Your Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Amsterdam
Cruise the historic canals of Amsterdam, a charming city known for its rich artistic heritage, elaborate cycle path system, and narrow, gabled houses.
Amsterdam is well connected by Schiphol Airport and by train from Paris, Brussels, and major European cities. Trams, buses, and ferries are easy to use; consider an I amsterdam City Card for transport and museums. Spring brings tulip season and higher prices; autumn is often quieter and still pleasant. Book the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum early. Cycling is a great way to see the city—rent a bike or join a tour. Explore beyond the centre in Jordaan, De Pijp, and the Nine Streets, and allow time for canal cruises and cosy brown cafés.
Discover the best landmarks, where to eat, and where to stay in Amsterdam.
Best Time to Visit Amsterdam
Spring
14°C / 6°C
Cool and breezy, tulip season
Summer
22°C / 13°C
Mild and pleasant, long days
Fall
15°C / 8°C
Crisp and colorful, frequent light rain
Winter
6°C / 2°C
Cold and damp, festive atmosphere
Day 1
Anne Frank House
Museum house where Anne Frank & her family hid from the Nazis in a secret annex, during WWII.
Morning activity: Anne Frank House.
The Pancake Bakery
Massive sweet & savory pancakes are served up at this 2-storey converted warehouse with canal views.
Lunch nearby: The Pancake Bakery.
Jordaan District
Trendy neighborhood featuring boutiques, pubs & restaurants, plus several niche museums.
Afternoon sightseeing: Jordaan District.
Foodhallen
Hip, cavernous space with stalls prepping global foods from burgers & hot dogs to dumplings & tacos.
Dinner in the area: Foodhallen.
Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Evening experience: Amsterdam Canal Cruise.
Day 2
Rijksmuseum
19th-century building housing Dutch Golden Age painting masterpieces & vast European art collection.
Morning activity: Rijksmuseum.
Albert Cuyp Market
Lunch nearby: Albert Cuyp Market.
Van Gogh Museum
Museum housing the world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings, alongside drawings & letters.
Afternoon sightseeing: Van Gogh Museum.
Restaurant De Kas
Chic garden conservatory serving Mediterranean dishes made from organic ingredients grown on-site.
Dinner in the area: Restaurant De Kas.
Red Light District
Amsterdam's medieval city center is home to a red-light district, as well as bars & coffee shops.
Evening experience: Red Light District.
Day 3
A'DAM Lookout
Elevator with a light show to a 20-story rooftop with a restaurant/bar & an over-the-edge swing.
Morning activity: A'DAM Lookout.
Cafe de Jaren
Casual international menus in a bright, airy former bank with a leafy canal-side patio & balcony.
Lunch nearby: Cafe de Jaren.
Vondelpark
Expansive, 19th-century urban park with a playground, ponds & an open-air theater.
Afternoon sightseeing: Vondelpark.
Restaurant Breda
Dinner in the area: Restaurant Breda.
Heineken Experience
Interactive tour through beer giant's history in former brewery, with a tasting room finale.
Evening experience: Heineken Experience.