Whether you want to spend one, two, three or more days in Amsterdam, this vibrant city offers more than enough to keep you busy. We are happy to share our recommendations with you, to give you a good overview of everything this city has to offer.
One Day in Amsterdam: The Perfect Itinerary
Only have one day? With this itinerary you will see the highlights of Amsterdam: a canal cruise through the canals, world-famous art around the Museumplein and an atmospheric evening in the old centre.
1Stromma Cruise
Stromma runs canal cruises through the waterways of Amsterdam. Its best known trip is the 100 Highlights cruise, which leaves opposite Centraal Station on the Prins Hendrikkade. What can you ...
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is the national museum of Dutch art and history. Of its roughly 1 million objects from 1200 to 2000, about 8,000 are on display, centred on the masters of the Golden ...
The Van Gogh Museum on Museumplein in Amsterdam holds the world's largest Van Gogh collection: some 200 paintings, 400 drawings and 700 letters by Vincent van Gogh. You follow his life and ...
Start your city visit in a relaxed way, on and around the water.
Canal cruise through Amsterdam: this boat trip along the iconic canals offers a panoramic view of centuries-old mansions, graceful bridges and historic warehouses that make up the UNESCO World Heritage site. Choose from a classic audio tour, a luxury salon boat, an open sloop or an eco boat; in the morning the canals are quieter and the light is perfect for photos. Along the way you get an excellent overview of neighbourhoods such as the Jordaan, the Canal Ring, the Plantage and the Old Town.
Walk through the historic canal ring: after the boat trip, walking is the best way to truly experience the city. Look out for façade details such as step gables, cornice gables, bell gables and wall anchors, visit a hidden almshouse courtyard or quiet inner garden for a moment of peace, and combine your walk with a stop at a gallery, antique shop or chocolaterie.
Lunch in an authentic Amsterdam brown café: brown cafés are an essential part of Amsterdam culture. Try a croquette roll, bitterballen, pea soup (in winter) or fries with mayonnaise, often served with local craft beers from Brewery 't IJ or the Amsterdamse Bierbrouwerij. For a lighter lunch: rolls with aged cheese, herring with onions or vegetarian options.
Afternoon: museums and relaxation
The Museumplein is the cultural heart of Amsterdam and an absolute must-see on a first visit.
Rijksmuseum: admire The Night Watch, the Gallery of Honour and masterpieces from the Golden Age.
Van Gogh Museum: the largest Van Gogh collection in the world, ideal for connoisseurs and families alike.
Stedelijk Museum: a leader in modern art, design and photography. Tip: buy your tickets online in advance to avoid queues.
Vondelpark or a terrace on the Leidseplein: after the museums it is lovely to unwind in the green, among shady paths, ponds, sculptures and the open-air theatre, or on a terrace with live music and street performers; also easy to combine with shopping or an early drink.
Shopping in the centre: the main shopping areas are within walking distance of each other; the Kalverstraat for flagship stores and international brands, the Leidsestraat for fashion, shoes and unique concept stores, and the Nine Streets for vintage, boutiques, design and craftsmanship.
Evening: dining and going out
End the day in the lively streets of the centre.
Dinner in Chinatown: in the streets around the Zeedijk you will discover a world of flavours, with top-quality Indonesian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese food. Visit the impressive Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple; many restaurants are open seven days a week until late.
Red Light District in the evening: one of Europe's most iconic neighbourhoods, with a mix of medieval streets, neon lights, cafés, culture and history. See the Oude Kerk, the oldest building in Amsterdam, and discover the erotic museum or the unique little shops. Always go in company and stay on the main streets; taking photos is forbidden here.
A drink in a cosy bar or a lively club: Amsterdam is known for its varied nightlife, from quiet jazz bars to energetic clubs.
The Anne Frank House on the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam is the museum in the Secret Annex, the real hiding place of Anne Frank and seven others during the Second World War. You walk through the ...
Hidden behind an unassuming door on Spui lies the Begijnhof, a serene oasis of peace and beauty in the bustling heart of Amsterdam. This historic courtyard, dating back to the 14th century, was ...
The world-famous Heineken brewery, opened in 1867, has today been transformed into the Heineken Experience - a must-see attraction in the heart of Amsterdam. This immersive, semi-guided ...
Start this day with three of the most important cultural sites in the city.
Anne Frank House: impressive, moving and unforgettable; this museum is one of the most visited places in the Netherlands and tells the true story of Anne Frank. Tickets must be booked in advance; the original rooms and the Secret Annex leave a deep impression. Combine your visit with a walk through the Jordaan.
Begijnhof: a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling centre, and one of the oldest and most beautiful places in Amsterdam. The oldest wooden house in the city also stands here; please respect the silence, as it is still an inhabited courtyard.
Afternoon: cycling, markets and hidden museums
Explore the city the Dutch way, or dive into the lively markets instead.
Lunch and bike rental: the ideal way to explore Amsterdam. Cycle a beautiful route through the Plantage neighbourhood with Artis, the Hortus Botanicus and monumental buildings, or along the Amstel towards Ouderkerk aan de Amstel for lovely river views; also explore the Jordaan with its narrow streets, markets and boutiques.
Not in the mood for cycling? Visit the cosy Waterlooplein market: the oldest daily market in Amsterdam, popular with locals and visitors alike, with vintage clothing, vinyl records, antiques and unique souvenirs. The ideal place to haggle and find great bargains.
Museums around the Waterlooplein: ideal for culture lovers. The Jewish Museum tells the history of the Jewish community, the H'ART Museum shows international exhibitions in a historic building, at the Rembrandt House you walk through the famous painter's original studio, and the Canal Museum shows how and why the Amsterdam canals were built.
Evening: tasting and enjoying
End the day with a mix of experiences, food and culture.
Extra activity: the VOC shipyard or the Heineken Experience: perfect if you want more action and interaction. At the VOC shipyard you discover historic shipping and old shipyard activities; the Heineken Experience offers tastings, interactive games and a multimedia tour.
Dinner in De Pijp: the culinary heart of Amsterdam, known for its international restaurants and buzzing atmosphere, from Middle Eastern to Japanese and from vegan to traditional Dutch. Close to the Sarphatipark, ideal for an evening stroll.
An evening around the Leidseplein or culture at the Royal Concertgebouw: the Leidseplein is a well-known nightlife area with music, comedy and cafés, while the Concertgebouw is world-famous for its perfect acoustics. The Dutch National Opera & Ballet also offers impressive performances in a modern theatre.
Three Days in Amsterdam: Hidden Gems, New Neighbourhoods and Local Markets
If you are in Amsterdam for three days, you have time for the lesser-known side of the city: hidden neighbourhoods such as the Nine Streets, quiet museums, a ferry crossing to Amsterdam-Noord and the best markets.
7Stedelijk Museum
An international institute dedicated to modern and contemporary art and design. The museum offers a rich collection of innovative and influential works. What Can You Expect? - Exceptional ...
Het Scheepvaartmuseum in Amsterdam is the national maritime museum, covering 500 years of Dutch seafaring history. It is housed in 's Lands Zeemagazijn, the former Admiralty storehouse on the ...
The One of the most emblematic historic buildings in Amsterdam. This majestic palace is not only a crucial part of Dutch history but also a splendid example of classical architecture. What Can ...
Day three is all about places that are less well known, but full of charm.
Hidden neighbourhoods of the city: the Nine Streets with vintage shops, galleries and photogenic cafés, the Jordaan with atmospheric markets, studio shops and music cafés, and De Hallen in Amsterdam-West with the Foodhallen, design, a film house and crafts.
Special museums that are less crowded:Our Lord in the Attic is a complete 17th-century hidden church in an attic, the Maritime Museum has a large collection of VOC objects, navigation and seafaring life, and FOAM Photography Museum shows modern photography in a stylish canal house.
Royal Palace on the Dam: this stately palace on the central Dam Square is still used by the Royal House and is one of the city's most important monuments.
Afternoon: ferry, markets and souvenirs
Cross the IJ for modern hotspots, or stay in the centre for the best markets.
By ferry to Amsterdam-Noord: modern hotspots combined with Dutch tranquillity. Take the free ferry behind Central Station and enjoy the view across the IJ. Visit the NDSM wharf for street art, industrial halls and creative studios, or A'DAM Lookout for a 360° view with the famous 'Over the Edge' swing; a little further away lie Durgerdam, Zunderdorp and Ransdorp, rustic dyke villages just minutes away.
Souvenir and market shopping: ideal for unique gifts and local delicacies. The Flower Market sells tulip bulbs, dried flowers and gifts, the Albert Cuyp Market is known for stroopwafels, cheese, fresh fish, clothing and street food, and the Lindengrachtmarkt is the favourite Saturday market among locals.
Evening: Reguliersdwarsstraat
End the day on a festive note.
An evening in the Reguliersdwarsstraat: one of Europe's most welcoming LGBTQ+ streets, full of colourful bars, a friendly atmosphere and late opening hours.
Buy tickets in advance now 
