Amsterdam, Netherlands is one of the world’s most vibrant cities. With a stunning landscape of canals and an incredible number of attractions, determining the best way to spend 3 days in Amsterdam can be tricky.
No need to worry! Our detailed 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary covers everything you need to plan your trip to the Netherlands.
Our site utilizes Affiliate Links. If you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
How To Plan Trips to Amsterdam
It is easy to get overwhelmed when planning a trip to Amsterdam. There is so much to see and do in the city!
In addition to determining what to see during three days in Amsterdam, travelers are also tasked with figuring out how to get there, where to stay and what to pack.
Don’t fret! We cover it all – and much more – in this Amsterdam 3 Day Itinerary trip plan.
As you begin to make travel plans, it is essential to track the details. We recommend staying organized with our Printable Travel Planner!
Amsterdam Itinerary 3 Days
We include the top places to visit and Amsterdam travel tips, as well. Fellow travelers can use our Amsterdam 3-Day Itinerary to plan their perfect vacation.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Amsterdam Travel Guide to plan your trip to Holland!
Day 1: Explore Central Amsterdam
Begin your three days in Amsterdam exploring the heart of the city. Set off on foot to see the historic sights, then hop aboard a boat for a canal ride. End your day experiencing Amsterdam’s iconic nightlife.
Walking Route to Top Amsterdam Tourist Attractions
There are several organized walks and private tour guides, but we think it is best to explore at your own pace. Therefore, we created an Amsterdam Walking Tour that takes in the best city sights and attractions.
The route – which is essentially a loop – can take as little as two hours. However, we have sprinkled our Amsterdam tour with sightseeing suggestions that can definitely fill an entire day.
Our step-by-step directions and helpful map links make it simple to get from sight-to-sight…even on your first day in Amsterdam!
Sights on Our Amsterdam Walk
Our walk starts at the gorgeous Amsterdam Central Station and travels south through Old Town Amsterdam to Dam Square – with a few detours down hidden lanes and a few stops for nibbles.
After touring the historic sights in and around Dam Square, the walk continues past De Oude Kerk (the oldest building in the city), to the Our Lord in the Attic secret church Museum and then weaves through the notorious Amsterdam Red Light District.
Continuing through Chinatown and past more ancient buildings to the Rembrandt House Museum. One of the many museums you can include in your 3 Day Amsterdam Itinerary.
Next up is the city’s best outdoor flea market, the modern opera house and the iconic Blue Bridge.
Just a short walk from the city’s famous bridge are numerous museums (like the Hermitage Art Museum and the Museum Van Loon Canal House) and a legendary sandwich shop, Eetsalon Van Dobben (which is a great spot for lunch!).
After a bite to eat, the walk continues through the famous floating Flower Market and along the some of the most beautiful Amsterdam canals.
The route continues, passing by Amsterdam landmarks – like the Anne Frank House and Westerkerk – and ends in the inviting Jordaan neighborhood, which features elegant gabled houses and the Tulip Museum.
Our Self Guided Walking Tour is ideal for visitors on their first day, because throughout it, we highlight must-see sights and some of the best Amsterdam Museums.
Top Travel Tip: Visitors who plan on including museums in their 3 Day Itinerary for Amsterdam should consider purchasing the City Card to save money on entrance fees.
Amsterdam Boat Tour
After touring on foot, complete your first day of sightseeing with an Amsterdam canal cruise. Cruising the canal is a must for your 3 Days Amsterdam Itinerary!
The network of canals – which are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – create a unique landscape that is best seen from the water.
The Amsterdam City Card that we recommend using for visiting museums also includes a Sightseeing Canal Cruise. That said, visitors have many choices Amsterdam boat cruises – and we are sharing a few of the best for Day 1 of your 3 day Amsterdam trip.
Sightseeing Boat Amsterdam
The classic 75-minute Blue Boat Tour is one of the most popular Amsterdam cruises. It includes a (somewhat silly, but still informative) recorded commentary.
Wine & Cheese Candlelight Cruise
Experience the canals after dark on a candlelit cruise. The 60-minute Cruise includes unlimited wine and soft drinks, as well as an assortment of cheeses, highlighted by the Captain’s commentary.
Amsterdam Night Cruise with Pizza
Traveling families and friends can enjoy a casual end-of-day cruise while feasting on fresh-baked pizza and unlimited wine and beer. Find out more!
Luxury Dinner Cruise
For a more elegant experience that includes sipping Prosecco and feasting on a four-course dinner, join this Luxury Dinner Cruise on the Amsterdam canals.
Dinner in Amsterdam
On Day 1 of your 3 Days Itinerary in Amsterdam, get a taste of classic Dutch food at one of the city’s most loved restaurants.
Indulge in a savory Dutch pancake, try stamppot at Restaurant Moeder’s or feast on a range of traditional eats at De Blauwe Hollander.
Pro Travel Tip: For tips on what and where to eat in Amsterdam, use our guide to the Best Dutch Food.
Amsterdam Nightlife
End Day 1 in Amsterdam partaking in the illustrious nightlife. The city is said to be home to more than 1,100 bars, however, pubs aren’t the only places that get lively at night.
Cannabis coffeeshops, where they sell inexpensive marijuana joints, and the erotic Red Light District are other nighttime Amsterdam attractions.
Pro Travel Tip: Unsure about venturing into the Red Light District on your own? Join a local guide for an eye-opening and informative Amsterdam Night Tour through the infamous district and associated sights.
Day 2: Discover Amsterdam Neighborhoods
On Day 2 of your Amsterdam three-day itinerary, discover the sights in some of the best neighborhoods beyond the historic Centrum.
Get Outside of Amsterdam Centrum
Spend the day discovering what lies beyond touristic Centrum. The Amsterdam districts outside the canal ring feature chic eateries, thought-provoking museums, lush parks and riveting art districts.
De Pijp: Street Market and Breakfast
Start your day in the De Pijp District. One Amsterdam’s hippest neighborhoods that sits just south of Centrum and boasts the city’s best marketplace, Albert Cuyp Market.
Peruse the goods for sale at the famous Albert Cuypmarkt outdoor market (open 9am-5pm, closed Sunday) and sample delicious Dutch cheeses and other goodies along the way.
Pop over to Sarphatipark for a quiet start to the day or queue up for breakfast at The Avocado Show, one of De Pijp’s most popular eateries.
Museumkwartier: Museums and Park
Mid-morning, head into the Museumkwartier. Just west of De Pijp, the Museum Quarter is home to many – you guessed it – Amsterdam museums.
While we typically don’t spend a great deal of time in museums, we think the museums in Amsterdam are incredible.
Pro Tip: Visitors who have zero interest in going to museums in Amsterdam will still want to see this district – as the architecture is amazing.
Visit the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum (free with the City Card) is housed in a striking brick building and displays an impressive art collection, including world-famous masterpieces. It is a must-see in Amsterdam.
The highlight of the museum is The Night Watch by Dutch artist, Rembrandt. The colossal painting is dramatic and mesmerizing.
That said, there are so many art-filled rooms that visitors could easily spend an entire day inside the Rijksmuseum.
We recommend, however, spending just 1 or 2 hours enjoying the Rijksmuseum highlights before continuing your day of Amsterdam sightseeing.
There are many museums that you can include in your 3 day trip to Amsterdam, but be sure to keep an eye on the time if you want to continue sightseeing more!
Just steps from the Rijksmuseum is the Van Gogh Museum (also free with the City Card), which details the artist’s life and features his works.
Other nearby sights are the Moco Modern Art Museum and the House of Bols Cocktail and Genever (Gin) Experience.
Stroll through Vondelpark
Established in 1865, Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest urban green space. Featuring intertwining trails, ponds and statues (look for The Fish sculpture by Pablo Picasso), the park is popular with both locals and tourists.
Other park highlights include an open-air theater, restaurants and it often hosts festivals in the summer. There is even a hidden bunker-turned-cultural hub near the Van Baerlestraat bridge (but we couldn’t find the way inside!).
Pro Tip: Fans of quirky architecture will want to find the nearby Zevenlandenhuizen – Seven Country Houses, which are 7 houses standing together just north of the park, each representing a different country.
Amsterdam Oud-West
By now, you are probably getting hungry for lunch. Luckily, there are plenty of places in Oud-West Amsterdam to get your fill.
Developed in the 19th century, Old West Amsterdam hosts a number of cool cafes, designer boutique shops and trendy restaurants.
The most notable attraction is the renovated tram depot that now serves as a food hall and cultural center, De Hallen.
Eat Lunch at Foodhallen
The indoor food hall – called Foodhallen – is the centerpiece of the De Hallen project (that also includes the Filmhallen cinema and a hotel).
The food hall is an indoor, upscale street food experience. Guests can choose from more than 20 kiosks operated by local restaurants serving everything from Japanese sushi to American burgers to classic Dutch Bitterballen.
Foodhallen is a great choice for travelers planning an Amsterdam Itinerary for families or groups of friends. Everyone can order food they want – or order small snacks from several vendors to assemble a meal full of variety!
Amsterdam Noord
From Foodhallen, hop on a tram to Amsterdam Central Station and take the free ferry across the IJ waterway to one of the city’s most eccentric districts, Amsterdam Noord.
Once an industrial and unfavorable area, Amsterdam North has become a hub for creative concepts and artistic expressions.
The district covers a lot of terrain, but there are three things not to miss in Amsterdam Noord: A’DAM, NDSM and Amsterdam Craft Breweries.
Pro Tip: It is possible to walk between these sights, but it may be quicker to take the free ferries – even though you will need to backtrack to Central Station. Using the buses is another way to get around Amsterdam Noord.
A’DAM Lookout and Cool Museums
Built in the 1960s as an office building, the 100-meter-high A’DAM Tower was redeveloped in 2016 as a mixed-use work space-slash-tourist attraction.
The A’DAM tower features a rooftop observation deck (free with the Amsterdam City Card), Over The Edge Swings and a restaurant and bar.
In addition to A’DAM Lookout, there are two cool museums nearby that travelers might want to include in their 3 Days in Amsterdam itinerary: Nxt Museum and WONDER Experience.
Cool Museums near A’DAM
Nxt Museum is a technology and multimedia sensory museum that offers interactive experiences and digital artworks.
WONDR Experience is something that is quite unique – as it encourages adults to become kids again and kids to be creative.
Some of the most popular immersive experiences are the Ballpit, the Marshmallow Pool, Fluffy Karaoke Booth and the Cloud Room. It’s a fun space for photo ops and creativity during your Amsterdam trip!
NDSM Artistic District
Nowhere in Amsterdam is artistic expression more evident than in the NDSM District. The industrial port has been revitalized with colorful street art murals, funky bars and cool hangouts, like Pllek.
Travelers can stroll in search of the best street art and then visit the STRAAT Museum (get tickets in advance) that houses an excellent collection of street art.
Pro Tip: Visitors who want to stay in the NDSM District can book a room on the docked Amstel Botel or spring for a really unique experience and get a room inside the repurposed Crane Hotel Faralda.
Craft Breweries in Amsterdam North
Amsterdam Craft Brewers have also made use of the industrial spaces in North Amsterdam – and at this point in the day, we are certain you are getting thirsty.
Oedipus Brewing utilizes a large colorful decorated warehouse as a stylish place to drink their crafted brew. Meanwhile, nearby Walhalla Craft Beer has transformed a garage space into an intimate and cozy taproom.
Amsterdam-Oost
Continue your day of Amsterdam neighborhood exploration on the second day of your Amsterdam Three Day Itinerary and step into the Amsterdam Oost district.
The multicultural Amsterdam East neighborhood is a sprawling residential district that encompasses parks, top tourist attractions, a street market, international restaurants and a slew of creative bars.
Oh, and the neighborhood hosts the closest windmill to Amsterdam Centrum, as well!
Het Scheepvaartmuseum National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum, Het Scheepvaartmuseum, is an interesting place to visit for travelers interested in learning about the Dutch Golden Age and history of the Netherlands. Plus, it is free with the Amsterdam Card.
Featuring several interactive exhibits displayed in a former storehouse, the top attraction at the Maritime Museum is the gorgeous replica 18th century wooden ship. Visitors are free to roam the interior.
Pro Tip: The NEMO Science Museum sits just across the water from the Maritime Museum and is an excellent destination for families planning a trip to Amsterdam.
De Gooyer Windmill in Amsterdam City
Wondering where to see windmills in Amsterdam? You just have to go to Amsterdam-Oost! De Gooyer stands as the tallest wooden windmill in the Netherlands, reaching a height of 87 feet.
A national monument, the De Gooyer Windmill was built in 1609. Unfortunately, it is not open to the public.
Fortunately, right next door is one of the first and finest craft breweries in Amsterdam, Brouwerij ‘t IJ, which occupies a former bathhouse.
Pro Tip: There are other windmills close to Amsterdam in Zaanse Schans. The free park is open year-round and can be accessed by Sprinter Train in just 30 minutes. Visiting these windmills can be done on Day 3 of your Amsterdam Itinerary.
Dinner and Drinks in Amsterdam East
End Day 2 of your 3 Day Trip with a delicious meal and a few drinks in East Amsterdam. Some of the best Dutch craft beer bars are in East – and they serve amazing food, as well.
Our top picks are De Biertuin or De Eeuwige Jeugd. That said, visitors who want to get a taste of Amsterdam’s famous Indonesian fare can enjoy Rijsttafel (which translates to Rice Table) at stylish Mama Maken.
For after dinner drinks, make your way to Bar JOOST, a local corner pub with friendly bar staff and an amazing drink menu. Another fine option is Brouwerij Poesiat & Kater, a fashionable spot in a historic canal building.
Day 3: Experiences, Tours and Day Trips
On Day 3 of your Amsterdam Trip Itinerary, see more of the region on one of the many day tours. Visitors can join organized Amsterdam excursions or plan their own adventures.
Amsterdam Day Trips
Travelers with only 3 days in the Netherlands should venture beyond the Amsterdam city limits for a broader experience. Amsterdam is well-connected for numerous day tours that allow visitors to see a variety of sights.
Short trips to places like Haarlem or Zaanse Schans are easy jaunts. Longer day trips are possible to cities like Rotterdam and The Hague.
However, day trips to other countries – like Belgium – are also surprisingly easy to organize. Below we highlight the most popular side trips from Amsterdam.
Day Trip to Haarlem
Visiting Haarlem is one of the best day trips from Amsterdam – and a great addition to your 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary. The city is just 12 miles – a 20-minute train ride – from the city center.
Top sights include the Medieval city square and market, a beautifully persevered windmill, the Corrie ten Boom House and hidden courtyard gardens. Find out more in our article: Best Things To Do in Haarlem.
Day Trip to Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is a typical 18th century village, complete with historic windmills, wooden houses and artisan shops. Visitors can plan their own Amsterdam-Zaanse Schans day trip or join an inexpensive tour.
Get the details of a short half-day Amsterdam village tour of the Zaanse Schans Windmills (which will leave time to discover Haarlem on your own later in the day). Or, consider joining a longer Countryside Tour that also includes the towns of Volendam and Edam.
Amsterdam to Rotterdam Day Trip
It is simple enough to get from Amsterdam to Rotterdam – the quickest trains make the journey in just under 40 minutes.
A historic port city, Rotterdam adopted a bold, modern architectural style when it was rebuilt after World War II.
Amsterdam to The Hague Day Trip
Another one of the easy excursions, a trip to The Hague from Amsterdam takes just a bit longer (about 50 minutes) than the ride to Rotterdam.
The Hague is the seat of the Dutch Parliament and home to the Noordeinde Palace, one of three Dutch Royal Family palaces.
Amsterdam, The Hague, Delft, Rotterdam Tour
Visitors can book a combination Hague, Delft, Rotterdam Tour from Amsterdam to see all three in one day.
The tour includes modern Rotterdam, a famous food market, river cruise, the Delft Dutch ceramic factory (responsible for the famous blue tiles), The Hague Parliament Houses and the Dutch King’s palace.
Day Trip to Utrecht from Amsterdam
Boasting a Medieval Old Town, a Gothic Cathedral and Christian monuments, Utrecht is just a quick 25 minutes from Amsterdam by train.
Rather than going on your own, book a private tour to Utrecht – that also includes a stop in Muiderslot to see the 700-year-old Castle.
Day Trip to Nijmegen from Amsterdam
Located in eastern Netherlands, near the German border, Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands.
The history of Nijmegen dates to Roman times and features a 13th century church. Find out more about what to see and do in our complete article: Things To Do in Nijmegen.
Amsterdam Day Trip to Windmills at Kinderdijk
Although not as close as Zaanse Schans, day trips from Amsterdam to see windmills at Kinderdijk are worth the extra time.
The Kinderdijk Windmills – which are still functioning – are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Going to Kinderdijk was one of the highlights of our Amsterdam to Budapest River Cruise.
Visitors can book a Kinderdijk Tour from Amsterdam that also includes a stop in The Hague to see highlights.
Amsterdam to Bruges Day Trip
Delightful Bruges, Belgium is a Medieval city of curving cobblestone lanes and picturesque canals. Visitors can plan their own trip using trains (expect about 3 hours each way).
However, on an organized Bruges Day Tour from Amsterdam, participants will travel with a knowledgeable guide, go on a tour through the city and have free time to explore on their own.
Amsterdam to Brussels Day Trip
Brussels, Belgium features a number of sights, including the Royal Palace, guild houses of the 17th century and the famous Manneken Pis statue.
A high-speed train can get passengers to Brussels from Amsterdam in less than two hours. Taking a guided tour incudes transportation, a walking tour and chocolate tasting!
Amsterdam Travel Tips
Now that you know the best places to visit in Amsterdam in 3 days, we have a few more tips for your trip!
Trip to Amsterdam Cost
As we already mentioned, Amsterdam is pricey. However, it is possible to visit Amsterdam in 3 days and stay on budget.
In our travel tips for Amsterdam below, we include expected costs and advice on how to save money on your trip.
Amsterdam Accommodations
One of the biggest problems for budget travelers is finding affordable accommodations in Amsterdam.
Visitors can expect to spend at least $150 per night on Amsterdam hotels – and even more if staying in the heart of the city.
One of the most elegant hotels in the city is the InterContinental Amstel, which offers rooms for more than $400 per night. Don’t worry – we have a few tips for finding cheap hotels in Amsterdam.
Ibis Budget Hotel
The most affordable hotel in Amsterdam we have stayed at is the Ibis Budget. It is far from the center near the airport – but there is a convenient bus that can get travelers to and from the city center.
Volkshotel
Not a cheap Amsterdam hotel (but definitely more affordable that city center options), the modern and stylish Volkshotel is in Amsterdam South.
The Volkshotel is well-priced and located steps from a convenient Metro stop – but what we loved was the artistic rooms, cool co-working space and rooftop hot tubs.
Amsterdam Hostels
Hostel dorms are a good choice for budget travelers, but for affordable beds, we recommend looking outside of central. The Flying Pig Uptown and ClinkNOORD Hostel are both highly rated by fellow travelers.
Alternate Amsterdam Accommodations
Rather than staying in a hotel for your 3 days in Amsterdam, consider alternate accommodations, like Airbnb or housesitting.
Airbnb Apartments can cost less than hotels and have the added benefit of a kitchen, so visitors can prepare breakfast and other simple meals at home.
That said, on a 3-Day Amsterdam Trip, the extra fees can add up quickly. Be sure to check the final price to make sure you are actually saving money.
House and Pet Sitting is another option for travelers. You can read about how we’ve stayed in Amsterdam for free as International House Sitters!
Amsterdam Sightseeing Card
While there are many free things to do in Amsterdam, most of the museums and attractions charge an entry fee.
A ticket to the Rijksmuseum costs more than 20 euros and going to the top of the A’DAM Tower will cost more then 15 Euros. The cost of sightseeing in Amsterdam can definitely add up.
Therefore, an I Amsterdam City Card is essential if visiting the best museums and top attractions!
We used a 3-Day City Card – which covers the entry to more than 70 attractions, includes all public transportation and offers discounts at restaurants and shops, too.
At the end of our trip, we calculated how much we saved by using the card; the savings exceeded $100 – so, the card is definitely worth it!
Getting to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is very well-connected; visitors can arrive via plane, train, boat, bus or car.
We prefer flying (we are JetSetting Fools, after all!) and when we start looking for flights, we use SkyScanner as our go-to source.
That said, we offer tips for finding best prices on airfare that all travelers will want to use (because no one likes paying more for flights than necessary!).
Getting around Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a walkable city – with flat terrain and a grid layout – and walking is always free!
However, when distances are too far to travel on foot, there is a fabulous network of public transportation. Metro, Trams, Buses and (free) ferries can be used to get around.
And, keep in mind that all public transport is free for visitors who purchase a City Card. Getting around with a bicycle rental is another way to quickly get around the city.
Amsterdam Holidays
There are several celebrated Dutch public holidays throughout the year – and visitors planning trips to Amsterdam should be aware of them.
On public holidays in Amsterdam, government offices are closed, as well as most restaurants, shops and attractions. Check the public holiday calendar and read our post about Spending Christmas in Amsterdam!
One of the most celebrated holidays in the Netherlands is King’s Day on April 27. The day is marked by festivals, parties and the color orange (so pack accordingly if your 3 Days in Amsterdam trip falls on the date).
What You Will Need For Your Trip to Amsterdam
Before you go on your Amsterdam trip, we have some additional advice and packing hacks. How about a free packing list?
Walking Shoes
Our 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary covers some ground! You will want to be sure to pack comfortable travel walking shoes for your trip. I wear trainers by New Balance and Kris prefers Merrell Shoes.
Travel Camera
Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities in the world – make sure you have an actual camera to capture the sights!
We use a DSLR Canon Rebel with an everyday 18-135mm lens, which takes fantastic photos and is a super budget camera option.
Weather Gear
Amsterdam experiences all four seasons – with summers being fairly warm and winters bringing colder weather.
That said, it can rain year-round. Make sure you are prepared for foul weather with a travel umbrella and a packable raincoat.
Travel Day Pack
Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you will also want a great day pack to use while exploring Amsterdam.
We carry small backpacks to organize and secure all of our essentials – like camera, phones, wallet, keys and everyday travel items.
Amsterdam Travel Insurance
Trip insurance may offer protection in the event of cancellations or if luggage is lost, and could also be helpful if travelers become ill or get injured abroad. Check rates and coverage at World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to the Netherlands! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.
