3 Day Amsterdam Itinerary

I first touched down in Amsterdam in January 2014 for my semester abroad. Over the next six months, I completely fell in love with this charming city of canals, skinny houses and too many bikes to count.

Since then, I’ve been back to Amsterdam twice – once with my dad in 2018 and then with my husband in 2022. And each time I visit, I fall more and more in love with Amsterdam! Which is why I’m so excited to be sharing my 3 day Amsterdam itinerary with you.

As you can probably guess, Amsterdam is one of my favourite places in the world. It’s a beautiful city that is both so fun to visit and also incredible liveable. It has a distinct feel to it like nowhere else I have ever travelled. If you’re overwhelmed with how to plan your visit to Amsterdam or just want to make sure you’re seeing the best of the best, this post is for you!

I believe Amsterdam should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. Keep reading to check out my itinerary for how to spend 3 days in Amsterdam, plus what to do with more or less time in Amsterdam, how to get there and where to stay!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

3 day Amsterdam itinerary map:

Day 1: Explore central Amsterdam

Start day one of your three days in Amsterdam the way many locals do – with brunch! There are lots of delicious brunch places in Amsterdam. We really enjoyed Moods and Dignita on our last trip.

After you’ve had your fill of eggs and pancakes, it’s time to head into the city centre for a tour. I love starting my visit to a new city with a free walking tour. It’s a great way to get your bearings, learn some history and get recommendations for other places to see or eat at – and all on a budget!

Here’s one option for a free walking tour in Amsterdam, but there are lots of companies that offer these tours. Don’t forget to tip your tour guide! Or, if you want to have a more Amsterdam-y experience, why not opt for a bike tour instead of a walking tour? Pay a bit more to explore the city the way the locals do!

If your tour doesn’t cover it, make sure you stop by Dam Square, the Times Square of Amsterdam. As one of the most important squares in the country, a lot of big events are held here. It’s also home to the Royal Palace, which is worth touring if you have time.

But as you’ll soon see, Dam Square is also Tourist HQ. You’ll find lots of tourists milling about, street performers every few steps, and souvenir shops on every corner.

While I don’t recommend spending a lot of time in Dam Square, it is worth a visit!

From Dam Square, head east to the Red Light District. Even if you’re not interested in partaking in any red light activities, I don’t think an Amsterdam itinerary is complete without a mention of the city’s famous area. That’s not to say I think you have to visit – I certainly wrestle with the “human zoo” aspect of gawking at people in windows.

For more on the history of the Red Light District and what actually happens there (plus what not to do!), check out this post. You may also want to join a Red Light District walking tour to learn more about the area from an expert.

If the Red Light District isn’t quite your speed, or your visit there is short, I recommend stopping by the Jewish Museum. Just east of the Red Light District, the Jewish Museum is a fantastic exploration of Jewish life, past and present, in Amsterdam. There’s even a children’s section of the museum.

If you’re planning to visit the Anne Frank House during your time in Amsterdam (coming up on day 2!), the Jewish Museum is the perfect accompaniment. It will give you context and a greater appreciation for the Frank family’s story.

As day turns to night, head to one of Amsterdam’s rooftop bars for a drink and view over the city. As a fairly flat city (that’s what makes biking so easy!), you don’t have to go high for a nice view of Amsterdam. There’s the A’DAM Lookout, the roof at NEMO Science Museum, or one of these other rooftop options.

Day 2: Discover Amsterdam’s history and charm

Spoiler alert: This is my favourite day in my 3 day Amsterdam itinerary. Get ready to explore some of the prettiest parts of Amsterdam and visit the must-see Anne Frank House.

Day 2 starts with breakfast at Winkel 43, the famous apple pie shop! Apple pie for breakfast? Why not! And from Winkel, you’re only a short walk away from the Anne Frank House.

As you probably know, Anne Frank and her family hid in the attic (aka Secret Annex) of her father’s business during World War II to escape Nazi persecution as they were Jews. Sadly, after 761 days, Anne and her family were found and sent to concentration camps.

Only Otto Frank, Anne’s father, survived. He returned to the Secret Annex after the war, found Anne’s diary and ensured Anne’s dream of becoming an author was realized. Since then, her story has been shared around the world.

Needless to say, the Anne Frank House is a must-visit in Amsterdam. I’ve visited five times and have been so moved each time. Your museum visit takes you through life for the Franks before, during and after their hiding.

You’ll see artifacts, watch video interviews with the people who helped hide them, and finally walk through the actual rooms where Anne, the Franks, the Van Pels and Fritz Pfeffer hid for over two years.

Because this is such a special place to visit in Amsterdam, tickets go fast, especially in the busy summer tourist season. Tickets must be booked online and go on sale the first Tuesday of the month before you want to visit. Get your tickets to the Anne Frank House here.

Don’t miss: If you want to learn more about Anne Frank and WWII history in Amsterdam, join this walking tour! 

Take your time exploring the museum. Once you’re ready, the next item on your Amsterdam itinerary is a boat tour down the Amsterdam canals. Conveniently, many of the canal cruise operators leave from right in front of the Anne Frank House. Book your canal boat tour tickets here!

Amsterdam is famous for its canals and the best way to experience them is directly on the water. Enjoy an hour cruising through the city’s waterways, learning more about local history, and seeing some of the best views of Amsterdam. Once your tour is over, you’ll be dropped off back where you started…

…which is only a block or so away from your lunch stop: The Pancake Bakery! Dutch pancakes are a must-have while you’re in Amsterdam and one of my favourite places to get them is behind the red shudders of The Pancake Bakery.

I especially love all of the creative sweet and savoury options they serve. Back when I studied abroad in Amsterdam, my friends and I would go here, each order a different pancake, and then pass them around the table so we could try as many flavours as possible.

(Or if you’re not feeling pancakes, check out nearby Foodhallen for lunch – an awesome food market with lots of cuisine choices!)

After a busy morning, you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the Jordaan neighbourhood. As I mentioned, this is my favourite area of Amsterdam and certainly a photographer’s dream. Enjoy strolling down the streets and taking in all of the beautiful views.

Go shopping on the Nine Streets where you’ll find lots of boutique shops and pretty cafes for when you need a retail break. Step into the adorable Houseboat Museum, learn about Amsterdam’s favourite flower at the Tulip Museum, and enjoy all of the samples at the Cheese Museum.

Don’t forget: These museums and many more attractions are included in the GoCity Amsterdam card. Save on entrance fees when you get yourself a 1-5 day all-inclusive pass!

To complement the historic and cultural day you’re having, head to Moeders for dinner. Moeders (the Dutch word for “mothers”) is a restaurant serving Dutch dishes in the most homey atmosphere.

In 1990, Moeders opened and patrons were asked to bring utensils, dishware and glasses from home. Over 30 years later, those mis-matched items still sit on the tables today. And on the walls you’ll find hundreds of photos of mothers!

When we visited in September 2022, I got the spare ribs and Colin got one of the beef stews. Both were absolutely delicious! We loved the cozy, traditional atmosphere and even took a few slices of cake to go (also delicious!).

Day 3: Spend time in Amsterdam’s best museums and parks

Sadly, we’ve come to the last of your 3 days in Amsterdam. Today is all about museum hopping and enjoying Amsterdam’s most famous park.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast or brunch, as we’ve got a lot to see. You can try Amsterdam favourite, Bakers & Roasters. There’s one right by Museumplein!

After breakfast, head over to Museumplein, the home of Amsterdam’s most famous museums. This was also where the I Amsterdam sign used to live, until it was moved in December 2018. (You can still snag a photo with the sign at Schipol Airport though!)

The top museums to explore at Museumplein would be: Van Gogh Museum, showcasing the works of famous Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum, dedicated to Dutch history and arts, Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam’s spot for contemporary art, and Moco Museum, a smaller modern art museum.

But which museum in Amsterdam should you visit? Good question! It really comes down to taste. I’ve been to all of them a couple of times (except for Stedelijk) and enjoyed them all.

I’d say the Rijksmuseum is a good choice if you want to see a breadth of historic art, the Van Gogh Museum is great if you’re a fan of Van Gogh or happy to see work by just one artist, and Moco is perfect if you love Banksy and don’t last long in museums.

Once you’re museum-ed out, head into the Albert Heijn grocery store at the end of Museumplein where you’ll pick up supplies for a picnic in the park!

Picnic supplies in hand, walk the few blocks over to Vondel Park, the largest and most popular park in Amsterdam. At 47 hectares, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect spot for your picnic lunch. Spread out on the grass, enjoy your food and try not to attract too many birds with your delicious lunch!

After lunch, you can spend a bit longer in Vondel Park. Pick one of the many paths and explore. You’ll find playgrounds, ponds, and cafes, as well as beautiful, natural scenery.

Then head over to the Albert Cuyp Market, one of the oldest and most well-known street markets in Amsterdam. It’s also the largest in Europe, with over 260 stalls!

Here you can sample snacks (and grab some post-picnic dessert!), shop for souvenirs, admire the fresh produce, and maybe enjoy a performance by a street performer. Or join an Albert Cuyp Market food tour to try all of the Dutch specialties you may have missed. No one leaves Albert Cuyp empty handed!

Of course, if you’d rather skip the market or spend less time in the park, you can always head back to Museumplein after lunch and squeeze in another musuem or two before dark!

For dinner, enjoy traditional Rijstaffel. Rijstaffel, or rice table, is a Dutch-Indonesian creation that reminds me a lot of Spanish tapas. It’s small dishes that are absolutely delicious! Find a sit down restaurant that serves Rijstaffel or get a take-out version, such as the one we enjoyed from Afhaalcentrum Terang Boelan.

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What to do with just 1 day in Amsterdam:

If you don’t have time for my entire 3 day Amsterdam itinerary, there’s still a lot you can see and do in just 1 day in Amsterdam – though I hope you come back for longer next time! Focus on the must-do’s, like a canal cruise and touring the Anne Frank House.

For a full schedule, check out my One Day in Amsterdam Itinerary.

Less time? How to spend 2 days in Amsterdam

With 2 days in Amsterdam, you can just make a few cuts from my 3 day Amsterdam itinerary above. Luckily, most of the sites listed above are close enough together that you could easily walk, bike or take public transport to cross them all off your list.

Make your cuts based off of your interests. If you’re not into museums or art, there’s no need to spend time at Museumplein. If you don’t like shopping, cut Albert Cuyp Market and the Nine Streets. And other itinerary ideas, like exploring the Red Light District and Jordaan neighbourhood, can be done quickly if you’re short on time.

More time? How to spend 4 days in Amsterdam (or more!)

Have more time in Amsterdam? Amazing! There’s lots more in the city to experience. With 4 days in Amsterdam (or more!) add these ideas to your itinerary:

• Spend time in Westerpark. This used to be my local park when I lived in Amsterdam in 2014 and it’s awesome to see how it continues to develop. Enjoy a delicious scone from Bakkerswinkel, grab a drink and play a game at arcade bar TonTon Club, or explore one of the many other restaurants, playgrounds or paths in Westerpark.
• Go to the Heineken Experience. Full disclosure: I have never done this despite it being one of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam. I’m just not a huge beer person! But if you love beer, especially Heineken, why not learn more about this Dutch brew?
• Visit more museums. You probably didn’t have time to visit all of the museums on my Amsterdam itinerary above, so you could spend your extra time in the city checking more off your list. There’s also the Rembrandt House Museum (reopening March 2023) and Foam Photography Museum to add to your schedule.
• Go to the Artis Zoo. Amsterdam’s zoo is worth a visit if you love zoos (or are travelling with kids who love zoos). It’s right in the city, meaning neighbours look out their windows at giraffes and gorillas below! I’m not usually a zoo person, but I did visit a couple of times while I lived in Amsterdam and enjoyed it thoroughly!

Or, you could use your extra time in Amsterdam to go on a day trip. In less than 30 minutes you could be in historic Zaanse Schans, wandering the adorable town of Utrecht, or getting to know Haarlem or Amsterdam Noord.

Check out some of these great day trip options below!

 

Is 3 days in Amsterdam enough?

I think 3 days in Amsterdam is the perfect amount of time to see the city’s top sights and still enjoy a small slice of local life. You can check big things off your bucket list – like visiting the Anne Frank House, going on a canal cruise, and renting a bike – while still making time to stroll through a few museums and sit at a cafe.

Have more or less than 3 days in Amsterdam? My itinerary above has you covered for just one day in Amsterdam or 4+ days in Amsterdam!

Where to stay in Amsterdam?

My top recommendation for where to stay in Amsterdam is SWEETS Hotel (check out my SWEETS Hotel review here!). This hotel chain is comprised of 20+ bridge houses located around the city. Each bridge house has been converted into a completely unique hotel room right on Amsterdam’s canals. At SWEETS you’ll have a memorable stay you will only find in Amsterdam!

Whether you stay at SWEETS or elsewhere, I recommend staying on one of the inner canal rings so you can easily walk around the city. If you stay a little further out, make sure you’re on a tram, subway or bus line with good connections. Of course, you can also rent a bike to help you get around!

The Jordaan neighbourhood is one of my favourites and certainly one of the most picturesque to stay in. You could also seek out a unique stay by finding a houseboat rental!

Find your perfect place to stay in Amsterdam here:

Booking.com

What month is best for Amsterdam?

April is one of the best months to visit Amsterdam. April is when the Netherlands celebrates King’s Day (aka Koningsdag) and when the famous Dutch tulips are usually in full bloom. Of course, with all of the King’s Day celebrations and petal peepers, April is also a very busy time to visit Amsterdam.

Don’t miss: If you’re visiting Amsterdam from March-May, don’t forget to get your tickets to Keukenhof to see the stunning tulip fields! Grab your tickets here. 

If you don’t mind missing the beautiful Dutch tulips, the autumn months of September and October are also great for a visit to Amsterdam. The weather will likely still be nice and the crowds won’t be as thick.

Is Amsterdam a walkable city?

Amsterdam is an incredibly walkable city and I think walking along the canals is one of the best ways to experience Amsterdam’s charm. That being said, it is mainly a city for bikers. You’ll often find that pedestrian crossings get cut off or sidewalks just end while bike lanes are perfectly in tact.

Public transportation in Amsterdam is also very good with busses, trams and subways available. The train is also an option, if you’re staying farther out of town.

One thing I would not recommend is driving in Amsterdam. The streets are narrow and congested, and most sights are an easy walk, bike or tram ride away. You don’t need a car in Amsterdam.

How do I get to Amsterdam?

Well, that depends where you’re coming from! Amsterdam is easily connected by train and plane from many other countries in Europe and farther away.

Amsterdam’s main airport, Schipol, is a convenient 20 minute direct train ride to Amsterdam Centraal Station. From there, you can easily walk or take public transportation to your accommodation and all of the sights.

If you’re visiting Amsterdam from North America, my advice is always to find a flight to the cheapest European hub, and then hop on a train or budget flight to your final destination. For us in Vancouver, it’s usually cheapest to fly to Paris or London. From there, it’s an easy 3-4 hour train ride into Amsterdam Centraal.

What are the best day trips from Amsterdam?

Not only is Amsterdam an incredible city to visit on its own, but it’s also a perfect destination for day and weekend trips! From Amsterdam, you can easily visit Germany, France, Belgium and the UK on a day or overnight trip.

Of course, you can also explore other areas in the Netherlands like Utrecht or Rotterdam or visit one of the smaller, historic towns, like Zaanse Schans.

Don’t miss exploring nearby Paris, Brussels or Ghent from Amsterdam!

What do I need to know for my first visit to Amsterdam?

I’m so glad you asked! Check out my post: 12 things to know before visiting Amsterdam.

Another thing to look into before your first visit is the GoCity Amsterdam card. This card gives you entrance to a lot of the top attractions in Amsterdam, including the Heineken Experience, Moco Museum and a canal cruise. You can even add on tickets to Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans.

If you’re planning to see and do a lot in Amsterdam, the GoCity card could save you a lot of money. Check it out!

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Conclusion: Wrapping up your 3 days in Amsterdam

I’m so excited to be sharing my Amsterdam itinerary with you. Amsterdam is absolutely one of my favourite cities in the world and I highly recommend it to everyone. It’s so charming and great first introduction to Europe if you’re just getting your travel toes wet.

It’s an easy city to navigate, being small and full of English speakers, but still has a unique style that will make you feel like you’re somewhere new. It won’t take long until you’ll be as in love with Amsterdam as I am, dreaming of the day when you can return to the skinny houses, long canals and delicious pancakes!

I’d love to know: If you’ve been to Amsterdam before, what was your favourite thing to do (or eat!) in the city? And if you haven’t been, is a trip to Amsterdam on your travel bucket list?

Check out these posts to help you plan your Amsterdam trip:

• 12 Things to Know Before Visiting Amsterdam
• Where to Stay in Amsterdam: SWEETS Hotel Review
• One Day in Amsterdam Itinerary
• Falling Back in Love with Amsterdam
• 7 Day Amsterdam and Paris Itinerary
• 7 Day Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam Itinerary