Amsterdam is a vibrant city with stunning canals and bridges, eclectic historical architecture, plus a vibrant art culture and great cuisine. It offers the best of Dutch and European culture and as the capital city of the Netherlands, there are endless activities to fall in love with any time of year.
From riding bikes along the city’s renowned paths to visiting museums hosting the likes of Rembrandt and van Gogh, to simply wandering along the canals and getting lost in the architecture, you can enjoy the best of Amsterdam in as little as just three days.
Of course, planning a 3-day Amsterdam trip can be tricky, as you don’t want to miss out on anything important or plan too much and get exhausted. With this guide, you’ll be able to see everything you want while still having time to stop and smell the tulips.
Day One - Arrival in Amsterdam
Most international arrivals in Amsterdam will be at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, which is conveniently just 10 miles from the center of town. You can easily take a train to the Amsterdam Central Station in under 20 minutes and this is a fast and affordable way to reach town without sacrificing comfort. Once at the historical station, you can take a bus or taxi to reach your hotel if walking is not an option.
Instead of the train, you can also take an Airport Express Bus which runs 24/7 and reaches the city center in around 30 minutes. Taxis are also available, but more expensive than other options.
If you're hungry at the train station, the onsite Grand Central Café has great food and drinks, although it is pricier due to its location. There's also an abundance of coffee shops nearby if you prefer a quick snack instead.
If you have the energy, there’s nothing better than renting a bike and simply riding through Amsterdam’s scenic canals and historic city streets. As one of the world’s premier cities for bicyclists, you can find rentals effortlessly throughout town, either at stores or self-serve kiosks where you pay by card or app.
Whether on bike or on foot, some essential places to first visit during your three day Amsterdam trip include:
- The central Canal Ring, which follows the Amstel River, for amazing architectural and natural views. Ride along the bike paths, take photos on the countless iconic bridges and stop to see breathtaking historical churches and grand European designs.
- Keukenhof Gardens, which is Amsterdam's premier tulip garden, features endless manicured rows of blooming tulips and multiple bicycle and walking paths. The tulips generally bloom from March to May, although the park's scenery and dotted windmills make it beautiful in every season.
- Vondelpark, which is a vast and lively park full of ponds, flowers and sculptures.
- Of course, you may be too tired to ride around on your first day, so feel free to walk at a more leisurely pace or take the city's many buses and trams to easily explore town.
For a great lunch, try one of these central restaurants for a great local meal:
The Pantry
- Leidsekruisstraat 21, 1017 RE Amsterdam, Netherlands
Enjoy classic homestyle meals with a rustic patio setting. They feature fresh seafood, steaks and ham and fries along with a great draft beer selection.
Sandwhichshop Amsterdam Langebrugsteeg
- Langebrugsteeg 11, 1012 GB Amsterdam, Netherlands
Try fresh and unique sandwiches that locals say are some of the best in town. Great for a quick and fairly inexpensive lunch in central Amsterdam.
In the evening, you can take a relaxing cruise through the canals for amazing views of the lit-up city.
If you prefer to walk more, then head to the central district of Binnenstad to see some of the city's most famous sights. With picturesque canals and endless architectural variations, you could walk aimlessly for hours or head to notable locations like:
Adjacent to this neighborhood is De Wallen, which is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and is filled with cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, some of Amsterdam’s rowdiest clubs and the famed Red Light District.
Other attractions in De Wallen include:
- The Saint Nicholas Basilica
- Our Lord in the Attic Museum
- Plus more adult offerings like the Red Light Secrets Museum
Day Two - Full Day in Amsterdam
For your first full-day in Amsterdam, treat yourself to a great breakfast at:
Omelet City Centre
- Nieuwebrugsteeg 24, 1012 AH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Enjoy a casual European breakfast with omelets, fresh pastries, plus assorted meats and sides along with great coffee in the center of town.
You're also encouraged to try famous Dutch waffles, which are often thin, crispy and with sweet servings such as caramel or chocolate. In many cafés, you'll also find stroopwafels, which are two thin waffle crisps stuck together with caramel.
After breakfast, head to the iconic Museum Quarter (Museumplein) which is a vast historical district featuring some of the city’s greatest museums. Each one of these museums could be an entire day’s activity, so make sure to plan ahead and choose only the ones you want most.
Some museums include:
- Rijksmuseum, which focuses on Dutch art including Rembrandt, Jan Steen, Frans Hals and many more acclaimed and lesser known artists.
- Stedelijk Museum, which has more modern works of art including Picasso, Van Gogh, Warhol, Rothco and more in a uniquely designed building.
- Van Gogh Museum, which features many of his original works of art along with interactive exhibitions to help you learn and appreciate the acclaimed painter’s legacy.
- MOCO, one of the more modern museums in the area, showcases international works by artists like Banksy, Keith Haring, Warhol and more in constantly rotating exhibitions.
The surrounding area is also full of rich cobblestone streets and amazing architecture, so feel free to stroll through the neighborhood to find some great boutique shops and cafés. However, try to steer clear of the restaurants directly next to the museums, as they will often be pricier than more local offerings.
Afterward, walk through the adjacent Vondelpark for rose gardens, sculptures, plus ponds and endless greenery. This can also be a great place for a bike ride or picnic.
In the evening, head into Jordaan, which is a gorgeous and trendy district featuring unique boutiques, art galleries, great restaurants, plus some of the city’s finest pubs and clubs.
This is a wonderful place to stroll around at night, with its stunning architecture and lively atmosphere and if you want an unforgettable meal, make sure to check out:
Venus & Adonis
- Prinsengracht 274, 1016 HH Amsterdam, Netherlands
This restaurant features a cozy patio with great sunset views and they serve highly-rated steaks, fresh seafood and great local beers on draft.
Finally, no 3-day Amsterdam trip is complete without visiting a local pub, so head on into any hole-in-the-wall place for an unforgettable Dutch beer and fries. You can also opt for a late-night coffee at one of the many cozy cafés that dot the city streets.
Day Three - Departure and Last Minute Activities in Amsterdam
For your last day, you can customize your experience depending on when you're leaving, along with how tired you are for certain activities. This section will showcase things to do in Amsterdam for any timeframe so you don't run late.
If you're departing in the evening, take a 30 minute taxi or shuttle over to Zaanse Schanse, which is a unique town featuring resettled historical windmills and village homes. The area features multiple museums that specialize in Dutch culture from wooden clogs to chocolate making and more. However, if you're departing earlier in the day, try to stick closer to central Amsterdam so you don't feel rushed.
If you're in the mood for shopping, viewing art galleries or simply exploring gorgeous architecture, the Nine Streets is a wonderful area full of boutique stores and more. Stroll along and window-shop or stop by any inviting café for a quick snack. Plus, this is one of the best areas in town for scenic photos due to the great variety of architecture.
For a more somber but historically insightful experience, you can visit the Anne Frank House to step into the annex where the Frank family hid in 1942. The museum includes a tour of the home along with historical artifacts and it provides a close look at the continent's darker history.
If you haven't yet visited the Keukenhof tulip gardens, make sure to explore them before departing if they're in bloom (between March and May). If you've already been but want to see more of the country's famed flowers, check out the Amsterdam Tulip Museum to learn all about how these flowers transformed the nation's culture.
For a unique local souvenir, head to Waterlooplein Market which is Amsterdam's oldest antique fair. Here, you'll find various antiques along with local arts and crafts and there are items available for all budgets and tastes.
Wherever you head to next, you'll have experienced some of the best of Amsterdam's offerings during your three-day stay.
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