Let’s do a simple experiment. Ask any of your globe-trotting travel bug friends, which would be the one place in the world they would like to re-visit. Surprisingly, a large number of the responses you get would have to be the Netherlands and the Dutch capital – Amsterdam. Almost everyone would say that they had had no idea that the city had so much to offer and they hadn’t explored it to its fullest. Our 3 Days in Amsterdam proved this amply.
Even if any of them insist that they had pretty much seen everything the city had to offer, Amsterdam still has an inexplicable charm that entices travellers after they have left and keeps pulling them back. Whether you are a first-timer or a repeat traveller, Amsterdam never fails to attract and allure. Its vibrant marketplace, culturally rich museums, cheerfully rippling canals, luscious expansive parks, bustling food joints, euphoric ‘coffee shops’- the city has an infectious energy and immediately uplifts your mood. If you’re in Amsterdam and you’re not feeling jubilant and ecstatic, you gotta be kidding! Out of all my International Trips, Amsterdam trip still remains one of my favourites!
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3 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary – Ultimate Guide to Amsterdam
First things first- if you’re planning on stopping over in the city for only a day, then you’ll be left repenting. You’ll be rushing through the most ‘touristy’ places and miss out on the layered texture that Amsterdam has. So, plan for at least 3 days in Amsterdam to make the most of your journey.
What to do in 3 days in Amsterdam? If that is what you are wondering, read on.
3 Days in Amsterdam – 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary
This 3-day itinerary tries to cover the city features along with a recommendation for a day trip. Amsterdam obviously has a lot more to offer and it’s impossible to cover the entire spectrum of attractions in 3 days. But, I have tried my best here to show you how to spend 3 days in Amsterdam.
3 Days in Amsterdam – Day 1: All About the City
We recommend Day 1 to be mostly dedicated to the city. There are some Amsterdam day trips that you can opt for but, we will keep it for the subsequent days. In case you have only one day in Amsterdam than this part of the itinerary would help you plan for the main highlights.
Start with a Canal Tour
The city is connected through multiple canals (50 km of it) and starting your exploration with a Canal Tour is a great idea. There are high-end boats available in the central area as well as more inexpensive options as well as more intimate tours in private boats. The tours last about an hour. You can start the tour from Damrak Pier 6, Rijksmuseum, Central Station East, or Leidseplein. Keep an eye out for the UNESCO-listed Canal Ring, comprising the horse-shoe shaped conglomeration of three canals- Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht.
Consider an evening Cycling around the city
Amsterdam has been declared the most bicycle-friendly city in the world and if you can ride one, then nothing like it. In fact, Amsterdam holidays would be incomplete without experiencing it astride a bicycle. You can explore the entire city and beyond on your bike at your own pace! You can check out some of the best bike tours in Amsterdam.
Let me share an interesting fact about cycling in Amsterdam. The laws in Amsterdam are so pro-cycling, that if you are on a cycle and you collide with a car, still the car driver will be considered guilty. Mind you, it’s not the car driver’s fault, but still, the laws favour the cyclists. However, if challenged in a court of law there will be a trial, but a cyclist is always innocent until proven guilty.
Don’t miss the floating Flower Market
You surely know the Dutch love their tulips! Head to the floating flower market – the only one of its kind in the world, and immerse yourself in the multi-hued vibrancy of its flora.
Opt for some Museum Tours
Believe it or not- Amsterdam has close to 50 museums! It will not be possible for you to visit them all, so pick according to your taste. If you’re not an art aficionado, it doesn’t make much sense to visit all of the art museums, and you may want to choose the main ones.
Here’s a list of some of the most visited museums. Choose a few and spend your day exploring the rich history and the liberal ambience of the city:
A quick summary of museums in Amsterdam
Van Gogh Museum– Whether you’re an art student or not, looking at the paintings of a master craftsman from up close is an exhilarating experience. The museum houses several famous paintings not only by Van Gogh but also Monet, Manet, and Matisse.
The Rijksmuseum is located right next to the Van Gogh Museum and features an extensive Rembrandt collection. The museum has on display close to 8000 artwork and will not disappoint you.
Rembrandt House Museum– Another favourite with artists, this was Rembrandt’s residence from 1639 to 1658.
Museum Van Loon– It’s a canal house built in 1672, located on the Keizersgracht canal in Amsterdam. Belonging to the wealthy Van Loon merchant family, the museum houses several vintage furniture, art, and family portraits.
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam – Modern art lovers will marvel at the works on display here.
Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum — Use and sale of cannabis is legal in Amsterdam and this museum presents all kinds of information related to the use of hemp throughout history.
Anne frank house– This is the ‘Secret Annexe’ where Anne Frank hid with her family during WW2. Though she did not survive the war, her diary, written while hiding here, has been read widely as a testimony to the horrors of the holocaust.
Amsterdam History Museum– Memorabilia celebrating the growth and progress of the city from one era to another is found aplenty here and is a quick way to understand the layers of history that this city has witnessed.
Heineken Experience: Not a typical museum but rather a close-up experience to see the beer-making process and how Heineken, a small brewery at the start, went on to become one of the most popular beer brands in the world. You can book tours in advance for this Heineken experience.
Not a Museum person? Head to Adam’s Lookout
A giant swing over a high building. That’s Adam’s Lookout! A very good way to get a bird’s eye view of Amsterdam city. Close to Adam’s lookout, search for “This Is Holland” Experience. A simulation of flying over Amsterdam, ‘This is Holland’ gives you an impressive indulgence of all that Amsterdam has to offer!
Once you’re done with your attraction hopping, head to the quieter Jordaan area and try some of the refreshing delicacies served in its many restaurants and cafes. This locality used to be a working-class area and is not often visited which will give you a closer and intimate glimpse into the interiors of the city.
You could also hang out in the cafes of the De Pijp area. Once the light goes down, go for a walk to the famous red-light district in Amsterdam, the area that is famous for Amsterdam attractions for adults.
Red Light District
Use your discretion here if you have elderly or children travelling with you. As the name suggests, this is the famous sex hub in Amsterdam which comes to life after evening sets in. You will see prostitutes thronging the windows, sex toy shops and even a sex museum here. Be respectful while you are walking along as the place is guarded by cops. If you ask me, I wasn’t impressed by this area, though for many a walk in this area would rank as one of the top things to do in Amsterdam at night.
End your day trying out one of the many pubs that add to the buzzing nightlife of the city.
3 Days in Amsterdam – Day 2: Let us head out!
Opt for a Marken Beach Tour
Take a tour out of the main city to the beautiful beach of Marken. It was formerly a fishing island and still holds on to its characteristic wooden houses built on ‘Werven’ or poles as protection from irregular tides and floods. Also, visit the Marken museum to taste the authentic history of the place as well as the ‘Paard van Marken’– the lighthouse that gives breath-taking views of the scenery around. Please note, the lighthouse is not accessible to the public, so you might not be able to take in the view from the top of the lighthouse. Amsterdam is well known for its canals and museums, but the Amsterdam beach is indeed a bonus.
However, when you are returning from the lighthouse, take a slight detour and go for a hike in the woods. At Sunset, you can get some really beautiful views of the sunset. Search for Marker Landtong on maps and you will be able to discover this beautiful hike
Getting there is easy- hop on to Bus 315 from Noord station (buses leave every 30 mins) and reach Marken in about 30 mins. You can also hire a cab or take a ferry. The best way is the bus, but be sure to note the timing of the last bus to leave from Marken for Amsterdam or you might have to spend the night at Marken if you don’t catch the last bus.
Noord
If you left Marken earlier and didn’t wait for the Sunset, you can consider going to Noord on your way back. The A’Dam Lookout Tower here offers a bird’s eye view of the wide expanse of the city. This is the ‘hip’ part of Amsterdam and has eclectic styles of architecture and pretty waterside eateries. Check out the NDSM Werf – a former shipyard that has been transformed into a free alternative art exhibition.
Parks
End your day relaxing at one of Amsterdam’s many lush green parks. Vondelpark is the most famous, hence the most crowded as well. If you want a quieter getaway, walk or cycle to Oosterpark (30 mins from the city centre) or Begijnhof, a pretty courtyard surrounded by 14th-century cottages.
3 Days in Amsterdam – Day 3: Have Fun, you are in Amsterdam!
Today, you might consider going shopping and having fun! Keep an eye out for a calendar of festivals & concerts in Amsterdam. For example, April 27th is known as King’s Day in Netherland. On this day, thousands of Dutch folks come on roads, wearing orange and celebrate their King’s birthday. You will be able to see people distributing beer even on the roadside and it’s nothing less than a grand carnival!
Places for Shopping
You don’t want to end your trip without carrying some souvenirs back, right? Waterlooplein Flea Market is, therefore, the place to be on your last morning in Amsterdam. The market is over 130 years old and is a crazy ride through vintage and modern knick-knacks to add to your décor.
Also, add The Amsterdam Library to your list. It’s a massive building that’s hard to miss and offers great views of the city from its top-floor café.
Walking Tour
If you have time left in your hands, explore some of the museums you skipped on Day 1 or take a Guided Walking Tour to make sure you’ve touched upon the major points. Or you can just chill at some cafes and do a quick flashback of the awesome days that you spent in Amsterdam. You would definitely have created unforgettable memories at the end of this trip!
Concerts and Festivals
For a unique and memorable ending to your vacation, walk up to the city tourism office near Central Station and ask them about concerts and festivals going on in the city. In fact, you can do this one Day 1 itself and keep that slot in your schedule free.
There are free half-hour classical music concerts at Concertgebouw (12.30 pm on Wednesdays, Mid-sept to June) and at Dutch National Opera and Ballet (every Tuesday, 12.30 p.m., September to May).
If you aren’t flying out today itself, keep a lookout for music concerts like Amsterdam Music Festival. A lot of popular DJs like Martin Garrix, Hardwell etc. are Dutch and they keep performing at various music festivals in Amsterdam. I attended the Amsterdam Music Festival and it was an absolute thriller!
Bonus Travel Tips
- Amsterdam can be an expensive trip if you don’t plan ahead and wisely. Hostels and hotels are high-priced and the earlier you book them, the better. Luckily, I stayed with a friend and saved costs here.
- Weekends are costlier, so try weekdays. Also, try booking places outside the Central Area. The Central Area starts getting a very high demand for famous festivals and concerts.
- Get yourself an I Amsterdam card for rides in public transport and entry to multiple museums. Check for skip-the-line tickets for museums not covered in the card. This card is definitely a lifesaver while traversing in Amsterdam.
- Opt for walking or cycling instead of hiring cabs. The weather is mostly pleasant and the distance from one place to another isn’t much
- Coffee shops sell weed. If you’re not used to seeing people smoke up in public, don’t stare
- Rains are quite unpredictable, so carry a raincoat or an umbrella
- Don’t bother buying bottled water; the tap waters are safe to drink
- Although crime rates are pretty low, beware of pick-pockets
Amsterdam Tourism – Planning 3 Days in Amsterdam
How to Get to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a major airport and there are many flights that fly to Amsterdam regularly from all over the world.
Are you planning a holiday in Amsterdam and working on an Amsterdam itinerary? Then, you can book flights right here. You can book a flight through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
There are many hotels, resorts, hostels in Amsterdam. You can book your hotel in Amsterdam right here through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline and get awesome deals and savings.
| Click here to book the best hotel/resort in Amsterdam |
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Tours/Activities available in Amsterdam – Things To Do In Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s points of interest and attractions are many and if you are wondering what to see in Amsterdam or what to do in Amsterdam, then look no further. Amsterdam attractions can be booked online for the most recommended Amsterdam tours. You can now book tours in Amsterdam as well as activities in Amsterdam.
| Click here to know more and book Best Attractions and Activities in Amsterdam |
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We hope you found our Amsterdam itinerary post – How to Spend 3 Days in Amsterdam useful, and you are already dreaming 72 hours in Amsterdam. Plan an Amsterdam holiday and let us know what you feel about this travel blog post on Amsterdam and let us know if you have any suggestions.
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I would love to re-visit Amsterdam! I was thinking about doing it this summer but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to go there yet. This itinerary looks great though, I’m saving it for when I get the chance to go. Thank you for sharing 🙂
I spent 4 days in Amsterdam with my family, that included two kids. We visited some really great places, including the NEMO Science Museum and Anne Frank’s house. We accidentally walked through the Red Light District, thankfully during the day. My kids were very uncomfortable with the ladies. I blame our hotel for this one, as they told us they were not near that area and they were in fact right next to it. I’d love to go back to go through some of those museums, but there are loads of other places on my list too. I wish we would have done the bike ride, but it was winter, so we didn’t.
I have taken an oath of traveling only in India for the next 5 years and promote tourism in our country through posts and stories. So will refer or later sometime.
I went to Amsterdam the first time when I was moving to the Netherlands and I loved it! I went with my dad and we had the best time, did a lot that was on this list (we indulged in some hash brownies haha). It’s such a vibrant city that I loved going back to while living in the NL.
Amsterdam! When will I see you.
So much to do in 3 days. Reading post elevated my imaginary skills and took me over there.
Hope to visit in future.
I visited Amsterdam several times, as I lived in Brussels for over a year. It seems I missed a few things. Thanks for sharing.
Can’t wait to visit Amsterdam one day! My husband went about four times cause he loves it there!
I love how you started by exploring the city before heading out of Amsterdam. I always like to explore on my own on my first day. I would want to see the red light district, but I’ve heard from others that it isn’t the greatest.
I can’t wait to ride bikes on this city and take in all these amazing cultural sites you highlighted. I can’t wait to go back to Europe, Amsterdam is high on my list of cities to visit next.
Would love to revisit Amsterdam, last time I didn’t enjoyed throughly which I feel🙈, surely gonna save the post for next visit.
Amsterdam is high on my bucket list . Infact I would have love to visit it for the canal , cycle tours and the vibrancy the city has to offer .. Also Noord is one place I want to definitely visit . The parks I am sure are a delight to be visited , isn’t it ?
Amsterdam is a beautiful place to visit. This post is really very helpful to plan trip there.
Your travel posts have my heart buddy, I had missed visiting Amsterdam by a whisker when I worked for Ikea of sweden but now you have evoked the desire again 😊
First of all, beautiful pictures of the city. Amsterdam is lovely place to visit. Thanks for the virtual tour.
Amsterdam looks like a lovely city, great photos. I imagine cycling would be a fun an relaively safe way to explore there. Great tips.
Great guide. I have passed through Amsterdam a few times but never really had a chance to explore it properly. Would love to visit Ann Frank’s House one day. Marken Beach looks a fun place to escape from the city to.
I first got to know about Amsterdam when the IIFA was hosted there for the first time. The pictures and guide you have shared make it all the more tempting to go there 😍
I have not been to Amsterdam and your 3 days itinerary tempts me to go for this beautiful city. Starting the day with canal tour would be great here as canals of Amsterdam are very famous. Also exploring Amsterdam by biking all around is also a great idea to see this beautiful city.
Amsterdam sounds so lovely! I’ve always seen places from scenes in movies and it’s definitely on my bucket list