amsterdam trip ideas

Amsterdam   Travel Guide

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28 Best Things To Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a lot more than vice. There's the world-class Van Gogh Museum , the eye opening  Rijksmuseum and shopping on Nine Little Streets for culture hounds. Lesser known cultural must-dos abound. At IJ Hallen flea market, you'll find

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Vondelpark Vondelpark free

Located southwest of the city center, Vondelpark is the favorite leafy retreat of just about everyone. Not only is it the largest city park in Amsterdam, it's also one of the most revered in all of the Netherlands. Most recent travelers said they enjoyed people-watching and picnicking at the park; other reviewers recommend avoiding a late-night visit as the park can be a little frightening once the sun sets. During the day, though, the park is filled with couples, families and friends, and is definitely worth a visit.

Ponds, greenspaces and playgrounds are connected by winding paths, which also run by an open-air theater, a restaurant and a range of statues and sculptures. Open 24/7, you can take trams 1, 2 or 5 to the Leidseplein station, and you'll have just a quick walk (less than 5 minutes) to reach the park's entrance. The park is free to visit.

Canal Ring Canal Ring free

Architecture and history buffs will delight in Amsterdam's Canal Ring area. This half-moon of canals dates to the 17th century. Today, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The elaborate gables notable in Dutch architecture are on full display across hundreds of brick houses. Places of particular interest include Rembrandtplein (a prominent public square, named for Rembrandt, who owned a home nearby), historic warehouses, Protestant churches and formerly clandestine Catholic and Mennonite churches. Look up sites of interest online to determine opening hours.

The built environment is the big draw here, although recent visitors found plenty to enjoy within the historic buildings too – there are plenty of shopping, dining, and drinking spots. Visitors come for the views as much as the fare, so consider planning to eat at one of the scenic restaurants here (Incanto and Brasserie Ambassade are particularly well-reviewed). Many noted that this is a good area from which to embark on a bike or boat adventure.

Oud-West Oud-West free

Bordered by must-see attractions like Vondelpark and the Rijksmuseum , Oud-West is a refined Amsterdam neighborhood bursting with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Come to Oud-West during the day to visit stylish boutiques and design stores after visiting Vondelpark. Or, plan a trip into the neighborhood for dinner – there's De Hallen (a food hall and cinema), street food and endless restaurants and cafes. Upscale Restaurant Adam is exceptionally well reviewed, as is the more affordable option, Staring at Jacob. After a meal, you can dance the night away at one of Amsterdam's alternative music venues.

Recent visitors to Oud-West particularly enjoyed the less touristy feel, abundance of beautiful architecture, and kid-friendly spots.

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Jordaan Jordaan free

If you love history, culture and food, then you'll want to save time for a stroll or a guided tour through Amsterdam's Jordaan area. Located a few blocks west of the city's main train station and bordered by the Brouwersgracht, Prinsengracht, Leidsegracht and Lijnbaansgracht canals, this scenic neighborhood is packed with eateries, specialty shops, bars and art galleries. Plus, you'll find the Anne Frank House and the Nine Little Streets just east of the neighborhood.

Travelers highly recommend walking around the Jordaan, adding that its cool vibe, beautiful setting and top-notch cafes and restaurants more than justify a visit. Don't forget to bring your camera, since visitors say the area offers ample photo opportunities. For a more in-depth look at the neighborhood's food scene, consider signing up for Eating Europe Food Tours ' Jordaan Food Tour. Or, visit on a Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to enjoy the Jordaan's Biologische Noordermarkt (a market with vendors selling baked goods, produce, local cheeses, crepes and more).

Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis) Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis)

Inside the Anne Frank House, travelers will see the location where not so long ago the 15-year-old Anne Frank penned a journal that would become a best-seller. Frank was a Jewish girl who went into hiding after German Nazis invaded the Netherlands and began forcibly transporting Dutch Jews to concentration camps. Today, the home is a museum and travelers can imagine what it'd be like to stay hidden away from the Nazis for more than two years, only to be betrayed and taken to a concentration camp.

Artifacts inside the museum include historical documents, photographs, film images and belongings from people in hiding and those who assisted them. Frank's original diary and other notebooks are also on display, though original objects from the annex are not on display, as it was stripped of its contents during World War II. A free audio guide – available in nine languages – is included with admission.

Dam Square Dam Square free

Europe is known for its grand public squares, and Amsterdam boasts plenty. Those arriving at Amsterdam's Central Station can walk just five minutes to arrive at bustling Dam Square. The historic 13th century buildings are filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes. Food stalls are available too. Those looking for more sightseeing opportunities should note the Royal Palace , New Church and consider a visit to Madame Tussauds.

Recent visitors praised the square for its beauty and central location. While several note that it is touristy – with prices to match – they still recommend a visit. It is beautiful at night when filled with lights. Be aware of your surroundings, as the area can attract pickpockets.

Verzetsmuseum (Dutch Resistance Museum) Verzetsmuseum (Dutch Resistance Museum)

The  Verzetsmuseum  (the Dutch Resistance Museum), located by the  Artis Royal Zoo , has been called the city's best-kept secret by some. The informative – even inspiring – museum tells the stories of those who lived in the Netherlands during the Nazi occupation and explains how the atrocities of World War II transpired. Through authentic objects, photos and documents, film and sound fragments, visitors will learn how the resistance manifested in the Netherlands.

Recent travelers said the thought-provoking museum leads you to ask yourself what you would've done if the Nazis had occupied your country. They were also pleased with the audio guides that are given with the ticket price, as well as with the exhibits which are displayed in both Dutch and English.

Van Gogh Museum Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum holds the world's largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings, including "Sunflowers" and "Almond Blossom." The museum itself is one of the most-visited museums in not only Amsterdam but in all of the Netherlands. Travelers come from near and far to see the artworks created by the tortured artist, who cut off his own ear and died by suicide due to his worries about his financial future and recurring mental illness.

Because of Van Gogh's popularity, some travelers highly recommend purchasing online tickets ahead of time to avoid lengthy museum lines. Though some were disappointed that the museum does not house some of the artist's more famous paintings (many of them are exhibited in other museums across the globe), reviewers did praise the museum's layout and its display of his earliest works.

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Leidseplein Leidseplein free

If you're looking for a tamer alternative to Amsterdam's Red Light District, Leidseplein or Leiden Square, may be for you. The center of Amsterdam's entertainment scene, Leidseplein sits southwest of the city center and is filled with nightclubs, movie theaters, concert venues, casinos and, of course, some coffee shops. For the performing arts, the Melkweg (Milky Way) concert hall and the International City Theater are of particular note.

Leidseplein is the place to be if you enjoy mixing with the masses. If crowds aren't your thing, you should steer clear of this area – definitely don't book a hotel or hostel here – or maybe head to the nearby Vondelpark instead. Travelers were also pleasantly surprised by the quantity and variety of restaurants huddled in the neighborhood, though they do warn of high prices at the bars.

Explore Amsterdam from the water on a boat tour Explore Amsterdam from the water on a boat tour

Few things are as representative of Amsterdam as its picturesque canals. Home to 165 waterways (including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 17th-Century Canal Ring Area ), the city prides itself on its impressive canal system.

It's easy to see the canals during a bike tour or while walking around the city center, but for a closer look at the water network, sign up for a canal cruise. Many tour operators offer different kinds of boat tours around downtown Amsterdam. The following are some of the city's most popular options:

Keukenhof Keukenhof

U.S. News Insider Tip: It can be tricky to plan your visit during peak bloom. However, there are many other flower displays, like a stunning array of orchids, which make a visit worthwhile. – Jacqueline Drayer, Contributor

Originally used by Dutch royalty to grow fruits and vegetables, Keukenhof now welcomes travelers in search of Holland's famous tulips. Every year between late March and mid-May, the park – which sits about 25 miles southwest of Amsterdam in Lisse – turns vivid shades of pink, red, purple, yellow, white and orange as more than 7 million tulip bulbs bloom across 80 acres. The park also offers kid-friendly amenities like a playground, a maze and a petting zoo.

De Negen Straatjes (Nine Little Streets) De Negen Straatjes (Nine Little Streets) free

De Negen Straatjes,  or the Nine Little Streets, are exactly that – nine streets that run between the Prinsengracht and Singel canals and are lined with shops and boutiques. (For your orientation, the Singel is the first main canal that wraps around the city center.) Vintage clothing shops nestle alongside accessories stores and interior design boutiques, and hours vary by store.

Recent travelers called the area a lovely place to stroll and said it was less touristy than other parts of the city. Though you'll likely rub elbows with plenty of other travelers, you'll also encounter your fair share of locals.

De Pijp De Pijp free

De Pijp, which is also called the Latin Quarter, is known for its 19th-century architecture and its collision of different cultures. Here, you'll find ethnic restaurants, eclectic shops and the tranquil Sarphatipark. The Heineken Experience sits on the northern edge of the neighborhood. 

Travelers say that De Pijp feels less touristy and more like authentic Amsterdam. They also call it the heart of the city for young people thanks to its beatnik vibe and trendy eateries.

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Learn about Amsterdam atop a bike Learn about Amsterdam atop a bike

Biking is one of the most popular ways to get around Amsterdam. In fact, cycling is such a quintessential Amsterdam activity that the city's tourism website offers pages with free route maps and cycling safety tips .

But if you don't feel like renting a bike and exploring on your own, you'll find an array of bike tours catering to every kind of visitor. Below are several traveler-approved cycling tour companies:

I amsterdam Letters I amsterdam Letters free

Measuring more than 6 feet tall and 77-plus feet wide, the red-and-white "I amsterdam" sign is a prime place for a photo op. You'll find the main set of massive letters situated inside Amsterdam Airport Schiphol; however, multiple versions are typically on display throughout the city.

Although some previous visitors were disappointed that the main sign no longer sits in front of the Rijksmuseum , many enjoyed snapping pics of the smaller version at the airport. An additional set of letters appears at various events throughout the year, so if you plan on attending a large festival while in town, look around to see if the sign is on-site. You can also spot the letters while jogging the track by Sloterplas Lake, but some characters in this set lie flat, so it's not ideal for photographing.

Rijksmuseum (State Museum) Rijksmuseum (State Museum)

Considered one of Amsterdam's top museums (along with the  Van Gogh  and  Anne Frank  museums), the  Rijksmuseum  (or State Museum) features an impressive collection of artists, including Rembrandt and Vermeer. As befits a state museum, the ornate building contains mostly Dutch works from the 15th to 17th centuries – though its entire collection stretches across 800 years.

Visitors recommend getting to the Rijksmuseum as early as possible in the day to avoid standing in a line to enjoy both the breathtaking building, grounds and art. The busiest times are Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. And once you've finished touring the interior, step outside and enjoy the gardens – a recommendation from past visitors. Though some reviewers griped about the museum's confusing layout, they still said it was among their top to-dos in Amsterdam.

Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder

For a glimpse at how locals lived and worshipped during the 17th century, visit the Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Soldier. Part-home, part-church, this historic site is the second-oldest museum in Amsterdam (behind the Telyers Museum). On the lower levels, you'll find period furnishings spread throughout living areas, kitchens and bedrooms, as well as a set of stairs that lead to the attic, where the church is located. Religious services no longer take place at the church, but the property offers various exhibits about religious tolerance in the Netherlands, as the Catholic Church had to operate in secret in its early years in the country.

History buffs and religious travelers will likely enjoy wandering around this museum. Visitors praise the property's beautiful interior and interesting exhibits, adding that the complimentary audio tour offers many informative tidbits. Keep in mind, the building's small size and multiple staircases may make some parts of the property difficult to access for those with mobility issues.

Artis Royal Zoo (Natura Artis Magistra) Artis Royal Zoo (Natura Artis Magistra)

Visitors traveling with children in tow might want to make some space in their itinerary for the Artis Royal Zoo. Lions, monkeys and penguins are housed here, along with about another 900 species, and there's also an aquarium, an insectarium, a butterfly garden and a planetarium.

Although most recent visitors described the zoo as lovely, well maintained and a great family day, some of them concede that enclosures for the animals seemed a bit small.

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Stedelijk Museum Stedelijk Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip: This museum is often far less crowded than the Rijksmuseum! Go to the Rijksmuseum at opening time and the Stedelijk later in the day. – Jacqueline Drayer, Contributor

Situated next to the world-renowned Van Gogh Museum in the Museumplein area, the Stedelijk Museum houses an impressive collection of contemporary art: It has 100,000 works. Inside its permanent exhibit, travelers will find pieces by artists like Piet Mondrian and Jackson Pollock. Additionally, the property features temporary collections that may include items like modern sculptures and documentaries.

Eating Europe Food Tours Amsterdam Eating Europe Food Tours Amsterdam

Amsterdam visitors who love learning about a destination through its food scene will likely enjoy participating in a food tour . Traveler-approved Eating Europe Food Tours offers multiple food outings, including the Amsterdam Food & Canals Tour which tacks on an hourlong boat tour to tastings throughout the city. The company's most popular experience is its Jordaan Food Tour, a 3.5-hour tour through the culturally and historically rich Jordaan neighborhood. During the excursion, foodies can try local staples which may include apple pie, raw herring, Gouda cheese and stroopwafel (a thin waffle with a caramel filling).

Previous participants raved about the Jordaan Food Tour, citing its small group size (no more than 12 people can join an outing), knowledgeable guides and large tasting portions as highlights. Several also appreciated the inclusion of a beer from a local brewery during the tour. To make the most of the excursion, past travelers suggest saving room for every dish by eating a light breakfast (or skipping it altogether).

Heineken Experience Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience, which takes place in the old  Heineken Brouwerij  (Heineken Brewery), is a must-do for fans of the fermented beverage. Among the attractions housed in the century-old factory are a history of the Heineken brewing process and company. Plus, you'll get two Heinekens to enjoy at the end of the Experience. A downloadable app takes visitors on a historical journey through the factory (available for iPhones and Androids). You should note that only those 18 and older are allowed inside.

Although some recent travelers highly recommend taking the tour at the Heineken Experience, others described it as a marketing ploy rather than a tutorial in the beer-brewing process (the real brewery used for production sits on the outskirts of Amsterdam; this location is simply a museum).

A'DAM Lookout A'DAM Lookout

Opened in 2016, A'DAM Lookout provides some of the best views of downtown Amsterdam from its location in the southern corner of the Overhoeks neighborhood. The property's main draw is its observation deck on the 20th floor, which provides 360-degree panoramas of the city's port and canals. Before admiring the view, visitors can peruse the property's interactive exhibit. Adrenaline junkies won't want to miss Over the Edge (Europe's highest swing) on the outdoor rooftop deck, while foodies should save time for a bite to eat at Madam (an internationally-inspired eatery on the 20th floor) or Moon (the 19th floor's upscale revolving restaurant).

Visitors cannot get enough of A'DAM Lookout's breathtaking vistas. However, a few lament the extra charge required for the swing. Nevertheless, many recommend paying the additional 5 euros (about $5.50) for the fun experience. Because the swing is a popular activity, travelers suggest purchasing tickets in advance on the attraction's tickets page .

Concertgebouw Concertgebouw

Constructed in 1888, the  Concertgebouw (literally "Concert Building") hosts 900-plus shows and about 700,000 visitors per year, which makes it one of the world's busiest concert venues. Check the Concertgebouw's  website  for a list of orchestral and other performances, as well as for ticket prices, which vary by show. From time to time, the venue also offers free lunchtime performances.

Recent visitors called this one of the world's best concert halls, which offers fairly reasonable ticket prices. If you're hoping to attend one of the venue's free concerts, plan to arrive early – past visitors said the staff at Concertgebouw hands out tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Royal Palace Amsterdam Royal Palace Amsterdam

Built in the 17th century by architect Jacob van Campen, the Royal Palace Amsterdam once served as Amsterdam's town hall. The grand structure held the distinction of being the largest secular building in Europe for many years. Throughout the years, it's been used by Dutch royalty for official events, such as visits by foreign leaders. Members of the public are welcome to tour the property when the building isn't in use for state visits.

Although visitors offer mixed feelings about the property's exterior, many say the palace's period furnishings and works of art are well worth checking out. Complimentary English audio guides (which travelers recommend for historical context) are available; however, a few caution that the devices are not very comfortable on their own, so consider bringing a pair of headphones to use with them.

NEMO Science Museum NEMO Science Museum

Anyone that says Amsterdam isn't for kids hasn't visited the NEMO Science Museum, housed inside the ship-like green building on the harbor. Filled with hands-on activities, kids can spend hours concocting chemistry experiences and constructing buildings while also learning how science has evolved throughout time.

Recent visitors say this is a do-not-miss attraction not only for kids but also for those young at heart, since there are interactive exhibits for all curious minds. Even if you don't have time to take a spin through the museum, past visitors said you should still go to access the free rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views of the city and a cafe and does not charge an entrance fee.

Zandvoort Zandvoort free

U.S. News Insider Tip: To make a day out of your visit, take a quick train ride to Haarlem, a charming town located a few miles east of the beach. – Jacqueline Drayer, Contributor

You probably knew about Amsterdam's canals, but what about its beach? About 25 miles west of the city center is a place called Zandvoort, a strip of sand that borders the North Sea. Experts say Zandvoort is at its best in the summertime, though recent visitors say a trip here in the offseason is also worthwhile since it lacks the summertime crowds.

Het Scheepvaartmuseum (The National Maritime Museum) Het Scheepvaartmuseum (The National Maritime Museum)

Whether you're a boat enthusiast or want to learn more about Dutch maritime history, Amsterdam's National Maritime Museum is worth a visit. Located about halfway between the Verzetsmuseum and the NEMO Science Museum , The National Maritime Museum houses one of the world's largest maritime collections, with roughly 400,000 different items. Artifacts you'll find here include navigation instruments like compasses, the Royal Barge (an intricate royal vessel commissioned for King William I in the early 19th century) and a life-size replica of the Amsterdam (a ship that wrecked during its maiden voyage to Asia in 1749).

Several visitors raved about the exhibits, especially the one focusing on navigation. Although, a few past travelers warned the museum offers a gimmicky atmosphere, could use additional information and interactive displays, and charges high entrance fees. Many previous museumgoers recommended the virtual reality experience on the Amsterdam ship, which shows you how the city's historic harbor grew to become a bustling port.

Museum Het Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt House) Museum Het Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt House)

Rembrandt van Rijn (yep, Rembrandt is his first, not last name) once lived and worked in this restored home. So not only will you see the most complete collection of his etchings here, you'll also view his own interesting accumulation of  objets d'art , from musical instruments to Roman busts. An audio guide is included in the admission, and many travelers recommend using it. The museum reopened in March 2023 following a renovation to introduce five new museums spaces, including more etching and exhibit areas and a multimedia tour dedicated to the artist's life.

Several travelers also highly recommend watching one of the etching demonstrations, which they say gives a more comprehensive understanding of the art and takes place three times a day. However, if you're traveling with kids, you may want to skip this attraction as past visitors said there is little to interest youngsters.

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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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17 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

By Meredith Bethune and Jennifer Ceaser

Offering everything from tranquil boat rides through tree-shaded canals to  world-class art museums  and chic boutique shopping, you’ll never be bored in this town. Once you've ticked off your biggest bucket-list items, be sure to venture outside the Canal Ring, the fan-like network of waterways that dominates the historic city center. When visiting Europe’s best-preserved 17th-century city, the real challenge is using your time wisely. Read on for our list of suggestions to get you started; these are our editor's picks for what to do in Amsterdam, and this list is full of how to make the most of each.

Read our complete Amsterdam travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

STRAAT Museum Arrow

Graffiti fans, rejoice: Amsterdam now has a second museum devoted to street art—and it’s a doozy. STRAAT seeks out cutting-edge and emerging talent, with more than 130 artists from 32 countries represented in its 150-plus-strong collection. Occupying a colossal warehouse in the former shipbuilding area of NDSM, STRAAT has some 86,000 square feet of exhibition space inside, while outside, its façade is plastered in murals—including a huge kaleidoscope-like portrait of a smiling Anne Frank by Brazilian street art legend Eduardo Kobra.

Foodhallen Arrow

The Foodhallen stands out among other food halls thanks to its top-notch offerings, serving everything from reimagined Dutch classics to Vietnamese and Mexican treats. Housed inside a former tram depot, the venue is buzzing at all hours of the day. Aggressively guard your table if you manage to get one at all. Gin & Tonic Bar makes what you’d think it would with a range of different ingredients (try the one with jenever for something a bit different). Beerbar, meanwhile, pours more than 60 different local and international beers, including two brewed specifically for Foodhallen. It’s an ideal refueling stop at any time of day, particularly in winter when you need to thaw out after a long day of sightseeing.

Ferry to Amsterdam-Noord Arrow

Amsterdam’s free ferry system is an essential part of the city’s transportation system, shuttling pedestrians, cyclists, and mopeds across the IJ River to Amsterdam-Noord every day. There are two main routes: The most popular, to Buiksloterweg, takes less than five minutes and drops you practically at the foot of the A’DAM Tower and the architecturally striking EYE Film Institute. The other, a 15-minute journey, goes to NDSM, a former industrial shipyard that’s been transformed into one of the city’s trendiest areas. Ferries run approximately every four to six minutes, leaving from behind Centraal Station; there’s a countdown clock right next to the dock that shows the next departures. It’s all fairly straightforward, and an activity not to miss.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ Arrow

Brouwerij ‘t IJ is the pub offshoot of the namesake Amsterdam brewery, so expect to find lots of Belgian-style beers. Menu standouts include full-bodied ales brewed with organic ingredients, but the occasional seasonal brews are also winners. It’s worth stopping in on a sunny day just to unwind with a good beer beside the canal.

Jessica Puckett

Alex Erdekian

Albert Cuyp Markt Arrow

This street market on Albert Cuypstraat, between Ferdinand Bolstraat and Van Woustraat, has been at it for over 100 years. It’s one of the largest markets in Europe with 260 stands selling fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers, clothing, and more, open Monday through Saturday. Load up on food and assorted knick-knacks, and keep an eye out for the ultimate shopping trophy: a wheel of Gouda cheese.

Rederij De Jordaan Private Boat Tour Arrow

Slick, slick, slick. As VIP canal cruises go, captain Reinhard Spronk’s historic saloon boat tours (aboard 1932 teak beauty Welmoed , or 1908’s smaller Farahilde ) are really the business. He and his partner Miloe run the show, taking private groups (reservations necessary) on bespoke tours of Amsterdam’s legendary canals. Pick-up is from your waterside hotel or Cafe Van Puffelen, by their office. This is going to be the highlight of your European tour, combining an utterly beautiful vintage boat, the most sophisticated company in town, and (for a supplement) red roses, gourmet finger food, and bottomless champagne.

Portuguese Synagogue Arrow

Just east of the city center, in the Jewish Cultural Quarter, you’ll find one of Europe’s largest and oldest active synagogues. Its magnificent interior looks much as it did in 1675, with its original towering stone columns, vaulted timber ceiling, and wooden pews surrounding a massive Torah ark made of gleaming wood. The building still has no electricity—evening services are illuminated by hundreds of candles in the large brass chandeliers. The sheer size of the synagogue and the beauty of its interior will leave you awestruck. As it is still an active house of worship, visitors are asked to behave respectfully.

Westergas Arrow

Just west of the quaint Jordaan district lies Westerpark, a lovely green space with wide lawns, idyllic ponds, and tall shady trees, crisscrossed with cycling and walking trails. But the real draw here is Westergas, a massive former gas plant that’s been turned into a lively entertainment hub. The 19th-century red-brick buildings, classified as industrial monuments, are chock-full of trendy restaurants, brewpubs, and independent cinemas. Coolest of all is Gashouder, an old gas storage tank that now hosts techno concerts for up to 3,500 people inside its vast circular interior.

Vondelpark Arrow

You’ll find Amsterdam’s version of Central Park spanning about 120 acres just outside the Canal Ring. This swath of green offers a welcome visual alternative to the monochromatic sea of brick that makes up central Amsterdam. Don't miss “The Fish” statue by Pablo Picasso, and take advantage of the numerous music, dance, and cabaret performances at the open-air theater during the summer months.

Anne Frank House Arrow

The only thing that stands out about this 17th-century canal house is the infamous line outside. Entry is by online reservation only, with timed tickets released two months ahead and a limited number on the day itself. The most poignant of the city’s museums, it’s utterly worth any crowd-related hassles for the emotional exhibits—not least the attic where the Frank family hid from the Nazis, and where young Anne penned her famous diary. It takes about an hour to complete a loop of the house. No matter how much you think you know about Anne Frank’s story, you’ll come away from the house realizing you didn't know very much at all.

Rijksmuseum Arrow

Reborn in 2013 after a decade-long, $441 million revamp, this is the biggest of Amsterdam’s “big three” museums. Yes, there are plenty of galleries of Golden Age paintings, though with 8,000 masterworks on display, this isn’t a niche affair. Model ships, rich costumes, and Asian art figure into the museum’s well-paced chronological trot from the Middle Ages to Mondrian. The museum app, with its 14 themed tours, is well worth downloading for free from the Apple Store and the Wi-Fi is good enough to make wayfinding a breeze.

Café de Sluyswacht Arrow

Everything about this old-school pub—from the adorably lopsided building, to the fab canal views, to the well-priced beers—embodies Dutch gezellig: a cozy, fun, relaxing atmosphere where people feel totally at home. Part of the charm of drinking at Café de Sluyswacht is embracing its quirks: step inside, and everything—from the stone floors to the staircase to the wood-beamed ceilings—tilts to one side, making you feel like you’ve had one too many before you’ve even had your first sip. Originally built in 1695 as a residence for the sluyswacht (the person operating the neighboring lock), this canal-side watering hole offers fantastic views of the Montelbaanstoren tower to one side and the Rembrandthuis to the other.

Oude Kerk Arrow

There’s something odd about a Gothic church that’s located in the Red Light District and surrounded by brothels, but that’s Amsterdam in a nutshell. Consecrated in 1306, Oude Kerk is the oldest surviving building in the city. The artist Rembrandt was a regular visitor; in fact, his children were christened here. And while you’ll find many typical medieval church trappings—vaulted ceilings, centuries-old paintings, ancient gravestones embedded in the floor—the building officially was designated as a museum in 2016. It hosts two site-specific exhibitions annually, featuring top international contemporary artists. All in all, this is a great place for a moment of quiet reflection if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the seediness of the Red Light District.

Van Gogh Museum Arrow

This Dutch institution welcomed more than 2.1 million visitors in 2019, making it the most visited museum in the Netherlands. The Potato Eaters , Wheatfield with Crows and, yes, the postcard-perfect Sunflowers series are all among the 200-strong painting collection. But this is more than just a rundown of van Gogh’s greatest hits. Drawings and letters dive into the artist’s depression (and that ear incident), there’s a video installation charting his rise, and works by the first generation of artists to be inspired by him are on view. Save the speed-walking for elsewhere; this is one where you'll want to linger.

The 9 Streets Arrow

The western part of the Canal Ring is a labyrinthine neighborhood, known as De Negen Straatjes (the Nine Streets), filled with independent shops. The act of shopping becomes a full-on afternoon activity as you wander the brick sidewalks searching for the perfect quirky souvenir or gift. It’s full of designer and vintage boutiques, cutting-edge galleries, quaint cafes, and delightfully cluttered antique shops.

Stubbe’s Haring Arrow

You’ll probably smell this timeworn, flag-festooned fish kiosk before you even spot the queues along the Singel canal, about 550 yards from Centraal Station. Below the quirky sign—the superscript ‘s’ of Stubbe’s is appealingly slapdash—Dutch matrons in striped aprons deliver salty, slippery herring, a rite of passage for Amsterdammers. Smoked eel, anchovies, and shrimps are all on the menu, but raw herring is what you want. If you’re not so sure about eating the fish au naturel, go for the herring roll, offsetting the salt with soft white bread, chopped onions, and sweet, crunchy pickles.

Nieuwe Diep Distillery (‘t Nieuwe Diep) Arrow

Nestled alongside a tranquil pond, this distillery and tasting room is set inside a quaint 19th-century pump house, complete with rustic wood floors and old-timey black-and-white photos on the walls. But it’s the waterfront terrace, open seasonally, that’s the real draw: Surrounded by greenery with views over the tree-encircled pond, it’s the most idyllic drinking spot in the whole of Amsterdam. The drinks are almost secondary to the scenic setting, but here you can sample 100 different jenevers (Dutch gin) and liqueurs, all made on-site in the distillery. We admit, it’s one of the more off-the-beaten-track drinking destinations, but enjoying traditional Dutch spirits in this enchanting pastoral setting makes it well worth the trip.

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How to Spend One Perfect Day in Amsterdam

What to see, where to eat, and where to stay for a lovely getaway in Amsterdam.

Ready to explore all the best sights, hotels, and dining options in one perfect day in Amsterdam? Here’s a quick itinerary for your next trip. 

Where to Stay 

In Amsterdam, the name of the game is staying as close as possible to its iconic canals. And at The Pulitzer Amsterdam , all you need to do is open the front door. The Pulitzer perfectly pairs historic charm with modern conveniences in one epic accommodation. The hotel is actually 25 connecting canal houses dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Inside, guests will find distinctively Dutch decor, though each of the 225 guest rooms is thoughtfully decorated in a way that makes sense for its unique house history, making you feel at home and immersed in the city's culture all at the same time. Guests never need to leave for a good drink; they can just pull up a seat at the beloved on-site Pulitzer Bar. Rooms start at about $400 per night. 

Where to Eat

Breakfast at Bakkerij Wolf : The small shop located in the Nine Streets is the place to be early in the morning. Even from a few doors down, you can smell the sweet scent of croissants and brioche wafting through the air. Hungry travelers can order from a long list of coffees that will perk them up for the rest of the day. Those wanting to dig into something more can sit for a plate of shakshuka, an omelet, or a decadent French toast.

Lunch at Collins: Collins is an all-day brunch delight, which serves heaping plates of everything from mushroom ragu to brisket. Don’t skip its housemade sourdough and cultured butter and pair it with one of its flavorful juices or hibiscus iced tea. 

Dinner at Corner Store: The Corner Store , located in north Amsterdam, comes with a minimalist decor, vibrant bites, and bumping vinyl tracks. Guests will find a hefty selection of natural wines that pair well with its pan-Asian-inspired menu. Go for a few plates to share, like tempura kale, lotus root pickles, and cauliflower with black garlic, or try the chef’s tasting menu, which takes you through eight delicious courses.

Take a Canal Ride: Cruising through the canals is as classic an activity as they come in Amsterdam. There are a number of tour operators willing to take you out for an hour or more, but if you’re staying at the Pulitzer, it’s easy to book through the hotel as it has two canal-ready vessels. 

Smell the Flowers: Visit Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam , one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world. The garden was founded by the Amsterdam City Council in 1638 and was originally meant to be used as an herb garden for doctors and apothecaries for their botanical extracts. Today, visitors can stroll through the various greenhouses to see more than 4,000 plant species from around the world. 

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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.

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Why the Dutch are Different

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 – Van Gogh Museum & Evening Canal Cruise

Day 2 – Photoshoot, Pancake Class, & Haarlem

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

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

Day 5 – Delft & The Hague

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

Amsterdam Itinerary Day 1 -Van Gogh Museum & Canal Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheese & Tulip Museum

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

The Milkmaid Project

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

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

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

Houseboat Museum

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

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

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

Dinner – Meatless District

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amsterdam Itinerary Day 5 – Delft & The Hague

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions about my Amsterdam Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

Wanderlust Crew

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4 Days in Amsterdam: Detailed Itinerary, Map & Tips (Perfect for 1st Trip)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: December 20, 2023

Visiting Amsterdam for 4 days and wondering how to best plan your time and make the most of your trip? In this guide, we share a suggested Amsterdam 4 days itinerary based on our recent visit ( and taking into account what can actually be done). It includes all the top sights, several amazing places that are usually overlooked by first-time travelers, and a few really nice tours that will make your trip even more special. Take a look!

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a lively charming city that has a lot to offer to any type of traveler. With unique architecture, fascinating history, impressive landmarks, world-class museums, and countless fun attractions, you can easily fill four days in Amsterdam and never get bored.

In addition, it’s very simple to add at least one (half) day trip outside the city into your itinerary. On this particular trip, we opted to visit some windmills and a few of the nicest villages near Amsterdam. You will find this option described below, together with some alternative recommendations.

Our suggested 4-day Amsterdam itinerary shows you the very best of Amsterdam but also allows you to get a bit off the beaten path and truly experience the city.

Good to know: This itinerary is based on our personal experience and on what can actually be done . It’s quite busy but also not too packed. It takes into account opening times, walking distances, and the time you need to visit each place. We also include some alternative suggestions so that you can personalize and plan your own perfect trip based on what interests you the most.

To help you plan your trip to Amsterdam, you will find our interactive map indicating all the places mentioned in this article. That way, you will have a much better idea of how it all fits together.

And finally, on each day of this itinerary, you will also find our personal restaurant recommendations for dinner, as well as some tips on where to eat for lunch.

PRO TIP: Where applicable, you will find practical info and tips on which tickets to prebook for the main signs in Amsterdam. Be sure to pre-book tickets to all the places that you absolutely want to see!!!

Some of the most popular museums in Amsterdam nowadays only sell tickets online, and they always sell out. Without advance reservations, you will not be able to visit certain places at all. Planning a spontaneous visit to Amsterdam as we used to do in the past is no longer straightforward.

The good thing is that by booking in advance, you can immediately see if the place you want to visit is open that day. That way, you can adjust your schedule where needed and can be sure that you will be able to see all the top sights that the city is famous for.

Where to stay: For this itinerary, we recommend staying in the heart of the city – the area between the Central Station and Rijksmuseum. Close to the station, we recommend Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam . Closer to the main museums, we absolutely love Park Centraal Hotel .

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ: 1 Day in Amsterdam & 2 Days in Amsterdam & 3 Days in Amsterdam

• DAY 1: Historic city center and canals.
• DAY 2: Museums, markets, food, beer.
• DAY 3: Dutch countryside, the modern side of Amsterdam, Red Light District.
• DAY 4: Get outside the city or explore off the beaten path + Jewish sites/Life of Anne Frank tour.
• Where to stay

MAP of this 4-day Amsterdam itinerary

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

As you can see below, each day has a different color, so you quickly get a good overview of how this itinerary is structured. We tried to group the sites in the most logical way so that you can walk between the sights as much as possible. When possible, we also take into account the best times to be at each place.

Good to know: Please note that the hours in our itinerary below are only indicated for your reference, to give you a better idea of how you could plan your time. A lot depends on your choices and how long you spend at each place.

Of course, you can easily adjust this itinerary and swap things around. So use this just as inspiration for what can be done and adjust it to your interests. When planning your time, keep in mind the opening times of the attractions, and be sure to check the availability of certain tickets or tours that we recommend before finalizing your sightseeing itinerary (and book them asap).

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

This is our recommended itinerary for 4 days in Amsterdam:

Central Station – Bike Tour (optional) – Canal Cruise – Damrak – Dam Square – Royal Palace (optional visit inside) – Begijnhof – Floating Flower Market – Cat Cabinet (optional) – 9 Streets – West Church – Anne Frank House .

DAY 1 planning info/ tickets to book :

• City bike tour (optional) – if interested, you could do this popular bike tour (more info below). Book in advance!
• Canal Cruise – we recommend this open-boat canal cruise starting from either Central Station or near Anne Frank House. In the colder season (or if you prefer a (semi) covered boat), take this classic canal cruise from the Central Station. This classic cruise is also included with this Amsterdam Pass which gives you access to the two must-see museums (see also day 2 of this itinerary for more info).
• Royal Palace (optional) – tickets .
• Anne Frank House – timed-entry tickets are available about 6 weeks in advance and you absolutely have to book asap. If you can’t get the tickets anymore, check if this guided tour is available. It’s the only tour that includes a visit to the museum.

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

Amsterdam Central Station

Start your visit to Amsterdam at the Central Station . The impressive Neo-Gothic/Renaissance-style building dates from the end of the 19th century and looks more like a palace than a railway station. It was designed by P. Cuypers, the same architect who also built the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

In many ways, Central Station is the tourist hub of Amsterdam. If you are arriving by plane + train from the airport or by train from Brussels , Paris , or London , this will be your first introduction to the city.

Most of the main highlights are within walking distance from the station and all kinds of activities start in this area as well. As you will see below, we recommend kicking off your 4 days of sightseeing in Amsterdam with a bike tour of the main highlights (optional), followed by a canal cruise. Both of these start just near the station – see further.

City Bike Tour

10 AM – 1 PM.

If you are fit enough for a bike ride, I highly recommend starting your day with this popular bike tour of the main highlights in Amsterdam.

It’s a good way to see a lot in a short time, get your bearings, and you can later revisit some of the places that interest you the most on foot if you feel like it.

Some of the places mentioned in our itinerary below are also covered by this tour. But you will also see several nice areas that are located a bit further away (such as Vondelpark or De Pijp, etc.). It saves you a lot of walking and is a great introduction to Amsterdam!

Good to know: This bike tour starts close to the cruise ship terminal, about a 10-minute walk from the station, and it takes about 3 hours. There are usually several bike tours a day, the first one starting at 10 AM. If you do it, you’ll be back at the station area at around 1 PM.

TIP: You could have lunch at the historic 1st-class waiting rooms inside the station ( Grand Café Museum Restaurant 1e Klas ), grab a quick bite along the way (there are many options at the station), or skip lunch altogether and book a canal cruise with some food included – see below.

ALTERNATIVE: If you are not interested in a bike tour (or are worried about biking in an unfamiliar city), simply continue with the rest of the itinerary below. In that case, start with the canal cruise in the morning. You’ll then have more time to visit a few other places during the day. There are also various walking tours available if you want to visit some of the main highlights with a local guide.

Canal Cruise

2 – 3 PM.

Next, it’s time to explore Amsterdam’s impressive canal system. Amsterdam has 165 canals extending for over 75 kilometers (46 miles) and the official city site says it has 1,753 bridges. They call it the Venice of the North but there are more canals and bridges in Amsterdam than in Venice…

Taking a canal cruise is really a must-do in Amsterdam! You will see some of the oldest and most prestigious canals in the city with impressive 17th-century buildings, sail on the Amstel River and admire many impressive bridges and crooked traditional buildings.

Good to know: There are many options for canal cruises in Amsterdam. This is the most popular traditional cruise starting from the Central Station. In the warm season, we recommend a cruise on an open-air boat instead.

TIP: If you don’t want to waste time for lunch, you can also opt for this canal cruise with a cheese and wine option .

No matter which canal cruise you choose, for this itinerary, be sure to choose one that starts at the Central Station, and be sure that the time suits your itinerary too! For example, if you are doing a bike tour, you could probably book a cruise no earlier than 1.30-1.45 PM. If you are not doing any tour in the morning, you can take the cruise at around 10 AM or even earlier if available.

READ ALSO: Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Tips & Useful Info

Damrak is the main street leading from the railway station to the historic old town.

As you leave the station and start walking southward, on your left, you will see some of the most photographed crooked houses in Amsterdam .

Walking further, on the left side, you’ll find the impressive building of Beurs van Berlage , the historic Stock Exchange of Amsterdam. Nowadays, it’s an events venue.

On the opposite side of the street, check out the beautiful covered gallery called Beurspassage .

Dam Square & Royal Palace

Dam Square is the historic heart of Amsterdam. Here you will find the Royal Palace , Amsterdam’s old Stock Exchange building, the New Church , and some popular attractions like Madame Tussauds or Ripley’s Believe It Or Not !

This area is also popular for shopping with some of the biggest main-street brands represented.

Good to know: If you are here in the afternoon, simply look around the square and move on. However, if you are not planning to take a bike tour in the morning, you will have plenty of time to explore this part of the city.

In that case, we highly recommend visiting the Royal Palace ( see here for availability and tickets ).

Alternatively, Madame Tussauds is always fun with many Dutch celebrities represented, from the Royal Family to Anne Frank or Van Gogh.

Amsterdam Begijnhof

4 – 4.10 PM.

Next, visit Amsterdam Begijnhof (Beguinage). You will find this type of architectural complexes in several places in the Netherlands and Belgium. In the past, they were built for beguines , lay religious women who lived in a community without taking vows or retiring from the world. So a bit like a monastery, but not quite as extreme.

The Amsterdam Begijnhof is a real oasis in the busy city center. Nowadays, it’s a residential area, and because of that, they only open it to the public during the day (usually between 9.30 AM and 6 PM). It’s free to visit.

TIP: Note the black wooden house in the corner of the square in front of the chapel (#34). This is one of the two oldest wooden houses in Amsterdam.

4.15 – 4.25 PM. OPTIONAL

Just next to Begijnhof, you’ll pass a cozy square called Spui . On certain days of the week, there is an outdoor market here.

On Fridays, you can find a Book Market here. You’ll see all kinds of old books, posters, postcards, etc. On Sundays, there is an Art Market here, where you will find lots of local artists selling their works – paintings, photographs, sculptures, etc.

But even if there is no market, it’s worth passing by as there are some nice buildings on the square.

Kalverstraat, Heiligeweg & Munttoren

On the way to the Floating Flower Market, you could stop for some waffles or cookies on Kalverstraat/ Heiligeweg .

In this area, you’ll find some very popular places like van Wonderen Stroopwafels or Belicio Cheats cookie store (indicated on our map). However, these places are really touristy and it’s not uncommon to stand half an hour in a queue waiting for a super overpriced waffle. The cookies are actually better and there is usually no queue. If you like ‘Instagrammable’ food and it’s not too busy, you could stop for a few minutes here.

Just before you reach the Flower Market, you’ll see an old tower with carillon bells, Munttoren ( Mint Tower ) . The original 15th-century tower was part of Amsterdam’s old city walls and was heavily damaged during the Great Fire. The tower you see today has been rebuilt in the 17th. Nowadays, there is a Delft porcelain shop here.

It’s just a short photo stop.

Floating Flower Market

4.30 – 4.45 PM.

Next, head to the Floating Flower Market . It’s located just 5 minutes walk from the Begijnhof.

This is one of the most tourist-oriented places in the city where you can also find flowers, but for the main part, it’s actually all flower bulbs and Dutch souvenirs.

The market is indeed built a bit over the Singel Canal, but once you are there, you won’t really see that it ‘floats’. For that, check the views from the other side of the canal.

Good to know: The Flower Market is open daily except on Sundays, typically until 5.30 PM.

Cat Cabinet

If you are a cat lover, you may want to know that Amsterdam has a small museum dedicated to cats – the Cat Cabinet ( KattenKabinet ).

This is by no means a must-see in Amsterdam, but I was recently in the city with a friend who adores cats and the moment she heard me mention this museum, we just had to go see it. And she loved it! So if you are also a cat lover, you may want to check it out.

Inside, you can see all kinds of paintings, posters, and other artifacts with and about cats. They also have a Picasso drawing of a cat and a few other special pieces. And yes, there are also a couple of resident cats, but they are not always at home.

Good to know: Cat Cabinet is open daily except on Mondays until 5 PM. If you decide to visit and you are here in the late afternoon, come here first, before going to the Flower Market. You need about 20- 30 minutes for a quick visit here, so try to arrive at 4.30 PM at the latest. You can find more info and get tickets here . Normally, you should be able to just get a ticket on the spot as well.

Nine Streets

5 – 6 PM.

The 9 Streets ( De Negen Straatjes ) is a 6-block area of old streets in one of the nicest areas of Amsterdam’s Canal Belt (Grachtengordel). These narrow streets can be found between Leidsegracht and Raadhuisstraat (north-south) and Singel and Prinsengracht canals (east-west). (You can find it indicated on our map as well).

This area is known for specialty stores and quirky fashion boutiques, as well as vintage shopping. You will find a small bakery, the most popular fries in Amsterdam, and several cafes and restaurants here too.

Because most businesses are local and rather small, the 9 Streets area feels very authentic despite being extremely popular with locals and tourists alike. It’s a very nice place to walk around, do some (window) shopping, or sit down for a drink and do some people-watching.

Anne Frank House

6 – 7 PM.

Anne Frank House is a museum dedicated to the Jewish girl Anne Frank and her diary that she wrote while hiding here with her family during World War ll.

This is one of the most popular museums in Amsterdam . So if you want to visit inside, you absolutely have to reserve your tickets as soon as they are released (typically 6 weeks in advance).

The good thing is that this museum is open quite late (normally until 10 PM), so if you are booking your tickets in advance, you should be able to easily find a timeslot that suits any Amsterdam itinerary.

Following this 4-day itinerary exactly as described here, you could come here at around 6-7 PM. But depending on the availability of the tickets, adjust your schedule as needed. Entry is timed and you need about 1 hour for a visit.

Good to know: The Anne Frank House has steep stairs and narrow passages, so keep this in mind if you have any mobility issues. There is no wheelchair access to the Secret Annex or the old part of the museum.

Also, pictures are not allowed inside the museum.

West Church & Anne Frank Monument

The West Church ( Westerkerk ) is located right next to Anne Frank House. In the past, it was possible to visit its tower – Westertoren – but it’s being renovated and it looks like it will still take quite a while (see their website for updates).

TIP: Next to the southern facade of the Church, you can find the Anne Frank Monument . It’s a small statue and easy to miss if you are not specifically looking for it.

Good to know: If you are interested in seeing the interior of the church, it’s usually only open between 11 AM and 3 PM. In that case – or if you want to climb the tower when it opens up again (likely not before the end of 2024) – you will have to adjust this itinerary.

You could come here right after visiting Damrak and Dam Square and then go to the other places later – it’s all really close to each other.

There are many restaurants in the area close to the Anne Frank House. We recommend crossing the Prinsengracht canal to the neighborhood called Jordaan. This is where you’ll find some really good restaurants and avoid tourist-oriented eateries in the center.

TIP: We had dinner at Pesca (it’s indicated on our map) and it was one of the best restaurants we went to in Amsterdam.

It’s a seafood restaurant with a very unique concept. You first have to choose your food at the ‘fish market’. You are then guided to the wine sommelier who helps you choose the wine based on your food choices. You are seated at the table and they bring all the dishes in random order and the intention is that you simply share all the dishes together. The service and the food are amazing and we found that it was much more affordable than it looked like at first sight.

If you want to be sure to have a table here, be sure to book in advance! This counts for many of the better restaurants in Amsterdam.

Van Gogh Museum – Vondelpark (optional) – Rijksmuseum – Albert Cuyp Market – Heineken Experience – Moco Museum (optional) – Leidseplein .

DAY 2 planning info/ tickets to book :

• Van Gogh Museum – timed entry tickets .
• Rijksmuseum – timed entry tickets .
• Heineken Experience (18+ only) – timed entry tickets . Alternative – Moco Museum .

The second day of this Amsterdam itinerary takes you to Amsterdam’s famous Museum Square (Museumplein). There are many museums here. The two must-sees are the Rijksmuseum and Van Hogh Museum, and you can easily visit them on the same day. You could also visit the Moco Museum if interested.

Good to know: All these museums are open daily (except for some exceptional events or public holidays).

TIP: If you are planning to visit both – the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum as well as take a classic canal cruise (not necessarily all on the same day), you can also opt for this digital Amsterdam Pass . It allows you to book timed-entry slots for all three attractions in one go.

If you don’t feel like visiting that many museums in a day, simply adjust this itinerary and visit one of the main museums (Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum) another day. We grouped all these museums together purely based on their location as this would be the most logical way to see them all without having to walk too much.

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

Van Gogh Museum

9 – 11.30 AM .

We recommend starting with the Van Gogh Museum first thing in the morning. This museum is very popular but the spaces aren’t very big, so it gets very busy during the day. Since they work with timed entry slots, it’s not too bad in the morning.

The Van Gogh Museum is a must-see in Amsterdam. After all, he is one of the best-known Dutch artists of all time.

This museum houses the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s art, with several hundreds of paintings and drawings. In addition, you can see fragments of his personal letters to his brother Theo. It’s a great place to really get to know Vincent Van Gogh and his art, beyond the most famous paintings.

Good to know: The Van Gogh Museum tickets are only available online and they always sell out. Furthermore, if you want to be able to choose the best time slot, you have to book well in advance. We recommend getting tickets for the earliest available time slot (usually 9 AM) and arriving at least 15 minutes before the museum opens.

TIP: For a small extra fee, you can get an audiovisual guide. It’s really worth it and makes your visit to the museum so much more rewarding.

LEARN MORE: Tips for Visiting Van Gogh Museum

Lunch + Vondelpark (optional)

11.30 AM – 1 PM.

You could have lunch at the Van Gogh Museum, at the Rijksmuseum, or at one of the cafes on the Museum Square.

TIP: You could also walk to the nearby Vondelpark , the main park in the center of Amsterdam. It’s nice to see, especially if the weather is good. And there is a cozy cafe where you could have some lunch.

However, if you do one of the bike tours mentioned on day 1 or day 4 of this itinerary, you will visit the park by bike (and save time and some walking on this day). Otherwise, it could be a nice addition to your itinerary.

Depending on what you decide to do for lunch, book your timed-entry ticket for the Rijksmuseum accordingly!

Good to know: We recommend just a very light lunch in between the two museum visits. There is a better place to eat that we mention a bit further in this itinerary – see the Albert Cuyp Market info further below. Since the market is not that far away from the museums, you could also go there for lunch. In that case, rearrange this itinerary. The distances aren’t huge so you could go there after visiting Van Gogh Museum and before going to Rijksmuseum.

Rijksmuseum

1 – 2.30 PM.

Rijksmuseum (or The Empire Museum) is the most important museum in Amsterdam. In terms of style and significance, you could compare it to the Louvre in Paris . However, it’s incomparable to the Louvre in size, and you can see the main highlights in just 1-1.5 hours.

Some of the must-sees here include ‘The Milkmaid’ by Johannes Vermeer and ‘The Night Watch’ by Rembrandt , along with yet another version of a self-portrait by Vincent Van Gogh .

Many of the most important artworks are displayed close to each other in the room called The Gallery of Honour . Don’t miss the Cuypers Library too. It’s very impressive! You can also visit the gardens of the museum – they are open to the public and are free to visit.

Good to know: Also for the Rijksmuseum, booking timed-entry tickets in advance is a must! Here too, you can get an audiovisual guide and listen to some background information about some of the main pieces of the museum.

Albert Cuyp Market

3 – 4 PM.

Albert Cuyp Street Market is an outdoor market located in De Pijp neighborhood, about 10 minutes walk from Rijksmuseum. Here you will find everything from clothing and souvenirs to Dutch cheeses, exotic fruit, and food from all over the world.

This bustling market is a great place to soak up a more local atmosphere in Amsterdam. This place is very popular with locals and tourists alike.

You can simply walk through the market or buy some souvenirs. But I highly recommend trying some Dutch specialties here as well. There is no better place in Amsterdam where you can find all the traditional foods in one place.

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

As already mentioned you could also come here for lunch, in between the two museum visits. In addition to all the market stalls and street food, there are several nice cafes and restaurants here as well.

Heineken Experience

4.30 – 6 PM.

You are probably familiar with the Heineken beer that can be found all over the world. The site of their original brewery in Amsterdam has been transformed into an interactive beer museum. Whether you are a fan of beer or not, it’s totally worth a visit (I don’t ever drink beer, but I absolutely loved the experience).

This is not a traditional museum – although you’ll start with the exhibits focused on the early days of the Heineken brand and the historic brewery. As you continue through the museum, you will learn more about the art of beer making, the ingredients, etc. The last part of the experience is much more contemporary with interactive exhibits and virtual reality experiences. And of course, you get to taste some cold beer.

Good to know: Heineken Experience doesn’t allow minors, so you have to be at least 18 in order to visit here. This experience is very popular, and most time slots sell out at least a few days in advance. So be sure to book timed entry tickets when planning your itinerary.

TIP: If you want to enjoy the views from their rooftop, you’ll need to get an additional ticket upon arrival (there are machines at the entrance). Buy it first before visiting the museum part, so that you are sure to be able to go up after your visit (they have limited numbers and the strangest rules about visiting hours/when you can purchase rooftop tickets).

Moco Museum

6 – 7 PM. OPTIONAL/ ALTERNATIVE

Moco Museum is located on the Museum Square, right next to Van Gogh- and Rijksmuseum. It could be a good alternative to Heineken Experience if you are traveling with minors, but you can also do both.

Featuring works of contemporary artists such as Banksy, Haring, Hirst, and many others, this is a very different museum experience from the others in Amsterdam. It makes art more accessible and will definitely appeal to kids and teenagers as well.

Good to know: Moco Museum is small so you don’t need that much time (also because it’s located so close to the others). Plus, it’s open late in the evening when all the other places are long closed, so it’s quite possible to add a quick visit here to your Amsterdam itinerary.

If you would like to see the untraditional works of some of the world’s most famous modern artists, Moco Museum is well worth it!

Also here, if you want to be sure to visit, it’s recommended to book your tickets in advance . But depending on the season and the time of the day, walk-ins should be possible too.

Leidseplein & Dinner

In the evening, head over to Leidseplein (Leiden Square), just a short walk from Museum Square. This lively square has a very nice atmosphere, especially in the evenings.

Here, you can see the impressive building of the Internationaal Theater Amsterdam and one of the iconic Amsterdam hotels Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam American (this area/hotel is also an excellent place to stay in!). Just nearby, there is a casino as well.

On the square, you can see The Bulldog Cafe and The Bulldog Palace. These iconic Amsterdam institutions are located in a beautiful historic building that used to house a police station.

You will find many other cafes and restaurants here too. In the warmer months, the entire square is lined with terraces and the nearby streets are filled with restaurants too. So the area around Leidseplein could be a very good place for a drink or even dinner.

You’ll need to reserve a table for dinner at the better restaurants, but many ‘simple’ places should be ok without advance reservations. Still, it pays to do some research because the choice is overwhelming and there is a lot of difference in prices and quality. If you want to be sure to dine at a specific place, be sure to reserve!

TIP: If you are nostalgic for American food, you’ll find Hard Rock Café nearby. For excellent Asian fusion food, try Momo Bar & Lounge located inside the Park Centraal Hotel . We recently stayed at this hotel and it became one of our absolute favorites in Amsterdam.

Dutch countryside tour – A’DAM Tower – Eastern Docks and/or NEMO Science Museum (optional) – Red Light District.

DAY 3 planning info/ tickets to book :

• Dutch countryside tour – there are many options for various durations and group sizes. We did this highly-rated tour because it starts very early (our tour started at 8.15 AM). Not only do you visit the most popular places without big crowds, but you still have plenty of time to explore more of the city in the late afternoon (we were back in Amsterdam before 3 PM).
• NEMO Science Museum (optional) – timed-entry tickets .
• Red Light District tour – there are several options . We took this popular tour and I can highly recommend it.

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

Countryside Tour: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, Marken

8 – 3 PM.

If you want to take a break from all the landmarks and museums in the city, you could escape to the countryside for a couple of hours. There are countless options as to where to go and what to see (a lot also depends on the season).

On this 4-day trip to Amsterdam, we opted for this guided tour to some of the nicest little towns and windmills near Amsterdam. We visited Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken . It’s a very short visit where you basically just spend about an hour in each place. But it gives you a different perspective of the Netherlands, beyond the capital city, and we found it well worth it.

We opted for this tour because a tour like this is the only way to see all these amazing sites in such a short time. Plus, the proximity of these places to the city and the early departure time meant that we still had the whole afternoon to spend in Amsterdam upon return.

As mentioned, there are many alternatives for a (half) day excursion to the countryside near Amsterdam (both – with guided tours or simply going on your own by train or by bus). You can find some inspiration in our guide below.

READ ALSO: Best Places in the Countryside Near Amsterdam

A’DAM Lookout

3 – 3.45 PM.

Upon return to the city, you could easily visit A’DAM Tower, across the IJ River from the Central Station. For us, it was extremely easy to do since the tour ended in this part of town. So it was literally 3 minutes walk from the bus.

If you are coming back to the Central Station after your excursion, you can just hop on the passenger ferry that runs every couple of minutes between the station and the northern part of town. I indicated the location of this ferry on our map. The ferry ride takes just a minute or two and is free of charge.

A’DAM Tower is a project with different parts of the building used for various purposes such as a hotel, a music venue, etc. The main reason to come here is the A’DAM Lookout – the Rooftop experience.

There are several things that you can do here. First, enjoy the stunning 360° views of Amsterdam. Since the city is completely flat, you can see really far from here. Second, they have a rooftop swing where you literally hang with your feet over the edge of the tower. In addition, you can take a picture with giant A’DAM letters, and watch a short film about the history of the city and this tower.

There is also a rooftop bar – one inside, with panoramic views overlooking the city, and the other one outside, at the very top. It’s a nice place to sit down for a drink, rest your legs a bit, and enjoy the views.

Good to know: There is a fee to visit A’DAM Lookout and you can simply get the tickets on the spot. If you would like to come to the rooftop bar in the evening, it’s best to reserve a table since it tends to get very busy.

After your visit here, take the ferry back to the city center.

Eastern Docks Island & NEMO Science Museum (optional)

4 – 5.30 PM. OPTIONAL

NEMO Science Museum is one of the best Amsterdam museums for families with children. It’s an interactive hands-on museum with a focus on science and technology.

This is one of those museums where you can play and experiment with the exhibits, and kids will love it. So if you are visiting Amsterdam with kids or teens, check it out!

Good to know: Also here, if you want to be sure to visit, you have to pre-book timed-entry tickets in advance.

TIP: Without kids, it’s still worth coming here to see the ship-shaped building and visit its rooftop terrace (accessible without a ticket).

In addition, as you walk to the NEMO Museum from the station, you’ll pass a nice modern part of town called Oosterdokseiland (Eastern Docks Island) . When the weather is nice, you’ll see locals sitting by the water enjoying a drink or a snack and watching the ships go by. It’s nice to come here either way – even if you are not visiting NEMO.

China Town & Nieuwmarkt

5.30 – 6 PM.

As you cross the canals and get back to the old town, check out the area between the Saint Nicholas Basilica and the Nieuwmarkt. The Red Light District is located here (more about it below), but there is more to see here.

To start with, you could check out the Basilica (from the outside if it’s closed). Next, head to Zeedijk, a narrow old street where you can see one of the two oldest wooden houses in Amsterdam (the other one is located inside the Begijnhof, mentioned on day 1 of this itinerary). As you walk further, you will pass Amsterdam’s China Town . It’s a very small area, with lots of (Asian) restaurants.

Finally, you’ll reach Nieuwmarkt Square. Here, you can’t really miss De Waag , a castle-like building that served as one of the city gates in the past. Nowadays, there is a restaurant inside.

On the same square, you will also find an outdoor market. Depending on the hour and the day, you’ll find different stalls here – from Farmer’s Market on Saturdays to antiques and flee market on Sundays in the summer, to a daily market selling a bit of everything… The market usually starts to close at around this time, so you may be able to appreciate the architecture around you a bit better.

Good to know: If you take the Red Light District walking tour that we did (see below), you will pass these places (and many more) with the tour guide as well.

Red Light District

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

End your day at the famous Red Light District in the heart of Amsterdam. This is one of the oldest parts of the city, also known as “De Wallen” with narrow streets and canals.

But most tourists mainly know this area for its nightlife, infamous coffeeshops, and legalized prostitution with distinctive red-lit windows where sex workers display themselves.

Prostitution is regulated in the Netherlands, and this district provides a safe and controlled environment for it. This is just one of the many Red Light Districts in Benelux, but it’s definitely the most famous one.

Nowadays, more and more women working here are moving away to the quieter side streets, and the area has more coffeeshops, stores, and unique museums. The Red Light Secrets Museum is the best one if you want to visit one museum in this area.

Good to know: The area is at its busiest at night and especially during weekends. Depending on when you visit, you’ll have a totally different experience.

TIP: If you are interested to know a bit more about this unique historic part of Amsterdam, consider visiting with a local guide. We recently took this highly-rated walking tour of the Red Light District and found it really educational and fun. Recommended.

The Red Light District is located just next to Amsterdam’s China Town, so you’ll find tons of good Asian restaurants nearby.

For a simple meal, head to a Thai restaurant called Bird . This restaurant was recommended to us by our Red Light District tour guide and it didn’t disappoint.

If you are looking for something a bit more special (and quite a bit more expensive), check out A-Fusion . This restaurant should definitely be reserved! We dined here on another occasion and the food was amazing!

Excursion outside the city or bike tour off the beaten path – Lunch in Jordaan – Rembrandt House Museum – Jewish Neighborhood – Life of Anne Frank Walking Tour.

DAY 4 planning info/ tickets to book :

• Excursion outside the city or bike tour (optional) – see below.
• Rembrandt House Museum – timed-entry tickets .
• Jewish Museum & Portuguese Synagogue (optional) – tickets .
• Anne Frank Walking Tour – we took this amazing tour and truly enjoyed it.

There are so many ways how you could spend the fourth day in Amsterdam! So much depends on your interests and preferences. Below are some recommendations based on what we did on various trips.

Here is what day 4 in Amsterdam could look like:

Excursion Outside the City (optional)

In the morning, you could take another (half) day tour and explore some of the nicest places outside Amsterdam. Here are some recommendations:

• If traveling in the early spring, you could visit the Lisse Tulip Fields and Keukenhof Gardens . The easiest way to do that is by booking a bus transfer that includes the garden tickets . You’ll need about 5-6 hours for this and we recommend going as early in the morning as possible.
• If you want to see a smaller Dutch town without having to go far from Amsterdam, you could visit Haarlem . It’s less than 20 minutes from Amsterdam by train and you can easily see most of the main highlights in 3-4 hours. For a more special experience (and a slightly longer visit), Delft could be a great option, but it’s a bit further away (1 hour by train).
• If you don’t care about spending more time in the city, you could also consider visiting Giethoorn . This is one of the most picturesque villages in the Netherlands with canals instead of streets. You’ll need to book a tour to get there without a car, and you should count 8-10 hours for a visit.

Alternatively, stay in the city – there are so many more amazing places to see and things to do on day 4 in Amsterdam! See below for our recommendations.

READ ALSO: Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

Bike Tour off the Beaten Path

+- 9.30 AM – 2 PM. OPTIONAL/ALTERNATIVE

If you rather explore the city of Amsterdam a bit more, you could consider this bike tour that takes you a bit more off the beaten path in Amsterdam. Some places covered are the same as the bike tour mentioned on day 1 of this itinerary, however. We recently did this tour and it was really nice to see some lesser visited places in Amsterdam that most tourists never get to.

However, if you take a bike tour on day 1 of this itinerary, it’s probably going to be very similar.

Alternatively, take a look at this amazing bike tour that takes you just a bit outside the city . On this tour, you explore picturesque villages and waterways of the Waterland district north of Amsterdam. This is an excellent option if you want to get a feeling of real Holland, beyond the busiest tourist attractions.

TIP: If you do any bike tours in Amsterdam, I recommend doing it in the morning. It will be much less busy on the roads in the morning than in the afternoon.

Lunch in the Jordaan Neighborhood

Depending on what you choose to do in the morning, you could have lunch in the Jordaan neighborhood. Both bike tours mentioned above start and end very close to this area.

For some of the best apple pie in Amsterdam, head to Cafe Winkel 43 or Café Papeneiland. I’m sure there are many other places that have delicious apple pie too. It seems to be the locals’ favorite.

TIP: Alternatively, if you are not taking any tours in the morning, consider this highly-rated food tour of the Jordaan neighborhood . They usually have several starting times around lunch, depending on the season.

The nice thing about this tour is that you visit one of the most authentic areas in central Amsterdam with a local guide. Plus, you get to know the city through its food.

Rembrandt House Museum

In the afternoon, we highly recommend visiting the Rembrandt House Museum. Located in the very house where the famous 17th-century painter lived at the peak of his career.

The house is beautifully restored and the museum is really well done. Plus, you get an audiovisual guide which makes a visit so much more interesting. You can see the rooms where the family lived, all kinds of objects collected by Rembrandt, and the studios where he worked. In addition, you can also admire many original paintings by the master himself.

This museum is one of my personal favorites. It’s small and immersive and you leave here with a much better appreciation and understanding of Rembrandt’s life and work. Since you only need max. 1 hour for a visit and the museum is located close to the other attractions that we recommend visiting later on this day, it’s really simple to add it to your Amsterdam itinerary.

Good to know: The museum is set in the original house and is therefore not very big, so if you want to be sure to visit, book your timed-entry tickets in advance.

Jewish Cultural Quarter

4 – 5 PM.

Just a short walk from the Rembrandt Museum, you’ll reach a neighborhood where many Jews lived before WWII. There are several landmarks and places of interest in this part of Amsterdam, so you can decide which ones you want to see based on your interests. Here are some recommendations:

• National Holocaust Names Monument . This unique monument can be found in a small garden near Hermitage Amsterdam. It contains the names of 102,000 holocaust victims who never got a grave. It’s free to enter and you can visit in just a few minutes.
• Hortus Botanicus. If you are looking for a green space to escape the busy city, you can visit Amsterdam’s Botanical Garden. It’s really tranquil and rather small, but also very picturesque. Count 20-30 minutes for a visit.
• Jewish Museum + Portuguese Synagogue . This museum has two main parts that you can visit, located just across the street from each other (and included in the same ticket ). The main museum also has a fun section for children. You’ll need at least an hour for the museum and the Synagogue, so if you decide to visit here, skip some other places and adjust the itinerary accordingly.

The Life of Anne Frank Walking Tour

5 – 7 PM.

You could end the last day in Amsterdam with this amazing walking tour dedicated to the Life of Anne Frank and the history of the Jews of Amsterdam. We did quite a lot of tours in Amsterdam and I have to say that this one was absolutely brilliant.

The tour starts at the Jewish Museum, visits various landmarks (but not the National Holocaust Names Monument mentioned earlier), and ends at the Anne Frank House. It doesn’t include a visit inside any of the museums, however.

The starting and the ending locations are the main reason why we recommend doing this tour in this part of the itinerary. It’s the most logical way to do it. However, you could easily plan it for another day. It’s also perfectly possible to combine this tour with a visit to Anne Frank House (see day 1 of this itinerary for more information about the museum visit). Just make sure that the timing works out when booking tickets/tours!

If you do the Life of Anne Frank walking tour mentioned above, it will end at the Anne Frank monument next to West Church. This is the same area where you ended your first day of this itinerary.

Once again, cross the canal westwards and head to the Jordaan neighborhood for dinner. There are so many nice restaurants here.

We had dinner at Cannibale Royale . Alternatively, check out Salmuera , just nearby. For more traditional Dutch food, you may want to try Café Restaurant De Reiger .

We indicated all these restaurants on our map. Whatever you choose, it’s best to reserve a table in advance!

Where to Stay for 4 Days in Amsterdam

There are so many amazing hotels in central Amsterdam that the choice can be overwhelming! Plus, the prices can be really high especially if you are booking just a few months before your trip.

For this itinerary, you could stay anywhere in the historic center or just a bit outside of it close to the Central Station . When choosing a location consider a few things. If you are taking at least a couple of tours outside the city and also one of the bike tours in the morning, then you may want to stay really close to the station – that way, you can just quickly walk everywhere you need to be. It’s also easy for arrival and departure.

Whereas if you are not doing that many day trips (or don’t mind taking a 10-minute tram ride once in a while), then you can also stay in the more ‘chic’ part of town, closer to the Museum Square or in the heart of the nicest part of the Canal Belt (around the 9 Streets). This area is not necessarily more expensive – it really depends on the availability when you book.

The most expensive is the area right in the middle between the two – around Dam Square and the 9 Streets. It’s also the most convenient area for anything you want to do in Amsterdam.

Our experience: On this 4-day Amsterdam trip, we stayed at Park Centraal Amsterdam , just next to all the museums. I couldn’t fault the hotel – we absolutely loved it! The location was great for all the sightseeing in the city too.

On another occasion, we stayed at Hotel Mai , in Chinatown, just 5 minutes walk from the station. We had a superior canal-view room and it was amazing. The location was excellent for all the day trips and tours.

Hotel Estheréa is right in the center between these two locations and is the perfect choice if you can’t decide on the area. It’s as central for everything as it gets.

On a lower budget , ClinkNOORD Hostel is one of the absolute top choices price/quality-wise. It’s located in Amsterdam North across the IJ River, but can easily be reached from the Central Station by the free passenger ferry in just a couple of minutes.

READ ALSO: Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam for First Visit

So, this sums up our recommended itinerary for 4 days in Amsterdam.

I hope that this very detailed guide will give you a better idea of what can be done in Amsterdam in about four days. Of course, you can also skip the places that don’t interest you that much and take it easier leaving more time to relax and explore deeper.

So use this itinerary as it is or adjust it to your interests and plan your own perfect trip!

TIP: Be sure to also take a look at our first-timer’s guide to visiting Amsterdam . It contains lots of useful information and tips for your trip. Check it out!

More travel inspiration for Amsterdam & beyond:

• Best places to see in Amsterdam (all the top sights)
• Amsterdam canal cruise (experience-based tips)
• Top museums in Amsterdam
• 1 day in Amsterdam
• 2 days in Amsterdam
• 3 days in Amsterdam
• What It’s Like to Visit Amsterdam in June
• What It’s Like to Visit Amsterdam in December
• Amsterdam at Christmas
• Best day trips from Amsterdam
• Kinderdijk Windmills
• Alkmaar Cheese Market
• Best tulip fields near Amsterdam
• Keukenhof Gardens
• Best of Brussels
• Best of Bruges
• Best of Antwerp

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Barbara White

Thursday 24th of August 2023

About how much would you suggest this all would cost (recognizing everyone is different in terms of how much to spend on food!). Writing from Canada where the current conversion is about 1.5 with our dollar. Trying to organize short trips from my 'bucket' list given a recent terminal diagnosis. Walk with a cane so likely just looking to see the city, some museums and offbeat things (the book and art marts sound lovely) - I have an off week so to speak from treatments and started to create a list and see what's possible :)

And, thanks for this lovely information!

Friday 25th of August 2023

@Jurga, thank you! your estimate on daily cost was in my ballpark! Thank you so very much.

Hi Barbara, it's really impossible for us to give you any estimate of a trip cost. It depends on so many factors, such as when you travel, how long in advance you book, what deals you can get for the flights, which hotels you choose, etc. The biggest cost of a trip to Amsterdam (apart from getting there) is accommodation. Check Booking.com for your travel dates to get a better idea of how much you'd need. The prices of all experiences/tickets can also be found online. As a minimum, you'll likely need about 200-250 euro per day in Amsterdam (hotel, food, activities), if staying in a rather simple accommodation (and not sharing the room cost with anyone), visiting a few museums, and dining/lunching at decent but not too fancy restaurants. If you opt for a nicer hotel, you'll likely need that much for the hotel alone. If you opt for the cheapest hostel or stay outside the city center and eat in very simple places, you could do it for much less. You can make any trip as expensive or as cheap as you like, so it all depends on your choices. Hope this helps.

Monday 26th of June 2023

Excellent information. Thank you

Glad to help, Kiran. Happy travels!

Dennis Romano

Sunday 25th of June 2023

Jurga, Another excellent guide. We spent two days there after a Viking Rhine cruise last July and loved the city. We had been there before, but it was in 1973; we would like to go back. Viking had us stay in the beautiful Hotel Okura, not in the city center, but reasonably close, especially with the trams. We had one of the best Chinese dinners we've ever had nearby at Oceania.

We got back 3 days ago from a month-long road trip around the Italian lakes and Tuscany and are ready to go back to Italy. We used some of your resources on our trip. Thanks!

Thanks for sharing your experience and for your kind feedback regarding our travel guides, Dennis. It's always great to hear from our loyal readers!

• How to Spend 4 Days in Amsterdam: Ultimate Itinerary for First Timers

Visiting Amsterdam is always a good idea! You’re guaranteed a good time here regardless of how many days you have to spend.

However, spending 4 days in Amsterdam is the perfect amount of time to check the highlights off your list, explore some hidden corners of the city, and make the most of the many day trips available to surrounding towns.

Below, you’ll find my all-encompassing Amsterdam 4 day itinerary, filled with many things to do to ensure you see the best of the aptly-named Venice of the North.

If you haven’t been before and are keen to see what all the fuss is about, you’re in for a real treat!

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

Table of Contents

Are you planning a last-minute trip to Amsterdam?

If your trip is coming up soon and you still haven’t booked anything, we have you covered! Below you can find our top picks when it comes to hotels, tours, getting around, and more.

Best Tours and Experiences in Amsterdam

• Classic Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine Option (top-rated canal cruise)
• Life of Anne Frank and World War II Walking Tour
• Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Bus Tour (most popular day trip)
• Van Gogh Museum Ticket (sells out really fast so make sure to grab them as soon as possible)
• Heineken Experience (must-have tour for beer lovers)

Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam

• Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht (best hotel in Amsterdam with canal views)
• W Amsterdam (amazing 5-star hotel with a stunning rooftop pool)
• De L’Europe Amsterdam (best luxury hotel in Amsterdam)
• Linden Hotel (amazing mid-range option in Jordaan)
• Singel Hotel Amsterdam (great budget pick in the city center)

Looking for the best way to get around Amsterdam? Make sure to buy a GVB Public Transport Ticket . Even if you only use public transport a few times, it’s already worth it!

Planning to visit a handful of attractions? You can save a lot of money by purchasing the I Amsterdam City Card . It includes free entry to more than 70 attractions, unlimited access to public transport, and a free canal cruise!

Overview of Your 4 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary

Breakdown of your 4 days in amsterdam.

• Day 1: Dam Square & Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Madam Tussauds or The Amsterdam Dungeon, Begijnhof, Bloemenmarkt, Van Wonderen Stroopwafels, Damrak Canal Houses, Canal Cruise, Red Light District
• Day 2: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark, Anne Frank House, Amsterdam Cheese Museum, Jordaan & 9 Streets, Foodhallen
• Day 3: Hoftuin Park, Amsterdam Museum or Hermitage Museum, National Holocaust Monument, Skinny Bridge, Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, Rembrandt House Museum, Albert Cuyp Market, Heineken Experience
• Day 4 : Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Marken, Edam, A’DAM Lookout

Map for your 4 day Amsterdam itinerary

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Amsterdam itinerary.

I marked your 4 days in Amsterdam with different colors – I used blue for the first, yellow for the second, red for the third, and green for the fourth day, so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Day 1 of Your 4 Days in Amsterdam

Dam square & royal palace of amsterdam.

There’s no better place to start your Amsterdam adventure than in Dam Square. Day or night, Dam Square is always full of life and is the epicenter for a bunch of the city’s top attractions.

In the square itself, you’ll probably notice the National Monument commemorating those who lost their lives in the Second World War and the unmissable Royal Palace of Amsterdam .

Despite its name, the palace is where the royals host events like award ceremonies and state visits, and the family actually resides in a lavish estate in the Hague.

Whenever the building is not used by the royal family, it’s accessible to the public, and since you have 4 days in Amsterdam, I’d recommend going in for a tour.

The palace is absolutely breathtaking, and it’s home to many lavishly decorated rooms. I’m not kidding when I say that my jaw was on the floor the whole time we were inside!

You’ll need around 1-1.5 hours to comfortably tour the whole place and I suggest picking up a free audio guide to really uncover the palace’s long history.

Madame Tussauds or Amsterdam Dungeon

No matter where in the world you go, a visit to Madame Tussauds is always a good time.

You won’t have to walk far, as Amsterdam’s edition of this iconic wax museum is within Dam Square, where you’ll bump into the likes of Harry Styles, Jennifer Anniston, and Beyonce.

Thrill-seekers might want to opt for a visit to the eerie Amsterdam Dungeon instead, which is just a 4-minute walk away. Here, you’ll be taken on a terrifying journey through Dutch history with plenty of terror and surprises along the way.

As I absolutely loved the London Dungeon during our London trip, I knew I had to try the Amsterdam version and it did not disappoint!

You are not allowed to take any photos inside, so you’ll just have to trust my word on this – if you love live performances and interactive experiences, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the Amsterdam Dungeon.

Insider tip: You can get 25% off at both attractions with the I Amsterdam City Card .

When you’ve had your fill of shockingly life-like wax figures or jumpscares, make the super short walk to the tranquil Begijnhof.

Consisting of a collection of traditional homes surrounding a grassy courtyard, the Begijnhof is Amsterdam’s best-known hofje, which is a group of homes for unmarried religious women, many of whom still live here today.

Make sure you catch a glimpse of Amsterdam’s oldest surviving house during your visit, No. 34, but remember to ensure you’re quiet and respectful of the surroundings.

Bloemenmarkt

When you’re ready to head back out into the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, head to the nearby Bloemenmarkt, the world’s only floating flower market.

As soon as you step inside, your eyes won’t know where to look! Hundreds of brightly-colored flowers, bulbs for every plant you could think of, and heaps of quirky souvenirs are all on display at the Bloemenmarkt.

Although you might spot some of The Netherlands’ beloved tulips here throughout the year, anyone visiting between March and May will see the best of these stunning flowers, as they’re in full bloom in the spring.

If you want to take home some tulip bulbs with you, you can find many pre-packaged bulbs that are ready for international travel (remember that these have to be officially stamped for export). Even if you don’t want to buy anything, it’s absolutely worth strolling around the market as it’s a real feast for the eyes.

Van Wonderen Stroopwafels

After a busy morning of sightseeing, it’s about time for a quick snack, and what would be a better way to treat yourself than trying the famous stroopwafels?

Just 260 meters (0.16 miles) from the Bloemenmarkt, you’ll find Van Wonderen Stroopwafels , the most buzzing spot in the capital for these sweet caramel-filled waffle cookies.

You can expect to find a line outside at any time of day, but the minute you tuck into your chocolate, marshmallow, or Lotus-topped stroopwafel, I think you’ll find that they’re worth the wait.

We loved these sweet treats so much that we went back almost every day – no kidding! I’d recommend going for the medium or mega size and topping it with marshmallows – it was my favorite combo, and it was absolutely delicious.

Damrak Canal Houses

Once you’ve polished off your stroopwafels, stroll along the waterside and admire the hundreds of canal houses with which Amsterdam has become synonymous.

After around 20 minutes of walking, you’ll come across the Damrak Canal Houses, some of the most famous and historic homes in all of the city.

Often nicknamed the Dancing Houses, these colorful buildings have gotten their names thanks to their slightly crooked appearance and always seem to look as if they’re holding each other up.

This is one of my favorite photo spots in Amsterdam – you seriously can’t take a bad photo here so make sure to have your camera ready!

Canal Cruise

If there’s one thing you most definitely can’t skip out on during your 4 days in Amsterdam, it’s a canal cruise down the dozens of enchanting waterways.

Experience the city from a whole new perspective from the comfort of a cruise boat, passing under cute bridges, squeezing through narrow canals, and, of course, doing some people-watching.

Best of all, there are so many boat tours to choose from , with everything from budget-friendly trips to romantic evening sailings and lively booze cruises available to you. However, this tour is my top recommendation, as you can add on a cheese and wine package!

Read Next: 16 Best Canal Cruises in Amsterdam You Can’t Go Wrong With

Red Light District

Your drop-off point will vary depending on the cruise you’ve picked, but you’ll likely be between a 10 or 20-minute walk from the infamous Red Light District, where you’ll finish up your first day of explorations.

De Wallen is Amsterdam’s most well-known Red Light District, and here you’ll pass by erotic museums, countless windows lined with sex workers, adult stores, and a ton of late-night bars.

Although it’s easy to assume that this pocket of Amsterdam is dangerous, there’s a pretty heavy police force in the area, and it’s generally considered to be very safe.

The only rule you need to abide by is that you can’t take any photos of the workers here, so it’s best to keep your camera or phone in your pockets.

If you would rather explore the area with a knowledgeable local guide, you can join this  Red Light District Tour . The tour is available in English or German and departs at 8 pm every day. During the tour, you can learn more about prostitution, coffee shops, and the history of the district.

Day 2 of Your 4 Days in Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum.

One of the best things to do in Amsterdam is touring its many museums, so it’s time to start!

If I had to pick only one museum to visit in Amsterdam, it would be the Rijksmuseum , so I recommend starting your day with this one. Easily the capital’s most-visited museum, this is a can’t-miss attraction for anyone with an interest in art.

Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, Vermeer’s Milkmaid, and Van Gogh’s self-portrait are just some of the thousands of incredible artworks from the Dutch Golden Age that call the Rijkmuseum home, and you could easily spend hours here.

Getting your tickets online is best if you’re visiting during the summer, but they’re also available on entry.

Insider tip:  Entrance is free with the  I Amsterdam City Card !

Van Gogh Museum

Within a five-minute walk from Rijksmuseum is the Van Gogh Museum , where you’ll have the chance to see some of the Dutch painter’s most treasured pieces.

As well as seeing the largest collection of Van Gogh’s works in the world, including a Starry Night and Sunflowers, hundreds of his favorite paintings and prints from artists he admired are also on display. 

Along with the permanent exhibits, there are usually some temporary showcases, too.

With so much to see, it’s a good idea to join a guided tour to get a better understanding of what you’re looking at, but you can also buy a standard ticket if you prefer.

Insider tip: Getting tickets to the Van Gogh Museum is a bit tricky as they usually sell out quite far in advance. Make sure to check the tickets at least two weeks ahead of your visit and book them as soon as you can.

Amsterdam’s back garden, Vondelpark, is less than a 15-minute stroll from the Van Gogh Museum and is among the most laidback places you’ll find in the city.

Walk along the pathways and pass by water fountains, sprawling green spaces, and tranquil ponds, or jump on a classic or electric bike and see the park like a local.

There are a couple of lovely cafes scattered around Vondelpark where you’ll be able to grab a coffee or a quick bite to eat, plus a huge playground for anyone who happens to be traveling with little explorers.

Anne Frank House

A devastating but unmissable edition to your 4 days in Amsterdam itinerary is a stop at the Anne Frank House , a museum formed on the site where this young girl chronicled her family’s journey as they hid for two years during the Holocaust.

When you visit, you’ll see the bookcase that hid the entrance to the secret annex and original items from the kitchen, along with countless photos and videos.

Tickets for the Anne Frank House always tend to sell out well in advance, so you’ll need to snap up yours as early as possible. Every Tuesday, tickets for the upcoming six weeks become available online, so keep your eyes on the website!

You have to reserve your tickets for a specific timeslot, so you might need to move around the activities on this day depending on which timeslot you receive.

Photography and videography are forbidden inside, so you can leave your camera in the cloakroom along with your other stuff.

Insider tip: If you want to learn even more about Anne Frank while touring the Jewish Quarter, you can join this Life of Anne Frank and World War II Walking Tour .

Amsterdam Cheese Museum

After a gut-wrenching experience at the Anne Frank, you’ll appreciate something a little lighter at the nearby Amsterdam Cheese Museum .

The Netherlands has its fair share of excellent cheeses from Edam, Gouda, and Maasdam, and the Amsterdam Cheese Museum gives you an insight into how these cheeses are made.

When you walk in, you’ll be offered a tonne of free samples, including truffle goat cheese and chili cheese, while downstairs is the super cute and free museum.

If you have room in your suitcase, stock up on your favorite varieties, most of which are vacuum-packed and easy to travel with.

Jordaan & 9 Streets

Next up is the trendy and picturesque neighborhood of Jordaan, which is just a 10-minute walk from the Amsterdam Cheese Museum. It’s one of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam and also my favorite area to stroll around!

Jordaan was once a working-class area of Amsterdam and has developed into one of the city’s most sought-after neighborhoods, consisting of boutique stores, hip cafes, and a thriving nightlife scene.

The enchanting nine streets, a collection of stunning avenues lined with upscale shops and some of the city’s most incredible hotels, lie within the Jordaan district. They have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to their old-world allure and beauty.

If you love cute cafes, you have to stop by my favorite one: Le Petit Deli . It’s a cute little café with French-inspired decor and incredibly delicious pastries and cakes.

Amsterdam has hundreds of top-quality eateries, but the Foodhallen is a true foodie heaven in the heart of the city.

You’ll work up an appetite as you make your way over from Jordaan, which is around 20 minutes away on foot.

Once you arrive, you’ll quickly find that the Foodhallen is a true feast for the senses, with stalls selling everything from drool-worthy tacos and crunchy Vietnamese banh mis to spicy noodle dishes and juicy burgers.

If this is your first time here, I recommend starting with De Ballenbar. You have to try the local bitterballs, which are deep-fried meatballs covered in crunchy breadcrumbs. They are super delicious!

Day 3 of Your 4 Days in Amsterdam

Hoftuin park.

Start the third day of your 4 day Amsterdam itinerary by exploring some of the hidden gems in Amsterdam located in the Old Jewish Quarter and the Plantage area.

First, make your way to Hoftuin Park, a small and serene garden located next to the Hermitage Museum. It’s only a few minutes walk from the Waterlooplein metro station, but depending on where you’re staying in Amsterdam, you might be able to walk too.

This hidden gem is perfect for a peaceful morning stroll or a picnic surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees.

It’s also home to one of my favorite breakfast places in Amsterdam : Dignita Hoftuin. This cozy cafe offers delicious and healthy breakfast options, as well as a beautiful outdoor seating area in the park.

Amsterdam Museum or H’ART Museum

After breakfast (or just a quick stroll around the park), you have two museums to choose from for your next stop: the Amsterdam Museum or the Hermitage Museum.

The Amsterdam Museum gives you an overview of the highs and lows of The Netherlands throughout time.

With a unique exhibition for each historical period, the Amsterdam Museum uses displays, videos, art, and artifacts to take you through the city’s storied history, which is really brought to life with the audio guide included in your ticket.

The building in which the museum is set is also steeped in history, having once stood as an orphanage run by nuns during the 1500s, prior to the Reformation.

On the other hand, H’ART Museum is now presenting various arts from three international partners: the British Museum, Centre Pompidou, and Smithsonian American Art Museum.

The museum was formerly known as Hermitage Amsterdam, and it used to house an impressive collection from the world-renowned Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. After the recent events, the museum has cut ties with Russia and renamed itself H’ART with a new concept starting in September 2023.

Both museums offer unique and fascinating exhibitions, so choose whichever one interests you more.

National Holocaust Monument

Another attraction you can’t miss next to Hoftuin Park is one of Amsterdam’s newest and most culturally significant landmarks, the National Holocaust Monument.

The four red brick, mirror-topped sections of the monument come together to spell the Hebrew phrase for ‘In Memory Of’ from above.

Each brick has a name engraved onto it for each of the known Holocaust victims in Amsterdam, while some are left blank to represent unnamed members of the Jewish community who suffered during World War II.

An incredibly solemn point of interest, this monument sheds some light on the darker sides of Dutch history.

Skinny Bridge

Seeing Amsterdam in 4 days wouldn’t be complete without a walk to the Skinny Bridge, just a 5-minute walk from Hoftuin Park.

Connecting the areas of Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, this revered white bridge is said to be one of the most romantic spots in Amsterdam, and it’s believed that couples who kiss under the bridge will be blessed with eternal love.

You might wonder why it’s fondly called the Skinny Bridge despite not being particularly narrow, but this overpass was initially much smaller and was only wide enough to allow two people to pass each other at a time.

Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

As you might have figured out from the name, the Hortus Botanicus is Amsterdam’s botanical garden, which happens to be one of the oldest of its kind on the planet.

At just over 5 minutes from Hoftuin Park or 10 minutes from the Skinny Bridge, these gardens feel like a tropical oasis hidden amongst the busy streets of central Amsterdam.

Home to a spectacular butterfly house with dozens of colorful species, vibrant flowers, and a rainforest room, you won’t have to be an aspiring botanist to be impressed by this serene corner of the city.

If you would rather visit some free parks, you can stroll around either J. W. van Overloopplantsoen Park or Wertheimpark, both right next to Hortus Botanicus.

Rembrandt House Museum

Around 650 meters away (0.4 miles) is the Rembrandt House Museum . Most of you could probably make a good guess as to who this place is named after!

Rembrandt van Rijn called this townhouse home for almost 20 years during the mid-1600s, and seeing where he completed many of his most coveted paintings makes for a totally different experience to that of the Rijksmuseum while also giving some detail about his private life.

Most of his pieces lie in galleries, but many of his etchings are on display here, and you might even catch an art demonstration during your visit.

Albert Cuyp Market

Situated around a 30-minute walk from the Rembrandthouse or a 20-minute metro ride away is the Albert Cuyp Market.

Everything and anything is available to buy here, and I mean everything! Think clothes, jewelry, flowers, fresh vegetables, souvenirs, and pretty much whatever else you can think of.

Even if you don’t plan on buying anything here, it’s worth spending time passing by each of the 260 stalls and seeing Europe’s largest market in action.

For a truly authentic Dutch experience, pay a visit to the Albert Cuyp Market between 9 am and 5 pm any day except Sunday.

Heineken Experience

Around a 7-minute walk from the market is the Heineken Experience, a must for all beer enthusiasts out there. I must admit, I’m not a beer fan myself, but I still enjoyed this experience very much!

The standard experience includes a 1.5-hour long interactive self-guided tour of Heineken’s former brewery, learning the brewing process, how Heineken became one of the world’s best-loved lagers, and sampling two glasses of this famous beer.

If you want to go all in, choose the VIP experience . This tour lasts for 2.5 hours and is led by a knowledgeable guide, and it also includes a visit to a hidden bar, plus a tasting of 5 different beers!

Insider tip: You can get 25% off with the I Amsterdam City Card .

Day 4 of Your 4 Days in Amsterdam

For the last day of your Amsterdam itinerary, it’s time to venture out of the city and discover the gorgeous towns that lie in the Dutch countryside. 

I have four recommendations for you: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken.

Now you have a choice to make: you can either explore independently by using public transport, or you can book this Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Bus Tour , which will take you to all four towns and provide a guide for the day.

If you want to visit all these four places, I strongly recommend booking this tour. While it’s possible to visit them independently, you won’t be able to fit all of them into one day if you’re relying solely on public transport. Plus, the tour is an excellent value for money and will provide you with interesting information about each town.

If you’d rather explore independently, the good news is that you can easily reach all four towns by public transport. I’ll give you all the details below on how to get there from Amsterdam Central Station and you can choose your favorite towns to visit.

Another great way to visit these towns is to rent a bike and cycle there. The Netherlands is known for its cycling culture, and it’s a really popular way to explore the countryside. We visited Zaanse Schans this way on our first trip to Amsterdam, and it was such a lovely experience!

Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is a perfect example of the other side of The Netherlands, as this neighborhood is filled with traditional windmills and colored wooden homes from the 1800s dotted along the riverside, many of which have been relocated from other parts of the country.

You can easily spend a few hours here exploring the windmills, visiting the wooden shoe workshop, and trying some delicious Dutch cheese. You can even enter one of the working windmills to see how they operate and learn more about their importance in Dutch culture.

How to get to Zaanse Schans:

• Bus (45 minutes): Take bus 391 from Amsterdam Central Station. It runs every 15 minutes.
• Train + walk (35-40 minutes): Hop on a regional train and get off at Zaandijk – Zaanse Schans station. From here, it’s a 15-20 minutes walk to reach Zaanse Schans.
• Bicycle (1 hour)

Visit the birthplace of the beloved Edam cheese, which is positioned just 20 minutes from the Dutch capital.

The town of Edam itself is quaint and idyllic, with peaceful canals and pretty buildings, but let’s face it, the cheese is what it’s all about here.

You’ll most likely find yourself hitting the Edam Cheese Market and the Story of Edam Cheese, a little museum detailing the rise of this popular cheese that also happens to offer some free samples.

From Amsterdam Central Station, catch the 314 bus, which will have you in Edam within 35-45 minutes. 

How to get to Edam:

• Bus (30 minutes): Take either bus 314 or bus 316 from the bus terminal at Amsterdam Central Station. Buses depart every 15 to 30 minutes.
• Bicycle (1 hour 10 minutes)

This colorful fishing village is just 23 km north of Amsterdam and has a much slower pace of life than the capital. I was absolutely blown away by this town!

Volendam has a picture-perfect harbor, delicious seafood, and a bunch of adorable streets to be explored, and it’s a window into Dutch traditions that you don’t always get to see in the bigger cities.

For a cultural experience, you can also visit Volendam Museum or take a tour of the Cheese Factory.

How to get to Volendam:

• Bus (30 minutes): Take bus 316 from the bus terminal at Amsterdam Central Station. Buses depart every 15 minutes. You can take this same bus to Edam which is only 5-minutes from Volendam so you can easily combine them into a day trip!

Not far from Volendam is the tiny village of Marken, which lies on a peninsula just 25 minutes from Amsterdam.

As small as Marken is, it boasts a history museum, a wooden shoe factory, and a 19th-century lighthouse, all of which are well worth visiting and easy to reach.

How to get to Marken:

• Bus (20 minutes): Bus 315 runs from Amsterdam directly to Marken and it leaves very frequently throughout the day.
• Ferry (30 minutes): If you want to combine a visit to Marken with Volendam, hop on the scenic ferry that connects the two areas.

A’DAM Lookout

As the final evening of your 4 days in Amsterdam comes to a close, you’ll hopefully arrive back in the city center before the sun sets.

Many of you will land at Central Station, and just 10 minutes from here is the A’DAM Lookout , home to the famous rooftop swing, a thrilling VR ride through Amsterdam, and some of the most magical views in the city.

There’s also a rooftop bar, which is one of my favorite places for a glass of wine in the city. It’s especially amazing at sunset as the city lights start to twinkle below.

Get your tickets online or at the office on-site, head up to the observation deck, and finish your vacation with a drink at the plush Sky Bar.

Useful Info for Spending 4 Days in Amsterdam

Where to stay in amsterdam.

If you’re visiting Amsterdam for 4 days, you’ll want to stay as close to the city center as possible. While staying in the city center is one of the most convenient options, it’s also quite expensive. You can save some money by staying a bit further out and using public transport to get around.

Some popular areas to stay in Amsterdam are:

• Jordaan: A trendy area filled with cafes, galleries, and boutique shops. It’s also close to major attractions.
• De Pijp: A lively district with plenty of bars and restaurants. It’s a bit further from the city center but still within walking distance.
• Museum Quarter: As the name suggests, this area is home to some of Amsterdam’s top museums, like Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. It’s also close to Vondelpark, a popular park for picnics and strolls.

To learn more about each neighborhood and find the perfect accommodation for your stay, check out our complete guide to where to stay in Amsterdam .

Looking for a unique experience? Then browse through our guide to the best luxury hotels in Amsterdam or the  best Amsterdam hotels with canal views .

In a hurry? Check out our top recommendations for different budgets below.

• Luxury | Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam
• Mid-range | NH Amsterdam Schiller
• Budget | Bridge Inn

How to get to Amsterdam

If you’re visiting from elsewhere in Europe, the easiest way to reach Amsterdam is by train. Amsterdam Centraal Station is well-connected to other major cities like Paris, London, and Berlin.

For those traveling from further away, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is a major international airport with flights arriving from all over the world. From there, you can take a 20-minute train ride to Amsterdam Central Station or hop on a bus or taxi.

How to get around in Amsterdam

Most attractions are within walking distance from the city center, so get ready to put on those walking shoes! You can also take advantage of Amsterdam’s extensive public transport network, which includes buses, trams, metro, and ferries.

To use public transport in Amsterdam, I recommend buying a GVB Public Transport Ticket . They have different options from one to seven days, so you can choose the one that best fits your itinerary.

One single GVB ticket costs €3.40, so if you’re planning to use public transport more than twice a day, the GVB ticket will definitely save you money.

Another popular option is to purchase an I Amsterdam City Card , which offers free access to public transportation as well as discounts on attractions and activities. This card is valid for one, two, three, or four consecutive days.

Best time to visit Amsterdam

The best time to visit Amsterdam is during the spring (April and May) when the tulips are in full bloom or in September when summer crowds have dispersed. The weather is mild and pleasant during these months, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Summer is the peak tourist season in Amsterdam, and while the city is buzzing with energy, it can also get quite crowded. If you’re planning to visit during this time, be prepared for long lines at popular attractions and higher prices.

No matter when you decide to visit, make sure to check the weather forecast beforehand and pack accordingly. Bring an umbrella for those unexpected showers and dress in layers to stay comfortable, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.

Planning a trip to Amsterdam?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Amsterdam. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

Amsterdam hotel guides:

• Where to Stay in Amsterdam: 10 Best Areas & Hotels
• 24 Best Amsterdam Hotels with Canal Views
• 13 Best Luxury Hotels in Amsterdam for an Unforgettable City Break

Amsterdam travel guides:

• 39 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam: The Ultimate Amsterdam Bucket List
• 16 Best Canal Cruises in Amsterdam You Can’t Go Wrong With
• One Day in Amsterdam: How to See the Best of Amsterdam in a Day
• The Perfect 2 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary for First Timers
• 3 Days in Amsterdam: The Perfect Amsterdam Itinerary
• 14 Best Breakfast Places in Amsterdam You Have to Try

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Home » Europe » Netherlands » 31 Fun Things to do in Amsterdam

31 Fun Things to do in Amsterdam

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: January 7, 2024

Amsterdam is a glorious city full of markets, museums, and great restaurants and bars. Its majestic canals are lined with 17 th -century houses and buildings full of history. While the canal ring is home to some of the most popular attractions, new urban parks and developments outside the historic core mean there are fun, less-crowded places to explore, too. We’ve had the good fortune to visit numerous times and love uncovering some of the city’s best features. Here’s a look at some of our favorite things to do in Amsterdam.

Visit Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum

Relax in vondelpark, explore the jordaan neighborhood, eat at foodhallen, visit oude kerk, try dutch food, walk through the red light district, shop at the markets, visit moco museum, rent a bike, see the view from a’dam tower, find begijnhof, try genever, shop in the nine streets, wander the canal ring, see our lord in the attic, visit zaanse schans, have a pint at ij brewery, visit anne frank house, see the royal palace, take a canal cruise, have the heineken experience, explore westergasfabriek, visit hortus botanicus, discover house of bols, learn about history at the dutch resistance museum, take the ferry to ndsm, visit nieuwe kerk, try van stapele cookies, explore haarlem, see the tulips of keukenhof.

Amsterdam is home to two of the most renowned museums in Europe that are both top things to see in Amsterdam–the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.

The Van Gogh Museum features over 700 of Van Gogh’s works as well as paintings by artists who influenced him, such as Monet and Gauguin. It’s one of the most popular places in town, so buy tickets well in advance if you want to go.

Across Museumplein from the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum glorifies the works of hometown artist (and Dutch Master) Rembrandt, along with other artists from the Dutch Golden Age. It is home to thousands of works of art and artifacts from the 15th to the present—the country’s largest collection.

The museums are busy! Skip the line at the Rijksmuseum with this guided tour .

The largest green space in the city, the Vondelpark is where to go in Amsterdam for picnicking, strolling, and people watching when the weather is nice. Its fountains and sculptures make it picture perfect, and there’s almost always something going on there.

The most well-known neighborhood in the city, the Jordaan is one of the top places to see in Amsterdam. Built in the 17th century, its buildings still maintain much of their historic character thanks to careful renovation and preservation efforts.

The Jordaan is now one of the trendiest areas in the city. It’s filled with galleries, eclectic shops, restaurants, and bars making some of the best cocktails I’ve had in Europe. You can still get a sense of Amsterdam’s history at places like Cafe Papeneiland , a brown cafe that dates from 1642 (and, incidentally, serves some killer Dutch apple pie).

Get lost in the winding streets, marvel at the centuries-old buildings, and don’t miss some of the city’s best courtyard gardens.

From Bordeaux to Rotterdam , we love visiting food halls. They’re a great way to sample local ingredients and to visit lots of restaurants under one roof.

Foodhallen has 20 different stands where visitors can try anything from Dutch bitterballen to dim sum, sushi, or Basque pintxos . There are also four bars, so you’ll find your beverage of choice, whether it’s craft beer or a fancy gin & tonic. We enjoyed the live music and the local crowd–while everyone here speaks English, it doesn’t feel touristy.

There are a few unexpected things about Oude Kerk , Amsterdam’s oldest building. First, the structure (which is literally called “old church”), is in the Red Light District. Second, despite its history and appearance, it’s no longer a church.

Oude Kerk was first consecrated around 1305. The original church of Medieval Amsterdam, it was gutted in a series of clashes following the Reformation in Amsterdam. As a result, much of the art and the magnificence of the interior was lost, although there is still a remarkable organ, stained glass, and lots of gravestones covering the floor.

After a decades-long renovation, Oude Kerk reopened as an art venue. There is a continual rotation of exhibits such as photography collections and installations. There are also regular performances and workshops on a variety of different topics, all of which benefit from their inclusion in this unique space.

There are so many amazing things to eat in Amsterdam . There are more typical items like cheese and stroopwafels as well as unexpected treats like delicious silver-dollar-sized pancakes (poffertjes) topped with butter, syrup, and powdered sugar.

If you like to dig into a place through its food, consider taking a food tour . You’ll get to try a variety of delicious dishes while learning about the stories behind them and why they matter to the Dutch.

No matter what, make room in your trip to stop for Indonesian food. The food of the former Dutch colony is popular and amazing. Trying the rijsttafel (“rice table”)—a meal of 15+ small dishes of everything from eggrolls to satay–is a must do in Amsterdam. We’re partial to Sama Sebo and Sampurna.

The Red Light District is one of the most curious areas of the city . Prostitution is legal here. So, while the picture of scantily clad women beckoning customers from inside their storefronts may be unusual to visitors from other countries, it’s perfectly accepted and regulated here. A visit here is definitely one of the more atypical things to do in Amsterdam.

Visiting markets is always one of our favorite things to do in a city. Amsterdam’s most famous market is the Albert Cuypmarkt in the De Pijp neighborhood, which offers everything from food to fashion. It’s a great place to go for lunch or a quick snack or if you want to load up on Dutch sweets to take home. In the Jordaan, the Noordermarkt is a farmer’s market on Saturdays and an antiques fair on Mondays.

We also encountered the Waterlooplein flea market near the Rembrandt House, which features just about any kind of merchandise you could think of, including clothes weighed by the kilo. The city’s floating flower market, the Bloemenmarkt—actually in the Singel canal—is famous for both floating and being full of flowers.

My favorite surprise was finding the Museum Market , which happens near the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh museum on the third Sunday of the month. It features cool arts and crafts and some great food trucks, including a few converted VW buses and cars, which always make me smile. If you’re visiting in December , don’t miss the festive Christmas markets .

On a spot on Museumplein is the Modern Contemporary Museum known as the MOCO Museum . As the name indicates, the art showcased in this turn-of-the-century townhouse is modern, focusing on the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Damien Hirst, and my personal favorites like Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. Their work, which is part of the permanent collection, is on the museum’s top floor.

The rest of the space in MOCO is dedicated to temporary exhibits from a changing list of artists. Roy Lichtenstein’s bright, cartoon-like works have been shown here alongside large exhibits featuring the pieces (some chiseled from walls) of the renowned street artist and political activist Banksy.

Outside, you can see–and even climb on–a group of unusual sculptures. It’s an Instagrammer’s dream.

Like the nearby museums, MOCO is super popular. But, unlike them, it is fairly small, to it’s not unusual for there to be a wait. Consider reserving tickets online ahead of time if the MOCO is on your Amsterdam to do list. If you reserve, you even get a small discount.

Like Copenhagen or Montreal , Amsterdam is a city of bikes. They’re everywhere. It’s easy to pick one up at any of the many rental locations around the city. Just know that many locals use their bikes for everything, so bike lanes can be crowded, and the riders—while courteous—zip around quite quickly.

The best view of Amsterdam is unquestionably from the top of A’DAM Tower , a 22-story building in the city’s northern section. The observation point offers a panoramic view over the brilliant canals, historic houses, and other gorgeous spots.

The main feature of A’DAM Tower is Over the Edge, Europe’s highest swing, which sends visitors soaring 325 feet above the ground. For people (like us) who aren’t quite as daring, one of the must do things in Amsterdam is to visit the Tower’s restaurants and Sky Bar. At MA’DAM and the rotating Moon restaurant , you can take in the great view with a cocktail in hand and none of the anxiety of the swing. We dined at Moon just before New Year’s and got to see numerous fireworks displays as our view changed.

The Netherlands is full of hidden courtyards surrounded by homes, and the Begijnhof in central Amsterdam is a unique example. These hofjes were most often almshouses where poor or elderly single women lived, and they served as a form of social security as far back at the Middle Ages. From Haarlem to Gouda , I’ve had the chance to peek inside several of them.

What sets the Begijnhof apart from other hofjes is that it’s easily accessible to the public (others are often closed), and it was originally built as a beguinage –a home for the religious community of the beguines. The beguines were religious women who did not take vows, so they weren’t nuns, but their communities feel similar to convents.

The buildings at the Begijnhof include typical town houses, many dating to the 16th century. There are also two churches that are open for visiting. I was lucky to catch an organ concert at one of them, so check the schedule for special events.

Stop into one of Amsterdam’s 300-year-old tasting rooms to try the traditional spirit of the Netherlands— genever . This clear spirit, flavored with juniper and spices, is a bit like gin but smoother. It’s traditionally drunk straight, so if that’s too strong for your taste, try one of the many liqueurs instead.

Depending on which tasting room you choose, there may be a handful of seats, or it may be standing-room only. If you just want a quick sip, go to Wynand Fockink . For a more leisurely experience, head to De Drie Fleschjes. Either way, enjoy the atmosphere, chat with the locals, and think of all the history that’s happened there.

An enclave in the western part of the Canal Ring, the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) is one of the best places for shopping in Amsterdam. There are lots of designer boutiques, vintage and quirky shops, and antique stores with unique finds.

If you need a break from the shopping, check out the brunch items and crazy milkshakes at Ree7 or stop for coffee at Screaming Beans .

Crisscrossed by bridges, 165 canals encircle the city. Together, they provide a beautiful and unique landscape to get lost in.

As you wander along the canals, you’ll find shops, galleries, museums, and 300-year-old cafés. Stop and watch the tourists and locals alike cruising around or just marvel at the houseboats parked against the banks.

My favorite church by far is Our Lord in the Attic , a clandestine church that was quite literally hidden in the top three floors of a canal house. Dating from the 1660s, this Catholic church was more-or-less secret for 200 years.

Our Lord in the Attic was born out of necessity. After the Reformation, Catholics could no longer practice their religion openly. But a church that didn’t look like a church was just fine. The presence of a shop downstairs and typical bedrooms and kitchen helped keep up appearances.

Visitors can see the church as it was about 300 years ago, complete with its beautiful Baroque altar and unexpected color scheme. If you’re looking for something unique to see in Amsterdam, this is it.

Like most places in Western Europe, Amsterdam not only has convenient public transportation within the city, but it’s easy to get out of the city for the day, too. Consider visiting Zaanse Schans . A 40-minute bus ride will take you to this town/museum where you can climb windmills, have a cheese tasting, and learn about the history of the clog, among other things. It’s fun and completely different from anything you’ll experience in the city.

An early entrant to the craft brewery industry in the Netherlands, Brouwerij ‘t IJ (the IJ Brewery) started in 1985. The Belgian-style brewery next to the De Gooyer windmill brews a selection of about a dozen beers with rotating specials and seasonal features. All of their beer is certified organic. You can join one of their guided tours and tastings or grab a spot inside or on the terrace to enjoy a cold one.

Anne Frank’s story is probably the most familiar personal tale to result from the horrors of the Holocaust. Just 13 years old when her family went into hiding above her father’s office, her diary shows a young girl living through unimaginable circumstances.

In this canal house now turned into the Anne Frank House museum , Anne lived for two years with seven others all hoping to escape capture by the Nazis during World War II. Exhibits take visitors through the trajectory of the war and the circumstances of the Franks and those who helped hide them until the annex was ultimately discovered and its residents were deported to Auschwitz . There is also an in-depth discussion of how Anne’s writing has influenced the world in the decades since her death.

Lines can be long, but that’s because what’s inside is definitely worth seeing. Reservations are a must.

Right on Dam Square stands the Royal Palace Amsterdam . Dating from the 1600s, it was the city’s town hall for 150 years but became a royal palace in 1806 when King Louis Napoleon moved in.

Though it lacks the space and sprawling gardens of other European palaces like France’s Versailles and Vienna’s Schonbrunn , the interior of the Royal Palace is suitably marble-filled and adorned with art and tapestries. Don’t miss the central hall with its giant world maps on the floor and Atlas carrying the world on his shoulders.

The Palace is still used for formal events like receiving heads of state and awards ceremonies but is otherwise open to the public and often has special exhibits. A free audio guide is included in admission.

The canals themselves are some of the best attractions in Amsterdam. A 75-minute canal cruise is a great way to see the features that the city is most known for. It’s also the perfect way to give your feet a break after a day of sightseeing. The cruises leave from a few select points in the city, so find the nearest one and hop on.

Combine a canal cruise with skip-the-line entry to the Heineken Experience on this tour . For a dinner canal cruise with drinks, check out this option . If you only want tickets to Heineken Experience, you can book in advance here .

Heineken has been a part of Amsterdam for 160 years. Founded in 1864, it is one of the top three breweries worldwide. Its former 19 th -century brewery facility welcomes beer lovers to learn about its history—and taste its famous pilsner—at the Heineken Experience .

Across four floors, visitors learn about the history of Heineken and how it is made and marketed through engaging, multimedia exhibits. The visit ends with a visit to the Best ’Dam Bar and a lesson in how to properly taste the beer.

One of the interesting places to visit in Amsterdam outside the city center is Westergasfabriek . Located in Amsterdam West, Westergasfabriek is a culture park in what was once the city’s gasworks complex.

The beautiful red brick buildings of the 19th-century gasworks company are designated as national monuments. But instead of merely taking up space as historic buildings of a defunct company, they have been converted into bars, cafes, movie theaters, and other places for people to enjoy. In the space around the buildings, there are regular festivals and outdoor markets.

On our visit, we stopped into Troost Brewery , which has enough space in Westergasfabriek to brew their own beer on-site and to host regular live music nights. We also stopped into the wine bar and the unique Ketelhuis Cinema . The movie theater–run largely by volunteers–focuses on Dutch cinema as well as international art house films. With the full restaurant and bar, it’s the perfect place to spend an evening.

In the Plantage district, the Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. It was founded in 1638 for practical purposes, serving as a herb garden for doctors and pharmacies. But, now, its greenhouses and plants are a source of enjoyment for the thousands of visitors who come each year.

The Hortus Botanicus has over 6,000 tropical and indigenous trees and plants around the grounds, and you can see hundreds of butterflies in the Butterfly Greenhouse. Enjoy lunch at the cafe in The Orangery or head to the De Plantage restaurant a block away like we did. The glass-enclosed conservatory surrounded by old sycamore trees makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a garden.

In 1575, Lucas Bols founded his eponymous distilled spirits brand. This interactive cocktail museum traces the history of the Bols company and educates visitors about genever, the traditional spirit of the Netherlands.

The self-guided tour at the House of Bols will walk you through all the ingredients and the distillation process. You can also try to identify all the flavors that go into the 42 products Bols makes. And like all good cocktail and beer museums, the last stop is the bar, which features cocktails by the expert mixologists.

Near the Hortus Botanicus, the Dutch Resistance Museum ( Verzetsmuseum ) offers a look at how regular Dutch citizens responded to the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Throughout the museum, there are questions that make visitors ask themselves what they would do under similar circumstances.

Through photos, documents, and film clips, visitors see how the resistance movement formed and learn stories of those who took subversive action and tried to protect their Jewish neighbors.

NDSM is one of the most unusual areas in the city. A neighborhood in Amsterdam North, it’s an arts community with a lot of unexpected features like an abandoned submarine, rusting trams, cafes made from greenhouses, and the world’s largest street art museum .

The land was previously owned by a shipping building company, which explains its industrial nature, and a lot of visitors see that as part of its charm. We were drawn in by the chance to hang out on the beach right on the banks of the IJ River.

NDSM has a handful of restaurants, including Pllek and Kantine IJ . There are also unusual hotels like the BOTEL (you guessed it—it’s in a boat) and the Crane Hotel Faralda (yes, it’s actually in a crane).

There’s lots of room to hang out here, sprawl on the beach, and explore the area. It’s frequently the site of festivals and performances and is a curious place to walk around for a few hours.

On Dam Square, Nieuwe Kerk (literally “new church”) dates from the 15th century. In its long history, the church has survived the ravages of the Reformation, numerous fires, and lots of renovations. While it still plays an important role for the Dutch royal family as the site of investitures and weddings, it no longer functions as a church.

Like Oude Kerk, Nieuwe Kerk is home to temporary exhibits, performances, and cultural events. The in-depth exhibition we saw included sculptures and other artifacts from ancient Rome—a great way to re-purpose the historic space in the heart of the city.

I’m a little bit of a chocoholic, which is why I had to make a beeline for the famous cookie at Van Stapele Koekmakerij . The bakery only makes one kind of cookie–Valrhona chocolate cookie dough with a white chocolate filling–but they do it to perfection. If you time it just right, you may even catch them warm straight from the oven.

The Van Stapele chocolate cookies are so popular that they sell out long before the close of business, and lines can get long during high season and the holidays. To guarantee you get one, head to the bakery at Heisteeg 4 (near Spui) early, or call ahead to reserve some. It’s worth it.

We absolutely love Amsterdam, but it’s a really popular place to visit, which means it can get crowded, especially in high season. Haarlem is an equally beautiful–but somewhat less visited–city only 20 minutes away, making it a great place for a day trip from Amsterdam.

Haarlem is full of striking architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries, fascinating art and natural history museums, and even a gorgeous 600-year-old cathedral where Mozart played. Our favorite spot is DeDAKKAS , a rooftop bar with great views over the city.

Less than an hour from Amsterdam, you’ll find one of the area’s top attractions– Keukenhof gardens . For eight weeks every spring, over 1 million visitors flock here to see the gorgeous tulips and other flowers that the Netherlands is famous for.

Across the 80 acres of Keukenhof, you’ll find 1600 varieties of flowers. There are displays, sculptures, hands-on exhibits, and lots and lots of brightly-colored flowers. The grounds are expertly managed so there are flowers and trees to see whether spring comes early or late. After you visit the gardens, rent a bicycle in the parking lot and explore the nearby fields.

Where to Stay Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel — Five-star accommodations in a 17th-century building with a restaurant, bar, and valet parking. The Dylan — Boutique hotel on the Keizersgracht canal with a fitness center, massage service, and a garden with a terrace. The on-site restaurant Vinkeles has two Michelin stars. The Old Lady — Bed and breakfast in a canal house near the train station. XO Hotel Couture — Comfortable, budget-friendly hotel offering the best mix of price and amenities that we’ve found. Canal View B&B — Top-rated bed and breakfast on the Singel canal. Guests love the location, comfortable beds, and friendly service.

For some of these activities, we were the guests of IAmsterdam and Eating Europe. All opinions are our own.

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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Tuesday 23rd of January 2024

I found myself holding my breath as I read your info and viewed the pics. We are all booked for March!!!! So excited. Thank you. This will be our first trip over.

Sophie Welten

Friday 29th of September 2023

I would also recommend to visit restaurant Blue in the Kalverpassage, where you have a beautiful view over the city.

Friday 28th of April 2023

We are planning a trip in September and wondered if it would still be worth the trip to Keukenhof Gardens since no tulips in the Fall? Are there other flowers blooming then worth seeing? Thank you

Laura Longwell

Saturday 29th of April 2023

The garden is only open until mid-May.

Monday 9th of January 2023

Thank you this was very helpful. i am going there in a few weeks and cant wait.

Jenny Desilva

Sunday 11th of December 2022

Oh my goodness! This article is so helpful. I now have several stops to include in my itinerary for my upcoming trip!! I am so glad you wrote this.

I'm so glad. Amsterdam is one of our very favorites, and we love hearing that the recommendations are helpful!

5 Days in Amsterdam: A Detailed Amsterdam Itinerary

As the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is packed with plenty of history and beautiful scenery. Known as the “Venice of the North”, Amsterdam is a truly historic city that has given the world people like Vincent van Gogh and stunning tulip gardens. This itinerary will help you organize your 5 days in Amsterdam so you can experience as much as you possibly can in this city on your short trip.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Tip: The best way to explore Amsterdam is with a GVB Public Transport Ticket that allows you to travel freely around the city from 1 to 7 days with prices starting at 8,50 €. The card can be used in trams, buses, metros, and ferries. Click here for more information.

Table of Contents

Amsterdam Quick Guide

Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Find here everything you need: Looking for transportation from/to the airport?  Click here for more information and to book your private transfer. Top-Rated Tours and Day Trips to Do in Amsterdam: – Amsterdam: GVB Public Transport Ticket – Van Gogh Museum Ticket – Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise – Heineken Experience Ticket – From Amsterdam: Full-Day Keukenhof Entry Ticket w/Transfers Where to stay in Amsterdam: Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre (view on the river), Hotel Park 6 (next to the Vondelpark)

How to Spend 5 Days in Amsterdam, a Comprehensive Itinerary

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Mövenpick hotel amsterdam city centre.

A 4-star luxury hotel offering river views, just 10 minutes on foot from the city centre. It offers spacious rooms with free wi-fi, a minibar, satellite TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Other hotel amenities include a wellness centre with a gym, a restaurant serving international cuisine and a bar. Great location next to the cruise terminal if you start or finish a cruise in Amsterdam.

Find here more information and book the Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre .

Hotel Park 6

Located next to the Vondelpark, the hotel has 31 rooms some with a private terrace or French balcony. Other room amenities include a TV, a minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. The hotels is conveniently located close to the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.

Find here more information and check the latest prices

Hotel The Exchange

Situated next to Dam square this fashion hotel offers from 1 star to 5-star rooms each one uniquely decorated by students of the fashion school and Dutch designers. Breakfast is served all day at the on-site Stock cafe and Wi-Fi is free of charge.

Find here more information and book Hotel The Exchange .

Art’otel Amsterdam

Located in the heart of the city close to the Central station, this boutique hotel offers modern rooms that feuture art work by Atelier Van Lieshout and free Wi-Fi. Other hotel facilities include an indoor swimming pool and fitness center, and an all-day cafe.

Find here more information and book the Art’otel Amsterdam .

How to get from and to Amsterdam Airport

There are several for getting from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the city center and it depends on your budget, group size and personal preference as to which one you choose. It’s also worth asking if your hotel offers any transfers from the airport as that will save you the hassle of taking any public transport!

Train : Taking the train is the quickest way to get from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) to the city center as you are not dependent on traffic like you are with buses and taxis. The train departs for the city center from Platforms 1 and 2 of the airport station, which is located under the main arrivals’ hall, and it arrives at Amsterdam Central Station. The single ticket costs €5.50 (including €1 surcharge for a disposable ticket) and the travel time is 20 minutes.

Train & Metro:  You can take the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Zuid. Single ticket costs  €4.00 including €1 surcharge and the travel time is 7 mins and then you can connect onto the metro with the cost of a single ticket from €3.20.

Bus : There are two bus options Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 from Schiphol Plaza to Amsterdam Elandsgracht. The single ticket costs €6.50 and the open return €11.25. The average travel time is 30 minutes.

The second option is GVB bus 69 from Schiphol to Amsterdam Sloterdijk. The single ticket costs €3.20 and the average travel time is 40 minutes.

Taxis : If there is a group of you traveling together, a taxi from the airport to the city center can be a great idea. If you take an official taxi from the airport (look out for roof lights and blue number plates) it should cost 45 to 50 EUR one way.

Private Airport Transfer with Welcome Pick-Ups : You can pre-book a car online with Welcome Pick-Ups before you arrive so you don’t have to worry about finding a licensed taxi within the airport. Your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a welcome name sign and a bag with a bottle of water and a map of the city so you’re ready to explore!

There is a flat rate of 43 EUR from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the city center and it takes between 15-20 minutes. . Please note there may be additional charges for late-night pick-ups and public holidays. Sometimes if you book early there is a discount.

Click here for more information and to book your airport transfer.

Staying in Amsterdam for just 2 days? Check out this 2 day Amsterdam itinerary.  

Amsterdam CityPass

The Amsterdam Go City All-Inclusive Pass allows visitors to some of the city’s top attractions (more than 30), including:

• Rijksmuseum,
• Heineken Experience,
• Amsterdam Canal Cruise
• Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague Live Guided Tour

If you plan to visit the attractions, this city pass offers almost a 50% discount on admission fees. It is an excellent value!

Click here for more information and to book the Amsterdam Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions.

5 Days in Amsterdam: Day One

Canal boat tour.

Perhaps the most marked characteristic of Amsterdam is its 165 canals. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010, it was originally intended to encourage trade and transport and today provides a way for travelers to take in the city’s sights and attractions in an unforgettable way.

You can take a canal cruise from one of the many tours that operate on the canal, and they usually take one hour. As well as the opportunity to learn more about the facts and history of the canals, you also have the chance to pick which type of tour will suit you best; they range from candle-lit cruises to hop-on-hop-off services.

Don’t forget that platforms like Airbnb offer a range of boathouses to rent so that you can actually live on the canal, too!

Some great Canal Cruises: The 1.5-Hour Evening Canal Cruise The classic day canal cruise

Dam Square (National Monument)

Situated in the middle of Dam Square is the National Monument, Netherland’s most important World War II memorial. It stands at 22-meters high and every year on the 4 th of May, a national Remembrance of the Dead is held at this monument where people gather to pay respects to fallen soldiers.

There is a Latin inscription on the pillar which translates in English to: “Here, where the heart of the fatherland is, may this monument, which citizens carry in their heart, gaze at God’s stars.” It was designed by Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and became an official national heritage monument in 2009.

Royal Palace of Amsterdam

One of three palaces in the Netherlands, the Royal Palace was originally built as a city hall and became the palace of King Louis Napoleon, and later on of the Dutch Royal House. The State placed the Royal Palace at the disposal of the King and today it is now used for royal events such as prize-givings, the King’s New Year reception, and the welcoming of foreign heads of state. It is situated on Dam Square, in the very heart of Amsterdam. You can take a guided tour throughout the palace’s rooms or take a free audio tour.

Click here to book your admission ticket that includes an audio guide.

Staying in Amsterdam less than 5 days? You might want to check this 3-day Amsterdam itinerary.

5 Days in Amsterdam: Day Two

Van gogh museum.

Amsterdam is home to one of the most iconic painters in history, Vincent van Gogh, and this museum is dedicated to telling his life’s story as well as showcasing his stunning paintings. The Van Gogh Museum features paintings like Sunflowers (1889) and Self-Portrait with Straw Hat (1887) you can view.

There are also interesting exhibits like The Dutch in Paris which showcases Dutch artists and works they completed in Paris and Zeng Fanzhi , an exhibit done by this famous Chinese artist who creates works inspired by Van Gogh. When you’re done exploring this museum you can stop by its quaint gift shop and buy some unique Van Gogh souvenirs.

Keep in mind that photography is not allowed inside the museum.

I recommend buying your tickets in advance to skip the long lines. Skip the line ticket to the Van Gogh Museum Skip the line tour to the Van Gogh Museum

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands and showcases the history of this country as well as some famous Dutch paintings and art pieces. Inside you’ll find paintings from Vermeer and Rembrandt and creative exhibits you can wander through.

For instance, there’s the Birds in Art exhibit which highlights art pieces throughout history that depict birds in them. There’s also Glorious Food which shows historic still-life paintings of food. You can even browse through a Roaring Twenties exhibit which features photographs and other items from the 1920s in it.

To get the most out of your visit, you have the option to buy your tickets online to skip the queue and book a guided tour. The museum is huge so a guided tour is a must.

Skip the line tickets to the Rijksmuseum

Existing now for almost 150 years, Vondelpark is the largest park in Amsterdam and the most famous park in the Netherlands. It welcomes 10 million visitors each year and is constantly filled with locals and tourists alike exercising, enjoying the sun or dog-walking.

As well as hosting open-air concerts, people also have the chance to visit the three-meter statue of Dutch poet Vondel, the rose garden, and the music dome. Vondelpark is also home to a selection of restaurants and cafes like Café Vertigo and Groot Melkhuis. You can stroll by leisurely after a visit to the museums as it is close by, or explore it the Dutch way – through a bike tour.

Restaurant Tip: A great place to grab lunch in the area is the Uptown Meat Club . It has a nice menu, great beers, and good service. It is close to the museums and Vondelpark. Van Baerlestraat 7, Museumkwartier.

5 Days in Amsterdam: Day Three

Jordaan neighborhood.

Arguably the most famous neighborhood in Amsterdam is Jordaan. Once a poor district for the working class, years of gentrification means it is now home to a host of young artists, students, and entrepreneurs as well as galleries, restaurants, and boutiques.

Its charming narrow streets and little canals make walking through this neighborhood highly enjoyable; as well as hosting several markets like Noordermarkt which has a flea market on Monday mornings, Jordaan offers hidden courtyards, art studios, and small museums.

It was also once home to several significant figures in history like famous Dutch writer Joost van den Vondel, painter, and photographer Breitner, and artist Rembrandt van Rijn.

The best way to experience Jordaan is through a food tour. Not only you will see the neighborhood and learn its history but you will also have the chance to taste some mouthwatering food. Read about my Jordaan food tour .

Anne Frank House

This museum is the historic site of where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II. This museum honors her and features many exhibits to help visitors learn more about her life. Inside you’ll find exhibits that tell about her family and even one that features the movie star pictures that Anne Frank herself clipped out of magazines and newspapers and hung up on her wall.

You’ll also be able to see the bookcase that helped to hide the entrance to her family’s hiding place. Toward the end of your trip, you can stop by the Diary Room which contains her famous diary.

Dating back to the 14 th century, this tranquil and enclosed courtyard was originally intended for the Begijntjes, a nun-like Catholic sisterhood. There are beautiful houses surrounding the courtyard and gardens where you will also find the English Church with its original medieval tower, the Begijnhof Chapel, and the Civic Guards Gallery where there is a selection of 17th-century paintings of important men and women from Amsterdam. The wooden house, Houten Huys, is the oldest surviving house in the city and dates back to 1420.

The Oude Kerk (old church) is both Amsterdam’s oldest building and parish church. It is a 13 th century, 800-year-old building towering over the Red Light District, oddly enough.Originally built as a Catholic place of worship, it now is an expression of Dutch Protestantism and frequently hosts exhibitions and concerts.

Inside, the architecture is impressive and beautiful and the windows are high and flooded with light. Other points of attraction inside are Madam Saskia van Uylenberg’s grave (number 29), Rembrandt’s beloved wife who was buried there, and a 17th-century grand organ. It is typically open seven days a week and you can take guided tours which leave every 30 minutes.

Nieuwe Kerk

The Nieuwe Kerk (new church) is the most important church in the Netherlands. Built in the 15 th century, it lies adjacent to the Royal Palace and is used today as an exhibition space. After fire damage many years ago, it was restored to exhibit its original Renaissance features.

Many Dutch monarchs have been inaugurated in NieuweKerk, and it was even a host to the wedding of His Majesty King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander andPrincessMáxima. Inside is also the tomb of Dutch admiral Michiel de Ruyter and poet and playwright Joost van den Vondel, amongst others. It opens daily apart from Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Kalverstraat

A bustling shopping attraction in Amsterdam, Kalverstraat is a 750-meter road that lures crowds of people to make it the city’s most commercial street. Major brands will have at least one store here, and you will also find boutiques, department stores, shoe shops, and souvenir stores as well.

Near the end of the street isKalvertoren Building, a historic building turned modern mall occupying three levels. At the very end of Kalverstraat, if you walk through theMunttoren (Mint Tower), you will arrive at Amsterdam’s vibrant Flowermarketwhere you will find all kinds of tulips, bulbs, and flowers.

Red Light District

Situated in one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of the city, the infamous Red Light District, also known as Rosse Buurt to the locals, is a network of brothels, sex shops, peep shows, coffee houses, and museums. Women parade their bodies through window parlors and people from all over the world – couples, hen’s night groups point and stare as they walk down one of Amsterdam’s major tourist attractions.

The main Red Light District is in the Walletjes area , and while it may look dodgy on the outside, it is well-protected with police and private bodyguards patrolling it. It may be interesting to know that prostitution is legal in Holland and that it is at the heart of Amsterdam’s nightlife entertainment that they get to enjoy acceptance.

Visit this district from 11 pm onwards, either in a group or in a guided tour, to get the full experience of swarming crowds and blaring neon lights reflecting in the canals.

Want to learn more about the Red Light District? Why not check this tour?

Amsterdam Red Light District 2-Hour Walking Tour

Taking photos of the ladies in the windows is not allowed. For other things you shouldn’t do in Amsterdam check my post: Things not to do in Amsterdam .

5 Days in Amsterdam: Day Four

Day trip to volendam.

Looking to get away from the bustling city and experience a more serene landscape? If so, you can take a day trip to Volendam. This town is located in the northern part of the Netherlands and is well-known for its colorful houses, fresh seafood, and windmills.

In fact, you can take a peaceful one hour cruise down the canals here to learn more about these historic windmills and houses. The tour will also stop by a local cheese factory where you can enjoy a snack of freshly made cheese.

After your tour you can also visit some museums this town features like the Volendam Museum, which is known for its art collection, or the Paard van Marken, a lighthouse built back in 1839.

Find here more information and book this day trip to Volendam.

Experience the Tulips at Keukenhof

Depending on when you plan your trip, you might instead want to spend your fourth day in Amsterdam enjoying the massive tulip blooms during the spring, which are the official flower of the Netherlands. Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest gardens and is filled with colorful tulips that you can enjoy looking at while strolling down winding paths built in the midst of them.

In addition to tulips, this garden also has plenty of fragrant hyacinths and daffodils which add an extra burst of color to the sea of tulips.

Find here more information and book your skip-the-line tickets and transfer to Keukenhof.

5 Days in Amsterdam: Day Five

Heineken experience.

This famous beer company started in Amsterdam in 1864 and with the Heineken Experience you’ll be able to learn more about this company’s history as well as the city it was founded in. This interactive tour will take you through the historic building where this company got started and finish with a special beer tasting. You’ll also be able to learn how to draft a Heineken yourself at the end.

Book your Heineken Experience tickets here.

Some Other Sites Worth Seeing Depending on Your Interests

FOAM, also known as the Fotografiemuseum, is a place dedicated entirely to the art of photography. Inside you’ll be able to gaze at creative photographs by photographers like André Kertész and view unique exhibits like Anouk Kruithof’s ¡Aguas! which takes into mind problems like climate change and government surveillance. This museum offers free tours and when you’re done you can grab a bite to eat at its chic café.

Book your FOAM admission tickets here.

Amsterdam History Museum

The Amsterdam History Museum is the perfect stop to help learn more about this city. Inside you’ll find art, photos, and other objects that help to tell the story of this iconic destination. This museum offers many interesting exhibits you can enjoy like Amsterdam DNA which provides a quick overview of the history of Amsterdam and The Little Orphanage where families can learn more about what life was like in a 17th-century orphanage.

Book your entrance tickets to Amsterdam’s History Museum here.

Hermitage Amsterdam

The Hermitage Amsterdam is a museum that offers many interesting exhibits you can enjoy that highlight works by Dutch Masters and modern artists. One unique exhibit this museum has is Panorama Amsterdam which shows the city from the perspective of this museum and tells the unique history of the city.

You’ll be able to learn more about how the canals were built and iconic visitors to Amsterdam like Napoleon and the Beatles. This museum also has a special Portrait Gallery of the Golden Age which has 30 massive 17th-century paintings you can gaze at.

Amsterdam is filled with plenty of things to do and see. In these 5 days you’ll be able to experience just a small selection of what Amsterdam has to offer. After spending these few days exploring this beautiful city you’ll soon find yourself never wanting to leave.

I traveled around Amsterdam using the GVB day passes that allow you to travel freely around the city from 1 to 7 days with prices starting at 8,50 €. The card can be used in trams, buses, and metros.

Book your public transport tickets here.

Wondering what to see after Amsterdam? Check my post: Things to do in Utrecht .

Have you been to Amsterdam?

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3 thoughts on “5 Days in Amsterdam: A Detailed Amsterdam Itinerary”

Very well detailed itinerary. For my first solo trip i traveled to amsterdam and had a great time. Beautiful city!

Thanks for your comment. I loved Amsterdam too. So many things to see.

Thank you for this information. We (from Australia) are hoping to visit Amsterdam during our travel in 2022 (was 2021 but Covid interrupted those plans). I am looking at 7 nights in Amsterdam and the information you provided is of great interest.

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12 Things To Do In Amsterdam: Complete Guide To This Vibrant Dutch Capital

T he duality of Amsterdam is unlike any other. The Netherlands’ capital is brimming with art, culture, and delightful local delicacies that run the gamut from savory, deep-fried bitterballen to sweet, decadent stroopwafels. But journey deep into the city's dark corners where the neon red lights shine bright and a more mysterious side awaits.

Amsterdam is undoubtedly unique. Founded as a fishing village in 1275 , the North Holland city has centuries upon centuries of history to explore. A true Venice of the north, the town has something special to offer everyone—from its striking architectural treasures to its serene, meandering canals. With so much to do and see, make planning a getaway to the bustling town a breeze. Navigate Amsterdam with ease with this complete guide to Europe's most eclectic city, from where to eat to the most exciting attractions to visit.

UPDATE: 2023/06/01 07:19 EST BY BARRY JUMA

Things To Do In Amsterdam: Complete Guide To This Vibrant Dutch Capital

Amsterdam's rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic landscapes make it a delightful place to visit any time of the year. This update stretches the list of things to do in this fascinating destination, adding popular attractions like the Royal Palace and the lively Albert Cuyp Market, as well as a short day trip to the enthralling Zaanse Schans.

Top Things To Do

From its charming canals to its fascinating museums, here are all the fun things to do in Amsterdam for those looking to explore the city like a true local.

Tour The Rijksmuseum

With 800 years of Dutch art and history masterpieces on display, the Rijksmuseum is an absolute must for any Amsterdam explorer. The museum has nearly 6,000 paintings from notable artists like Johannes Vermeer, Frans Hals, and Rembrandt on display.

• Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Hours : Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm
• Cost: €22.50 for adults; children under the age of 18 are free

Take A Canal Boat Tour

Featuring endless canals and even beaches, Amsterdam is a water world like no other. Glide above the waters during a luxurious canal boat tour via Amsterdam Canal Cruise.

The boat agency offers a variety of tour options, from a 90-minute wine and cheese cruise to a 75-minute city canal cruise.

• Address: Stadhouderskade 550, 1072 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands

Ticket prices vary; check the website for pricing and availability .

Visit The Anne Frank House

Experience the riveting and emotional story of Anne Frank—a German Jew who penned a diary while in hiding during the Holocaust.

Explore Frank's hiding place, tucked away in the building at Prinsengracht 263, from the Secret Annex to the pictures in her room. Visitors can even read through the pages of Frank's famous diary.

• Address: Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Hours : Open daily from 9 am to 10 pm
• Cost: €16.00 for adults, €7.00 for children ages 10 to 17, and €1.00 for children under the age of 9

Stroll Through Vondelpark

Opened in 1865 , the more than 110-acre park is the largest in the city. From guided bicycle tours to free concerts in the open-air theater, there is much to experience in this sprawling green space.

Be sure to tour the park's iconic sculptures, including the abstract "Fish" statue by Pablo Picasso, and the colorful rose garden.

• Address: 1054 NE Amsterdam, Netherlands (Rosarium)
• Hours : Open 24 hours

Tour The Van Gogh Museum

Behold the largest collection of work by the famed painter Vincent van Gogh. Featuring 500 drawings and more than 200 of the Dutch artist's paintings, museum-goers can immerse themselves in van Gogh's work and explore the various phases of his extraordinary life.

• Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Hours : Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm ( seasonal hours vary )
• Cost: €20 per person; children under the age of 18 are free

Timed tickets must be purchased online .

Shop The Nine Streets

​​​​​​Nestled in the heart of the Canal District, the De Negen Straatjes, or Nine Streets, features many exciting things to do . Explore the many unique establishments of one of Amsterdam's trendiest areas—including vintage boutiques, art galleries, jewelry stores, delicious eateries, and museums.

• Address: Wolvenstraat 9, 1016 EM Amsterdam, Netherlands

Explore Dam Square

A visit to the Dutch capital wouldn't be complete without a stop at the iconic Dam Square. Built in the 13th century, the town square is filled with architectural and historical gems like the Royal Palace and the National Memorial statue.

Featuring a multitude of galleries, restaurants, and food stalls, the area is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon.

• Address: Dam, 1012 NP Amsterdam, Netherlands

See The View From A’dam Lookout

Climb 100 meters to the observation deck at the top of A'dam Lookout for unparalleled views of Amsterdam's city skyline or visit the Sky Bar for delectable dining and cocktail options.

Opened in 2016, the lookout is one of the city's newer attractions. Head to the roof for an exhilarating time in the Over the Edge swing. Or ride the Amsterdam VR Ride for virtual thrill racing through the city.

• Address: Overhoeksplein 5, 1031 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Hours : Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm
• Cost: Attraction prices vary; check the website for full details

Visit The Rembrandt House Museum

The Rembrandt House in Amsterdam is another absolute must for art lovers. Located on the famed Jodenbreestraat street, explore the abode where Dutch painter Rembrandt lived and worked.

• Address: Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Hours : Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on April 27 and December 25)
• Cost: €17.50 for adults and €6.00 for children ages 6 to 17

The museum re-opened on March 18, 2023, after being closed for renovations, announcing that five new exhibition spaces had been added, including an etching attic where visitors can learn Rembrandt's etching techniques.

Visit The Royal Palace Amsterdam

The Royal Palace Amsterdam , situated in the heart of the city, is an architectural marvel that dates back to the 17th century. Originally built as a city hall, it later became the residence of the Dutch Royal Family.

Today, this stunning building is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its magnificent interiors and learn about its rich history. The palace features a collection of impressive artworks, sculptures, and exquisite furniture from the Dutch Golden Age.

Guided tours are available, providing an in-depth look at the palace's fascinating past.

• Address : Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, 1012 RJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Hours : 10 am - 5 pm (daily)
• Cost : Adults: $14; Children (18 and under): Free

Shop At Albert Cuyp Market

Albert Cuyp Market is located in the vibrant De Pijp neighborhood, and it is the largest and most famous street market in Amsterdam. With over 260 stalls, the market offers a wide variety of products, including fresh produce, flowers, clothing, and souvenirs.

Visitors can also indulge in delicious Dutch street food, such as stroopwafels, poffertjes, and herring. The lively atmosphere and friendly vendors attract both locals and tourists alike, making it a must-visit shopping destination.

The market's long history, dating back to 1905, adds to its unique charm and character.

• Address : Albert Cuypstraat, 1072 CN Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Hours : Mon - Sat: 9 am - 5 pm (closed on Sun)
• Cost : Free entrance; prices vary for products and food

Take A Day Trip To Zaanse Schans

Just a 20-minute drive from Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans is a picturesque village that transports visitors back to the 18th and 19th centuries. This village features well-preserved windmills, traditional wooden houses, and workshops where visitors can witness the production of Dutch crafts such as wooden shoes and cheese.

The village also offers stunning views of the Zaan River and the surrounding countryside, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts. For those interested in learning more about the history and culture of the area, guided tours are available, providing valuable insights into the village's past and present.

• Address : Schansend 7, 1509 AW Zaandam, Netherlands
• Hours : Accessible 24/7; individual attractions have varying hours
• Cost : Free entrance to the village; fees apply for certain attractions and tours

Best Time To Go

Without a doubt, Amsterdam is a delightful escape at any time of year, and each season presents enchanting perks.

In the spring, visitors can breathe in the cool, fresh air, enjoying bicycle rides throughout the city. Tourists can also revel in the Keukenhof Gardens' colorful blooms, which are on display from March until May.

Those keen on warmer temperatures should visit the city in summer. But, since many travelers flock to the town during this high season, visitors can expect prices to generally be higher. Fun fact: Amsterdam has beaches, making it the perfect spot to bask in the summer sun.

The fall and winter months may prove to be the least expensive. Plus, there's a plethora of enjoyable cultural events and other fun festivals this time of year. As snowflakes fall, the winter is an especially magical time of year in Amsterdam , with festive lights and other Christmas decor sprinkled throughout the city.

Best Ways To Get Around

A compact city, Amsterdam is incredibly easy to navigate on foot and even easier to traverse via bicycle. Travelers can find bike rental services scattered throughout the city, including A-Bike Rental & Tours in Vondelpark and Black Bikes in Nine Streets.

From buses to trams and ferries to trains , there are a variety of options to meet any traveler's transportation needs.

• Tourists can save money by purchasing an I Amsterdam City Card for discounted access to city-wide public transportation, boat cruises, and bicycle rentals.

Where To Eat In Amsterdam

Dining out in Amsterdam is always an experience. Try these eateries.

Greenwoods Singel

• Address: Singel 103, 1012 VG Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Cuisine: Cozy eatery serving breakfast and brunch staples

The Breakfast Club

• Address: Haarlemmerplein 31, 1013 HR Amsterdam, Netherlands ( multiple locations )
• Cuisine: All-day breakfast served Mexico City-, New York-, or London-style
• Address: Leidsekruisstraat 21, 1017 RE Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Cuisine: Homemade Dutch fare
• Address: Bellamyplein 51, 1053 AT Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Cuisine: Local food market featuring a variety of global cuisines
• Address: Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097 DE Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Cuisine: Mediterranean dishes made with organic ingredients grown in the on-site garden

The White Room

• Address: Dam 9, 1012 JS Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Cuisine: Historical upscale restaurant serving global cuisines

Flying Dutchmen Cocktails

• Address: Singel 460, 1017 AW Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Address: Vinkenstraat 57, 1013 JM Amsterdam, Netherlands

Related: These Picturesque Beaches In Amsterdam Guarantee An Epic Vacay

Where To Stay

Amsterdam offers a range of accommodations to suit any budget.

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

The Flying Pig Uptown Hostel

• Address: Vossiusstraat 46, 1071 AJ Amsterdam, North Holland
• Amenities: Bar/lounge

Ibis Budget Amsterdam Airport

• Address: Schipholweg 185, 1171 Badhoevedorp, North Holland
• Amenities: Restaurant, free airport shuttle, free shuttle service, and parking

Mid-Tier Hotels

Hilton Amsterdam

• Address: Apollolaan 138, 1077 BG Amsterdam, North Holland
• Amenities: Fitness center, bar/lounge, coffee shop, restaurant, and room service

DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station

• Address: Oosterdoksstraat 4, 1011 DK Amsterdam, North Holland

Upscale Hotels

Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

• Address: Herengracht 542-556, 1017 CG Amsterdam, North Holland
• Amenities: Indoor pool, fitness center, bar/lounge, spa and wellness center, coffee shop, restaurant, and room service

Intercontinental Amstel Amsterdam, An IHG Hotel

• Address: Professor Tulpplein 1, 1018 GX Amsterdam, North Holland
• Amenities: Indoor pool, fitness center, bar/lounge, spa and wellness center, valet parking, restaurant, and room service

Related: Where To Stay In Amsterdam & What To See In Each Neighborhood

Tips To Know When Visiting

Amsterdam is a popular tourist city, so it's highly advised to book accommodations, make restaurant reservations, and purchase tickets to local attractions well in advance—especially if visiting during the summer months.

The weather can also be quite unpredictable, so pack accordingly.

Last but not least, for those unaware of Amsterdam's infamous Red Light District, the urban area is most certainly for adult eyes only. (It's known as Europe's City of Sin, after all!)

Related: What To Know About The Red Light District In Amsterdam (Besides What You Probably Already Knew)

How To Spend The Perfect Day In Amsterdam

Begin a lovely day in this blissful city with a hearty breakfast at Greenwoods Singel, which is known for its English breakfast and fantastic tea. Head down the street to Dam Square and enjoy a morning of sightseeing.

Round out the morning with a visit to the Anne Frank House, which is about a 10-minute walk away.

Related: 10 Non-Touristy Things To Do Next Time You're In Amsterdam

Afterward, visitors can peruse the shops at Nine Streets and grab a bite to eat and one of the neighborhood's delicious eateries, from Café de Doffer to Fabel Friet, which is famed for its double-baked fries.

After lunch, enjoy a relaxing canal ride, exploring the city from the comfort of the water. After a walk through Vondelpark, revel in the exhibits at the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, the latter of which is the city's most popular museum. Finish the day with a well-deserved dinner at The White Room. Genieten!

Q: What is Amsterdam famous for?

Amsterdam is known for many things, from its most charming canals to its infamous Red Lights District.

Q: What time of year is best to visit Amsterdam?

The city is picturesque during any season. However, winter is an especially magical time of year in Amsterdam , and it's also generally cheaper.

Q: What are the best attractions in Amsterdam?

From the Anne Frank House to the Rijksmuseum, there are many must-see historical landmarks in Amsterdam .

More From Forbes

How to explore amsterdam like a local.

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Tiptoe through the tulips during Amsterdam's aromatic spring season.

According to the city’s statistics bureau, more than 18 million people visited Amsterdam last year, making it one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations.

It’s easy to see why so many people are lured to the Dutch capital: world heritage canals, vintage architecture, outstanding museums, chromatic tulips, what seems like a thousand different types of cheese, and effortless transportation links to the rest of western Europe.

With iconic attractions like the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and canal boat tours chockablock with tourists during the summer season, how do Amsterdammers spend their free time?

Here are four awesome ways to explore the city like a local:

Rent your own canal boat and picnic on the water.

Day One: Rent Your Own Canal Boat

Forget the guided, narrated canal boat tours. Rent your own boat at maritime outfitters like Sloepdelen and explore the city’s waterways at your own pace.

Their little all-electric sloops are super quiet and easy to drive via a joystick and rudder. Unlike renting cars, no boating license is required and the vessels can fit as many as 12 people.

You book the boats online, choosing between Sloepdelen’s two floating docks, both of them perched on the sinuous Singelgracht canal on the east and west sides of the city’s historic center. Arriving at the dock, you activate the sloop with your smartphone, get a brief orientation on how to navigate the craft, and you’re off.

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The boats can be rented in increments of two, three and four hours (at a cost of 70 Euros per hour). Each boat comes with a handy map showing popular routes, one-way canals, restricted areas, and public restrooms.

And don’t forget food and beverage for a floating picnic. Try the tasty Asian fusion sandwiches at Margo’s Amsterdam or the bánh mì baguettes, gỏi cuốn spring rolls, and other Vietnamese street foods at Viȇt View .

The new Straat Museum showcases works by more than 150 of the world's leading street and graffiti ... [+] artists.

Day Two: Hop Across the Harbor to Noord

Amsterdam’s busy harbor is called the Ij (pronounced like “eye”). Across the water from the historic center is the Noord district, a former factory and shipbuilding area that’s gradually transitioned over the past few decades into a cutting-edge, post-industrial wonderland.

Getting there is part of the fun. The GVB Ferries that crisscross the harbor are totally free to pedestrians and cyclists. And the more popular lines run every 15 or 20 minutes between 7 a.m. and midnight.

Start your ferry hopping day on the No. 7 ferry from Pontsteiger to the NDSM Wharf. Grab a pastry and coffee at Carroll’s Café before ducking into the new Straat Museum . Opened in 2020 and housed inside a former shipbuilding warehouse, the museum flaunts massive works of graffiti and street art from around the world.

If you’re not in a hurry, sink into a long and casual lunch at Pllek , a waterfront eatery built with old metal shipping containers (try the avocado toast or the wild boar sausage).

After lunch, ride the No. 5 ferry from NDSM to Amsterdam Central Station, and then No. 3 ferry to Buiksloterweg. From the wharf, it’s a five-minute walk to the Eye Filmmuseum , which is both a masterpiece of modern architecture, exhibits on various aspects of the moving image, and a place to catch daily screenings of classic movies.

If you have any energy left, make your way to the observation deck atop the nearby A’DAM Tower for a panoramic view of the harbor and city, and a chance to ride in an “Over the Edge” swing that flies 300 feet above the waterfront.

Wild boar bratwurst and beer at Pllek Restaurant on the waterfront.

Day Three: Lions and Tigers and Brews

Surrounded by four wide canals, Plantage is literally an island unto itself on Amsterdam’s east side. More than a thousand people live in the insular neighborhood, but most of the land is taken up by attractions popular with Amsterdammers for more than a hundred years.

Founded in 1838, Natura Artis Magistra (“Nature Teaches Art”) is the world’s fifth oldest zoo. Better known as Artis, the menagerie boasts more than 900 species as well as a planetarium, aquarium, and the interactive, cutting-edge Micropia museum of microscopic life.

Among the island’s other residents is the Hortus Botanicus . Founded in 1638 as a place where apothecaries could study the strange plants discovered in the tropics by the Dutch East India Company, the botanical garden blends vintage and modern futuristic greenhouses.

Plantage also harbors the Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam , which details the Dutch resistance against the occupying Nazis during World War Two, as well as the H’Art Museum , which partners with the Smithsonian, British Museum and Pompidou Center to stage unique art, design and biographical exhibits.

Slake your thirst on a locally brewed Amstel lager or Brouwerij 't IJ IPA at the Cafe Eik en Linde , a cute little pub with a pool table, board games, friendly café cat and typical Dutch snacks like “old” Gouda cheese, liverwurst, and appelschnitt pie.

How many windmills can you count in the Dutch countryside around Amsterdam?

Day Four: Escape Into the Countryside

Amsterdam is often called the “City of Bikes” for good reason. Around 80% of residents own a cycle and roughly two-thirds ride them every day. More than 320 miles (515 km) of dedicated bike paths convey cycles through the city.

But when Amsterdammers crave a quick getaway, they often hire a vehicle for a day or even a couple of hours and strike off in various directions into the Dutch countryside.

“Car sharing” agencies like Greenwheels and Free2Move make it easy to rent by downloading their app onto your smartphone, creating an account, and locating a vehicle near your location on an interactive map of Amsterdam. The app also opens the car when you reach its charging station or street location.

Double-parked delivery trucks, road or canal construction, and swarms of bikes make driving out of the central city more than a little challenging. But once you’re in the countryside, the roads are good and often uncrowded.

Where should you go?

Head west to Haarlam (with its imposing cathedral and interesting lunch options) and the North Sea coast. If it’s spring, book tickets and parking pass at Keukenhof Gardens to view the tulips and other flowers. In summer, hit the long, sandy beach at Zandvoort or hike coastal Zuid-Kennemerland National Park . Total distance: around 66 miles (106 km).

Or you can drive east from the city on an adventure that features the amazing Kröller-Müller sculpture garden (one of the world’s largest collections of outdoor art) and De Hoge Veluwe National Park for hiking or biking (both electric and muscle-powered bikes are available at three outlets in the park). Extend the day by visiting the World War Two museums and memorials in nearby Arnhem . Total distance: circa 130 miles (207 km).

The Amsterdam trio: Bikes, boats and blooms.

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