How to Spend THREE DAYS in Amsterdam: The Best 3-Day Itinerary

Ready to plan an unforgettable 3 days in Amsterdam? Well, you’ve found the right blog!

Amsterdam is a super charming city with so much to offer, from its iconic canals and world-class museums to cozy cafes. There’s a lot to see here, but if you’ve only got three days, how can you ensure that you cover it all? With this insider itinerary, of course!

After multiple visits to Amsterdam, I’ve done all the planning for you and crafted the perfect itinerary to ensure that you experience the best of Amsterdam without feeling rushed. From cycling around like a local to savoring Dutch treats, I’m here to help you make the most of every moment.

Amsterdam itinerary Overview

Central Amsterdam is surprisingly compact and easy to explore on foot, so you’ll be able to reach most of the attractions in this itinerary by walking. If you’d rather cover more ground, renting a bike is a fun option—after all, there are actually more bikes than people in Amsterdam! The city also has an excellent public transportation system, and Uber is readily available whenever you want a break from walking.

Now that we’ve covered the transportation logistics, let’s dive in!

🚶 Day 1 – Anne Frank House, Bike Tour & Red Light District

Start the day learning about Amsterdam’s WWII history with a walking tour through the Jewish Quarter and a visit to the Anne Frank House. In the afternoon, explore the city like a local on a guided bike tour through canals, bridges, Vondelpark, and hidden neighborhoods before spending the evening in Jordaan, De 9 Straatjes, and the famous Red Light District.

🌷 Day 2 – Dutch Countryside & De Pijp

Take a day trip into the Dutch countryside to see traditional windmills, wooden clog-making demonstrations, and Dutch cheese farms. After returning to Amsterdam, spend the afternoon and evening exploring the trendy De Pijp neighborhood before ending the night with cocktails at Twenty Third Bar.

🎨 Day 3 – Van Gogh Museum & Canal Cruise

Begin the day at the Van Gogh Museum before spending the afternoon exploring Amsterdam at your own pace with options like the Rijksmuseum, Heineken Experience, Vondelpark, or A’DAM Lookout. Finish your trip with dinner and a relaxing evening canal cruise through the city’s waterways.

Day 1

Breakfast – MOAK Pancakes

MOAK Pancakes is a cozy and welcoming spot with old-school hip-hop playing in the background. When I first visited, I couldn’t believe that their fluffy American-style pancakes were wholegrain and sugar-free!

It’s the perfect place for a healthy breakfast, and their fresh juices are my favorite thing to get first thing in the morning. It opens at 8:30 am, and I recommend arriving right when it opens so you don’t have to rush before your first activity at 9:30 am. But don’t worry, the meeting point for the tour is conveniently only a 3-minute walk away!

Morning – Learn about Amsterdam’s WWII history and Anne Frank 

Walking Tour through Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter

I love to travel to experience new things, but I also think it’s important to learn about the history of the places we visit. That’s why I recommend starting your trip to Amsterdam with this 2-hour tour through Amsterdam’s Jewish Cultural District. 

During the tour, I learned all about Amsterdam’s dark history during WWII when it was under Nazi control. Our guide brought us to some very important landmarks such as the Jewish Historical Museum, the Portuguese Synagogue, and the Auschwitz Monument.

I also learned the tragic story of Anne Frank. She was a young Jewish girl who kept a detailed diary during her time hiding from Nazi persecution, which is now known as one of the most powerful memoirs of the Holocaust. 

I should point out that the tour doesn’t visit the inside of Anne Frank’s house, but more on that in a moment. Still, walking through her footsteps and hearing her story definitely left a lasting impact on us. And I’m not the only one who was moved by it, either, as this tour has 12,000+ reviews. 

I recommend booking this tour for 9:30 am and then your Anne Frank House tickets afterward at 12 pm if you can. However, multiple time slots are available each day, so you can be flexible and fit it around your tickets to the Anne Frank House. Luckily, you can grab your tickets now and make time and date changes until 24 hours before the tour begins – how convenient is that?

Anne Frank House

Since the walking tour doesn’t include entry to the Anne Frank House, you’ll need to purchase tickets separately. These are tricky to get a hold of, so listen carefully! 

Tickets for the Anne Frank House are released every Tuesday at 10 am, Amsterdam time. They’re only available through the official Anne Frank House website, and they sell out VERY quickly, so set an alarm and book them as soon as they go on sale.

For the sake of this itinerary, the ideal time to snag tickets would be around 12 pm so that you can do the tour first and then visit the house. However, it doesn’t matter too much. This itinerary is flexible, and you can easily shuffle things around. The main thing is that you get to see the house!

Once inside, it takes about an hour to explore the museum. It’s a very immersive and moving experience. In fact, it’s totally unlike any other museum we have ever visited! Walking through the secret annex where Anne and her family hid for years brings history to life in a way that sends shivers down your spine. 

Although securing tickets for the Anne Frank house requires some organization and pre-planning, we promise that it is totally worth the hassle. It’s an extraordinary piece of history that you cannot miss while in Amsterdam. 

Lunch –  Lourens

After your visit to the Anne Frank House, take a 5-minute walk to Lourens for a quick lunch stop on the way to your next activity.

The star of the menu is their famous crookie—a delicious hybrid between a croissant and a cookie that somehow manages to be flaky, buttery, and gooey all at the same time. It might sound a little over-the-top, but trust me, it lives up to the hype! If you need something more substantial, they also have sandwiches, pastries, and coffee.

This is a takeaway-only spot rather than a sit-down lunch destination, which actually works perfectly for today’s itinerary. Grab your food, enjoy a quick bite, and then make your way to the next meeting point for a 2 pm start time. It’s an easy, delicious, and very Amsterdam way to fuel up for the afternoon ahead!

Afternoon – Explore the city like a local on a bicycle tour

Amsterdam is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the entire world, so make like a local and cruise around the city on this guided bike tour! You can book it for either 10 am or 2 pm, so no worries if you need to swap today’s morning and afternoon activities around. 

I thought this bike tour was a fantastic way to get to know Amsterdam better and orient ourselves before exploring on our own. Over three hours, we biked along the canals and bridges, ticking off some of Amsterdam’s most famous highlights, including the Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, and Prinseneiland. We also visited some hidden gems such as Begijnhof, which is a secret village right in the center of the city – how cool is that?

Biking around the city allowed us to cover much more ground than we would have on a walking tour. In fact, I learned so much during this tour that I felt like I’d already been there for days by the time we were done! No wonder it has THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews!

Evening – Explore and have dinner in the Jordaan and De 9 Straatjes areas

Before dinner, work up an appetite by wandering through the picturesque De 9 Straatjes (Nine Streets) district and charming Jordaan neighborhood. These areas are filled with boutique shops, historic buildings, and beautiful canal views, making them perfect for a leisurely stroll on the way to dinner.

As you explore, keep an eye out for a few fun stops along the way. The Amsterdam Tulip Museum (open until 6 pm) offers a quick look into the history of the flower that became a Dutch icon, while the Amsterdam Cheese Museum (open until 8 pm most days) is a great excuse to sample some local cheeses before dinner. Think of it as a pre-dinner appetizer, Dutch style!

Then, for a true taste of Dutch home cooking, head to Moeders for dinner. This cozy restaurant celebrates the concept of motherhood, and I loved its mismatched decor and the way the walls are covered with photos of mothers from all over the world. Honestly, eating here gave me the warm fuzzies! As for what to order, I highly recommend their stamppot, a classic Dutch comfort food dish, or the ribs, which are out of this world!

Night – Explore the city center and the Red Light District

Amsterdam really comes alive at night! After dinner, take some time to stroll along the illuminated canals and admire the reflections of the historic buildings shimmering on the water. Be sure to wander through Dam Square and Rembrandtplein, where you’ll often find street performers, lively bars, and plenty of energy well into the evening.

Of course, no visit to Amsterdam feels complete without a walk through the city’s famous Red Light District! While it’s best known for its legal sex work industry and cannabis “coffee shops”, there’s a lot more to the neighborhood than that. The area is packed with historic buildings, lively bars, restaurants, and quirky shops, making it an interesting place to explore after dark.

If you’d like to stop for a drink, Café Old Sailor and Red Light Bar are both great spots for people-watching while soaking up the unique atmosphere. Just remember that taking photos of the windows or workers is a big no-no!

Day 2 

Breakfast – Grab something on the go! 

You’re meeting your tour bus at 8:15 am today, so plan to grab a quick breakfast at or near your hotel early to fuel up for the day!

Morning/afternoon – See windmills, wooden clogs, and cheese in the Dutch countryside 

Amsterdam is an awesome city, but it would be remiss of me not to suggest getting out to experience the famous Dutch countryside! This half-day tour leaves at 8:15 am and gives you several hours to discover the unique charms of Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken. Then, you’ll get back to Amsterdam for about 2:30 pm, ready for a relaxed afternoon of exploring. 

Zaanse Schans is an area full of historic windmills. I don’t know about you, but whenever I pictured the Netherlands’ countryside, I always thought of rolling green pastures and windmills, and that is exactly what Zaanse Schans looked like! 

However, my favorite part of the tour was when we visited a local cheese producer near Volendam. We got to sample some delicious Gouda and Edam cheese before doing a clog workshop, where we got to see how these traditional wooden shoes are made. I tried them on and was surprised to learn that they are much more comfortable than they look!

When booking, there is an option to add on a “canal cruise” for when you are back in Amsterdam. We recommend skipping it as it’s an audioguided canal cruise, and we have a WAY better recommendation for a canal cruise coming up on day 3.

I had such a blast on this tour, and I’m certainly not the only one, because you can read thousands of 5-star reviews here! But since it’s so popular, we definitely suggest booking in advance. 

Related Read: Looking to book more of our favorite tours? Check out our guide to the best tours and day trips in Amsterdam for even more ideas!

Mid-afternoon – Explore De-Pijp 

De Pijp is one of Amsterdam’s trendiest and most diverse neighborhoods, so after you get back from the tour, go and hang out with the city’s cool kids! It’s a 15-minute Uber or taxi ride from Central Station, where the tour ends. Alternatively, you can take Metro Line 52 from Central Station to De Pijp. 

Once there, stroll around and enjoy the lively atmosphere and Bohemian vibes of De Pijp. It was once a working-class district, but these days, it’s a vibrant culture hub filled with hip cafés, independent boutiques, and the famous Albert Cuyp Market, where we found everything from fresh produce to quirky Dutch souvenirs.

Oh, and while exploring the market, make sure to stop by Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels for a sweet snack. Their waffles are fresh, warm, and perfectly gooey in the middle, and we think they’re a total must-try while in Amsterdam. Sadly, they’re closed on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, but it’s worth heading back here another day to sample these amazing snacks if they’re not open while you’re in De Pijp. 

Dinner – Miri Mary Indian Restaurant

There are lots of Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants in De Pijp, but my favorite is Miri Mary Indian Restaurant! It’s an intimate and innovative restaurant that blends Indian and European flavors, and the friendly staff makes you feel right at home. I loved the chickpea stew and masala naan, and I would advise you to save some room for dessert if you can, because the mandarin cheesecake is incredible!

Night – Twenty Third Bar

Once you leave Miri Mary, head to Twenty Third Bar, which is just 5 minutes away! It’s located on (surprise surprise) the 23rd floor of the Okura Hotel, so it’s the perfect place to watch the city lights twinkling after dark. It has a relaxed, elegant vibe, and it doesn’t feel touristy at all, so I think it’s the perfect spot for a nightcap after a busy day. Oh, and the cocktails look and taste absolutely fantastic.

Day 3

Breakfast – The Pancake Bakery

When in the Netherlands, you have to try traditional Dutch pancakes, and there’s nowhere better than the Pancake Bakery! Located in the charming Jordaan neighborhood on the western side of Amsterdam’s canal belt, this popular spot has been serving up Dutch pancake classics for decades.

The restaurant opens at 9 am, and I recommend arriving right when it opens so you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast before the day gets busy. Just keep in mind that it’s about a 30-minute walk from the Van Gogh Museum, where you’re headed next, or roughly a 10-minute Uber if you’d rather save your energy.

Unlike fluffy American pancakes, Dutch pancakes are large and thin, sitting somewhere between a pancake and a crepe. They also serve poffertjes, which are bite-sized fluffy pancakes traditionally topped with butter and powdered sugar, but they offer a variety of toppings. I ordered the honey, nut, and mandarin ones, and they were to die for!

If The Pancake Bakery is a bit out of the way from your hotel, Back to Black is another great option. This cozy coffee shop is located about a 10-minute walk from the Van Gogh Museum and is perfect if you’re after a quick coffee and pastry before starting your morning.

Morning – Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is a must-see when in Amsterdam, but who wants to spend over an hour waiting in line? Instead, I booked this in-depth tour of the museum to get priority access and had an expert guide to show us around the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s works. That’s a win-win in my books! 

Our guide, Anna, taught us all about the darker, more troubled works that Van Gogh produced during his Dutch period before we moved on to the luminous French pieces. I’m not even a very artsy person, but I still loved seeing his most iconic works and discovering the backstories of some of his lesser-known paintings. And I’m not the only one who had a great time – read over 1,700 reviews here!

I recommend booking this tour for 10:30 or 11:15 am if you can, but be warned, it usually sells out at least a month in advance. I suggest booking at least six weeks in advance to ensure that you can snag a morning time slot. You get free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, so there’s nothing to lose by securing your spot early. 

However, if you’ve left it too late, then just snag whichever time slot you can and move the tour to the afternoon if necessary. Van Gogh is one of the most famous artists to have ever lived, so checking out this Dutch icon’s famous works is a must while in Amsterdam. And I promise, going with a guide and skipping the mile-long lines makes the experience 10x better!

Lunch – The Pantry 

After you’ve finished exploring the Van Gogh Museum, head to The Pantry, which is just 10 minutes away on foot. It’s a small spot that’s as authentic as they come. On a cold day, go for the hearty beef stew or pea soup to warm up with, and I love the shrimp croquettes. Just be sure to make a reservation because this place is popular and fills up fast!

Afternoon – Explore on your own 

This afternoon, it’s time to check off anything that’s left on your Amsterdam bucket list. You might want to head back to somewhere we’ve already visited for a deeper exploration or visit a new spot. We recommend one or two of the following:

Heineken Brewery tour

I loved the Heineken Brewery tour because it was a fun and interactive way to learn about the brewing process and the history of this iconic Dutch brand. Plus, you get to enjoy two complimentary beers at the end! The tour costs €36.50 and includes a cruise on the canals. But book early as it tends to sell out!

Rijksmuseum (art and history museum)

If you’re into art, then don’t miss the Rijksmuseum, which offers a deep dive into Dutch art and history. We were so impressed with how vast the collection was! Entry costs €25.

A’DAM Lookout and Amsterdam Noord (neighborhood)

The best thing about visiting the A’DAM Lookout is that it offers incredible panoramic views of the city. It’s a great spot to take in Amsterdam from above, and then you can go and explore the Amsterdam Noord neighborhood, which boasts a trendy vibe, tons of cool cafes, and vibrant art spaces.

Stroll through Vondelpark

Vondelpark is the most famous park in the Netherlands, and it’s easy to see why! It’s super scenic and the perfect place to relax and people-watch for a while. We grabbed a coffee nearby and then just spent some time enjoying the lakes and green spaces.

De 9 Straatjes

You already visited De 9 Straatjes on day one of this itinerary, but this iconic part of the city is definitely worth a second visit. Its charming canalside streets are full of scenic photo opportunities, and it’s also one of the best parts of the city for shopping, so take advantage!

Dinner – Restaurant ‘t Zwaantje

Restaurant ‘t Zwaantje is one of my favorite restaurants in Amsterdam—in fact, I make a point of eating here every time I visit! This cozy local spot specializes in traditional Dutch comfort food, making it the perfect place for a memorable final dinner in the city. It feels much more authentic than many of the tourist-focused restaurants in the center, and it’s only about a 20-minute walk from the canal cruise departure point.

If you’re in the mood for something different, The Seafood Bar is another excellent option. The seafood is incredibly fresh, the prices are reasonable, and it’s conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from where you’ll catch the evening canal cruise.

Evening – Enjoy a canal cruise

Now that you’ve explored Amsterdam by land, it’s time to experience it from the water! This all-inclusive canal cruise offers a completely different perspective and is one of the best ways to appreciate Amsterdam’s historic architecture, charming bridges, and unique canal-side homes. I recommend booking one of the start times after 7 pm, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy dinner beforehand without feeling rushed.

What really sets this cruise apart is the intimate atmosphere. Captain Lon was incredibly knowledgeable and kept the conversation flowing throughout the 90-minute cruise with stories, local insights, and fun facts about Amsterdam.

I learned that the city’s houses actually lean forward on purpose, that locals rarely close their curtains, and that an astonishing 18,000 bikes are pulled from the canals every year! Honestly, I could keep going, but I’ll leave a few surprises for you to discover on the cruise yourself.

I also loved that the smaller boat could access narrower canals that larger cruises can’t enter, giving me a more local perspective of the city. Plus, the included wine, beer, soft drinks, snacks, and cozy blankets made the whole experience even more enjoyable. You just get to sit back, relax, and toast to your amazing time in Amsterdam!

One quick tip: there isn’t a bathroom onboard, so be sure to go before departure.

Related Read: For more ideas on what to do in Amsterdam, check out our 15 favorite activities here!

Where to Stay in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

As you start looking at accommodations to spend a few days in Amsterdam, you’ll quickly notice one thing: they aren’t cheap! If you’re looking for luxury, this is your city. If you’re more of a budget traveler, you’re not completely out of luck, but be prepared to spend more than usual!

Here are my top three recommendations for where to stay in Amsterdam. 

Luxury – $$$

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is my top pick for a luxury stay! The Dutch/French design adds to the upscale amenities Sofitel brings. Each room has a rain shower, and luxury suites come with a butler. There is a fine dining restaurant on site, a classy bar, a spa with all the fixings, and a garden and terrace!

This hotel is centrally located and within walking distance of Amsterdam’s top sights. Rooms range from €415 to €2,000+, depending on the level of luxury you choose. Book this stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Fulfill your dreams of living like the rich and famous when you stay at the Banks Mansion! This all-inclusive boutique hotel offers Nespresso machines in each room, and you can choose from a pillow menu for optimal comfort. If that isn’t enough, enjoy the chef-prepared breakfast or afternoon cheese board!

You may never leave this hotel. Rooms range from €205 to €475 and can be booked on Booking.com.

Budget – $

The Times Hotel is a fantastic budget-friendly option right along one of Amsterdam’s picturesque canals. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, and while they’re not overly fancy, the unbeatable location more than makes up for it. You’ll be within walking distance of top attractions like the Anne Frank House, Dam Square, and the Jordaan district, with plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby.

If you want to stay in the heart of the city without breaking the bank, this is a great pick! Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.

For more options, browse all of Amsterdam’s hotel options here!

Related Read: Still not sure where to stay? Have a look at our detailed Where to Stay in Amsterdam guide, which breaks down all of the best areas and hotels!

Thanks for reading!

There’s so much to see in Amsterdam, but hopefully, this 3-day itinerary has helped you plan your visit! We followed this itinerary on our last visit and thought it covered all the highlights really well, along with some of the local places we’ve come to love. I hope you have a fantastic trip!

If this is only the start of your time in Europe (lucky you!), have a look through all of the other Europe blogs here. Or I picked out a few below that might come in handy.

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