Amazing Amsterdam: The 3 Day Amsterdam Itinerary You Need
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AMSTERDAM IS ONE OF THE TOP DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE, WITH WORLD-CLASS MUSEUMS, HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE, AND CHARMING CANALS.
The city has a unique pace, too, with its citizens breezing past on bicycles and its cafes bursting with visitors.
I always look forward to a visit to Amsterdam, and I understand why it ranks as some folks’ favorite European city.
There’s so much to explore in the city, and even beyond, that I never find myself bored in Amsterdam.
If anything, I have to carefully plan my Amsterdam itinerary so that I can fit in all of the things I want to do.
Even with careful planning, though, it’s impossible to see everything Amsterdam has to offer in a single trip — making it a perfect place for repeat visits!
I’VE FOUND THREE DAYS TO BE THE PERFECT AMOUNT OF TIME TO SPEND IN AMSTERDAM.
This 3 day Amsterdam itinerary includes the highlights that first timers shouldn’t miss, as well as more off-the-beaten-path experiences for those who are returning for a repeat visit.
Amazing Amsterdam: The 3 Day Amsterdam Itinerary You Need
Top Experiences in Amsterdam
Planning your trip to Amsterdam?
Here are my FAVORITE experiences for a memorable visit to Amsterdam.
🔍 Discovery | Learn more about your destination
🤝 Connection | Meet locals, learn a craft, and trade stories
🎭 Performance | Immerse yourself in the local art and culture
🚌 Excursion | Explore nearby places of interest
Day Trip to a Tulip Farm, Keukenhof + Windmill Cruise (March - May 2026)
🚀 Adventure | Seek thrill and excitement in the great outdoors
Curious how to find the best experiences no matter what destination you visit?
Download my Europe Experience Planner now!
How to Get Around Amsterdam
AMSTERDAM HAS A VERY RELIABLE PUBLIC TRANSIT SYSTEM.
Its network of trams, buses, metros, and ferries connects the city, and all modes of transportation are covered by the GVB Public Transport Ticket.
For three days in Amsterdam, we booked a 72 hour transit ticket to cover our stay in the city.
Another popular mode of transport, especially among locals, is bicycles. 🚲
I had my heart set on renting bicycles for one of our days in Amsterdam, but the weather was an unpredictable mix of rain and wind, so those plans were quickly scrapped.
Hopefully the weather is better during your visit — you can rent bicycles at A-Bike Rental & Tours, which has affordable prices, solid reviews, and multiple locations throughout town.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
DURING MY VISIT TO AMSTERDAM WE STAYED AT PILLOWS HOTEL MAURITS AT THE PARK, IN THE OUD-OOST NEIGHBORHOOD.
Pillows Hotel is a 5-star hotel with a beautifully appointed guests-only lounge, two restaurants, and a cocktail lounge.
I chose this hotel because it was away from the busy streets in the northwest and central areas of Amsterdam, yet still connected to the city via tram service.
Overall, I loved the property and its incredibly helpful staff, including the concierge who recommended a fantastic restaurant for our Saturday night dinner.
We stayed in the Oud-Oost neighborhood at Pillows Hotel.
The guests Living Room at Pillows Hotel Maurits at the Park.
THE ROOMS WERE COMFORTABLE AND INCLUDED IN-ROOM ESPRESSO MACHINES AND DIPTYQUE PRODUCTS IN THE BATHROOM.
The Oud-Oost neighborhood sits near the entrance to the tranquil Oosterpark, and I loved the local-only vibe of the area.
It took us about fifteen to twenty minutes by tram to get to most of the attractions we visited, and we never experienced any late-night noise or revelry from other tourists.
While the allure of staying in the city center is common, for a return trip to Amsterdam, I’d probably choose to book at Pillows Hotel Maurits at the Park again.
When to Visit Amsterdam
THE PEAK TRAVEL SEASON IN AMSTERDAM LASTS FROM THE BEGINNING OF APRIL UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER.
Thanks to its temperate summer temperatures, the city is busy even in the depths of summer in July and August.
The moderate or shoulder season, in which Amsterdam is lively but not too crowded, are March, October, and November, with some added traffic in December due to the holidays.
The off-season is January and February.
April in Amsterdam: sunny days, but we still needed our winter coats due to wind and low temperatures.
WE VISITED AMSTERDAM IN APRIL TO SEE ITS WORLD-FAMOUS TULIPS AT THE NEARBY KEUKENHOF GARDENS.
The weather ranged from cold, windy, and rainy to bright, sunny, and no-jacket-required warmth.
This is completely normal for spring in Europe, and luckily we were appropriately packed for it.
If you’re traveling in Spring, too, be sure to read my post on What to Pack for Europe in Spring!
Day 1 – Canal Tour, Museumplein, and Live Entertainment
Start with a Canal Cruise and Market Lunch in De Pijp
START YOUR FIRST DAY IN AMSTERDAM WITH A CANAL CRUISE.
It’s one of the best ways to learn about the city’s history as a trading capital and how that molded its unique geography and architecture.
These are leisurely canal cruises that usually serve beverages and light snacks, but be aware that history buffs might find them light on the storytelling.
If you’re hoping to discover more about Amsterdam’s history or hidden gems, consider taking a bike tour, as well.
Canal cruises give you a birds-eye-view of Amsterdam’s architecture and daily life from its canals.
The Albert Cuyp Market is full of stalls selling local treats and other curiosities, and is always good for a stroll.
AFTER YOUR CANAL CRUISE, HEAD OVER TO THE ALBERT CUYP MARKET IN THE DE PIJP NEIGHBORHOOD.
This lively street market is packed with vendors selling everything from fresh stroopwafels to Turkish snacks and local cheeses.
It’s the kind of place that’s great for a casual wander and even better for a quick bite.
Grab a snack or sit down at one of the nearby cafés for a proper lunch.
Explore Amsterdam’s Best Art Museums
FROM DE PIJP, IT’S A SHORT WALK OR TRAM RIDE TO MUSEUMPLEIN, AMSTERDAM’S MUSEUM DISTRICT.
This is where you’ll find the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces like The Night Watch by Rembrandt and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid.
Rembrandt's The Night Watch, currently undergoing restoration, at the Rijksmuseum,
The Cuypers Library, the oldest art history library in the Netherlands, is a treat inside the Rijksmuseum.
Afterward, head next door to the Van Gogh Museum for a look at the world’s largest collection of his paintings and letters.
If you’re still feeling curious (and not too overwhelmed), consider squeezing in one of the smaller museums here.
The Stedelijk Museum focuses on modern and contemporary art and design, while the Moco Museum is known for its rotating exhibits of street art and pop culture.
Falling Clock by Daniel Arsham at Moco Museum.
Street art by Banksy at the Moco Museum.
When you’ve had your fill of art, stretch your legs in nearby Vondelpark — the city’s largest park and a favorite spot for locals.
Cap the Day with Dinner and a Show
AFTER A BIT OF DOWNTIME BACK AT YOUR HOTEL, VENTURE OUT FOR DINNER.
Amsterdam has no shortage of excellent dining options, whether you’re after casual Dutch fare or something more upscale.
If you’re in the mood for something lively after dinner, check the schedule at Boom Chicago, a comedy theater known for its high-energy performances and English-language improv.
Remember the Amsterdam episode of Ted Lasso? Both Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt are alums of Boom Chicago in Amsterdam!
Maloe Melo in an old-school bar with a music venue.
The venue hosts a steady calendar of rock and blues acts.
If music is more your thing, head to Maloe Melo for live performances in a chill setting.
WE ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS OLD-SCHOOL BAR WITH A BACKROOM MUSIC VENUE AND CHEAP BEERS.
Day 2 – Anne Frank House, Jordaan Food Tour, and the Red Light District
Visit the Anne Frank House
BEGIN YOUR SECOND DAY WITH A VISIT TO ONE OF AMSTERDAM’S MOST POWERFUL EXPERIENCES, THE ANNE FRANK HOUSE.
This museum offers a look into the hidden annex where Anne Frank hid with her family, and wrote her eponymous diary, during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam in World War II.
Be sure to book your tickets as soon as possible — tickets to the Anne Frank House often sell out weeks in advance.
The museum sells tickets six weeks in advance, so count backwards from your travel dates and set a calendar reminder for whenever they’ll go on sale.
A wall of translated copies of the Diary of Anne Frank at the Anne Frank House.
I HAD TOURED EXHIBITS DEDICATED TO THE STORY OF ANNE FRANK BEFORE, BUT THERE IS NO COMPARISON TO THE ACTUAL SPACE WHERE SHE LIVED AND HID.
I highly recommend it, especially for those interested in history.
The rooms did become crowded with visitors at times, and the stairs are narrow and steep.
For that reason, this may not be the best attraction for those with limited mobility.
If you’re interested in learning more about Anne Frank but don’t want to visit the museum, or tickets were sold out for your dates, then try the Anne Frank Guided Walking Tour through Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter.
Take a Food Tour and Explore Jordaan’s Shops
FROM THE ANNE FRANK HOUSE, YOU’RE ALREADY IN JORDAAN, ONE OF AMSTERDAM’S MOST BELOVED NEIGHBORHOODS.
Join a guided food tour to explore this former working-class district turned foodie hub.
You’ll sample everything from legendary apple pie at a 400-year-old café to freshly griddled poffertjes, Surinamese home cooking, and crispy bitterballen with jenever.
Along the way, your guide will share stories of the city’s Golden Age and point out key landmarks that shaped Amsterdam’s culinary and cultural identity.
IT’S ONE OF THOSE EXPERIENCES THAT LEAVES YOU BOTH FULL AND FASCINATED.
After the food tour, explore the shops around De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets), a photogenic cluster of boutique-lined blocks just west of the canals.
Whether you’re looking for independent design shops, vintage finds, or a second espresso, this is a great area for a slow stroll.
Evening in the Red Light District
In the evening, take a guided walking tour of Amsterdam’s Red Light District to understand the stories behind the city’s most misunderstood neighborhood.
Known locally as De Wallen, the area is far more than its windows — this tour dives into the social history, legal landscape, and shifting identity of the district today.
The Red Light District, known locally as De Wallen, is a misunderstood district of Amsterdam.
Along the way, you’ll pass historic landmarks like the 15th-century Waag building, and the city’s oldest wooden pub, Int Aepjen.
It’s a fascinating look at Amsterdam’s oldest neighborhood.
AFTER THE TOUR, GRAB DINNER NEARBY FROM ONE OF THE CLASSIC DUTCH PUBS OR ECLECTIC RESTAURANTS.
If you’re not quite ready to end the day after dinner, take a canal-side walk to see the city’s reflections at night.
Day 3 – Bloemenmarkt, Dutch Day Trip, and Amsterdam Farewell
Start with a Leisurely Breakfast and Visit the Flower Market
ON YOUR FINAL DAY IN AMSTERDAM, TAKE IT SLOW.
After a relaxed breakfast, walk over to the Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s iconic floating flower market.
The Bloemenmarkt flower market is a charming spot to buy tulip bulbs or simply admire the bounty of Dutch flower farms.
It’s a charming place to pick up souvenirs like Dutch tulip bulbs or small packets of flower seeds, just check customs regulations if you’re bringing them back to the U.S.
The surrounding streets are also filled with shops and cafés, so it’s easy to extend your morning wander.
This is a good time to check out anything you might have missed earlier in the trip, like the Begijnhof courtyard, or to double back to shops where you wanted to pick up a souvenir.
Take a Day Trip Outside the City
In the afternoon, trade the city for one of the nearby towns or cultural sights.
Zaanse Schans is the most popular for its working windmills and houses made to resemble an 18th century village.
DELFT, ON THE OTHER HAND, CHARMS WITH BLUE-AND-WHITE POTTERY AND ITS OWN CANAL-SIDE CAFÉS.
If your appetite for art is still aching, then head to The Hague to see the art of Vermeer at the Mauritshuis.
Each of these destinations is easily accessible by train and makes for a relaxed, worthwhile excursion beyond the Amsterdam city limits.
Say Goodbye to Amsterdam with One Last Great Experience
Your final evening in Amsterdam can go in any number of directions, depending on your energy and interests.
YOU COULD:
Ride the ferry across the IJ and enjoy sunset views from the A’DAM Lookout.
Return to Jordaan for a final stroll and canal-side dinner.
Pick up a signature cookie at Van Stapele Koekmakerij (yes, the cookie is worth the queue!).
Find a cozy cocktail bar for one last toast to a fantastic trip.
The truth is, Amsterdam is a city for both the planners and the wanderers.
Whatever you choose for your final night, it’ll most likely be the right call. 😉
Conclusion
EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE TRIPS TO AMSTERDAM, I ALWAYS FEEL LIKE THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER IN THIS ENDLESSLY INTERESTING CITY.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fourth, this 3 day Amsterdam itinerary offers a balanced mix of iconic experiences and local charm.
I hope this itinerary gives you a great jumping-off point for your own plans.
And don’t worry if you don’t have time for everything — any good trip should leave you with a few reasons to plan a return visit.
Until next time,
Angela 💐
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