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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 the few 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 Amsterdam itinerary for you. This 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

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!

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.

If you don’t want to do a private tour, expect to pay around 20-25 EUR for a small-boat canal tour with Flagship Amsterdam .

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 9am-6pm in the summer with reduced hours in the spring, fall, and winter. Admission is 22 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 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 9am-10pm. Admission is 16 EUR. Tickets are only sold online via 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 10am-6pm. Admission is 5 EUR.

Bellamyplein 51 or Hannie Dankbaarpassage 47 [both entrances work], foodhallen.nl. Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-11:30pm (Fridays and Saturdays until 1am). Kitchens close two 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 10am–5pm. Admission is 18 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 sex work, in general, and in Amsterdam, in particular.

Enge Kerksteeg 3. +31 20 420 7328. pic-amsterdam.com. Tours run Wednesday-Saturday at 5pm. Tickets are 25 EUR.

Amsterdam Itinerary: Day 3

Mike’s Bike Tours is the best company to use, whether for a tour or to rent a bike on your own. A 2.5-hour city tour costs 34.50 EUR.

Keizersgracht 609, +31 20 551 6500, foam.org. Open daily 10am–6pm (9pm on Thursdays and Fridays). Admission is 16 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 10am–5pm. Admission is 20 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 10am–6pm. Admission is 19.50 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 10am-5pm (Saturdays until 6pm) and Sundays 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 10am–5pm. Admission is 15 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 10:30am–7:30pm, Friday-Saturday 10:30am–9pm. Admission is 23 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 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 6 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 20 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 8am–10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm.

Waterlooplein 2. waterlooplein.amsterdam. Open Monday to Saturday 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 11am-1am. Admission is 8 EUR.

Oudezijds Achterburgwal 148, +31 20 624 8926, hashmuseum.com. Open daily 10am-10pm. Admission is 11.45 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

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 .

For hostel suggestions, be sure to check out my complete list of the best hostels in Amsterdam .

And if you would prefer hotels, here is my list of the best hotels 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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Headed to Amsterdam? Here are 14 top things to do there

Mar 12, 2024 • 8 min read

Exploring Amsterdam by bicycle is an essential experience © Harry Cooper Photography / Shutterstock

With its iconic canals lined by slender gabled buildings and spanned by arched bridges, Amsterdam  must be one of the beautiful and charming cities in the world.

Whether you’re after exceptional art and architecture, innovative design, fabulous food or thumping nightlife, you'll find it here. Amsterdam’s  condensed layout means you can fit a lot in even on a short trip, as you hit the city’s most famous attractions and discover under-the-radar surprises.

Here are 14 things to do that will show you the best of what Amsterdam has to offer.

1. Soak up history with a canal cruise 

Amsterdam is a city shaped by water. The best way to appreciate its beautiful UNESCO World Heritage–listed Canal Ring is from a boat, passing through the canals themselves. This is a delight at any time – but particularly beautiful at night, when the waters’ ripples reflect the city’s twinkling lights.

You can navigate the waterways yourself (companies such as Boaty rent zero-emission electric canal boats), or hop on a sightseeing cruise, as just about every visitor does. Non-touristy alternatives include learning first-hand about the city’s history of migration aboard Rederij Lampedusa ’s former refugee boats, or helping keep the waters clean by “plastic fishing” from Plastic Whale ’s vessels, which are made from retrieved and recycled plastic waste.

Planning tip: If you prefer to enjoy the canals from land, grab a table at De Belhamel . Situated at the head of the Herengracht, this superb restaurant’s canal-side tables are perfect for canal-watching (summer only).

2. Make like the Dutch, and get on a bike

Cling-clanging bells and whirring spokes are part of the soundtrack of a city where bicycles outnumber cars – making for perhaps the essential means for getting around town . Bike lanes crisscross every part of the city, where the terrain (as in most of the Netherlands ) is forgivingly flat and rental outlets abound. 

Beyond the built-up streets, fascinating places to explore range from the former ship-building yards of Amsterdam Noord to the rambling woodlands of Amsterdamse Bos and the pretty port of Muiden, with its storybook medieval castle.

To avoid being  the kind of tourist Amsterdam doesn’t enjoy welcoming , it’s important to follow cycling etiquette. Always use the designated bike lane rather than lanes for cars, or sidewalks; adhere to the rules of the road; signal with your arm when turning; and make sure you’ve turned on your front and back lights at night.

3. Head to Museumplein to immerse yourself in art

Amsterdam’s top three museums are handily located around the green lawns of Museumplein . The grande dame of the trio is the famous  Rijksmuseum , which occupies a palatial 1885 and contains perhaps the best collection of works by Dutch masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals. The museum’s galleries also display sumptuous decorative arts as well, including blue-and-white Delftware porcelain and intricate dollhouses.

The world’s largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s dazzling paintings ( The Yellow House and Sunflowers , among them) hangs at the neighboring Van Gogh Museum . Modern and contemporary creations by the likes of Mondrian and De Kooning are the focus of the bright, light-filled Stedelijk Museum .

Planning tip: Invest in an  I Amsterdam City Card , a discount pass that provides access to dozens of city attractions, to gain entrance to two of the museums (the Van Gogh Museum no longer participates). The Netherlands Museum Pass includes all three (as well as hundreds of museums across the country); buy one in person at the Rijksmuseum or the Stedelijk.

4. Sip local brews at Brouwerij ’t IJ

You’ll know you’re truly in Amsterdam when you’re sip a tall, frothy beer under the sails of a windmill. Much-loved craft brewery Brouwerij ’t IJ brews in former public baths adjacent to a traditional wooden spinner. Its leafy terrace is idyllic for a pint (try its signature Zatte Tripel ). It’s often possible to see the brewing in action on a behind-the-scenes tour.

5. Find something chic yet practical at a Dutch design shop

Bike carrier straps that function as shelving. Glow-in-the-dark door stoppers. Self-adhesive lamps to stick on the wall. These are just some of the witty, inventive and above all practical Dutch designs you’ll find in Amsterdam, along with furniture, fashion and gadgets galore.

A great place to start browsing is Droog , with a garden, gallery space and restaurant where most of the tableware is also for sale. Other emporiums to check out include  X Bank , set up as a showcase for local creators, and the Gathershop , which stocks its shelves with handmade and fair-trade gift items.

6. Lie out with locals in Vondelpark

Amsterdammers’  favorite green escape is the sprawling  Vondelpark , a lush, 116-acre (37-hectare) oasis of English-style gardens with fragrant roses, winding paths, ponds and sculptures. One of the best free things to do in the city , this egalitarian space is where everyone – kids, adults, couples, joggers, picnickers, locals and tourists – hangs out in the sunshine. Within the park, there are cafes as well as an open-air theater.

Planning tip:  A short walk from the Museumplein’s institutions, Vondelpark is the perfect spot to reflect after soaking in superb art.

7. Visit the Anne Frank Huis, and never forget

When Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands in May 1940, war came to the city for the first time in almost four centuries – and devastated its thriving Jewish community.

The war’s impact on real people’s lives might be more palpable at the Anne Frank Huis  than at any other site in the world. Behind a warehouse on Prinsengracht, the young girl hid for over two years with her family and their friends in a dark, airless “Secret Annexe” – until they were betrayed and sent to concentration camps. Only her father survived.

Anne recorded the entire experience in her diary, now a classic of Western literature. Walking through the tiny, dark rooms in which she recorded her story is a humbling experience indeed. 

Detour: Amsterdam’s occupation – which didn’t end until 1945 – is also brought to life at the museum of the Dutch Resistance, the Verzetsmuseum . 

8. Raise a class at a bruin café

No matter the weather, the best place to experience Dutch gezelligheid (conviviality and coziness) is in one of its bruin cafés (brown cafes). Dark timber and tobacco-stained walls give these traditional pubs their name.

Planning tip:  With around a thousand across the city, you’ll never be far from a bruin café. They’re especially concentrated charming neighborhoods like the former blue-collar quarter of  the Jordaan , where canalside gems with candle-topped tables include Café Papeneiland , Café Pieper and ’t Smalle .

9. Go out on the town

Awash with bars, concert venues and music-thumping clubs, Amsterdam’s renowned nightlife extends far beyond De Wallen, better known the Red Light District (and an area whose reputation authorities are looking to change).

Leidseplein , home to the famed Melkweg , is a major hub, as is nearby Rembrandtplein . Amsterdam’s LGBTIQ+ scene is found throughout the city, with popular venues like Cafe Prik  playing banging dance tunes late into the night.

Detour: Hop on a free ferry to Noord, one of the city’s coolest, most up-and-coming neighborhoods, and a haven of ultra-hip watering holes. Be sure to check out Pllek and Café de Ceuvel .

10. Snack on local specialties from street markets

Lively street markets like the Albert Cuypmarkt are lined with stalls selling delicious cheap eats like haring (herring; served chopped with diced onion on a bread roll), Vlaamse frites (“Flemish fries”: crispy, fluffy and typically smothered with mayonnaise), stroopwafels (cookie-like wafers sandwiched with caramel syrup) and poffertjes (mini pancakes), as well as Dutch cheeses such as Gouda and Edam. At bars, classic snacks include deep-fried kroketten (croquettes), including ball-shaped, meat-filled bitterballen .

11. Learn about the newest architecture trends at ARCAM

At first glance, Amsterdam’s cityscape seems scarcely changed from the era of Golden Age paintings – yet the contemporary city abounds with such tech-savvy, forward-thinking innovations as solar-paneled bike lanes, a sustainable “floating neighborhood” and the world’s first 3D-printed stainless-steel bridge. Learn about these innovations and other cutting-edge trends in design and urban studies, as well as the best in 21st-century architecture, at the Amsterdam Architecture Foundation ( ARCAM ).

Planning tip: Get out of the galleries and see Amsterdam’s newer side with a guided tour led by an ARCAM expert. Visit their website for the latest schedule (an additional fee applies).

12. Try jenever at Wynand Fockink

The local firewater, jenever (Dutch gin) is made from juniper berries and served chilled. Amsterdam has some wonderfully atmospheric tasting houses to try smooth jonge (young) and pungent oude (old) varieties, such as 17th-century Wynand Fockink .

Cultural tip: Jenever typically arrives in a tulip-shaped shot glass filled to the brim – the kopstootje  tradition dictates that you bend over the bar, with your hands behind your back, and take a deep sip.

13. Swing out over city on the top of A’DAM Tower

The craziest activity in Amsterdam is nowhere near the Red Light District – in fact, it’s far above it. At the top of A’DAM Tower , a 1970s-era high-rise, a six-seater swing sends you out over the building’s edge and 100m (328ft) in the air, as your feet dangle below

You can also ride a virtual-reality roller coaster or take in the view from the tower's 360-degree observation deck, restaurants (one revolving) or rooftop bar.

14. Celebrate at one of Amsterdam’s festivals

Your visit to this outgoing city is likely to coincide with one of its many festivals ; the occasion might involve food, drink, electronic dance music or classical concerts on barges moored on the canals. The most important date on Amsterdam's calendar is King’s Day (Koningsdag; April 27), when people don outlandish orange-colored outfits and party in the streets. And the “parade” of barges that takes to the canals during Pride Amsterdam  at the end of the July is a flotilla you’ll never forget. 

This article was first published December 2014 and updated March 2024

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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

Midnight blue, vincent and theo: the van gogh brothers, the hiding place, the diary of a young girl: anne frank, a small light (disney+), amsterdam travel tips for first timers, where to stay in amsterdam, the amsterdam go city card, planning your amsterdam itinerary, morning – arrive in amsterdam, afternoon – van gogh museum, evening – canal cruise, dinner – snacks from stach, morning – amsterdam photoshoot with flytographer, lunch – pancake making class, afternoon – explore haarlem, dinner – moeders, morning – rijksmuseum, lunch – winkel 43, afternoon – cheese museum, tulip museum, the milkmaid project, houseboat museum, evening – a’dam lookout, morning – rainbowls, afternoon – zaanse schans, tony’s chocoloney, dinner – foodhallen, evening – stroll through vondelpark, morning – royal delft, afternoon – old delft & antiekmarkt, the hague & girl with a pearl earring, dinner – blauw, breakfast – pancake bakery, morning – anne frank house, shopping in de 9 straatjes – 9 streets, lunch – albert cuyp market, afternoon – resistance museum, micropia microbe museum, the red light district, dinner – secret garden, how many days do i need for amsterdam, can i visit amsterdam for 3 days, what month should i visit amsterdam, is 10 days too long for amsterdam, i take day trips from amsterdam, before you visit amsterdam.

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.

Wanderlust Crew

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Adventures of Alice

3 Days in Amsterdam: The Perfect 72-Hour Itinerary

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A gorgeous city riddled with canals, history and tiny houses; Amsterdam can make the perfect European city break. The capital of the Netherlands , there are so many amazing things to do in Amsterdam whatever the weather. Some of the best of Amsterdam’s attractions can actually be found by venturing off the well-trodden tourist trail in the centre. For off-the-beaten-track gems and timeless classics, here’s how to spend the perfect 3 days in Amsterdam. 

Where to stay for 3 Days in Amsterdam 

Like any capital city, staying right in the centre is never the cheapest option. Amsterdam is not known for being a European budget travel destination , but you can find a few hidden gems if you know where to look.  

Luxury Accommodation

For a luxury Dutch stay the Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam is a gorgeous hotel. Located on the IJ River where the ships used to leave for Jakarta, you will find a boutique, Indonesian-inspired hotel. There are panoramic views of the waterside from both the room balconies and the wellness pool.

For a more central hotel, the Eden Hotel Amsterdam is also a wonderful choice. Located in the centre of Amsterdam, you will be just a short walk from famous landmarks like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gough Museum. Perfect for exploring the city! 

Mid-range Accommodation

For a mid-range stay, the Jaz Amsterdam Hotel has a seriously funky vibe! Just 15 minutes from the city centre, the hotel has a sauna, steam room, and an on-site restaurant.

The XO Hotels Couture is another great option. It offers free private parking, and convenient locations just a short tram ride to the museum quarter and other Amsterdam attractions. You’ll also find an on-site a-la-carte restaurant, smart TV and Nespresso coffee maker. 

Budget Accommodation

For a cheaper option, staying outside the city is your best bet. Mercure Hotel Amsterdam West is just a 15-minute drive from the city centre and a 10-minute drive from the airport. It’s also just a few minutes walk from a pretty lake and national park.

Also, Crowne Plaza Amsterdam is an affordable 4* hotel. This is where we stayed when we visited the city.

They offer a free airport shuttle, and from the airport, you can easily catch a train to the city centre. This is a method we took full advantage of when we stayed. It’s not a long journey and can save you some serious cash by not staying in the heart of the city. 

The Best Things to Do for 3 Days in Amsterdam

So, without further ado, here are some of the absolute best things you can do during 3 days in Amsterdam.

Visit Anne Frank’s House 

One of Amsterdam’s and Netherlands’ most famous attractions, Anne Frank’s House is a fascinating dip into a tragic past. The place where Anne Frank and her family hid during the Second World War, Anne Frank’s House is a place for reflection.

It’s now been turned into a museum and serves as a prominent reminder of the harsh injustice and persecution suffered by the Jews in that era. It’s definitely worth taking the tour and 3 days in Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without visiting this house. However, I suggest getting there early if possible, because queues can be quite daunting during peak times. 

Drink at the Heineken Experience 

Home to one of the world’s most famous beers, Amsterdam’s Heineken experience is a super fun activity. The tour doesn’t just show you how the brew is made.

It also shows you the history of Heineken, a collection of different beer mats from different ages, a 3D ride which takes you through the brewing process and, of course, a few cheeky drinks too! It’s actually pretty impressive and will be a great day out whether you’re a fan of Heineken or not! 

Cruise the Canals 

I don’t think you can visit Amsterdam and not go on a classic canal tour. Despite the cliché, it’s a truly beautiful experience and some of the buildings you pass go back centuries. You can easily book a canal tour from the Damrak canal near the train station, and there often isn’t any need to book in advance.

Stretching for miles, the dramatic waterways are one of the reasons that Amsterdam is so famous. Dedicate time to explore the stunning Emperor’s Canal during your 3 days in Amsterdam.

Explore the gorgeous architecture of the houses on its banks and all the other canals that snake off it. 

Visit the Windmills 

If there’s one thing the Netherlands is known for, it’s windmills. On your third day in Amsterdam, take a day trip to some of the surrounding countryside.

The Netherlands is full of windmills, rolling hills and historic towns. The historic and cultural city of Haarlem is just 20 minutes from Amsterdam Central by train. Or, for picturesque windmills, winding canals and a great selection of shops and cafes, you could also head to the gorgeous Zaanse Schans. 

See the Sex Culture 

Admittedly this can be rather bizarre and not to everyone’s taste, but it’s still an important part of Amsterdam’s culture. Amsterdam’s Red-Light District is another thing the city is known for. It’s worth a visit during your 3 days in Amsterdam, even if it’s just to see what all the fuss is about!

Although if you do visit, be sure to have your wits about you. The area is heavily policed, but you could still end up without your belongings if you’re not careful. Best to go in the daytime if you’re unsure.  

As well as the Red-Light District, Amsterdam also has a Sex Museum. Exploring the history of sex, the human body and the evolution of it, it’s another quite strange experience.

You’ll find figures, animated statues, giant sculptures of certain body parts and many black-and-white photographs of people engaging in erotic activities. It’s much tamer than the Red-Light district though and shows a more entertaining look at how things have changed over the years. 

Take a trip to Efetling 

This fantastical theme park is about a 2-hour train ride from Amsterdam and the perfect family day out. If you have more time, you could stay a little longer. However, depending on the queues, you can probably get most of the park done in a day. You can also easily arran ge a day trip to Efteling via Get Your Guide.

Themed around fairy tales the park is like a Dutch Disneyland and is full of quirky statues and little gnomes. There’s a great combination of rides for all the family to enjoy, so you’ll have a great day at Efteling, even if you don’t like loop-the-loops.

Visit the Rijksmuseum 

One of Amsterdam’s most famous museums, the Rijksmuseum is stunning both inside and out. The museum was founded in 1809 and houses a huge collection of crafts, artwork and antiques, dating back as far as the 1200s! It was said to have taken several hundred years to complete the collection.  

Containing over a million objects in total and over 35,000 books, the museum will take you a while to look around. Nevertheless, it’s totally worth adding to your 3 days in Amsterdam itinerary. Don’t forget to pose next to the famous iAmsterdam sign outside! 

Learn the History of Van Gough 

One of the most famous artists in the world, Vincent Van Gough was incredibly talented. Located near Vondelpark and also close to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gough Museum is a fascinating place to learn more about the history of both him and his work.  

As well as a superb collection of artworks from Van Gough, the museum also contains the works of Monet and Matisse. Plus, explore the letters, and drawings and discover the interesting past of this world-renowned artist.  

See the City from the Sky 

I’ve always been a fan of cityscapes. One of my favourite things to do in a new city is to find the best birds-eye-view I can find! In Amsterdam, that comes in the form of rooftop bars of the A’DAM viewpoint.  

Standing tall over Amsterdam’s relatively low skyline, the A’dam Toren is a 22-story high building that features a collection of impressive bars, fancy restaurants, (including a revolving one!), and a delightful observation deck with a selection of extreme sports.

You can bungee jump from the tower or experience Europe’s largest swing and plummet off the top that way instead! Located near the EYE Institute, you can also reach the viewpoint via the free ferry. 

Shop at Europe’s Largest Flea Market 

If you’re a fan of market stalls, handmade goods and quirky bargains, pay a visit to IJ-Hallen, one of the most glorious markets in Europe. Just a short ferry ride from Amsterdam’s Central Station, you’ll find more or less everything at the market.

The sprawling space has countless stands where you can browse vintage records, antiques, arts and crafts, cute clothing and even unique pieces of furniture. Trust me when I say, that there’s definitely something for everyone here. 

Eat at De Hallen’s Food Stalls 

If you’ve ever taken a trip to Camden Market in London , then you’ll know that food markets and street food stalls can be wonderful places to get lost. For Amsterdam’s version, head over to a former tram depot in the Oud-West neighbourhood which dates back to 1902.

As well as delicious food stalls scattered around a central bar, you’ll also find a few independent stores selling craft and fashion wares. You’ll also find a small cinema, making this the perfect spot for a great evening out during your 3 days in Amsterdam. 

wander the Tulip Fields 

Could you honestly visit the Netherlands without seeing the tulip fields? These beautiful blooms are another Dutch cliché, but so pretty it can be hard to resist! It’s just a 20-minute train ride from the capital to Bollenstreek, the world-famous tulip fields located near Haarlem.

This is the perfect day trip from Amsterdam. Alternatively, if you’re visiting in April , simply head to the Tulip Festival for an entire day dedicated to the delightful blossoms.  

Explore the EYE Film Institute 

One of Amsterdam’s most famous landmarks, the EYE Institute sits proudly on the banks of the IJ. Film fans will utterly love it here and you will also get inside totally free if you purchased the iAmsterdam Card.

Inside you’ll find a vast museum, many modern exhibits, an extensive film library and a cinema. Once you’re done exploring inside, head to the EYE’s wonderful restaurant and grab a bite to eat on the terrace, overlooking the canals. 

See the Royal Palace 

Located in Dam Square, this impressive structure was originally built as a town hall. However, it was later used as the Dutch Royal Palace and the official residence of the King of Holland.

Explore the beautiful rooms, and fascinating galleries and make sure you don’t miss the central hall! It contains a stunning marble floor that’s over 100 foot long and shows a huge and detailed map of the world.  

Relax in Vondelpark 

The perfect place to relax after a hard day’s exploring Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s equivalent of Central Park, New York . Close to the Rijksmuseum, the park sits on the edge of a canal.

It contains plenty of trees, sculptures and several small lakes as well. Perfect to cycle through or go for a leisurely stroll, the part is simply beautiful. There’s also an open-air theatre too, so you might even be able to catch a performance. 

Getting around for 3 days in Amsterdam 

Like a lot of beautiful cities in Europe , Amsterdam has a very well-connected public transport route. There are countless ways to get about the city, from trams to trains and they’re all super affordable as well. If you’re travelling to Amsterdam from another city in Europe, it’s also pretty simple. I use Omio for all my train travel as it’s super affordable and easy to use.

The iAmsterdam Card will offer you unlimited use of the GVB public transport system for up to 72 hours depending on which card you buy. The 24-hour card is €65, the 48-hour is €85 and the 72-hour card is €105. This handy card also gives you discounts or free entry to plenty of the city’s attractions and 24-hour bicycle hire! 

If you choose not to buy the card, then you can still easily get around Amsterdam by train, bus, tram, metro or ferry. You can use most of these with a public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart), which is a bit like an Oyster card in London .

You can also buy them from all the GVB ticket vending machines, use them like a debit card and top them up when you need more credit. A single ticket costs €2.80 and an unlimited 24-hour ticket is €7.50. The city is also quite compact, so you may not need this at all, as it’s easy enough to navigate the capital on foot. 

Ferries are slightly different. The most popular route is simply across the river. The Amsterdam Central Station to Buiksloterweg is perfect for those who want to visit attractions such as the EYE Filmmuseum and Tolhuistuin. They’re also extremely efficient, rarely taking longer than 10 minutes to arrive. The ferries that cross the river are accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and mopeds and are completely free to use.  

Rent a Bicycle 

Easily the best and most fun way to get around Amsterdam is by bicycle. There are actually more bicycles in the Netherlands than there are people, which just goes to show how much the Dutch love their bikes.

An easy and efficient way to get around, you’ll find plenty of bike hire stands scattered around that are fairly inexpensive. Alternatively, you can hire bikes for the day online via tour apps like Get Your Guide where you can also find guided bike tours of the city. 

My favourite tools for finding cheap travel

• SKYSCANNER – For amazing flight deals.
• BOOKING.COM – For affordable hotels and accommodation.
• SAFETY WING – For affordable, reliable travel insurance.
• DISCOVER CARS – For cheap car hire around the world.
• OMIO – For trains, coaches, and transfers.
• GET YOUR GUIDE – For attractions and tours.
• AIRALO – For a global eSim that keeps you connected.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. But, I only recommend products and companies that I use and love.

Alice Smith is a full-time travel blogger and content creator and the founder of Adventures of Alice. Following an unexpected redundancy from her career as a Content Marketing Specialist, she embraced her passion for exploration and turned her hobby of travel blogging into a full-time career.

From her roots near Cambridge, UK, she's ventured to over 30 countries since 2016. With a passion for the outdoors and a knack for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, Alice is on a mission to show that budget travel can still be luxurious and that every destination, no matter how touristy, holds hidden gems.

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I have been to Amsterdam once. I wish I knew all of these before visiting. I feel like I missed out on a lot. I will definitely visit again in the future.

There are a lot of hidden gems in Amsterdam and it’s such a pretty city! I hope you get to visit again! 🙂

I will love to go there it’s my dream it’s so enchanting it’s so beautiful.

It’s definitely an amazing city! I’d go back in a heartbeat!

Omg I want to go! what an awesome trip that would be!

You definitely should! 🙂

You’ve got a lot of great advice for travel here. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks so much for this awesome guide. I’m heading to Amsterdam in a few weeks and only have 3 days in the city. I was worried I couldn’t see much, but your guide is really helping me put together my itinerary. Thank you!!!

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Amsterdam city break guide - The ideal 3 day itinerary

Day 1: lunch, sightseeing & drinks, check into your hotel and go for lunch at foodhallen.

Plan to fly into Amsterdam airport in the morning of day one to make the most of your short break - there's a lot to squeeze in!

From the airport, either hop in a taxi or take the train to the Centraal Station and make your way to your hotel to check in and get settled.

You won't begin the sightseeing until after lunch, so spend a little time wandering around exploring the area around your hotel and getting a feel for this beautiful city - it's known as 'The Venice of the North' for a reason!

Extend your walk (or hop on the bus or tram) to your first stop - Foodhallen - to grab some lunch.

This foodie paradise is an indoor market housed in a renovated tram depot, which has around 20 different stalls selling the best of Amsterdam's international food scene.

Options include pintxos (northern Spanish tapas), tacos, dim sum, French patisserie, pizza, and Mumbai street food kebabs wrapped in naan bread.

Expect to spend some time here - it'll most likely be pretty hard to choose what to eat!

Head south to the Rijksmuseum

From Foodhallen, walk south towards Vondelpark to get to the Rijksmuseum, which should take around 20 minutes.

There are two easy walking routes to the museum, however we'd recommend joining up with Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat and following it as it leads into Van Baerlestraat until you get to Museumplein - a lovely open green space that looks onto all the museums that surround it.

Cross the green and head towards the famous I Amsterdam sign just outside the Rijksmuseum.

Snap a photo with the sign (this is basically compulsory on any Amsterdam break) before making your way inside the museum.

Translating to 'National Museum' in English, the Rijksmuseum pays homage to all things Dutch, and is a great place to get to grips with some of the country's art and history.

The museum is huge (there are around 8,000 objects on display) and seeing everything would take all day, so plan to spend just spend an hour or two admiring the stunning building and hunting down some of the more famous pieces.

Don't miss the masterpieces by Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer, and Frans Hals, or you could catch the exhibition that happens to be running during your visit.

Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying seasonal Amsterdam

After you've browsed the museum, the way you spend the remainder of your afternoon depends on the time of year you've opted to visit Amsterdam.

We've put together a list of four amazing activities that celebrate the city in each season, so choose the option that best fits your city break and set off to your next stop.

Winter - go ice skating on the canal

Being able to ice skate on the frozen-over canal in Amsterdam is pretty high on a lot of travellers' bucket lists, and it really is a magical way to spend a chilly afternoon in the city.

The best way to enjoy the ice is to find a pair of second-hand skates in one of the markets or second-hand shops and locate a safe place to step onto the ice and get going.

Granted, temperatures don't often plummet low enough to allow the ice to support the weight of skaters (parts of the canal froze solid in 2018 for the first time since the 1990s), but there's always a chance!

If it's not quite cold enough to be able to glide across the surface of the canal, don't worry - there are plenty of great ice rinks that spring up across the city during the winter.

We'd recommend heading to Ice Amsterdam in Museumplein just in front of the I Amsterdam sign and the Rijksmuseum; it's really spacious and surrounded by some of the most beautiful buildings in the city.

Spring - celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival

There are around 400 cherry trees in Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) that were gifted to the city by Japan in 2000, and every year when they start to bloom, the city celebrates spring and new beginnings at the Cherry Blossom Festival.

This area of the forest is free to enter, and many gather here with family and friends to have a picnic and embrace the picturesque orchard.

You probably won't be wanting a picnic after your street food lunch, but just sitting beneath the canopy of pink or having a stroll through the flurries of petals is equally atmospheric and a quintessential springtime Amsterdam activity.

During the event, which attracts a diverse mix of Japanese expats, locals, and tourists, there is also traditional Japanese food available to buy and customs including dancing providing the entertainment.

The forest is a little way from the centre of Amsterdam, so the best way to get there is to hop on the metro from Centraal Station to Van Boshuizenstraat which takes about half an hour and drops you at the edge of the forest.

Spring is also tulip season in Holland, so make sure you also admire these traditionally Dutch flowers during your spring trip.

Summer - take to the water for a canal cruise

Seeing as the canal belt in Amsterdam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it would be wrong not to include the waterway in your city break, especially during the summer when the breeze is warm and sunshine bounces off the water.

A 75-minute canal tour with Blue Boat is a great option that takes you through both the historic centre with its tall 17th-century houses, and new, 21st-century Amsterdam.

The boats are roomy with skylight windows that open fully to allow you to soak up the summer sun, and there are audio guides in 21 languages so you won't miss a thing as you glide along.

If you feel like extending your cruise to dinnertime, there are loads of themed trips available throughout the city including cocktail, cheese and wine, pizza, and romantic dinner cruises.

There's also always the option of renting your own boat for a few hours and going on a self-guided tour of the water.

Hire a pedalo or your own private boat with a skipper from Stromma and explore the canal at your own leisure.

Autumn - get cosy and eat Dutch apple pie at a 'brown cafe'

Being one of the leafiest cities in Europe (there are over 400,000 trees here), you can imagine how magical Amsterdam is in the autumn, with its cobbled streets and waterways covered with a blanket of crisp orange and yellow leaves.

A stomp through the crunchy leaves is an absolute must, and we recommend that it ends with a visit to a cosy (and typically Dutch) brown cafe for a sizable chunk of traditional apple pie.

It's a delicious pie-crumble hybrid made using seasonal apples, and is an oh-so-comforting treat on a chilly autumn afternoon. Plus, it usually comes with a hefty serving of whipped cream, making it even more irresistible.

Cafe Winkel 43 is the most famous spot to sample this autumnal Dutch delicacy, so cosy up here with a loved one (or a book, if you're travelling solo) for a blissful afternoon of eating and relaxing.

Walk through the Red Light District and go for a drink

Once night falls, grab a quick dinner in the centre of town before heading to De Wallen, the infamous Red Light District.

As one of the most iconic parts of the city, it's worth walking through the area to experience its buzz - even if partaking in the offerings isn't exactly your cup of tea.

As you'd expect, the Red Light District is totally different from the beautiful old town and is a riot of bright lights and, for want of a better word, seedy establishments showcasing Amsterdam's famous tolerance of prostitution.

Expect nearly naked girls dancing in windows, brothels, sex shops and museums. It's up to you how long you stay in the district, but we'd say a quick wander through is enough to get a feel for the place!

You might need a drink after visiting the Red Light District, so head to a bar to bring day one to a close.

We have three recommendations for you within easy reach of the District, so choose whichever suits your mood and enjoy your evening before returning to your hotel to hit the hay.

• For a quiet drink with unbeatable views , head to Blue Amsterdam, a chic and modern bar/restaurant located on the top of the Kalverpassage shopping centre. Full-height windows wrap around the whole bar, offering panoramic views of many of the major sights, which make it the perfect place to wind down and reflect on a great first day.
• To go off the beaten path try Bar Oldenhof, a cool speakeasy-style bar that's hidden in plain sight; ring the bell next to the unassuming door and someone will appear to take you inside. You'll be greeted by a mood-lit jazz bar decorated with rich wood, velvet, and plush armchairs where you can sip a classy cocktail. It's definitely worth a visit here, if you can find it that is…
• If you're looking to dance the night away , then Chicago Social Club is the bar for you. This late night bar and club is lively and atmospheric, and is the ideal spot for 'just one drink' to turn into a big night of dancing. Local DJs take to the stage most nights, so there's always a party going on here to liven up your evening.

Day 2: More sightseeing, market, afternoon activity & dinner

Kick off day two of your amsterdam city break with a trip to the anne frank house.

Wake up bright and early, have breakfast, and head out to visit the Anne Frank House .

Queues to get in can be super long as only a limited number of visitors are allowed in the tiny annex at a time, so it's best to arrive ahead of your booked slot (you have to book online in advance - 80% of tickets are released two months in advance, and the other 20% on the day).

This famous building looks just like any other from the outside, but inside is the site of one of the most famed stories of World War II - how Jewish child Anne Frank and her family hid in the house's secret annex to evade capture by the Nazis.

The family (and four others) stowed away here for just over two years before they were discovered, and the diary Anne wrote during this time has become one of the most famous accounts of Jewish repression during the war in the world.

Today, there is a modern museum attached to the house with loads of informative displays about the Frank family and Jewish history in general, as well as extracts from the diary itself.

Walking through the annex is a truly surreal and moving experience that details one of the most harrowing periods in history; something everyone should get to grips with when visiting Amsterdam.

Stroll east to Dam Square and visit the Royal Palace Amsterdam

Take a moment to reflect on what you've just experienced at the Anne Frank House by strolling east through the canals to Dam Square.

Here you'll find the National Monument - a tall white pillar that commemorates the casualties of World War II, which is another dramatic reminder of this country's past.

The pillar is located on the east side of the square, so cross the road to the west side and head towards the Royal Palace Amsterdam.

Built as a city hall during the 17th century Dutch Golden Age, the Palace stands in the centre of the capital and still plays a major role in state visits and royal occasions to this day.

Whenever the building is not in use, visitors are welcome to explore its beautiful interiors, following in the footsteps of the Dutch royals.

If you're lucky enough to be in Amsterdam when the Palace is open for visitors, be sure to check out the stunning Citizen's Hall, with its glistening marble floor decorated with two maps of the world, and the statue of Atlas carrying the sky on his shoulders.

There's an urban legend in Amsterdam that if Atlas ever drops the sky, Amsterdam will fall too - so be sure to check he's still got a hold of it!

If the Palace is closed during your stay, just spend some time in the square admiring it (and the National Monument) from the outside, or pay a visit to nearby De Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) - an equally beautiful monument that hosts amazing exhibitions.

Eat a stroopwafel at Albert Cuyp Market

It's time for something a little more relaxed after all that intense sightseeing, so set off towards Albert Cuyp Market - one of the largest and most popular street markets in the Netherlands.

As it's located in the heart of the De Pijp neighbourhood, it's a little way away from Dam Square, so either hop on the number 24 or number 4 tram to get there in around 15 minutes, or walk through the canal belt and you'll arrive in around 25 minutes.

This bustling street market sells everything from kitchenware and clothes to fresh produce.

After your busy morning, the first thing you'll probably want to do as you browse the stalls is pick up a savoury snack for lunch - we recommend opting for a baked good from The Amsterdam Bakker or a toasted sandwich from Greg Monsieur to get those energy levels back up.

After your bite to eat, spend some time walking the length of the market browsing the stalls and picking up any trinkets or souvenirs that take your fancy.

Travel tip: If you're visiting during spring's tulip season (end of March until mid-May) look out for all the colourful tulips on sale along the street, adding an extra splash of colour to the already-vibrant market.

Around halfway down the market street you'll come across the Original Stroopwafel stall, one of the best spots in the city to get one of these delicious crispy, chewy, syrupy waffles that are a Dutch staple.

You'll find them all over the city (just follow the sugary smell), but this family business is a particularly good place to try one.

Their coveted family recipe has been passed down through generations and uses only the best ingredients, giving you the ultimate, authentic stroopwafel experience.

They're made there and then as you watch, so they're all warm and oozing caramel sauce - drooling yet?

Order one on the spot, then buy a few of their packaged waffles to take home with you.

Pick an activity for the rest of the afternoon

Whether that stroopwafel has given you a sugar buzz or made you feel like you need to sit down, are are some ideal ways to spend the few remaining hours before dinner:

• Something calm and relaxing - the Begijnhof is a group of historic buildings surrounding a beautiful green square that's a true oasis of calm in the middle of the busy city. Originally a beguinage (a complex of houses built for unmarried religious women to live as a community), the courtyard complex retains its quiet, sacred feeling, and is accessed via an arched doorway tucked away on Spuiplein. Visitors are asked to remain quiet whilst in the Begijnhof, so it's a wonderful place to get away from the bustle of the city and just breathe.
• Something adventurous - if you'e feeling a little more adventurous, head to the 'Over the Edge' swing on top of the A'Dam Lookout building. Said to be the highest swing in Europe, it sends you 100 metres above ground off the edge of the building, with the city just below your feet. The views are unbeatable and will give you a real shot of adrenaline if you're in the market for a thrill-seeking afternoon.
• Something social - for something a little more social, a trip to the Brouwerij 't IJ brewery is a great option, especially if you've got a thing for beer. This small brewery is located in a former bathhouse and brews loads of their own organic beer, including standard classics and seasonal specials. Go for a guided tour or tasting, or just have a natter in the pub with a pint.

Go for dinner at Vuurtoreneiland

Once your afternoon has drawn to a close, head back to your hotel and get ready for dinner.

Plan ahead and book a table on Vuurtoreneiland , a small lighthouse island close to the city that you reach via a boat from outside the Lloyd Hotel in town. It's hard to believe that this beautiful, wild island is so close to the city; your evening there will feel more like a holiday-within-a-holiday than just a normal meal out.

The island is home to both a summer restaurant, located in a light and airy glass hut, and a winter restaurant, which is in a cosy fort warmed by fires and candles, so whatever time of year you visit it's sure to be a pleasant experience.

This is also true of the food, which is made from locally sourced ingredients and cooked over an open fire, bringing you even closer to nature.

Included in the price of a ticket is the boat trip there and back, an aperitif and snacks on the boat, drinks (including wine, water, coffee and tea), and a five course menu, so everything is taken care of before you even step onto the boat.

The full evening lasts around four hours and is sure to be a unique and unforgettable meal out - the perfect way to end day two.

Day 3: Cycling, the Van Gogh Museum & coffee

Have dutch pancakes for breakfast at de vier pilaren.

Your final day in Amsterdam deserves a great breakfast, so head to De Vier Pilaren just down the road from the Rijksmuseum for some classic Dutch poffertjes , miniature pancakes topped with butter and powdered sugar (or any other toppings you fancy).

This cafe has some of the best fluffy pancakes in the city, with their 'normal' portions offering a generous 20 poffertjes topped with additional strawberries and whipped cream.

You can also get large, crepe-style pancakes in a load of sweet and savoury combinations, as well as a long list of hot and cold drinks to round off your breakfast.

Rent a Dutch bike and go cycling in Vondelpark

The majority of Amsterdammers cruise through life on two wheels, so hire a bike for the rest of the morning and go for a cycle to burn off those pancakes.

There are bike rental shops all over the city so it shouldn't be hard to find one near the cafe, however if you need inspiration then Green Budget Bikes will set you up with an unmistakable bright green mode.

If you'd rather be a touch more incognito, then Bike 4 U offers bikes minus the rental branding, letting you blend in with the locals. Opt for a classic Dutch bike (the difference is that the brake is in the pedals), which both places rent for around €7 for three hours.

It's up to you where you decide to cycle to, but we'd thoroughly recommend joining the streams of locals cruising along the canals for an iconic (and slightly hair-raising) Amsterdam experience, before heading to the serene paths of leafy Vondelpark to enjoy one of the prettiest green spaces in Amsterdam.

Do a lap of the park, stopping for a break on the grass halfway round.

Visit the Van Gogh Museum

Return your bike to the rental shop (both Green Budget Bikes and Bike 4 U have a branch close to the park) and wander over to the Van Gogh Museum .

Tickets are only available online to limit the queues, so book beforehand and you should be able to head in pretty quickly for your designated time slot.

Van Gogh, a native of the Netherlands, was an incredibly influential figure in modern art, and this fascinating museum is home to one of the most important collections of his work in the world.

You'll also see pieces by other artists who influenced, or were influenced by, Van Gogh.

The collection is set across four floors, starting with a room of self portraits before ascending through his work in chronological order, highlighting how his artistic style changed throughout his life.

Spend some time here making your way through the whole museum to get the most rounded picture of Van Gogh's work - it's definitely worth going slowly to take in the whole timeline.

Once you're done, make your way to the museum cafe Le Tambourin for lunch before you leave (you can only access the cafe via the museum).

The food is fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced, as well as being served in a stylish glass building overlooking the Museumplein, so there's no reason why you should leave and hunt for a lunch spot elsewhere.

Relax in a cafe or coffeeshop until your flight leaves

Once you've finished lunch you'll probably only have a few hours left of your weekend in Amsterdam before you need to head to the airport, so we'd suggest having one final walk through the canal belt before heading to a cafe or coffee shop.

It's important to know that there's a big difference between a cafe and a coffeeshop in Amsterdam; cafes are your standard tea-and-cake affairs, whilst coffeeshops are licensed to sell legal cannabis.

Visiting a coffeeshop is often thought of as integral to any trip to Amsterdam (depending on your preferences, of course), and there are over 100 scattered across the capital.

If you'd rather not, there are plenty of great cafes serving actual coffee - and fantastic coffee at that.

To aid your selection, here's our favourite cafe and coffeeshop to give you some inspiration for your final Amsterdam stop:

• Our top cafe pick is Back to Black on Weteringstraat. This cosy cafe has a small coffee roasters where they create their own delicious blends, as well as offering a great selection of homemade cakes and pastries to enjoy alongside your latte or cappuccino. The friendly baristas, colourful design and laid-back atmosphere all make this a lovely spot to unwind before heading home.
• For a classic coffeeshop experience, head to the world-renowned Grey Area . Regarded as one of the best coffeeshops in Amsterdam, this place specialises in all things cannabis, offering loads of original strains and expert advice to ensure you make the most of your legal high. This coffeeshop has also seen many famous faces pass through in its time, including Snoop Dogg and Willie Nelson, so you know it must be top-notch.

Once you're done, walk back to your hotel, pick up your bags, and make your way back to the airport to fly back home. Hope you had an Amster-dam good time!

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

Are you planning to visit Amsterdam for a day? I’ve got you covered!

Whether you’re on a layover, a quick trip, or simply want to make the most of a single day in Amsterdam, this ultimate guide will help you create an unforgettable itinerary.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know for your trip: when to go, how to get to the city, where to stay in Amsterdam, itinerary, getting around the city, tips to make the most of the trip and an extensive FAQ. Enjoy!

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.

When to Spend 1 Day in Amsterdam (Weather and Crowds)

Amsterdam’s weather can be quite unpredictable, but generally, the best time to visit in terms of weather is during spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October).

During these months, you can expect milder temperatures and less rainfall.

Summer (June to August) can be pleasant but also more crowded, as it’s the peak tourist season.

Winter months (December to February) are cold and can be quite wet.

Keep in mind that Amsterdam can be busy year-round due to its popularity as a tourist destination, but autumn and winter (excluding the Christmas period) are less crowded.

How to Get to Amsterdam

Amsterdam is well-connected by air, train, and bus.

Amsterdam is well-connected to various European cities by train, making it a convenient mode of transportation.

The primary train station in Amsterdam is Amsterdam Central Station (Amsterdam Centraal). Here’s how you can get to Amsterdam by train:

• From Other European Cities: You can take high-speed trains like Thalys or Eurostar that connect Amsterdam with cities like Paris, Brussels, and Cologne. The train journey is a comfortable way to travel and you can enjoy scenic views along the way.
• From Other Dutch Cities: The Dutch railway network is extensive and efficient. Trains operated by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) connect Amsterdam with many cities in the country.
• From Schiphol Airport: If you arrive by air at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), you can easily access the train station located directly underneath the airport’s main terminal. Trains run frequently between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Central Station, with a travel time of around 15-20 minutes.

If you’re arriving by air, you’ll land at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which is one of Europe’s major international airports.

Here are some examples of direct flights to Schiphol Airport:

• European Destinations: Schiphol Airport serves as a hub for flights within Europe. Many major European cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, Barcelona, Athens and Rome have direct flights to Schiphol.
• North American Destinations: There are direct flights from cities in North America to Schiphol Airport. Examples include New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Atlanta.

From Schipol Airport, you can take a train directly to Amsterdam Central Station, which is located in the city centre.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Given that you’re spending only one day, it’s best to choose accommodation in or near the city centre to maximize your time exploring.

Popular areas include Dam Square, Jordaan, and the Canal Ring.

There are options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels.

Some handpicked hotels are Hotel Esherea , Radisson Blu Hotel and Park Plaza Victoria .

Check more accommodation options with Booking:

iAmsterdam City Card

The iAmsterdam City Card is a popular option for tourists. It offers free or discounted entry to many museums and attractions, as well as unlimited use of public transportation within the city.

Depending on your plans, it can be a cost-effective option. Just make sure to research the attractions you want to visit and calculate if the card’s price is worth it for your one-day visit.

Suggested Itinerary for One Day in Amsterdam

Morning & early afternoon .

See Damrak, Dam Square, and the Royal Palace

Begin your day by walking along Damrak, the street that leads to Dam Square. Check out the impressive Royal Palace , a historic landmark that serves as a symbol of Dutch heritage.

Take a Canal Cruise

One of the best ways to discover the city is by taking a canal cruise. Admire the city’s iconic canal houses, picturesque bridges, and the unique perspective that the water offers.

De Pijp neighbourhood

Explore the busy De Pijp neighbourhood. Wander through its lively streets filled with cafes, boutiques, and local markets. This area offers plenty of options for your lunch.

Late Afternoon

Museumplein

Head to Museumplein, where you’ll find some of Amsterdam’s most renowned museums.

Visit One Museum

Choose from the 2 most famous museums: the Van Gogh Museum , home to an incredible collection of the artist’s works or the Rijksmuseum , featuring Dutch Golden Age masterpieces.

Another option is to book the tickets with a canal cruise and save money in doing so.

You can also explore some other cool museums in Amsterdam and discover more about the city!

Floating Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt)

Experience the colourful Floating Flower Market, where you can admire a variety of flowers, bulbs, and souvenirs.

Visit Amsterdam Begijnhof

Amsterdam Begijnhof is a peaceful place with a historic courtyard surrounded by charming houses. Enjoy a moment of tranquillity and make sure you’re quiet as the houses are inhabited by people.

Explore the Jordaan Neighbourhood

The Jordaan neighbourhood has narrow streets filled with galleries, cafes, and boutique shops. The area’s artistic and bohemian vibe is a must-experience.

Stroll the Nine Streets

Wander through the picturesque Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes), historic streets known for their unique boutiques, vintage shops, and cosy restaurants. Pick up your favourite and have dinner.

Explore Amsterdam at Night

Walk along the canals and enjoy the lighted canals. Go party at one of Amsterdam’s clubs or get a special canal cruise with drinks and a silent disco .

If you’re a beer lover check out this private Dutch beer tasting in the old town .

Check out my article on the 35 best things to do at night in Amsterdam for extra ideas.

Amsterdam 1-Day Itinerary Map

How to use this map: Use your fingers or mouse to zoom in and out. Click the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner to see the index and the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google account. To view the saved map, 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.

Getting Around During One Day in Amsterdam

Walking is a great way to explore Amsterdam’s compact city centre.

Many of the city’s major attractions, such as Dam Square, the Anne Frank House, and the Van Gogh Museum, are within walking distance of each other.

You can also stroll along the beautiful canals and discover hidden gems down narrow streets.

Walking is the best way to get to know the city and take in the details that you might miss while using other modes of transportation.

Biking is one of the most iconic ways to get around Amsterdam.

The city is incredibly bike-friendly, with bike lanes that can bring you everywhere in the country. The Dutch have a cycling culture deeply ingrained in their daily life.

Renting a bike for the day is a popular choice among tourists.

It gives you the flexibility to explore farther areas and experience the city like a local.

Just be cautious if you’re not used to biking in busy urban environments, and make sure to follow the rules of the road and also sign with your hand before turning right or left.

Public Transport

Amsterdam has an extensive and efficient public transportation network, including trams, buses, and the metro.

The GVB (Amsterdam’s public transportation company) offers various ticket options, including single tickets and day passes, which allow unlimited travel on all modes of public transport for a specific period.

You can book a travel ticket for public transportation that gives you access to bus, ferry, metro, train and tram.

Public transport is a good option if you want to cover more ground quickly, especially if you’re visiting attractions that are a bit farther from the city centre.

Driving 

Driving in Amsterdam’s city centre can be challenging due to narrow streets, limited parking, and heavy traffic.

I would not recommend driving within the central area unless you’re familiar with the city’s layout and parking options.

If you’re staying outside the city centre and plan to explore nearby attractions, driving might be more convenient. However, keep in mind that parking fees can be high, and parking spaces might be limited.

• Combining Modes: You can mix and match transportation modes depending on your preferences and the distances you need to cover. For example, you might walk or bike in the city centre and use public transport to reach attractions that are farther away.
• Navigation Apps: Use navigation apps like Google Maps, 9292 and NS Travel Planner to help you navigate the city and find the best routes for walking, biking, or using public transport.
• Safety: Be cautious while crossing roads, cycling, or walking along the canals. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re not familiar with the traffic patterns.

Tips for Exploring Amsterdam in a Day

• Book Tickets in Advance . Amsterdam is one of the most popular cities in Europe, so make sure you plan ahead and book all your tickets in advance. It will save you time and frustration.
• Plan on paying with the card. You’ll be surprised many establishments don’t accept cash at all, so always have at least 2 cards at hand in case the other one doesn’t work.
• Renting a bike is a nice way to explore the parks and farther areas and experience the city like a local.
• Plan to eat on the go as this will save you time and money.
• Pack comfortable shoes and layered clothes.

What should you avoid in Amsterdam?

• Taking pictures in the Red Light District
• Renting a car
• Walking on the bike path
• Drinking in public
• Smoking on the street
• Leaving your belongings unattended
• Mistaking a coffeeshop for a cafe

More Than One Day in Amsterdam?

If you have more than one day in Amsterdam, you definitely won’t run out of things to do in the city! 

Here you can find my itinerary for a week in the city.

Alternatively, take a day trip from Amsterdam and visit more of the Netherlands.

24 Hours in Amsterdam FAQ

Is One Day Enough in Amsterdam?

While Amsterdam has a lot to offer, one day is quite limited to experience everything the city has to offer fully.

However, you can still get a taste of the city’s highlights, explore its canals and architecture, visit a few museums, and enjoy some local cuisine.

To make the most of your one day, prioritize the attractions you’re most interested in, book the tickets and plan your itinerary with the help of this itinerary.

If you’re visiting Amsterdam in spring, don’t miss the Keukenhof Gardens and the tulip fields! Around 5 hours should give you enough time to explore the gardens and appreciate the tulip fields.

Do they speak English in Amsterdam? 

Yes, English is widely spoken in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.

You’ll find that most locals, especially in the tourism industry, are fluent in English .

What time do bars/clubs close in Amsterdam?

Bars in Amsterdam typically close around 1:00 AM to 3:00 AM, while clubs can stay open later.

The exact closing times can vary depending on the specific establishment, the day of the week, and local regulations.

Dutch phrases for tourists

While most locals in Amsterdam speak English, learning a few basic Dutch phrases can be appreciated by locals and add a fun touch to your trip. Here are a few useful phrases:

• Hello: Hallo
• Thank you: Dank je wel (informal) / Dank u wel (formal)
• Please: Alsjeblieft
• Excuse me: Sorry
• Yes: Ja / No: Nee
• How much is this?: Hoeveel kost dit?
• Where is…?: Waar is…?

Can you drink tap water?

Yes, tap water in Amsterdam is safe to drink.

The tap water quality in the Netherlands is generally very high, and it’s safe to drink from the tap in most places.

Can you smoke on the street?

Smoking tobacco is allowed on the streets in Amsterdam.

However, it is forbidden to smoke weed or others in the streets, parks and public places. This could result in a fine if you’re caught by the police.

Can you do Amsterdam in a day?

While you won’t be able to experience everything Amsterdam has to offer in just one day, you can certainly enjoy a memorable day exploring some of the city’s highlights.

Where are the I Amsterdam letters?

The famous “I Amsterdam” letters were a popular tourist attraction located at the Museumplein (Museum Square) in front of the Rijksmuseum.

However, the physical letters were removed from the Museumplein in December 2018 due to concerns about over-tourism and commercialization.

The letters have been relocated to different areas and events around Amsterdam from time to time. One of the sets can be spotted in the neighbourhood of Nieuw West, designed as an outdoor free-running and parkour track.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this article! Please note that this itinerary provides my suggestions for Amsterdam’s highlights in one day. You can adjust accordingly based on your personal preferences and interests.

Be sure to consider opening hours and any potential entrance ticket requirements for the attractions you plan to visit.

Remember that Amsterdam is a compact city with many attractions within walking or biking distance, so you can cover a lot in a day.

Prioritize what you want to see and do to make the most of your short visit.

Enjoy your day in this amazing city!

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 For A Week: One Week in Amsterdam Itinerary

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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One Day in Amsterdam: How to (Easily) Plan A Super Fun Amsterdam Itinerary

last Updated: May 9, 2023 amsterdam netherlands

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to The Netherlands and planning to spend just one day in Amsterdam? Follow this Amsterdam itinerary for all the top sights and best eats! 

Amsterdam is a buzzing city that’s just so cool – it’s eccentric, wildly historic, and ridiculously liberal. There’s picturesque canals to explore, beautifully preserved 17th-century Golden Age architecture, quaint cobblestone streets, world-class art galleries to see, and SO much cheese to taste. 

And it hardly feels pretentious at all – just locals living their life and tourists trying not to get run over by bicycles (wait, just me?). The capital city of the Netherlands should be on everyone’s European bucket list!

And yes, you really can see so much with just one day in Amsterdam – I promise! The city’s the perfect size to explore for those with a short amount of time. And I can see it being quite a fun city to explore solo as well!

I first visited Amsterdam as a bright-eyed 20-something on a group tour a number of years ago. And because I had too much fun the night before (whoops!), I hardly saw anything in the city. All I remember from that trip was the fact that I stuffed my face with cheese samples and took some silly videos sitting in a wooden clog (yes, true story). 

So when my husband and I found nonstop flights from the States to Amsterdam, we thought it’d be the perfect excuse to stop for a few nights on our way to Italy and France (where we spent the next 3 weeks). And what a glorious one day in Amsterdam it was!

I planned way better than that first failed trip, and am sharing everything you need to know for a perfect time in Amsterdam! Because sometimes you’ve only got time for one day in Amsterdam, but don’t worry — you can still eat plenty of stroopwafels and admire the canals!

Read Next: The Best Amsterdam Instagram Spots (all my favorite spots to take photos!)

One Day in Amsterdam At-A-Glance 

• Morning : Pancakes, Flower Market, Jordaan Neighborhood 
• Afternoon : Museum (of your choice) and Canal Cruise 
• Night : Traditional Dutch dinner, Red Light District, cocktails

One Day in Amsterdam Itinerary Logistics

When to spend 1 day in amsterdam (weather and crowds).

Regardless of when you go, just remember this: the weather in Amsterdam is notoriously finicky. Meaning there’s no guarantee the weather report will be correct. But you’ll still have the best time ever, promise!

Spring and Fall (Shoulder Seasons) : In my opinion, the absolute best time to visit Amsterdam is between April – May and September – November. These months are either right before or directly after the high tourist season of summer. 

Visiting in either spring or fall will see fewer crowds, and still pretty pleasant weather (although expect a bit more rain in the fall than spring). Looking to see those stunning tulips in bloom? Visit the last two weeks of April through the first two weeks of May. I’m dying to go then!

Summer (High Season): It never gets ridiculously hot in Amsterdam, and summer months are typically around 70°F or so. Such a respite from other parts of Europe that easily see temps in the 90s… I’m looking at you France, Italy, and Greece! Summer days are long and sunny, so it’s no surprise that everyone loves to visit Amsterdam now!

For reference, we visited Amsterdam in mid-July and had beautiful weather our entire trip. It was a bit cool in the morning with some cloudy skies, but that quickly burned off into a gorgeous sunny sky! 

Winter (Low Season): Amsterdam get’s chilly y’all, with temps hovering between 30 to 40°F in winter. You’ll definitely need your winter coat. Expect short, dark, and nearly freezing days. 

Although it’s way less crowded (except for Christmas), and you’ll find plenty of deals – soooo, quite possibly for you if you’re a fan of winter trips. It only snows occasionally, but when it does, be sure to take full advantage!

How to Get to Amsterdam

Can’t wait for your one day in Amsterdam?! Thankfully, the city is super easy to get to! Being a world-class international travel hub with an international airport and both train and bus stations, it’s probably one of the easiest cities to reach in all of Europe. 

Since this post is about a 1 day Amsterdam itinerary, I’m assuming you’re coming from a nearby country. Thankfully, Amsterdam is extremely well connected to the rest of Europe, and there are TONS of nonstop flights from tons of airports and so many trains. Meaning, you won’t have a hard time getting here!

And flights are so short (just one reason I’d love to live in Europe). You’ll wanna fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (airport code AMS). For reference, here’s a list of popular European cities and how far they are from Amsterdam by nonstop flight:

• London : 1 hour, 15 minutes
• Paris : 1 hour, 20 minutes
• Prague : 1 ½ hours
• Rome : 2 ½ hours
• Lisbon : 3 hours
• Athens : 3 ½ hours

If you’d rather come by train, you’re in luck! Amsterdam’s got plenty of direct international connections from its main rail hub – Centraal Station (often called CS)! 

A few cities where you’ll find non-stop train service to and from Amsterdam: Brussels, Paris, Antwerp, Brussels, Rotterdam, Cologne, Frankfurt, Hanover, Berlin, Basel, Dusseldorf, Munich, Innsbruck, Linz, and Vienna. Plus plenty more. See, lots!

How to Get from the Airport to the City Center 

You’ve essentially got four different ways to get from Schiphol Amsterdam Airport to the city center of Amsterdam. I highly recommend taking the train since it’s the fastest and well, with just one day in Amsterdam, time is not on your side! More info on the options below:

1. Train : Taking the train is by far the fastest and cheapest option (at €5.60), and only takes about 15 minutes! Trains are operated by NS (Netherlands Railways) and run directly from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station (Amsterdam CS). 

Psst – buy your ticket before heading down to the platform. They run 24 hours a day, with trains departing every 10-15 minutes and once an hour between 1am-5am.

• Taxi : Cost significantly more than the train (flat fare of €39) and takes longer (30+ minutes depending on traffic). 
• Ride Shares : Uber is a bit less expensive than a taxi, but still takes longer than the train (and the pick up point can sometimes be confusing to find).
• Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397) : Headed to the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum? Take the bus – there’s bus stops super close to both museums! You’ll find the airport bus right outside of Schiphol Plaza and the cost is the same as the train (€5.60).

How to Get Around During Your 24 Hours in Amsterdam

Walk : The city is packed into just three square miles, so if you wanna get in some steps, you can easily walk from attraction to attraction. And considering most of your walks will be next to picturesque canals and historic buildings, walking is all part of the fun! Plan to wear comfy shoes.

Note that you won’t be able to walk to the Museumplein – at a little over a mile from the city center it’s a bit too far if you’re pressed for time.

Bike : Care to take part in Amsterdam’s bike culture? I mean, riding a bike is kinda an essential Amsterdam experience, even if you only pedal around for a few hours. 

There’s bike rentals all around the city, with RentaBike.nl being the oldest and most popular. They’ve even got all the gear you’ll need (helmets, maps, bike bags, locks, etc). If you do choose to rent a bike, please be cognizant of biking etiquette in the city.

But please oh please, do NOT rent a bike if you’re not super confident riding one. I recommend taking a guided bike tour to really get the most out of your ride, especially if you’ve only got one day in Amsterdam.

Public Transit: If you’re staying in the city center and nearby neighborhoods, you won’t need to use public transit all that much (if at all). Looking to explore further afield? There’s trams, subways, ferries, and buses that connect the city.

Do the work ahead of time and pre-purchase a 24-hour GVB public transit pass (for only €7.50) – good on all trams, buses, ferries and the metro in the city.

Driving in Amsterdam: I don’t recommend driving in Amsterdam as the streets are narrow and parking is expensive. If you do have a car with you for some reason, plan to park your car on the outskirts of town and use public transit to get into the city.

Is One Day in Amsterdam Enough?

Yes… but not really, haha. It’s enough to give you a small sampling of what this thriving area’s got to offer, but you’ll 100% wanna stay longer and/or come back. The city center isn’t all that big and many of my favorite things to do in Amsterdam are easily walkable, so you can actually do a whole lot in a day! Especially in the summer when the sun doesn’t set until after 10pm!

In one day, you can wander a few neighborhoods, see the city on a canal cruise, eat a bunch of food, and see a museum (or two). You’ll probably wanna skip spending all day in coffeeshops, the Heineken Experience (unless you really, really LOVE beer), and a food tour (unless food is your love language and you need to try all the things). 

I also recommend skipping the Museumplein as it’s a bit further from the city center and will potentially take up half your day.

If you’re not short on time, I recommend 2-3 days in the city, and another for a day trip or two from Amsterdam . But really though, if all you’ve got time for is a quick 24 hours in Amsterdam, opt for the day. It’s better than no time at all! 

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam City Center (Old Centrum): Only visiting Amsterdam for one day?! I’d choose a hotel in the city center – you’ll be walking distance to most attractions in the city. Plus, it’s only a 15 minute train ride to the airport. 

Old Centrum is the oldest area of Amsterdam, and where most tourists stay. It’s broken up into a bunch of smaller neighborhoods: Jordaan, Dam, De Wallen, Nieuwmarkt, IJ Waterfront, Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, The Canal Belt, Old Jewish Quarter & Plantage, and Spui. I recommend staying in either Jordaan or Dam.

Airport Hotels: Should you stay at an airport hotel? Hmm…. since we were arriving (very) late on our first night in Amsterdam, and our flight back to the states was early morning, we thought it’d be a smart idea to spend 2 nights at an airport hotel. 

“Let’s save a bit of money” we thought (since airport hotels are typically significantly cheaper than staying downtown). Well, my friends, the Uber to/from the city was way more than we thought it’d be (whoops), and in the end, I don’t think we saved much.

Layover in Amsterdam

Can you visit the city on a layover in Amsterdam? That’s the million dollar question. Since Amsterdam is a major hub for many European airlines (I mean… Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of the largest airports in the world), tons of flights have connections over here. 

If that’s you, you’re probably wondering if it makes sense to leave the airport or not! For starters, even though the city is only a 15 minute train ride from the airport, I wouldn’t head into Amsterdam unless you’ve got at least a 5 hour layover. This’ll give you about 2 hours to explore. 

Have a 7-8 hour layover? You’ll be able to explore at a much more relaxed pace! Regardless of how much time you have, I’d stick to the city center and do some sightseeing around there.

Psst: The Schipol Airport is downright HUGE, and it could very well take an hour just to get to your new gate. Think upwards of 20 minutes to walk to your connecting flight gate alone, plus extra time to get through passport control and security checks (if you’re traveling internationally that is).  

NEVER CHANCE IT. If you’re worried you’ll miss your connection, don’t leave the airport. You’ll be stressed beyond belief anyways, and you won’t even enjoy your few hours in the city. Just plan to visit Amsterdam another time!

24 Hours in Amsterdam FAQs

Like in other European countries, the currency of the Netherlands (including Amsterdam) is the euro. Don’t expect to use dollars or pounds (or any other currency) here.

While Dutch is actually the official language of Amsterdam and spoken by locals, almost everyone speaks English here as well. We were able to communicate 100% in English. 

However, I always love learning a few important words in the local language (plus, it’s the respectful thing to do as well):

• Hello : Hallo 
• Good morning : Goedemorgen 
• See you later : Tot straks
• Yes/No : Ja/Nee
• Please : Alstublieft
• Thank you : Bedankt

Get Your Anne Frank Haus tickets way in advance

When I first visited years ago, you could wait in line (on site!) for a ticket for the Anne Frank House. 

Nowadays, you need to purchase a ticket in advance before your trip. Tickets sell out super fast, so be ready the minute they go on sale. Ticket sales open the first Tuesday of the month for the following month (kinda confusing, I know). Let’s say you wanna visit sometime in July – you can look for tickets the first Tuesday in June (and they’ll probably sell out that day or shortly after). There are last minute tickets online at 9am the day of, but these sell out super fast.

The IAmsterdam Sign is no more.

Well, it’s not completely forgotten, but you won’t find it at the Museumplein (where it used to be) anymore. Why? 

It created absolute chaos and caused a big stir around selfie culture and mass tourism (hey, I get it). Instead, you can find smaller I Amsterdam signs at Schiphol Airport and Sloterplas Lake in Amsterdam West.

“Coffee shops” sell more than just coffee.

Here in Amsterdam, cannabis culture is huge, and coffee shops are where you can legally purchase cannabis. Never buy drugs off someone on the street – it’s both dangerous and illegal (head to a coffee shop instead)! If you’re looking for a typical spot for coffee/tea, look for a cafe instead.

Be aware of your surroundings and always watch for bikes.

With thousands of bikes in the city (with literally more bikes than people in Amsterdam), navigating the streets and sidewalks can be intense! Be aware of the red-brick lanes – paths in the street and on the sidewalk dedicated solely for cyclists! 

Prostitution and sex workers are legal in the Red Light District.

Yup, prostitution is legal in the Netherlands but not on the streets, hence why the women stand up behind a window (with flashing neon red lights) and have their own room. Consent is obviously needed and forced prostitution and underage prostitution are illegal.

Do not take pictures of the ladies in the windows.

When you’re exploring the Red Light District at night, you’ll see what I mean. The girls (and their guards) will literally shoo you away. And rightfully so – this is their job; police officers, security guards, and other methods are in place to protect them.

So let’s get started with our one day in Amsterdam itinerary — full of all the iconic spots in the city. The perfect Amsterdam in 1 day itinerary, coming right up!

Suggested One Day in Amsterdam Itinerary

Morning/Early Afternoon: Pancakes and Pretty Neighborhoods

Stop 1: Dutch Pancake Breakfast

Start your day off bright and early with a coffee and some Dutch pancakes! Remember, this is a busy 1 day in Amsterdam, so you’ll wanna make sure you’re fueled up for all the fun.

You’ll find two different types of pancakes in Amsterdam:

• Pannenkoeken: large, full-plate-sized pancakes that are much thinner than a traditional American pancake (but not as thin as a French crepe)
• Poffertjes: small, bite-sized pancakes typically served in a pile loaded up with toppings

You can’t go wrong with either!

Here’s a few options for a quick pancake breakfast:

• The Pancake Bakery : Looking for massive sweet & savory pancakes? The Pancake Bakery’s got it! Bring your stretchy pants or plan to share! There’s also canal views!  
• Pancakes Amsterdam : A massive variety of Dutch pancakes and oh so filling. There’s a few locations in the city, but I recommend heading to the one in Westermarkt as it’s closest to Jordaan Neighborhood (the next stop on this one day Amsterdam itinerary).
• The Happy Pig Pancake Shop : This is where we went, and despite not being your traditional Dutch pancakes, they were still bomb! You’ll find rolled pancakes here – with a ton of toppings and fillings to choose from. Of course I chose one with nutella inside – my absolute favorite no matter where I am. My husband devoured his plate of apple-cinnamon caramel pancakes, so highly recommend those as well!
• Pancakehouse Upstairs : Traditional pancakes with teapots hanging from the ceiling in this quirky little place! Make sure to reserve a table in advance – there’s only 4 tables!

Regardless of where you go, you’ll find a huge menu filled with both sweet and savory toppings and fillings. Hardest part of the morning will be deciding what to get!

If you’re looking for more of a brunch spot, check out The Breakfast Club and Dignita. Both have multiple locations but all are a bit further from the city center. I only recommend these places if you’ve got extra time.

Stop 2: The Nine Streets and Jordaan Neighborhoods 

Once you’re nice and full, it’s time to wander along the canals on foot! You don’t need a specific agenda here; just stroll for as long as you like. However, I highly recommend checking out The Nine Streets as well as the Jordaan Neighborhood. These are my favorite two areas in Amsterdam for pretty photos of the canals (psst — find all my favorite photo spots in Amsterdam here )!

The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)

The Nine Streets (aptly named for its nine narrow, charming streets) are one of the most quaint and picturesque parts of Amsterdam. The neighborhood is on the edge of the canal ring, and is filled with great shopping! Expect to find tons of independent boutiques, galleries, vintage shopping (check out King Louie, Bij ons vintage, and Who’s that Girl?), and a bunch of fun specialty stores. 

And here you’ll find some of the prettiest canals in all of Amsterdam – including Herengracht (one of the main canals and actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Singel (all part of The Nine Streets). We enjoyed walking around the cobblestoned streets, stopping for a quick drink to cool off at REE7 (and my drink ended up being pink, which of course I loved, haha).

Jordaan Neighborhood

Right next to The Nine Streets you’ll find the Jordaan Neighborhood. This area is so super charming, and full of residential houses with cozy courtyard gardens, flower-lined leafy canals, and quaint shops and boutiques. While it’s far from the crowds and tourist attractions, don’t miss Jordaan – it’s easily one of my favorite places to wander in the city, even with only one day in Amsterdam. 

Take note of the large, roof-mounted hooks at the top of the buildings, as they’re used to get materials and items up (the staircases are way too skinny for bulky items).

There’s also some unique museums over here – including the Amsterdam Tulip Museum (learn about the origin and harvesting of tulips in Holland) and the Amsterdam Cheese Museum (need I say more?!). Both are super tiny and only take a few minutes to explore. Plus, cheese samples (I could never have enough)!

Stop 3: Bloemenmarkt Flower Market

Visiting in summer? The Floating Flower Market is the place to go for flowers (there’s a reason it’s stayed open for over 100 years – dating back to 1862 exactly)! Yeah, I get you’re probably not buying any bouquets to lug around with you during your one day in Amsterdam (heading back to the hotel to drop them off wouldn’t make much sense), but I still recommend checking it out! 

Psst – there won’t be any gorgeous arrangements of flowers in the other months. And I was actually surprised there weren’t more in summer.

Instead, there’s flower bulbs (in every color imaginable), tons of traditional Dutch souvenirs (think wooden tulips and wooden clogs), thousands of seed packets, or simply just walking around for a bit is fun. 

20 minutes will suffice if you’re not planning to buy much (although I kept getting distracted by the flowers and couldn’t put my camera away). If you’re visiting the flower market in the summer, you’ll find fresh tulips and other local plants/flowers – and boy were they just oh so gorgeous. I wish I could’ve packed them straight in my suitcase!

Stop 4: Stroopwafels and Snacks!

Cookies at Van Stapele Koekmakerij

Anyone with a sweet tooth needs to visit this cookie shop. There’s always a line (and they do sell out), so be sure to grab a few of their signature chocolate cookies earlier in the day. I think we waited for about 15 minutes or so. 

The shop only sells one kind of cookie – a crunchy Valrhona dark chocolate base with a soft white chocolate center. Crumbly, warm, and still fresh from the oven – they really are the best cookies in all of Amsterdam. I could’ve eaten 5, but I needed to save some room for the next stop!

van Wonderen Stroopwafels

What’s a stroopwafel you ask? A thin, crisp waffle filled with melted cinnamon caramel – a super popular (and downright famous) Dutch treat! I fell in love with the branding at van Wonderen, and the shop makes for a perfect IG photo. They have some of the prettiest stroopwafels in all of Amsterdam in my opinion. 

To be honest, while it was absolutely delicious, they were kinda hard to eat – too big, too messy, and too many toppings (I recommend sharing one). Regardless, I left a very happy (and full) customer!

Late Afternoon and Early Evening: A Museum and A Canal Cruise

Stop 5: Visit a Museum

Amsterdam is full of museums – 102 to be exact. With just one day in Amsterdam, you obviously won’t have time to visit them all, so I recommend picking one of the most famous. 

Remember – you could easily be in certain museums for HOURS. Keep this in mind if there’s additional things you wanna tick off your Amsterdam itinerary. 

Regardless of which museum you choose, you need to purchase tickets in advance. Amsterdam is a busy place, and the three museums below are some of the most popular in the entire city. 

Here’s my top choices:

Anne Frank House : Overwhelming and emotional, yet beautiful and educational/informative all at the same time. After (finally) reading The Diary of Anne Frank in its entirety last year, I knew I absolutely needed to make visiting the Anne Frank House my #1 priority when visiting Amsterdam (I even included it on my 101 in 1001 goal list ). 

And it was just as moving (and sobering) as I expected it to be, especially stepping foot in the actual secret annex where the family hid out for all those months/years during World War II. We read notes from Anne’s original red-checked diary ourselves, learned all about Otto Frank (Anne’s father) and helpers Miep Gies and Bep Voskuijl, and enjoyed all the mixed media (videos/photos/etc). 

One of the most impactful experiences of my life. I would easily visit again and again.

Tickets are exceptionally hard to come by, so you’ll need to get tickets as soon as you know when you’re visiting the city. Ticket sales open the first Tuesday of the month for the following month, and they usually sell out within a few hours (sometimes minutes). Buy tickets here and mark your calendars for that Tuesday!

Visits usually last about an hour or so. The museum’s in the Jordaan Neighborhood, so go explore around there before/after your visit. Note that you are not allowed to take photos in the museum.

Rijksmuseum : Art lovers, this is where you NEED to go. There’s 800 years of Dutch history here, with tons of pieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. It’s one of the largest and most important museums in the city, and it’s downright huge, housing over one million pieces of art. Trust me – a proper visit could take up to 5 hours! There’s just oh so many masterpieces to see. 

With only a day in Amsterdam, I recommend capping your visit at 2-3 hours, and focusing on the highlights of the museum’s collection. The Gallery of Honor and the 17th and 19th century collections are good starting points! Check it out and buy tickets here.

Van Gogh Museum : Anyone with even the slightest interest in Van Gogh will be impressed by this museum – it provides an intimate look into the life and mind of the artistic genius. You can see a great deal of the museum in just 1-2 hours, making this the perfect museum to include on your one day Amsterdam itinerary. 

Sorry, you won’t see “Starry Night” here in Amsterdam – that piece is at the MoMa in New York City ! Don’t worry, there’s other popular pieces here like “Almond Blossom”, “The Potato Eaters” – one of his earliest works, “The Bedroom”, and “Self-Portrait with Felt Hat”, among tons and tons of others. This is the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh art after all! Check it out and buy tickets here.

Important Note: Many of Amsterdam’s most popular museums are located in the Museumplein, a large square filled with you guessed it – museums! This includes both the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, as well as the Stedelijk Museum and the Concertgebouw concert hall. 

I’m telling you this because the Museumplein is located a bit further from the other attractions on this list. It’s not far per say, but you’ll definitely wanna use public transit to get there. 

If you’re following my one day in Amsterdam itinerary and coming from Bloemenmarkt or van Wonderen Stroopwafels, hop on Tram number 2 from Nieuw Sloten. The ride is less than 10 minutes and only 4 stops! You can also walk about 20 minutes but if your legs are tired (understandably), the tram is too easy not to take advantage of.

Stop 6: Damrak

Once you’re done with your museum of choice, make your way over to the Damrak. We loved this area, especially the Damrak Waterfront. An iconic sight of Amsterdam, it’s a super photogenic stretch of old houses alongside the Damrak canal. The narrow townhouses seem to be floating in the water – just look at those photos; absolutely wild! 

Besides hanging by the waterfront, there’s a few other things to check out:

Manneken Pis Damrak

Belgium FRIES!!! You need to try the frites from Manneken Pis… there’ll always be a (long) line, but I promise you it moves fast and the fries are 100% worth the wait. I mean, the name alone is super intriguing. 

The shop only uses Dutch potatoes and there’s a variety of sauces to choose from (I had the truffle mayo). Absolute fry heaven. Get the small cone – they’re super filling. If you’re potato crazy like us you can also check out Jacketz – a nearby shop specializing in loaded baked potatoes!

The Oude Church (De Oude Kerk)

Step inside Amsterdam’s oldest building, a  13th-century church that occasionally has art installations inside. There’s beautiful Gothic architecture, more than 700 years of history, and colorful stained glass windows. 

You can even head up to the Old Church Tower for great views of the city below (it was a former watchtower afterall). A must see if you love history, art, and/or architecture.

Dam Square and Royal Palace

A stunning building with tons of rich history, plus so much beautiful artwork (paintings, sculptures, and more)! While I didn’t go in (no time, whoops!), I heard the Great Hall is especially gorgeous (photos kinda remind me of the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles… a bit).

Cheese Shops

Wander around and you’ll find plenty of cheese shops here. We popped into at least five during our one day in Amsterdam, and I swear I ate at least a pound of cheese that day. When in Amsterdam, am I right?! 

The Amsterdam Cheese Company and Henri Willig both have multiple shops around the Damrak and the city in general, so I promise you won’t miss the cheese! And there’s so much to sample – smoked jalapeno cheese, fig cheese, herbs and garlic cheese, green pesto cheese, organic truffle cheese, you name it, they got it!

Stop 7: Canal Cruise

While wandering around the canals on foot was one of my favorite things all day, you get such a different perspective on the water! On a canal cruise you’ll see oh so much – the waterfront 17th-century buildings lining the canals, iconic bridges (like the Skinny Bridge), modern cosmopolitan 21st-century buildings, the Music Building in the harbor, and so much more.

Plus, it’s a great way to give your feet a rest (by this point in the day you’ve probably been walking A TON – we clocked in over 20k steps during our 1 day in Amsterdam).

Canal cruises typically take between 60 – 90 minutes and leave from various locations, many around the Central Station area. A perfect activity during your time in the Damrak.

There’s plenty of ways to go about this, but since we hadn’t booked a tour in advance, we simply found an operator, got a ticket, and went on the next available boat. In hindsight, I really wish we planned this better. 

While we definitely enjoyed our experience, the boat was hot and sticky and there was NO fresh air (as our boat was completely enclosed and only select windows opened up). Didn’t help that we were visiting during a heatwave and the boat was completely full (meaning not much space). 

Because of this, I highly recommend researching and booking a canal cruise in advance. Some even offer snacks like wine and cheese (um, yes please!). The options below all got fantastic reviews and all cost less than 30 bucks.

• Open Boat Canal Cruise : Relax on a fully electric open boat and feel the wind in your hair. And you can even buy a cocktail on board – just the way it should be!
• Classic Canal Cruise with Optional Cheese and Wine : Panoramic views, unlimited delicious Dutch cheese, and beer and wine! Sounds like a perfect afternoon to me.
• Canal Booze Cruise : This canal cruise includes unlimited beer, wine, and soda, plus lots of snacks! Admiring the waterfront houses with a cold beer in hand, now you’re talking.
• Evening Canal Cruise : What’s more romantic than sitting next to your honey, sipping a glass of bubbly, with views of the city bathed in that gorgeous golden hour glow? Not much, am I right?

Night: Dinner, Red Light District, and Drinks

Stop 8: Traditional Dutch Dinner

Before leaving Amsterdam, you’ve gotta have a traditional dinner full of stew and/or stamppot. You’ll be ridiculously full afterwards, but these Dutch classics are too good to pass up. 

Option 1 – Moeders

Any moms out there? This place is solely dedicated to you! Expect lots of warm and fuzzy feelings! The restaurant serves traditional Dutch classics, like stamp pot (potatoes mashed with veggies and meat), beef stew, and lamb skewers. We both raved about our stamp pot (so many carbs though)! Easily the best homey authentic food you could get in all of Amsterdam.

And the place was super unique and quirky too – photos and photos of mamas and tons of antiques lining the shelves and walls. I loved how all the place settings were different as well; everyone had a different set of cutlery, plates, glasses, etc. Felt so homey and I was there for it! 

It’s a bit out of the way, so if you don’t feel like walking, hop in an Uber. Make a reservation in advance as there were none available during our time in Amsterdam, so we showed up at opening (5pm!) and enjoyed a ridiculously early dinner. 

Option 2 – The Pantry

Expect hearty portions of housemade, traditional cuisine in a homely Dutch atmosphere. There’s a reason this place gets packed beyond belief – make sure to reserve a table in advance!

If you’re not sure what to order, get one of their sets – a little bit of everything and you don’t need to decide. The Dutch goat cheese croquettes, savory beef and onion stew, poffertjes (mini dutch pancakes), and vlaflip (a vanilla custardy dessert) all sound perfect to me. Traditional, cozy, and friendly. 

Option 3 – Hollands Hap Hmm Restaurant

The beef stew, enough said. Haha, but no really, this is the place to go if you’re craving a large bowl of beef soup. It ain’t the house special for nothing! Locals also frequent this place (and order the beef stew) so you know it’s legit.

The interior of the restaurant kinda feels like visiting a Dutch grandma – imagine a narrow hallway, and then entering into a living room space full of cute trinkets and decor. And then eating a wholesome home cooked traditional meal made by a Dutch grandma. Kinda like my authentic meal made by a Portuguese grandma in Porto, Portugal!

Stop 9: Red Light District

Once you’re good and full, it’s time to explore the Red Light District. 

This is where you’ll find prostitutes offering their “services”, live sex shows, brothels, strip clubs, and sex shops. Not exactly my cup of tea, but worth checking out for at least a little while to see the liberal culture and overall uniqueness of the place.

Expect to see plenty of coffeeshops selling cannabis and window prostitution (yes, both are legal over here), so definitely wander around with an open-mind. 

Yes, you can hang around the Red Light District in daylight, but the area really comes alive at night once it starts getting dark. This is not the place to take kids, especially at night (keep that in mind if you’re traveling with any littles). 

While you can simply wander for as long or little as you like, I recommend stopping by the following:

• Bulldog Coffee Shop: Care to join in on the cannabis culture? The Bulldog No. 90 was the first coffeeshop in Amsterdam, and it basically defined the whole Amsterdam coffeeshop tradition. Even if you don’t wanna smoke, grab a drink and hang out – such a fun atmosphere!
• Visit a museum: There’s the Red Light Secrets Museum, Museum of Cannabis, and even a Museum of Prostitution. All the museums are quite small (and equally interesting), so you can easily pop in for 20 minutes or so. You can also visit the Amsterdam Condomerie Shop – the first condom shop in the world (easily recognizable with dozens of condoms displayed in the window).

On my first visit to Amsterdam a few years ago, I actually watched a sex show –  yes, people having live sex on stage. Something I never thought I’d do and something I’ll never do again. It was, um, an experience… 

Psst: Guided tours of the Red Light District that walk past the neon-lit windows are not allowed anymore, and have actually been forbidden by the municipality of Amsterdam since 2019. You’ll still find some, just know they are illegal.

Stop 10: Cocktails at Hiding in Plain Sight

After a truly exhausting one day in Amsterdam, you deserve a night cap! We stumbled upon Hiding in Plain Sight – and it was exactly that. Super unassuming from the outside, yet so intimate and cozy on the inside.

There’s an extensive cocktail menu, with a bunch of classics (with a twist) and some very unique concoctions as well (like a popcorn tequila drink!). We sat on comfy couches sipping our drinks; couldn’t have asked for a better way to end our time in the city! Yes, they were expensive, but well worth the cost (plus our bartender gave us little snacks for free).

And if you’re still not tired yet, take an evening stroll along the canals – such an impressive sight! 

Hope this helps you plan out your one day Amsterdam itinerary! Bring me back some pancakes and a stroopwafel! What are you most looking forward to?!

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The Perfect 4 to 5 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary

Last Updated on February 26, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning out the perfect 4 to 5 days in Amsterdam itinerary is a highlight of mapping out a trip to Western or Northern Europe. As one of the most visited cities in Europe, it’s no surprise why – from its picturesque canals to some of the world’s best museums, restaurants, a vibrant history, and a laid-back, open-minded attitude.

Amsterdam is truly a city where classic and modern combine to make such an atmospheric city and where wandering the streets and passing the many bicycles of the city while catching scents of stroopwafel is a joy.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Amsterdam?

While many people just visit Amsterdam for a weekend getaway, I think that it’s a disservice to the city as there’s an abundance of things to explore and places to visit beyond a 2-day trip.

Even just extending your trip to 3 days in Amsterdam, you’ll have the opportunity to go a bit beyond the typical tourist path and route, giving a more holistic experience of this spirited Dutch city.

4 days is even more ideal as you’ll have more time to do the city justice, exploring further into local culture and getting to know the city off the beaten path.

Finally, if you have the opportunity and time to spend 5 days, you’re in for a treat. While 4 days in Amsterdam is sufficient to explore the city to the best extent, it is still very much a touristy city with a different pace of life compared to the rest of the country.

With 5 whole days, you’ll have the time to visit a neighboring city such as Utrecht or Rotterdam by just a short train journey, giving a full taste of the country.

And if you’re wondering the best time to visit Amsterdam, keep in mind that it is a thriving city that attracts visitors year-round. For the best weather (and the most crowds) the summer months can be ideal. However, if you want to see the city decked out for the holidays, visiting in the winter can be a great choice, as well.

Getting To & Around Amsterdam

As one of the largest airports globally, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport receives flights from both European and international destinations, serving as the point of arrival for air travel.

From the airport to the city center, Schiphol Airport is just 17 km away from Amsterdam Centraal Train Station and can be easily reached by direct train transport in just around 15 minutes with frequent train services. There are also shuttle buses from the airport.

If you’re planning on visiting other destinations in the country, Amsterdam Centraal Train Station has frequent connections to most cities as well as train services to other European destinations, with high-speed rail such as Eurostar. You can find trains to Amsterdam from cities like Paris , London , Brussels and more. You can view schedules here .

Another option if you’re looking to save money and pass on train transportation, is to take a bus, as there are convenient and affordable bus transportation options throughout the Netherlands along with bus transport to other nearby countries.

Flixbus is the best option, as prices are low and buses are comfortable and on time, journeys can be booked here.

As for getting around the city, the center is quite walkable and a pleasure to explore by foot, getting lost in the nooks and crannies.

For a local mode of transport, Amsterdam is the bike capital of the world, and wandering the city by bike is the perfect way to experience the city like a local, albeit with a touch of courage!

If you prefer public transportation or are keen to explore outside of the city center, there is comprehensive and efficient public transportation consisting of buses, trams, metro, and ferries.

Single tickets for public transportation can be purchased from ticket vending machines in the city, but to save money, I suggest getting an OV-chipkaart card , which is a rechargeable card that can be used on all modes of public transportation.

You can also purchase an Amsterdam City Card that includes entry to many attractions and public transport if you plan on visiting a number of sights in the city and can keep your costs down in Amsterdam .

4 to 5-Day Amsterdam Itinerary

This route will bring you through the main sights of the city center and into the city’s art, culture, and delicious food scene.

There is much more than its infamous Red Light District and this itinerary will highlight that.

Day 1 – Amsterdam Main Sightseeing

The first day of this itinerary focuses on some of the main attractions in central Amsterdam. You can take a walking tour to learn more about the history of the city with a tour guide.

There’s no better place to start your day than in Dam Square. Quite literally in the center of the city, Dam Square positions you in the ideal spot to begin exploring.

Dam Square is a historical and cultural landmark of Amsterdam that has been an important gathering place for locals and visitors for centuries, with important monuments encircling the square such as the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church).

Royal Palace (​​Koninklijk Paleis)

Of all the monuments surrounding Dam Square, the monument most worth visiting is the Royal Palace of Amsterdam.

The palace was built in the 17th century as a city hall, later becoming a royal palace in the early 19th century, and now serves as a venue for state visits, official receptions, and is open for visitors to witness this impressive example of Dutch classical architecture and its rich history and culture.

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam regularly hosts exhibitions, showcasing a variety of art, history, and culture. These exhibitions provide a unique perspective on different aspects of Dutch history and society, making it a great starting point for your time in Amsterdam.

The Royal Palace is open to visitors almost every day of the year, except for some holidays and official events. The opening hours can vary depending on the season, so it’s important to check the opening hours beforehand. You can book tickets here .

Wander Amsterdam Canals

Wandering the canals of Amsterdam is an essential part of any travel itinerary in this beautiful city. The picturesque waterways, lined with charming buildings and quaint bridges offer a unique perspective on the city’s history and culture and why it’s such a popular and timeless destination.

A great spot to begin is The Singel Canal, which is one of the oldest canals that make up the network of canals in Amsterdam. Afterwards, make your way to The Brouwersgracht (Brewers’ Canal) to enjoy one of Amsterdam’s most scenic and picturesque places.

This is also the perfect time of day to sit at one of the quaint cafes lining the canalled streets to watch local life go by and enjoy a coffee or a local Dutch beer.

De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets District) & Stroopwafel

The Nine Streets District of Amsterdam is a charming neighborhood located in the heart of the city’s historic canal belt.

The district is named after the nine narrow streets that run through it, which are lined with a diverse range of shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as historic buildings and picturesque canals.

The Nine Streets District is an ideal part of the city to take in local life, enjoy stunning surroundings, and enjoy the classic Dutch treat, stroopwafel, at the oldest bakery in the city, Hans Egstorf.

Day 2 – Canal Boat, Amsterdam Museums and Culture

Canal boat tour.

Day 2 will begin with a different perspective of the city than day 1, by heading out on a canal cruise.

By taking a canal boat tour of the city, you’ll be treated to a unique perspective on the city’s history and architecture, as well as the chance to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks from a different angle.

During a canal tour, you can expect to see some of Amsterdam’s most iconic sights as well as the charming canal houses that line the waterways and enjoy some unique views of the city.

You’ll also pass under historic bridges and through picturesque neighborhoods, providing a unique glimpse into the city’s culture and daily life. Some options include this 1-hour cruise or this luxury option.

Albert Cuyp Market

After seeing the city by boat, make your way to the vibrant De Pijp neighborhood to one of the most popular open-air street markets in Amsterdam, Albert Cuypmarkt.

Since the 19th century, Albert Cuypmarkt has been the go-to spot for locals and tourists searching for a wide variety of goods for sale, including fresh produce, clothing, and souvenirs. It also operates as a beautiful flower market where you can purchase iconic tulips in season.

The Albert Cuypmarkt is the perfect spot to enjoy the lively local atmosphere of the city, taste some classic Dutch food, and pick up a souvenir from your time in Amsterdam.

Rijksmuseum

Amsterdam is a city steeped in history, art, and culture and the best way to learn more about this part of Amsterdam and Dutch history/art is to spend time at one of the most popular museums in the city.

Because of the density the top museums in the city, I suggest dedicating a large portion of your day to time at the museum(s) of your choice.

The most visited museum in the Netherlands, The Rijksmuseum, is the largest museum of art and history in the country.

Its extensive collection includes over one million objects, spanning over 800 years of Dutch art and history, and is known for its famous works of art from the Dutch Golden Age, including Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s Milkmaid. You can book tickets in advance here or organise a guided tour here .

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is another wonderful option for a museum visit in Amsterdam. The Van Gogh Museum is a museum dedicated to the life and works of the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh.

The museum features the largest collection of his paintings and drawings in the world, as well as a deeper look into the life of Vincent Van Gogh. You can book tickets in advance here or organise a guided tour here .

And if you want an experience away from the art museums, then consider spending sometime relaxing in the vast Museumplein Park near both the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum or heading over to the nearby Heineken Brewery.

In the latter spot, you can book the Heineken Experience where you can learn all about the history of this popular beer and how it’s brewed.

Day 3 – Dutch Food, Bike Tour & Green Amsterdam

Vondelpark & dutch pancakes.

There are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam in 3 days so you certainly won’t be wanting for activities.

A great way to begin day 3 is by enjoying a breakfast made up of poffertjes, which are small and delicious traditional pancakes served with various tasty toppings. A great location is The Pancake Club, a local restaurant near Vondelpark, the next stop on your itinerary.

Vondelpark is a beautiful public park located in the heart of the city, named after the famous poet Joost van den Vondel. The park covers over 47 hectares and is easily one of the most popular outdoor spots in all of Amsterdam.

Known for its beautiful gardens, ponds, and winding paths, Vondelpark is also a popular spot for picnics, concerts, and outdoor festivals during the summer months.

Whether you’re looking to get away from the crowd, spend time biking, or take an opportunity to enjoy a serene time in nature, Vondelpark is a brilliant addition to any Amsterdam itinerary.

Bike Tour or Food Tour

The next stop will either be exploring the city by bicycle tour, or diving deeper into the taste of the local cuisine with a food tour.

Bike tours are a popular way to explore Amsterdam and experience the city like a local. The city is renowned for its bike-friendly infrastructure, with over 800,000 bicycles in the city, and numerous dedicated bike lanes and paths.

There are many different bike tour operators, offering a range of tours to suit your interests.

Some tours focus on the city’s famous landmarks and attractions, while others explore lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems. Tours often also include stops at local markets, cafes, and other points of interest. Some of the best options include this 3-hour bike tour or this half-day tour .

Food tours are a great way to explore the city’s culinary scene and sample its diverse range of cuisines. The city is home to a vibrant food culture, with a mix of traditional Dutch dishes and international flavors creating a unique cuisine of Amsterdam.

You’ll find different food tour operators, offering a variety of experiences to suit your interests. Some tours focus on street food, while others visit local markets and food halls.

Tours often also include stops at speciality shops and restaurants giving an insight into Dutch history, and somewhere visitors can sample traditional dishes, such as stroopwafels, herring, and bitterballen. Some of the best-rated options include this food walking tour and this 3-hour tour .

Anne Frank House

In the Jordaan neighborhood, you’ll find one of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam and the Netherlands, the Anne Frank House, a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Anne Frank, the famous young Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis during World War II.

During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the museum with exhibits on Anne’s life and legacy, as well as an immersive experience through the secret annex where Anne and her family lived for over two years, which offers a comprehensive look into the harrowing experiences of the Frank family and other victims of the Holocaust.

The Anne Frank House Museum is open every day of the year, except for Yom Kippur and King’s Day, with opening hours varying depending on the season. You can also take a Jewish history walking tour before visiting the Anne Frank House.

Day 4 – Keukenhof Park or Zaanse Schans

If you’re seeing Amsterdam in 4 days, the is is the ideal point to head out of the city to an area near the capital to explore further into the country and Dutch culture.

Keukenhof Park

Few things are more synonymous with the Netherlands than the humble yet colorful tulip flower, and there’s no better place to witness these than at Keukenhof Park.

Also known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof Park is a world-famous flower garden located in Lisse, about 40 minutes outside of Amsterdam. The park is home to over 7 million tulips, daffodils, and other flowers, making it one of the largest flower gardens in the world.

During a visit, you can wander through the colorful gardens, admire the floral displays, and learn about the history and cultivation of tulips, the Netherlands’ number one export.

The most convenient way to reach Keukenhof Park is by direct shuttle transport from various points in the city with different bus companies depending on your location in the city. You can book transfers here .

Ticket costs for Keukenhof Park can vary depending on how you arrive, and it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance here .

Unfortunately, tulip season is quite short in the Netherlands, alas Keukenhof Park is only open for a short period each year, typically from late March to mid-May, when the flowers are in bloom.

Zaanse Schans

If you’re visiting out of tulip season, another spot worth visiting outside of the city is Zaanse Schans. Zaanse Schans is a historic neighborhood located in the town of Zaandam, just outside the city.

The neighborhood is known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings, including classic wooden houses, windmills, and workshops.

During a visit to Zaanse Schans, you will have the opportunity to explore the neighborhood and learn about traditional crafts such as cheese-making, clog-making, and chocolate-making.

In the area you’ll also find plenty of tulips if you visit in season, making it a great day trip option if you’re keen to see the tulips during your trip but prefer to bypass the high admission cost to Keukenhof Park.

To reach Zaanse Schans, take a 20-minute train from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Koog-Zaandijk Station. From there, you can walk or take the bus to Zaanse Schans for around another 10 minutes. There are also organised day tours available .

Day 5 – Utrecht

If you’re seeing Amsterdam in 5 days, I suggest spending the 5th and final day of your itinerary in the nearby town of Utrecht . Alternatively, you could also easily do a day trip to a place like nearby Haarlem or Gouda if it suits.

Once the most important city in the Netherlands, Utrecht is an important historic city, located approximately 30 minutes south of Amsterdam, known for its beautiful canals, charming tree-lined streets, and rich cultural heritage.

Like Amsterdam, Utrecht is full of canals but without the hordes of tourists stuffing in to catch a picture. This makes Utrecht the perfect day trip from Amsterdam, offering the chance to experience such an idyllic, medieval university city that gives the feeling that you’ve fallen back in time into a fairytale.

Full of green parks, friendly locals, and delicious food and drink finds, Utrecht will only make you wish that you had more time to spend in this welcoming and warm alternative to Amsterdam.

While in Utrecht, make sure to visit the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, the Rietveld Schröder House (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and wander around the enchanting medieval city center while indulging in the most deliciously fresh Dutch fries from Frietwinkel, a local Utrecht staple.

Reaching Utrecht from Amsterdam is extremely quick and convenient. Trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Utrecht Centraal (The Netherlands’ largest train station) just about every 10 minutes, with a journey time of 20-30 minutes depending on the train. You can book trains here .

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

‘t Hotel – This 3-star hotel is situated in a traditional canal house is a perfect place to stay for mid-range visitors to Amsterdam. They have a number of lovely rooms to choose from and an excellent location for exploring all the city has to offer.

Hotel Estheréa – If you’re looking for a luxury stay in Amsterdam, then this hotel is a great option. They have a range of beautiful and plush rooms on offer, a location only 300 meters from Dam Square and plenty of excellent amenities for guests to enjoy.

Amsterdam Jewel Canal Apartments – For those who’d like their own apartment while visiting the Dutch capital, these fully furnished flats are an excellent choice. There are a number of different apartments available and they have a wonderful location for exploring all the city has to offer.

Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark – Budget visitors to Amsterdam will love this highly-rated hostel located in the center of the city. They offer both traditional dorms and private rooms, have great common areas for meeting other travelers and there is also breakfast available in the morning.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Amsterdam hotels!

Amsterdam is one of the most beloved cities in Europe, and whether you’ve found yourself stuck into stroopwafel or enchanted by the tulips at Keukenhof Park, there’s no denying that the city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and charm that continues to draw visitors from all over the world.

Are you planning a trip to Amsterdam? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Copenhagen vs Amsterdam: Which City to Visit?

Amsterdam vs Brussels: Which City to Visit?

Is Amsterdam Expensive? An Amsterdam Trip Cost Guide

About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

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Shortcut Guides

Essential travel guide to amsterdam [updated for 2024].

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands – a huge city with more than one million inhabitants, filled with incredible architecture, museums, food, and culture. It is often referred to as the Venice of the North, because of the many canals that crisscross the city and the 1,281 bridges that can be found along those canals.

If you’re thinking about a trip to Amsterdam , check out our essential travel guide to Amsterdam for the best hotels, neighborhoods, things to do, and places to eat and drink in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Whether you prefer culture and history, poking around in museums, doing some serious partying, or just enjoying the relaxing charm of an old European city, there are many distinct neighborhoods (or districts) to explore within Amsterdam.

Of European cities, Amsterdam is most likely to surprise, excite, and intrigue its visitors in a most unexpected fashion. Travel to Amsterdam to enjoy the perfect balance of open spaces, a lively urban pulse and a gracefully multi-ethnic ambiance.

Before you plan your trip, we suggest reading up on the  best time to go to Amsterdam . You can choose your best time based on the activities you most want to enjoy while you’re there, but really there isn’t just one best time to go.

Table of Contents

When to Go to Amsterdam

Any time of the year is good to travel to Amsterdam, although it is advisable to bring rain gear because it can rain at any time. July to August is considered the peak season for travel. So you can find the best rates for hotels and flights outside of those times.

To avoid crazy crowds while still enjoying good weather, we recommend visiting Amsterdam in April, May, September, or even as late in the year as early October.

As far as weather, it never really gets too hot or too cold in Amsterdam. Clouds and some rain are really the extent of the weather patterns.

What to Do in Amsterdam

The Rijksmuseum houses the world’s largest collection of the work of Vincent van Gogh. From his early work, the museum contains 700 artistic works and 850 letters.

Who hasn’t read the intense diary of Anne Frank ? Hiding from the Nazis, she and her family lived in an annexed section of an apartment in Amsterdam for two years. In 1957, the house was donated to the Anne Frank Foundation and turned into a museum.

For a break from the more serious exhibits, it can be fun to taste and try the food and drinks of Amsterdam. There are a lot of craft breweries and pubs around the city for beer sampling. We also indulged in a cheese and wine tasting that was super fun.

One of my favorite things to do in the city is a canal cruise. The long boats chug through the canals day and night, offering a drinks cruise or even an evening pizza cruise.

Want to build an itinerary with the activities listed in our shortcut guide (below)? Here are a few links to our favorite tours and activities in Amsterdam so you can purchase your tickets in advance. 

• Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise with 4-Course Dinner and Drinks
• Skip the Line: Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam Private Guided Tour

⇒ Eat like a local in Amsterdam with Eating Europe Food Tours – there are 5 tours available:

• Jordaan Food Tour
• Jordaan Food & Canals Tour
• Amsterdam at Twilight Food Tour
• Food Tour in Haarlem
• A Taste of Life in Haarlem

» Here are 20 more fun things to do in Amsterdam to fill your itinerary.

Tours to Book:

Where and what to eat in amsterdam.

On to the most important topic… what to eat! First we need to know what foods we absolutely must try in Amsterdam. Here is an infographic of  10 Dutch foods you must try in Amsterdam . The list is long, so check out TimeOut’s list of the  best restaurants in Amsterdam , where you can find the aforementioned foods.

Amsterdam is well known for its fries (frites) served in a paper cup with curry ketchup and mayo slathered on top. The one pictured below is from a popular place called  Vleminckx , but here are  six more places  to find the best frites in Amsterdam.

I like to visit at least one Michelin-starred restaurant in every city we go to (if possible) just to see how the high-end food scene matches up to others around the world.

In Amsterdam, some choices are the one-star La Rive in the Intercontinental Hotel and Restaurant Vermeer, or the two-star Ciel Bleu on the 23rd floor of the Hotel Okura. Check out this list of the  8 Best Restaurants  in Amsterdam for more luxury dining choices.

Where to Drink in Amsterdam

First thing, we need to know how to say “Cheers!”. When raising a glass in Amsterdam, “the cheers for a toast is ‘ Proost ‘. Most of the time this is accompanied by eye contact and the clinking of glasses, usually only with beer and soft drinks.

When drinking wine, the Dutch tend to say ‘ Santé ‘.” Now we’re prepared to find the best drinks in Amsterdam.

If you’re well-traveled you probably already know that Heineken is found on tap in almost every bar in the world. It’s brewed nearby and you can join the  Heineken Experience  tour and tasting at the old brewery to learn more about this Dutch beer. There are many other great  beer bars and breweries  to visit.

At House of Bols, you can learn to  make your own cocktail  using their liquors, or just tour the facility and allow their bartenders to mix you up something good.

How to Get to Amsterdam

The fastest way to get to the city center from the airport is by taking a taxi. It costs around 39€ and takes 15-20 minutes.

You can book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups for the same price as getting a taxi from the line. The price above for a taxi is the same as for Welcome Pickups, but the driver will meet you at arrivals and help with luggage . The drivers are skilled, English-speaking and will monitor your flight for delays. It’s the clear winner. Book your transfer in advance here .

You can also catch the train to the city center. Train tickets cost 5.40€ and it takes around 20 minutes to reach the center.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Heading to Amsterdam soon? We like staying near Dam Square in central Amsterdam. It’s fun and lively, close to or within easy walking distance of many of the top attractions, and easily accessible by public transportation. Below are the hotels we recommend. You can read reviews or book directly through the links below (they are affiliate links from which we receive a small commission).

Banks Mansion

4-star hotel near the Flower Market, with free wifi, breakfast and coffee/tea.

Read Reviews | Book a Stay

Radisson Blu

Nicely-decorated 4-star hotel located directly on a canal near Rembrandt Square.

Glitzy 4-star hotel with a bar/lounge and free wifi, near Anne Frank House.

Essential Travel Guide to Amsterdam

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any day trips from amsterdam worth taking.

Yes, popular day trips from Amsterdam include visiting the historic windmills of Zaanse Schans, exploring the picturesque town of Haarlem, or taking a trip to the charming village of Giethoorn.

What are the shopping options in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam offers a wide range of shopping experiences, from luxury boutiques along P.C. Hooftstraat to unique vintage finds in the Nine Streets district. Don’t forget to visit Albert Cuyp Market for local food and souvenirs.

What is the best time of year to visit Amsterdam?

The best time to visit Amsterdam is typically during the spring (April and May) and early autumn (September to mid-October) when the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded compared to the peak summer months.

You may also like these articles about Amsterdam:

• 29 Fun Things to do in Amsteredam (by Hostel Geeks)
• 8 Amazing Day Trips from Amsterdam (by Zest in a Tote)
• Amsterdam Travel Tips – 15 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting
• 5-day Amsterdam itinerary for first timers

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Where to Find the Best Beer in Amsterdam

How to Plan a Trip to Europe (2-Week Europe Itinerary)

Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest? FOLLOW US  on  Pinterest ,  Instagram ,  Facebook  for more great travel inspiration and tips.

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

32 thoughts on “ Essential Travel Guide to Amsterdam [Updated for 2024] ”

I see bitterballen on the list, so this post is approved 😉 Fun infographic, thanks for sharing 🙂

Thanks! I love bitterballen. Glad you approve!

I currently live in Utrecht in the Netherlands and love your infographic. I highly recommend a canal cruise too! I’ve taken two different types when friends and family have visited, and since you can take one from various places including right outside the train station, and also just north of museumplein, they are very flexible in terms of fitting into your day!

Michele, you’re very right about the canal tours. They’re running all the time, so you can definitely find one to fit your schedule. We went on a candlelight cruise in the evening and really loved it.

The food in Amsterdam blew me away. I didn’t know anything about Dutch food prior to visiting Amsterdam but was so pleasantly surprised. I loved the whole city – the parks, the canals, the bikes, the tulips. I could seriously see myself living there on a little house boat. 🙂

Hi Bethaney, I totally agree with you about the food. I didn’t know what to expect either, but we found some really great food. We loved the little house boats too. I could definitely live there.

I love Amsterdam. Last time I was in the Netherlands, I only got to spend a few hours there. It was such a tease! I really need to go back.

We were there for two days this time and really wanted to stay longer. There’s something really alluring about that city!

Thank you for sharing this. I’m planning to take a longer trip to Amsterdam, but I could use your information even if it’s for one day only. You can always spend more time in each of these places.

What a brilliant idea to have all this information in such an easy to use and handy format. I’m saving this for when I go to Amsterdam and also sending it to a friend who’s headed there in a few weeks.

Great Guide!! Wish I had read it before, last month I visited Amsterdam with friends and we had a blast, but we had a hard time to find “the place” for meat and BBQ. Now I have a good and tasty reason to go back 😉 Thanks for the info, Nat

what a neat idea! I haven’t been to Amsterdam for few years now but I guess it’s time to come back! I saved your guide just in case 🙂

Thanks for this! Such a fab guide! Totally agree that taking a bike or canal tour is not to be missed – we loved both while we were in Amsterdam last year. Seems like everyone in the city rides their bikes! And OMG the fries! So glad there was info on this in the guide – you really can’t go past Danish fries!

They double fry the fries there, which is why they’re so addictively good. I’m also a sucker for dipping sauce.

mmmm fried Gravy Balls! will have to try those! this is such a great roundup! i will be checking out your other Shortcut guides for other cities as well!

This is awesome!! You had me hooked at “fried gravy balls.” I’d love to visit Amsterdam someday, and this little guide will come in quite handy!

This is perfect! I am heading to Amsterdam tomorrow and found this just in time!! 🙂 Thanks!

Awesome. Have a great time there. It’s so much fun!

The cheeses are Dutch, not Danish.

Like N says, it’s Dutch, not Danish 🙂 Danish is from Denmark, only 655 kilometers (to the border) from Amsterdam 🙂

When you are in Amsterdam, don’t forget to stop at one of the many FEBO. There you can “eat from the wall”. There are all kinds of snacks which you can pull out of little boxes in the wall, like a huuuuge vending machine. You can choose from burgers, kroketten (fried gravy saucages) and frikadellen (sort of hotdog-saucages).

Thanks for the tip, Desiree! I’d have a hard time passing up the opportunity to eat from the wall!

Hi Nick and Laura,

I’m Esther and live in the Netherlands – (Zwolle). Thanks for following me on Pinterest. Nice to see that you went to the Amsterdam.

Great website you have! Most of the time I read that visitors who come to the Netherlands are going to Amsterdam, which I totally understand. When you are going to the Netherlands and do have some spare time left, wanting some typically Dutch, visit for example the places: Hattem, Zwolle, Kampen, Giethoorn, Deventer. All these placese are in the same area and have a lovely a Charles Dickens/ Harry Potter atmosphere. One of the famous Dutch Painters ” Anton Pieck” has lived in Hattem. There is a Anton Pieck Museum. If you see his work, you think it is like a Fairytale – Christmas Carol Art.

Laura, my husband and I arrive this Sunday from Boston. I did r know you had to purchase Anne Frank Museum tickets 2 months ahead. Can we just go there Monday morning at 8 am to buy tickets or do we have to buy them that morning on the internet?

Hi Ann. You do have to purchase tickets online in advance. They release 20% of tickets on the day of at 9am online. If you don’t get one you won’t be able to just show up and get in. Good luck!

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This is such an informative article. These tips would surely gonna help me on my upcoming trip to amsterdam.

That Stunning Guy

Thank you for this! I’m making my first trip to Amsterdam next month. This is such great info to have.

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• Travel Resources

AMSTERDAM: 30 Best Things to Do & Places to Visit

Close your eyes and imagine Amsterdam. What image do you have in your head?

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably painted a mental picture of tall, slender, gabled buildings towering over a flower-decorated, bicycle-lined canal! And it’s not surprising at all. You know why? Because when you’re in Amsterdam, these postcard-worthy views are everywhere!

If you look at the map of Amsterdam, one of the first things you’ll probably notice is the fan-shaped web dominating it. This web is actually the city’s network of canals linking the curve of the IJ River to many of its neighborhoods. Amsterdam is one of Europe’s catch basin zones, so these canals have played a vital role in the rise of this port city and its development as a trade hub. They are so embedded into its identity that when we think of Amsterdam, these canals immediately pop into mind.

But Amsterdam is definitely more than just its canals. In between are countless attractions that are fascinating, to say the least. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in the city.

We’re including some practical bits like operating hours and nearest station, in case you plan on pulling a DIY. For some attractions, we’re also providing Klook links so you could purchase tickets or book tours online easily.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

CANAL CRUISES

1. amsterdam canal cruise.

Yes, we’re still talking about canals! Let’s start there. These legendary waterways are on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

The construction started in the early 17th century. They serve different purposes: water management, navigation, and defense system. The sophisticated canal system which branched out from three main canals, forming over 100 kilometers of smaller canals, more or less 90 islands, and over a thousand bridges.

Today, the canals are used mainly for tourism purposes like cruises. A boat ride will take you back to the Dutch Golden Era. Some of the scenic sights are the merchant houses and churches lining the canals, the beautiful bridges, Anne Frank House, and the Westerkerk. See the city’s highlights while sailing down the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht canals.

If you are interested in taking a boat cruise in Amsterdam, Klook has curated boat cruise packages. Here are some of them:

2. Dine and Cruise

If sightseeing from a boat isn’t enough, how about digging in to delicious food while you’re at it? Some tour agencies and travel companies offer dine-and-cruise type of experience.

Choose the package that best suits your taste. Enjoy your favorite grubs while basking in the beauty of the canal-side scenery. Here are some of the choices from Klook:

3. Van Gogh Museum

Opened in 1973, Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam currently has the record for the largest Van Gogh collection in the world.

Know the artist deeper as you gaze into his artworks and discover some personal mementos like hundreds of letters. The museum houses over about 400 drawings and sketches and over 200 paintings including the world-famous “Sunflowers”, “The Bedroom”, and his numerous self-portraits. Other than his works, it also hosts Van Gogh’s contemporaries like Monet and Gauguin.

The museum is located in the Museum District in Amsterdam Zuid (South) along with other popular museums.

Nearest Tram Station: Van Baerlestraat Station (Tram 2, 5, 12) or Museumplein Station (Tram 3, 5, 12) Nearest Bus Stop: Museumplein Stop (Bus 347, 357, 397, N47, N57, N88, N97) Opening Hours: 9:00 AM is the usual opening time, while closing time is either 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. On special occasions, the museum closes at 9:00 PM. Please check the official website before your visit. Entrance Fee: €19 (Regular), FREE (Below 18 y/o)

The museum is one of the most visited in the Netherlands, so expect long queues for the entrance ticket. Note that you can only purchase tickets online. If you want to reserve your ticket prior to your visit, you can also book it with Klook. Another package combine Van Gogh Museum ticket and canal cruise experience.

4. Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum is the largest museum in the Netherlands and also one of the most visited. It holds the status of a national museum and focuses heavily on arts and history.

The museum’s roots can be traced back to the late 18th century when it was first established in Hague. It was relocated twice before settling in the present location in the late 19th century. The museum recounts 800 years of Dutch art and history, especially during the Dutch Golden Age, by showcasing about 8,000 items, including over 5,000 paintings. Notable masterpieces include the Night Watch by Rembrandt and The Milkmaid by Vermeer.

It is located at the Museum Square in Amsterdam Zuid (South), near other significant museums like Van Gogh Museum.

Nearest Tram Station: Rijksmuseum Station (Tram 2, 5, 12) or Spiegelgracht Station (Tram 1, 7, 19) Nearest Bus Stop: Rijksmuseum Stop (Bus 347, 357, 397, N47, N57, N88, N97) or Ruysdaelkade Stop (Bus N84) Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily) Entrance Fee: €19 (Regular), FREE (Below 18 y/o)

Like the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum is one of the most visited in the Netherlands, so expect long queues for the entrance ticket. If you want to reserve your ticket online, you can also book it with Klook. Another package combine Van Gogh Museum ticket and canal cruise experience.

5. Anne Frank House

Anne Frank ‘s story takes us to the World War II period when the Jewish people were ostracized and persecuted by the Nazi Party. She wrote her diary in a secret room called Secret Annex in a canal house along Prinsengracht, one of the three famous canals in Amsterdam.

This house was later preserved by converting it into a museum. In 1960, the museum was launched to the public. The museum hosts a permanent exhibition about the life of Anne Frank, but the highlight is the well-preserved Secret Annex, where she and her family took refuge.

The closest landmarks are the 17th-century Westerkerk Church and Anne Frank Monument .

Nearest Tram Station: Westermarkt Station (Tram 13, 17) Nearest Bus Stop: Westermarkt Stop (Bus N82, N83, N84) Opening Hours: 9:00 AM is the usual opening time, while closing time is either 5:00 PM or 7:00 PM. Please check the official website before your visit. Entrance Fee: €12.50 (Adult), €6.50 (10-17 y/o), €1 (9 y/o and below). These rates are inclusive of €1 booking fee. Tickets can only be purchased online.

6. Jewish Cultural Quarter

The Jews from Spain and Portugal came pouring into the city as early as the 16th century during the height of the Inquisition. During World War II, the Jews were subjected again to persecution by the Nazi regime, and those living in Amsterdam were not spared.

Today, the presence of Jewish buildings, memorials, and synagogues in the old Jewish Quarter speak of the plight of the Jewish people during those dark periods in history.

The notable sites within the Jewish Cultural Quarter are Jewish Historical Museum, the Children’s Museum, the Portuguese Synagogue, Hollandsche Schouwburg, and the National Holocaust Memorial. These attractions are located within Waterlooplein and the Plantage Middenlaan area.

Nearest Metro Station: Waterlooplein Station Nearest Tram Station: Waterlooplein Station or Artis Station (Tram 14) Nearest Bus Stop: Waterlooplein Stop or Artis Stop (Bus N87) Opening Hours: All sites within the JCQ are open daily except for the Portuguese Synagogue (CLOSED on Saturdays). Opening hours vary per site. The usual opening hour is either 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM, while the usual closing hour is either 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM. Entrance Fee: €17 (Adult), €8.50 (13-17 y/o), €4.25 (6-12 y/o), FREE (5 y/o and below). Tickets can only be purchased online.

If you want to visit all of the abovementioned sites, you can also get your ticket from Klook. The package covers access to Jewish Historical Museum, the Children’s Museum, the Portuguese Synagogue, Hollandsche Schouwburg, and National Holocaust Memorial using only one ticket.

7. Red Light Secrets Museum

If you are into alternative and offbeat tourism, you might want to visit Red Light Secrets , said to be the world’s only museum of its kind.

Located in the Old Town district of De Wallen, the museum is housed in a 17th-century brothel at the heart of Amsterdam’s Red Light District.

Discover how the girls go about their daily lives and routines, the history of their profession, and other secrets when you delve deeper into this industry. If you are curious, you can even try posing in front of the red-light windows. Please follow the rules and regulations and do not take photos of the girls inside the windows.

Nearest Metro Station: Nieuwmarkt Station. From the station, the museum can be reached on foot in approximately five minutes. It is close to the Chinese Quarter/Chinatown. Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sunday – Thursday), 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM (Friday – Saturday) Entrance Fee: €12.50. Note that visitors below 18 y/o are not allowed entry.

You can book your ticket with Klook!

8. Rembrandt House Museum

Located near the Old Town center and old Jewish Quarter, the Rembrandt House Museum is another historical gem at the heart of Amsterdam.

Its roots can be traced back to 1911, when this museum was the residence and studio of the renowned Dutch artist Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn . He lived here between 1639 and 1658, producing several of his paintings, sketches, and etchings, which are showcased in the well-restored and refurbished 17th-century house-turned-museum. The museum also demonstrates the age-old process of etching using an antique press.

Nearest Metro Station: Waterlooplein Station Nearest Tram Station: Waterlooplein Station or Artis Station (Tram 14) Nearest Bus Stop: Waterlooplein Stop or Artis Stop (Bus N87) Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday), CLOSED (Mondays) Entrance Fee: €14 (Adult), €5 (6-17 y/o), FREE (Below 6 y/o)

Reserve your ticket in advance online via Klook!

9. Moco Museum

Located in the Museum District within the same block as Van Gogh Museum, Moco Museum is an independent, privately-owned museum that aims to connect to the younger audience by exhibiting works of modernist and contemporary artists like Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, JR, KAWS, Andy Warhol, and others!

The townhouse that shelters the museum dates back to the early 20th century and is now owned by the Logchies couple who are both curators and art collectors.

The museum was launched to the public in 2015.

Some of the highlights are Banksy’s “Beanfield”, “Girl with Balloon”, “Laugh Now”, and “Keep It Real”.

Nearest Tram Station: Van Baerlestraat Station (Tram 2, 5, 12) or Museumplein Station (Tram 3, 5, 12) Nearest Bus Stop: Museumplein Stop (Bus 347, 357, 397, N47, N57, N88, N97) Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Sunday – Thursday), 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Friday – Saturday) Entrance Fee: €19.50 (Adult), €16.50 (13-17 y/o), FREE (Below 13 y/o)

You can conveniently reserve your ticket prior to your visit via Klook! This also includes an audio guide.

10. Stedelijk Museum

Also located in the Museum District beside the Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum is another museum that displays and exhibits modern and contemporary art. In addition, Stedelijk also incorporates design masterpieces.

The unique structure of the museum is the result of merging the original 19th-century structure to the 21st-century wing.

The museum was founded in 1874 and has since continued to promote contemporary art displaying and exhibiting different disciplines — painting, sculpture, installation, photography, industrial design, graphic design, and more! Admire the works of contemporary artists including Warhol, Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky, Pollock, and Koons, among others.

Nearest Tram Station: Van Baerlestraat Station (Tram 2, 5, 12) or Museumplein Station (Tram 3, 5, 12) Nearest Bus Stop: Museumplein Stop (Bus 347, 357, 397, N47, N57, N88, N97) Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily). It is important to reserve your time slot and day of visit through online booking. The museum is less crowded in the morning. Entrance Fee: €18.50 (Adult), €10 (Reduced). Note that ticket should be purchased online prior to your visit.

You can book your ticket in advance through Klook!

GUIDED AMSTERDAM CITY TOURS

11. anne frank tour.

If her coming-of-age story in the midst of World War II captured your heart, this tour will let you take a peek into her life — from growing up in the neighborhood of Amsterdam Zuid to the Holocaust.

You will be led to places where she spent her days as a child, including her School and the store where she bought her diary, while the English-speaking guide recounts anecdotes and stories per stop. You will also get to learn about the advanced ideas of urban planning as you stroll around the area where colonial architecture is strongly reflected by the houses and other establishments.

This tour offered by Klook is perfect for those who want a small intimate group. This is a walking tour so wear comfortable shoes and clothes. The tour is done in the afternoon.

12. Van Gogh Tour

Are you a Van Gogh fan? Or have you wondered about the stories behind his paintings?

This tour will let you into Van Gogh’s life where he spent about two years in the Nuenen Village, inspiring him to paint and sketch over 500 works during his time here.

Visit some of the places that became his subject matter and motivated him to paint. Continue knowing the artist deeper when you head back to the city and visit the Van Gogh Museum which houses the largest collection of his works.

This package by Klook includes both the Nuenen Village tour, Vincentre entrance, and Van Gogh Museum entrance. This is a full-day tour, lasting about nine hours. There are also other options like combining this tour with a canal cruise or Amsterdam city tour.

13. Red Light District Tour

Amsterdam is known for its unabashed openness. The city is quite progressive especially about prostitution as a legal profession.

Tracing its roots back to the medieval period when De Wallen was once a busy town center, the Red Light District is known to host brothels and pubs serving the sailors, travelers, and locals. This tour will guide you through its secret spots and alleyways.

If you are more comfortable exploring this part of the city with a knowledgeable guide, you can book this tour. Klook is offering a package that will also take you to Amsterdam’s oldest building and its famous pub Route 66. The tour lasts about two hours.

14. Amsterdam World War II & Jewish Quarter Tour

This tour will take you to places that will give you more insights into some key World War II events in Amsterdam and their aftermath.

Walk down memory lane as your guide leads you to historical landmarks and the Jewish Quarter. Hear stories on what life was like during the Nazi-led Amsterdam while strolling from one site to the next. Klook’s package also covers visiting war and holocaust monuments like Auschwitz Memorial, the Monument to Jewish Resistance, the Jewish WWII Memorial, and the Shadow Wall aside from other landmarks. This is a morning walking tour that may last for 2.5 hours.

15. Bike Tour

The whole city of Amsterdam is bike-friendly. The roads are tailor-fit to accommodate navigation within and around the city on two wheels. Commuting by bike is probably the most favored mode of transportation in Amsterdam. In fact, there are almost 900,000 bicycles in the city!

If you want to travel and explore like a local, you can go on a bike tour while here. Klook is offering a package that includes biking through the city and the scenic countryside. The itinerary covers the 35km-long nature reserve in the Waterland District, medieval villages, bike paths with clear waterways and windmills, and even riding five meters below sea level!

This is a mourning bike tour and the duration is about four hours. The rate is inclusive of an English-speaking guide, bicycle and lock, and insurance.

If you want to explore on your own, you can pull a D-I-Y by renting a bike. You can get your rental voucher from Klook! There are two options: 3-hour bike rental and 24-hour bike rental. The rates include two security locks for parking purposes.

16. Amsterdam Alternative Tour

If you want to take the less-traveled path, you can join an alternative walking tour that will introduce you to spots and areas that are NOT frequently visited.

During the tour, you will get to differentiate the myths and truths about the city’s liberal laws and policies. A walk along the historic canals will give you a glimpse of the houseboats while the guide relays the history of these alternative housing. Learn about the White Bicycle Plan that makes bicycles more accessible to commuters and helps lessen pollution.

The tour will end at the Museum District. You can continue exploring contemporary and modern artworks while there. The afternoon walking tour lasts about two hours.

17. Pedal Boat Tour

We know that Amsterdam is a bicycle-loving city, but did you know that you can also do sightseeing while pedaling down the historic canals?

See some of the prominent landmarks such as Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the canalside houses, and the bridges, including the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) which is said to grant everlasting love for couples.

If you are booking with Klook, you can choose between the 60-minute or 90-minute rental duration.

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN AMSTERDAM

18. albert cuyp market.

The Albert Cuyp Market is said to be the busiest and largest day market in the Netherlands.

This iconic street market started as an ordinary street where peddlers and stalls sell their products. When the area became too busy, the government decided to organize it into a weekend market in 1905. Eventually, it evolved into a full-blown daytime pedestrian-only street market with over 260 stalls lining the stretch of the street between Ferdinand Bolstraat and Van Woustraat.

You will find a plethora of products here: clothes, fabrics, souvenirs, traditional products, accessories, electronic gadgets, and food! If you are planning to go on a food trip here, here are some of the grubs to try: pickled herring (haring), stroopwafel, poffertjes, kibbeling, and cheese.

The market can be found along Albert Cuypstraat in the Latin Quarter (De Pijp) neighborhood.

Nearest Metro Station: De Pijp Station Nearest Tram Station: Stadhouderskade Station (Tram 4) Nearest Bus Stop: Van Woustraat Stop (Bus 246, 356, N85) Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday – Saturday), CLOSED (Sundays and Holidays) Entrance Fee: FREE

19. Jordaan District

In the 17th century, the Jordaan was the settlement for the immigrants and the working class. Fast forward to the present, the quaint district is one of the upscale areas in Amsterdam. Characterized by the narrow and small streets and canals, the Jordaan now is dotted with several specialty shops, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

The notable tourist-favorite streets are the Nine Little Streets, Westerstraat, Lindengracht, Prinsengracht, and Haarlemmerstraat. Some of the popular spots are the Westertoren, Noorderkerk, Noordermarkt, Westerker, Houseboat Museum, and the Amsterdam Cheese Museum.

Nearest Train Station: Amsterdam Central Station Nearest Metro Station: Centraal Station Nearest Tram Station: There are several tram stops plotted around the district’s border, especially on the western side. Tram 5, 7, 13, 17, and 19 ply this route. Nearest Bus Stop: There are several bus stops plotted around the district’s border, especially on the western side. Bus 397, N47, N57, N97, N82, N83, N84, and N88 run this route.

20. Amsterdamse Bos (Forest)

This 1000-hectare green space located south of Amsterdam Zuid is a landscape park that welcomes millions of visitors annually. It is said to be three times larger than New York’s Central Park and is one of the largest in Europe. It is home to many recreational spaces such as gardens and walking paths, monuments, animal parks, organic farm, tree-top adventure park, sporting clubs, camping parks, and open-water spots for activities like swimming, boat tours, canoeing, kayaking, and rowing courses.

Some areas also host various events — political, social, and entertainment. The park is well-equipped with tourist facilities and dining places.

Geographically, most of the park is situated in Amstelveen, but it is under the jurisdiction of Amsterdam. To access the park, note that the main entrance is located at the crossing of Van Nijenrodeweg and Amstelveenseweg. You will see the Tourist Office De Boswinkel on the left side of the entrance. You can travel on a bicycle from the Museum District to the park in about 20 minutes.

Nearest Bus Stop: Amsterdamse Bos Stop (Bus 242, 347, 348, 357, 358, N47, N57) Opening Hours: Tourist Office 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday) Entrance Fee: FREE (Forest)

POPULAR DAY TRIPS

21. zaanse schans.

A few kilometers northwest of Amsterdam is the town of Zaandam , where the neighborhood of Zaanse Schans is nestled.

This residential area is unique because of its blast-from-the-past vibe where traditional structures from the 18th to 19th century mingle with iconic windmills, giving it a status of an open-air museum.

It is best known for its symbolic green wooden houses, well-preserved historic working windmills, barns, artisanal shops, and museums with interactive exhibits like the Zaanse Museum. The traditional buildings and windmills were relocated here to create this themed village. See how craftsmen make shoes, cheese, chocolate, wooden clog carving, barrel, and pewter.

Nearest Train Station: Zaandijk Zaanse Schans Station. Take the train (Sprinter) from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans Station. The travel time is less than 20 minutes. From the station, Zaanse Scans can be reached in 10 minutes on foot.

If you want convenient transfers, you can join a guided half-day tour to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam. Klook is offering a package that includes a multilingual guide and roundtrip transportation. The itinerary covers Zaanse Schans walking tour, Clog Museum, Annex Wooden Shoemaker Shop, and a farm.

If you are interested in visiting other nearby attractions, you can book this full-day tour of Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken.

22. Volendam

Located in the town of Edam-Volendam , a few kilometers northeast of Amsterdam, Volendam is a picturesque lakeside fishing village noted for its old fishing boats and colorful wooden houses.

Nestled on the shore of Markermeer Lake , the harbor is probably the busiest area in the village because of the seafood vendors and the tourists who are taking the ferry to Marken (and back).

Another attraction is the Volendam Museum , hosting a collection of items that date back to the 19th century to the present: traditional outfits, paintings, sculptures, and other crafts.

Nearest Bus Stop: There are direct buses (Bus 312 & 316) operating between Amsterdam and Volendam. These buses depart from Amsterdam Central to several bus stops in Volendam. The travel time is about 35 minutes.

Volendam is included in this full-day tour package from Klook. This also includes Zaanse Schans and Marken. This covers entrance tickets to Cheese Factory Volendam and the Woltje Stroopwafel Bakery, audio guide, roundtrip transfers, traditional wooden clog making demonstration, and a River cruise between Marken and Volendam.

23. Giethoorn

Some of you might probably come across an image of a Dutch village with canals for navigation instead of roads. That picturesque village is Giethoorn in the municipality of Steenwijkerland, several kilometers northeast of Amsterdam.

It is fondly called “Little Venice” or “Venice of the Netherlands” for its boat-filled waterways and canal-side cafés and restaurants. But contrary to popular belief, the village has few car-accessible roads, but they are far from the major artery of the village where most of the establishments and settlements are located. There are also bicycle and pedestrian paths.

The village is also popular for its ancient thatched-roof houses, which you can spot in the old part of the village.

Nearest Train Station: Zwolle Station or Steenwijk Station. From Amsterdam Central or Zuid (South), the train routes require one or two change trains to either Zwolle Station (south of Giethoorn) or Steenwijk Station (north of Giethoorn). From either station, get on a bus (Bus 70) to Giethoorn village. The total travel time is about two hours.

One of the recommended ways to get to the village is by joining a group tour. This ensures your hassle-free transportation between Amsterdam and Giethoorn. Klook is offering a tour package that covers both Giethoorn and Afsluitdijk (Enclosed Dike), a 32-kilometer dike that links North Holland and Friesland provinces. You will also be accompanied by a multilingual guide.

24. Keukenhof Tulip Garden

Located in Lisse , a town southwest of Amsterdam, the idea of a garden park dates back to the mid 19th century but the present-day flower park was officially launched to the public in 1950.

As one of the largest flower gardens in the world, it boasts 32-hectare of floral landscape, nurturing over seven million vibrant flower bulbs. Among the plentiful blooms, the spotlight belongs to the tulips, which are usually in full bloom in April. The park showcases 800 kinds of tulips.

The park also features scenic hiking trails, ponds, pavilions, restaurants, statues, a playground, maze, a farm, and weekly flower shows.

The park is open all year round for private events, but only accessible to the general public from March to May — within the eight-week tulip bloom festival.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Daily). The exact opening dates differ every year. For 2021, the par is open from March 20 until May 9. Entrance Fee: €19 (Adult), €9 (4-17 y/o), FREE (3 y/o and below). Note that the tickets can only be purchased online. You might also want to consider getting a combi ticket for skip-the-line ticket and roundtrip transfers via Keukenhof Express Bus. Check the park’s official website. Getting There: The easiest way is the direct route offered by Keukenhof Express Bus. From Amsterdam, the bus departs from both the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Bus Terminal (Bus 858) and Amsterdam RAI Station (Bus 852). The travel duration is about 35 minutes.

25. Alkmaar

If you are a cheesy person — by that we mean you are a big lover of cheese — then a visit to Alkmaar will delight you. Famous for its cheese and its traditional cheese markets, Alkmaar presents the age-old cheese trading system held at town squares.

Waagplein is one of the remaining four sites for cheese trading and where demonstration of the age-old practice happens in front of an ancient weighing house, drawing throngs of tourists in the area. If you wish to buy cheese, you may do so from the stalls surrounding the square.

Other attractions in Alkmaar are the museums (especially the Holland Cheese Museum), the city’s old canals, Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk, De Molen van Piet, Alkmaar City Hall, and Oosterhout Park.

Nearest Train Station: There are two railway stations serving Alkmaar — Alkmaar Station and Alkmaar Noord Station. There are direct train routes to Alkmaar from Amsterdam Central Station. The travel duration is about 40 minutes.

If you want to delve deeper into the history of cheese trading in Alkmaar, you can join a guided tour departing from Amsterdam. Klook is offering two options: Cheese Market Tour and Cheese Cruise Tour.

OTHER FUN THINGS TO DO

26. heineken experience.

Welcome to the birthplace of Heineken beer!

The 19th-century brewery at the heart of the city is a popular tourist attraction, especially for beer enthusiasts. The old brewery started producing beer in the 1860s up until the late 1980s.

It relaunched to the public as a museum, sharing Heineken’s history and brewing process. It also features interactive displays and exhibitions. You can also enjoy playing themed games like Formula 1, UEFA Champions League, and the Rugby World Cup. Proost!

Nearest Metro Station: Vijzelgracht Station Nearest Tram Station: Marie Heinekenplein Station or Weteringcircuit Station (Tram 24) Nearest Bus Stop: Ferdinand Bolstraat Stop (Bus N84) Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Monday – Thursday), 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Friday – Sunday & Daily from July to August) Entrance Fee: €18 (Adult), €14.50 (12-17 y/o), FREE (Below 12 y/o)

If you want to skip the line, you can avail of Klook’s fast-track ticket for the Heineken Experience, which also covers two complimentary glasses of beer (or soft drinks), and a small tasting glass of beer. Since this is a self-guided tour, the Heineken Experience App will be provided as well.

27. Cheese Tasting

If you are pressed for time and can’t venture outside Amsterdam, you can still taste and experience the best cheeses from the established dairy and cheese companies. Klook has curated two choices for those who are interested in knowing the history of the companies, the traditions of Dutch cheese, and the cheese production process.

The Cheese Tasting Tour by Henri Willig is a 45-minute experience that involves watching a short film on traditions of Dutch cheese and tasting five different types of cheese paired with a glass of wine or beer. You will also receive a souvenir at the end of the tour.

The Cheese Tasting Experience by Reypenaer is an hour-long activity hosted by a family-owned company that has been in the industry of cheese-making for over 100 years. It also bagged many awards for its artisan cheeses. You will be guided by an expert on how to enjoy each type of cheese as you taste six types of cheese paired with white, red, or port wine.

28. Amsterdam Nightlife

For party animals out there, Amsterdam is your big playground!

The city’s nightlife streets are teeming with lively pubs, bars, and nightclubs. Dance the night away, sing your heart out, meet new people, have fun bar-hopping, be merry, but drink responsibly.

If one night is not enough for you, you might want to consider getting the Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket , giving you two options — 2-Day Ticket or 7-Day Ticket. These are the perks:

• A welcome shot at 8 of the nightclubs
• Access to participating clubs and experiences
• 2 for 1 cocktails at Hard Rock Café Amsterdam
• 2 for 1 Laser Tagging and Glow Golf
• Bowling (avail the 1 hour for 2 hours of bowling)
• 2 for 1 dinner (burgers and dishes)
• Courtesy food/drink from Angus Burger & TopKapi
• Double-up your beer at Craft & Draft
• Free makeup touch-up for the ladies at Douglas
• First ride with UBER (free up to EUR10)
• EUR10 UBER Eats credit on your first order

No. 129, Club Paradiso, Club Amsterdamned, and Feest van Joop are just some of the many participating clubs and bars.

29. Efteling Theme Park

Opened to the public in May 1952, the Efteling Theme Park is one of the oldest theme parks in the world.

Sprawled across a 72-hectare land, it is currently the largest theme park in the Netherlands with almost 50 attractions, including six rollercoasters. It carries the mystical world of fairy tales, myths, folklore, and legends divided into five themes: Travel Realm, Fairy Realm, Adventure Realm, Other Realm, and Fantasy Realm.

The park has restaurants for sitdown meals and food kiosks for quick bites.

Efteling Theme Park is located in Kaatsheuvel village in North Brabant province, about 100 kilometers south of Amsterdam.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Weekdays), 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Weekends). Note that the schedule might change without prior notice so better check the calendar on the official website before your visit. Entrance Fee: €38 (Fakir Ticket), €41 (Fairy Ticket), €43 (Dragon Ticket), €45 (Giant Ticket). Rates for adults and children are the same. Children below four years old are granted FREE access to the park. Getting There: From Amsterdam Central, take a train to ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) Station. From there, take the bus (Bus 300, 301, 136, 800) to Efteling Bus Stop. Alternatively, take a direct Bus (Flixbus 811) from Amsterdam to Efteling Theme Park available from Friday to Monday.

Currently, tickets are only sold online. You can book your ticket on Klook! It offers a fast track ticket if you want to skip the line at the entrance gate. The ticket type for this package is the Giant Ticket.

30. Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Located in the Old Town district of De Wallen, Ripley’s Believe It or Not regales the macabre-seekers with over 500 items and activities that will surely excite them while inside the five-level building.

It also boasts 19 themed galleries and moving 5D theater! Some of the highlights are the genuine human shrunken heads, a megalodon jaw, a Space Tunnel, and a 7-meter tall robot.

Nearest Metro Station: Rokin Station Nearest Tram Station: Dam Station (Tram 4, 14) Nearest Bus Stop: Dam Stop (Bus N85, N87, N89, N91, N93) Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily) Entrance Fee: €19.50 (Adult), €13 (4-13 y/o), FREE (Below 4 y/o)

Reserve and book your ticket online via Klook!

Top Amsterdam Hotels & Apartments

We stayed at XO Hotel Inner , located just in the outer fringes of the museum complex (Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk, and Van Gogh Museum). It was undergoing renovation at the time, but we enjoyed our stay. I think the renovation is complete now.

Anyway, here are the top properties on Booking.com as ranked by value for money (considering review score + price) by guests.

• B&B Keizers Canal. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• Canal House Inn. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• Canal view suite. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• Amsterdam B&B Barangay. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• Prinsenhof Suite. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• PH93 Amsterdam Central . Check Rates & Photos! ✅

Search for more Amsterdam Hotels!

Edited by Asta Alvarez

2021 • 4 • 16

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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Home » Europe » Netherlands » Amsterdam

35 BEST Places to Visit in Amsterdam (2024)

Travelling to Amsterdam is the stuff of dreams for a lot of people. It’s foreign enough to be exciting and familiar enough to feel safe and comforting. It conjures up images of tulips and cafés with wafting smoke and charming buildings from a time gone by. Whether you enjoy world class museums, architecture, history or the nightlife, there’s definitely always something to do in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam also comes with a reputation of being a bit of a party town and a place where vices can be indulged in without fear of prosecution. Whatever you believe in with regards the stance of the Dutch government on such activities, it’s certainly an eye opening experience to explore this side of the city in which ever way you feel comfortable. As long as you stick to the rules and have your wits about you, you should have an amazing time in this city however you decide to experience it!

To help you create the trip of your dreams, we’ve created this guide to the best places to visit in this amazing city and there’s so much more to see than just the Red Light District!

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

These are the best places to visit in amsterdam, faq on the best places to visit in amsterdam.

It’s our pick for the best neighbourhood for a first-time trip to Amsterdam because it is conveniently located for hitting the sightseeing hotspots, you’re close enough to the nightlife without being put off by the red light district, and there’s a good choice of accommodation, shops, restaurants, and attractions right at your fingertips. From here you can walk to places like the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh museum, the Royal Palace, Red Light District and the Rembrandt house museum or take a canal cruise to the rest of the city.

• Admire the artistic works at Museum Het Schip.
• Go window shopping along some of the best shopping streets in the country: the Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk.
• Relax at Het Stenen Hoofd, an urban beach that’s popular with locals.

Not only do we have the low down on the absolute best attractions, but also which neighbourhoods boast the best hostels in Amsterdam . If hostels aren’t your cup of tea, there’s more where that came from. From quaint Airbnb’s to boutique hotels, be sure to check out the best places to stay in Amsterdam before you take a deep dive into the fun that awaits you below.

Looking forward to exploring Amsterdam, well there’s more to the city than the infamous Red Light District. There are world-class tourist attractions such as the Rembrandt House Museum and the Royal Palace or maybe you want to reflect at the Anne Frank House or catch an exhibition in Museum square after an unforgettable canal cruise! There’s something for everyone, even backpackers on a budget in Amsterdam .

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 also a perfect starting point for your travels around The Netherlands and there are plenty of other amazing cities, towns and villages to explore once you’ve finished in Amsterdam.

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#1 – The Rijksmuseum

• Make sure you check out the Night Watch by Rembrandt.
• Great for art lovers and people who enjoy looking at notable Dutch painters.
• This National Museum is a must-see while you’re in Amsterdam!

Why it’s awesome : If you’re an art lover, or just want to see some of the most amazing pieces of artwork in the world, then you need to spend some time in the National Museum. Not only will you be astounded at how different the art looks in real life versus in the pages of a book, but you might just discover a new interest in Dutch painters!

What to do there : The Rijksmuseum is contained inside of an awesome, artistic building and the works of art within are a match for it. You can literally spend hours here wandering between the displays and discover artists you’ve never heard of as well as old favourites. Just make sure you take a long look at Rembrandt’ Night Watch, it’s truly one of the most incredible paintings in the world. Some people visit Amsterdam just for the art museums (others, just for the drugs and hookers).

#2 – The Van Gogh Museum – One of the most amazing places in Amsterdam!

• The Van Gogh museum is great for art lovers.
• A place where you can take some amazing photographs!
• The Van Gogh museum is a absolutely vital part of Dutch history.

Why it’s awesome : It’s Vincent Van Gogh. The man hated and reviled in his own time and yet now almost universally loved. The pictures he painted showed life at its most beautiful and vibrant, full of light and colour in a way that ordinary people can’t see. Through the Van Gogh museum, you’ll be able to glimpse a work you will rarely get to see, and that’s definitely worth savouring. A visit to Van Gogh’s legacy is an essential thing to do in Amsterdam .

What to do there : Try to see through this artist’s eyes while you’re in the Van Gogh museum. He had a rare way of seeing the world, a way that was full of life and colour, and yet his own life was filled with so much darkness and confusion. That’s why the beauty of his artwork deserves to be honoured. So make sure you take your time when you visit the largest collection of his work in the world.

#3 – The Red Light District

• The most famous or infamous part of the city.
• A whole new world, and an important part of the culture.
• Can be a little dangerous at night, so limit the amount you drink, stay with friends, and watch your belongings.

Why it’s so awesome : Well, you know why. This is the area that makes Amsterdam famous and it’s also the area that causes the most controversy. If you have any qualms about whether Amsterdam is safe or object to some of the more permissive sides of the culture in Amsterdam, then it’s best that you avoid this area. This is also definitely not an area where you would bring children. But, if you’re curious and careful, you’ll see a whole other side of the city when you spend time in this district.

What to do there : This area is bright, colourful, and there’s always something going on. That makes it an interesting place to visit and people watch, whether you agree with Amsterdam’s pragmatic approach to the sex trade or not. Just be careful about taking photos, as you could get yourself into trouble, and use your common sense to avoid any serious issues while in the area.

#4 – The Anne Frank Museum – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Amsterdam

• Home to one of the most famous stories from the Second World War.
• An important historical monument.
• A sad and touching place to visit.

Why it’s so important : The Anne Frank House isn’t awesome in the sense that it’s fun. Far from it. Instead, it’s a sad reminder of a dark time in the world’s history. It’s also a site that’s familiar to a lot of people. In most schools, the Diary of Anne Frank is required reading, so a lot of people know at least the basics about this girl’s sad but profound story. It’s another thing to see the house in real life, to imagine her everyday life, her fear and even her tragic ending. The Anne Frank House is something that everyone should see at least once in their lives.

What to do there : Anne Frank’s house is now a museum and educational centre. It’s not a fun place to go. It’s actually quite chilling to wander the halls of the house and to visit the secret annexe where she lived for such a short time. The Anne Frank House is an incredibly important place to visit if only to honour the memory of that brave girl and her family.

#5 – The Westertoren – One of Amsterdam’s coolest historical sites!

• Great for photographers.
• The stairs will give you a nice little bit of exercise to work off all the rich food.
• Only open in the summer, so consider what time of year you visit Amsterdam .

Why it’s awesome : There’s nothing like seeing a new city from high up and in Amsterdam, this is the best place to do that. You’ll be able to see the city in a whole new way and in a small group as well, so there won’t be any pushing or jostling for the best photography spots. It’s also one of the best historical spots in Amsterdam, which is really saying something in this city!

What to do there : This is the tallest and the prettiest tower in Amsterdam, so the views are amazing from the top. You’ll need to book a guided tour to the top, and they only take a few tourists at a time, so make sure you get there early to reserve your place. Once you’re up there, take plenty of photos of Amsterdam from this amazing bird’s eye view, so make sure that you bring your camera with you.

#6 – The Bloemenmarkt – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Amsterdam

• A free and colorful display.
• Great for photographs.
• A chance to sit back and observe real life in Amsterdam.

Why it’s awesome : Two words: floating flowers. This is a floating flower market set along the southern bank of the Singel. It actually a very practical market, which supplies fresh flowers to Amsterdam. But its popularity with tourists and locals alike have caused it to expand so there are now stalls selling other souvenirs unique to this part of the world.

What to do there : Where else can you see beautiful blooms of almost every colour you can imagine set against the river? This is a floating flower market a sight to savour and you can people-watch at the same time. You can also do some shopping while in the area and you’ll find clogs as well as other uniquely Dutch souvenirs. But if you are a traveller on a budget and don’t want to spend any money, you can just wander around the area, enjoy the sights and stay in one of Amsterdams best cheap hostels .

Wonder what to do in Amsterdam for 3 days? Head over to our  insider’s Weekend in Amsterdam guide!

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#7 – Vondelpark – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Amsterdam

• A chance to get out in nature.
• A relaxed vibe where you can barbeque and explore wooded trails.
• Has an amazing open theater where you can catch a show.

Why it’s so awesome : Amsterdam’s permissive nature also extends to their wooded areas. This is one of the few parks in the world where you can indulge in behaviour not usually allowed in public, with a few exceptions. This park is also popular with the locals as a place to exercise or just hang out in nature. And there are trails all over the park as well as a rose garden and an outdoor theatre if you want to get even more from the experience!

What to do there : Run, cycle, explore the trails or just take some friends along and have your lunch in the park. Find out what shows are playing at the theatre if you’re interested in catching one or just soak up the beauty of nature in the middle of the city!

#8 – Albert Cuyp Markt – A nice non-touristy place to visit in Amsterdam

• A chance to mingle with the locals.
• Buy some fresh food or just wander the stalls.
• You can also find clothes and souvenirs here, just  remember to bargain!

Why it’s so awesome : Sometimes when you travel, you just want to get away from the tourist traps and experience real life. And this market is a chance to do just that. Here you’ll see the locals bargaining for their groceries and generally going about their lives. And it’s a great way to get to see another side of this famous city.

What to do there : You’ll find a vast array of foods, clothes, and souvenirs here if you’re interested in shopping. Make sure you watch the locals beforehand, so you know how much to pay for what you want and a bargain! Bargaining is considered an integral part of the experience, so don’t be embarrassed and just enjoy the process.

#9 – De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets)

• An amazing historical spot.
• Perfect for photographers and people who want that iconic Amsterdam shot.
• An area that’s full of personality and quirky charm.

Why it’s so awesome : The Nine Streets is a historical area that has a lot of quirky charm packed into a relatively small area. The shops here are all unique, unusual, and have a flair that isn’t often seen in these days of department stores, which makes them a joy to explore and experience. This is the kind of area that gave Amsterdam its reputation as one of the most laidback cities in the world, so it’s an absolute pleasure to spend some time exploring it in detail.

What to do there: Make sure you put aside an entire afternoon, or a day, to wander the Nine Streets. This area is filled with historical detail, quirky cafes, and boutiques with some of the most unique and interesting goods you’ll ever see. So do some shopping or just set up shop in a café and watch the world go by. After all, this relaxed and laidback vibe is what Amsterdam is really about.

#10 – The Concertgebouw

• A chance to listen to some free music!
• A beautiful building that’s been recently refurbished and looks great in photos.
• Great for culture lovers.

Why it’s so awesome : This is an incredible arts venue that’s the home of the famous and much-lauded Koninklijk Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. The acoustics here are amazing, which turns an already impressive musical performance into something that has to be heard to be believed.

What to do there : If you visit this venue at lunchtime you may be able to catch a free concert and enjoy the music without breaking the bank. Otherwise, it’s also worth going at night when you can get the full experience of listening to the remarkable orchestra the way it was meant to be heard.

#11 – NSDM Wharf – Cool place to see in Amsterdam with friends!

• A great place to go bar hopping.
• The whole area is beach front so you can eat and look out over the water.
• There is always something going on here, from festivals to exhibitions and other events.

Why it’s so awesome : The NDSM Wharf is a former shipyard that’s been turned into one of Amsterdam’s cultural hot spots. It’s come a long way from its slightly grimy roots and now is the place to see and be seen, with some amazing restaurants, bars and shops around the area. There’s an artistic vibe to this area that elevates it above the usual tourist spots and makes it well worth checking out.

What to do there : There’s always something going on in this area from the weekend flea market to festivals and exhibitions. So while you’re in Amsterdam, make sure you find a schedule of what’s on and pick out what you want to see. And even if there isn’t anything in particular happening, it’s still a great spot to eat a meal in a beachfront restaurant or to check out some bars.

#12 – Flevopark

• A giant natural area.
• There are lots of amenities here, including an outdoor pool.
• If you get tired of all the nature, head over to the brewery for a snack and a drink!

Why it’s so awesome : Flevopark is an enormous open area in the middle of Oost and it’s the perfect place to get some exercise or just lounge about in the fresh air. There’s something for everyone in this park, from running trails to a tennis club and even a brewery where you can undo all the good work you’ve just done.

What to do there : This is the type of park that has something for everyone so you can literally do whatever you want to do here. If you’re feeling energetic, go for a swim in the outdoor pool, wander the trails or play a game of tennis. And if you’re feeling lazy, just lounge about on the grass or grab a drink and some snacks at the Distillery ‘t Nieuwe Diep microbrewery.

#13 – Brouwerij ‘t IJ – A must visit place to visit in Amsterdam on the weekend!

• An iconic brewery.
• One of the first breweries in Amsterdam and still very popular.
• A must visit for beer lovers and anyone who enjoys trying a variety of brews.

Why it’s so awesome : Everyone should drink beer in a windmill at some stage in their lives and this is the perfect place to do it. This microbrewery is the original in Amsterdam and is located in a working windmill. It has a wide variety of brews as well as some traditional Dutch snacks such as boiled eggs.

What to do there : Try to visit the brewery on a sunny day so you can sit out on the terrace and enjoy the sunshine while you snack and drink. Just make sure to follow the rules of safe travel and stay aware of how much you’re drinking, the brews tend to be higher in alcohol content than you would think!

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#14 – Blijberg aan Zee

• A chance to soak up the beach vibe.
• Perfect if you want a relaxing day.
• Clean water and a relaxing atmosphere.
• Great for sunbathing and swimming.

Why it’s so awesome : Amsterdam itself doesn’t have many places to swim, which is why this location is the perfect addition to any trip. The beach is located off a man-made island called IJburg and it’s just a short tram ride from the centre of the city. The water is clean and calm and basically, it’s the perfect place to have a lazy day sunbathing and enjoying the water.

What to do there : This is a family-friendly location with clean water, bright sun, and lots of restaurants and cafes in the area that sell great food. When you visit this beach, make sure you spend your time relaxing. The beach’s laidback atmosphere encourages sunbathing, swimming, and spending time with friends, so give in to it and just have a wonderful break from the busy heart of the city.

#15 – EYE Film Institute – Cool place to see in Amsterdam with friends!

• See a movie in style.
• An amazing, architectural building.
• The shop has a lot of quirky, cinematic memorabilia and souvenirs.

Why it’s so awesome : Unlike many of the other great sites in Amsterdam, this building is a modern marvel. Quirky and eye-catching on its own, it houses a cinema, film museum, shop, restaurant and café, all of them well worth spending some time in. There are also some fun and educational displays and experiences targeted at kids, so it’s a great place to take the family.

What to do there : This is no ordinary cinema. If you love quirky, independent films, cult classics and documentaries, then this is the place for you. The cinema is open 7 days a week and specialises in these genres. And if you really enjoy these kinds of movies, then the shop is a great place to pick up some unusual memorabilia of your visit.

#16 – Foodhallen – A must-see for foodies!

• One of the best places to enjoy Amsterdam’s food scene!
• A great place to go in a group or on your own.
• A super trendy area with a quirky vibe.

Why it’s so awesome : 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.

What to do there : 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.

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#17 – Begijnhof – One of the most religious places to see in Amsterdam

• Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Explore Amsterdam’s religious past.
• Take in the tranquility and contemplate your life, the world and everything.

Why it’s so awesome : Amsterdam is incredibly laidback but it’s still a city and that means that it’s busy and crowded. If you need a little break, then this garden is the perfect place to take it. The garden and courtyard are in the middle of houses that once belonged to the Beguines, a religious group that admitted only unmarried women under a vow of chastity. This has given the area a quiet, contemplative vibe.

What to do there : This is a quint, medieval corner of Amsterdam that feels worlds away from the crowded city. There’s just something about it that encourages contemplation and thought and it’s a wonderful introduction to Amsterdam’s religious past. While you’re there, make sure you take a look at the city’s oldest wooden house, which was added to the area in 1425.

#18 – Cuypers Library – A nice quiet place to see in Amsterdam

• For book lovers and art lovers.
• An incredibly gorgeous place to sit and enjoy a book.
• Almost magical surroundings.

Why it’s so awesome : If you’re a reader then you’ll love this place. The building is stunning and brings to mind books of magic where the main character is thrust into an incredible adventure after opening an unusual book. The library is attached to a museum, but few tourists venture beyond the museum into this part of the building. And that’s a shame because this is one of the largest art history libraries in the country and it’s a lovely place to sit and read for a while.

What to do there: If you love books then you’ll love this place. It will give you a chance to sit and read about all the amazing works of art you’ve experienced since landing in Amsterdam. It’s also a quiet and beautiful haven away from the busy streets and tourists. The only people you’ll see here are scholars quietly toiling away at their chosen disciplines. So if you need a quiet afternoon in a beautiful place, this is where to go.

#19 – Theatre Tuschinski

• Interesting art deco decorations.
• Includes a cinema as well as a stage for live productions.
• The building has a tragic history because the architect was Polish, and his entire family was killed at a German concentration camp.

Why it’s so awesome : This theatre is a confusing mix of styles that’s oddly beautiful and well worth seeing on their own. The imposing exterior hides bright, colourful walls and rooms on the inside, and the building has been recently refurbished so it’s looking its best. This might seem like a strange place to catch a movie, but it’s well worth going out of your way just to see and take pictures of the building’s unusual features.

What to do there : This is a functioning movie theatre so if you’re in Amsterdam for a while it’s worth seeing what movies they’re showing. And if you’re not a movie buff, you should still visit and take in the architecture. The architect combined lots of different styles when he made this building, and it’s truly an amazing mix to see and take pictures in front of.

#20 – OT301

• For anyone who’s interested in alternative cultural events.
• A truly unique venue.
• A chance to see some alternative bands and listen to some weird and wonderful music.

Why it’s so awesome : 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.

What to do there : If you visit the OT301 at night then you will experience new bands, music, and up-and-coming talent. But even if you go during the day then there’s plenty to do. During the day, the venue is host to artistic workshops and classes and the whole place is built on the ideas of diversity and inclusion. This combination makes the OT301 one of the friendliest and coolest places to spend time and soak up the atmosphere in. And if you’re really lucky, you might discover a new talent of your own too!

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#21 – Electric Ladyland – Quite the quirky place in Amsterdam!

• A quirky educational experience.
• Literally one of a kind.
• A fascinating and interactive glimpse of another world.

Why it’s so awesome : In a city full of quirky places, this is probably one of the strangest. It’s a tiny museum in Jordaan and is dedicated to fluorescent art. Well, it’s actually dedicated to a mix of art, science, and geology. This might sound a little strange, but the displays explore minerals, art and stones that glow under ultraviolet light in a way that’s both beautiful and fascinating. It’s so fascinating that you won’t even notice that you’re learning at the same time!

What to do there : You need to book ahead to get into this museum but it’s worth taking the time. Not only are the displays beautiful, but they’re also interactive. So while you’re there, make sure you take in all the lights and colours and also go the extra step and become a part of the artwork!

#22 – The Royal Palace

• Stunning architecture.
• Great for taking pictures.
• An interesting historical site.

Why it’s awesome : Everyone loves hearing about royalty and now you can see where they lived and died and everything in between! The Royal Palace in Amsterdam is the official residence of the King of Holland and was built in 1648 as a Town Hall. The rulers at the time had an unusual taste, so the architecture is modelled after the buildings in ancient Rome, which makes a fascinating statement in the modern city.

What to do there: The Royal Palace is incredibly beautiful and richly appointed, which is why it makes the perfect location for photographs. You can also tour the inside, as long as it isn’t occupied, so make sure you spend some time in the opulent staterooms. You’ll get a much better idea of just how wealthy royalty can be when you stroll around the impressive Royal Palace!

#23 – Westergasfabriek

• One of Amsterdam’s cultural centres.
• A great place to eat, watch a movie or shop!
• There’s something for everyone here.

Why it’s so awesome : This was once a slightly grimy industrial hub, but it’s been turned into the cultural center of the city. It has quirky stores and businesses, comfortable cafes and there are always events and festivals going on. So if you’re ever looking for something to do while you’re in Amsterdam, this is the place to come. Because there’s always something going on here.

What to do there : This area is so crowded with things to do that it’s easier to say what you can’t do. There are great restaurants and bars, cafes, an arthouse cinema, a microbrewery and coffee roasters. And as if that wasn’t enough, the area also plays host to events, markets and festivals on a regular basis. So, whatever you want to do, you can probably find a way to do it here.

#24 – De Pijp Neighborhood

• A window into everyday life in Amsterdam.
• A great place to shop, eat, or just relax.
• The interesting mix of cultures in the area makes for some great food.

Why it’s so awesome : This neighbourhood is a melting pot of different cultures and foods and is one of the most vibrant areas in the city. It’s also known as the Latin Quarter of Amsterdam and there are lots of pubs, cafes and restaurants in the area for you to try. It’s a great way to get a better idea of the different cultures that live in Amsterdam and how they seem to coexist in relative harmony.

What to do there : While you’re in the area, visit the shops and look for souvenirs or gifts for people back home. Make sure you visit one of the very traditional pubs in the area or have a meal in one of the many, very good restaurants. There is also a park nearby where you can have a break from the busyness and enjoy some nature before you go back to your explorations.

#25 – The Resistance Museum – A fascinating educational place to visit in Amsterdam

• An often-forgotten part of world history.
• Educational and interesting at the same time.
• Has special displays for younger visitors, so bring the kids along too!

Why it’s awesome: Most people outside of Holland don’t know about the role of the Dutch Resistance in the Second World War and this is a shame. The heroic men and women who fought against the Nazi’s regime deserve to be remembered and recognized, and this museum records their efforts with sensitivity and honesty. In 1945, there were more than 300,000 people hiding in the Netherlands, most of them Jews and anti-Nazi Dutch people. In this museum, you’ll see how they were hidden, how the Resistance protected them, and examine photographs, movie clips and documents from the time.

What to do there : There’s always something eerie about learning about the atrocities committed during the Second World War, but it’s life-affirming to learn about the people who fought against the horrors. If you want to feel sad but hopeful for humanity all at once, spend some time looking at the photos, documents and movie clips in this museum. It’s a good way to add to what you learn and feel at the House of Anne Frank.

#26 – Leidseplein – A great place to visit in Amsterdam at night

• Amsterdam’s nightlife center.
• The most popular square in the city.
• There are lots of great cafes and restaurants in the area.

Why it’s so awesome : This square is the centre of everything and a trip to Amsterdam wouldn’t be the same if you don’t explore this area. It’s great during the day or at night and is the perfect starting point for your adventures in the city. There are also a lot of great bars, restaurants and cafes in the area, so you’ll find somewhere to go that suits every taste.

What to do there : This square is a great place to start out a fun night with some friends. The most popular bars and restaurants in the city area are close by, and you can fan out from the centre until you find out what you’re looking for. It’s also a great place to visit during the day if you enjoy cosy cafes and delicious food.

#27 – Nieuwe Spiegelstraat – One of the most underrated places to see in Amsterdam!

• A glimpse of Amsterdam’s past.
• Great for people who want unusual souvenirs.
• Antique shoppers will love this area!

Why it’s so awesome : Souvenir shopping is fun, but sometimes you want to bring home something a little different and this is the perfect place to find that. This street is lined with antique shops, each of them showcasing a different, obscure part of the city’s history. Be prepared for weirdness when you shop here, and to see things you’ve never even heard of!

What to do there: If you like quirky, unusual things, then this street is a treasure trove. The shop dedicated to past medical instruments and oddities is particularly interesting as is the one that sells scientific instruments from the past. While you’re in this street, the best thing to do is just wander. Explore the different shops and what they have to offer. And be prepared to go home with an amazing story and souvenir or two!

#28 – Museum Vrolik

• One of the most bizarre collections you’ll ever see.
• A truly unique museum of past oddities.
• Definitely not for the squeamish!

Why it’s so awesome : This museum is located at the University of Amsterdam and it’s dedicated to human and animal anatomical mutations. Once held in a private collection, there are now more than 150 examples of mutations ranging from dental mutations to bone pathologies in both animals and humans held here.

What to do there : This is definitely not a collection for the kids or for anyone with a weak stomach. And if you don’t enjoy seeing strange things floating in jars, then you might want to give this a miss. But if your interests sometimes run to the macabre, then exploring this museum is a great way to spend a couple of hours. You’ll definitely leave the museum feeling grateful for how well your own body is put together!

#29 – De Poezenboot (The Cat Boat)

• For cat lovers!
• A chance to contribute to a worthwhile charity and pat some kitties at the same time!

Why it’s so awesome : This floating cat home is probably the only one of its kind. The cats who live here seem perfectly happy surrounded by water, and your visit could make their lives a little easier too. This unusual boat was set up as an animal sanctuary in 1966 and is a charity run entirely on donations. There are up to 50 cats on the boat at any one time and human visitors are welcome.

What to do there: This is a chance to combine animal cuddles with doing some good. Visitors are welcome to come aboard the boat for some cuddle time and to adopt. If you’re travelling, adopting probably isn’t practical, but the shelter welcomes donations, which all go towards feeding and taking care of the boat’s residents and the rest of Amsterdam’s cat population.

#30 – A’Dam Lookout and Over the Edge Swing

• Panoramic views over Amsterdam.
• A great place to take photographs.
• Something for adrenalin junkies too!

Why it’s so awesome : This tower is a landmark in Amsterdam and boasts an observation deck where you can sit and look out across the city. The views are absolutely stunning, especially on clear days, but if this isn’t enough excitement for you then consider trying the Over the Edge Swing. This is the highest swing in Europe and there’s nothing like swinging back and forward nearly 100 meters above the ground! It’s one of the most unique tourist attractions in Amsterdam.

What to do there : For most people, it’s enough to simply visit the observation deck and take in the views of the city And the historic buildings below. This is a great chance to take some photographs of the varied and atmospheric city below. If you’re looking for something more exciting, then pay a little extra and take a turn on the swing. It’s definitely worth the small extra fee and will really get your blood pumping!

#31 – Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica (the Ritman Library)

• If you enjoy Dan Brown, then make sure you visit one of the places that inspired him!
• For book lovers and especially rare book lovers.
• An interesting glimpse into different ways of thinking and living.

Why it’s so awesome : This library holds a large collection of rare books on ancient religions, mysticism and philosophy. You can find a lot of gems here from the first illustrated version of Dante’s The Divine Comedy to Cicero’s De Officiis . The collection is so varied and unusual that it inspired Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code and overall is a fascinating window into ancient and more recent schools of thought.

What to do there : This is a display for book lovers and people who are interested in learning more about the past. If you’re a reader or a student of the past, you’ll probably find some old favourites here. And who knows, maybe you’ll get inspired just as Dan Brown was!

#32 – The Homomonument

Why it’s so awesome : During the Second World War, gay men in Nazi concentration camps were forced to wear a pink triangle on their clothes. This type of marking meant only horrific things in the camps and this monument acknowledges that and remembers the men and women who lost their lives to bigotry throughout the ages. The monument was designed in 1980 after gay activists were arrested in 1970 for putting a lavender wreath on Amsterdam’s National War Memorial in Dam Square.

What to do there : This is a place to reflect and remember the horrors of World War II. To remember all the people, men and women, who lost their lives because of their sexual orientation, and to remember to do better in the future. There are three triangles in the monument. One points to Dam Square, the other to the headquarters of the oldest gay rights organisation in the world, the COC Nederland, and the third pointing to Anne Frank’s house. It’s a moving place, and people often bring flower wreaths to place on the triangle by the water in remembrance.

• A sobering but important monument to diversity.
• A reminder of how far humanity has come and how far we have to go.

#33 – Dam Square

• The centre of life in Amsterdam.
• Surrounded by amazing architecture, restaurants and cafés and the National Monument
• A great place for photos and to start out when you arrive in the city.

Why it’s so awesome : Dam Square is the centre of the city and one of the most important and well-known areas as well. It’s also the historical centre and is surrounded by examples of incredible architecture as well as important monuments to Amsterdam’s history. You can get everywhere from this spot, and it’s a great place to start out on your journey around the city. It’s home to some incredible historic buildings and many well-known tourist attractions.

What to do there : While you’re in Dam Square, you’re within walking distance of a lot of important buildings and monuments. At one end is the Royal Palace, and the other is the National Monument, which memorialises the lives lost during the Second World War. This combination of monuments and attractions has made Dam Square the centre of tourist activity in the city. It’s that mixture of cultures, from walking in the footsteps of the Dutch royal family to retelling the stories of World War II, visiting Amsterdam has so much to offer.

#34 – Science Center NEMO – Awesome place to visit in Amsterdam with kids!

• The fifth most popular museum in Amsterdam.
• Five floors of exhibits.
• Interactive, interesting displays.
• For the young and the young at heart!

Why it’s so awesome : There’s nothing like learning about science in an interactive and interesting way and this museum gives you the chance to do just that. It’s the perfect place to bring the kids if you want them to enjoy themselves and learn at the same time. And adults will enjoy it as well.

What to do there : There are five floors of exhibits in this museum so there’s no shortage of things to see and do. You can explore the universe, perform a chemistry experiment, or learn about mathematics in a way that will make you wonder why you ever hated it in school. Basically, no matter what you’re interested in, you’ll find something fun to do in this hidden gem in Amsterdam !

#35 – Our Lord in the Attic Museum

• Some awesome historical displays.
• An unusual, quirky and slightly creepy place to explore.
• Give this place a miss if you have trouble with stairs!

Why it’s so awesome : If you’re interested in the unusual, then this is the place for you. Located in the Red Light District, this four-hundred-year-old house near the canal holds a secret. The upper floors hide a richly appointed and decorated Catholic Church! The church was created in 1663, at a time when Catholics were persecuted in Holland. The then owner of the house built the church so he and his fellow Catholics could worship in peace and secrecy.

What to do there : The real draw of this tiny church is its mystery. You pass through a completely normal, albeit old house, up numerous stairs, and suddenly find yourself face to face with an altar. There is room enough for around 150 worshippers in this tiny church and the Dutch Classicist style decorations are incredibly beautiful. The tiny church is now a museum, but they still hold services there regularly. And why wouldn’t they when it’s such a beautiful place?

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Amsterdam

What should I not miss in Amsterdam?

A visit to the Anne Frank Museum is a poignant and important landmark of Amsterdam that shouldn’t be missed.

Is Amsterdam safe for solo female Travellers?

You bet it is! Amsterdam is a great choice for girls wanting to go it alone, it’s super safe and has some awesome and friendly hostels too!

What are the best places to visit in Amsterdam at night?

Have an awesome and safe night out around Leidseplein. Explore the areas many amazing bars and restaurants with something for everyone.

What are some great places to visit in Amsterdam for free?

Take in the colourful action at the Bloemenmarkt. This floating flower market is a beautiful way to see local life.

Don’t let stories and news reports scare you away from Amsterdam. This city is one of the safest and the most exciting in the world, and it definitely has to be seen to be believed. We’ve now gone through a list of some of the most interesting and historically important places in Amsterdam. By exploring this list, you’ll get a good understanding of the city’s culture, its history, and what makes it so special and you’ll have a fantastic time as well!

Once you’ve done exploring the city itself then why not check out the amazing day trips in Amsterdam too and be sure to stay close to Amsterdam Central Station for the best use of your time.

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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Where to Stay in Amsterdam (2024): 8 Best Areas for First Visit (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: December 20, 2023

Planning a trip to Amsterdam (Netherlands) and wondering where to stay on your first visit? In this guide, we share our experience-based tips and recommendations for the very best places to stay in Amsterdam. For each area, we also include hotel recommendations for all budgets.

Whether you are interested in sightseeing, the best museums and cultural attractions, shopping and dining, nightlife and entertainment, or excursions outside the city, this guide will help you choose the best places to stay in Amsterdam.

Good to know: The center of Amsterdam is not that big (definitely if you compare it to cities like London or Paris ) and you can cross the entire city center on foot in about 30-40 minutes. In addition, there are good public transport connections that make it easy to get around if you have to cover bigger distances in a hurry. So finding a good place to stay in Amsterdam close to everything is not that difficult.

Still, picking the right area to stay in Amsterdam is quite important as it can save you a lot of time and stress. After all, you probably don’t want to end up in the noisiest street in the heart of the Red Light District or find out that you have to walk half an hour every morning just to get to the starting point of your sightseeing itinerary…

TIP: If you don’t have the time to read the entire article and are wondering about our personal recommendations on where to stay in Amsterdam, here are our recommended mid-budget hotels for your first visit to Amsterdam:

• Very central, close to everything: Hotel Estheréa .
• Close to the best museums: Park Centraal Amsterdam .
• Close to Central Station: Park Plaza Victoria .

If you are looking for a nice lower-budget option, check out ClinkNOORD Hostel . It’s very close to the station but on the other side of the river from the city center. It can easily be reached by a free passenger ferry that runs every couple of minutes.

Below, you can read our guide to the very best areas to stay in Amsterdam for tourists. For each area, you can learn what to expect, what makes it a good place to stay for your first visit to Amsterdam, and find our hand-picked hotel recommendations for various budgets.

Please note that price indications are only meant for your reference, in order to be able to compare the hotels. However, actual prices depend so much on when you travel and how long in advance you book. Also, some ‘lower-budget’ hotels can be very affordable in the quiet winter months but cost twice as much in the summer…

We also created a map where you can see the approximate location of all the areas mentioned in our article. With this map, you have a better idea of where everything is.

As you can see on the map below, we recommend staying in the city center, aka Amsterdam Centrum . It’s the area more or less between the Central Station and the Museum Quarter, situated around the famous Amsterdam Canal Belt ( Grachtengordel ). Pretty much anywhere within or just near the Canal Belt is great for sightseeing and exploring Amsterdam.

Good to know: Keep in mind that accommodation in Amsterdam is scarce and expensive. Privately rented short-stay lodging options are extremely limited due to strict laws that only allow renting out private properties for a maximum of 30 days per year. In fact, we see lots of bookings for private rentals and Airbnb-style accommodations in Amsterdam getting canceled by the property. So if you want to stay in the city center and are looking for a reliable option without last-minute cancelations, you’ll have to mostly rely on hotels and hostels.

TIP: Book your hotel in Amsterdam as soon as you know your travel dates. Yes, it’s not a cheap destination, but the prices go even higher as you get closer to your travel dates.

PRO TIP: We personally use and recommend Booking.com to research and book your stay in Amsterdam (after all, Amsterdam is the birthplace of Booking.com). All kidding aside, they have the best deals and also show exactly what you will pay including all taxes.

Most hotels in Amsterdam advertise lower prices if you book directly through them, but ‘forget’ to tell you that an additional 7% tax + 3 euros per night per person tourist tax will be charged at check out. Booking.com shows you the total price, plus a breakdown of how much you have to pay upfront and how much at the hotel.

Here are the best places to stay in Amsterdam:

1. Historic Center near Central Station

Best for a short visit, sightseeing, and day trips outside the city. You will find hotels for all budgets here, from 4-5* affordable luxury to simple hostels with shared facilities.

Whether you are arriving by train from Belgium, France, or the UK, or flying to Schiphol airport (from where you’ll have to take a train to the center ), Amsterdam’s Central Station will be your first introduction to the city.

Located right at the edge of the historic old center within a short walking distance from most of the main sights and attractions in Amsterdam , this area is ideal for a first short stay in Amsterdam. The location is perfect for sightseeing in the city but also for day trips near Amsterdam . Most guided tours to the Amsterdam countryside also start near the Central Station.

If you are visiting Amsterdam for just a day or two and don’t want the hassle of having to look for any kind of transportation in the city, then simply look for a hotel within short walking distance from the Central Station.

Good to know: The nicest area to stay here is the historic center around Damrak, the main boulevard right across the street from the station. There are plenty of choices for various budgets and all types of accommodations in this part of town – from the most luxurious hotels to simple budget hostels.

If you go a bit more to the east, you’ll find Amsterdam’s ChinaTown and the Red Light District. While staying in the main streets of the Red Light District is definitely not for everyone, China Town just a few streets further is a good place for somewhat better-value accommodations in this part of town.

Here are some of the best hotels within 5 minutes walking distance from the Central Station:

€€€€€ NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace . €€€€ Park Plaza Victoria (the most popular hotel in this area right in front of the station). €€€ Hotel Mai . €€ A-Train Hotel . € THIS HO(S)TEL or The Flying Pig Downtown .

2. Dam Square

The most central location to stay in Amsterdam, close to everything. Perfect for sightseeing, shopping, and museums, but also good for day trips outside the city. If you want to be in the middle of all the action, this is it.

Home to Amsterdam’s Royal Palace , the area around Dam Square is the historic heart of the city of Amsterdam. It’s located just 10 minutes walk from the Central Station and 20 minutes walk from the Museum District. The Red Light District is just a few blocks to the east, and the famous 9 Streets area around the nicest canals is just a few blocks further to the west.

If you are looking for the best area to stay in Amsterdam close to everything, this is pretty much as central as it gets. All the main tourist attractions are within easy walk from here. This area is also home to the biggest department stores and the main shopping streets of Amsterdam.

Good to know: Some of the most luxurious hotels in Amsterdam are located right on Dam Square. This is definitely not the most budget-friendly area to stay in Amsterdam. However, also in this part of the city, you can find accommodations for various budgets.

Here are some of the best-rated hotels around Dam Square:

€€€€€€€ Hotel TwentySeven – Small Luxury Hotels of the World . €€€€€ Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky . €€€€ Swissôtel Amsterdam . €€€ Best Western Dam Square Inn . €€ Rho Hotel .

3. The Nine Streets

Perfect for a romantic stay in Amsterdam, but also for sightseeing, shopping, and dining. This is one of the nicest areas to stay in Amsterdam in the upper-mid price range.

The 9 Streets (De Negen Straatjes) is one of the most charming canal neighborhoods of Amsterdam. With independent boutiques and small local businesses, the atmosphere here is great and the area is extremely popular with tourists and locals alike.

If you are looking for a perfect location for a romantic stay in Amsterdam or a hotel room with a view overlooking one of the nicest canals in the city, you’ll find some wonderful choices here. There are also lots of very good restaurants nearby.

Good to know: The location of the Nine Streets is very central and comparable to that of the above-mentioned Dam Square (but much quieter and more laid-back). The 9 Streets are about 15-20 minutes walk from Central Station to the north and the Museum District to the south.

Here are some of the best-rated hotels in/near the 9 Streets district:

€€€€€€+ The Dylan Amsterdam – The Leading Hotels of the World . €€€€€ Pulitzer Amsterdam . €€€€ The Hoxton . €€€+ Hotel Estheréa (one of the most popular choices in this part of Amsterdam). €€ Hotel Clemens .

4. Canals Around Rembrandt Square

Prestigious location and close to everything. Perfect for sightseeing and dining.

The southern part of Amsterdam’s Canal Belt (Grachtengordel) close to where the Amstel River meets the oldest canals is one of the most prestigious areas to stay in central Amsterdam. This is roughly the area around Rembrandtplein (Rembrandt Square).

The location is close to everything and you are in the heart of the most sought-after canal district.

However, also here, a lot depends on the exact location and the hotel that you choose. Some of the oldest and most exclusive hotels in Amsterdam are located in this part of the city but there are plenty of mid-range options as well. There are tons of restaurants in this area too.

Amsterdam is really unique in that way – you can find accommodations and restaurants for all price ranges in pretty much any neighborhood… One street can be very low-key with simple accommodations and cheap eateries, and the other one just behind the corner is lined with luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants. And sometimes they are just next to each other too…

Good to know: Rembrandt Square is less than 20 minutes walk from pretty much anywhere in the city center, so it’s really central and close to everything for sightseeing. If you visit Amsterdam during the Christmas holiday season , you will find an ice skating rink on Rembrandt Square as well.

Here are some of the best-rated hotels in this part of the city for various budgets:

€€€€€€€€€ Waldorf Astoria (this is the most expensive hotel in Amsterdam). €€€€€ Tivoli Doelen (the oldest hotel in Amsterdam). €€€€ NH Collection Amsterdam Flower Market . €€€ Eden Hotel Amsterdam (one of the best-value hotels in this part of the city). €€ Hotel Amstelzicht .

5. Leiden Square

Lively area, perfect for entertainment, nightlife, museums, and dining .

The famous Leiden Square (Leidseplein) is one of the liveliest parts of central Amsterdam. There are tons of cafes and restaurants for all budgets here, and this neighborhood is also known for its many entertainment venues.

The City Theater is located right on Leidseplein and DeLaMar Theater is just nearby. Popular live music venues such as Paradiso and Melkweg are located in this part of the city as well. The largest casino in Amsterdam can also be found here.

Also here, you will find hotels and restaurants for all budgets.

Interesting to know: This part of Amsterdam has been historically popular among Americans. The iconic American (now Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam American ) and Hard Rock Café are both located on/near Leiden Square. The American Hotel was also used as the filming location of ‘Hotel Filosoof’ in the movie Fault in Our Stars .

Good to know: Leidseplein is about 30 minutes walk from the station (or just 10 minutes by tram). It’s just across the canal from the Museum District and Vondelpark and about 15 minutes walk from either Rembrandt Square or the Nine Streets.

Here are some of the best-rated and most popular hotels near Leiden Square:

€€€€ Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam American . €€€ Krisotel . €€ Hotel van de Vijsel . € Hans Brinker Hostel .

6. Museum District

One of the quietest and greenest areas in Amsterdam’s city center. Perfect for museums, but also good for sightseeing, and dining.

Amsterdam’s Museum Square (Museumplein) is home to some of the most visited museums in Amsterdam – Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum . But also Moco Museum, Diamond Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam’s Concert Hall, and a few other attractions are located in this neighborhood.

One of the biggest parks in Amsterdam – Vondelpark – is also in this area and the earlier mentioned Leidseplein is just across the canal. The historic Heineken Brewery is a short walk away and if you are looking to explore more residential areas, you can easily walk to the De Pijn neighborhood which is known for its lively outdoor market (Albert Cuyp Market).

Good to know: The Museum District is a bit further from the hustle and bustle of the city center and about 30-40 minutes walk or a 10-15 minutes ride by tram from the Central Station.

How close to everything or how quiet it is, really depends on the hotel that you choose. The area closer to Leidseplein is very busy, whereas the other side of the Singel Canal, closer to the museums and Vondelpark is incomparably quieter. Also, a hotel room facing the main street is not the same as one facing the gardens…

Here are some of the best hotels close to the Museum District of Amsterdam:

€€€€ Park Centraal Amsterdam . €€€ Leonardo Boutique Museumhotel . €€ Hotel Van Gogh . € The Flying Pig Uptown .

7. Jordaan Neighborhood

Residential area, close to everything but far away from the main tourist routes. Perfect for those looking to experience the more authentic side of Amsterdam.

Located southwest of the central station and a stone’s throw from the busiest areas in Amsterdam’s old city center, Jordaan is a very quiet residential neighborhood.

The name ‘Jordaan’ comes from the French ‘jardin’ which means ‘garden’. There are not that many gardens here anymore, but if you are looking for a more local area to stay in Amsterdam, you’ll love it here!

This is a rather big area with very few hotels, several B&Bs, and a few privately-rented places. Depending on where exactly you are staying, it’s just a 10-20 minutes walk from the station or Dam Square.

Here are the best hotels in the Jordaan neighborhood:

€€€€ Mr Jordaan . €€€+ Linden Hotel . €€€ Adam Suites .

8. Eastern Docklands & North Riverside

Great price-quality location in the modern and upcoming part of the city. Within easy reach of the historic center and perfect for day trips outside the city.

North Riverside is a rapidly developing residential area just across the IJ River north of the historic old town best known for A’DAM Tower (with unparalleled 360° views of Amsterdam). Eastern Docklands is located closer to the center and is close to NEMO Science Museum (the best museum for families with kids).

Eastern Docklands is connected to the center by pedestrian bridges, whereas the Northern Riverside can be reached by passenger ferries. These ferries go every couple of minutes and are free of charge. They run from several locations right behind the Central Station. The trip to the other side takes just a minute or two.

This is one of the best price-quality locations to stay in Amsterdam on a lower budget. If you like bright modern hotels and a certain level of comfort, you’ll get much better value for your money here than in the historic old town.

The main disadvantage of staying here is that you are a bit outside of all the action, so it will take you longer to get to the main sights in the city. There are also fewer restaurants. Depending on the exact location of your hotel, you also have to be prepared for quite some extra walking.

On the other hand, it’s a really nice area and since the station is within easy reach, it’s also great for day trips outside the city (by train or with tours).

Here are some of the most popular hotels in the Northern part of Amsterdam:

€€€€+ DoubleTree by Hilton (very close to the station). €€€€ Mövenpick (close to the cruise ship terminal). €€€ Holiday Inn Express (North Riverside – about 15 minutes walk from one of the ferries). €€+ YOTEL Amsterdam (North Riverside, about 20 minutes walk from the ferry). €€ ClinkNOORD Hostel (North Riverside, very close to A’DAM Tower and just 4 minutes from the ferry).

TIP: A bit to the other side from the station and all the other hotels in this selection, Room Mate Aitana deserves a mention in this part of the city as well. It’s a big modern design hotel, about 10-15 minutes walk northwest of the station. It’s very popular, mainly because of a good price/quality ratio for the location.

TIP: Once you decide on the approximate area where to stay in Amsterdam, you can also use this accommodation map to compare the best hotel options.

Simply insert your travel dates, place, and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Once again, the earlier you book, the more availability and better price/quality!

For our recent visit to Amsterdam, we booked the accommodation 7 months before the trip and stayed at a really nice hotel close to Leidseplein and all the museums ( Park Centraal Amsterdam ) at a very reasonable rate. I checked the hotel prices a few weeks before the trip and they were almost twice as high. A week before our trip, they had no availability at all.

The best place to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors is the city center, the wide area located south of Central Station and north of Museum Square. It’s here that you will find the main sights and attractions, shopping streets, and tons of restaurants and hotels for all budgets. However, there is a big difference between various areas within the center. Our personal favorite is the area around the Nine Streets and the southern part of Amsterdam’s Canal Belt, Grachtengordel.

The most central area to stay in Amsterdam for sightseeing is located between Dam Square, 9 Streets, and Rembrandt Square. From here, you can walk to pretty much all the top attractions in Amsterdam in 5-20 minutes.

While it is available, the number of Airbnbs and other privately-rented accommodations is very limited in Amsterdam. Since the law changed allowing people to rent out their homes for a maximum of 30 nights a year, privately rented accommodation options in Amsterdam went down drastically.

While you can see some of the top sights in Amsterdam in just one or two days, we highly recommend planning at least 3-4 days in the city (4-5 nights). With 3 days, you can visit the most important museums and attractions and explore some local neighborhoods. With a day or two extra, you can also visit the countryside, see the windmills, and – in spring – the famous Dutch tulip fields.

Amsterdam’s city center is so compact that you can walk everywhere on foot (just watch out for locals on bikes!). That being said, public transport is also great, with regular trams, metros, and even free ferries if you have lots of luggage or need to cover bigger distances quickly.

Schiphol International Airport is located just 14 km (9 miles) from Amsterdam city center. That’s if you would walk or take a bike. By car, depending on where you have to be, it’s closer to 20 km (12 miles). Since traffic can be really bad, the most convenient way to get from the airport to the city center is by train .

So, this is our guide to the very best places to stay in Amsterdam. I hope that this gives you a better idea of what to expect and helps you find the perfect place for your stay.

Once again, if you find a place that you like and the price is reasonable, book asap!

For more tips for your visit, take a look at our Amsterdam travel tips & tricks article. It contains lots of important information for first-time visitors that you really should know.

Our travel guides for Amsterdam & the Netherlands:

• Best things to do in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam canal cruise
• Top museums in Amsterdam
• Tips for Van Gogh Museum
• 1 day in Amsterdam
• 2 days in Amsterdam
• 3 days in Amsterdam
• 4 days in Amsterdam
• Best day trips from Amsterdam
• Top places in the Dutch countryside near Amsterdam
• Lisse tulip fields
• Keukenhof Gardens
• Kinderdijk Windmills
• Alkmaar Cheese Market
• Amsterdam in June
• Amsterdam in December
• Amsterdam at Christmas

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

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About The Netherlands

How many days do you need in amsterdam: a comprehensive guide.

Amsterdam, the enchanting capital of the Netherlands, is known for its fascinating history, vibrant culture, scenic canals, and much more. With endless attractions, activities, and experiences—many of which are unique to this lively city—it can be challenging to decide how to make the most of your visit. One frequently asked question among travelers is, "how many days do you need in Amsterdam?"

The ideal duration of your stay in Amsterdam largely depends on the type and pace of your travel preferences. Some visitors may feel content with an action-packed three-day weekend getaway, while others could spend weeks diving deep into every aspect that this charming city has to offer—from museums to cycling adventures.

Key Takeaways

• The ideal length of your stay in Amsterdam depends on personal preferences and interests
• Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences, such as exploring museums, cycling, and dining
• Consider the possibility of staying longer to visit nearby cities and make the most of your trip

Understanding Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is a vibrant and exciting destination with a rich cultural and historical landscape. Often referred to as the "Venice of the North," this Dutch city uniquely boasts a network of iconic canals that not only adds to its charm but is also a significant part of its history.

Founded in the 12th century as a small fishing village, Amsterdam gradually expanded over the centuries to establish itself as an important trade center. The Dutch Golden Age was marked by the city's rapid growth, including the construction of its canals to improve transport and water management. Today, these canals stand as both a symbol of the city's past and an attraction for visitors.

In order to truly understand Amsterdam, one must acknowledge its multicultural and diverse atmosphere. The Dutch have always been a forward-thinking people, and this spirit is reflected in the city's contemporary society. Amsterdam embraces its international influences and successfully melds them with Dutch traditions to create a unique experience for all who visit.

Amsterdam's rich history is also integral to its identity. The city boasts numerous museums and historic landmarks that chronicle its storied past. From the Anne Frank House to the Rijksmuseum, a visit to these sites provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the city's culture.

With so much to see and do, it is essential to determine the right amount of time to spend in Amsterdam. Visitors should consider allocating at least a few days to explore the city's many offerings, from its charming neighborhoods to the lively arts and cultural scene. By striking a balance between traditional and modern attractions, visitors can experience the essence of what makes Amsterdam a thriving and dynamic city.

How Many Days Are Ideal

When planning a trip to Amsterdam, one might wonder how many days are necessary to fully experience the city. While the ideal duration depends on personal preferences, a 3-day itinerary is often recommended for first-time visitors.

Three days in Amsterdam provide a perfect balance of time to explore the city's main attractions, picturesque streets, and vibrant culture. During this time, visitors can comfortably visit key sites such as the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum, while still having opportunities to enjoy leisurely strolls, canal cruises, or bike rides.

Furthermore, with 3 days in Amsterdam, travelers can explore the city's famous culinary culture by trying Dutch delicacies like raw herring or stroopwafels. Additionally, the thriving nightlife, including the popular Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein areas, can be experienced, which are highlighted by pubs, clubs, and live music venues nestled around Amsterdam's picturesque canals.

While a 3-day visit is sufficient to explore the iconic landmarks and enjoy the ambiance, a longer stay may be desired for those who wish to delve deeper into specific aspects of Amsterdam life. For instance, an extended visit allows for a more leisurely exploration of the numerous museums, art galleries, and historic sites, or the opportunity to attend popular cultural events like the yearly Tulip Festival.

In conclusion, the number of days needed for an Amsterdam visit depends on individual preferences and interests. While 3 days is ideal for first-time visitors, a longer stay caters to those wanting a more immersive experience within the unique culture and history of this enchanting city.

Diving into Amsterdam's Museums

A trip to Amsterdam would be incomplete without exploring its world-famous museums. This city has an incredibly rich cultural and artistic heritage, which can be discovered in various establishments housing some of the most valuable and significant artifacts and art pieces ever created. In this section, we'll cover four must-see museums: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and Moco Museum .

Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum, the Netherlands' national museum, is dedicated to the country's art and history. It is home to over a million artifacts, including some extraordinary masterpieces, such as Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" and Vermeer's "The Milkmaid." Plan to spend at least half a day unwrapping the wonders of this vast museum. Art lovers seeking a deeper understanding will appreciate the multimedia guides, which provide expert commentary on the featured works.

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is the ultimate destination for enthusiasts of the genius artist, Vincent van Gogh. The museum's collection encompasses more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 750 letters by Van Gogh himself. Visitors will be taken on a journey through the artist's tumultuous life, illuminating the various artistic periods that shaped his work. Allocate a couple of hours to appreciate the beauty and significance of Van Gogh's masterpieces, like "Sunflowers," "Almond Blossom," and "The Potato Eaters."

Anne Frank House

One of the most poignant locations in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. This museum tells the story of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis during the Second World War. The museum's centerpiece is the Secret Annex, where Anne and her family took refuge for two years, chronicling their experiences in her now-famous diary. Visitors should allocate about 90 minutes for this moving experience and be prepared for an emotional journey through history.

Moco Museum

For those seeking a modern twist, the Moco Museum is a perfect choice. This contemporary art museum features works by iconic artists like Banksy, Salvador Dalí, and Andy Warhol. Banksy's satirical works and Dalí's surreal masterpieces invite visitors to question societal norms and engage in thought-provoking conversations. Depending on your affinity for contemporary art, you can allocate 1 to 2 hours to witness the fascinating exhibits that the Moco Museum has to offer.

Exploring the City on Bicycle

Cycling in Amsterdam is a quintessential experience that every visitor should partake in. The city itself is incredibly bicycle-friendly, with well-maintained bike lanes, dedicated traffic signals, and an abundance of rental shops. In the morning, as the city awakens, one can witness locals riding their bicycles to work, school, or just going about their daily routines.

Renting a bicycle is incredibly easy and affordable in Amsterdam. Choose from various rental shops scattered across the city, offering a range of bicycles that cater to individual preferences and needs. Daily and hourly rates are available, allowing visitors flexibility with their exploration.

An excellent way to truly explore Amsterdam by bicycle is by joining a guided bicycle tour . These tours cater to different tastes and interests, traversing the city's picturesque canals, historic sites, and vibrant neighborhoods. Led by experienced guides, these tours offer a rich and informative experience, suitable for all cycling levels. Along with locals, you'll be confidently gliding through the narrow streets and bustling squares.

While morning tours provide the chance to explore the city as it comes to life, evening tours offer a completely different view of Amsterdam. As the sun sets, the charming canal houses light up and the city transforms into an enchanting, almost magical realm. A leisurely bicycle ride along the canals and illuminated bridges on a tranquil evening is an unforgettable experience.

During your time in Amsterdam, take advantage of the bike-friendly environment and experience the city like a true local. With numerous routes and hidden gems to discover, the city awaits your exploration on two wheels. Remember to always practice safe cycling and adhere to the local traffic rules for an enjoyable experience.

Particular Attractions of Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, offers a variety of attractions to entice visitors. One such location is Vondelpark , the city's largest and most famous park. It's perfect for leisurely strolls, picnics, and bike rides, creating a relaxing atmosphere amid the bustling city.

A visit to Dam Square is essential to any Amsterdam itinerary. The historical square is surrounded by notable buildings such as the Royal Palace, a symbol of Dutch wealth and power. Visitors can marvel at the architecture or engage in people-watching at one of the many cafés lining the square.

The Red Light District is another iconic part of Amsterdam. While it may not be suitable for all travelers, this area provides an eye-opening experience and a glimpse into the city's liberal attitudes towards the adult entertainment industry.

If you're looking for a more traditional Dutch experience, explore the Jordaan neighborhood, known for its picturesque canals and charming streets. It's the perfect setting for delightful photo opportunities or simply soaking in the local atmosphere.

The Nine Streets , situated in Amsterdam's Canal District, showcases the city's unique shopping scene. Here, visitors can find an array of boutiques, vintage shops, and art galleries nestled among charming buildings.

History enthusiasts should make a point to visit the Oude Kerk , the oldest building in Amsterdam. This 14th-century church provides a fascinating look into Amsterdam's past and showcases stunning Gothic architecture.

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is another impressive attraction to explore. Originally a city hall, this grand building displays an awe-inspiring mix of classical and Dutch Baroque architecture. Inside, visitors can appreciate luxurious interiors and impressive artwork.

In conclusion, these attractions offer a diverse and engaging experience for visitors to Amsterdam. By exploring these sites, travelers can gain a rich understanding of the history and culture of this captivating city.

Food and Dining

Amsterdam offers a diverse and vibrant food scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. From the traditional Dutch food to international cuisine, Amsterdam has it all. To fully appreciate the culinary delights of this city, consider spending at least 3-4 days for food exploration.

Endulge in local Dutch food at authentic and charming cafes, where you can savor local dishes such as bitterballen, kroket, and erwtensoep. Don't miss out on the iconic stroopwafel , a delicious waffle cookie filled with caramel that has become the epitome of Dutch sweets.

Local restaurants often provide a more genuine and intimate dining experience, which is an excellent way to discover the city's bustling food culture. Stroll along the beautiful canals and quaint streets to uncover hidden gems in Amsterdam's food scene.

One must-visit location is Foodhallen , an indoor food market featuring numerous food stalls. With a diverse range of delicacies from all over the world, Foodhallen provides visitors with a gastronomic adventure within a lively and modern atmosphere.

For more authentic Dutch street food experiences, head to the Albert Cuyp Market , a lively outdoor market located in the De Pijp neighborhood. Here, you'll find numerous stalls selling anything from fresh produce to traditional Dutch treats such as herring and poffertjes.

To sum up, Amsterdam offers a plethora of dining options and food experiences. While it is possible to get a taste of the city within a short period, planning a longer stay will give you a broader insight into its culinary charms.

Amsterdam’s Unique Architecture

Amsterdam is renowned for its exceptional architecture, characterized by picturesque canal houses, striking landmarks, and the visually stunning canal belt. The city's architectural landscape, symbolic of the Netherlands' rich history, leaves visitors enchanted and captivated.

The canal belt, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a testament to Amsterdam's unique layout and city planning during the early 17th century. The canals were constructed in a concentric pattern, with the main three being Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht, and Herengracht. The extensive network of waterways, along with the uniform and distinct architecture, creates a harmonious urban landscape that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Amsterdam's canal houses are one of the city's most iconic architectural features. With their tall, narrow, and gabled facades, these buildings create a sense of unity and continuity along the waterways. Many canal houses are adorned with intricate gables, ornamental carvings, and detailed cornices, reflecting the wealth and status of their original owners.

While exploring Amsterdam, visitors will also come across numerous landmarks that capture the essence of the city's architectural style. The Royal Palace, Concertgebouw, Westerkerk, and Central Station provide examples of the range of architectural designs present in the city.

In addition to these historical structures, Amsterdam's houseboats add a unique dimension to the city's waterways. Once utilitarian vessels, these floating residences have evolved into an integral part of the city's cultural identity. Most houseboats are comfortably furnished and beautifully maintained, providing unique accommodation options for tourists and locals alike.

In conclusion, Amsterdam's architecture is a captivating blend of history, functionality, and charm. From its meticulously designed canal belt to its colorful houseboats, the city delivers a visual feast that is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who visit.

Outdoor Activities and Tours

Amsterdam offers a plethora of outdoor activities and tours that cater to a diverse array of interests. To make the most of your time in the city, consider partaking in different types of tours to fully explore its charm.

Canal Tours are an essential part of the Amsterdam experience, giving visitors a unique perspective of the city's historical architecture and picturesque landscape. A guided boat tour offers a relaxing and informative journey through the iconic canals. Alternatively, you can rent a pedalo and explore the waterways at your own pace. A canal cruise may also be included with the I Amsterdam Card, which grants access to various attractions and public transport.

For those who prefer to stay on land, walking tours and bike tours provide excellent opportunities to admire Amsterdam's urban beauty. Bike tours, in particular, are a popular choice since the city is known for its cycling-friendly infrastructure. A knowledgeable local guide will lead you through winding streets, showing you hidden gems and sharing fascinating stories.

Amsterdam boasts numerous verdant parks that offer a respite from the bustling cityscape. A leisurely stroll or an invigorating bike ride through parks, such as Vondelpark or Westerpark, offers a refreshing experience surrounded by nature. These green oases are ideal for picnics, outdoor sports, or simply soaking up the sun.

Day trips outside of Amsterdam are valuable options to explore the Netherlands’ rich history and culture. The nearby picturesque villages of Zaanse Schans, Marken, and Volendam are accessible destinations that offer stunning views and traditional Dutch experiences.

To make the most of your visit, consider purchasing an I Amsterdam Card which grants you access to various attractions, public transport, and numerous discounts. This card enables tourists to conveniently experience the cultural and outdoor offerings of Amsterdam.

By engaging in various outdoor activities and tours, you will gain a better appreciation of Amsterdam's captivating ambiance and create unforgettable memories.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, a city known for its picturesque canals, rich history, and vibrant culture, offers various options for travelers who wish to make the most of their stay. When deciding where to stay in Amsterdam , one should consider factors such as location, budget, and amenities offered.

One of the most charming neighborhoods in the city is the Jordaan district . This quaint area is known for its beautiful architecture, narrow streets, and the famous Anne Frank House. The Jordaan district is perfect for those looking for a more authentic, local experience. Accommodation options here range from boutique hotels to cozy Airbnb apartments where you can enjoy the true essence of Amsterdam living.

For those who prefer a more upscale and luxurious experience, the Museum Quarter or Canal Ring area is an excellent choice. Home to the prestigious Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the elegant Vondelpark, this area offers several high-end hotels and posh restaurants. With its proximity to iconic landmarks and an opulent atmosphere, the Museum Quarter or Canal Ring delivers a refined stay.

Budget-conscious travelers can find affordable accommodations closer to the outskirts of the city, such as in the lively De Pijp neighborhood. Known for its buzzing atmosphere, thriving food scene, and various cultural centers, De Pijp is an ideal choice for those who wish to explore Amsterdam without breaking the bank.

Lastly, for travelers who seek a tranquil retreat from the bustling city, Amsterdam Noord is a great option. This area, located just across the IJ River, boasts serene surroundings and charming residential streets. A quick ferry ride connects Amsterdam Noord to the city center, providing easy access while maintaining a peaceful environment.

In conclusion, Amsterdam offers a multitude of accommodation options tailored to suit every traveler's needs. Whether you prefer the charming atmosphere of the Jordaan district, the luxury of the Museum Quarter, or the budget-friendliness of De Pijp, you are sure to find the perfect place to stay and make your visit memorable.

Exploring Nearby Cities

Visiting Amsterdam offers a perfect opportunity to explore nearby cities in the Netherlands and surrounding European countries. With efficient train connections and short travel times, these charming locations are easily reachable for day trips or weekend getaways.

Rotterdam is a modern and vibrant city, boasting striking architecture and a bustling port. Known for its innovative designs, such as the cube houses and the Erasmus Bridge, it's a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts. A quick 40-minute train ride from Amsterdam takes you to this dynamic urban center.

Venture back in time at Zaanse Schans , a picturesque village showcasing traditional Dutch windmills and wooden houses. Just 20 minutes from Amsterdam by train, this open-air museum offers a glimpse of the Netherlands' industrial history and rural life from the 18th and 19th centuries.

A short 30-minute train journey from Amsterdam, Utrecht is a charming city with a rich history. With its beautiful canals, impressive Dom Tower, and quaint cafes, it's a more peaceful alternative to the bustling capital.

Beyond the Netherlands, cities such as Paris, London, and Brussels are excellent options for longer day trips. Fast train connections make it feasible to explore these iconic cities on day trips.

Paris , the city of lights, is just over three hours away by train. You can visit world-renowned attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. This romantic city offers exquisite cuisine, inspiring art, and a unique cultural experience.

London is another great option, with a high-speed train connection that takes just under four hours from Amsterdam. Marvel at the historic Tower of London, ride the London Eye, or explore the vibrant markets of Camden Town.

The capital of Belgium , Brussels , is less than two hours by train from Amsterdam. Known for its stunning Grand Place, Atomium, and delectable chocolate, it makes for a memorable excursion.

Lastly, the North Sea coastline in the Netherlands offers a variety of beach towns, such as Zandvoort and Scheveningen. Easily accessible by train, these coastal gems provide a refreshing contrast to city sightseeing.

In conclusion, Amsterdam's prime location allows visitors to make the most of their time by exploring a diverse array of nearby cities and attractions.

Making the Most of Your Visit

When planning an Amsterdam itinerary, it's essential to make the most of your time in this vibrant city. To fully experience the city's charm, we recommend spending at least three days in Amsterdam. However, if you have just 24 hours, there are still plenty of activities to fill your day.

Morning: Start your day by arriving at Schiphol Airport and take advantage of the efficient public transportation into the city. Begin your day with a hearty Dutch breakfast at a local café, then head to the iconic Rijksmuseum to view masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age. Next, walk through the beautiful Vondelpark, or rent a bike from MacBike for an authentic Dutch experience.

Afternoon: Satisfy your hunger with a visit to the Foodhallen, where you'll find a delightful variety of global cuisine. Following a tasty meal, explore the picturesque Jordaan neighborhood, known for its narrow canals and charming architecture. Take your time browsing local boutiques, galleries, and cafes as you meander through the winding streets.

Evening: As evening arrives, Amsterdam's vibrant nightlife comes alive. Immerse yourself in the city's famous beer culture by visiting a local brewery, such as Brouwerij 't IJ. Finally, conclude your day with a scenic canal cruise to witness the charm of Amsterdam's illuminated bridges and historic buildings.

If you have more than one day in the city, consider attending popular festivals, such as King's Day or the Amsterdam Dance Event, depending on the season. Amsterdam offers a rich calendar of cultural events throughout the year. Be sure to research which festivals align with your visit, adding a unique touch to your itinerary.

Regardless of the duration of your stay, it is essential to utilize public transportation when moving around the city. From trams and buses to the metro, navigating Amsterdam is simple and convenient. This way, you'll have ample time to delve into the plethora of experiences the city has in store for you.

Concluding Thoughts

In Amsterdam, the city's rich history and vibrant culture can be experienced through numerous attractions. A few days are sufficient to explore the essential highlights, but for a more immersive experience, it's ideal to spend a week or more.

Visitors can marvel at the colorful tulips and other flowers at the Bloemenmarkt, the world's only floating flower market. Springtime, particularly in April, is perfect for witnessing the beauty of these flowers in full bloom.

Artis Zoo, another popular attraction, offers the opportunity to observe diverse wildlife species and enjoy the lovely open-air theatre where performances are held seasonally. This delightful experience can easily consume an entire day.

The famous I Amsterdam sign is another must-visit destination for tourists. It represents the city's inclusive spirit, providing a perfect photo opportunity amidst the captivating surroundings. Additionally, consider allocating a day to explore the multiple museums showcasing Amsterdam's rich history.

In conclusion, the recommended length of stay in Amsterdam varies depending on visitors' preferences and interests. While a few days allow for seeing essential sites, a longer stay offers a deeper connection and understanding of this enchanting city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal duration for an amsterdam visit.

The ideal duration for an Amsterdam visit depends on individual preferences and interests. Generally, a 3 to 4-day trip allows travelers to explore the city's main attractions at a comfortable pace. Of course, additional days can be added if one wants to indulge in more leisurely activities or take day trips to nearby regions.

Can you explore Amsterdam in 2 days?

Yes, it is possible to cover the highlights of Amsterdam in 2 days. While it might be a tighter schedule, visitors can still experience the iconic canals, visit the Anne Frank House, take a stroll through the vibrant neighborhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp, and explore the museums such as the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.

What can you cover in 3 days in Amsterdam?

In 3 days, visitors can comfortably explore the popular attractions, such as the museums, canals, and historical landmarks, without feeling rushed. They may also delve deeper into the city's culture by visiting quaint cafes, engaging in a canal cruise, trying local cuisine, and attending a cultural event or concert.

Is it worth spending 4 days in Amsterdam?

Spending 4 days in Amsterdam provides a more relaxed and immersive experience. In addition to the must-see sights, travelers can visit less crowded spots like Vondelpark or the Amsterdamse Bos, explore the bustling markets, and discover more local neighborhoods. A 4-day trip allows time for a more personalized and unique itinerary.

Are 5 days in Amsterdam too lengthy?

Not necessarily, as a 5-day stay in Amsterdam offers an opportunity to truly immerse oneself in the city's charm and culture. While one may have covered the main attractions within the first few days, the remaining time allows for a deeper exploration of hidden gems, day trips to nearby locations such as Utrecht or Haarlem, or enjoying the city's social life and entertainment.

What are the must-see sights during a short Amsterdam trip?

During a short trip to Amsterdam, visitors should prioritize the following sights:

• Iconic canals for their picturesque views and history
• Anne Frank House to learn about the tragic events of World War II
• Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum for art enthusiasts
• Jordaan neighborhood for its quaint streets and unique shops
• Dam Square, as the historical heart of the city, featuring the Royal Palace and the National Monument

Remember, a visitor's interests and preferences will influence which sights are considered must-see during their Amsterdam trip.

Leo van den Berg

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8 EASY Weekend Trips from Amsterdam to Other Countries

• January 21, 2018

Why would you want to take a weekend trip from Amsterdam? So many reasons! You could live in Amsterdam as we do. Perhaps you are a local or an expat that lives in the Netherlands and it’s easy to get to Amsterdam as a starting point. Maybe you are in the city for work for an extended period of time and you want to make the most of the experience. Or maybe you are making Amsterdam your base for a longer European adventure!

This post contains affiliate links.

Whatever your personal reason for wanting to use Amsterdam as your jumping off point, there are an amazing amount of quick weekend trips to be had that are short flights or train journeys from Amsterdam. It’s super easy to get around Europe thanks to a well-connected central train station and an easy (and cheap to get to) international airport.

Related: Day trips from Amsterdam

Weekend trip #1 // Amsterdam to London

How to get there: Quick flights ( Check flight prices ) are about 50 minutes or the international train, the Eurostar takes just over 4.5 hours. Though a new and faster line is coming. Exciting times!

Somehow, I actually don’t write much about London even though I go often as it’s one of my favorite places to go from Amsterdam. Last year I went four times! It is such an interesting and large place with so much going on. I’ve taken a couple of food tours: one in SoHo and one by the London Bridge so that I could get introduced to proper British food. Every time I go, I try to make a reservation for an afternoon tea. I like Scoff & Banter Tea Rooms because of the variety and fancy-pants factor, but we did try the Alice in Wonderland one too. Sadly, I enjoyed the show part of it over the actual eating part. At least it was fun!

There are so many neighborhoods that I keep exploring and finding new ones. I’ll walk around and think “I could live here.” Then I go to another part of the city and think, “Nope, this is the perfect spot.”. 

Then, I laugh at myself because I’ll never be able to live in the center of London! Besides, I’m perfectly happy with the house we bought in Amsterdam . To be fair, I never thought that could happen either. Isn’t life a funny thing?

Anyway, back to London. If you like history there are plenty of museums and even non-museum places to enjoy. But sometimes it’s nice to just look at the city. Look at Buckingham Palace. Look at the Parliament Building. Look at Tower Bridge. Other times it’s nice to dive into the culture on Carnaby Street, or in SoHo. Walking in the area of Little Venice is so nice and relaxing and climbing up Primrose Hill is perfect for an awesome view.

With so many options, you might want to think about what kind of accommodation you want before you even start looking. But check out a full listing of hotels to see what fits you best. This is such an easy trip from Amsterdam when you fly from Schiphol airport to London City Airport because you are already in the city!

Hint: Stay near a subway or train station and stay farther out to pay a little less but not be too inconvenienced.

Weekend Getaway #2 // Amsterdam to Paris, France

How to get there: Quick flight ( Check flight prices ) about 1 hour and 15 minutes or the Thalys train that takes 3 hours and 18 minutes.

I try to do this every year so I’m definitely partial to this one. Even though I’m not in love with Paris like many people are, I still love visiting as a weekend getaway from Amsterdam. 

Yeah, I don’t understand myself either. Then again, I love to eat real French food every once in a while and my favorite tea brand is there! There’s just something about walking around Paris. The best thing is when you discover your spots…the places you like the most for whatever reason.

One of my favorite things that I’ve done in Paris was to grab an eclair, go to the big grassy area called Esplanade des Invalides with Edna  and hang out. So simple, yet so nice.

It’s always nice to get a good view of the iconic landmarks in Paris. Though I haven’t put together a post on this, Edna did! She also has a lot of article on Paris in general, so definitely check those out. Stay an extra day and make a long weekend out of the trip!

Weekend Excursion #3 // Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland

How to get there: Quick flight ( Check flight prices ) about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

For a quick weekend trip, hopefully, you’d be able to just take a carry-on. In that case, there are always super cheap flights to get there. It’s also very quick and easy to get to the city from the airport by bus so you don’t waste time.

If you like old town centers and bridges that give you the most incredible views, Basel will not disappoint. Even in the winter when most people don’t think to come to Europe it is such a beautiful place no matter when you are able to visit. Being able to walk around and see so many beautiful places and buildings makes it a great escape. The pace is calm and there is plenty of places to eat and drink once you are ready for a break.

If you stay in a Basel hotel, you get the Basel pass which gives you free public transit and discounts around town. Now, that’s a nice bonus and adds a bit of value to your trip.

Weekend Getaway #4 // Amsterdam to Lisbon, Portugal

How to get there: Quick flight ( Check flight prices ) about 3 hours which isn’t bad for a long weekend.

There are so many flights from Amsterdam to Lisbon, but also, it’s a quick ride from the airport to the center of town.

I don’t know about you, but everyone I know has been talking about Lisbon for the past year. It’s for a good reason! With the pretty great weather, amazing food, and the treat of Vinho Verde, it’s a great place to be.

Take a food tour to discover the flavors of Portugal , make a reservation at a delicious restaurant that is known for their seafood, and grab a drink and sit waterside to enjoy the sunshine. It’s one of those places that you can easily find touristy things to do , or just sit back and relax. 

Weekend Trip #5 // Amsterdam to Berlin, Germany

How to get there: Quick flight ( Check flight prices ) about an hour and 25 minutes.

Oh, Berlin! Berlin is such a popular destination for so many reasons. It has a great vibe, clubbing, its own unique culture, and the food scene is definitely growing. Summer is the best time to go since festivals in parks being very popular. Food trucks, music, and green grass all come together to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Hardly seems fair to think about if you are currently experiencing not-so-friendly weather.

For a weekend away, there are a ton of possibilities of what to get into , but I’ll leave that part up to you. What’s awesome about Berlin is that the variety makes it so that there is something for all us travelers. Indoor museums, outdoor events, historical significance, and so on. It’s easy to go back for multiple trips and always have something new to discover. Discover the best place to stay that fits you best!

Weekend Trip #6 // Amsterdam to Warsaw, Poland

How to get there: Quick flight ( Check flight prices ) about 2 hours

Warsaw isn’t always the first place that comes to mind for a weekend trip, or even as a short break from Amsterdam. But with a direct flight, a stunning old town, a castle and lots to see, why wouldn’t you go? Since a weekend isn’t super long and you want to have your money stretch farther, it’s a good thing it’s cheap to get from the airport to the old town center (less than €1) by bus and takes less than one house. If you’re more concerned about time than money, a taxi or Uber is always an option as well.

Agness in Warsaw’s old town.

Our friend Agness from eTramping.com has put together a full post here on A Wanderlust For Life on what to do in Warsaw over a weekend . Don’t forget about the food! Over on their blog, they have a drool-worthy post of their favorite Polish dishes .

Weekend Trip #7 // Amsterdam to Groningen, Netherlands

How to get there: By train( Check train prices ) about 2 hours

We all love Amsterdam, it’s just one of those places you have to experience. But when you want to see stunning Dutch architecture in a small city with lots of energy, but without all the tourists, Groningen is a perfect weekend getaway from Amsterdam. It’s a university town, so it’s incredibly lively without being overwhelming. See the full post we wrote up about planning a weekend in Groningen .

You easily get that local feeling by simply strolling down the street. When you start getting peckish, pop into one of the many restaurants available. Because it’s a city with a younger population, the offerings range from traditional to eccentric. There’s something for everyone here. I found it to be a super relaxing place to be with plenty to do if you want, but nothing that gives you FOMO. It’s a nice balance.

Find the right accommodation for you in Groningen.

Weekend Trip #8 // Amsterdam to Hamburg, Germany

How to get there:  Super-quick flight ( Check flight prices ) about an hour long.

You may notice that this is the second time I’ve mentioned Germany, but Hamburg is quite different (and pretty far) from Berlin. It’s one of those places that truly surprised me with how cool it really is. You’ll find some great activities to do and areas to visit. My favorite is down by the water, but the old town with its stunning buildings is pretty spectacular as well.

This probably isn’t a shock to anyone, but one of my favorite parts was the variety of food. We ate at so many amazing spots all over the city, from pulled pork bbq to fine dining, to a breakfast worthy of getting up early, this city has it all. Read about all our favorite spots including things to do in our post all about a weekend in Hamburg . Don’t forget to find a place to lay your head down each night.

Wh ile there are many great options all over Europe, I really think these are perfect for quick trips to be able to get a nice taste of that city. Visitors to Amsterdam can use the city as a hub and still get a really great European experience while exploring more cultures, food, and iconic sights. And those who are local have easy access to great travel opportunities just by living in or around a city like Amsterdam. 

I hope I have inspired you! Whether you are taking weekend trips from Amsterdam, or from where you are right now, take the opportunity to use a weekend to explore something new. 🙂

What do you think? Would you take quick trips to these places or do you have other ideas?

Wishing you love and travels!

Hi! I’m Jessica, an American who made Amsterdam her home in 2014. I share European gems through food and memorable experiences. Want to know more? Head to my about page or check out my YouTube channel .

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City guide to Amsterdam for wine lovers

• wine travel

The Netherlands might not be synonymous with wine culture: both its northerly latitude and the fact that much of the country is below sea level make it a little difficult to grow vines (although the southernmost regions are increasingly home to many of the same grapes as Germany). But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of satisfied wine lovers in Amsterdam, the country’s vibrant capital.

Amsterdam punches well above its weight in many respects. While the city’s population is still less than a million, it counts around 180 nationalities among its inhabitants and up to a whopping 20 million visitors per year. All of this means that a trip to Amsterdam doesn’t stop at a bike ride through the city’s UNESCO World Heritage canal belt or a visit to the Van Gogh Museum. Amsterdam’s cosmopolitan culture comes across in its thousands of restaurants and bars, featuring everything from Dutch pancakes to authentic Japanese ramen, and from heady bock beers to fascinating wines from all over the world. In fact, it’s perhaps the very absence of a strong domestic wine culture that has made Amsterdam’s wine bars the eclectic mix they are today. You’ll find some specialising in natural wines, others in sparkling wines and others still in lesser-known wine regions.

Like many cities in northern Europe, Amsterdam comes alive in summer – with its long, light evenings, dozens of green spaces and sprawling café terraces. But summer also brings a glut of tourists, making the city busier and more crowded than it is during the colder months. And what could be lovelier than cosying up in a softly lit wine bar in December with a rich, ripe glass of red? As the Dutch would say: gezellig.

Lutmastraat 132 Mon – Fri 16:00 – 00:00; Sat & Sun 15:00 – 00:00

Tucked away off the beaten path in the De Pijp neighbourhood, Paskamer offers around 50 wines by the glass and hundreds by the bottle. The staff are extremely knowledgeable, with many having studied at the Amsterdam Wine Academy, which is run by the same duo as Paskamer. Entrepreneurs Fransje van Santen and Wouter Aalst don’t stop at wine, though. Book a table in the evening and you’ll be treated to a range of shareable dishes, each of which can be expertly paired with the wines on offer that day. Think smoky octopus with spicy mayo served with a minerally Grauburgunder ( Pinot Gris ) from Pfalz. Or sesame and horseradish marinated salmon with an Alsace Pinot Blanc carrying just a touch of residual sweetness.

Image: Tapas served at Oocker. Credit: Vicky Hampton

Frederiksplein 29h Mon, Tue & Thu 15:00 – 23:00; Fri & Sat 15:00 – 00:00; Sun 15:00 – 22:00

At the end of fashionable Utrechtsestraat, Oocker occupies a narrow space that’s typical of Dutch architecture – transformed into not only a cosy bar but also a little sun trap of a terrace. Oocker’s list of around 350 wines is diverse, coming from all over the world and at many different price points. But the quality and thoughtfulness behind each bottle is undeniable. From a smooth Jura Crémant to a minerally Dão white blend to a buttery Argentinian Chardonnay , every recommendation is spot on. During the afternoon, Oocker offers a limited menu of upscale snacks (such as Ibérico ham croquettes or burrata bruschetta), but in the evening a more extensive menu of hot dishes is available. The bone marrow is a particular treat, especially with a full-bodied red!

Rayleigh & Ramsay

Van Woustraat 97; Van Noordtstraat 28 Mon – Thu 15.00 – 01.00; Fri & Sat 12.00 – 02.00; Sun 12.00 – 23.00

Rayleigh & Ramsay describes itself as a candy store for adults, and as soon as you walk into one of its two locations you can see why. More than 100 wines are available by the glass, half glass and tasting sample from a dozen or so wine dispensing machines. The blanket system is used to ensure the open wines are perfectly preserved, and each machine is kept at exactly the right temperature for the wines it holds. What’s more, there are information cards above each bottle, so you can go full wine nerd. It’s a fantastic way to taste wines you might otherwise never get to try – whether that’s a pricy Puligny Montrachet (a half glass will set you back just a few euros, while a full bottle would be unaffordable for many) or an experimental Canadian wine that you’ve never heard of.

Image: Rayleigh & Ramsay. Credit: Vicky Hampton

Wibautstraat 130 Wed & Thu 18:00 – 00:00; Fri 17:00 – 02:00; Sat 17:00 – 1:00; Sun 13:00 – 18:00

The trend for natural wines has hit Amsterdam hard in the last couple of years, so it’s no surprise that one of Amsterdam’s hottest new additions in 2023 was a natural wine bar. Bottleshop is east of the river, occupying a black & white-striped, ultra-modern building on the up-and-coming Wibautstraat. Even if you’re not 100% convinced by natural wines, Bottleshop’s fruity, farmyard-y French Gamay and juicy, low-extraction Cabernet Franc may well have you converted. Add some pungent, unpasteurised French cheeses, or even just a wedge of sourdough bread with creamy salted butter, and you’ve got a low-intervention match made in heaven.

Tweede van der Helststraat 3 Mon – Fri 15:00 – 00:00; Sat & Sun 14:00 – 0:00

Staying in the natural wine theme, GlouGlou was perhaps the first wine bar in Amsterdam to really embrace the trend (and before it was trendy). GlouGlou is small and homely, in keeping with its location in de Pijp neighbourhood, with dark wooden walls and a hotchpotch of tables crammed inside and out. There is a wine list, but it’s generally more exciting (and better value) to go off menu and order a few glasses of whatever surprise bottles have been opened that day. In addition to being organic, the wines are made without industrial yeast or filtration – so they skew cloudy and funky. GlouGlou also puts on an annual Beaujolais Nouveau party, which is fun if you happen to be in Amsterdam on the third Thursday in November!

Image: Bar Pif. Credit: Vicky Hampton

Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 10 Mon, Tue & Thu 17.00 – 00.00; Fri & Sat 16.00 – 01.00; Sun 16.00 – 23.00

No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without visiting the maze of narrow cobbled streets and canals that is the Jordaan. And when it’s time for a pit stop, you’ll find Bar Pif: Dutch canal house on the outside, Parisian bistro on the inside. The wine list is also made up primarily of natural wines, but many of them are a little more accessible to traditional wine lovers. If hipster rosé field blends and skin contact orange wines are not your thing, you’ll find more traditional Champagnes and Barolos, too. Meanwhile, there’s a menu of internationally inspired sharing plates to choose from: think French oeuf mayonnaise but with a mushroom XO sauce.

Camperstraat 48-50 Dinner Thu – Sun from 18:00; coffee & buns Mon – Sun 9:00 – 15:00

It’s hard to say whether 4850 is more of a restaurant, a wine bar or a coffee house. In the daytime, it does an excellent line in flat whites and pillowy cinnamon buns. But in the evening, it transforms into a casual-yet-quality eatery that’s known for its extensive wine selection as much as its Nordic-inspired menu. Owner Daniel Schein’s wine list focuses on France – in particular Burgundy, Jura, Champagne and the Loire Valley – but with around 700 bottles on offer it’s fair to say the rest of the world is also well represented. The à la carte food menu is short but well-curated, using local ingredients with a nod to Schein’s Nordic heritage.

Bubbles & Wines

Nes 37 Tue – Sat 15:00 – 0:00, Sun 15:00 – 22:00

Bubbles & Wines may be last in this list, but it’s by no means least. In fact, when it opened almost 20 years ago, it was one of the only credible wine bars in Amsterdam – arguably paving the way for all the others and single-handedly raising the profile of wines in Amsterdam. As its name suggests, Bubbles & Wines specialises in Champagne and sparkling wines, plus a wide range of Old World and New World still wines. Its location just off Dam square inevitably invites tourists, but plenty of locals are loyal to this Amsterdam wine stalwart as well. If you can’t decide what to drink, the ‘High Wines’ arrangement comes highly recommended: six or eight half glasses of wine in a range of styles, with paired bites. The Parmesan with truffle honey and Rioja rosado is inspired.

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Amsterdam bans new hotels and puts limit on overnight tourists

Amsterdam continues to crack down on overtourism by prohibiting the development of new hotels and limiting the number of travelers allowed to stay overnight in the city. 

“We want to make and keep the city livable for residents and visitors,” the Netherlands city said in an announcement last week. 

Amsterdam has had strict policies for new hotels since 2017, but the new initiative seeks to “ensure that the number of hotel stays does not increase even further,” according to the announcement.

Under the new regulation, a new hotel may only be built “under certain conditions, if a hotel closes elsewhere,” the city said. This way, the number of accomodations in the city will stay stagnant. The hotel must also “be better,” like being more sustainable. 

Traveling to Europe soon? Barcelona is another popular European city increasing its tourist tax to battle overtourism

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Twenty-six previously approved hotel projects will proceed with their construction as planned, according to the announcement. New hotels are being encouraged to be built outside the city center. 

Along with the hotel ban, the city is also limiting the number of overnight stays to 20 million for the year. 

The limit comes after residents complained of the effects of the high number of tourists. In 2023, the city experienced 20,665,000 overnight stays in hotels alone, not reflecting holiday rentals, bed and breakfasts and cruise nights. 

The regulation is the latest in a string of moves by the popular European destination to address rowdy visitors and mass tourism. This year, the city’s tourist tax increased from 7% to 12.5% – the highest in Europe. The city also banned guided tours through its famous Red Light District in 2019.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

Orange crush: Boats packed with revelers tour…

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An orange-clad man applauds for a girl playing violin as his orange-clad dog, bottom right corner, runs off during King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Two girls sell orange pastries during King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Mud, a rain soaked blanket and wet items are being sold during King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

An orange-clad man and his orange-clad dog listen to a girl playing violin during King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

An egg explodes on impact as a reveller takes part in a game during King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

AMSTERDAM (AP) — Decked in the national orange color, dancing to music, and eating orange-glazed pastries, many in the Netherlands Saturday are marking King’s Day , celebrating the birthday of their monarch who is enjoying a very slight rise in popularity as per a national poll.

As King Willem-Alexander celebrated his 57th birthday with his family in the northeastern city of Emmen, people across the country engaged in the traditional “free markets” held on that day, selling second-hand toys, books and other items. Others toured through the historic canals of the capital, Amsterdam as orange smoke from flares held aloft one boat drifted over vessels of all shapes and sizes jostling for space on a busy canal.

“Celebrating your birthday with your own family is the most beautiful thing you can experience. I’m very happy everybody is back,” Willem-Alexander told Dutch broadcaster NOS during a walkabout in Emmen, 190 kilometers (120 miles) northeast of the Dutch capital.

An annual poll published by the NOS for King’s Day showed Willem-Alexander’s popularity edging up very slightly since last year to 6.6 out of 10. His Argentine-born wife, Queen Maxima, scored 7.1 out of 10 in the poll of 1,015 people, conducted earlier this month.

The royals’ popularity took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic after Willem-Alexander and his family went on vacation in Greece during a partial lockdown. The royals cut short their break amid national uproar and Willem-Alexander took the unusual step of issuing a video message to express his regret and contrition for the trip.

The king’s three daughters, Amalia, Alexia and Ariane have all spent time out of the country recently — Ariane has been studying in Italy while Alexia has taken a gap year to travel. The eldest and heir to the Dutch throne, Amalia, also returned ahead of the king’s birthday after being forced to leave her student accommodation in Amsterdam and move to Madrid following threats from the criminal underworld.

Amalia, 20, who is studying politics, psychology, law and economics at Amsterdam University, told NOS she was “extremely grateful to everybody who made it possible” for her to live in Spain, where she said she was able to enjoy more freedom than in the Netherlands.

But, she added: “I’m glad to be back.”

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Amsterdam’s Latest Effort to Fight Excessive Tourism: No New Hotels

The city wants no more than 20 million hotel stays annually. The measure is one of multiple efforts to control the flow of visitors.

By Claire Moses

Amsterdam has been searching for any way to rein in the number of tourists that visit the city every year.

In March of last year, the city launched an ad campaign specifically targeted at British men between 18 and 35, urging them to “stay away.”

In July, the Dutch capital announced it would bar cruise ships from docking in the city center .

The city has also long tried to control the crowds in its red-light district, where rowdy groups of tourists often cause disruptions to local residents. It has added stricter rules about smoking marijuana . It has banned new tourist shops. And still, the people keep coming.

Now, the city — which is as well known for its canals and 17th century art as for its legal sex industry and easy access to marijuana — has taken one more step to further restrict the explosive growth of tourists: It is banning hotels from being built.

“Amsterdam is saying ‘no’ to new hotels,” the City Council said in a statement. “We want to make and keep the city livable for residents and visitors,” it added.

Amsterdam, which added that it was seeking to keep hotel stays by tourists to under 20 million per year, saw its highest number of visitors before the pandemic in 2019, when there were 25.2 million hotel stays, according to the city’s data.

Last year, that number was exceeded by tourists staying over in Amsterdam, not including stays in short-term rentals like Airbnbs and cruise ships. And the measure also does not take into account daily visitors who do not stay the night.

The ban on new hotels, while sending a clear message about the city’s aim to reduce the number of visitors, is also largely symbolic. The city’s policy on hotel construction was already strict, and there had been only three proposals since 2017 that met Amsterdam’s requirements, according to the city. New hotels that had been approved or were in development — 26 in total — would be allowed to proceed for now.

Under the new rules, a new hotel can only open if another one closes. It also isn’t allowed to add more rooms than were available, according to the city.

“The effect won’t be very big,” said Ko Koens, a professor of new urban tourism at Inholland University in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He also said that in the long run, the capping of hotels could make them more expensive to stay at.

While this ban alone would not make a huge dent in the number of visitors to the city, Mr. Koens said, taken together with other initiatives it could make Amsterdam a less appealing place to visit. But, he said, “For now, visitors don’t seem to mind.”

In total, Amsterdam has nearly 42,000 hotel rooms that can accommodate more than 92,000 people, according to Statistics Netherlands, a governmental institution that compiles data about the country. (In total, the Netherlands has more than 150,000 hotel rooms.)

Amsterdam’s initiatives to rein in tourism have been largely focused on its crowded city center. But as long as Amsterdam’s airport, Schiphol, continues to be a major European hub, it won’t be easy to keep visitors away from the city.

“There are no simple solutions,” Mr. Koens said. “It’s super complex.”

Amsterdam also announced this week it would start cutting the number of river cruises allowed to dock in its waters. In 2023, that number was 2,125. In 2028, the city wants it to be halved, with no more than 1,150. The city predicts that effort could reduce the number of visitors that come into town by 271,000. This proposal, the city said, is to improve the quality of life for residents and to reduce emissions and crowds.

“The balance in the city needs to improve,” Hester van Buren, a deputy mayor who focuses on the city’s port, said in a statement.

Amsterdam isn’t the only major European destination that has been struggling to get a grip on the growing number of tourists. Venice announced it would charge day-tripping visitors 5 euros ($5.33) to enter the iconic streets of its city center on weekends and some holidays from April 25 through mid-July, its busiest season.

Amsterdam, currently in a busy touristic time because of its famous blooming tulips, has not announced a similar measure, but it is likely there will be more efforts and experiments designed to limit visitors — like the hotel ban.

“Without such a stop, Amsterdam’s center would become one big hotel,” Mr. Koens said. “You don’t want that either.”

Claire Moses is a Times reporter in London, focused on coverage of breaking and trending news. More about Claire Moses