3 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary

Anne Frank House

Book the earliest available slot for this deeply moving museum. Walk through the secret annex where Anne Frank and seven others hid for over two years during Nazi occupation. The house preserves the hiding place exactly as it was, including Anne's magazine clippings on the walls. Allow time for reflection afterward.

Jordaan Neighbourhood Walk

Step into the Jordaan, once a working-class area, now Amsterdam's most desirable neighbourhood. Wander narrow streets lined with independent boutiques, art galleries, and specialty food shops. The Noordermarkt hosts excellent markets on Saturday (farmers) and Monday (antiques).

Lunch in Jordaan

The Jordaan has exceptional cafes and restaurants. Winkel 43 serves the city's most famous apple pie. Cafe 't Smalle is a historic brown cafe with waterside terrace. For heartier fare, try Dutch pancakes at Pancake Bakery in a converted warehouse.

Canal Cruise

See Amsterdam from its best angle - the water. Numerous operators depart from near Centraal Station and along the major canals. Choose a covered boat in winter or an open boat in summer. Commentary explains the history of the magnificent canal houses and their distinctive gables.

Nine Streets Shopping

The Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) connects the main canals with a grid of charming shopping streets. Find vintage clothing, Dutch design, quirky gifts, and artisan foods. Each street has its own character, from bohemian to sophisticated.

Begijnhof & Dam Square

Enter the Begijnhof, a hidden courtyard of medieval almshouses through an unassuming door off the Spui. This peaceful enclave dates from the 14th century. Then walk to Dam Square with its Royal Palace (interior visits possible) and National Monument.

Dinner in De Wallen or Nieuwmarkt

The areas around Nieuwmarkt and the quieter streets of De Wallen have excellent restaurants. Try traditional Dutch at Cafe de Klos (famous ribs) or Indonesian rijsttafel at Kantjil & de Tijger. Booking is recommended, especially on weekends.

Van Gogh Museum

Book the first slot to experience the world's largest Van Gogh collection before the crowds. The museum traces his development from dark Dutch beginnings through Parisian colour explosion to the intense brilliance of his final years. Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, and Bedroom in Arles are all here.

Museumplein & Lunch

The square between the museums is a popular gathering spot. The I amsterdam letters (sometimes present) make a photo opportunity. Grab lunch at the museum cafes or walk to Brasserie Nel near the Concertgebouw for excellent local food.

Rijksmuseum

The national museum of the Netherlands houses Rembrandt's Night Watch, Vermeer's Milkmaid, and thousands more masterpieces. The building itself is spectacular - cycle through the passage beneath or admire the gardens. Don't try to see everything; focus on the Gallery of Honour on the second floor.

Vondelpark

Stroll into Amsterdam's central park for some greenery after museum-heavy morning. This English-style landscape garden has ponds, sculptures, and open-air theatre in summer. Rent a bicycle from one of many nearby shops to experience Amsterdam like a local.

De Pijp Neighbourhood

Head south to De Pijp, a vibrant multicultural neighbourhood. The Albert Cuypmarkt (closes at 5pm on weekdays) is the city's biggest street market. Even after closing, the surrounding streets buzz with bars, restaurants, and cafes popular with young Amsterdammers.

Dinner in De Pijp

De Pijp has exceptional food at reasonable prices. Bakers & Roasters serves brunch all day. Spang Makandra does superb Surinamese-Javanese food. For something special, try The Seafood Bar for the freshest fish in town.

Option A: Zaanse Schans Windmills

Take a 20-minute train to Zaandijk and walk to Zaanse Schans, a living museum of Dutch windmills and traditional crafts. Several working windmills are open to explore, plus you can watch clog-making, cheese-making, and more. It's touristy but genuinely charming.

Option B: NDSM Wharf

Take the free ferry from behind Centraal Station to NDSM, Amsterdam's creative hub in a former shipyard. Massive industrial buildings house artists' studios, startups, and the excellent Straat street art museum. The raw, post-industrial atmosphere is unlike anywhere else in the city.

Option C: Haarlem Day Trip

Catch the 15-minute train to Haarlem, a perfectly preserved Golden Age city with a fraction of Amsterdam's crowds. The Grote Markt is one of the Netherlands' finest squares. Visit the Frans Hals Museum for more Dutch Masters, and the Teylers Museum (oldest in the country) for an eclectic collection.

Lunch Back in Amsterdam

Return to Amsterdam for lunch at a neighbourhood you haven't explored. The Haarlemmerdijk is an excellent local shopping street with Cafe de Tuin for terrace dining. Alternatively, try the Eastern Docklands for contemporary waterfront vibes.

NEMO Science Museum

Amsterdam's science museum is housed in a striking green building designed by Renzo Piano. Five floors of hands-on exhibits cover everything from physics to psychology. The rooftop terrace has some of the best city views - and it's free to access even without museum entry.

Eastern Docklands Walk

Explore the contemporary architecture of the Eastern Docklands, once a shipping area, now a showcase of Dutch design. Walk along the waterfront past residential developments, houseboats, and the stunning public library (free entry, great rooftop cafe). End at Mediamatic for waterfront drinks.

Farewell Dinner

End your Amsterdam adventure in style. Moeders ('Mothers') serves traditional Dutch food under photos of everyone's mums. For waterfront romance, try Hangar on the NDSM pier. De Kas (in a greenhouse) is the city's most unique setting.