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.
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How To Plan Trips to Amsterdam
It is easy to get overwhelmed when planning an Amsterdam trip. There is just so much to do in the city!
In addition to determining what to see during three days, you are also tasked with figuring out how to get around, 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 prepare for your getaway, 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 some honest travel tips. You can use our Amsterdam 3-Day Itinerary to plan your perfect European 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 the iconic nightlife.
Walking Route to Top Amsterdam Attractions
There are several organized walks and private tour guides, but we believe it is best to explore at your own pace. Therefore, we created an Amsterdam Walking Tour that takes in the best city sights.
The route – which is essentially a loop – can take as little as two hours. However, we have sprinkled in sightseeing suggestions that can definitely fill an entire day.
Our step-by-step directions and helpful maps make it simple to get from one stop to the next…even on your first day in Amsterdam!
Budget Tip: Those who plan on including museums in their Amsterdam Itinerary can save some money by purchasing the City Card.
Amsterdam Boat Tour
After touring on foot, complete your first day of sightseeing with an Amsterdam canal cruise.
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 City Card that we recommend using for visiting museums also includes a cruise. That said, you have many choices of canal boat cruises and we are sharing two of the best.
This classic 75-minute Blue Boat Tour is one of the most popular Amsterdam cruises. It includes a (somewhat silly, but still informative) recorded commentary.
Alternatively, experience the canals after dark on an exceptional evening cruise! It’s a fabulous way to take in the illuminated city. Live commentary is provided and there is an on-board bar where you can purchase drinks.
Dinner in Amsterdam
Now get a taste of some classic food from the Netherlands at one of the city’s most loved restaurants.
Indulge in a savory Dutch pancake at the Pancake Bakery, try stamppot at Restaurant Moeder’s or feast on a range of traditional eats at De Blauwe Hollander.
Foodie Tip: For more on what and where to eat in Amsterdam, use our guide to the Best Dutch Food!
Amsterdam Nightlife
End day 1partaking 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 hot-spots.
Pro Tip: Unsure about venturing into the Red Light on your own? Join a local guide for an eye-opening and informative Amsterdam Night Tour through the infamous area.
Day 2: Discover Amsterdam Neighborhoods
On day 2 of your Amsterdam Itinerary, discover some of the best neighborhoods beyond the historic center.
Get Outside of Amsterdam Centrum
The Amsterdam districts outside the canal ring feature chic eateries, thought-provoking museums, lush parks and riveting art districts.
De Pijp: Breakfast and Street Market
Start off in De Pijp, one of Amsterdam’s hippest neighborhoods. Grab breakfast at Florentin Brunch or Omelegg. Then, pop over to Sarphatipark for a slice of nature.
Now peruse the goods for sale at the Albert Cuyp Market (open 9:30am-5pm, closed Sunday) and sample delicious Dutch cheeses and other goodies along the way.
Amsterdam Museums and Vondelpark
Mid-morning, head into the Museumkwartier. Just west of De Pijp, it is home to many – you guessed it – museums!
The Rijksmuseum (free with the City Card) is housed in a striking brick building and displays an impressive art collection, including world-famous masterpieces.
The highlight 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 you could easily spend an entire day here. We recommend, however, staying for 1 or 2 hours enjoying the highlights before continuing on..
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.
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), it’s popular with both locals and tourists.
Other 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. The “Seven Country Houses” stand together, each representing a different country.
Amsterdam Oud-West
By now, you are probably getting hungry for lunch. Luckily, there are plenty of places in Old West Amsterdam to get your fill!
Developed in the 19th century, the area hosts a number of cool cafes, designer boutique shops and trendy restaurants.
The most notable is the renovated tram depot that now serves as a food hall and cultural center, De Hallen.
Foodhallen is the centerpiece of the De Hallen project that also includes the Filmhallen cinema and a hotel.
You can choose from more than 20 kiosks operated by local restaurants serving everything from Japanese sushi to American burgers to classic Dutch Bitterballen.
This is a great choice for families or groups of friends. Everyone can get what they are craving – or order small snacks from several vendors to assemble a meal full of variety!
Amsterdam Noord
From Foodhallen, hop a tram to Central Station and take the free ferry across the IJ waterway to an eccentric enclave.
Once an industrial and unfavorable area, Amsterdam Noord 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: A’DAM, NDSM and Amsterdam Craft Breweries.
Built in the 1960s as an office building, the A’DAM Tower was redeveloped in 2016 as a mixed-use work space and tourist attraction.
It features a rooftop observation deck (free with the City Card), Over The Edge Swings and a restaurant and bar.
Additionally, there are two cool museums nearby that you might want to include in your 3 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary.
Nxt Museum is a technology and multimedia sensory venue 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.
Nowhere is artistic expression more evident than in the NDSM district. The industrial port has been revitalized with colorful art murals, funky bars and cool hangouts, like Pllek.
You can stroll in search of the best street art and then visit the STRAAT (get tickets in advance) that houses an excellent collection of street art.
Amsterdam Craft Brewers have also made use of the industrial spaces – and at this point in the day, you just might be getting thirsty.
Oedipus Brewing utilizes a large colorful warehouse as a stylish place to drink their crafted brew. Meanwhile, nearby Walhalla has transformed a garage into an intimate and cozy taproom.
Travel Tip: It is possible to walk between all of these, but it may be quicker to take the free ferries – even though you will need to backtrack to Central Station.
Amsterdam-Oost
The multicultural Amsterdam East neighborhood is a sprawling residential district that encompasses parks, a few tourist attractions, international restaurants and a slew of creative bars.
Oh, the neighborhood hosts the closest windmill to Amsterdam Centrum, as well!
The National Maritime Museum is an excellent place to learn 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 is the gorgeous replica 18th century wooden ship.
Wondering where to see windmills in Amsterdam? You just have to go to the 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.
Now it’s time for a delicious meal and a few beverages in East Amsterdam. Some of the best Dutch craft beer bars are located here – and they serve amazing food, as well.
Our top picks are De Biertuin or De Eeuwige Jeugd. That said, if you want to get a taste of Amsterdam’s famous Indonesian fare, head for Mama Maken.
For after dinner drinks, make your way to Bar JOOST, a corner pub with friendly staff. Another option is Brouwerij Poesiat & Kater, a fashionable spot in a historic canal building.
Day 3: Amsterdam Day Trips and Tours
On day 3 of your Amsterdam Trip Itinerary, see more of the region on one of the many day tours. You can join organized excursions or plan your own adventures.
Day Trips from Amsterdam
Amsterdam is well-connected and that allow you to see a variety of sights. Short trips to places like Haarlem (like a mini-Amsterdam) or Zaanse Schans (for windmills) are easy hops. Longer jaunts are also possible to Rotterdam and The Hague.
Day Trip to Haarlem
Visiting Haarlem is 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 courtyards. Find out more in our article: Best Things To Do in Haarlem.
Day Trip to Zaanse Schans
This is a typical 18th century village, complete with windmills, wooden houses and artisan shops.
Choosing this half-day tour will leave time to discover Haarlem on your own later in the day. Or, consider joining a longer Countryside Tour that also includes visiting towns in rural Holland.
Amsterdam to Rotterdam
It is simple enough to get to Rotterdam from Amsterdam on your own – 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
Another one of the easy excursions, a trip to The Hague from Amsterdam takes just a few minutes longer than the ride to Rotterdam.
The Hague is the seat of the Dutch Parliament and home to Noordeinde, one of three Dutch Royal Family palaces.
Hague, Delft and Rotterdam
You could also book a combination Hague, Delft, Rotterdam Tour to see all three in one day!
The tour includes modern Rotterdam, a famous food market, river cruise, the Delft Dutch ceramic factory, The Hague Parliament Houses and the Dutch King’s palace.
Day Trip to Utrecht
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.
Visit Nijmegen from Amsterdam
Located in the far eastern part of the country, 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 Kinderdijk
Although not as close as Zaanse Schans, day trips from Amsterdam to see the windmills at Kinderdijk are worth the extra time!
The Kinderdijk Windmills – which are still functioning – are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stopping here was one of the highlights of our Amsterdam to Budapest River Cruise.
You can book a multi-stop, full-day Kinderdijk Tour from Amsterdam that also includes the crafts and sights of Delft!
Amsterdam Travel Tips
Now that you know the best places to visit in Amsterdam in 3 days, we have some honest advice to help you have a smooth trip!
Amsterdam Accommodations
One of the biggest problems is finding affordable accommodations that won’t wreck your entire budget!
One of the most elegant hotels in the city is the InterContinental Amstel, which charges more than $400 per night.
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 to and from the city center.
The Volkshotel is well-priced and located steps from a convenient Metro stop. What we loved about staying here during Christmas in Amsterdam was the artistic rooms, cool co-working space and rooftop hot tubs!
If you want to base yourself in NDSM, you can stay at the Amstel Botel or book a really unique experience at the repurposed Crane Hotel Faralda.
Amsterdam Sightseeing Card
While there are many free things to do in Amsterdam, most places charge an entry fee. As mentioned before, we feel a City Card is essential if visiting several venues that require a ticket.
We used the 3-Day Option – which covered entry to more than 70 attractions, included all public transportation and offered discounts at restaurants and shops, too.
At the end of our trip, we calculated that the savings exceeded $100 – so, the card is definitely worth it!
Getting Around Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a walkable city – with flat terrain and a grid layout. However, when distances are too far to travel on foot, there is a fabulous network of public transportation.
Getting around with a bicycle rental is another way to quickly zip across the city. Not so sure? You can also book a bike tour and let a guide lead the way!
What You Need For Your Trip to Amsterdam
Okay, one last order of business, the dreaded packing! Don’t fret, just read all our packing hacks and grab your free checklist!
Walking Shoes
Our 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary covers some ground. You will want to be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. 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 it.
We use a DSLR Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens, which takes fantastic photos and is a super budget camera option.
Weather Gear
Amsterdam experiences all four seasons – sometimes within a few hours! Make sure you are prepared for foul weather with a travel umbrella and a packable raincoat.
Day Pack
Whether you prefer a backpack or a suitcase, you will also want a great day bag. We carry these small backpacks to organize and secure all of our essentials.
Travel Insurance
Trip insurance may offer compensation in the event of cancellations or if luggage is lost, and could also be helpful if you 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 and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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