How to Spend 3 Days in Amsterdam: First Timer’s Itinerary
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If you’re planning 3 days in Amsterdam, get ready for a fun few days (and to get your steps in!). Between wandering the canals, stopping for stroopwafels, cafe hopping, and exploring some of the city’s coolest neighborhoods, there’s a lot to experience here. Putting together a 3-day Amsterdam itinerary is actually pretty easy because so many of the best spots are within walking distance of each other.
Amsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands, but it never feels overwhelming. The canals, bike-lined streets, local markets, wine bars, and world-famous museums give the city so much character. Whether you’re cruising along the canals, wandering neighborhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp, or eating your way through bakeries and cafés, there are endless things to do in Amsterdam.
We actually spent four days in Amsterdam, and I’ll be honest, if you can swing an extra day, you’ll probably want it. But since most travelers plan for three days in Amsterdam, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time while also giving you a few alternate options depending on your vibe.
3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the Streets of Amsterdam
Afternoon: Fries, Canal Views, + Wandering the Historic Streets
Friets, Damrak Waterfront, + St. Nicholas Basilica
Start your 3 days in Amsterdam with one of the most famous snacks in the city: Dutch fries from Fabel Friet. Dutch fries (patat or friet) are thicker than traditional fries and served in a cone with sauce on top. Fabel Friet has several locations around the city and is known for its loaded fries—the parmesan and truffle mayo combination is elite!
Afterward, walk over to the Damrak Waterfront, one of the most recognizable views in Amsterdam. This canal near Amsterdam Central Station is lined with colorful, narrow canal houses reflected in the water and is one of the most photographed spots in the city.
While you’re nearby, step inside St. Nicholas Basilica, located just a few minutes from the station. It’s free to enter, and the interior is beautiful with stained glass windows and an impressive dome!
Explore the Famous Streets with a Stroopwafel in Hand
From here, spend some time wandering the streets of the city center. Two areas that are especially fun to explore are:
- De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets) – a charming network of boutique shops, cafes, and wine bars tucked between canals.
- Warmoesstraat – one of the oldest streets in Amsterdam, dating back to medieval times.
As you wander, keep an eye out for the flower bikes scattered around the canals. These brightly decorated bicycles have become a fun little symbol of the city.
While you’re exploring, it’s also a great time to try a stroopwafel, a classic Dutch treat made of two thin waffle cookies with warm caramel syrup in the middle. Places like Hans Egstorf sell elaborate versions with toppings, while market stalls often serve the traditional style fresh and warm. We tried one of the elaborate ones just to experience it, but honestly did just prefer the more simple, authentic ones better!
If you want a quick drink break along the way, cozy pubs like Cafe International are great spots to pop into and soak up the local atmosphere.
Evening: Dinner at Restaurant Ferry
End the evening with dinner at Restaurant Ferry, one of the most unique dining experiences in Amsterdam. The restaurant is located inside a 100-year-old ferry boat, giving the space a really cool atmosphere before you even get to the food.
The menu blends Mediterranean, South American, and Asian influences, and many of the dishes are perfect for sharing. I’m not sure how often they change the menu, but here’s what we got and loved: seabass ceviche, steak tartare, carrots, BBQ little gem salad, and house steak.
After dinner, if you’re feeling energized, Amsterdam has plenty of great cocktail bars and nightlife to explore. But if you’re dealing with jet lag (like we were), calling it an early night is also a great idea, because the next two days will be packed with exploring.
Day 2: Museums, Markets, + De Pijp
Morning: Coffee + Museums at Museumplein
Coffee Stop
Start your morning by heading to Museumplein, the area where several of Amsterdam’s most famous museums are located. Before diving into the museums, grab a coffee and pastry from Coffee District to hold you over.
Check Out the Museums
Museumplein is home to several major museums, including:
- Van Gogh Museum – Home to the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s work in the world. If you plan to visit, make sure to book a timed entry ticket in advance since it often sells out.
- Rijksmuseum – One of the most famous museums in the Netherlands, featuring Dutch art and history, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Even if you don’t go inside, the building itself is beautiful and worth seeing from the outside.
- MOCO Museum – A smaller museum focused on modern and contemporary art, featuring artists like Banksy, Andy Warhol, and Keith Haring.
If you have the I Amsterdam City Card, entry to both the Rijksmuseum and MOCO Museum is included.
Even if museums aren’t really your thing, this area is still worth visiting. The museums sit around a large open square, and it’s a really nice part of the city to walk around.
Before leaving the area, stop by Bagelboy for a bagel sandwich. It’s a great late breakfast or early lunch spot and perfect for fueling up before the afternoon.
Afternoon + Evening: Explore De Pijp
Albert Cuyp Market
From Museumplein, either walk or take the tram over to De Pijp, one of the most fun neighborhoods to explore in Amsterdam!
Start at the Albert Cuyp Market, one of the most famous street markets in the city. The market runs Monday through Saturday, 9:30 AM to 5 PM, and is filled with food stalls, clothing vendors, souvenirs, and local goods. While you’re here, grab a fresh stroopwafel from Rudi’s, which many people consider the best in the city.
Next, head to the Heineken Experience, located right in the neighborhood. The interactive tour takes you through the history of Heineken and the brewing process inside the company’s original brewery. It’s best to book a time slot ahead of time, especially during busy seasons.
Wine Bar + Restaurant Hop
From there, the best way to enjoy De Pijp is simply to wander and pop into places that look fun. The neighborhood is full of great wine bars, restaurants, and cafes, making it perfect for a relaxed afternoon that turns into evening drinks and dinner.
Some great spots to check out include:
- AMI – Really great lunch spot.
- GlouGlou – A fun natural wine bar recommended by locals.
- Wijnbar Paulus – A cozy wine bar with a great atmosphere.
- Café Restaurant De Duvel – A great stop for cocktails (their espresso martini is excellent).
- Arie – A great place for small bites and drinks.
- The Seafood Bar – A fantastic dinner option with incredible seafood and pasta.
Spending the afternoon and evening in De Pijp is a great way to experience a more local side of Amsterdam, and it’s easily one of the most fun neighborhoods in the city to explore!
Day 3: Bikes, Canal Cruise, Anne Frank, + Little Bonfire
Morning: Rent Bikes
Start your morning by renting a bike, one of the most classic ways to experience the city! Amsterdam has more bikes than people, and while it can look a little intimidating at first, riding through parks or quieter neighborhoods is a really fun way to explore.
We really loved biking through Vondelpark, the city’s most famous park. The wide paths and greenery make it a comfortable place to ride, especially if you’re newer to biking in a busy city. From there, you can cruise through the park and even stop at De Vondeltuin if you want a quick drink or break.
Another option is taking the free ferry from Amsterdam Central Station across the IJ River to Amsterdam Noord and biking around that area. If you choose this route, you could also visit the A’DAM Lookout and Over the Edge Swing, which offers some of the best views of the city.
Afternoon: Canal Cruise, Markets, + Canal Belt
Canal Cruise
After biking, head back toward the city center for a canal cruise. Seeing Amsterdam from the water is one of the best ways to appreciate the canals and historic architecture. Many cruises depart near Amsterdam Central Station, and mid-day departures (like around 12:30 PM) are a great time to go.
Every boat tour follows a slightly different route, but most will take you through some of the most scenic canals while sharing interesting facts about the city’s history.
Explore the Canal Belt
After your cruise, start exploring more of the historic city center.
First stop by Waterlooplein Market, Amsterdam’s oldest flea market. It’s open 9:30 AM – 6 PM Monday through Saturday and is a great place to browse vintage clothing, antiques, records, and unique secondhand finds. If you want to make purchases, be sure to bring cash!
From there, check out some of Amsterdam’s most iconic sights:
- Zuiderkerk – One of Amsterdam’s most recognizable churches with a tall clock tower. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s a beautiful landmark and a great photo spot.
- Staalmeestersbrug Bridge – A classic Amsterdam photo location with a perfect canal view toward Zuiderkerk.
- The Dancing Houses – The famous leaning canal houses that appear to sway along the water.
This is also a great area to slow down and enjoy the canals. We loved popping into Café de Jaren for a glass of wine and beautiful canal-side seating where you can relax. If you’re feeling hungry along the way, Café Pazzo is perfect for a quick bite!
Evening: Jordaan, Anne Frank House, + Dinner
Anne Frank House
From there, start making your way towards Jordaan. Stop by Saint Jean for one of the best pastries in the city! I was obsessed with their pistachio cruffin.
Similar to De Pijp, this is a great neighborhood to wander and pop into whatever places you feel calling your name! This is also the area where the Anne Frank House is. It is one of the most meaningful and important places to visit in Amsterdam. This museum preserves the place where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II, and it’s a powerful experience that gives insight into their story.
Be sure to book a timed entry ticket well in advance, as they often sell out weeks ahead of time.
Little Bonfire for Dinner
After your visit, take a short walk to Little Bonfire for dinner. This cozy and romantic restaurant is known for incredible dishes. We got and loved the grilled artichoke, scallops and shrimp, steak, and pan-fried cod. It’s the perfect place to end the last evening of your 3 days in Amsterdam.
Alternate Morning Option: Visit the Tulip Fields
If you’re visiting Amsterdam during tulip season, this is one experience that’s definitely worth considering adding to your 3-day itinerary. The Netherlands is world-famous for its tulips, and seeing the colorful fields in person is something many travelers dream about.
The most popular place to see them is Keukenhof Gardens in the town of Lisse, which typically opens late March through early to mid-May each year. The gardens feature over 7 million flower bulbs, including endless rows of tulips along with daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring blooms. It’s easily one of the most colorful places you can visit in the Netherlands during spring.
Keukenhof is located about 25 miles (40 km) from Amsterdam, and it usually takes 35–45 minutes to reach, depending on how you travel. Many visitors take a direct shuttle bus from Amsterdam, while others combine a train and bus route to get there.
Plan to spend 2–4 hours exploring the gardens. There are walking paths throughout the park, themed gardens, pavilions filled with flowers, and plenty of great photo spots.
If tulips are high on your bucket list and you’re visiting during bloom season, this is a fantastic alternate option for the morning of day two or three in your itinerary. Just keep in mind that it will take up a good portion of the morning, so you may want to shift some of the city activities later in the day.
3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Arrival, Canals, + City Center
- Dutch fries at Fabel Friet
- Walk the Damrak waterfront and see the iconic canal houses
- Visit St. Nicholas Basilica
- Wander 9 Straatjes and Warmoesstraat
- Try a stroopwafel
- Dinner at Restaurant Ferry
Day 2: Museums + De Pijp
- Coffee and pastry from Coffee District
- Explore Museumplein (Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, MOCO)
- Bagel sandwich at Bagelboy
- Shop and snack at Albert Cuyp Market
- Stroopwafel from Rudi’s
- Heineken Experience
- Spend the evening exploring De Pijp wine bars and restaurants
Day 3: Bikes, Canals, + Jordaan
- Rent a bike and ride through Vondelpark or explore Amsterdam Noord
- Optional: visit the A’DAM Lookout & swing
- Canal cruise through the historic canals
- Browse Waterlooplein Market
- Walk through Jordaan
- Pastry stop at Saint Jean
- Visit the Anne Frank House
- Dinner at Little Bonfire
If you happen to have more than 3 days in Amsterdam, it’s easy to add extra experiences like exploring NDSM Wharf, STRAAT Museum, Hortus Botanicus, or taking a day trip to places like Haarlem! Check out my full list of the best things to do in Amsterdam for more ideas.
FAQ When Visiting Amsterdam
How many days do you need in Amsterdam?
I’d recommend spending 3–4 days in Amsterdam to experience the city without feeling rushed. That gives you enough time to explore different neighborhoods, visit a few museums, take a canal cruise, enjoy some great food, and still leave space to wander the streets and soak up the atmosphere. If you want to take a day trip to places like Zaanse Schans or Keukenhof, adding an extra day or two can make the trip feel much more relaxed.
What are the best things to do in Amsterdam for first-time visitors?
If you’re limited and wonder the Amsterdam activities you can’t miss I’d say taking a canal cruise, visiting the Anne Frank House, exploring neighborhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp, trying local treats like stroopwafels and Dutch fries, and admiring the iconic canal houses around the city are all musts. Amsterdam is also known for its world-class museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, though whether you visit those really depends on your interests.
Is Amsterdam walkable?
Yes, Amsterdam is an incredibly walkable city. Many of the main attractions are fairly close together, especially in the city center. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the canals and charming streets. The city also has excellent public transportation including trams, buses, and ferries if you need to get somewhere farther away.
How far is Amsterdam City Centre from the Airport?
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is located about 11 miles (17 km) from the city center. The easiest way to get into the city is by taking the train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station, which takes about 15-20 minutes and runs frequently throughout the day. Train tickets typically cost €5.50–€6.80 (about $6–$7 USD).
What is Amsterdam most famous for?
Amsterdam is known for its historic canals, narrow canal houses, cycling culture, museums, and vibrant café scene. It’s also famous for having more canals than Venice and more bikes than people, which gives the city its unique character.
Is the I Amsterdam City Card worth it?
The I Amsterdam City Card can be a great value depending on how you plan to spend your time in the city. The card includes free entry to 70+ museums and attractions, one canal cruise, public transportation on trams, buses, and the metro, and even a 24-hour bike rental. You can get the card for anywhere from 1 to 5 days.
It’s usually worth it if you plan to visit several museums or major attractions, since tickets for places like the Rijksmuseum and canal cruises add up quickly on their own. That said, if you’re not planning to visit many museums and mostly want to wander neighborhoods, eat, shop, and explore the city casually, you may not get as much value out of it.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Location matters when planning 3 days in Amsterdam, since you’ll likely be exploring several different neighborhoods. Many guides recommend staying in Jordaan, one of the most charming areas in the city with beautiful canals, boutique hotels, and a quieter atmosphere.
We actually stayed at the Kimpton De Witt Hotel in the Historic Center/Centrum area (check out my guide on the best areas to stay in Amsterdam if you want more details), and it ended up being the perfect location for a first visit.
Why it worked so well:
- 5-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station (great for airport transfers)
- 5-minute walk to the free ferries that go to Amsterdam Noord
- Tram stop right outside the hotel to reach places like Museumplein
- Stylish rooms and great service
- On-site cafe with delicious coffee
- Bar, restaurant, and free Kimpton wine happy hour
Check here for more accommodation options in this area and pricing for your travel dates.
If you’d prefer to stay closer to Jordaan, a few hotels we considered were:
- Pulitzer Amsterdam – luxury canalside hotel
- Hotel Mercier – boutique stay with art deco style
- The Hoxton Amsterdam – trendy hotel right on the canals
Check here for more accommodation options in this area and pricing for your travel dates.
Getting Around Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the easiest cities in Europe to get around, and during your 3 days in Amsterdam, you’ll probably end up using just about every transportation option! Everything is pretty simple to navigate.
- Walking – Amsterdam is an incredibly walkable city, especially in the city center where many of the main attractions are fairly close together. Some of my favorite moments were just wandering along the canals and exploring different neighborhoods on foot. We were putting in 20-30,000 steps/day!
- Trams – The tram system is one of the easiest ways to get around the city. The routes cover most of the main areas and run frequently throughout the day. If you have the I Amsterdam City Card, tram rides are included, which makes hopping around the city really convenient.
- Metro – The metro is helpful for getting to areas that are a bit farther outside the central canal belt. We used it a few times and found it just as easy to navigate as the tram system.
- Trains – Trains are mainly useful if you’re arriving from the airport or planning day trips outside the city. Amsterdam Central Station is the main hub and connects to cities all over the Netherlands.
- Bikes – Biking is one of the most common ways locals get around. You’ll see bikes everywhere. While it can feel a little intimidating at first, renting one is a great way to explore areas like parks and quieter neighborhoods.
- Ferries – Amsterdam also has free ferries that cross the IJ River from behind Amsterdam Central Station to Amsterdam Noord. We used the ferry to get to the A’DAM Lookout, and there are a couple of different ferry routes that run frequently throughout the day.
- Uber – If you need a ride late at night or just want something quick and direct, Uber is widely available and easy to use throughout the city.
Between all of these options, getting around Amsterdam is really straightforward, and you’ll likely find yourself using a mix of them throughout your three days in Amsterdam.
Tips for Visiting Amsterdam
- Give yourself time to wander – Some of the best moments in Amsterdam come from getting a little lost exploring the canals and neighborhoods, so try not to overpack your itinerary.
- Consider the I Amsterdam City Card – If you plan to visit several attractions, the pass can be a great value. It includes entry to many museums and experiences, canal cruises, bike rentals, and unlimited public transportation on trams, buses, and metros, which makes getting around the city really easy.
- Book popular attractions in advance – Some of the most popular spots, like the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum, require timed entry tickets, and the Anne Frank House can sell out weeks in advance, so it’s best to reserve those early.
- Most places take cards (and many prefer it) – Amsterdam is very card-friendly, and in many cases, places actually prefer or only accept card payments. During our trip, the only place we encountered that wanted cash was Waterlooplein Market.
- Use an eSIM for data – If you want reliable data while traveling, an eSIM is a really convenient option. I used Airalo, and it was super easy to set up and worked great throughout our trip.
- Tipping works a little differently – Since service workers are paid a livable wage, tipping isn’t as expected as it is in the U.S., but it’s still appreciated. Around 5% at cafes and 10% at bars and restaurants is typical. One thing to note is that sometimes you have to tell them you want to add a tip before they run your card, which can be easy to forget if you’re not used to it.
- Watch out for bikes – Amsterdam has more bikes than people, and cyclists move quickly through the city. Always check bike lanes before stepping into the street.
- Pack layers – The weather can change a lot throughout the day. We visited in early March, and some days we were very chilly even with sweaters and coats, while other moments a short-sleeve shirt would have been perfectly fine.
- Rain is common – Amsterdam is known for unpredictable rain, so it’s a good idea to check the forecast before heading out and bring a small umbrella or rain jacket just in case.
Are you ready to spend an epic three days in Amsterdam?!
Spending 3 days in Amsterdam is the perfect amount of time to get a feel for the city while still leaving plenty to come back for. Between the canals, incredible food, charming neighborhoods, and world-class museums, there’s truly no shortage of amazing things to do in Amsterdam!
I hope this 3-day Amsterdam itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable trip and gives you a good starting point for exploring the city. And if you can swing an extra day like we did, even better, Amsterdam is definitely a place you’ll want more time in!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Europe blog posts:
Must-Try Food Italy is Famous For
First Timers Itinerary for Budapest
Best FREE Travel Apps for Europe
