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Amsterdam Itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on July 22nd, 2024

In this Amsterdam travel guide blog, I’ll go over my favorite things to do and see in the city with detailed planning on 1, 2, or 3 days Amsterdam itinerary. For your convenience, I’ve also compiled links to transportation, hotels, tours, and other services here.

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital , known for its open skyline, rich history with tons of museums and art galleries, and some charming brick buildings. It’s one of the popular attractions for most tourists traveling to Europe.

I truly love the international feel of the city and enjoy the visit here, by strolling along the beautiful canals and parks, and visiting the historic homes and Dutch village. One of my favorite cities in Europe.

For a first-time visitor to Amsterdam, it is recommended to plan for 2 to 3 days Amsterdam itinerary to experience the city. I visited Amsterdam during my trip to the Netherlands and have spent a wonderful holiday here. There are so many things to do in Amsterdam that it deserves more than just a few days.

This Amsterdam travel guide blog will show you just how many things there are to do and see in your Amsterdam itinerary, and why it should be a part of your next itinerary. While this travel guide to Amsterdam is long. For your convenience, I’ve compiled links to hotels, tours, and other services here. Check it out!

Table of Contents

Pre-Trip Essential

To plan your Amsterdam itinerary, remember to check out our travel tips here to make sure you’re maximizing the days and visit in Amsterdam. Check out the details!

Getting Around in Amsterdam

Amsterdam can be visited on your own two feet to discover the beauty of Amsterdam at your own pace. However, you can also take advantage of the trams and the metro to save some steps. The best transport ticket that we highly recommended using in Amsterdam is the Amsterdam Public Transport Pass . It is a very useful pass that covers unlimited transportation on buses, trams, and the metro for all GVB transports during its period of validity.

Single ticket costs €3.20 for one hour, and you can purchase a single or multi-day ticket from 1-7 days transport passes that best out your travel schedule. However, please note that you can’t use the train from the airport to Centraal with this pass. This Amsterdam Public Transport Pass is more economical and saves you the hassle of visiting the ticket machines whenever you want to take the tram, bus, or metro.

Get Discounted Amsterdam Public Transport Pass From Klook

Amsterdam is famous for its bike culture and there are more bikes than people. So no surprise there are many hotels and shops throughout the city that rent bikes for visitors. MacBike is one of the largest bike shops in Amsterdam that rents bikes and provides bike tours in Amsterdam. It’s great to do if you just want to have fun for an hour, or day to explore the city like local by bicycle.

Another BEST way to see Amsterdam get around Amsterdam during your visit.

I Amsterdam City Card

I Amsterdam City Card is a must-have for first-timers when traveling to Amsterdam. The perks of having such a card give you what Amsterdam has to offer via free museum passes and metro tram rides! With access to 70+ museums, public transportation, and a canal cruise, you’re able to visit different attractions and museums using the city card.

Cards are available for 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours. Although it is a bit pricey, I Amsterdam card will be worth it if you decided to walk around Amsterdam and visit many museums.

Get Iamsterdam City Card From Klook with Cheaper Price

At least two days if you plan to visit Amsterdam’s top sight. Three days will allow enough time for you.

We believe the best time to visit Amsterdam is from April through June. It is also one of the busiest times to visit Amsterdam, especially during the prime blooming time for spring blooms starting from April until May. Many travelers around the world flock to Amsterdam and Keukenhof. So expect larger crowds during this time.

Where To Stay

Amsterdam is a big city with several options for accommodation in Amsterdam, of course, which will vary depending on your budget. I’ve been searching for the best hotels, for each budget and these are my recommendations:

• Mid-Budget – Amsterdam Wiechmann Hotel – Excellent location in Jordaan right on Prinsengracht canal. Great selection of rooms and some rooms offer a canal view.
• Mid-Range – Hotel V Nesplein –  Great location in the heart of the city, modernized and stylish rooms, friendly staff.
• Luxury – Monet Garden Hotel Amsterdam – Excellent location, comfortable and clean rooms, some rooms with a view of a canal, amazing staff.

Already have a hotel booked? To search for the best accommodations at the best prices, I suggest checking out Booking.com with the best price always.

See whether your hotel is in a good area in my guide to Where to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors .

3 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary

This Amsterdam itinerary for three days is perfect for you if you are visiting the city for the first time. It covers all the places you must see. You can find detailed planning from this Amsterdam itinerary.

Day 1 in Amsterdam Itinerary:

• Arrived in Amsterdam in the morning.
• Tour the Anne Frank House (1-2 Hours)
• Wandering at The Nine Streets (1-2 hours)
• Dam Square (1 hour)
• Exploring the De Wallen (1-2 hours)

Day 2 in Amsterdam itinerary:

• Strolling along the Albert Cuyp Markt (1-2 hours)
• Visit the Rijksmuseum (2 hours)
• Explore the Van Gogh Museum (2 hours)
• Relax at Vondelpark (30 minutes)
• Sniff the Tulips at Bloemenmarkt (1-2 hours)
• Try the Heineken Experience (2 hours)
• Canal Tour (1-2 hours)

Day 3 in Amsterdam itinerary :

• Day trip to Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans, or Keukenhof.

Amsterdam itinerary: Day 1

Our first day in Amsterdam itinerary is more free and easy. After we check in to our accommodation, we spend most of the time wandering around the city. Most of the attractions are flexible and easily adjust, except the Anne Frank House which recommended pre-booking the time slot in advance.

Day 1 in Amsterdam Itinerary: Arrived in Amsterdam in the morning – Tour the Anne Frank House – Wandering at The Nine Streets – Dam Square – Exploring the De Wallen.

A wonderful day to explore the amazing Amsterdam.

Anne Frank House

Firstly, we took the tram to Amsterdam Centraal and walked towards Anne Frank Huis, one of the top attractions in Amsterdam. 

Dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank on how she and her family lived in a secret annex, hidden away from the Nazis for two years and one month. During this time, Anne kept a journal which would become one of the important pieces of WWII. The Anne Frank House is the secret hiding annex mentioned in the journal and visitors can tour the hidden rooms and see the movable bookcase here.

Anne Frank left her mark on Amsterdam despite her untimely passing in 1945. This statue pays tribute to the young writer near her former house.

This popular Anne Frank House can only be visited with a ticket bought online for a specific time slot. You will reserve a specific time slot, which eliminates the waiting time.

• Address : Prinsengracht 263–265, Centrum.
• Opening Hour : Open daily from 9:00 to 22:00.
• Admission Fee : €16
• Official Website : https://www.annefrank.org/en/

Amsterdam Travel Tips : If you are curious about Anne and plan to visit Anne Frank House in your Amsterdam itinerary, just be sure to book your tickets online in advance. Tickets are released two months in advance.

Alternatively, you can consider joining the Guided Walking Tour on the Story of Anne Frank that covers Amsterdam’s Jewish sites. In this walking tour, you will discover Amsterdam’s WWII history and follow in the footsteps of Anne Frank in the Jewish Quarter. Note: Tour ended outside the Anne Frank House (entrance not included).

Nine Streets (DE 9 STRAATJES)

Next, we spend the late afternoon exploring the Nine Streets of Amsterdam. Located to the south of Anne Frank House, the 9 Streets are transverse streets that consist of nine side streets of the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and Singel in central Amsterdam with many small and diverse boutique shops, cafes, art galleries, and restaurants. It is one of the best places in Amsterdam if you are looking for what to eat in Amsterdam.

At nine street, you can very easily spend the rest of the day here, hopping from shop to shop. Even if shopping is not your thing, many monumental buildings can still be admired. A delightful place to explore.

Continue your walk through Dam Square, the main square of Amsterdam. There are two notable buildings sitting on Dam Square, Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and Royal Palace. The Royal Palace was built to be a town hall but was later converted to a palace for King Louis I.

Dam Square is a bit crowded and touristy, but worth a quick visit for a limited time.

De Wallen (Red Light District)

Perhaps the most famous place in Amsterdam. While prostitution is legal in Dutch, “window shopping” in the Red Light District once was a very popular thing to do. The Red Light District, also known as De Wallen, is the biggest and oldest prostitution area in the Netherlands. It is lined with sex shops, gay bars, peep shows, and cannabis shops along the valley.

During day time, De Wallen is a quiet place and just look like any other part of the city. But, at night, this area is full of window prostitutes under the typical fluorescent neon red lights. Tourists from all around the world move slowly down the street and stare at the girls in the window.

This attraction may not be for everyone, but worth taking a look at what all the fuss is about. A place to see and experience for a very brief time.

Amsterdam Travel Tips : No photo. It is said that they will grab and smash your camera if you dare to take a picture of the girls at work.

Note : As of 2021, a decision was made to relocate the Red Light District farther from the city center.

Amsterdam Itinerary: Day 2

For your second day in Amsterdam, I recommend starting the day 2 Amsterdam itinerary with a satisfying breakfast before kick starts any activities.

Next, spend your morning visiting Amsterdam’s most popular museums, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. These are Amsterdam’s most popular museums, so expect them to get crowded, especially at midday. Spend the afternoon time to try the Heineken Experience and canal boat tour. Fun fill activities in Amsterdam.

Day 2 in Amsterdam itinerary : Strolling along the Albert Cuyp Markt – Visit the Rijksmuseum – Explore the Van Gogh Museum – Relax at Vondelpark – Sniff the Tulips at Bloemenmarkt – Try the Heineken Experience – Canal Tour.

Start Your Day with a Great Breakfast

What to do in Amsterdam in the morning? A satisfying breakfast at Amsterdam.

Bagels & Beans is a famous chain restaurant with a few other stores in Amsterdam. We stopped for a quick breakfast before spending a day at the nearby art museums. Good selection of bagels and delicious ‘fillings’ for breakfast and good coffee to start your day in Amsterdam. So fresh and tasty!

If you’re looking for an inexpensive, filling, incredibly tasty place to eat and refuel, Bagels and Beans should be top of your list. Highly recommended.

After a satisfying breakfast, we kicked start our day 2 of the Amsterdam itinerary at Albert Cuypmarkt

Albert Cuyp Market

After your breakfast, it is time to visit Amsterdam’s local market. Whenever visit a country, I always make time to go to the local market. The ‘Albert Cuypmarkt’ is my favorite thing about visiting Amsterdam. An excellent market in Amsterdam with a wide variety of things to buy.

Situated in the historical neighborhood De Pijp, Albert Cuyp Markt is the largest and most famous place to go if you are up for a taste of the “Real” Amsterdam. It is a nice place where you can find fresh food such as seafood of any kind, cheese, and not to forget all those mouthwatering street food. 

If you are there, try eating a raw herring the traditional way — by holding on to its tail. Everything is very fresh.

• Address : Albert Cuypstraat, 1073BD Amsterdam.
• Opening Hour : Open daily from 9:00 until 17:50. Closed on Sunday.
• Admission Fee : Free.
• Official Website : https://albertcuyp-markt.amsterdam/

Visit the Rijksmuseum

Amsterdam has its fair share of museums and the Rijksmuseum is one of the city’s most distinguished institutions. Rijksmuseum is a national museum boasted of 80 galleries full of art and artifacts that tell the history of the Netherlands.

Rijksmuseum housed an extensive Rembrandt collection including the famous “The Night Watch” painting by other classic Dutch painters, like Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer. For art lovers, Rijksmuseum is a museum on your Amsterdam itinerary.

Reserve Rijksmuseum Entrance Ticket Here

• Address : Museumstraat 1, Oud-Zuid, +31 20 674 7000, rijksmuseum.nl.
• Operating Hours : Open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
• Admission Fee : €22.5.

Amsterdam Travel Tips : Rijksmuseum is extremely popular among travelers visiting Amsterdam. The lines can get very long with long waiting hours. It is recommended to buy your entrance tickets online in advance.

Explore the Van Gogh Museum

Another major attraction in Amsterdam is the Van Gogh Museum. Dedicated to the famous Dutch painter, this world-famous museum has the largest collection of Van Gogh’s best works of art, as well as his contemporaries like Monet, Manet, and Matisse. There are over 200 paintings and 500 drawings inside the museum.

To visit the Van Gogh Museum, you need to purchase your tickets online in advance with the pre-reserve time slot and enter the museum within a half-hour of your reserved time. This helps to eliminate the waiting time to enter the museum.

Reserve The Van Gogh Museum Entrance Ticket Here

You’ll need about 2 hours to explore Van Gogh Museum.

• Address : Museumplein 6, Oud-Zuid.
• Operating Hours : Open daily from 9am–6pm (Summer).
• Admission Fee : €20.
• Official Website : https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en

Relax at Vondelpark

After some time indoors at the museums, walking through the Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter to the massive Vondelpark. It is Amsterdam’s largest green space spans over 120 acres. The park is fountains, statues, and plenty of locals exercising and getting together.

Take a rest in the Vondelpark. A great place to go for a walk if you get a case of museum overload.

Sniff the Flowers at Bloemenmarkt

Heading south, our next stop is the delightful Bloemenmarkt to see the beautiful flowers and florists traded in Singel Canal.

Amsterdam is known for its flowers and canals, and this floating flower market, Bloemenmarkt combines the two. The delightful Bloemenmarkt is found down on the Singel canal. It never runs out of beautiful flowers and florists have traded on barges at Bloemenmarkt since 1862.

The market starts operating at 9:00 on Weekdays and Saturdays and only opens at 11:00 on Sundays.

Try the Heineken Experience

One of the best-known beers in the world. The Heineken Experience is an an-hour-long interactive self-guided tour where you take a look at the history of Heineken, learn how they do it, and how to serve your own beer. The whole journey through multiple floors of the museum takes one through an exhilarating experience.

It’s indeed a great experience visiting the fabulous ancient brewery. We loved the experience and the beer. The staff were super friendly and always with a smile on their face. You get two free beers at the end, to enjoy in a nice atmosphere. It’s not a must-see, but if you like Heineken then it is worth checking out.

Amsterdam Travel Tips : Pre-order for Heineken Experience online and avoid the long queue. Besides, you can couple your Heineken Experience visit with a canal boat tour with an additional €10 once finish the beer tour. Perfect planning.

Heineken Experience and 1-Hour Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

Would highly recommend it.

• Address : Stadhouderskade 78, De Pijp, Oud-Zuid.
• Operating Hours : Open daily from 12:00 to – 18:00.
• Admission Fee : €21

Tour the Amsterdam Canal Ring

Amsterdam is known for canals and you cannot experience Amsterdam without a walk along the canal. The city center is surrounded by four canals with concentric belts that go around the city. They are kept really clean and it’s very relaxing walking alongside the canals. A beautiful and landmark piece of manmade landscape.

If you have spare time I recommend walking or cycling along these canals , there are many little restaurants and pubs to stroll around. Besides, there are so many different areas you can walk around all connected by canals. It’s particularly beautiful when you walk on the bridges while sunset, such a view!

We also recommend boat rides to see a bigger area of Amsterdam. It’s amazing to cruise the canals and take in the architecture and people along the way. It gives first-timers a very good idea of Amsterdam. Simply stunning.

There are numerous options, from enclosed boats with large groups of people to open boat tours to private tours. Most of the Canal tours are started from Central station which cost €15 to €50 per person depending on the boat type.

Get the 1 Hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise Here. Hassle Free and cheaper rate if you get it online here.

Amsterdam itinerary: Day 3

Within two days you have seen the highlights most tourists visit while in Amsterdam city. For visitors staying 3 days in Amsterdam, planning a day trip is a great idea for your Amsterdam itinerary. There are some beautiful places to see in The Netherlands, from tulip fields to windmills. do yourself a favor and explore more.

There are so many day trips from Amsterdam and you can either use one of my suggestions mentioned below or find other activities that interest you.

Here are the multiple day trip options from Amsterdam for you depending on your interests:

• Zaanse Schans – Picture-perfect stereotypical Dutch village.
• Giethoorn – Quaint village in the east of the Netherlands and famous for its fairytale canals.
• Keukenhof – Wonderful flower garden that you can’t miss in April and May.

Zaanse Schans

One of the popular day trips from Amsterdam is Zaanse Schans. This picture-perfect stereotypical Dutch village is located not far from the city, making it perfect for a day trip in the Amsterdam itinerary.

Zaanse Schans is like an open-air museum by showcasing the visitors what life was like in the Netherlands back in the 18th and 19th centuries. This charming Dutch village has collections of the historical windmills, cheese and clog-making process, and gorgeous green cottages with greenery and animals.

If you’re looking for a taste of the Dutch lifestyle, plan for a day trip to Zaanse Schans. Great photo opportunities!

READ MORE : Zaanse Schans Itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

Set in the province of Overijssel, Giethoorn is a quaint village in the east of the Netherlands and famous for its fairytale canals. The most special about Giethoorn is the fact that it has no roads, only canals connecting up the many cute cottages and old wooden bridges in the village. Taking a boat ride is the best way to see Giethoorn and admire all the beautiful old cottages with their traditional thatched roofs.

Imagine cruising peacefully down the canals, passing ancient thatched-roof farmhouses, drifting under tall old wooden bridges, and hearing those ducks quacking just by the boat. A perfect day trip from Amsterdam.

Getting to Giethoorn by public transport is time-consuming and complicated as you’ll have to change several trains and take one bus. Due to the complexity of transport arrangements, the easiest way to get to Giethoorn is to book a tour to Giethoorn directly from Amsterdam.

Recommended Tour : Giethoorn Daytrip from Amsterdam With Boat Cruise

If you plan to visit Amsterdam during April and May, make sure to include a day trip to Keukenhof. Known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof is a gorgeous wonderland of flowering daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths. It is also one of the world’s largest flower gardens with more than 7 million flower bulbs planted every year. The best place to admire the beautiful flowers of Holland.

To get to Keukenhof by public transport, take bus#397 to Schiphol Airport. Next, from the airport, take bus#858, the Keukenhof Express, to Keukenhof.

For hassle-free, you can consider going to the Keukenhof with a tour arrangement. This tour will get it easy to get to the gardens and enjoy them at your own pace. Skip-the-line Keukenhof Ticket is included.

Skip-the-line Keukenhof Ticket and Transport from Amsterdam

Overview: Amsterdam Itinerary

In short, here is an overall perfect Amsterdam itinerary for first-time travelers. There are so many attractions with wonderful things to do and see in this compact nature city. Three days in Amsterdam is never enough to fully explore this amazing city.

There are still more attractions awaiting us to discover and we wish to spend more time here. That said, you won’t be disappointed and will know why Amsterdam is one of Europe’s best destinations.

Here is our other travel post related to Amsterdam Travel Guide:

Amsterdam Food Guide: A Dutch Food Experience

Where to stay in amsterdam: best areas and hotels.

• Zaanse Schans Itinerary: A Day Drip from Amsterdam
• Seasonal Trip: Day Trip To Keukenhof: A Travel Guide Blog

Hope you found this Amsterdam itinerary travel guide blog useful and can you give a rough idea of planning your trip to Amsterdam. Anything else we should add to this Amsterdam itinerary? Share with us!

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One Week in Amsterdam: Amazing 7 Days in Amsterdam

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Are you planning to spend one week in Amsterdam and want to know everything you need to do, see and experience while you are there? This post has you covered.

One week in Amsterdam is a significant amount of time that will allow you to see a ton of the city and even some other amazing sights and attractions.

After living in Amsterdam for 5 years, I am an expert on all the top things to do and see in this magical city. Spending 7 days in Amsterdam may seem like a long time, but I lived here for 5 years and there are STILL things to do!

After visiting Amsterdam for a week you will almost feel like a local and will just be starting to feel comfortable navigating the maze-like canals without a map. If you are planning a week-long stay in Amsterdam use this 7 day Amsterdam itinerary to seamlessly plan your stay!

(Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you may even receive a small discount. See  disclosure  for more information.)

In This Post

One Week in Amsterdam: 7 Days in Amsterdam Overview

➡️ Day 1: Amsterdam City Center ➡️ Day 2: Jordaan and Anne Frank House ➡️ Day 3: Museums and Vondelpark ➡️ Day 4: Experiences, Street Markets, Red Light District ➡️ Day 5: Amsterdam North ➡️ Day 6: Day Trip from Amsterdam ➡️ Day 7: Museums and De Pijp Two Best Hotels in Amsterdam ➡️ The Conservatorium Amsterdam ➡️ The Dylan Amsterdam

💡 I highly recommend buying an IAmsterdam Card for your stay in Amsterdam. It will save you a ton on museum entrances and public transportation. Buy your IAmsterdam Card here !

One Week in Amsterdam: Day 1: Amsterdam City Center

Central station.

Amsterdam Central Station is a must-visit destination for several reasons. It serves as the city’s main transportation hub, connecting Amsterdam to various national and international destinations. It offers convenient access to explore Amsterdam and beyond.

More so, the station itself is an architectural marvel, showcasing a stunning blend of historical and modern design elements. The grand entrance, intricate façade, and spacious interior create an impressive atmosphere.

Central Station is also located close to many shops, cafes, and attractions. It provides a perfect starting point to explore the city’s charming canals, famous landmarks, and cultural hotspots.

Amsterdam Gingerbread Houses

Just 2 minutes from Central Station sit the very famous Amsterdam Gingerbread Houses. Which are a row of quirky houses that look like gingerbread houses!

To get to these houses walk straight down from Central Station on the street called Damrak. On this street, you will notice a large canal, and the houses are located across from it.

Tony Chocolonelys Superstore

Once you walk past the Gingerbread houses you can head to one of Amsterdam’s best-kept secrets – The Tony Chocolonely Superstore ! This is a store that offers tons of free samples of the Netherlands’ most famous and delicious chocolate.

Dam Square is the largest and most lively square in Amsterdam. Here you will find The Royal Palace, Madame Tussauds, and more! In front of Dam Square is always full of performers and things to watch.

Kalverstraat Shopping

Kalverstraat is Amsterdam’s most popular commercial shopping street. Here you will find Primark, H&M, and more all for your shopping desires!

Rembrandtplein

After shopping and exploring some of Amsterdam’s most popular places you will be craving some relaxation. The best place for this is Rembrandtplein which is a smaller square full of bars, restaurants, and clubs with outdoor seating. This is the perfect place to sit and relax with a drink!

Floating Flower Market

The Floating Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt) is located right beside Rembrandtplein and is a top attraction in the city.

It is the perfect place to pick up Dutch souvenirs like tulip bulbs or cheese. Or you can simply walk through it and admire the flowers and bustling environment. This is one of the best budget friendly things to do in Amsterdam.

💡 Honestly, I don’t think the Floating Flower Market meets the hype, but I think going there and seeing it for yourself is a good idea.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Finish off your first day with a canal cruise through the city. An evening canal cruise is super romantic and shows you the city in one of its most magical forms. This is a must do with one week in Amsterdam you do not want to miss.

This is also a great Amsterdam date idea if you are traveling with your partner.

One Week in Amsterdam: Day 2: Jordaan and Anne Frank House

Anne frank house.

Amsterdam is a museum lovers’ paradise. There are a ton of museums to choose from and when you are in Amsterdam for a week you will have more than enough time to enjoy quite a few.

One of the top museums in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. Which is a historical museum explaining the life of a girl hiding in an Amsterdam attic during WW2.

*IMPORTANT: The Anne Frank House has now limited its amount of guests to 1 million a year. As a result, tickets ONLY go on sale ONLINE on the first Tuesday of the Month*

The Anne Frank House is located in Amsterdam’s most beautiful neighborhood, The Jordaan. Here you will find the most beautiful canals, houses, and surroundings. This is my FAVOURITE neighborhood in Amsterdam and a place I can walk around for hours.

This is something you likely will do more than once when spending one week in Amsterdam!

➡️ Read More: Best Cafes in Amsterdam

The 9 Streets are a famous grouping of 9 shopping streets in Amsterdam. Read this post for a full guide on the 9 streets. In short, it is the number one place to find vintage clothing, local boutiques, and aesthetic restaurants.

House Boat Museum

Curious about how a houseboat looks? Head to the houseboat museum which is located right beside the 9 streets. This museum brings you inside a houseboat to solve the mystery of what this curious living situation is like.

One Week in Amsterdam: Day 3: Museums and Vondelpark

Rijksmuseum.

Museum day in the museum square! Museum Square or in Dutch Museumplein is an area in Amsterdam where you can find 3 famous museums: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Moco Museum.

These are some of the best museums in the city which is why heading to the Rijksmuseum right in the morning is a must.

In the morning hours, the Rijksmuseum is slightly less busy and you can enjoy the exhibits and artifacts with fewer people. The Rijksmuseum is home to millions of pieces of art and artifacts dating back to the medieval ages.

➡️ Read More: Amsterdam Museum Guide

Van Gogh Museum

Visiting Amsterdam for a week means you have more than enough time to visit various museums. After your time in the Rijksmuseum, you can walk for just 2 minutes and then explore the Van Gogh Museum for the ultimate museum day.

This museum outlines the life of the famous artist Vincent Van Gogh in a museum that shows his work as he progressed through his life.

Vondelpark is like Central Park but for Amsterdam. It is a huge park with paths, green space, a rose garden, and even two restaurants. No visit to Amsterdam is complete without exploring this park and soaking in the natural beauty of the city.

Leidseplein

Leidseplein is a lively square in Amsterdam that is home to a ton of bars, restaurants, and clubs. It is the perfect place to grab a drink and people-watch or head for a fun night out.

One Week in Amsterdam: Day 4: Experiences, Street Markets, Red Light District

Heineken experience.

The Heineken Experience is a fun museum in Amsterdam that teaches you about the brewing process behind the Netherlands’ most famous beer: Heineken! Here you will learn about brewing and get to sample a few glasses of fresh Heineken.

Botanical Gardens

Amsterdam is home to its very own Botanical Garden called Hortus Botanicus. These gardens date back to 1638 when they were used to grow medicine. This is a fun place to spend a few hours wandering around and enjoying a different side of Amsterdam.

Street Market Shopping

Amsterdam has a ton of street markets that pop up around town all week long. Some are only open on weekends like Westerstraat Street Market, but others like Waterlooplein and Albert Cupy are open almost all week.

Street markets are the best place to explore with one week in Amsterdam to try fresh Dutch treats and pick up local goodies.

Red Light District

The Red Light District is a controversial place in Amsterdam but a famous tourist attraction nonetheless. Here you can see the famous women in the red-light windows and walk around in amazement with the other tourists. A visit here is one of the top things to do in Amsterdam at night .

Amsterdam for a week: Day 5: Amsterdam North

Amsterdam north.

Spending a whole day in Amsterdam North is the best way to see and experience this unique area of Amsterdam. To get to Amsterdam North you will have to take the free ferry from Central Station and then you are on your way.

This part of Amsterdam is very rustic and artistic and is one of the up-and-coming areas of the city.

One of the highlights of Amsterdam North is the A’DAM Tower. This tower is open to the public to go to the top and view Amsterdam from new heights. It even has a swing that goes over the edge of the building and swings you dangerously from 100 meters in the air.

In Amsterdam North, you can also enjoy some sustainable coffee from De Ceuvel and spend some time at Noorderpark.

One Week in Amsterdam: Day 6: Day Trip from Amsterdam

You should also consider extending your visit to Amsterdam to enjoy a week in the Netherlands .

Day Trip from Amsterdam

Amsterdam is not a huge city and when visiting Amsterdam for a week you will have some extra time to expand your travels and see some additional places in the Netherlands.

There is so much more to the Netherlands than just Amsterdam and going on a day trip to one or more cities is the best way to see more of the stunning country. Below are some of the top day trips from Amsterdam.

It is a really good idea to check out more of the Netherlands because you do have quite a bit of time with one week in Amsterdam.

➡️ Read More: Best Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train

One Week in Amsterdam: Day 7: Museums and De Pijp

Moco museum.

Moco Museum is one of the most fun and exciting museums in Amsterdam. It is the museum of modern art and hosts exhibits from artists like Banksy, Andy Warhol, and more!

De Pijp is a beautiful area in Amsterdam full of amazing restaurants and shops. There are no canals in De Pijp but it is a wonderful area to explore!

Spend the last bit of your final day in Amsterdam wandering around the city and going back to any of your favourite places!

This is the perfect opportunity to head back to any place that interests you, or relax in one of Amsterdam’s many cafes and simply soak in the Amsterdam vibe.

➡️ Read More: One Day in Amsterdam

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• 🚂 Secure Trains and busses around Amsterdam via Omio
• 🏨 Book Hotels in Amsterdam via Booking.com
• ❤️ Get Travel Insurance for Amsterdam via Safety Wings
• 📱 Get 5G Interest ANYWHERE in Amsterdam with Airalo
• 🥾 Join Tours in Amsterdam with Get Your Guide and Viator
• ⭐️ Get your IAmsterdam Card Here .

These are the exact tools I use to book my travels every day. They are all tried and trusted by me and I would not be able to book so many amazing trips without all of them

How to get to Amsterdam

The best way to get to Amsterdam from Schiphol Airport is with the city’s train system. The Netherlands has an amazing train system that runs throughout the whole country and it is quick and easy to navigate.

To take the train you will need to buy a ticket from one of the machines and look on the map to find the destination stop closest to your accommodation.

Amsterdam information

Visiting Amsterdam for a week will surely show you a ton of what the city has to offer. For a smooth visit check out this post with a full list of the most important Amsterdam travel tips.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

The best place to stay in Amsterdam depends on who you are as a traveler. Check out this guide for a complete rundown of all the top areas in Amsterdam to find which works for you!

Best Time to Visit Amsterdam

The best time to visit Amsterdam is during the spring (April to May) and summer (June to August) seasons. These months offer pleasant weather with longer daylight hours, making it ideal for exploring the city’s charming streets, parks, and canals.

Spring in Amsterdam is particularly beautiful, with the city bursting into bloom as tulips and other flowers adorn parks and gardens. The famous Keukenhof Gardens, located just outside the city, is a must-visit during this time, showcasing an impressive array of colorful flowers.

Additionally, spring brings mild temperatures, making it enjoyable to explore Amsterdam’s outdoor attractions and take leisurely canal cruises.

Summer is also a popular time to visit Amsterdam due to its warm and pleasant weather. The city comes alive with festivals, outdoor concerts, and vibrant terraces lining the canals. It’s a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as biking along the city’s extensive network of bike paths or taking a boat tour through the picturesque canals.

It’s important to note that these seasons are also the peak tourist periods in Amsterdam, so expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations. If you prefer a quieter and more affordable visit, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to April) or autumn (September to October).

These also might interest you:

• Amsterdam at night
• One day in Amsterdam
• Day trips from Amsterdam by Train
• Living in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Date Ideas
• Amsterdam in Autumn

Travel Insurance

Getting travel insurance before you travel is a MUST. It’s the number one thing you should always pack before travelling that can save you a lot of money, time, and stress. With how crazy travel has gotten recently you need that peace of mind that no matter what happens there is something protecting you from losing out. I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should.

I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should. Below is my favorite travel insurer Safety Wings, enter your details to get a free quote! 

Visiting Amsterdam for a week will be a visit that is nothing short of amazing. You can really see a ton of what the city has to offer and even some additional sights and attractions. Use this guide to find your way with 7 days in Amsterdam, and feel free to add more things to your to-do list.

More Amsterdam:

• Amsterdam at Night
• Best Pancakes in Amsterdam

Like this post? Pin “Amsterdam for a week” for later!

Samantha Karen is the owner and author of the travel blog Sam Sees World, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the world's most beautiful and unique travel destinations. As a full time traveler she has visited over 50 countries with more on the way.

5 Days in Amsterdam: A Detailed Amsterdam Itinerary

As the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is packed with plenty of history and beautiful scenery. Known as the “Venice of the North”, Amsterdam is a truly historic city that has given the world people like Vincent van Gogh and stunning tulip gardens. This itinerary will help you organize your 5 days in Amsterdam so you can experience as much as you possibly can in this city on your short trip.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Tip: The best way to explore Amsterdam is with a GVB Public Transport Ticket that allows you to travel freely around the city from 1 to 7 days with prices starting at 8,50 €. The card can be used in trams, buses, metros, and ferries. Click here for more information.

Table of Contents

Amsterdam Quick Guide

Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Find here everything you need: Looking for transportation from/to the airport?  Click here for more information and to book your private transfer. Top-Rated Tours and Day Trips to Do in Amsterdam: – Amsterdam: GVB Public Transport Ticket – Van Gogh Museum Ticket – Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise – Heineken Experience Ticket – From Amsterdam: Full-Day Keukenhof Entry Ticket w/Transfers Where to stay in Amsterdam: Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre (view on the river), Hotel Park 6 (next to the Vondelpark)

How to Spend 5 Days in Amsterdam, a Comprehensive Itinerary

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Mövenpick hotel amsterdam city centre.

A 4-star luxury hotel offering river views, just 10 minutes on foot from the city centre. It offers spacious rooms with free wi-fi, a minibar, satellite TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Other hotel amenities include a wellness centre with a gym, a restaurant serving international cuisine and a bar. Great location next to the cruise terminal if you start or finish a cruise in Amsterdam.

Find here more information and book the Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre .

Hotel Park 6

Located next to the Vondelpark, the hotel has 31 rooms some with a private terrace or French balcony. Other room amenities include a TV, a minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. The hotels is conveniently located close to the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.

Find here more information and check the latest prices

Hotel The Exchange

Situated next to Dam square this fashion hotel offers from 1 star to 5-star rooms each one uniquely decorated by students of the fashion school and Dutch designers. Breakfast is served all day at the on-site Stock cafe and Wi-Fi is free of charge.

Find here more information and book Hotel The Exchange .

Art’otel Amsterdam

Located in the heart of the city close to the Central station, this boutique hotel offers modern rooms that feuture art work by Atelier Van Lieshout and free Wi-Fi. Other hotel facilities include an indoor swimming pool and fitness center, and an all-day cafe.

Find here more information and book the Art’otel Amsterdam .

How to get from and to Amsterdam Airport

There are several for getting from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the city center and it depends on your budget, group size and personal preference as to which one you choose. It’s also worth asking if your hotel offers any transfers from the airport as that will save you the hassle of taking any public transport!

Train : Taking the train is the quickest way to get from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) to the city center as you are not dependent on traffic like you are with buses and taxis. The train departs for the city center from Platforms 1 and 2 of the airport station, which is located under the main arrivals’ hall, and it arrives at Amsterdam Central Station. The single ticket costs €5.50 (including €1 surcharge for a disposable ticket) and the travel time is 20 minutes.

Train & Metro:  You can take the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Zuid. Single ticket costs  €4.00 including €1 surcharge and the travel time is 7 mins and then you can connect onto the metro with the cost of a single ticket from €3.20.

Bus : There are two bus options Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 from Schiphol Plaza to Amsterdam Elandsgracht. The single ticket costs €6.50 and the open return €11.25. The average travel time is 30 minutes.

The second option is GVB bus 69 from Schiphol to Amsterdam Sloterdijk. The single ticket costs €3.20 and the average travel time is 40 minutes.

Taxis : If there is a group of you traveling together, a taxi from the airport to the city center can be a great idea. If you take an official taxi from the airport (look out for roof lights and blue number plates) it should cost 45 to 50 EUR one way.

Private Airport Transfer with Welcome Pick-Ups : You can pre-book a car online with Welcome Pick-Ups before you arrive so you don’t have to worry about finding a licensed taxi within the airport. Your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a welcome name sign and a bag with a bottle of water and a map of the city so you’re ready to explore!

There is a flat rate of 43 EUR from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the city center and it takes between 15-20 minutes. . Please note there may be additional charges for late-night pick-ups and public holidays. Sometimes if you book early there is a discount.

Click here for more information and to book your airport transfer.

Staying in Amsterdam for just 2 days? Check out this 2 day Amsterdam itinerary.  

Amsterdam CityPass

The Amsterdam Go City All-Inclusive Pass allows visitors to some of the city’s top attractions (more than 30), including:

• Rijksmuseum,
• Heineken Experience,
• Amsterdam Canal Cruise
• Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague Live Guided Tour

If you plan to visit the attractions, this city pass offers almost a 50% discount on admission fees. It is an excellent value!

Click here for more information and to book the Amsterdam Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions.

5 Days in Amsterdam: Day One

Canal boat tour.

Perhaps the most marked characteristic of Amsterdam is its 165 canals. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010, it was originally intended to encourage trade and transport and today provides a way for travelers to take in the city’s sights and attractions in an unforgettable way.

You can take a canal cruise from one of the many tours that operate on the canal, and they usually take one hour. As well as the opportunity to learn more about the facts and history of the canals, you also have the chance to pick which type of tour will suit you best; they range from candle-lit cruises to hop-on-hop-off services.

Don’t forget that platforms like Airbnb offer a range of boathouses to rent so that you can actually live on the canal, too!

Some great Canal Cruises: The 1.5-Hour Evening Canal Cruise The classic day canal cruise

Dam Square (National Monument)

Situated in the middle of Dam Square is the National Monument, Netherland’s most important World War II memorial. It stands at 22-meters high and every year on the 4 th of May, a national Remembrance of the Dead is held at this monument where people gather to pay respects to fallen soldiers.

There is a Latin inscription on the pillar which translates in English to: “Here, where the heart of the fatherland is, may this monument, which citizens carry in their heart, gaze at God’s stars.” It was designed by Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and became an official national heritage monument in 2009.

Royal Palace of Amsterdam

One of three palaces in the Netherlands, the Royal Palace was originally built as a city hall and became the palace of King Louis Napoleon, and later on of the Dutch Royal House. The State placed the Royal Palace at the disposal of the King and today it is now used for royal events such as prize-givings, the King’s New Year reception, and the welcoming of foreign heads of state. It is situated on Dam Square, in the very heart of Amsterdam. You can take a guided tour throughout the palace’s rooms or take a free audio tour.

Click here to book your admission ticket that includes an audio guide.

Staying in Amsterdam less than 5 days? You might want to check this 3-day Amsterdam itinerary.

5 Days in Amsterdam: Day Two

Van gogh museum.

Amsterdam is home to one of the most iconic painters in history, Vincent van Gogh, and this museum is dedicated to telling his life’s story as well as showcasing his stunning paintings. The Van Gogh Museum features paintings like Sunflowers (1889) and Self-Portrait with Straw Hat (1887) you can view.

There are also interesting exhibits like The Dutch in Paris which showcases Dutch artists and works they completed in Paris and Zeng Fanzhi , an exhibit done by this famous Chinese artist who creates works inspired by Van Gogh. When you’re done exploring this museum you can stop by its quaint gift shop and buy some unique Van Gogh souvenirs.

Keep in mind that photography is not allowed inside the museum.

I recommend buying your tickets in advance to skip the long lines. Skip the line ticket to the Van Gogh Museum Skip the line tour to the Van Gogh Museum

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands and showcases the history of this country as well as some famous Dutch paintings and art pieces. Inside you’ll find paintings from Vermeer and Rembrandt and creative exhibits you can wander through.

For instance, there’s the Birds in Art exhibit which highlights art pieces throughout history that depict birds in them. There’s also Glorious Food which shows historic still-life paintings of food. You can even browse through a Roaring Twenties exhibit which features photographs and other items from the 1920s in it.

To get the most out of your visit, you have the option to buy your tickets online to skip the queue and book a guided tour. The museum is huge so a guided tour is a must.

Skip the line tickets to the Rijksmuseum

Existing now for almost 150 years, Vondelpark is the largest park in Amsterdam and the most famous park in the Netherlands. It welcomes 10 million visitors each year and is constantly filled with locals and tourists alike exercising, enjoying the sun or dog-walking.

As well as hosting open-air concerts, people also have the chance to visit the three-meter statue of Dutch poet Vondel, the rose garden, and the music dome. Vondelpark is also home to a selection of restaurants and cafes like Café Vertigo and Groot Melkhuis. You can stroll by leisurely after a visit to the museums as it is close by, or explore it the Dutch way – through a bike tour.

Restaurant Tip: A great place to grab lunch in the area is the Uptown Meat Club . It has a nice menu, great beers, and good service. It is close to the museums and Vondelpark. Van Baerlestraat 7, Museumkwartier.

5 Days in Amsterdam: Day Three

Jordaan neighborhood.

Arguably the most famous neighborhood in Amsterdam is Jordaan. Once a poor district for the working class, years of gentrification means it is now home to a host of young artists, students, and entrepreneurs as well as galleries, restaurants, and boutiques.

Its charming narrow streets and little canals make walking through this neighborhood highly enjoyable; as well as hosting several markets like Noordermarkt which has a flea market on Monday mornings, Jordaan offers hidden courtyards, art studios, and small museums.

It was also once home to several significant figures in history like famous Dutch writer Joost van den Vondel, painter, and photographer Breitner, and artist Rembrandt van Rijn.

The best way to experience Jordaan is through a food tour. Not only you will see the neighborhood and learn its history but you will also have the chance to taste some mouthwatering food. Read about my Jordaan food tour .

Anne Frank House

This museum is the historic site of where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II. This museum honors her and features many exhibits to help visitors learn more about her life. Inside you’ll find exhibits that tell about her family and even one that features the movie star pictures that Anne Frank herself clipped out of magazines and newspapers and hung up on her wall.

You’ll also be able to see the bookcase that helped to hide the entrance to her family’s hiding place. Toward the end of your trip, you can stop by the Diary Room which contains her famous diary.

Dating back to the 14 th century, this tranquil and enclosed courtyard was originally intended for the Begijntjes, a nun-like Catholic sisterhood. There are beautiful houses surrounding the courtyard and gardens where you will also find the English Church with its original medieval tower, the Begijnhof Chapel, and the Civic Guards Gallery where there is a selection of 17th-century paintings of important men and women from Amsterdam. The wooden house, Houten Huys, is the oldest surviving house in the city and dates back to 1420.

The Oude Kerk (old church) is both Amsterdam’s oldest building and parish church. It is a 13 th century, 800-year-old building towering over the Red Light District, oddly enough.Originally built as a Catholic place of worship, it now is an expression of Dutch Protestantism and frequently hosts exhibitions and concerts.

Inside, the architecture is impressive and beautiful and the windows are high and flooded with light. Other points of attraction inside are Madam Saskia van Uylenberg’s grave (number 29), Rembrandt’s beloved wife who was buried there, and a 17th-century grand organ. It is typically open seven days a week and you can take guided tours which leave every 30 minutes.

Nieuwe Kerk

The Nieuwe Kerk (new church) is the most important church in the Netherlands. Built in the 15 th century, it lies adjacent to the Royal Palace and is used today as an exhibition space. After fire damage many years ago, it was restored to exhibit its original Renaissance features.

Many Dutch monarchs have been inaugurated in NieuweKerk, and it was even a host to the wedding of His Majesty King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander andPrincessMáxima. Inside is also the tomb of Dutch admiral Michiel de Ruyter and poet and playwright Joost van den Vondel, amongst others. It opens daily apart from Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Kalverstraat

A bustling shopping attraction in Amsterdam, Kalverstraat is a 750-meter road that lures crowds of people to make it the city’s most commercial street. Major brands will have at least one store here, and you will also find boutiques, department stores, shoe shops, and souvenir stores as well.

Near the end of the street isKalvertoren Building, a historic building turned modern mall occupying three levels. At the very end of Kalverstraat, if you walk through theMunttoren (Mint Tower), you will arrive at Amsterdam’s vibrant Flowermarketwhere you will find all kinds of tulips, bulbs, and flowers.

Red Light District

Situated in one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of the city, the infamous Red Light District, also known as Rosse Buurt to the locals, is a network of brothels, sex shops, peep shows, coffee houses, and museums. Women parade their bodies through window parlors and people from all over the world – couples, hen’s night groups point and stare as they walk down one of Amsterdam’s major tourist attractions.

The main Red Light District is in the Walletjes area , and while it may look dodgy on the outside, it is well-protected with police and private bodyguards patrolling it. It may be interesting to know that prostitution is legal in Holland and that it is at the heart of Amsterdam’s nightlife entertainment that they get to enjoy acceptance.

Visit this district from 11 pm onwards, either in a group or in a guided tour, to get the full experience of swarming crowds and blaring neon lights reflecting in the canals.

Want to learn more about the Red Light District? Why not check this tour?

Amsterdam Red Light District 2-Hour Walking Tour

Taking photos of the ladies in the windows is not allowed. For other things you shouldn’t do in Amsterdam check my post: Things not to do in Amsterdam .

5 Days in Amsterdam: Day Four

Day trip to volendam.

Looking to get away from the bustling city and experience a more serene landscape? If so, you can take a day trip to Volendam. This town is located in the northern part of the Netherlands and is well-known for its colorful houses, fresh seafood, and windmills.

In fact, you can take a peaceful one hour cruise down the canals here to learn more about these historic windmills and houses. The tour will also stop by a local cheese factory where you can enjoy a snack of freshly made cheese.

After your tour you can also visit some museums this town features like the Volendam Museum, which is known for its art collection, or the Paard van Marken, a lighthouse built back in 1839.

Find here more information and book this day trip to Volendam.

Experience the Tulips at Keukenhof

Depending on when you plan your trip, you might instead want to spend your fourth day in Amsterdam enjoying the massive tulip blooms during the spring, which are the official flower of the Netherlands. Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest gardens and is filled with colorful tulips that you can enjoy looking at while strolling down winding paths built in the midst of them.

In addition to tulips, this garden also has plenty of fragrant hyacinths and daffodils which add an extra burst of color to the sea of tulips.

Find here more information and book your skip-the-line tickets and transfer to Keukenhof.

5 Days in Amsterdam: Day Five

Heineken experience.

This famous beer company started in Amsterdam in 1864 and with the Heineken Experience you’ll be able to learn more about this company’s history as well as the city it was founded in. This interactive tour will take you through the historic building where this company got started and finish with a special beer tasting. You’ll also be able to learn how to draft a Heineken yourself at the end.

Book your Heineken Experience tickets here.

Some Other Sites Worth Seeing Depending on Your Interests

FOAM, also known as the Fotografiemuseum, is a place dedicated entirely to the art of photography. Inside you’ll be able to gaze at creative photographs by photographers like André Kertész and view unique exhibits like Anouk Kruithof’s ¡Aguas! which takes into mind problems like climate change and government surveillance. This museum offers free tours and when you’re done you can grab a bite to eat at its chic café.

Book your FOAM admission tickets here.

Amsterdam History Museum

The Amsterdam History Museum is the perfect stop to help learn more about this city. Inside you’ll find art, photos, and other objects that help to tell the story of this iconic destination. This museum offers many interesting exhibits you can enjoy like Amsterdam DNA which provides a quick overview of the history of Amsterdam and The Little Orphanage where families can learn more about what life was like in a 17th-century orphanage.

Book your entrance tickets to Amsterdam’s History Museum here.

Hermitage Amsterdam

The Hermitage Amsterdam is a museum that offers many interesting exhibits you can enjoy that highlight works by Dutch Masters and modern artists. One unique exhibit this museum has is Panorama Amsterdam which shows the city from the perspective of this museum and tells the unique history of the city.

You’ll be able to learn more about how the canals were built and iconic visitors to Amsterdam like Napoleon and the Beatles. This museum also has a special Portrait Gallery of the Golden Age which has 30 massive 17th-century paintings you can gaze at.

Amsterdam is filled with plenty of things to do and see. In these 5 days you’ll be able to experience just a small selection of what Amsterdam has to offer. After spending these few days exploring this beautiful city you’ll soon find yourself never wanting to leave.

I traveled around Amsterdam using the GVB day passes that allow you to travel freely around the city from 1 to 7 days with prices starting at 8,50 €. The card can be used in trams, buses, and metros.

Book your public transport tickets here.

Wondering what to see after Amsterdam? Check my post: Things to do in Utrecht .

Have you been to Amsterdam?

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3 thoughts on “5 Days in Amsterdam: A Detailed Amsterdam Itinerary”

Very well detailed itinerary. For my first solo trip i traveled to amsterdam and had a great time. Beautiful city!

Thanks for your comment. I loved Amsterdam too. So many things to see.

Thank you for this information. We (from Australia) are hoping to visit Amsterdam during our travel in 2022 (was 2021 but Covid interrupted those plans). I am looking at 7 nights in Amsterdam and the information you provided is of great interest.

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Amsterdam Blog

Since 2006, Amsterdam Blog is perhaps the world's best travel guide to Amsterdam and was co-authored by Roger Wade and BootsnAll. Roger is still known to this day for his keen eye and value finding abilities across the web. Today, 100s articles are archived and updated to help you explore and understand Amsterdam. With the Pandemic still affecting global travel in 2020/21 in Europe and beyond - Amsterdam tourism has suffered. We do know many travellers that have gone in 2020 and are planning in 2021 to make Amsterdam a stop - there is a lot of availability and perhaps, for the this is the best time to visit Amsterdam since 2008/09.

• Amsterdam for Families
• Indie Trips that Include Amsterdam
• 10 Days in the Netherlands Itinerary
• Why You Should Add Amsterdam to Your RTW Trip
• Amsterdam Gift Guide
• How Best to Do Business in Amsterdam
• National Windmill Day
• Getting from Amsterdam to Antwerp (and return)
• Getting from Amsterdam to Hague (and return)
• Getting from Amsterdam to Maastricht (and return)
• Getting from Amsterdam to Delft (and return)
• Getting from Amsterdam to Luxembourg (and return)
• Getting from Brussels to Berlin (and return)
• Getting from Brussels to Luxembourg (and return)
• Getting from Brussels to Antwerp (and return)
• Getting from Bruges to Brussels (and return)
• Top 10 Dutch Phrases to Know
• How to be a guaranteed member of the Mile High club
• Canal Cruises in Amsterdam: What You’ll See [Video]
• Canal Pride Parade: Amsterdam’s August Party [Video]
• What to do in Amsterdam when you’re museum’d out?
• How will the proposed ban on tourists buying cannabis in the Netherlands impact Amsterdam travel?
• Things to Do in Amsterdam for Kids
• Festivals in Amsterdam
• Trains Remain a Great Option in Europe
• Getting Married in Amsterdam
• Getting from Amsterdam to Madrid (or the other way around)
• Schiphol: An Unlikely Airport of Importance
• Riding RandstadRail in The Netherlands
• Hotels Near Schiphol Airport
• New Years in Amsterdam
• Christmas in Amsterdam
• Summer in Amsterdam
• Spring in Amsterdam
• Winter in Amsterdam
• Autumn in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Schiphol’s Airport Library
• Expert Tips on Renting a Bike in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam: A Multi-Faceted City
• Amsterdam Canal District Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• 7 Reasons Why You Should Book a Vacation Rental in Amsterdam
• Unique Hotels in Amsterdam
• How to Fly Budget Airlines to Amsterdam
• Budget Airlines that Fly to Amsterdam
• 12 hottest escorts in Amsterdam
• Hotels Near the Leidseplein
• Hotels Near Dam Square
• Amsterdam Travel News: May 16, 2010
• Amsterdam iPhone Apps for Travelers
• Start Your Europe Cycling Trip in Amsterdam

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Amsterdam attractions for your bucket list: museum-hopping, canal cruises, and grand hotels in the netherlands.

by Benita Lee • 10 May 2024

What’s Amsterdam famous for? Plan your holiday around these amazing attractions that take you from cultural experiences to lovely streets.

Charming canals, majestic museums and busy bicycles that whiz past you in every direction – Amsterdam is famous for more than its Red Light District and coffee shops. (Btw, don’t mistake the latter for cafes – they’re known for cannabis, not caffeine.) The capital city of the Netherlands offers something for every traveller , from historic monuments and cultural landmarks to scenic sights and an electrifying after-dark scene. So grab a stroopwafel, explore the best attractions in Amsterdam, and rest your weary feet (because you’ll be doing a lot of walking) at some of the city’s top hotels.

Amsterdam guide: Best attractions and things to do

1. rijksmuseum.

If there’s one iconic cultural institution you can’t miss out on, it’s the national museum of the Netherlands. The crowds agree, so book your slot in advance and expect to see hordes of tourists marvelling at the same paintings and historical artefacts. Factor in a couple of hours for your Rijksmuseum visit to admire more than 8,000 works, including pieces by Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Tip: art buffs can take a day to go museum-hopping and visit multiple Amsterdam attractions like the Van Gogh Museum and Moco Museum – they’re all located at Museumplein.

2. Heineken Experience

With its roots in Amsterdam, Heineken is an iconic name you’ll spot throughout the city. That means you can’t holiday here without making a date with the Heineken Experience . This immersive journey takes you behind the scenes in the brand’s former brewery to discover everything you ever wanted to know about the famous beer. Tip: arrive early to avoid the mid-day crowds at this popular attraction.

Our 1.5-hour tour started with multimedia exhibits showcasing Heineken’s history across over 150 years, including its old school bottle designs. Next, we gleaned knowledge about how the beer is made. Four simple ingredients – pure malted barley, hops, water and A-yeast – come together to create that familiar flavour you know and love. Oh, and the historical brew room is a magnificent sight to behold!

Those who like interactive experiences will enjoy the 4D Brew Your Ride adventure that shows you what it’s like to be a bottle of Heineken. But our favourite parts were the customisable bottle station, the groovy karaoke bicycles, and the tasting bar at the end, where you can join the draught challenge to pour your own mug of beer from the tap (and guzzle it down afterwards). After stopping by the merch store, make your way up to the breezy rooftop terrace for slick views and refreshing beers.

3. Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House experience is a poignant one. It’s home to the Secret Annex where the Frank family hid from the Nazis, so visitors can see what it was like to live there during WWII. The museum display also includes some of the family’s personal items, as well as Anne’s original diary. P.S. as the space is small, tickets are limited and only sold online for timed slots. They get snapped up quickly, but if you’re lucky, you might snag last-minute ones.

4. Royal Palace Amsterdam

Want a glimpse of royalty? Head to the centrally-located Dam Square, where you’ll find the Royal Palace . King Willem-Alexander and his family don’t officially live there, but it’s used for royal occasions like gala dinners, award ceremonies and state visits. Originally built as Amsterdam’s city hall and transformed into a palace in the 1800s, the building is open to the public to discover its rich history.

5. Van Gogh Museum

The name speaks for itself, and it’s arguably one of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam. Home to the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s works, the exhibitions feature more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters. You’ll also find art by his contemporaries, including Monet Pissarro and Gauguin, alongside French and Japanese prints. After learning about his life from 1853 to 1890, you can pick up jewellery, books, and souvenirs inspired by him at the Van Gogh Museum ‘s store. As usual, tickets sell out quickly, but we were able to secure entry online on the day itself, so don’t give up hope!

6. Canal cruises

Did you really go to Amsterdam if you didn’t drift down its waterways? The 17th-century canal ring area is a unique Unesco World Heritage site, and there are plenty of options to sail through. See the sights on a 75-minute city canal cruise, hop on in the evening for a view of the glittering cityscape, or nibble on wine and cheese during your tour. We enjoyed a breezy 45-minute trip on the Heineken boat , where we discovered the city’s secrets with a refreshing beer in hand.

7. Free walking tours

One of the best ways to explore nooks and crannies that run off the beaten path is to join a walking tour with a local. They’ll tell you fascinating stories about the city’s history and culture, throwing in tidbits you won’t find on Google (or TikTok). From food trails to haunted journeys, Amsterdam has plenty of free walking tour operators.

We picked FreeDam Tours and spent a sunny afternoon sightseeing and munching on stroopwafels with our cheery guide, Gianni. Across 2.5 hours, he gave us captivating insights into the Dutch way of life and their bike culture, the history of the Red Light District, the hidden Our Lord in the Attic Museum, and quaint canal houses. It’s a fantastic introduction to the city for newcomers, we say. Just don’t forget to leave a tip!

8. Albert Cuyp market

If you adore strolling through markets as much as we do, add the Albert Cuyp market to your Amsterdam bucket list. Having been around since 1905, the city’s largest outdoor market opens six days a week, with 260 stalls hawking fruits, vegetables, clothes, flowers, and Dutch dishes. Come hungry to snack on fried potatoes, fresh stroopwafels, poffertjes (Dutch mini pancakes), and herring.

Other markets to swing by include Bloemenmarkt Flower Market for fresh flowers, Noordermarkt for antiques, jewellery and more, and Nieuwmarkt for organic produce on Saturdays.

Zip off to Zurich with our easy guide

9. moco museum.

This modern contemporary museum makes art-gazing cool with its display of works by artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Kaws, Jeff Koons, and Damien Hirst. Street art icon Banksy’s works also make an appearance, alongside English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams’ mental health-themed collection, which runs till July 2024. Moco Museum may be smaller in size compared to the other bigwigs on the list, but it’s worth a visit. Oh, and don’t miss out on the digital immersive art spaces in the basement – they’re totally Instagram-worthy!

10. Vondelpark

Fancy a breath of fresh air after all that sightseeing? Make your way to Amsterdam’s biggest city park for a leisurely stroll, a relaxing picnic, or a sun-soaked afternoon of people-watching. If you there in summer, you’ll find the park bustling with film screenings, free concerts, children’s shows, and more.

11. A’Dam Tower

Take a ferry across the IJ river to Amsterdam-Noord, where you’ll find the 22-storey A’Dam Tower elevated above its neighbours. It’s home to the Sir Adam hotel, a nightclub named Shelter, the revolving restaurant Moon, and the restaurant-bar Madam. But the crown jewel of this building is the A’Dam Lookout . This observation deck offers spectacular panoramic sights of Amsterdam, from the canal streets to the historic centre. Oh, and if you’re a thrill-seeker, strap in for Europe’s highest swing, Over The Edge, and admire a view like no other.

12. Try TikTok-viral food

Just so you can say “TikTok made me do it”, add these viral food spots to your itinerary. We’re talking about truffle mayo fries with parmesan at Fabel Friet, decadent cookies from Van Stapele, Winkel 43’s famous apple pie, and warm stroopwafels by Hans Egstorf, the oldest bakery in Amsterdam.

If you can’t turn down the chance to customise your own chocolate bar, head to Tony’s Chocolonely to choose your favourite type of chocolate, pick the ingredients, and design the wrapper. Other popular places include Chun Cafe and The Pancake Bakery (‘cos you can’t make a trip to Amsterdam without trying some pancakes!). But be warned: expect to see long lines of eager tourists at these hotspots.

13. Take a day trip

We love a good day trip that takes us out of the city to see quaint towns and hidden gems. On our visit to Amsterdam, we joined a fuss-free tour with two major destinations, alongside other farm stops for cheese and clogs. First, we explored the adorable Dutch village of Zaanse Schans , which is known for its picturesque wooden houses, windmills, museums, and handicraft shops. P.S. it’s extremely touristy – there are busloads of visitors traipsing across the area – but it still makes for a fun stop to take snapshots and fuel up on cookies and chocolate.

The highlight of our day? Keukenhof . If you’re in Amsterdam during spring (from March to May), this is one bucket list must-visit. No doubt it’s completely packed with tourists, but it truly lives up to its name as the most beautiful spring garden in the world. The sprawling lush grounds will take you a couple of hours to stroll through, so take your time to be enamoured by the colourful tulips and fresh blooms.

Amsterdam guide: Best hotels to stay in

14. hotel de l’europe.

An absolutely stunning stay, Hotel De L’Europe sits on the banks of the Amstel river, giving you gorgeous canal views from your plush room. With 107 guest rooms, including 55 suites, this is one of the oldest family-owned hotels in Amsterdam.

The five-star name is luxury at its finest, from the marble-clad bathrooms and the comfortable beds to the impeccable service and the scrumptious breakfast spread. It’s also home to dining destinations like the two Michelin-starred Flore, the classy French Brasserie Marie, Italian trattoria Graziella, and Freddy’s Bar, which is named after Alfred ‘Freddy’ Heineken. After your stay here, you might just experience the check-out blues (like us).

15. Pulitzer Amsterdam

We know what you’re thinking, and yes, this place has connections to the Pulitzer Prize. It was first opened in 1968 by Peter Pulitzer, grandson of Pulitzer Prize founder, Joseph Pulitzer. After a facelift in 2016, it now houses 225 rooms across 25 elegant canal houses. Nestled in the hip Nine Streets district, Pulitzer Amsterdam is located near attractions like Anne Frank House and the Royal Palace. From classic canal view rooms to split-level family rooms to cosy rooms for solo travellers, there’s something for everyone.

16. The Dylan

Housed in a historical building (the first theatre of Amsterdam where iconic artist Rembrandt once worked), the hip five-star boutique hotel offers accommodation styles across single rooms, duplex rooms, and suites with garden or canal views. Enjoy a luxe stay amplified by warm service and plush features. When meal times roll around, you’ll be well taken care of.

If you’re in the mood to splurge, The Dylan ’s two Michelin-starred Restaurant Vinkeles is an indulgent treat with modern French cuisine. Meanwhile, até is Filip Hanlo’s six-seater chef’s table, and Bar Brasserie Occo takes you from breakfast to cocktail hour in style.

17. Sweets Hotel

Want a unique stay you won’t find elsewhere? Try the one-of-a-kind Sweets Hotel . This unconventional concept features 28 bridge houses along Amsterdam’s canals that have been transformed into cosy one-bedroom hotel suites. Grab your travel partner and check in to these former residences of the city’s bridge keepers – some are right smack in the middle of the hustle and bustle, while others sit serenely on a quiet waterway.

Every accommodation is different, which means you can hop from a romantic hideaway and a 1950s-style house to a round tower and a two-storey space with windmill views. What’s better than waking up to spectacular sights overlooking glistening waters?

Bookmark this guide to Amsterdam’s finest attractions and hotels – you’ll be all set for your next vacation!

Our Group Editor Benita lives for chill days that include retail therapy at boutique markets, strolling around nature parks, and attempting to be artsy at craft workshops. The only marathons she does are on the couch with Netflix and wine.

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I used to think of myself as a big city girl, but after moving to the Netherlands, I fell in love with the smaller quieter cities in the Netherlands. One of my favorite cities in the Netherlands, which is an easy day trip from Amsterdam, is Delft.   I’ve been living in the Hague for some…

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I’m obsessed with tulips and one of my favorite parts of living in the Netherlands is going to the tulip fields in Holland each year. I include tips for seeing the tulip fields near Amsterdam for free! Although most people visit Keukenhof, it’s very easy to see the Dutch tulip fields without a tour or…

Tried and Tested: The fifteen best weekend trips from Amsterdam

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One of the things that I’ve loved about living in the Netherlands is how easy it is to take weekend trips within the Netherlands and the surrounding countries.  While living in Amsterdam, we took weekend trips at least once a month to a new city.  I’ve been to every single place on this list and…

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As a traveler-turned-local in Amsterdam, I’ve been asked a lot about safety in Amsterdam, especially for solo female travelers. My first trip to Amsterdam was solo and I hope that these tips help you have a great solo trip to Amsterdam! I include tips for traveling as a solo female traveler in Amsterdam, safety tips…

A Couple’s Guide to Amsterdam: 30 Romantic things to do in Amsterdam

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I’m a romantic at heart and this cold weather is making me sentimental.  Jacob and I moved to Amsterdam about three and a half years ago.  We got married in Amsterdam and although Amsterdam has a certain reputation, I find it to be one of the most romantic cities in Europe.  I’ve included in my…

What to Wear in Amsterdam: Your Ultimate Packing List for Amsterdam by a Local

July 8, 2017 by Karen Turner 31 Comments

This is my third year living in Amsterdam and it’s hard to explain to friends/family who are visiting Amsterdam on what to bring to Amsterdam to be prepared for the unpredictable and rainy weather that defines all but ~3 weeks in summer.  Packing for Amsterdam isn’t easy as it involves planning for the worst, so why not…

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Amsterdam travel blog — The fullest Amsterdam travel guide for first-timers

Amsterdam is a strange city, but strange things are not strange at all because they are rooted from the most civilized ideas. A city in which you should not be surprised to see a warning: “You will be not arrested for using drugs in Amsterdam. Call 112 for medical assistance ”, which means you will not be considered guilty if you use drugs. Or another special thing is that there is a separate neighborhood for prostitution, yes it is a government-approved job to operate normally like any other profession. It is a civilized country with a high sense of every citizen.

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So, is Amsterdam worth visiting? Let’s discover one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe through our Amsterdam travel blog (Amsterdam blog) with the fullest Amsterdam travel guide blog (Amsterdam city guide, Amsterdam visitors guide) for a wonderful trip to Amsterdam on a budget for the first time from how to get there, where to stay, best places to visit and what to do… in Amsterdam below to find out the answer!

There are many other interesting things, of course there are many beautiful museums, the signature canals that only the Netherlands has and the habit of taking bicycles as a daily means of transportation of Amsterdam people. We can explore them slowly.

Amsterdam city guide: When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

This depends on each person, some people like to go in the summer from May to August because it is the tourist season, the weather is not too hot as other Mediterranean cities and this time Tulip flowers also bloom. But some people like to go in the spring because you will avoid crowded scenes if you go in the summer, and spring is the season where the flowers at Keukenhof flower garden bloom from mid-March to mid-May, and the flowers garden also only open during that time.

In Amsterdam there is usually rain all year round but usually is drizzle and only rain in the evenings. However, if you intend to travel here, you should bring a jacket or a cold coat to prevent storms and unusual cold winds. Because of such weather, most of the hotels here are not equipped with air conditioning, but instead have a fireplace in the room. From December until January, the coldest time, dense snowfall, everything seemed to freeze. However, it is rarely frozen, so you can not play ice skating on the canals like in the movies you often see.

If you have a chance to come to Amsterdam in the winter, it is extremely noticeable because the Netherlands is in the sea climate region adjacent to Northern Europe, so the winter here is super cold, you will just want to remove your hands from the pockets a little bit, try to press button to take photos and then have to put your hands back into pockets immediately. It’s so cold, so remember to bring really warm clothes, until May but in Amsterdam, the temperature is still around 10 degrees Celsius, how do you feel?

Amsterdam travel blog: Getting around Amsterdam

Generally Amsterdam has all kinds of public transport like many other cities, such as Metro, Tram, Bus and especially people here love to ride bicycles. Bicycles have become Amsterdam’s distinctive cultural feature, simple, improve health and protect the environment.

The single ticket (Single Journey) price for all means of public transport is €2.80 and you can use all types of public transport within 1 hour, unlimited daily tickets cost €7.50. In addition, there also is OV Chipkaart card is cheaper if traveling a lot, just like EZ Link card when you traveling by MRT in Singapore . Bicycle rental prices range from EUR3-10/day.

Read more: How to get around Amsterdam cheap? — 7 cheapest & best way on how to travel cheap in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam blog: Where to stay?

There are 2 options for you to stay in Amsterdam, you can stay in the city center, convenient for traveling and more bustling, but the room rates is quite expensive. For backpackers, it is advisable to choose suburban hotels to save costs. In the suburbs you should choose the hotel near Metro station to going into the city only takes 5-10 minutes by train is also very convenient, but in the evening will not be bustling. To find such hostels you should find on Hostelworld.com or Airbnb.com will have more options and cheaper prices than regular hotels. The room rates at Hostelworld.com, Booking.com or Agoda.com are basically the same, but Hostelworld.com gives you more options on the type of hostel rooms.

In the city you may consider some of the following areas:

Central Station : This is the spot that will be very convenient for you because usually going from the airport to the city or taking a train from other cities in Europe has an end point at the central station. There are many hotels, hostels for you to choose from, restaurants, eateries or cafes around a lot, nothing to criticize, of course, the price will be more expensive than other remote areas. You can book hostel Budget Hostel Heart of Amsterdam with room rates from $23/night ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) at a good price, only a 10-minute walk from the station and located right the Dam Square.

Rembrandtplein : This area is located not far from the central station or Dam Square, but there are many luxury hotels, bars or restaurants. Staying in this area you can go to the Royal Palace and the National War Memorial very close. The good hostel at a nice price in Rembrandtplein has Stayokay Amsterdam Stadsdoelen with room rates from $25/night ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) , just a few steps away from Metro, flower market.

In addition to the above areas there are some other areas you can find on Booking.com or Agoda.com , that is Red Light district, also quite interesting if you want to try, this area does not have many hotels or hostel, the evening is not bustling with restaurants, cafes but only things that everyone knows!

Below are some best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

XO Hotels Couture (Address: Delflandlaan 15, 1062 EA Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 881 2595), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $62/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Lloyd Hotel (Address: Oostelijke Handelskade 34, 1019 BN Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 561 3636), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $51/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

XO Hotels Park West (Address: Molenwerf 1, 1014 AG Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 262 9263), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $62/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Ambassade Hotel (Address: Herengracht 341, 1016 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 555 0222), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $273/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Estherea (Address: Singel 303-309, 1012 WJ Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 624 5146), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $111/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam (Address: Rusland 17, 1012 CK Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 623 1231), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $161/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel2stay (Address: Tempelhofstraat 2, 1043 EC Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 229 6345), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $108/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Amsterdam Teleport Hotel (Address: Heathrowstraat 5, 1043 CE Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 210 3535), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $75/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky (Address: Dam 9, 1012 JS Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 554 9111), a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $184/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Amsterdam Centraal Station (Address: Oosterdoksstraat 4, 1011 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 530 0800), a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $219/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Casa (Address: Eerste Ringdijkstraat 4, 1097 BC Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 665 1171), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $60/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Check out more top and best hotels in Amsterdam via Agoda.com or Booking.com

Amsterdam travel guide: What and where to eat?

If you want to saving on eating and drinking in Amsterdam for Amsterdam on a budget trip, it is best to avoid restaurants in the center, just go to the supermarket to buy bread and sausage to eat, in Europe I used to saving costs like that. It only took about 10 euros a day while eating a meal in the restaurant you have to spend at least 15 euros. But if traveling without trying to discover some of the signature foods in that city, it is really flawed. Here are some traditional dishes or unique foods in Amsterdam that you can try.

Stroopwafel

Stroopwafel biscuits consist of two layers of thin baked dough made from butter, flour, sugar, eggs, water, yeast, cinnamon with caramel filling in the middle, dded honey, hazelnuts, jam, ….. depending on the chef’s improvisation and the request of the guests, that selling quite a lot at Albert Cuyp market.

In addition to being a popular street food in Amsterdam, Stroopwafel is also used for breakfast, dinner meals of Dutch people.

Dutch French Fries

The dish is of Belgian origin and quite popular in the world, however, only potato chips in Amsterdam are enchanting and voted as the world’s best potato chips.

Drop by the stalls and cafes on the streets of Amsterdam, and you’ll easily buy a “paper funnel” filled with crispy golden fries and a special sauce layer to eating on the street. There are more than 22 types of sauces served with fries such as chicken egg sauce, peanut sauce, vegetable sauce, spicy sauce … Depending on your preferences, you can choose your own sauces.

Bitterballen

One of the best dishes to come with a cool Heineken bottle. Bitterballen are deep-fried meatballs and are often served with mustard.

Appeared in 400 BC, with delicious, attractive flavor, cheese has become one of the most delicious, famous food in the Netherlands and also the largest cheese export country in the world. Therefore, any traveler when traveling to the Netherlands wants to enjoy cheese in this country. With a unique recipe, according to the long-standing traditional recipe, this cheese has created a delicious, new flavor, which makes diners love it.

This is a dish made from potato wrapped kernel inside and then fried. Today this dish becomes more common and popular in street food. There are over 100 different kinds of kernels made from meat, fish, vegetables, tubers, cheese … and used as an appetizer for luxurious parties, meals, holidays, …

The truly Dutch-style croquette must be soft, crispy outside and special flavor due to the skillful hands of Amsterdam chefs.

Vietnamese Loempia

Surprised? Is the name of the fascinating street food in Amsterdam related to Vietnam?

This dish has been around since the 1980s, with the first name being Loempia. Because of similar the Indonesian Loempia dish, the Dutch changed their name to Vietnamese Loempia to make it easy to distinguish.

This dish is similar to spring rolls in Vietnam but the ingredients and processing have changed to suit the Dutch. The outer shell of the cake is thick and yellow is similar to Vietnamese Hollow donuts (hollow bread) cake, the kernel is made up of a mixture of shrimp, meat, carrot, pepper, … This dish served with mayonnaise, tomato sauce or chili sauce.

Herring is not only a delicious, attractive dish in the Netherlands but this herring fish is also a familiar dish, popular with the people here. The dishes made from herring are very diverse and rich, each dish has its own unique flavor, but the best is still herring salad dish. The fishes were bought will be processed cleanly, filtered out the bones only to take the lean meat, then marinated with spices, salt and pepper and leave it for 1-2 days to be used. Make sure, when you enjoy this dish once, you will want to come back and enjoy it for the second time.

Kibbeling (Deep fried battered fish pieces)

If another specialty: Herring salad does not make you feel attractive, surely Kibbeling – deep-fried cod pieces will definitely seduce you right from the first bite.

Fresh fish is battered and deep-fried. This is a famous specialty of Amsterdam people in particular and in the Netherlands in general, and I am passionate about this dish. This dish is sold in many places, but it is best to go to seafood markets, restaurants near the coast to enjoy.

A delicious Dutch dessert. This mini and hot pancake is sold in many restaurants around Amsterdam but nothing can win against a hot pack of poffertjes just bought at a roadside stall. Poffertjes are made from simple ingredients such as yeast, buckwheat flour, sugar, butter… that are pureed, mixed together, then deep fried, create a very attractive flavor that makes diners will be impressed.

Continued reading…

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Ministry of Health (MOH) Public Health Advisory

Travellers should refer to the  ICA website  for the latest information on travelling to/from or transiting through Singapore.  For the latest updates on Singapore’s COVID-19 situation, please refer to the MOH website at  https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19 .

COVID-19 Travel Requirements

In view of the COVID-19 situation, travellers visiting Netherlands should be prepared for updates to entry requirements. Please visit the Official Travel Information website of the Government of the Netherlands ( https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad/ )  for the latest information.

Entry and Exit

Singaporeans can visit the Netherlands without a visa for up to 90 days within 180 days from date of initial entry within the Schengen region. Please ensure that your passport has at least six months’ validity beyond the planned date of departure.  As visa requirements often change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency, or the nearest Embassy of Netherlands for up-to-date information.   

For departure, please check with the airport and your airline when you will need to arrive at the airport.  Remember to cater for more time for immigration checks and security screening especially during peak travelling season. If you are flying from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, please click  here . If you encounter problems with your flight such as delayed or cancelled flights, there may be EU regulations covering air passenger rights. Please check  here .

Safety and Security

As of 14 December 2023, the Terrorist Threat Assessment level in the Netherlands is at Level 4 (substantial) (on a scale from one to five, with one being minimal and five being critical). As significant threats still exist, we advise Singaporeans travelling or living in the Netherlands to be vigilant, monitor local news and follow the instructions of local authorities. Announcements on major incidents are reported on the Netherlands' National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism website. We strongly advise Singaporeans to check the website and local media to stay alert to local incidents.

Demonstrations: Demonstrations in major European cities occasionally take place.  They tend to occur on politically significant holidays and during international summits. Should demonstrations take place, most are peaceful, but the situation can turn confrontational and escalate into violence quickly. Travellers are thus encouraged to avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. If you encounter a demonstration, exercise caution, leave the area as soon as possible, and check the local media for updates on the situation and traffic.

Petty crime: Petty crimes, such as robberies, purse snatchings, and pickpockets, are common especially in crowded areas and transport hubs.  The thieves’ modus operandi is to work in teams .  One person/group will distract the traveller by asking for directions/help or pushing them while the accomplices take the items.  Notably, at train stations, thieves have been known to distract travellers when the train is pulling to a stop while their accomplices take their belongings and alight just as doors close.

Theft from vehicles is also common.  Travellers are advised to drive with your windows up and doors locked, and do not leave valuables or items visible in the vehicles.  Travellers should also be careful at hotel lobbies, where some thieves lurk to steal items or pretend to assist, but leave with the luggage once the guests are distracted. 

Travellers must have some form of identification with them at all times and are subject to local laws. Singaporeans who are arrested or detained are advised to ask the police or prison officials to contact the Singapore Embassy to seek consular assistance.

Additional Information

General travel advice.

Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]

Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.

Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.

When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.

For those planning to travel, here are some tips:

Before travelling

• Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.
• Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.
• eRegister with us on our website ( www.mfa.gov.sg ) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.

While travelling

• Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.
• Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.
• Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrest or terror attacks.
• Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.
• In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

Advisory: Email Scams

There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.

MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously.  Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance.  If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request.  It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc.  Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails.  Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately.  Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas  Mission  or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.

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mitsueki ♥ | Singapore Lifestyle Blogger – Food, Fashion, Travel & Random News

I blog about food, fashion, my travelogues and utter randomness – updated daily for your reading pleasure!

Tag: amsterdam travel blog singapore

[europe 2015] amsterdam – day 3 (part 2): dam square / amsterdam red light district / museum of prostitution.

Dumped our souvenirs back at our houseboat as seen above, and we were off to explore the rest of Amsterdam after our half day visit to Zaanse Schans. Walking along Damrak The plan was to walk along the Damrak and streets of Amsterdam as we made our way to Dam Square / The Dam. Passed by …

[EUROPE 2015] Amsterdam – Day 3 (Part 1): Noodermarkt / Zaanse Schans (Windmill Visit / Cacao Lab / Bakery Museum / Clog Workshop / De Kraai Pancake Restaurant / Souvenirs / Cheese Factory / Miffy Souvenir Shop)

We woke up to a beautiful sunny day in Amsterdam once again on Day 3! Noodermarkt There was a weekly Saturday market held nearby at Noodermarkt so we decided to check it out before heading to Amsterdam Central Station. First up, say hello to our morning faces lol! The Noodermarkt market is a great place …

[EUROPE 2015] Amsterdam Houseboat Airbnb Experience/Review

An interesting/unique accommodation in Amsterdam that you can book off Airbnb is a houseboat and that’s what I booked during our trip back in 2015! Most houseboats can only accommodate a small number of persons but it was fortunate that I managed to book a bigger one for a group of 5! Don’t forget to …

[EUROPE 2015] Amsterdam – Day 1: Schiphol Airport / Winkel 43 / Albert Heijn Supermarket / Hop On Hop Off Canal Cruise / Albert Cuyp Market / Rijksmuseum / I Amsterdam Sign / Bistro Bij Ons / Anne Frank House

Okay.. This is a really backdated travelogue from 2015 featuring my first trip to Europe with Wx’s family!(: Will try to get this travelogue up asap as I’ve got too many other pending travelogues at the moment..so let’s do this!(: Preparations for this trip took months of planning in advance but I was really glad …

Amsterdam 1-day itinerary | Explore Amsterdam in a day

Things to do in Amsterdam Amsterdam Travel Guide Amsterdam Itineraries Amsterdam In 1 Day

Amsterdam, often known as ‘Venice of the North’ is home to historic buildings, iconic museums and a unique vibe that escapes most other tourist cities. This 17th Century capital is unlike any other city in the world with its singularly creative art and culture scene. There's nothing quite like a stroll through its cobbled streets and narrow lanes. Each turn gives way to a new surprise; a cafe offering homemade pastries, a bookshop selling trinkets made from local items found in the city or a flower shop with a dazzling bouquet of multicoloured tulips. This city is also home to world-famous attractions like the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam and much more.

Don’t be overwhelmed with everything Amsterdam has to offer! There's a lot you can experience in one day. Our Amsterdam in a day guide has been carefully designed to give you the best experience possible.

1 Day in Amsterdam - How To Spend Your Day

• Morning in Amsterdam  :   Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum & Vondelpark  
• Afternoon in Amsterdam  :   Amsterdam Begijnhof, Amsterdam Canal Cruise & Anne Frank House 
• Evening in Amsterdam  :   Damrak & Foodhallen  

Amsterdam In A Day - Detailed Itinerary

Say hello to the rijksmuseum and vondelpark.

Rijksmuseum

The van gogh museum.

National Art Museum

Largest Museum in the Netherlands

Begin your day in Amsterdam with a little history! The Dutch national museum, Rijksmuseum , was founded in the Hague on 19th November 1798 and moved to Amsterdam in 1808. Located at the Museum Square, it is home to over 8,000 pieces of art and history, including masterpieces by Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Van Ruysdael and more. Ideally, you'll need about two hours to explore the Rijksmuseum, but if you're short on time, you can also opt for a quick one hour tour. Rijksmuseum is open between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. For children under 18 entry to Rijksmuseum is free, while adults have to pay €19.

• As one of the most popular landmarks in Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum is generally crowded and the waiting line at ticket counters is usually long. Avoid this by pre-purchasing your tickets online.
• Begin your visit in the Gallery of Honour and Night Watch Gallery will position you smack in the center of the second floor, which is bookended by the Great Hall and Sculpture Gallery.
• Take advantage of the free wifi, since there are several types of tours, integrating thematic tours or specific rooms/galleries tours and mentioning the highlights among artists, times, or types of works.
• All You Need To Know About Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
• Top 4 Rijksmuseum Guided Tours 2022
• Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum Reopens To The Public

🇳🇱  Hot Local Tip 🇳🇱  

The Gallery of Honor attracts the most people because it’s home to The Night Watch and other gorgeous Golden Age paintings. If you arrive in the morning, head straight to these pieces first. If you arrive after 3 p.m,  save them for last.

Most Visited Attraction in Amsterdam

Art Aficionados

Dedicated to the works of art maestro Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries, the Van Gogh Museum is one of the most visited attractions in Amsterdam. Since its inception in 1973, this art museum boasts the largest collection of paintings and drawings by Van Gogh in the world and offers a memorable experience to both art aficionados and casual visitors. The museum consists of two buildings: the Rietveld building, and the Kurokawa wing, that feature artworks by Van Gogh’s contemporaries like Auguste Rodin, John Russell, Emile Bernard, Maurice Denis, Paul Gauguin and more.

• The museum closes at 6:00 PM from Saturday to Thursday, while on Friday it closes at 9:00 PM. Last admission to the museum is 30 minutes before closing time, so plan your visit accordingly.
• Take out sufficient time for your visit and avoid going on a rainy day.
• The museum prohibits photography and the rule is strictly enforced. As a remembrance of your time spent with Van Gogh, you can pick up a souvenir or postcard from the gift shop.
• The Ultimate Guide For A First Time Visitor | Van Gogh Museum
• Top 3 Van Gogh Museum Guided Tours 2022

🇳🇱  Hot Local Tip  🇳🇱 

You can take photos at the designated areas and selfie walls, but remember to turn the flash off and leave your tripods at the hotel. There’s also free Wi-Fi available throughout the museum.

Perfect Mix of Tech

Global Artists Work

Head to Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest and most famous public park, for a few peaceful hours amidst nature. Centrally located, the Vondelpark attracts more than 10 million visitors annually. Apart from its natural beauty, you can also enjoy free concerts which are organized at the open-air theatre or the park's bandstand. Other attractions at Vondelpark include a statue of the poet Vondel, the Groot Melkhuis with a playground for children and the cast iron music dome. You can also visit the Blauwe Theehuis, a popular ring-shaped cafe, for a refreshing drink.

• You can opt for well-known shopping streets, PC Hoofstraat and Beethovenstraat. Both of these shopping streets are pretty much crowded because of its popularity. If you are looking for a quieter place to shop, go to Cornelis Schuytsraat.
• Tourists interested in equine can fulfil their craving at Hollandsche Manege, which is Vienna’s celebrated Spanish Horse Riding School.
• Taking a Taxi for the commute is the fastest option as it would only take 15 mins. However, the cost would be on a little higher side with 40 Euros a ride.

🇳🇱 Hot Local Tip 🇳🇱

Amsterdammers turn out in droves for the free open-air theater performances every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during summertime.

Restaurant Recommendations

Time for breakfast? Fret not, there are many good restaurants around the area. Our personal recommendations include:

Exploring Amsterdam's Architectures

Amsterdam Begijnhof

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Anne Frank House

Historic Courtyard

Best Treasures of the City

Oldest Hofjes

Continue your day in Amsterdam by visiting one of the most famous and historic hofje in the city: Begijnhof. Hofje in Dutch means courtyard. Back in the day, hofjes were closed communities where widows and seniors lived together. Begijnhof was a little different from your typical hofje and functioned almost like a nunnery, although the women were free to leave the order and get married. Visit Begijnhof to get a truly authentic look at Amsterdam with a church, ancient houses and more housed within a beautiful courtyard, right next to the bustling city center.

• Begijnhof is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and entry is free of charge.
• One can reach in a short time of 15 minutes with a taxi ride. The cheapest option available that consumes less time is by sharing your ride.
• The best time to visit Begijnhof is from April to May and September to November. These months of the year are best to explore the true colors of the area.
• Photography and any kind of filming are prohibited at this place. Many people don’t even like getting photos of their private residences being clicked.

🇳🇱  Hot Local Tip 🇳🇱

You can go on tours that take in the Begijnhof courtyard, and possibly the best way to do this is by booking a personalised tour of Amsterdam so that you choose exactly where you want to go.

Important Landmarks

Family Friendly

An experience you must have while in Amsterdam is a cruise through its Golden Age era canal system. It’s a pleasant sight to witness the beautiful city from a boat. Given their popularity, you'll find countless canal cruise options to choose from. There are semi-open boat tours, evening canal cruise, hop-on hop-off canal cruise, an Amsterdam culinary cruise and many others. A canal cruise is also a great way to explore the city without having to walk too much. While each cruise option follows a different route, you'll be passing by iconic Amsterdam landmarks in all of them.

• Try booking your Amsterdam canal cruise tickets online to avoid waiting in long lines.
• Consider Skip the Line Tickets & Combo Deals.
• For Travel Flexibility, Try The Hop-On-Hop-Off Cruise.
• Make Use Of The Audio Guides.
• Your Definitive Guide To Finding The Perfect Amsterdam Canal Cruise
• Amsterdam Canal Cruises Reopens Post COVID-19 Lockdown

🇳🇱  Local Travel Tip  🇳🇱

Everything is possible - candle-light dinner, museum tour and also some wacky variants like the pancake roundtrip.

Historic Landmark

Oldest Landmarks in Amsterdam

This biographical museum is dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank and is arguably one of the most important landmarks in Amsterdam. Anne Frank museum was originally the Frank family’s escape, where they hid from Nazi persecution during World War II. While Anne herself did not survive, her diary was published in 1947 detailing her time during the war. This museum opened in 1960 and showcases a permanent exhibition on the life of Anne Frank including rare family pictures, the room in which they remained hidden and other authentic memorabilia.

• The Anne Frank House is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Ticket price for adults is €10 and for children aged 10-17, it’s €5. For children aged 9 and below, entry to The Anne Frank House is free.
• You can buy tickets online to avoid waiting in a line.
• All You Need To Know About The Anne Frank Walking Tour In Amsterdam
• Anne Frank House In Amsterdam Now Open for Visits | Post Coronavirus Updates

  🇳🇱  Local Travel Tip  🇳🇱

You'll need to reserve your tickets to the Anne Frank House as early as possible. As soon as you know you're going to Amsterdam, book those babies.

Time for lunch? Fret not, there are many good restaurants around the area. Our personal recommendations include:

Cruising and Strolling About Amsterdam

Heart of Amsterdam

Famous Destination

The Damrak is an avenue in the heart of Amsterdam, located between Amsterdam Centraal railway station and Dam Square. A partially-filled canal, the Damrak is now Amsterdam’s equivalent of New York's Wall Street. This busy street was once home to Beues van Berlage, the former stock exchange building and other historic buildings usually found on postcards from Amsterdam. Damrak is also lined with cafes, restaurants and tourist shops, making it the perfect stop for a snack or an early dinner.

• The best time to visit Dam Square is during late autumn till the early winters get over.
• Reach Dam Square by car, bus, and train.
• You can click photographs freely at most of the places except where it is not allowed. Watch out for the “No Photography” sign.

🇳🇱  Local Travel Tip  🇳🇱

Experience the Dutch food culture here and make sure to grab on the specialty dishes: Korket, Dutch cheese, and stroopwafel.

Heavenly Food

Local Delicacy

Walk to the final destination in your one day Amsterdam tour -- Foodhallen, an indoor market that houses some of the best food options in the city. Foodhallen is particularly great for tourists who don't want to struggle to find a good place to eat. Here, you'll find both local and international cuisines in one convenient place; from fresh oysters and lobsters to hot dogs and gourmet pita bread, Foodhallen has all your food cravings sorted. An added bonus of visiting Foodhallen is the chance to interact with locals and attend fun events.

• You can try some of the stalls in other places so maybe go for the ones that are unique.
• It's not the cheapest way to eat, but certainly most main dishes at De Foodhallen are under €10 which if you compare that to a restaurant is decent.
• Follow the tramlines which are still on the ground and admire the beautiful old architecture of a building that has been lovingly restored.

Stall Recommendations

Time for dinner? Fret not, try to maximize your foodie experience, from stands that freshly-fry classic Dutch bitterballen, to places that serve up twists on old favorites!

Best Time To Visit Amsterdam

Spend a day in amsterdam under €100.

With an action-packed visit and great savings at hand, your trip to Amsterdam will have you coming back for more! Not only do you benefit from unlimited access to Amsterdam's public transport system, but you also gain access to some of the best attractions in the city for 24 - 120 hours!

I Amsterdam City Card

Over the course of the time you choose to spend here, enjoy the best the Dutch capital has to offer on this hassle-free I Amsterdam City Card. Gain unlimited access to public transport, a free one-hour canal cruise, along with several famed museums and attractions. You will get to visit the ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in Europe where you can experience nature right in the centre of the bustling city. You will also get to visit the magnificent Stedelijk Museum, along with the Rijksmuseum, the Diamond Museum, NEMO Science Museum, Rembrandt House Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam and many more! Enjoy additional benefits such as discounted rates at cafés, restaurants, bike rentals and many more!

Headout Price: €99

More Amsterdam Itineraries

Have some more time to kill in Amsterdam? That's alright, we've got other options for you. Check out our other itineraries for further inspiration:

• 3 Days in Amsterdam
• 7 Days in Amsterdam
• The Amsterdam Trip Planner

The Perfect Amsterdam Trip Planner

Public transportation in amsterdam.

Getting around in Amsterdam using public transport is convenient and easy on the pockets too. Here are your options:

• Metro : Amsterdam's metro network originates from Central Station and connects to the city's outlying districts including Bijlmer, Amstelveen and Diemen. With over five different routes and 39 stations, the metro is perfect for long-distance travel. You can purchase a one-hour ticket or a rechargeable public transport chip card at GVB service desks or vending machines at metro stations.
• Buses : There are three primary bus operators in Amsterdam: GVB (operating mostly within the city), Connexxion and EBS. The bus network in Amsterdam is pretty comprehensive and well connected with over 42 different routes across the city. Buses are also the cheapest mode of public transport in Amsterdam. You can purchase single-journey tickets or one-hour tickets directly from the driver. A more convenient option would be a 24-hour ticket which grants you unlimited access to the bus network for an entire day.
• Trams : An iconic part of Amsterdam's public transport network, the tram service is best suited for short-distance travel within the city. One of the quickest ways to get around and into the city centre, the tram in Amsterdam is spread across 14 lines and 100+ stops. When travelling by tram, most locals make use of the public transport chip card (OV-Chipkaart). However, if you’re in the city for just one day, you can get a one-hour ticket aboard a majority of Amsterdam trams -- a ticket attendant sits in a booth towards the rear of most trams.
• Ferries : Take a ferry to cross River IJ if you're on a walking tour, or using your cycle or moped. The ferry service is free of cost and a great way across the water to and from Amsterdam Noord.
• Bikes : One of the best ways to explore Amsterdam in all its glory is on a bike. You'll find cycles or fiets available everywhere in the city for rent. You can rent a cycle for around €7 for a couple of hours or €9.50 for a day.

If paying for all the modes of transport seems like too much effort, make use of the convenient I Amsterdam Card. This card gives you free access to over 70 museums, city-wide public transport and discounts on restaurants and concerts. If you're nervous about navigating the unfamiliar Amsterdam landscape, there are many apps you can use to plan your travel.

Where To Stay in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is home to a variety of housing options since it sees millions of tourists every year. Depending on your budget, you can choose to stay in either quirky, comfortable hostels, welcoming homestays or luxurious hotels. Here’s a list of options to choose from:

1. Around Van Gogh Museum:

• Conservatorium Hotel (5-star)
• Amsterdam Marriott Hotel (5-star)
• Hotel van de Vijsel (4-star)
• Jan Luyken Hotel Amsterdam (4-star)
• Hotel Seven one Seven (5-star)
• Leonardo Boutique Museumhotel Amsterdam City Center (5-star)
• The Bedstee Boutique Capsule Hotel (3-star)
• Amsterdam Hostel Leidseplein (2-star)
• Pulitzer Amsterdam (5-star)
• W Amsterdam (5-star)
• Sebastian's (4-star)
• Hotel Mercier (4-star)
• Nova Hotel & Apartments (3-star)

Tips & Hacks For Making The Best of Amsterdam In A Day

• Given how bike-friendly Amsterdam is, there's a dedicated lane for bikes in the city. Make sure you stick to this lane while riding. Also, don't stop in the middle of the lane to click photographs since you'll be obstructing the way for other riders.
• Amsterdam is one of the few cities in the world where cannabis is legal. You'll find countless Coffeeshops within the city selling marijuana and related products. Note that this Coffeeshop is different from your regular Coffee Shop. Ask around if you're having trouble locating a Coffeeshop.
• Pack regular clothes like jeans, thin sweaters or light jackets, since the city has a very laid back vibe. Also, no matter what time you visit Amsterdam, bring a scarf since it gets pretty windy during the evening.
• Remember to carry an umbrella at all times. Amsterdam weather is often unpredictable and you don't want to be stuck in the rain, especially when you only have one day to explore the city.
• Fridge magnets and keychains aren't the souvenirs you would want to take home from Amsterdam. Instead, you can choose from unique Dutch licorice, candy, cheese or alcohol. You'll also find wooden clogs at Zaanse Schans, funky crockery, cookie moulds and more items specific to Amsterdam.
• Socket Type C, E And F can be used to charge your devices in Amsterdam.
• When planning your trip, book tickets for the attractions you're planning on visiting as well. Booking tickets in advance not only works out to be cheaper but you can also avail discounts and cashback offers.
• Amsterdam is famous for its beautiful, multicolored tulips. Please note that tulips bloom only from mid-March to mid-May. Don't be fooled by sellers offering tulip bulbs in spring.

20 Amsterdam Travel Tips & Hacks

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FAQs: Amsterdam 1 Day Itinerary

Is amsterdam worth visiting.

Yes, Amsterdam is worth-visiting for everybody to unleash their wanderlust and discover the beauty and heritage of this city.

What are a few of the must-visit places in Amsterdam?

Some of the must-visit places in Amsterdam are Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Speciality Museums, Van Gogh Museum, The Jordaan, A'dam Lookout, Vondelpark, and Moco Museum among others.

When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

The best time to visit Amsterdam is between March to April and September to November.

What are the top things to do in Amsterdam?

Tourists are usually seen bustling on the roads of Amsterdam. One can take a tour of the canals, go sightseeing, cycle to hidden gems, visit museums, try herring from a herring cart and much more.

What is the cheapest mode of transportation in Amsterdam?

If you don’t want to walk around the city while experiencing the beautiful sights, you can choose to opt for an OV chip card.

Kubra Fatima

Kubra Fatima does not like referring to herself in the third person, but has to do it anyway. She loves writing, but never publishes — mostly because readers might have an ulcer if privy to her private thoughts. Her dream is to retire in Bora Bora, surrounded by just water, a library and music. Until then, she will fantasise about the many holidays she has been on in her mind and hope that one day some come true.

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Top 10 things to do and attractions in amsterdam.

There are so many things to do and attractions in Amsterdam ! If you’re looking for a Amsterdam Travel Blog that tells you all the top must do things in Amsterdam, you’re at the right place! Let’s find out what are some of the things that you can do right here in Amsterdam!

Things to do and Attractions in Amsterdam

1. Amsterdam Canal Cruises

Ditch the bike (or your shoes) and hop on the Amsterdam Canal Cruises ! By taking this cruise, you will be able to cover all the major attractions in Amsterdam, all in the comfort of your seat onboard the cruise!

2. Visit to the Flower Markets (Bloemenmarkt) in Amsterdam

Along Singel, you will be able to find the Bloemenmarkt (aka Flower Market) in Amsterdam ! Here you will be able to find many different varieties of the famous flower export of the Netherlands – Tulips!

3. Anne Frank House in Amsterdam

Interested in history? Anne Frank House will allow you to step back in time via Anne Frank’s diary that depicts the occupation of Nazi Germany during WW2!

4. Zaanse Schans to see Traditional Windmills near Amsterdam

A short ride away from Amsterdam Central Station is Zaanse Schans (stop at Koog Zaandijk Station). At Zaanse Schans, you can have the opportunity to see these traditional windmills that still works today!

5. Oldest Albert Heijn in the Netherlands

While you’re in Zaanse Schans, why not visit the oldest Albert Heijn in the Netherlands that was established since 1887? It is today a museum but still serves good coffee (go to the back!) – the bedrock of this household supermarket chain in the Netherlands!

6. Of Clogs and Wooden Shoes

Visit the clog making demonstrations at Zaanse Schans and you’ll be amazed at how these simple soft woods can become colourful and intricately designed clogs worn in the Netherlands!

7. Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam

Pamper youself at the Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam ! Here you can choose to stay at the new Urban wing or the traditional Victoria Wing. Whatever your choice, you’ll enjoy the heated indoor pool with a glass roof even as it snows in the deep winter night!

8. Your pick of La Place Amsterdam OR Japanese “All You Can Eat” Buffet in Amsterdam!

La Place is Amsterdam’s version of Marche in Singapore! Here you can find a large variety of food that includes meats, pasta, pastries and desserts!

Fancy a buffet while you’re in the Netherlands? Why not try the Japanese “All You Can Eat” buffet in Amsterdam ? You’ll be surprised by the rules that they have and also pleasantly enticed by the quality of food that they serve up!

9. Albert Cuypmarkt Amsterdam Street Markets!

If street market is your thing, remember to visit the Albert Cuyp Market in Amsterdam ! Here you can try out the street food such as stroopwafels or fried fries and even source out for the best deals at the many different street stalls here!

10. Museums & Shopping in Amsterdam

Museums such as Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum at the Amsterdam Museum Square are the evergreens in Amsterdam. Here you can personally view the famous “Sunflowers” as drawn by Van Gogh himself! If art is not your cup of tea, maybe shopping is? You will be spoilt for choice at the shopping streets in Amsterdam from Nieuwendijk to Kalverstraat!

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Amsterdam right here!

We hope you have enjoyed this post! There are so many things to do in Amsterdam , be sure to check them out the next time you’re in Amsterdam !

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