Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Amsterdam
Morning: Start your journey at Dam Square, the lively heart of the city, and admire the Royal Palace and Nieuwe Kerk. Nearby, visit De Wallen, the historic Red Light District, and explore its narrow streets, historic canals, and fascinating history. Stop by the Oude Kerk, the city’s oldest building, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere within its walls.
Afternoon: Grab a broodje haring (herring sandwich) from a street vendor for an authentic Dutch experience. In the afternoon, take a canal cruise to get a unique perspective of the city’s iconic waterways, lined with charming houses.
Evening: End the day with a trip to the A’DAM Lookout, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Over the Edge swing for an adrenaline rush with a view.
Save Tip: Join a group canal cruise for just €15. It’s affordable and still offered a fantastic introduction to the city.
Splurge Tip: Treat yourself to a luxury private canal cruise with champagne and gourmet snacks to enjoy the canals in peace.
Day 2: Art and Nature
Morning: Start the day at Museumplein, home to three world-famous museums. First, visit the Rijksmuseum, where masterpieces like Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s Milkmaid await. Allow 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the collection. Next, explore the Van Gogh Museum, which chronicles the life and works of one of history’s most beloved artists. See iconic pieces like Sunflowers and The Bedroom while learning about Van Gogh’s struggles and genius.
Afternoon: Take a midday break at Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s most famous park. Rent a bike to explore its tree-lined paths, or relax by one of its ponds with a sandwich from a nearby café.
Evening: Ventured back into the Red Light District. Be warned, there will be a lot of people but still worth going as this place really offers a unique experience. Consider watching one of the adult shows or just wander around the many sex shops lining up the street.
Save Tip: Instead of paying for a guided tour of Museumplein, use a free smartphone apps with detailed museum guides and maps.
Splurge Tip: If you are a Van Gogh fan, you can opt for a private tour of the Van Gogh Museum complete with behind-the-scenes stories and early access.
Day 3: History and Hidden Gems
Morning: Begin your morning with a visit to the Anne Frank House. Walk through the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding during WWII, and learn about her remarkable diary. Reserve tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment. Afterward, explore the Jordaan District, a maze of charming streets filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and quaint cafes. Stop at Winkel 43 to try their famous apple pie with a dollop of whipped cream.
Afternoon: Head to Begijnhof, a serene courtyard hidden in the city center. This peaceful spot is surrounded by historic homes, including the oldest wooden house in Amsterdam. Next, visit the Amsterdam Museum to delve deeper into the city’s history, from its humble beginnings as a fishing village to its status as a global trading hub.
Evening: Take a short train ride (about 15 minutes) to Haarlem for dinner. Haarlem is a picturesque town that’s often overlooked by tourists, but it’s brimming with charm similar to Amsterdam but without the crowd. Walk around the grand Grote Markt, the heart of the town, before settling down for dinner at one of the many nice restaurants by the Canal.
Save Tip: Join a free walking tour of the Jordaan District and but don’t forget to tip your guide.
Splurge Tip: One of the most famous eateries in this town is Jopenkerk. This unique brewery is housed in a former church, serving locally brewed beer and Dutch snacks and food.
Day 4: Day Trip
Take a scenic train ride to Zaanse Schans, a picturesque village showcasing traditional Dutch windmills, wooden houses, and crafts. Visit working windmills like De Kat, where pigments are ground into paint, and learn about clog-making and cheese production at local workshops.
If you’re visiting in spring, head to Keukenhof Gardens instead, where millions of tulips create a kaleidoscope of color. Walk through themed gardens, admire intricate flower displays, and capture perfect photos of the Dutch countryside.
Save Tip: Use public transport to reach Zaanse Schans or Keukenhof instead of a guided tour. It is fairly easy to get to.
Splurge Tip: Book a hot air balloon ride over the tulip fields near Keukenhof. Seeing the colors stretch out like a rainbow from above is amazing.
Amsterdam can be an expensive city so if you are planning to visit multiple tourist attractions, I strongly suggest getting the I AM AMSTERDAM city card. It’s convenient and can save you a lot of money.