Heineken Experience Tickets
• Amsterdam Canal Cruises
• Johan Cruijff Arena
• Madame Tussauds Amsterdam Museum Tickets
• WONDR Experience Tickets
• Moco Museum Amsterdam
• AMAZE Amsterdam
• NEMO Science Museum Tickets
• Amsterdam City Cards
• Boom Chicago Tickets
• Amsterdam Dungeon Tickets
• Zaanse Schans Windmills Tours
• Van Gogh Museum Tickets
• Rijksmuseum Tickets
• National Maritime Museum Tickets
• Body Worlds Amsterdam Tickets
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Bikes & Segway
• Sightseeing Cruises
• Dinner Cruises
• Travel Guide

Plan Your Visit to the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam

Anne frank house | visitor information at a glance.

• What are the Anne Frank House opening hours? The Anne Frank House is open from 9am to 10pm daily. The museum is open from 12pm to 10pm on 1 January and from 9am to 5pm on 27 April, 4 May, 25 December, and 31 December.
• Where is the Anne Frank House located? The Anne Frank House is located at Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands. | Get Directions.
• How many visitors does the Anne Frank House see per year? The Anne Frank House hosts approximately 1.3 million visitors annually.

Book tickets to the Anne Frank House

What are the anne frank house timings.

Anne Frank House

Daily: 9am to 10pm

Exceptions to opening hours The museum is open from 12pm to 10pm on 1 January and from 9am to 5pm on 27 April, 4 May, 25 December, and 31 December

Closed: The Anne Frank House is closed on Yom Kippur (12 October)

Anne Frank Story & Neighborhood Walking Tour : Starts at 4:30pm

Anne Frank Story and World War II Walking Tour : 10am, 10:30am, 2pm, and 2:30pm

What's the best time to visit the Anne Frank House?

The Anne Frank House is busiest between May and September, but you can expect fewer visitors between April and May or September and October. Avoid visiting the city between November and February to avoid the cold weather.

Opt to visit on a weekday, instead of a weekend. However, if you plan to visit during the weekend, visit on Sunday. Opt to go during the early hours so you can explore as much of the museum as possible.

Where is the Anne Frank House located?

Address:  Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands

Find On Map

Closest landmark: Anne Frank Monument , 140 m away

Getting to the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam

By public transportation

By bus:  Bus lines 21, 22, 347, 357, and 397 will take you to Anne Frank House. The closest bus stop is Westermarkt, which is 3 minutes away.

By train:  Train lines IC, ICD, and SPR will stop near Anne Frank’s House. It is a 20-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station.

By tram:  Take tram 13 or 17 and get off at the Westermarkt stop, about a minute’s walk away.

By metro:  Take metro line 52, which starts from Noord metro station. The closest metro station is Amsterdam Central Station.

If you are driving down to the Anne Frank House, the easiest and fastest route is via the S100. Take S116, S100 and Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal to Prinsengracht.

Parking facilities:

There are a few paid parking facilities nearby.

• Car Park IJDock
• Car Park Q-Park
• Onepark - Parking Amsterdam - De Jordaan

How to get to the Anne Frank walking tours meeting point

Meeting point: Merwedeplein 61 Address: Merwedeplein 61, 1078 NC Amsterdam, Netherlands | Find on Maps

• By bus: Buses 62 and 65 will take you to the Waalstraat stop, about two minutes away. 
• By tram: Trams 4 and 12 will get you to Waalstraat station, only two minutes away. 
• By metro: Take Metro line 52. Europaplein, which is 10 minutes away from the start point, is the closest station.

Meeting point: Jewish Historical Museum Address: Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1, 1011 PL Amsterdam, Netherlands | Find on Maps

• By bus: Take bus 22, 305, 357, or 397 to Waterlooplein which is a 2-minute walk away.
• By train: IC, ICD, and SPR train lines stop near Turfste Nieuwe Amstelstraat.
• By tram: Take tram 14 and get off at the tram station Waterlooplein, a 2-minute walk away.
• By metro: Take Metro 51, 53, or 54. Get off at the Waterlooplein Metro Station.

Take S110 from the Amsterdam Centraal Station. Turn right onto Vrijheidslaan and onto Waalstraat and then continue onto Merwedeplein.

Paid parking facilities:

• Vicky Parkeren Hotel Okura
• ParkBee Amsteldok
• APCOA PARKING Flow Amsterdam

Start point: Jewish Historical Museum Address: Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1, 1011 PL Amsterdam, Netherlands | Find on Maps

If you are driving to the Jewish Historical Museum, head east on Prins Hendrikkade, turn right onto Foeliestraat, and continue onto Jonas Daniël Meijerplein.

• P1 Waterlooplein
• Onepark - Parking Amsterdam - Nieuwmarkt
• Mobypark - Parking Waterlooplein Amsterdam

Know before you go to the Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is located in the city center of Amsterdam, at Prinsengracht 263-267.

The entrance to the museum is around the corner, at Westermarkt 20.

• Museum cafe
• Souvenir shop
• Free audio tour
• Information program
• Disabled parking space

If you do not want to go for the 30-minute introductory program, you can opt for the free audio guide. The audio guide tour will provide you with information about the persecution of Jews, antisemitism, the Second World War, the Franks and the others who went into hiding in the Secret Annex, their helpers, and more. With the audio guide tour, you can explore the Anne Frank House at your own pace.

The free audio guide is available in 9 languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish.

• If you have difficulty walking, avoid trying to climb the steep stairs inside the Anne Frank House that leads to the Secret Annex.
• There is no elevator and the Secret Annex is inaccessible to wheelchair users. However, the modern part of the museum is wheelchair friendly.
• There is a special entrance for people using wheelchairs that provides access to the modern part of the museum, which contains the temporary exhibition, the museum cafe, and the museum shop. 
• There is a disabled parking space at Westermarkt, 40 meters from the entrance to the museum.
• It is recommended to avoid visiting the Anne Frank House if you have claustrophobia as the main house and the Secret Annex are small and congested.
• The blind and partially sighted can listen to the audio tour.
• Guide dogs are not allowed in the old part of the museum because of the narrow and steep steps.
• Hearing-impaired visitors can obtain a written version of the audio tour at the information stand near the entrance.

The Anne Frank House occasionally sets up temporary exhibitions within the museum, Currently, ' The Frank family in Frankfurt am Main, 1929-1933 ' exhibition is on display. This exhibition narrates the story of the Frank family in Frankfurt against the backdrop of the economic, social, and political problems in Germany. It traces Anne's birth in 1929, Hitler's and the NSDAP's rise to power, and the Frank family’s emigration to the Netherlands in 1933.

• Arrive early for your scheduled visit. If you are late or miss your entry window, you will not be allowed inside.
• The old part of the museum and the Secret Annex are not wheelchair accessible. However, wheelchair users can still access the modern part of the museum.
• Photography is not allowed inside the museum.
• Payment for museum admission, museum cafe, and shop, can only be made through a bank or credit card.
• A cloakroom is available where you can leave your coat, bag, or umbrella. Only bags smaller than an A4 sheet of paper are allowed inside the museum.
• Smoking is strictly prohibited within the museum complex.
• Those under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or similar substances will not be granted admission to the museum.
• Children under 12 can only visit the museum when accompanied by an adult.
• Food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum complex. Any refreshments purchased from the museum cafe must be consumed in the designated area.

• Black and Blue : Burgers, meats, and cocktails in a plushy setting
• De Luwte : Luxurious French brasserie restaurant
• Café Restaurant De Reiger : French & international seafood and meats
• La Oliva : Spanish tapas & regional wines
• Koh-I-Noor restaurant : Affordable Indian cuisine

Budget: Xplore Hostel Amsterdam , Loft Hostel , Budget Hotel Tourist Inn , Hostel Utopia

Mid-Range: Melrose Hotel , Hotel de Looier , Hotel Di-Ann City Centre Hotel , Hotel My Home

Luxury: Hotel Mercier , Nova Hotel & Apartments , The Times Hotel in Amsterdam , Corner House

• Heineken Experience (2.5 km): A sensory journey with interactive exhibits that delve into the rich history of the iconic Dutch beer Heineken.
• Rijksmuseum (2.7 km): The largest museum in the Netherlands, housing 800 years of Dutch art and history, including works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Vermeer.
• Van Gogh Museum (3 km): Houses over 200 paintings and 500 drawings by Vincent van Gogh.
• NEMO Science Museum (5.2 km): The largest science center in the Netherlands with 5 floors of hands-on experiences, experiments, and demonstrations.
• Amsterdam Dungeon (5.3 km): A must-visit for thrill-seekers with interactive experiences that will take you back to the 'bad old days'.
• Body Worlds (5.9 km): The Body Worlds Museum has real human bodies on display to showcase the effects of healthy and unhealthy lifestyles on the body.

Frequently asked questions: Visiting the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam

The Anne Frank House is open daily from 9am to 10pm.

Avoid the crowds by visiting the Anne Frank House between April and May or September and October. You can also visit between November and February but the weather will be extremely cold.

Most visitors typically spend an hour at the Anne Frank House. However, you can stay as long as you like.

The Anne Frank House is located at Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands.

You can get to the Anne Frank House by bus lines 21, 22, 347, 357, and 397, train lines IC, ICD, and SPR, tram 13 or 17, or metro line 52.

Only the modern part of the museum is wheelchair accessible. The old part of the house, especially the Secret Annex, can only be accessed by climbing steep steps.

The Anne Frank House has free audio guides for visually impaired visitors, wheelchair access in the modern parts of the museum, reserved disabled parking space, a written version of the audio guide for hearing impaired visitors, and more facilities.

There is no dress code to be followed at the Anne Frank House.

No, prams are not allowed inside the Anne Frank House.

No, photography is not allowed inside the Anne Frank House. You can take photos and videos outside the premises.

Yes, the Anne Frank House has a cloakroom where you can store your coats, small bags, and umbrellas. Large bags are not allowed inside the museum.

Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the Anne Frank House. Refreshments purchased at the museum can only be consumed within the designated spaces.

Tickets to the Anne Frank House can be bought online or at the venue. However, it is recommended that you book your tickets online to avoid queuing outside the museum and guarantee your experience.

Standard entry tickets with an audio guide start at €16. However, ticket prices may vary if you purchase walking tours or combo tickets.

The Anne Frank Story and Neighbourhood Walking Tour starts at 4:30pm and takes 1.5 hours to complete. The Anne Frank Story and World War II Walking Tour is at 10am, 10:30am, 2pm, or 2:30pm and lasts 2 hours.

The Anne Frank Story and Neighbourhood Walking Tour takes 1.5 hours to complete and the Anne Frank Story and World War II Walking Tour lasts 2 hours.

The meeting point for the Anne Frank Story and Neighbourhood Walking Tour is at Merwedeplein 61. The meeting point for The Anne Frank Story and World War II Walking Tour is at the Jewish Historical Museum .

You can get to the meeting points by bus, tram, metro, or car. Buses 62 and 65, trams 12 and 4, and metro line 52 will get you to Merwedeplein 61. To get to the Jewish Historical Museum, you can take bus 22, 305, 357 or 397, tram 14, or metro lines 51, 53, or 54.

You can book your Anne Frank walking tour online.

The prices for Anne Frank walking tours vary depending on the type of tour and the attractions covered by that particular tour. An Anne Frank walking tour can cost between €27 to €48.50.

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Amsterdam tourism: what makes amsterdam the perfect destination for a vacay.

Amsterdam, a metropolitan city, is the capital of the Netherlands and is famous for its art and heritage. Amsterdam tour packages will allow you to plan a hassle-free trip to gaze in wonder at the artfully cobbled streets lined with stunning canals. Be it a solo trip or a family trip, Amsterdam has a lot to offer. Get your Amsterdam tourism package and have a great time in one of Europe's most beautiful cities.

You can gorge on delicious Dutch food, appreciate the 17th-century heritage, or get a massive adrenaline rush participating in thrilling activities on your Amsterdam trip . When planning holidays, make informed decisions with thorough research. Thus, check out all the Amsterdam tour packages in one place and save yourself from the hard work of planning an international trip. Amsterdam holiday packages will help you get all the flavours of the city.

Amsterdam Trip: Best Time to Visit

Amsterdam is great to visit throughout the year. To witness the famous Tulip festival, book your Amsterdam holiday packages from May to August, which is also the peak season. For budget Amsterdam tour packages, book with us from September to November and March to April. If you are keen on skating, then December to February are the best months to be in Amsterdam. So book your Amsterdam tourism package accordingly!

Netherlands (Amsterdam) Visa for Indians

The maximum stay allowed for Amsterdam tourism is 90 days on a tourist visa. When you book Amsterdam tour packages with us, we also assist in filing for a visa. You will need a Schengen Visa for the Netherlands to explore Amsterdam and other Schengen area countries on your Amsterdam trip .

Amsterdam Trip: Best Places to Visit

Amsterdam city offers many fun things to do and visit. The best Amsterdam tourism package would be one that includes all the flavours of the city. Here are the 4 Amsterdam tour places that you should add to your tour packages:

Rijksmuseum

It is the most-visited tourist attraction. The museum illustrates beautiful artwork and historical pieces. You can witness some of the best works of Frans Hals and Vermeer in the museum.

Anne Frank House

Most Amsterdam tour packages include this attraction in their itinerary. Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who survived the Second World War; the museum has the building where her family hid from the Nazis.

Van Gogh Museum

His magnificent work and tragic life story are the factors that add it to the must-visit list of your Amsterdam tourism package . More than 700 drawings, paintings, and letters are on display in the Van Gogh Museum. It is one of the most-visited Amsterdam tour places.

Amsterdam West Church

Your chosen Amsterdam tour packages must include Amsterdam West Church. Beautiful architecture and gothic designs attract visitors from far and near.

There are other experiences that you can include in your Amsterdam tour packages as well. You can take a Canal ride, a trip to the Heineken brewery and Red Light district, and explore the city centre to get the best of Amsterdam tourism .

Amsterdam Trip: Local Dishes to Try

Most Amsterdam tour packages include city tours to give you a chance to try the authentic flavours of the city. The Dutch food at Amsterdam is equally famous among tourists like the Amsterdam tour places . Hop on the opportunity to try some lip-smacking local dishes while enjoying the beautiful city.

Here are some of the things you can relish in Amsterdam streets, and include them in your Amsterdam holiday packages :

Stroopwafels: There is no one best way to eat Stroopwafels. One of the most beloved street foods, Stroopwafels, translates to syrup waffles. Two thin wafers are filled with a caramel filling to make this delectable dish. Do not forget to try it on your Amsterdam trip .

Bitterballen: Perfectly fried meatballs are called Bitterballen in Amsterdam. You cannot just miss this go-to snack when in the city . The recipe to make this delicious treat is quite simple. Ground beef, beef broth, butter, and bread are some ingredients added to these yummy balls. Go for the Amsterdam tour packages that include a food walk.

Herring: Dutch love feasting on raw fish. They catch the Herring in the North and East sea. It is a traditional food that people in the Netherlands have been eating for almost 600 years. The fish is frozen with salt for a few days to ripen the flesh. There are special walks added to most Amsterdam tourism packages to include Dutch Herring tasting.

Pancakes: Select the Amsterdam tour packages that allow you the opportunity to try all the Dutch delicacies. Do not miss the chance to try lip-smacking Dutch pancakes when in Amsterdam.

Dutch Fries: Dutch Fries are crunchy and extremely popular in the city. They are called Patat, Vlaamse Frites. They come with a generous serving of creamy sauces. The best Amsterdam holiday packages offer food walks in the city.

Things to Do on Your Amsterdam Trip

There are a plethora of fun-filled things that you can do on your trip to Amsterdam. Here is a list we have curated for you of the activities that are a must in your Amsterdam tour packages .

Amsterdam is the most cycle-friendly place in the world. It has many hidden gems that you can explore on your bike. Amsterdam tour packages must include a day to explore the area on a bicycle. It is always a great idea to pedal around when exploring Amsterdam tour places .

Day Trip to Windmills

Beaches and windmills form an essential part of Amsterdam. On your Amsterdam trip , make sure to take a trip to the countryside to witness picture-perfect views. Just eight windmills remain in Amsterdam. The ones in the neighbourhood are in Eastern Islands. You can include a half-day trip in your Amsterdam holiday packages .

Westergas Trip

Immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of Amsterdam as you visit Westergas. Once a complex of industrial buildings, Westergas is now a cultural hub with restaurants, pubs, breweries, and more. Get the Amsterdam tour packages that include a visit to Westergas. Visit the area on the first Sunday of the month to enjoy festivals and a food market.

Cruise Tour

Go for Amsterdam tour packages that include a cruise day. Cruise your way to view the beautiful architecture of Amsterdam. You can also cover a hop-on-hop-off cruise tour in your Amsterdam holiday packages .

Souvenirs to Lookout For

Souvenirs will complete the Amsterdam tourism experience. Take back souvenirs for your loved ones back home to show your appreciation of them. Include the best souvenir shops in your Amsterdam tour packages and buy something to take back home.

Dutch liquorice is quite popular. Available in multiple flavours, the Dutch liquorice is available at most grocery stores. Dutch chocolate and Gouda cheese are also good souvenir options. When buying something for kids, then make sure to have a look at storybooks.

There is so much to do and explore in Amsterdam. Choose from pre-planned Amsterdam tour packages or get a customized one for a trip you will never forget!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Amsterdam Travel

1. How much does a trip from Amsterdam to India cost?

A: You should budget around Rs 80,000 to 1,00,000 for a 4 night trip to Amsterdam from India, including flights.

2. What are the must-see places in Amsterdam?

A: The places to see in Amsterdam include the Canals, Rembrandt Museum, Anne Frank’s House, Heineken Experience, Keukenhoff Garden (seasonal), Marken, Volendam, Zaanse Schans, and the Red Light district.

3. How can I spend 3 days in Amsterdam?

A: Here is a suggested plan for 3 days in Amsterdam

• Day 1: Arrive in Amsterdam, visit the Red Light district followed by a pub crawl.
• Day 2: Visit Anne Frank Museum, Van Gogh Museum, Dam Square, Heineken Experience, etc.
• Day 3: Take a tour to Marken, Volendam and Zaanse Schans. Fly out late evening or next day.

4. What should tourists not do in Amsterdam?

A: Here are the things tourists should not do in Amsterdam:

• • Do not expect wild parties on weekdays.
• • Don’t get on public transport without an OV-Chip card.
• • Don’t carry too much cash as it is not very common - use cards.
• • Do not walk on the cycle paths.

5. What are the coolest things to do in Amsterdam?

A: These are some of the coolest things to do in Amsterdam:

• • Swing on Europe’s highest swing.
• • See some amazing works of art at the Rijksmuseum.
• • Coffee shop & Ganja tours.
• • Clubbing.
• • Pub crawls (with the Red-Light district).

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