The capital of the Netherlands has tons to offer anyone and everyone, from beer to museums to food.
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by the tours I recommend.
Important Notes
This itinerary keeps in mind three full days to explore Amsterdam. There are no time constraints in this itinerary, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace and keeping in mind potential traffic and the lengths of different tours you might choose. I also offer restaurant recommendations and several alternative attractions. I mention several of these attractions in my cruise port excursions post, and go into more detail here about them here.
Using the Amsterdam Metro
The GVB (the public transport network operated by the Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf, abbreviated to GVB, the main public transport authority in Amsterdam) offers tickets for 72 hours (3 days) for €30.00 per adult, perfect for this itinerary! Once you use the ticket for the first time, the period of validity begins. However, there are no multi-day tickets for children. These tickets are also valid for taking the tram and bus! The metro is very easy to navigate, even if you don’t know Dutch.
Day 1
Anne Frank House
A must-visit in Amsterdam, Anne Frank and her family in an annex behind a bookcase in this house during WWII before being caught by the Nazis. The bookcase they hid behind is still available to view in the house, as well as personal items the family used. Tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out fast. I recommend booking tickets six weeks in advance, which is the earliest you can book tickets. Be prepared to book tickets at the time they become available, which is at 10am CEST, which is UTC+2 (4am EDT).
Tickets are €16.00 per adult; children 10-17 years old: €7.00; children 0-9 years old: €1.00. Take the metro to Rokin station to get to the Anne Frank house by metro. Note: No photography is allowed in the Anne Frank House, including photography without flash.
Van Gogh Museum
Another must-visit musuem in Amsterdam, the Van Gogh museum showcases the world’s largest collection of artwork by the Dutch painter and also illustrates his life and family through journal entries and other autobiographical accounts. Only book tickets for the Van Gogh Museum on their website here. There are no tickets sold at the door. Choose a specific start time for your visit. This is important; entry is only allowed during your chosen time slot to manage crowds. Tickets are €32.50 per adult and those under 18 go free. Take the metro to De Pijp or Vijzelgracht station to get to the Van Gogh Museum by metro.
Walk around Vondelpark
Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s main green space, where locals and families relax on the grass and play outside. Spend some time outdoors after visiting the two museums before heading to Haarlem.
Visit Haarlem
Haarlem is a city only a 10-minute train ride from Amsterdam. Take the Sprinter or Intercity train from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station. Haarlem still retains its medieval character with cobblestone streets and gabled houses. Visit the main square, walk around, and have a coffee at a café.
Day 2
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands, dedicated to Dutch art and history from the Middle Ages to the present. It has over 8,000 artifacts! Tickets are €25.00 per adult, and those 18 and younger go free. You can find many tours on GetYourGuide and Viator. Take the metro to Vijzelgracht station to get to the Rijksmuseum by metro. Most people spend around 3 hours in the museum.
Take a canal tour
There are many places where you can purchase tickets and take a canal tour in Amsterdam, including:
- Amsterdam Canal Cruises: http://www.amsterdamcanalcruises.nl/
- Amsterdam Boat Trips: https://amsterdamboattrips.com/
- Book a Tour Amsterdam: https://bookatour.amsterdam/
- Those Dam Boat Guys: http://www.thosedamboatguys.com/#=
- Lovers Canal Cruises Amsterdam: https://www.lovers.nl/en/
Visit Jordaan
Spend some time walking through Jordaan, a popular area amongst both locals and tourists. Walk along the area’s narrow canals and stop by Noordermarkt square. Here, people sell jewelry, clothes, antiques, and organic food. Antiques Centre Amsterdam sells vintage ceramics and paintings as well.
Day 3
Royal Palace Amsterdam
If you want to take a tour of the Royal Palace, it is open to visitors most of the year, usually daily from 10am-5pm. Check the official website for any closures due to royal events. These closures can occur with little notice. You need to purchase tickets to enter. You can often buy them online or at the door, but booking online and in advance is recommended to secure your preferred time slot. You can explore many of the palace’s impressive state rooms, including the Citizens’ Hall, the Throne Room, and numerous reception rooms, which have historical artifacts and art. Tickets cost €12.50–€13.50 per adult and children go free. Take the train to Rokin Station to get to the Royal Palace by metro.
De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets)
Within the city’s historic canal belt, discover this area known for its independent shops, cozy eateries, and cultural experiences along its scenic streets. This area is rich in history and culture. Take the metro to Rokin station to get here by metro.
De Wallen
Walk 10 minutes from The Nine Streets to visit the De Wallen neighborhood. It is known for being Amsterdam’s Red Light District, but it also has very nice canals and the Oude Kerk. The Oude Kerk is a church from the 14th century that is now used to host different events, including concerts.
Begijnhof
Walk 10 minutes south of De Wallen to Begijnhof, a tranquil part of Amsterdam that consists of a group of houses built around a secluded courtyard and garden. It also has a 15th-century Gothic chapel. Take some photos of this historical part of the city!
Want to visit Keukenhof?
If you want to go to Keukenhof, I recommend going between April and the beginning of May. This is when the best weather occurs and the tulips are in full bloom. Tours are available on GetYourGuide.
Alternative Attractions
If you have extra time, want to try something else, or if any attractions are too crowded for your liking or are unexpectedly closed, here are some other things to do:
- See tulips in Keukenhof between April and May
- Many tours are offered from Amsterdam on Viator and GetYourGuide
- Nemo Science Museum
- Tickets: €21.50 for those 4 and older. Children under 4 years old can enter for free.
- Oude Kerk Amsterdam (art museum)
- Tickets: €13.50 per adult; €3.50 children 6-12; free for children up to 5
- National Maritime Museum
- Tickets: €18.50 per adult; €8.50 for children 13-17 years old; free for children 12 and under
- Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam (art museum)
- Tickets: €22.50 per adult; those under 18 years old: free
- ARTIS, which has:
- Zoo
- Aquarium
- Planetarium
- Arboretum
- Tickets: €29.50 for those 13 and older; €25.50 for children 3-12; free for children up to 2. Tickets are less expensive online than at the door.
- Heineken Experience tour
- If interested, do this on Day 3 as it’s close to the Rijksmuseum
- You can book a tour on Viator or GetYourGuide
Purchasing the I amsterdam City Card or Museumcard
The tickets for many attractions in this itinerary are discounted for those who have either of these two cards. The I amsterdam City Card gives you access to over 70 museums and attractions, as well as a bike rental, public transport (not to the Schiphol airport), and a canal cruise. For three days, it costs €110 per person. I do not think it is worth it to get an I amsterdam City Card for this itinerary. If you were exploring Amsterdam for a full week, it would make sense to buy it.
The Museumcard (Museumkaart) gives you free entry to over 400 museums in the Netherlands, including many in Amsterdam. It costs €69 per adult and is valid for 31 days for tourists. The museums in this itinerary will cost a total of €73. Personally, think this card is not worth buying for this itinerary because the itinerary is only for three days. If you will be staying in Amsterdam for longer than three days, especially if you visit other cities such as The Hague, Utrecht, and Rotterdam, I think buying this card will be worth it.
Where should you stay?
Tourists say the best area to stay in Amsterdam is Jordaan, but it’s up to you! Hotels I recommend in Amsterdam are:
Luxury: De L’Europe hotel. This hotel is located in the heart of Amsterdam, overlooking the Amstel River. Guests say the service at this hotel is exceptional and the building itself is beautiful and historic. The hotel is a 2-minute walk from the Rokin metro station.
Mid-Range: Hilton Amsterdam. This hotel is located in Amsterdam-Zuid, the southern borough of the city. If you prefer a hotel in a quieter area, this hotel is the perfect fit. This hotel is located right along a canal, giving guests great views. If you happen to be a Hilton Honors member, definitely consider this hotel. The hotel is a 15-minute walk from Vondelpark and the De Pijp metro station.
Budget: Krisotel Amsterdam, De Ware Jacob Boutique Hotel. Krisotel Amsterdam is a 15-minute walk from the Van Gogh Museum along a canal and is a short walk from the Elandsgracht tram stop. Guests appreciate the free coffee in the lobby and the clean rooms. The De Ware Jacob Boutique Hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Van Gogh Museum and a 5-minute walk from the Concertgebouw tram and bus stop.
Food Recommendations
- Foodhallen
- A food hall that offers a mix of cuisines to choose from
- The Pancake Bakery for breakfast: this is a very popular restaurant, so get there before it opens at 9am so you don’t have to wait in line!
- Omelegg City Centre (Omelegg Centrum), breakfast restaurant
- Massimo Gelato De Pijp