Final Up to date on February 24, 2023 by Nellie Huang
Having lived in Amsterdam for 4 years, I’ve gotten to know Amsterdam very well. Right here’s my suggestion for a 3-day Amsterdam itinerary, that can convey you thru the perfect elements of the town.
No matter the place you’re in Amsterdam, you’ll hear the sound of motorbike bells echoing by the streets and trams trundling alongside the tracks that weave their manner by the cobblestoned streets of the historic middle. Boats drift down the canals, passing below picturesque bridges and alongside centuries-old buildings. The scent of contemporary stroopwafels and bitterballen wafts from avenue distributors, tempting hungry passersby.
Amsterdam is a metropolis that’s each timeless and fashionable, the place old-world appeal meets modern aptitude. With its winding canals, vibrant nightlife, and wealthy inventive and cultural heritage, there’s at all times one thing new to find on this metropolis of contrasts. We lived in Amsterdam for over 4 years, and we have been at all times discovering new experiences and locations to discover.
That can assist you take advantage of out of a weekend in Amsterdam, I’ve compiled an in depth 3-day Amsterdam itinerary that can take from the storied metropolis middle to the choice districts, and past to the encompassing Dutch countryside. Seize your bike, hop on a canal boat, and prepare to expertise the magic of Amsterdam. Let’s dive in!
My Amsterdam Weekend Itinerary
Amsterdam Itinerary Day 1: Discover Amsterdam Metropolis Middle
Start your first day in Amsterdam with at my favourite cafe in Amsterdam: Café Restaurant Hans en Grietje. This conventional Dutch cafe has been a neighborhood favourite since 1876. The cafe’s identify interprets to “Hansel and Gretel,” and the comfortable, rustic decor is designed to evoke the sensation of a fairy story cottage. You’ve acquired to attempt their well-known Dutch pancakes and scrumptious selfmade muffins. The enduring cafe has a big and wonderful terrace with a gorgeous view of the Rijksmuseum and the canals.
Begin at Museumplein
After loading up, it’s time to move to the Museumplein, a big public sq. within the coronary heart of the town that’s dwelling to among the world’s most famous museums. Make your first cease at the Rijksmuseum, one of many largest and most complete artwork museums on the earth, housing over 8,000 objects from Dutch historical past and artwork, together with works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. Even if you happen to’re not an artwork of historical past fanatic, it’s price trying out the constructing because the masterpiece is an iconic landmark of Amsterdam.
The Van Gogh Museum, positioned subsequent to the Rijksmuseum, is devoted to the life and work of the well-known Dutch painter. With over 200 work, 500 drawings, and 700 letters, the museum provides a complete have a look at Van Gogh’s inventive evolution and private struggles. On the opposite aspect of the sq., the Stedelijk Museum is a recent artwork museum that options works by fashionable masters resembling Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol. It additionally showcases Dutch design and experimental modern artwork.
If you happen to’re visiting in the course of the summer time months, remember to try one of many many outside occasions and festivals that happen within the Museumplein, together with music live shows, meals markets, and cultural performances.
Try the Central Station
From there, stroll over to the Central Station, essentially the most iconic landmark within the metropolis. Amsterdam Centraal was designed by Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers and opened in 1889. It contains a Gothic, Renaissance Revival station constructing and a forged iron platform roof spanning roughly 40 metres. As with the Rijksmuseum, the station’s total structure reminded many contemporaries of medieval cathedrals. The station is positioned on the metropolis’s waterfront successfully separating the town from the IJ lake.
Stroll by Vondelpark
After a satisfying lunch, take a leisurely stroll by the Vondelpark, the most important park in Amsterdam. The luxurious park provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of the town, with wonderful lakes, fountains, playgrounds and outside theaters. You’ll be able to have a picnic, hire a motorbike, and benefit from the stunning greenery. When the solar’s out, you’ll discover many locals sprawled on the greens absorbing the (uncommon) sunshine. Cease for lunch at my favourite cafe within the park: Groot Melkhuis. In summer time, its riverside terrace is an excellent place to get pleasure from some sunshine.
Try the Native Meals Scene
For dinner, head to De Foodhallen, a fashionable meals market housed within the tram-depot-turned-cultural-complex, De Hallen. We used to come back to Foodhallen each different week — there are over 20 stalls right here providing every thing from Dutch snacks to worldwide delicacies. I extremely suggest making an attempt the sometimes Dutch bitterballen (deep fried meatballs) from De Ballen Bar and the excellent bun cha (vermicelli salad) served up at Viêt View. There are additionally a number of indie artwork stalls, a motorbike store, cafe and an indie cinema inside De Hallen.
Hit the Brown Bars
Because the day attracts to a detailed, head to the Crimson Gentle District. Whereas it could be identified for its controversial repute, the world can also be an interesting a part of Amsterdam’s historical past and tradition. Stroll by the slim streets and take pleasure in a neighborhood specialty like stroopwafels (skinny, spherical waffle cookie) or herring fish from a avenue vendor. Then duck inside Cafe Hoppe, one among Amsterdam’s storied outdated brown cafés. Opened in 1670 as a jenever distillery, the historic bar is a favourite amongst locals and vacationers alike.
Amsterdam Itinerary Day 2: Weave by its Waterways
On the second day of this Amsterdam itinerary, take to the water to discover the town’s well-known canals. Begin your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam, which serves among the greatest pancakes within the metropolis, with all kinds of toppings and fillings to select from.
After breakfast, take a ship tour of Amsterdam’s canals, offering a singular and memorable perspective of the town’s structure and surroundings. There are many corporations providing boat excursions, catering to all pursuits and budgets. We’ve been on this wine and cheese canal cruise a number of occasions and at all times had a good time! E-book your canal tour prematurely particularly if you happen to’re touring in excessive season.
Get Misplaced in Amsterdam’s Largest Out of doors Market
The subsequent cease on this Amsterdam itinerary is the Albert Cuypmarkt, a full of life avenue market within the De Pijp neighborhood, the place over 300 stalls provide every thing from contemporary produce to clothes to souvenirs. Amsterdam has many outside markets that take over squares and streets each weekend, however Albert Cuypmarkt is the most important one. That is the perfect spot to purchase Gouda cheese, Dutch biscuits and different souvenirs dwelling. We at all times got here right here for the stroopwafels and superb kibbeling (battered fish chunks).
Tour the Heineken Brewery
Because you’re in De Pijp, head over to the Heineken Expertise particularly if you happen to’re a beer lover. The museum is housed within the former Heineken brewery, which has been remodeled right into a high-tech and interactive museum. One of many highlights of the museum is the brewery tour, the place you get to see the brewing course of and learn the way the hops and malted barley are combined collectively to create the wort, which is then fermented to create beer. And naturally, the tasting session on the finish of the tour is an actual deal with.
Go to the Anne Frank Home
Within the night, discover the charming Jordaan neighborhood, with its slim streets, quirky outlets, and picturesque canals. Whereas within the neighborhood, you may as well go to the Anne Frank Home, which provides a robust expertise to see the place Anne Frank wrote her diary and study her life and legacy. This was the precise home and hiding place the place Anne Frank lived in the course of the Second World Warfare remains to be intact as we speak. E-book your tickets on-line prematurely to make sure availability! Alternatively, mix a go to of the Anne Frank Home with the Jewish quarter on this tour.
Nibbles and Drinks at One other Brown Bar
Whereas in Jordaan, head over to well-known Proeflokaal A. van Wees, positioned on Herengracht inside a former distillery that dates again to the nineteenth century. Indulge within the brown café requirements—beer, jenever, and a handful of different spirits and soak within the historic environment; the bar additionally has a good collection of nibbles (the fondue constructed from Dutch cheese is a standout).
Amsterdam Itinerary Day 3: Enterprise Past the Middle
On last day of your weekend in Amsterdam, head out and among the metropolis’s extra off-the-beaten-path locations. Begin your day on the fashionable Amsterdam Noord neighborhood. Take a ferry (it’s free!) from the Central Station — the town’s principal practice station can also be price a glance as its structure is in contrast to no different.
Feast on Panoramic Views of the Metropolis
First, head as much as the highest ground of the A’DAM Lookout, an commentary deck with mind-blowing views of the town. It additionally options numerous enjoyable and interactive experiences, together with a swing that extends over the sting of the constructing. There’s a minimal top requirement, so youngsters aren’t allowed. It’s undoubtedly extra of an Instagram mission!
Discover the Different NDSM
Subsequent to the A’DAM Tower is the NDSM Wharf, a former shipyard turned inventive hub positioned within the northern a part of the town. The wharf is dwelling to numerous artwork galleries, eating places, and bars, and is thought for its vibrant avenue artwork scene. Wander round and admire the mural artwork, or be a part of a guided avenue artwork tour for an in-depth have a look at the art work and the artists behind it.
If you happen to’re a cut price hunter or a classic lover, don’t miss the IJ-hallen, a large indoor flea market that takes place in a former shipyard constructing within the NDSM Wharf space. The market is open one weekend a month and options a whole bunch of distributors promoting every thing from clothes to furnishings to electronics.
The NDSM Wharf space is dwelling to a number of nice bars and eating places, together with Noorderlicht, a comfortable and eclectic cafe housed in a former greenhouse, and Pllek, a classy restaurant and occasion house with a big outside terrace overlooking the waterfront. These spots are good for a leisurely lunch or a refreshing drink on a sunny day.
Hike in an City Forest
Within the afternoon, head to the Amsterdamse Bos, an enormous forest positioned on the outskirts of the town. The forest covers an space of 1,000 hectares, making it thrice the scale of Central Park in New York Metropolis. We frequently spent our weekends right here, mountain climbing or biking within the forest and swimming in summer time. Our daughter’s favourite spot right here is the goat farm, Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve, the place you’ll be able to pet pleasant goats, pigs and highland cows, and even feed them milk. The farm is run by volunteers and is free to go to.
There are over 50 kilometers of biking and mountain climbing trails, which wind their manner by the forest, previous lakes and ponds, and over rolling hills. You’ll be able to hire a motorbike on the park entrance or convey your individual. Amsterdamsebos additionally has a number of our bodies of water, together with the Nieuwe Meer lake, which is nice for canoeing and boating. We lived proper subsequent to the lake and spent a lot time biking across the lake and swimming there in summer time.
Dine in De Pijp
To your final meal in Amsterdam, head again to the De Pijp neighborhood for its eclectic mixture of eating places, cafes, and bars. I extremely suggest Cafe Caron, a comfortable French bistro good spot for a romantic dinner or an important day. They provide quite a lot of traditional French dishes, like escargots, coq au vin, and boeuf bourguignon, all served in a heat and welcoming environment. One other of our favorites is Loetje, a Dutch chain however simply our favourite steakhouse within the Netherlands. They serve up the perfect steaks and fish & chips within the metropolis, and you recognize the meals is at all times good!
Day Journeys from Amsterdam
If you happen to’ve acquired some additional time, I undoubtedly suggest squeezing in a day journey to the Dutch countryside. What we love most about residing in Amsterdam is simply how shut every thing is to the town — all of the fascinating sights within the Netherlands are inside a 2-hour drive away. Right here’s a abstract, remember to try my full listing of day journeys from Amsterdam.
See the Tulip Fields of Keukenhof
Positioned simply exterior of Amsterdam, the Keukenhof Gardens are a shocking show of tulips and different flowers, and are solely open from mid-March to mid-Could. With over 7 million flower bulbs planted every year, Keukenhof Gardens is without doubt one of the most stunning and colourful locations on the earth. I HIGHLY suggest timing your Amsterdam weekend journey to coincide with the tulip season to see the world splashed in stunning colours. You’ll be able to guide the entry tickets with transfers right here.
Go to Windmills at Zaanse Schans
This picturesque village simply north of Amsterdam is dwelling to a number of historic windmills, conventional Dutch homes, and a museum devoted to the world’s industrial heritage. The open-air museum showcases the normal Dutch lifestyle, with historic windmills, wood homes, and outlets. Guests can study how cheese, clogs, and different conventional merchandise are made, and even attempt some for themselves. E-book this tour to go to Zaanse Schans together with Volendam and Marken.
Wander the Cobbled Streets of Haarlem
Only a 20-minute practice experience from Amsterdam Central Station, the charming city of Haarlem is a superb place to wander and discover. The city middle options a gorgeous cathedral, a market sq., and plenty of outlets and cafes. This historic metropolis is stuffed with stunning structure, charming cafes, and boutique outlets. Highlights embrace the Grote Markt (market sq.), the St. Bavo Church, and the Frans Hals Museum. We used to go to Haarlem each Christmas for his or her Christmas market, among the best within the Netherlands!
Be Romanced by Utrecht
This full of life college metropolis is simply Half-hour by practice from Amsterdam, and options stunning canals, historic buildings, and a vibrant arts and tradition scene. This full of life college metropolis is thought for its stunning canals, historic buildings, and vibrant nightlife. Guests can discover the Dom Tower, the Museum Catharijneconvent, or just wander the charming streets and benefit from the cafes and eating places.
The Hague and Delft
Each of those cities are positioned about an hour from Amsterdam by practice, and provide a glimpse into Dutch politics, historical past, and artwork. The Hague is dwelling to the Dutch authorities and the well-known Mauritshuis museum, whereas Delft is thought for its charming canals, historic market sq., and blue pottery. This was in all probability one among our favourite Amsterdam day journeys as we regularly went to the Hague to see pals after which Delft to wander and soak in its magnificence.
Amsterdam Journey Information
Find out how to Get to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is well-connected to the remainder of Europe and the world, with direct flights to many main cities. Schiphol Airport is without doubt one of the busiest airports in Europe and is positioned only a few miles exterior of the town middle.
You’ll be able to fly from New York to Amsterdam for simply US$500 return or Los Angeles to Amsterdam for US$600 round-trip. It’s actually low cost to fly to Amsterdam from different elements of Europe. You’ll be able to even get enterprise class tickets from New York to Amsterdam for $2771. Click on right here to seek out the perfect enterprise class offers.
If you happen to’re flying from different elements of Europe, flights from London to Amsterdam are extremely low cost (round US$50 every manner). Amsterdam can also be well-connected to many European cities by high-speed trains, together with Paris, London, and Brussels. We’ve taken the Thalys practice to Paris a number of occasions and it’s at all times snug and punctual (prices across the similar as flights although).
Find out how to Get to the Metropolis from the Airport
The best and most handy technique to get to the town is to take a practice instantly from the airport to Amsterdam Central Station. The journey takes simply 15-20 minutes, and trains run regularly all through the day and evening.
An alternative choice is to take a taxi or an Uber from the airport. Taxis are available exterior the arrivals corridor, and the journey to the town middle takes round 20-Half-hour, relying on visitors. An Uber can value round US$30 every manner.
You may also take a bus from the airport to the town middle. The Connexxion bus 397 runs between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam’s Museumplein, and the journey takes round 35-40 minutes.
Value of Journey in Amsterdam
Let’s face it: Amsterdam is an costly metropolis (museum entry prices round $30 and meals are round $20-40). Tlisted below are a number of metropolis passes accessible for Amsterdam that may prevent cash and supply handy entry to the town’s prime sights. Listed here are a number of of the preferred choices:
- I amsterdam Metropolis Card – This all-in-one move offers free entry to over 70 museums and sights in Amsterdam, in addition to a free canal cruise and limitless use of public transportation. It additionally consists of reductions at eating places and outlets all through the town. The cardboard is accessible in 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120-hour variations.
- Amsterdam Metropolis Go – This move consists of free entry to three, 4, or 6 of Amsterdam’s prime sights, in addition to a free hop-on hop-off bus tour. It additionally consists of reductions on further sights and actions, in addition to a guidebook with info on the town’s sights and historical past.
- Museumkaart – This card offers free entry to over 400 museums and sights all through the Netherlands, together with many in Amsterdam. It’s legitimate for one yr and generally is a good possibility if you happen to plan to go to a number of museums throughout your journey. We had this card and used it virtually each weekend in Amsterdam!
Find out how to Get Round Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a wonderful public transport system and it’s straightforward to get round on trams, buses, and metros. If you happen to’re staying within the metropolis middle, you may as well simply navigate on foot or bike.
By Bike
The easiest way to discover the town is by bike, which is a well-liked mode of transport amongst locals and guests alike. There are designated bike lanes in every single place, connecting the varied boroughs and neighborhoods. You’ll be able to hire a motorbike from one of many many rental outlets across the metropolis, or use the town’s bike-sharing scheme, which lets you choose up and drop off bikes at varied places across the metropolis. I additionally suggest doing this 3-hour bike tour if you happen to’d prefer to be oriented.
By Tram
An alternative choice is to make use of the town’s trams and buses, which supply a handy and inexpensive technique to get round. You should purchase a disposable chip card or a chargeable OV-chipkaart at a practice station or tram cease, which can be utilized on all public transport within the metropolis.
By Uber
Uber is available in every single place in Amsterdam and it’s undoubtedly cheaper than taxis. Count on to spend round US$10 for every experience throughout the metropolis middle, and $20-30 to transcend.
Greatest Time to Go to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a year-round vacation spot, however the perfect time to go to is from late April to early October, with delicate temperatures and fewer wet days. Late March to Could is tulip season, so it’s the perfect time to see the tulip fields all splashed in colours. Summer season (June-August) is the warmest time of yr, nevertheless it’s additionally the busiest and most costly, so remember to guide nicely prematurely.
Amsterdam is a metropolis that likes to have fun, and there are quite a few festivals and occasions all year long, together with King’s Day (April 27), Satisfaction Amsterdam (late July/early August), and the Amsterdam Dance Occasion (mid-October). You’ll want to test the dates and guide your lodging nicely prematurely.
Amsterdam will be an costly metropolis, notably throughout peak journey intervals. If you happen to’re trying to economize on lodging and actions, take into account visiting within the low season (November-March), when costs are decrease and crowds are smaller.
The place to Keep in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a variety of lodging choices, from price range hostels to luxurious motels. You’ll want to guide nicely prematurely, notably throughout peak journey intervals, to safe your perfect lodging.
For this Amsterdam itinerary, it’s greatest to remain within the metropolis middle. However motels within the middle are costly; these on a price range can discover significantly better lodge offers if you happen to go additional out, to areas resembling Oud West, Jordaan, and the up-and-coming Noord neighborhood. Listed here are a number of of our prime picks to think about on your keep:
*Distinctive: Crane Lodge Faralda
For a really unconventional expertise, guide a keep at this crane-top lodge by the harbor, boasting luxurious suites overlooking your entire metropolis. I’ve at all times wished to remain right here however nonetheless haven’t had the possibility. Let me know the way your keep goes! Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
This luxury lodge is housed in a sequence of historic canal homes within the coronary heart of Amsterdam. The rooms are elegant and spacious, and the lodge boasts an indoor pool, a spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Pulitzer Amsterdam
This trendy and complex lodge is positioned in a set of transformed Seventeenth-century canal homes, and options stylish rooms with modern decor. The lodge additionally has a backyard courtyard, a restaurant and bar, and a health middle. Verify charges right here.
Mid Vary: The Hoxton, Amsterdam
This fashionable boutique lodge is positioned within the coronary heart of the town, and options trendy rooms with distinctive design touches. The lodge additionally has a buzzing foyer bar, a classy restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with views over the town. Verify charges right here.
Mid Vary: CitizenM Amsterdam Amstel
This fashionable budget-friendly lodge provides compact but trendy rooms, that includes smooth and fashionable design. The lodge additionally has a 24-hour canteen, a classy bar, and a rooftop lounge with gorgeous views of the town. Verify charges right here.
Funds: Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark
This contemporary and eco-friendly hostel is positioned proper subsequent to the gorgeous Vondelpark, and options snug and colourful dorms and personal rooms. The hostel additionally has a bar and restaurant, a sport room, and a spacious terrace. It’s identified for its pleasant employees and full of life environment. Verify charges right here.
Funds: Cocomama
This cozy and charming hostel is housed in a historic constructing within the fashionable De Pijp neighborhood, and options snug and uniquely adorned dorms and personal rooms. The hostel additionally has a fully-equipped kitchen, a comfortable lounge, and a stunning outside backyard. It’s identified for its homely really feel and useful employees. Verify charges right here.
The place to Eat in Amsterdam
De Kas – Positioned in a set of greenhouses in Park Frankendael, De Kas provides a farm-to-table eating expertise that includes seasonal produce grown on website. The every day altering menu consists of meat, fish, and vegetarian choices, and the ethereal, greenhouse setting is each stunning and distinctive. E-book a desk.
Restaurant Blauw – We used to come back right here usually on weekends! That is the perfect place for genuine Indonesian meals. The star of the present is the rijsttafel, a multi-course meal of small plates that’s good for sharing. The restaurant’s colourful decor and pleasant service make it a preferred spot for locals and vacationers alike. E-book a desk.
Cannibale Royale – If you happen to’re within the temper for some hearty consolation meals, Cannibale Royale is the place to go. They focus on burgers, steaks, and ribs, all cooked to perfection on a charcoal grill. E-book a desk.
Bakers & Roasters — This cozy cafe is thought for its scrumptious breakfast and brunch choices, with a menu that options every thing from avocado toast to American-style pancakes. The cafe additionally serves glorious espresso and contemporary juices, and has a heat and welcoming environment. Learn critiques.
The Avocado Present — A real pioneer within the avocado pattern that has swept the world, this avocado-focused cafe celebrates the standard avocado, with aethestically pleasing dishes that style nearly as good as they give the impression of being. Learn critiques.
Pluk – This cute and colourful cafe is positioned within the fashionable 9 Streets neighborhood and is a superb spot for breakfast or brunch. The menu options wholesome and contemporary choices like acai bowls, smoothies, and avocado toast, in addition to candy treats like selfmade muffins and pastries. Learn critiques.
De Bakkerswinkel – This bakery and cafe has a number of places all through the town and is thought for its contemporary bread, pastries, and sandwiches. The breakfast menu consists of choices like yogurt with granola, quiche, and croissants, and the environment is cozy and alluring. E-book a desk.
Planning Your Weekend Journey to Amsterdam
With a lot to see and do in Amsterdam, it may be laborious to suit every thing into only a few days, however this Amsterdam weekend itinerary ought to present a very good start line.
Be at liberty to print out this Amsterdam itinerary and convey it with you in your Amsterdam weekend getaway! You’ll want to go away a remark under you probably have any questions. Listed here are extra of my articles from Amsterdam and different elements of Europe:
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