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We want to be as accurate as possible, but given these challenging times, we urge you to recheck that the venues are open when you decide to visit.
With its characteristic Golden Age canals surrounded by narrow and crooked 17th-century houses, Amsterdam is, without a doubt, one of the most charming capital cities in Europe. The rich cultural life and a wide range of entertainment options make Amsterdam a full-scale city that has managed to retain its small-town feel. With over 50 museums, cosy cafés and a vibrant art and music scene, Amsterdam has something for everyone.
Experience the best of what the city has to offer with the help of our three-day Amsterdam itinerary.
Amsterdam 3-day itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Start your first day in Amsterdam touring the museum of quite possibly, the most famous artist in the world, Vincent Van Gogh. Continue your tour of Dutch Golden Age artwork at the adjacent Rijksmuseum. After the museum tours, stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat at Vondelpark. Sign up for the Heineken experience and tour the former Heineken brewery while chugging a few beers in the process. Spend the rest of your evening shopping at the largest outdoor market in the city at Albert Cuypmarkt. For dinner try the traditional Rijsttafel, a dish of Indonesian origin popular in the Netherlands owing to its colonial past.
- Van Gogh Museum
- Rijksmuseum
- Vondelpark
- Heineken Experience
- Albert Cuypmarkt
- Traditional Indonesian-Dutch Rijsttafel Dinner
Day 2
Begin your day at the Anne Frank House and learn about the life of Jewish victims during the Holocaust. From here, proceed to the Negen Straatjes, a micro-neighbourhood filled with cosy cafes, quirky stalls and gabled houses. Later, explore the quaint houses at Begijnhof, home to women of the Catholic order from the 14th century. Spend your afternoon with a visit to the Royal Palace of Amsterdam and the New Church; architectural marvels with an impressive royal history and prominence. Right next to these buildings, in Dam Square, is the National Monument of the Netherlands- an obelisk dedicated to the struggles of World War II. Spend the night with a stroll around the widely popular Red Light Districts of Amsterdam.
- Anne Frank House
- Negen Straatjes
- Begijnhof
- Royal Palace Amsterdam
- The New Church
- National Monument
- Red Light District
Day 3
Begin your day with the scent of fresh flowers at the Bloemenmarkt, the world’s only floating flower market. From here, visit the historic Waterlooplein flea market, famous for its unique antique finds and amazing street food. Spend your afternoon at the 800-year-old, ‘Old Church’ before catching a ferry to Noord, an up-and-coming creative district in Amsterdam. Cherish your last evening at Amsterdam with a magical cruise along its picturesque and historic canals..
- Bloemenmarkt
- Waterlooplein Markt
- The Oude Church
- Noord District
- Canal Cruise
Detailed 3-day Amsterdam itinerary
Day 1
Van Gogh Museum
Established in 1973, the Van Gogh Museum located in the heart of Amsterdam houses the most extensive collection of paintings of the Dutch artist, Vincent Van Gogh. The museum features over 200 works of art, sketches, letters and stories of the world’s most famous post-impressionist artist.
Unravelog Tip: Explore the online collection of Van Gogh Museum here.
Useful information:
- Location: Museumplein 6
- Timings: Please refer to the official website for the latest opening hours.
- Cost:
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- Adults: €19.
- Students: €10.
- Children of ages 0-18: free.
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- Website: https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Museumplein (line 347, 357).
- Tram: Van Baerlestraat (tram 2, 5, 12) or Museumplein (tram 3, 5, 12).
Rijksmuseum
One of the most globally renowned museums in the world, the Rijksmuseum houses the largest collection of Dutch Golden Age artwork. With over 8,000 pieces on display, the museum covers over eight centuries of Dutch history and art from the Middle Ages to Mondrian.
Things to do:
- Explore the many galleries of the Rijksmuseum on your own with the help of the Rijksmuseum App (iOS/Android) or enjoy a guided tour.
- If you have some extra time in your schedule and love modern art, make sure to drop in at the Stedelijk museum located right opposite the Rijksmuseum.
Unravelog Tip: Get free entry to the Stedelijk, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh with the I Amsterdam Card.
Useful information:
- Location: Museumstraat 1
- Timings: 9:00 am- 5:00 pm.
- Cost:
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- Adults: €20.
- Free entry for ages 0-18.
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- Website: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Rijksmuseum (line 347, 357, 397, N47, N57, N88, N97) or Ruysdaelkade (line N84).
- Tram: Rijksmuseum (tram 2, 5, 12) or Spiegelgracht (tram 1, 7, 19).
Vondelpark
The biggest and most popular park in Amsterdam, Vondelpark was named after the city’s famous poet, Joost van den Vondel. Designed in the English landscape style, the park offers a peaceful oasis for visitors to take a stroll, have a picnic or simply relax.
Things to do:
- Grab something to eat from the restaurants in the park, such as Groot Melkhuis, Vondeltuin or Blauwe Theehuis;
- Visit the Rose garden, home to more than 70 species of fragrant roses;
- Catch a free concert or a show at its Open Air Theatre during the summer.
Useful information:
- Location: Vondelpark
- Timings: Always open.
- Cost: Free entry.
- Website: https://www.hetvondelpark.net/
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Surinameplein (line 15).
- Tram: Cornelis Schuytstraat (tram 2), J.P. Heijestraat (tram 1), Van Baerlestraat (tram 3), Surinameplein (tram 1, 17).
Heineken Experience
Experience the authentic Heineken brewery which produced and bottled the beers of the internationally recognized brand until 1988. In 1991, when the brewery could no longer meet the manufacturing demands, the factory was revamped into what became the Heineken Experience. Explore the history of the Heineken brewery, their brewing process and their tasting rooms, while chugging a beer or two.
Useful information:
- Location: Stadhouderskade 78
- Timings:
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- September-June:
- Monday- Thursday: 10:30 am- 7:30 pm.
- Friday- Sunday: 10:30 am- 9:00 pm.
- July-August:
- Monday-Sunday: 10:30 am- 9:00 pm.
- December 24th and 31st: 12:30 pm- 4:00 pm.
- September-June:
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- Cost: Starting from € 19.50
- How to reach:
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- Metro: Vijzelgracht (line 52 or blue line).
- Tram: Marie Heinekenplein (tram 24), Vijzelgracht (tram 1, 7, 19, 24).
Albert Cuypmarkt
Named after Dutch artist Albert Cuyp, the Albert Cuypmarkt is the largest and most popular outdoor market in the Netherlands. Situated in the middle of de Pijp, the market was established in 1905 and sells everything, from local produce, cheese, flowers, fabrics and even electronics.
Useful information:
- Location: Albert Cuypstraat
- Timings: Monday- Saturday: 9:30 am- 5:00 pm. Closed on Sundays.
- Cost: Free entry.
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Van Woustraat (line 356).
- Metro: De Pijp (line 52 or blue line).
- Tram: Stadhouderskade (tram 4), Albertcuypstraat (tram 16, 24), Ferdinand Bolstraat (tram 3, 12), Van Woustraat (tram 3, 12).
Traditional Indonesian-Dutch Rijsttafel Dinner
Discover how the Dutch colonisation of Indonesia influenced the cuisine of Amsterdam by trying out a traditional Rijsttafel dinner, at one of the many Indonesian restaurants in the city. Literally meaning ‘rice table’, Rijsttafel features a variety of rice plates alongside satays, vegetables and other side dishes.
Unravelog Tip: You can find some of the best Rijsttafel in town at Indrapura, Mama Makan and Sampurna. Want to experience fine dining with scenic views? Here are 10 waterfront dining ideas in Amsterdam.
Day 2
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House, situated in the heart of Amsterdam, is where Anne Frank’s family went into hiding for over two years during the Holocaust in 1942. Today, the house showcases the documented life and story of Anne Frank, along with artefacts such as her original diary, notebooks, photographs and other memorabilia.
Useful information:
- Location: Westermarkt 20
- Timings:
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- Monday- Friday: 9:30 am- 4:30 pm.
- Saturday- Sunday: 9:00 am- 7:00 pm.
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- Cost:
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- Adults: €14.00
- Children of ages 10-17: €7.00
- Free entry for children of ages 0-9.
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- Website: https://www.annefrank.org/en/
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Westermarkt (lines N47, N57, N82, N83, N84, N97).
- Tram: Westermarkt (tram 13, 17).
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De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets)
The nine picturesque streets between the Singel and Prinsengracht canals is home to one of the city’s most picturesque neighbourhoods. These quaint and quirky streets bursting with vintage shops, designer boutiques, and warm cafés, offer a glimpse into the rich and vibrant history of Amsterdam.
Useful information:
- Location: De 9 Straatjes
- Timings: Always open.
- Cost: Free entry.
- Website: https://de9straatjes.nl/en/home
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Westermarkt (lines N47, N57, N82, N83, N84, N97).
- Tram: Westermarkt (tram 13, 17), Koningsplein (tram 2, 12).
Begijnhof
Established in the 14th century, the Begijnhof was home to the Begijnens, women of the Catholic faith who lived as nuns but who had significantly more freedom. It consists of a group of houses built around a secluded courtyard and garden and is one of Amsterdam’s best-known hofjes (almshouses).
Things to do:
- Visit the Houten Huys, which is one of the only two remaining timber houses of Amsterdam;
- Explore the secret chapel of the Begijnen.
Useful information:
- Location: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 373
- Timings: 9:00 am- 5:00 pm.
- Cost: Free entry.
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Rokin (lines N85, N86, N87).
- Metro: Rokin (line 52, blue line).
- Tram: Rokin (tram 4, 14).
Royal Palace Amsterdam
Built as a Town Hall in the 17th century, the Royal Palace with its classical architectural style, ornate interiors and beautiful premises also served as home to Louis Napoleon when he was crowned King of Holland. Today, the Palace is open for visitors who can observe and revere the Dutch Golden Age amongst its white marble galleries, sculptures and paintings.
Unravelog Tip: You can enjoy a virtual tour of the Royal Palace from the comfort of your home here.
Useful information:
- Location: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, Dam 147
- Timings: 10:00 am- 5:00 pm.
- Cost:
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- Adults: €10.00
- Students: €9.00
- Free entry for children under 18.
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- Website: https://www.paleisamsterdam.nl/en/
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Dam (line N47, N57, N82, N83, N84, N85, N86, N87, N97).
- Metro: Rokin (line 52, blue line).
- Tram: Dam (tram 2, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 24).
Nieuwe Kerk
Dating back to the 14th century, Nieuwe Kerk or the ‘New Church’ has laid witness to several national and royal events including the inauguration of Dutch monarchs, royal weddings and funerals of prominent personalities. Today the church also hosts high-profile exhibitions on art, photography, and inspiring individuals and cultures.
Things to do:
- Visit the Church’s cafe from where there is a direct entrance to the church;
- One can also browse through the collections of the church’s museum shop.
Useful information:
- Location: De Dam
- Timings: 10:00 am- 5:00 pm.
- Cost:
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- Adult: € 13.50
- Free entry for children of ages 0-11 and I Amsterdam Card holders.
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- Website: https://www.nieuwekerk.nl/en/
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Dam (line N47, N57, N82, N83, N84, N85, N86, N87, N97).
- Metro: Rokin (line 52, blue line).
- Tram: Dam (tram 2, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 24).
National Monument
Designed by Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and unveiled in 1956, the national monument serves as a reminder of the atrocities of World War II and the subsequent armed conflicts. Standing at an imposing 22-metres height, the base of this white obelisk is lined with figures representing the suffering caused due to the war and the Dutch resistance.
Useful information:
- Location: De Dam
- Timings: Always open.
- Cost: Free entry.
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Dam (line N47, N57, N82, N83, N84, N85, N86, N87, N97).
- Metro: Rokin (line 52, blue line).
- Tram: Dam (tram 2, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 24).
Red Light District
The red light district of Amsterdam is popular among tourists because of its one-of-a-kind outlook towards prostitution, an industry that has been legal in the Netherlands since 1810. Home to several sex shops, brothels, strip clubs and adult theatres, the red light district is relatively safe for tourists, provided one follows the necessary regulations in place.
Things to do:
- Browse through the unique museums located in De Wallen, such as Red Light Secrets, Sexmuseum Amsterdam, Erotic Museum and Hash, Marijuana and Hemp Museum
- The red light district is also home to some of the best coffeeshops in Amsterdam.
Useful information:
- Location: De Wallen
- Timings: Always open.
- Cost: Free entry.
- How to reach:
- Metro: Nieuwmarkt (line 51, orange line or line 53, pink line or line 54, yellow line).
- Tram: Dam (tram 4, 9, 16, 24, 25).
Day 3
Bloemenmarkt
Popular for being the world’s only floating flower market, Bloemenmarkt is a row of market stalls floating on barges on the Singel canal. Selling everything from cut flowers and bouquets to seeds, plants and other gardening essentials, a morning walk along the scenic market offers the perfect start to your day.
Useful information:
- Location: Singel
- Timings:
- Monday- Saturday: 9:00 am- 5:30 pm.
- Sunday: 11:30 am- 5:30 pm.
- Cost: Free entry.
- How to reach:
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- Metro: Rokin (line 52, blue line).
- Tram: Koningsplein (tram 1, 2, 5), Muntplein (tram 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25).
Waterlooplein Markt
The historic Waterlooplein flea market is one of the oldest in the country, with more than 300 stalls, stocked to the brim with all things imaginable. Scour through the bustling market for books, second-hand clothing, furniture, whimsical souvenirs and general bric-a-brac.
Things to do:
- Try out the many street food options available here including poffertjes (Dutch pancakes), falafel or stroopwafel. There are also various food trucks here if you’re on the lookout for something more than just snacks or sweets.
Useful information:
- Location: Waterlooplein 2
- Timings: Monday- Saturday: 9:30 am- 6:00 pm.
- Cost: Free entry.
- Website: https://waterlooplein.amsterdam/en/
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Waterlooplein (lines N86, N87).
- Metro: Waterlooplein (line 51, orange line or line 53, pink line or line 54, yellow line).
- Tram: Waterlooplein (tram 14).
The Oude Church
Standing tall for over 800 years, the Oude Church (Old Church) is the oldest building and parish church in Amsterdam. The building has laid witness to a vast period of Dutch history, including its destruction when Catholic icons in the church were removed to pave the way for Protestantism in the country.
Useful information:
- Location: Oudekerksplein 23
- Timings:
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- Monday- Saturday: 10:00 am- 6:00 pm.
- Sundays: 1:00 pm- 5:30 pm.
- Cost:
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- Adults: €10.
- Students and seniors aged 65+: €5.
- Free entry for children aged 0-13.
- Website: https://oudekerk.nl/en/
- How to reach:
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- Metro: Nieuwmarkt (line 51, orange line or line 53, pink line or line 54, yellow line).
- Tram: Dam (tram 4, 9, 16, 24, 25).
Explore Noord
Once an industrial area, the neighbourhood of Noord is recognized as one of the up-and-coming districts of the city. With its hip hangout spaces, street art and modern architectural prowess, Noord is a beautiful “village within the city” where you can spend the evening away from all of the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam.
Things to do:
- Visit the A’DAM Lookout, an observation deck where you can view the panoramic vistas of Amsterdam and, for thrill-seekers, try Europe’s highest swing, ‘Over The Edge’ at 100 meters tall.
- Explore the NDSM Werf, a former shipping wharf area in Noord that is now a space for artists and creative visionaries to hang out, hold exhibitions and festivals, make art and aid development;
- Rent a bicycle and ride through the historical areas of Noord.
Useful information:
- Location: Noord
- How to reach: Ferry- Buiksloterweg (F3), Distelweg (F6).
Canal Cruise
With over 400 years of history, Amsterdam’s Canal Ring (or Grachtengordel) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the best ways to absorb the city’s vibrant past and happening present. Enjoy your last evening cruising through these iconic canals while discovering the various sights and attractions the city has to offer.
Unravelog tip:
- Since the big canal boats can often be overpriced, we recommend hiring a private boat tour for around €20 per hour. Another good option are open-air open boat tours. These boats are small and the tours more personal, making the experience more memorable.
- Some of the companies that offer evening cruises include Amsterdam Canal Cruises, Stromma and Leemstar.
Ready to explore the ‘Venice of the North’? Make sure you travel responsibly during your visit to the city with these 9 tips for a green Amsterdam vacation.
Nikita Joseph
