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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 our insider itinerary, of course!
After multiple visits to Amsterdam, we’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, we’re here to help you make the most of every moment.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal favorite activity was this walking tour of Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter. We learned a lot of history and the story of Anne Frank, along with visits to important landmarks like the Jewish Historical Museum and the Auschwitz Monument.
It’s only 2 hours long, and we highly recommend it – especially if it’s your first time visiting.
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Where to Stay in Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Day 1
Breakfast – MOAK Pancakes
MOAK Pancakes is a cozy and welcoming spot with old-school hip-hop playing in the background. When we first visited, we couldn’t believe that their 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. Oh, and it’s super close to both of the potential meeting points for this morning’s historical tour, so it’s convenient, too.
Morning – Learn about Amsterdam’s WWII history and Anne Frank
Walking Tour through Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter
We love to travel to experience new things, but we also think it’s important to learn about the history of the places we visit. That’s why we recommend starting your trip to Amsterdam with this 2-hour tour through Amsterdam’s Jewish Cultural District.
During the tour, we 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.
We 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.
We 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. We’re not the only ones who were moved by it, either, as this tour has 9,000+ reviews.
You can book this tour for 9:30 am or 10:30 am, and it lasts for around 2 hours. 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?
Book your walking tour of Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter here
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 sent shivers down our 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 – Box Sociaal Jordaan
Just a five-minute walk from the Anne Frank House, Box Sociaal Jordan is a trendy Australian-Dutch brunch spot in the heart of Amsterdam. We love its creative menu, especially the “Hot Chick” pancakes and the Korean chicken bites! They also have lots of tasty cocktails and mocktails if you fancy a tipple – the mulled apple cocktail is my personal favorite.
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.
We found 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 if we had been on a walking tour. In fact, we 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!
Book this top-rated cycling tour of Amsterdam here!
Dinner – Explore the Jordaan and De 9 Straatjes areas
Before dinner, work up an appetite by wandering through the charming Jordaan neighborhood and the picturesque De 9 Straatjes (Nine Streets) district. These areas are filled with boutique shops, historic buildings, and beautiful canal views, making them perfect for a leisurely stroll before dinner.
Then, for a true taste of Dutch home cooking, head to Moeders for dinner. This cozy restaurant celebrates the concept of motherhood, and we loved its mismatched decor and the way that the walls were decorated with photos of mothers from all over the world. Honestly, eating here gave us warm fuzzies! As for what to order, we highly recommend their stamppot, which is a classic Dutch comfort food dish, or the ribs are out of this world.
Night – Explore the city center and the Red Light District
Amsterdam really comes alive at night! So, walk off your hearty Dutch dinner with a stroll along the illuminated canals and enjoy the reflections of the old buildings shimmering on the water. Be sure to head to Dam Square and Rembrandtplein to enjoy the street performances and bustling bars.
And of course, you can’t miss the chance to visit Amsterdam’s famous (or should that be notorious?) Red Light District. We probably don’t need to tell you that Amsterdam is well-known for its legal sex work industry, and walking through the area can be quite an eye-opening experience. The Café Old Sailor and the Red Light Bar are both great spots to grab a drink and people-watch in this unique and lively area.
Day 2
Breakfast – Grab something on the go!
You’re meeting your tour bus at 8:15 am today, so you can either grab a quick breakfast near your hotel or we found this cute coffee shop that’s just a 10-minute walk from the bus stop. They do nice pastries, iced coffees, and cappuccinos to go!
Morning/afternoon – See windmills, wooden clogs, and cheese in the Dutch countryside
Amsterdam is an awesome city, but it would be remiss of us 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 comfier than they look!
The tour also visits a quaint 17th-century fishing village, and if you book the option “with cruise,” it ends with a fun boat ride along the canal. This was such a fun way to sightsee, so we definitely recommend it!
We had a blast on this tour, and we’re certainly not the only happy customers because you can read thousands of 5-star reviews here! But since it’s so popular, we definitely suggest booking in advance.
Grab your spot on this wholesome sightseeing tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
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 our favorite is Miri Mary Indian Restaurant! It’s an intimate and innovative restaurant that blends Indian and European flavors, and the friendly staff made us feel right at home. We loved the chickpea stew and masala naan, and we 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 we think it’s the perfect spot for a nightcap after a busy day. Oh, and the cocktails look and taste absolutely fantastic.
Related Read: Off to Belgium next? We have the best things to do in Brussels picked out for you!
Day 3
Breakfast – Boutique Del Caffe Torrefazione
For this morning’s energy boost, head to Back to Black, which is just 10 minutes from the Van Gogh Museum on foot. They roast their own coffee, and the cozy atmosphere alone is worth stopping in for. Plus, the croissants and pain au chocolate are baked fresh and are flaky and perfectly paired with a coffee or cappuccino. We also highly recommend the Apple Crumble Pie!
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? We booked this in-depth tour of the museum so that we got priority access, and we 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!
We recommend booking this tour for 10 or 10:30 am if you can, but be warned, it usually sells out at least a month in advance. We 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.
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. Just don’t miss the chance to visit the Van Gogh Museum!
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 1,500 reviews here!
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 we promise, going with a guide and skipping the mile-long lines makes the experience 10x better.
Book this skip-the-line Van Gogh Museum tour here before it sells out!
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 we 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
We 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, we got 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 we can 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 1 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 quickly became one of our favorites during our stay in Amsterdam. In fact, we come back every time we’re in the city! It’s the ideal spot for a special dinner on your final night in the city and it feels like a real treat, despite its reasonable price point. The entire menu is made up of Dutch comfort food, so where better to indulge?
Evening – Enjoy a canal cruise
This premium canal cruise is not only a fantastic way to see Amsterdam, it’s also the perfect note to end your vacation on! Amsterdam’s canals are a key part of the city’s history and character, so a boat cruise is a must while you’re here, and this one really made us feel like VIPs.
The luxurious boat was incredibly comfortable, and with only 20 guests on board, it didn’t feel like one of those overcrowded tourist traps! We also got a complimentary cheese plate and were able to grab some drinks from the bar on board to enjoy while we soaked in the stunning views.
Speaking of which, we got to see so many wonderful sights as we glided along the canals, from picturesque bridges and charming houses to the Basilica of Saint Nicholas lit up at night. Meanwhile, we learned a ton about the history of the canals from the skipper. It really ticked every box, and if you read the hundreds of 5-star reviews, you’ll see that we’re not the only ones who loved it!
There are a range of time slots available on this tour, but we suggest booking it for 8 or 8:30 pm so that you have time to relax and enjoy your dinner first. But if you’d like to catch the sunset out on the canals, you could always book this tour before dinner instead.
Book your luxury canal cruise here, with FREE cancellation!
Related Read: If you like our itineraries, check out our 3-day Berlin itinerary for a step-by-step guide on what to do in the city!
Where to Stay in Amsterdam, 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 – $$$
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is our top pick for a luxury stay! The Dutch/French design adds to the upscale amenities Sofitel brings. Each room has a rain shower and luxury suites come with a butler. There is a fine dining restaurant on site, a classy bar, a spa with all the fixings, and a garden and terrace!
This hotel is centrally located and within walking distance of Amsterdam’s top sights. Rooms range from €415 to €2,000+, depending on the level of luxury you choose. Book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Fulfill your dreams of living like the rich and famous when you stay at the Banks Mansion! This all-inclusive boutique hotel offers Nsperesso 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 – $
Via Amsterdam calls itself a hybrid hostel/hotel, so it meets the needs of many travelers. If you’re looking for a budget option, dorm rooms are available for €20 to €30 a night. But if you prefer to have a private room and private bathroom, they have a lot of hotel room options ranging from €70 to €185 a night.
I love the trendy design and that they offer bike rentals. It’s a short metro ride away from downtown and other iconic attractions. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
For more options, browse all of Amsterdam’s hotel options here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
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. We hope you have a fantastic trip!
If this is only the start of your time in Europe (lucky you!), have a look through our other Europe blogs here. Or I picked out a few below that might come in handy.
10 Best Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands