5 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary
Canals, world-class museums, Dutch countryside, and a magical day trip to Bruges
Five days in Amsterdam reveals far more than the famous canals and coffee shops. This itinerary takes you through world-class museums housing Dutch Masters, charming neighbourhood explorations, and day trips into the Dutch countryside with windmills and cheese markets. A bonus excursion to medieval Bruges in Belgium adds fairy-tale architecture to your trip. Amsterdam is surprisingly family-friendly, with excellent cycling infrastructure, peaceful parks, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes every day feel unhurried.
Day 1: Central Amsterdam
Day 1: Dam Square, Canals & Jordaan
Dam Square & Royal Palace
Start at the heart of Amsterdam. The Royal Palace is open for visits when the King isnt in residence. The National Monument commemorates WWII.
Nine Streets Walk
Wander through De Negen Straatjes - nine charming streets connecting the main canals. Independent boutiques, vintage shops, and cozy cafes line every block.
Jordaan Lunch
The Jordaan neighbourhood has excellent cafes. Winkel 43 serves Amsterdams best apple pie. De Belhamel offers canal-side dining.
Canal Boat Tour
See Amsterdam from the water. Many companies offer covered boats with commentary. The smaller boats access narrow canals the big ones cant reach.
Anne Frank House
The secret annex where Anne Frank hid for two years. Deeply moving. Book online exactly 6 weeks in advance - tickets sell out within minutes.
Jordaan Dinner
Stay in Jordaan for dinner. Moeders (Mothers) serves traditional Dutch food with eclectic decor. De Reiger is a classic brown cafe.
Anne Frank House Tickets
Tickets release at 10am Amsterdam time, exactly 6 weeks before. Set a reminder. They sell out within hours. No walk-up tickets available.
Day 2: Museums & Culture
Day 2: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh & Vondelpark
Rijksmuseum
The Dutch national museum houses Rembrandts Night Watch and Vermeers masterpieces. The building itself is stunning. Focus on the Gallery of Honour with children.
Museumplein & I Amsterdam Sign
The grassy square between museums is perfect for a rest. The famous I Amsterdam letters are here (smaller ones now). Great photo opportunity.
Museumplein Area
Foodhallen in De Hallen is excellent for varied options. Or pack a picnic from Albert Heijn supermarket.
Van Gogh Museum
The worlds largest Van Gogh collection. Book timed entry online. The Sunflowers and Bedroom at Arles are iconic. His letters to Theo are fascinating.
Vondelpark
Amsterdams central park is perfect for unwinding. Playgrounds, ponds with ducks, and the open-air theatre in summer. Rent bikes or just stroll.
De Pijp Dinner
Walk to the bohemian De Pijp neighbourhood. Albert Cuypmarkt runs during the day but restaurants bustle at night. SLA serves healthy bowls, Bazar has Middle Eastern feast atmosphere.
I amsterdam City Card
For museum lovers, the card (65 GBP 48 hours) covers Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, canal cruise, and transport. Math works if you visit 3+ paid attractions.
Day 3: Dutch Countryside
Day 3: Zaanse Schans, Edam & Volendam
Bus to Zaanse Schans
Direct buses run frequently. Alternatively, the Connexxion Waterland day ticket covers all transport for this route.
Zaanse Schans Windmills
Working windmills line the river. Visit inside a sawmill or oil mill to see them operate. Free to wander, small charge to enter mills. Clog-making and cheese demonstrations.
Cheese & Chocolate
Free tastings at the cheese farm and chocolate workshop. The cheese warehouse explains traditional production. Stock up on gouda.
Zaanse Schans or Volendam
Pancake house at Zaanse Schans or wait for harbour fish in Volendam. Dutch pancakes are dinner-plate sized and delicious.
Edam & Volendam
Edam is the cheese town - quieter and more authentic. Volendam is a fishing village with traditional costumes for tourist photos. Harbour has fish stalls and boat trips.
Bus back to Amsterdam
Regular buses return to Amsterdam Centraal until late evening.
Relaxed Amsterdam Dinner
After a big day, simple dinner near your hotel. FEBO automat walls are a Dutch institution - hot snacks from vending machines kids adore.
Cheese Market Alternative
If visiting April-August on Friday, go to Alkmaar instead for the traditional cheese market. Cheese wheels carried on stretchers, porters in costume. Very photogenic.
Day 4: Bruges Day Trip
Day 4: Medieval Belgium
Train to Bruges
Direct Thalys or IC trains via Brussels. Book in advance for best fares. Bruges station is 15-minute walk to centre or quick bus.
Markt & Belfry
The main square is fairy-tale perfect. Climb the 366 steps of the medieval belfry for panoramic views. The carillon bells chime the hours.
Canal Boat Tour
The boat tours show Bruges hidden gardens and bridges. Commentary explains the citys history. Departure points around central canals.
Belgian Cuisine
Moules-frites (mussels and chips) are the speciality. De Bottelier or t Brugs Beertje for local atmosphere. Kids usually love the frites with mayo.
Chocolate & Lace
Bruges is Belgiums chocolate capital. Watch chocolate-making demonstrations at The Chocolate Line or Dumon. Lace shops show traditional craft. Buy a cone of fresh frites.
Minnewater & Beguinage
Walk to the Lake of Love (Minnewater) and through the peaceful Beguinage courtyard. Swans glide on the water. The most romantic corner of Bruges.
Train back to Amsterdam
Evening trains run until 9pm. Return tired but enchanted by this medieval gem.
Day 5: Amsterdam Deeper
Day 5: Neighbourhoods, Markets & Departure
Albert Cuypmarkt
Amsterdams largest outdoor market stretches for blocks. Fresh stroopwafels made while you watch, Dutch cheese, Indonesian food, fabrics, and everything else. Best before noon.
Heineken Experience or NEMO
Choose based on your group. Heineken Experience is adults only. NEMO Science Museum is perfect for families - hands-on exhibits, rooftop views, water play.
Eastern Docklands
Modern architecture surrounds NEMO. Pont 13 is a restaurant on a ferry in the harbour. Or grab Indonesian from Toko Kok Kita in De Pijp.
Begijnhof or Hortus Botanicus
The Begijnhof is a hidden courtyard of peace behind the busy shopping streets - free to enter. Hortus Botanicus is one of the worlds oldest botanical gardens with butterfly house.
Final Canal Walk & Shopping
Wander the Prinsengracht or Keizersgracht one last time. Pick up Dutch cheese, stroopwafels, and Delft pottery as souvenirs.
Farewell Dinner
End your trip in style. De Kas serves farm-to-table in greenhouses. Rijsel does Belgian comfort food. Or return to a favourite spot from earlier.
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Build My Packing ListGetting Around Amsterdam
- Walking - The centre is compact. Most attractions are within 30 minutes walk of Dam Square.
- Tram - Extensive network covers the city. GVB day passes available. Validate your ticket when boarding.
- Cycling - Amsterdam is built for bikes. Rent from MacBike or use OV-fiets. Watch for dedicated bike lanes.
- Ferry - Free ferries cross the IJ river from Centraal Station. Access to NDSM and North Amsterdam.
- Canal Boats - Tourist boats and water taxis offer scenic transport. Canal Bus runs hop-on routes.
Cycling Caution
Amsterdam cycling is fast and confident. Dedicated bike lanes are not for pedestrians. Look both ways before crossing - bikes come silently.
Where to Stay
- Canal Ring/Jordaan - Classic Amsterdam canal houses. Central, charming, but expensive. Best atmosphere.
- De Pijp - Bohemian neighbourhood with markets and restaurants. Slightly cheaper, very local feel.
- Museumplein Area - Near major museums, quieter, upscale. Good for families.
- Eastern Docklands - Modern architecture, waterfront, near NEMO. Good value apartments.
- Near Centraal - Convenient for transport but busy and touristy. Can be noisy.
Houseboat Stays
Staying on a canal houseboat is quintessentially Amsterdam. Book via VRBO or Booking.com. Space is limited but the experience is unique.
5-Day Amsterdam Budget
Estimated costs for a family of four:
- Accommodation - 700-1400 GBP (140-280 per night for apartment or hotel)
- Attractions - 200-300 GBP (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, Anne Frank, canal cruise, NEMO)
- Food - 350-550 GBP (mix of restaurants and market food)
- Transport - 150-250 GBP (day trips, trams, Bruges train)
- Bruges extras - 60-100 GBP
- Total - 1460-2600 GBP depending on choices
Free Amsterdam
Many courtyards and churches are free. Vondelpark is free. The ferry to North is free. Markets are free to browse. Walking the canals costs nothing.
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