Final Up to date on February 24, 2023 by Nellie Huang
Having lived in Amsterdam for 4 years, I’ve gotten to know Amsterdam very well. Right here’s my advice for a 3-day Amsterdam itinerary, that may carry you thru the very best components of town.
No matter the place you might be in Amsterdam, you’ll hear the sound of motorcycle bells echoing by the streets and trams trundling alongside the tracks that weave their manner by the cobblestoned streets of the historic middle. Boats drift down the canals, passing beneath picturesque bridges and alongside centuries-old buildings. The scent of recent stroopwafels and bitterballen wafts from avenue distributors, tempting hungry passersby.
Amsterdam is a metropolis that’s each timeless and fashionable, the place old-world attraction meets up to date aptitude. With its winding canals, vibrant nightlife, and wealthy creative and cultural heritage, there may be at all times one thing new to find on this metropolis of contrasts. We lived in Amsterdam for over 4 years, and we had been at all times discovering new experiences and locations to discover.
That can assist you take advantage of out of a weekend in Amsterdam, I’ve compiled an in depth 3-day Amsterdam itinerary that may take from the storied metropolis middle to the choice districts, and past to the encompassing Dutch countryside. Seize your bike, hop on a canal boat, and prepare to expertise the magic of Amsterdam. Let’s dive in!
My Amsterdam Weekend Itinerary
Amsterdam Itinerary Day 1: Discover Amsterdam Metropolis Middle
Start your first day in Amsterdam with at my favourite cafe in Amsterdam: Café Restaurant Hans en Grietje. This conventional Dutch cafe has been a neighborhood favourite since 1876. The cafe’s identify interprets to “Hansel and Gretel,” and the comfortable, rustic decor is designed to evoke the sensation of a fairy story cottage. You’ve obtained to strive their well-known Dutch pancakes and scrumptious do-it-yourself truffles. The enduring cafe has a big and beautiful terrace with a phenomenal view of the Rijksmuseum and the canals.
Begin at Museumplein
After loading up, it’s time to go to the Museumplein, a big public sq. within the coronary heart of town that’s house to among the world’s most famous museums. Make your first cease at the Rijksmuseum, one of many largest and most complete artwork museums on the planet, housing over 8,000 objects from Dutch historical past and artwork, together with works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. Even when you’re not an artwork of historical past fanatic, it’s price trying out the constructing because the masterpiece is an iconic landmark of Amsterdam.
The Van Gogh Museum, positioned subsequent to the Rijksmuseum, is devoted to the life and work of the well-known Dutch painter. With over 200 work, 500 drawings, and 700 letters, the museum provides a complete have a look at Van Gogh’s creative evolution and private struggles. On the opposite facet of the sq., the Stedelijk Museum is a recent artwork museum that options works by fashionable masters equivalent to Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol. It additionally showcases Dutch design and experimental up to date artwork.
In the event you’re visiting throughout the summer time months, be sure you take a look at one of many many outside occasions and festivals that happen within the Museumplein, together with music concert events, meals markets, and cultural performances.
Try the Central Station
From there, stroll over to the Central Station, essentially the most iconic landmark within the metropolis. Amsterdam Centraal was designed by Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers and opened in 1889. It contains a Gothic, Renaissance Revival station constructing and a forged iron platform roof spanning roughly 40 metres. As with the Rijksmuseum, the station’s general structure reminded many contemporaries of medieval cathedrals. The station is positioned on the metropolis’s waterfront successfully separating town from the IJ lake.
Stroll by Vondelpark
After a satisfying lunch, take a leisurely stroll by the Vondelpark, the most important park in Amsterdam. The plush park provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of town, with wonderful lakes, fountains, playgrounds and outside theaters. You possibly can have a picnic, hire a motorbike, and benefit from the lovely greenery. When the solar’s out, you’ll discover many locals sprawled on the greens absorbing the (uncommon) sunshine. Cease for lunch at my favourite cafe within the park: Groot Melkhuis. In summer time, its riverside terrace is a wonderful place to get pleasure from some sunshine.
Try the Native Meals Scene
For dinner, head to De Foodhallen, a fashionable meals market housed within the tram-depot-turned-cultural-complex, De Hallen. We used to return to Foodhallen each different week — there are over 20 stalls right here providing every little thing from Dutch snacks to worldwide delicacies. I extremely suggest attempting the sometimes Dutch bitterballen (deep fried meatballs) from De Ballen Bar and the excellent bun cha (vermicelli salad) served up at Viêt View. There are additionally a number of indie artwork stalls, a motorbike store, cafe and an indie cinema inside De Hallen.
Hit the Brown Bars
Because the day attracts to an in depth, head to the Purple Gentle District. Whereas it might be recognized for its controversial fame, the world can also be an interesting a part of Amsterdam’s historical past and tradition. Stroll by the slim streets and bask in a neighborhood specialty like stroopwafels (skinny, spherical waffle cookie) or herring fish from a avenue vendor. Then duck inside Cafe Hoppe, considered one of Amsterdam’s storied previous brown cafés. Opened in 1670 as a jenever distillery, the historic bar is a favourite amongst locals and vacationers alike.
Amsterdam Itinerary Day 2: Weave by its Waterways
On the second day of this Amsterdam itinerary, take to the water to discover town’s well-known canals. Begin your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam, which serves among the finest pancakes within the metropolis, with all kinds of toppings and fillings to select from.
After breakfast, take a ship tour of Amsterdam’s canals, offering a novel and memorable perspective of town’s structure and surroundings. There are many corporations providing boat excursions, catering to all pursuits and budgets. We’ve been on this wine and cheese canal cruise a couple of instances and at all times had a good time! E-book your canal tour prematurely particularly when you’re touring in excessive season.
Get Misplaced in Amsterdam’s Greatest Outside Market
The subsequent cease on this Amsterdam itinerary is the Albert Cuypmarkt, a full of life avenue market within the De Pijp neighborhood, the place over 300 stalls supply every little thing from recent produce to clothes to souvenirs. Amsterdam has many outside markets that take over squares and streets each weekend, however Albert Cuypmarkt is the largest one. That is the very best spot to purchase Gouda cheese, Dutch biscuits and different souvenirs house. We at all times got here right here for the stroopwafels and wonderful kibbeling (battered fish chunks).
Tour the Heineken Brewery
Because you’re in De Pijp, head over to the Heineken Expertise particularly when you’re a beer lover. The museum is housed within the former Heineken brewery, which has been reworked right into a high-tech and interactive museum. One of many highlights of the museum is the brewery tour, the place you get to see the brewing course of and find out how the hops and malted barley are combined collectively to create the wort, which is then fermented to create beer. And naturally, the tasting session on the finish of the tour is an actual deal with.
Go to the Anne Frank Home
Within the night, discover the charming Jordaan neighborhood, with its slim streets, quirky retailers, and picturesque canals. Whereas within the neighborhood, it’s also possible to go to the Anne Frank Home, which provides a strong expertise to see the place Anne Frank wrote her diary and study her life and legacy. This was the precise home and hiding place the place Anne Frank lived throughout the Second World Struggle remains to be intact in the present day. E-book your tickets on-line prematurely to make sure availability! Alternatively, mix a go to of the Anne Frank Home with the Jewish quarter on this tour.
Nibbles and Drinks at One other Brown Bar
Whereas in Jordaan, head over to well-known Proeflokaal A. van Wees, positioned on Herengracht inside a former distillery that dates again to the nineteenth century. Indulge within the brown café requirements—beer, jenever, and a handful of different spirits and soak within the historic environment; the bar additionally has an honest choice of nibbles (the fondue constructed from Dutch cheese is a standout).
Amsterdam Itinerary Day 3: Enterprise Past the Middle
On ultimate day of your weekend in Amsterdam, head out and among the metropolis’s extra off-the-beaten-path locations. Begin your day on the fashionable Amsterdam Noord neighborhood. Take a ferry (it’s free!) from the Central Station — town’s major practice station can also be price a glance as its structure is not like no different.
Feast on Panoramic Views of the Metropolis
First, head as much as the highest flooring of the A’DAM Lookout, an commentary deck with mind-blowing views of town. It additionally options quite a lot of enjoyable and interactive experiences, together with a swing that extends over the sting of the constructing. There’s a minimal top requirement, so youngsters aren’t allowed. It’s positively extra of an Instagram mission!
Discover the Various NDSM
Subsequent to the A’DAM Tower is the NDSM Wharf, a former shipyard turned inventive hub positioned within the northern a part of town. The wharf is house to quite a lot of artwork galleries, eating places, and bars, and is thought for its vibrant avenue artwork scene. Wander round and admire the mural artwork, or be part of a guided avenue artwork tour for an in-depth have a look at the art work and the artists behind it.
In the event you’re a discount hunter or a classic lover, don’t miss the IJ-hallen, a large indoor flea market that takes place in a former shipyard constructing within the NDSM Wharf space. The market is open one weekend a month and options lots of of distributors promoting every little thing from clothes to furnishings to electronics.
The NDSM Wharf space is house to a number of nice bars and eating places, together with Noorderlicht, a comfortable and eclectic cafe housed in a former greenhouse, and Pllek, a stylish restaurant and occasion house with a big outside terrace overlooking the waterfront. These spots are good for a leisurely lunch or a refreshing drink on a sunny day.
Hike in an City Forest
Within the afternoon, head to the Amsterdamse Bos, an enormous forest positioned on the outskirts of town. The forest covers an space of 1,000 hectares, making it 3 times the dimensions of Central Park in New York Metropolis. We regularly spent our weekends right here, mountaineering or biking within the forest and swimming in summer time. Our daughter’s favourite spot right here is the goat farm, Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve, the place you may pet pleasant goats, pigs and highland cows, and even feed them milk. The farm is run by volunteers and is free to go to.
There are over 50 kilometers of biking and mountaineering trails, which wind their manner by the forest, previous lakes and ponds, and over rolling hills. You possibly can hire a motorbike on the park entrance or carry your individual. Amsterdamsebos additionally has a number of our bodies of water, together with the Nieuwe Meer lake, which is nice for canoeing and boating. We lived proper subsequent to the lake and spent a lot time biking across the lake and swimming there in summer time.
Dine in De Pijp
To your final meal in Amsterdam, head again to the De Pijp neighborhood for its eclectic mixture of eating places, cafes, and bars. I extremely suggest Cafe Caron, a comfortable French bistro good spot for a romantic dinner or a special day. They provide quite a lot of traditional French dishes, like escargots, coq au vin, and boeuf bourguignon, all served in a heat and welcoming environment. One other of our favorites is Loetje, a Dutch chain however simply our favourite steakhouse within the Netherlands. They serve up the very best steaks and fish & chips within the metropolis, and the meals is at all times good!
Day Journeys from Amsterdam
In the event you’ve obtained some additional time, I positively suggest squeezing in a day journey to the Dutch countryside. What we love most about residing in Amsterdam is simply how shut every little thing is to town — all of the attention-grabbing sights within the Netherlands are inside a 2-hour drive away. Right here’s a abstract, be sure you take a look at my full checklist of day journeys from Amsterdam.
See the Tulip Fields of Keukenhof
Positioned simply outdoors of Amsterdam, the Keukenhof Gardens are a shocking show of tulips and different flowers, and are solely open from mid-March to mid-Could. With over 7 million flower bulbs planted annually, Keukenhof Gardens is without doubt one of the most lovely and colourful locations on the planet. I HIGHLY suggest timing your Amsterdam weekend journey to coincide with the tulip season to see the world splashed in lovely colours. You possibly can ebook the entry tickets with transfers right here.
Go to Windmills at Zaanse Schans
This picturesque village simply north of Amsterdam is house to a number of historic windmills, conventional Dutch homes, and a museum devoted to the world’s industrial heritage. The open-air museum showcases the normal Dutch lifestyle, with historic windmills, wood homes, and retailers. Guests can study how cheese, clogs, and different conventional merchandise are made, and even strive some for themselves. E-book this tour to go to Zaanse Schans together with Volendam and Marken.
Wander the Cobbled Streets of Haarlem
Only a 20-minute practice journey from Amsterdam Central Station, the charming city of Haarlem is a good place to wander and discover. The city middle options a phenomenal cathedral, a market sq., and lots of retailers and cafes. This historic metropolis is stuffed with lovely structure, charming cafes, and boutique retailers. Highlights embrace the Grote Markt (market sq.), the St. Bavo Church, and the Frans Hals Museum. We used to go to Haarlem each Christmas for his or her Christmas market, top-of-the-line within the Netherlands!
Be Romanced by Utrecht
This full of life college metropolis is simply Half-hour by practice from Amsterdam, and options lovely canals, historic buildings, and a vibrant arts and tradition scene. This full of life college metropolis is thought for its lovely canals, historic buildings, and vibrant nightlife. Guests can discover the Dom Tower, the Museum Catharijneconvent, or just wander the charming streets and benefit from the cafes and eating places.
The Hague and Delft
Each of those cities are positioned about an hour from Amsterdam by practice, and supply a glimpse into Dutch politics, historical past, and artwork. The Hague is house to the Dutch authorities and the well-known Mauritshuis museum, whereas Delft is thought for its charming canals, historic market sq., and blue pottery. This was in all probability considered one of our favourite Amsterdam day journeys as we frequently went to the Hague to see pals after which Delft to wander and soak in its magnificence.
Amsterdam Journey Information
Easy methods to Get to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is well-connected to the remainder of Europe and the world, with direct flights to many main cities. Schiphol Airport is without doubt one of the busiest airports in Europe and is positioned just some miles outdoors of town middle.
You possibly can fly from New York to Amsterdam for simply US$500 return or Los Angeles to Amsterdam for US$600 round-trip. It’s actually low-cost to fly to Amsterdam from different components of Europe. You possibly can even get enterprise class tickets from New York to Amsterdam for $2771. Click on right here to search out the very best enterprise class offers.
In the event you’re flying from different components of Europe, flights from London to Amsterdam are extremely low-cost (round US$50 every manner). Amsterdam can also be well-connected to many European cities by high-speed trains, together with Paris, London, and Brussels. We’ve taken the Thalys practice to Paris a number of instances and it’s at all times comfy and punctual (prices across the similar as flights although).
Easy methods to Get to the Metropolis from the Airport
The best and most handy option to get to town is to take a practice instantly from the airport to Amsterdam Central Station. The journey takes simply 15-20 minutes, and trains run incessantly all through the day and night time.
Another choice is to take a taxi or an Uber from the airport. Taxis are available outdoors the arrivals corridor, and the journey to town middle takes round 20-Half-hour, relying on site visitors. An Uber can price round US$30 every manner.
You may as well take a bus from the airport to town middle. The Connexxion bus 397 runs between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam’s Museumplein, and the journey takes round 35-40 minutes.
Price of Journey in Amsterdam
Let’s face it: Amsterdam is an costly metropolis (museum entry prices round $30 and meals are round $20-40). Tlisted here are a number of metropolis passes out there for Amsterdam that may prevent cash and supply handy entry to town’s high points of interest. Listed here are a couple of of the most well-liked choices:
- I amsterdam Metropolis Card – This all-in-one move gives free entry to over 70 museums and points of interest in Amsterdam, in addition to a free canal cruise and limitless use of public transportation. It additionally consists of reductions at eating places and retailers all through town. The cardboard is out there in 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120-hour variations.
- Amsterdam Metropolis Go – This move consists of free entry to three, 4, or 6 of Amsterdam’s high points of interest, in addition to a free hop-on hop-off bus tour. It additionally consists of reductions on extra points of interest and actions, in addition to a guidebook with data on town’s sights and historical past.
- Museumkaart – This card gives free entry to over 400 museums and points of interest all through the Netherlands, together with many in Amsterdam. It’s legitimate for one 12 months and is usually a good choice when you plan to go to a number of museums throughout your journey. We had this card and used it nearly each weekend in Amsterdam!
Easy methods to Get Round Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a wonderful public transport system and it’s straightforward to get round on trams, buses, and metros. In the event you’re staying within the metropolis middle, it’s also possible to simply navigate on foot or bike.
By Bike
One of the best ways to discover town is by bike, which is a well-liked mode of transport amongst locals and guests alike. There are designated bike lanes all over the place, connecting the assorted boroughs and neighborhoods. You possibly can hire a motorbike from one of many many rental retailers across the metropolis, or use town’s bike-sharing scheme, which lets you choose up and drop off bikes at numerous places across the metropolis. I additionally suggest doing this 3-hour bike tour when you’d prefer to be oriented.
By Tram
Another choice is to make use of town’s trams and buses, which supply a handy and inexpensive option to get round. You should purchase a disposable chip card or a chargeable OV-chipkaart at a practice station or tram cease, which can be utilized on all public transport within the metropolis.
By Uber
Uber is available all over the place in Amsterdam and it’s positively cheaper than taxis. Anticipate to spend round US$10 for every journey throughout the metropolis middle, and $20-30 to transcend.
Finest Time to Go to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a year-round vacation spot, however the very best time to go to is from late April to early October, with gentle temperatures and fewer wet days. Late March to Could is tulip season, so it’s the very best time to see the tulip fields all splashed in colours. Summer time (June-August) is the warmest time of 12 months, but it surely’s additionally the busiest and most costly, so be sure you ebook effectively prematurely.
Amsterdam is a metropolis that likes to have a good time, and there are quite a few festivals and occasions all year long, together with King’s Day (April 27), Pleasure Amsterdam (late July/early August), and the Amsterdam Dance Occasion (mid-October). Make sure to examine the dates and ebook your lodging effectively prematurely.
Amsterdam might be an costly metropolis, significantly throughout peak journey durations. In the event you’re trying to economize on lodging and actions, contemplate visiting within the low season (November-March), when costs are decrease and crowds are smaller.
The place to Keep in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a variety of lodging choices, from price range hostels to luxurious motels. Make sure to ebook effectively prematurely, significantly throughout peak journey durations, to safe your supreme lodging.
For this Amsterdam itinerary, it’s finest to remain within the metropolis middle. However motels within the middle are costly; these on a price range can discover a lot better lodge offers when you go additional out, to areas equivalent to Oud West, Jordaan, and the up-and-coming Noord neighborhood. Listed here are a couple of of our high picks to think about on your keep:
*Distinctive: Crane Resort Faralda
For a very unconventional expertise, ebook a keep at this crane-top lodge by the harbor, boasting luxurious suites overlooking the complete metropolis. I’ve at all times wished to remain right here however nonetheless haven’t had the possibility. Let me understand how your keep goes! Examine charges right here.
Luxurious: Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
This luxury lodge is housed in a collection of historic canal homes within the coronary heart of Amsterdam. The rooms are elegant and spacious, and the lodge boasts an indoor pool, a spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Examine charges right here.
Luxurious: Pulitzer Amsterdam
This fashionable and complicated lodge is positioned in a set of transformed Seventeenth-century canal homes, and options stylish rooms with up to date decor. The lodge additionally has a backyard courtyard, a restaurant and bar, and a health middle. Examine charges right here.
Mid Vary: The Hoxton, Amsterdam
This fashionable boutique lodge is positioned within the coronary heart of town, and options fashionable rooms with distinctive design touches. The lodge additionally has a buzzing foyer bar, an elegant restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with views over town. Examine charges right here.
Mid Vary: CitizenM Amsterdam Amstel
This fashionable budget-friendly lodge provides compact but fashionable rooms, that includes glossy and fashionable design. The lodge additionally has a 24-hour canteen, an elegant bar, and a rooftop lounge with beautiful views of town. Examine charges right here.
Finances: Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark
This contemporary and eco-friendly hostel is positioned proper subsequent to the gorgeous Vondelpark, and options comfy and colourful dorms and personal rooms. The hostel additionally has a bar and restaurant, a sport room, and a spacious terrace. It’s recognized for its pleasant employees and full of life environment. Examine charges right here.
Finances: Cocomama
This cozy and charming hostel is housed in a historic constructing within the fashionable De Pijp neighborhood, and options comfy and uniquely adorned dorms and personal rooms. The hostel additionally has a fully-equipped kitchen, a comfortable lounge, and a beautiful outside backyard. It’s recognized for its homely really feel and useful employees. Examine charges right here.
The place to Eat in Amsterdam
De Kas – Positioned in a set of greenhouses in Park Frankendael, De Kas provides a farm-to-table eating expertise that includes seasonal produce grown on website. The every day altering menu consists of meat, fish, and vegetarian choices, and the ethereal, greenhouse setting is each lovely and distinctive. E-book a desk.
Restaurant Blauw – We used to return right here typically on weekends! That is the very best place for genuine Indonesian meals. The star of the present is the rijsttafel, a multi-course meal of small plates that’s good for sharing. The restaurant’s colourful decor and pleasant service make it a preferred spot for locals and vacationers alike. E-book a desk.
Cannibale Royale – In the event you’re within the temper for some hearty consolation meals, Cannibale Royale is the place to go. They concentrate on burgers, steaks, and ribs, all cooked to perfection on a charcoal grill. E-book a desk.
Bakers & Roasters — This cozy cafe is thought for its scrumptious breakfast and brunch choices, with a menu that options every little thing from avocado toast to American-style pancakes. The cafe additionally serves glorious espresso and recent juices, and has a heat and welcoming environment. Learn evaluations.
The Avocado Present — A real pioneer within the avocado pattern that has swept the world, this avocado-focused cafe celebrates the common-or-garden avocado, with aethestically pleasing dishes that style nearly as good as they give the impression of being. Learn evaluations.
Pluk – This cute and colourful cafe is positioned within the fashionable 9 Streets neighborhood and is a good spot for breakfast or brunch. The menu options wholesome and recent choices like acai bowls, smoothies, and avocado toast, in addition to candy treats like do-it-yourself truffles and pastries. Learn evaluations.
De Bakkerswinkel – This bakery and cafe has a number of places all through town and is thought for its recent bread, pastries, and sandwiches. The breakfast menu consists of choices like yogurt with granola, quiche, and croissants, and the environment is cozy and welcoming. E-book a desk.
Planning Your Weekend Journey to Amsterdam
With a lot to see and do in Amsterdam, it may be laborious to suit every little thing into just some days, however this Amsterdam weekend itinerary ought to present place to begin.
Be at liberty to print out this Amsterdam itinerary and convey it with you in your Amsterdam weekend getaway! Make sure to depart a remark beneath when you’ve got any questions. Listed here are extra of my articles from Amsterdam and different components of Europe:
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