3 Days Amsterdam, Netherlands Itinerary
This 3-day itinerary balances iconic landmarks with local experiences, ensuring you capture the essence of Amsterdam. From exploring canals to delving into art history and enjoying the city's culinary delights, it's designed for a memorable and affordable trip.
Duration
3 days
Budget
$600-900
Best Time
April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months
Activities
18
Daily Avg
$250/day
Pace
Fast
Amsterdam is a vibrant city renowned for its canals, historic architecture, and artistic heritage. It offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, from world-class museums to charming cafes, all easily accessible by bicycle.
Your itinerary covers 8 of 12 must-have experiences
Canal Cruise
Day 1: Canal Cruise
Museum Visit
Day 1: Anne Frank House Visit
Local Market
Day 3: Albert Cuyp Market
Cycling
e.g., Rent a bike from MacBike, Join a cycling tour
Brown Cafe Experience
Day 2: Heineken Experience (Optional)
Dutch Snack
Day 3: Lunch at the Market (Stroopwafels)
Vondelpark Visit
Day 1: Anne Frank House Visit
Independent Shops
e.g., De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets), Haarlemmerstraat
Artis Zoo
e.g., Explore the different animal habitats, Visit the aquarium
Brewery Tour
Day 2: Heineken Experience (Optional)
Houseboat Experience
Day 2: Heineken Experience (Optional)
Flower Market
Day 3: Albert Cuyp Market
Amsterdam's culinary scene is a delightful blend of traditional Dutch fare and international influences. From savory snacks to sweet treats, the city offers a diverse range of flavors to explore. Be prepared for hearty portions and unique spice combinations, especially when it comes to Indonesian-inspired dishes.
Must-Try Dishes
Thin waffles pressed together with a layer of caramel syrup in the middle. Freshly made stroopwafels from a market stall are a true Amsterdam experience.
📍 Albert Cuyp Market, local bakeries, street vendors
Deep-fried meatballs served with mustard. A classic Dutch snack, perfect with a beer.
📍 Pubs (brown cafes), bars, restaurants
Small, fluffy pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar. A sweet treat loved by locals and tourists alike.
📍 Markets, street vendors, cafes
Raw herring, typically served with chopped onions and pickles. A traditional Dutch delicacy for the adventurous eater.
📍 Street vendors, fish stalls (especially around canals)
Food Neighborhoods
Known for its diverse culinary scene, from Surinamese to Middle Eastern food.
Known for its traditional Dutch cafes and cozy restaurants.
Known for its trendy restaurants and international cuisine.
Known for authentic Chinese and Asian cuisine.
Amsterdam is very vegetarian and vegan-friendly, with many restaurants offering plant-based options. Look for the 'vegetarisch' or 'veganistisch' labels on menus. For halal food, there are several Turkish and Moroccan restaurants. Gluten-free options are becoming increasingly available, but it's always best to check with the restaurant beforehand.
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service (5-10%). It's customary to wait to be seated at restaurants. Paying by card is common, but some smaller establishments may prefer cash. It's polite to say 'eet smakelijk' (enjoy your meal) before eating.
King's Day
KoningsdagDutch national holiday with street markets, parties, and everyone dressed in orange.
Note: Book 1 month ahead
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From your hotel in Jordaan, walk or take a short tram ride to Westermarkt.$15
9:00 AM - Anne Frank House Visit
Pre-book tickets online well in advance (essential!). Allow at least 2 hours. The experience is incredibly moving and insightful into WWII history. No photography allowed inside.
Book on Klook - 🚶Westerkerk is right next to the Anne Frank House, a short walk away.$8
11:30 AM - Westerkerk Tower Climb
Right next to the Anne Frank House, climb the Westerkerk tower for panoramic views of Amsterdam's canal ring. It's a great way to orient yourself. Closed Sundays.
Book on Klook - 🚶From Westerkerk, walk along Prinsengracht to Rozengracht.$20
1:00 PM - Lunch at Moeders
Enjoy traditional Dutch cuisine in a cozy, quirky setting filled with photos donated by mothers. Try the stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables and sausage).
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- 🚶From Moeders, walk towards the canal to find a canal cruise departure point.$20
2:30 PM - Canal Cruise
Take a relaxing canal cruise to see the city from a different perspective. Many companies offer tours; choose one that fits your budget and interests. Consider one with live commentary.
Book on Klook - 🚶After the canal cruise, explore the Jordaan district on foot.FREE
4:00 PM - Explore the Jordaan District
Wander through the charming streets of the Jordaan, a former working-class neighborhood filled with independent shops, art galleries, and cafes. Get lost in the labyrinthine alleys.
Book on Klook - 🚶Van 't Spit has multiple locations; check their website and take a tram or walk to the nearest one.$15
6:00 PM - Dinner at Van 't Spit
Grab a delicious and affordable rotisserie chicken at Van 't Spit. They only serve chicken, but it's some of the best in Amsterdam.
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Jordaan
Charming neighborhood with canals, independent shops, and cafes. Centrally located and easily accessible to major attractions.
📅 Best Time to Visit
April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.
The weather in Amsterdam during the shoulder seasons can be unpredictable. Expect mild temperatures, occasional rain showers, and sunny days. Layering is recommended.
April-May and September-October are considered shoulder seasons, offering a balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists compared to the summer.
King's Day (April 27th) is a major national holiday with city-wide celebrations. Expect crowds and higher prices.
Getting Around
Excellent NS rail network; cycling is a way of life
OV-chipkaart
Get an OV-chipkaart for all transit. Rent a bike — Amsterdam is best explored on two wheels.
Travel
$150-300 (flights vary greatly)Accommodation
$150-300 (hostel/budget hotel)Food
$150-200Activities
$150-200Opt for picnics and meals from supermarkets (Albert Heijn) or local markets (Albert Cuyp Markt) for affordable and fresh food options instead of always eating out.
Indulge in a unique canal cruise experience, such as a dinner cruise or a private boat tour, to see the city from a different perspective.
Rent a bike for a day or more to explore the city like a local; it's often more cost-effective than daily public transport passes and a true Amsterdam experience.
Take advantage of Amsterdam's many free attractions, including Vondelpark, the free ferry to NDSM Wharf, and simply wandering the charming Jordaan district.
Treat yourself to a Rijsttafel (rice table) meal, an Indonesian culinary feast that is a unique cultural experience in the Netherlands.
Look for 'daghap' (daily specials) or lunch deals in smaller cafes; these are often more affordable than dinner menus and offer great value.
- Rent a bike: It's the best way to get around Amsterdam.
- Purchase an 'I amsterdam City Card' if you plan to visit many museums.
- Book accommodations and attractions in advance, especially during peak season.
- Learn a few basic Dutch phrases.
- Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
- Try local specialties like stroopwafels, herring, and bitterballen.
- Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service.
- Public transportation is efficient, but cycling is more fun!
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Rain jacket or umbrella
- 3Layers of clothing (weather can be unpredictable)
- 4Reusable water bottle
- 5Travel adapter (if needed)
- 6Portable charger
- 7Small backpack
- 8Bike lock (if renting a bike for multiple days)
- 9Sunscreen (even on cloudy days)
- 10Copy of your passport
Flights & Accommodation
Book as early as possible, especially for peak seasons (spring, summer) or major events like King's Day, to secure better rates and availability.
Visa (if applicable)
Check Schengen visa requirements for your nationality well in advance (typically 3-6 months prior to travel).
Anne Frank House Timed Entry
Tickets are released exactly two months in advance and sell out within minutes; book immediately upon release.
Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum Timed Entry
Book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekends and peak hours, to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
Amsterdam Travel Ticket or OV-chipkaart
Consider purchasing these upon arrival or online for convenient and cost-effective public transport access, especially for multiple days.
Canal Cruise
Book a few days to a week in advance, particularly for popular evening cruises or specific times, to ensure your preferred slot.
Day Trip Tours (e.g., Keukenhof, Zaanse Schans)
Book 2-4 weeks in advance during peak seasons (e.g., tulip season for Keukenhof) to guarantee spots on popular excursions.
eSIM/Physical SIM
Purchase and activate an eSIM before arrival for immediate connectivity, or plan to buy a physical SIM upon landing.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 Vodafone stores at Schiphol Airport or in the city center
📍 Online rental with delivery to your hotel or pickup at Schiphol Airport
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and some public areas in Amsterdam. The quality can vary, so it's always a good idea to have a backup plan (like a SIM card or pocket WiFi). Look for 'Gratis WiFi' signs.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing an eSIM before your trip for immediate connectivity upon arrival. Always check data roaming charges with your home provider. Download offline maps on Google Maps to save data. Many cafes require you to order something to use their WiFi.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + side earth clips (Schuko)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Round up or 5–10%
Round up to nearest euro
€1–2 per bag
Tipping is not mandatory. Rounding up is a common gesture.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Amsterdam is generally a safe city for tourists. Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets and on public transport.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
112
112
112
112 for all emergencies. 0900-8844 for non-urgent police.
Payments
The Netherlands is very cashless — many places card-only
Visa/Mastercard accepted; Amex less common. PIN (debit) preferred
Ubiquitous
Many places prefer PIN/debit cards over credit. Maestro/V-Pay common locally.
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How was this itinerary?
April-May and September-October offer the best balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season, while winter can be cold and rainy.
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- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
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