4 Days Amsterdam, Netherlands Itinerary
This 4-day Amsterdam itinerary focuses on family-friendly activities, balancing iconic sights with relaxed pacing. It includes canal cruises, interactive museums, and delicious food, ensuring a memorable experience for both kids and adults while staying within a moderate budget.
Duration
4 days
Budget
$800-1200
Best Time
The ideal time to visit Amsterdam is during spring (April-May) for the iconic tulip season and King's Day celebrations, or early autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful fall foliage
Activities
17
Daily Avg
$250/day
Pace
Moderate
Amsterdam is a fantastic family destination with its canals, parks, and abundance of kid-friendly museums. The city is easy to navigate by foot, bike, or public transport, making it perfect for exploring with children of all ages.
Your itinerary covers 5 of 10 must-have experiences
Canal Boat Cruise
Day 1: Canal Cruise
World-Class Museum
Day 3: Anne Frank House (Pre-booked tickets essential)
Historic Neighborhood Stroll
Day 3: Explore the Jordaan District
Bustling Local Market
Day 4: Bloemenmarkt (Floating Flower Market)
Unique Bar or Brewery
e.g., Wynand Fockink Proeflokaal en Slijterij, Brouwerij 't IJ
Urban Green Oasis
Day 1: Rest and Relax at Vondelpark
Authentic 'Brown Cafe'
e.g., Cafe Chris, Papeneiland
City Panoramic Viewpoint
e.g., A'DAM Lookout, Westerkerk Tower
Traditional Dutch Cheese Tasting
e.g., Henri Willig Cheese & More, Reypenaer Cheese Tasting Room
Historic Church Exploration
e.g., Westerkerk, Oude Kerk
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 Schiphol Airport, take a direct train to Amsterdam Centraal Station. Then, take a tram or walk to your hotel in the City Centre.FREE
9:00 AM - Check-in and Settle In
Check into your family-friendly accommodation. Consider hotels like Hotel Nadia or The Albus, which offer family rooms/suites. Leave your luggage and freshen up.
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- 🚶Walk from your hotel to departure points near Central Station for the Canal Cruise.$20 per adult, $10 per child
10:30 AM - Canal Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing canal cruise to see Amsterdam's iconic waterways. Many cruises offer audio guides in multiple languages and are stroller accessible. Choose a shorter cruise (1 hour) for younger children. Arrive 15 minutes early.
Book on Klook - 🚶From the Canal Cruise departure point, walk or take a short tram ride to Moeders.$30-40
12:00 PM - Lunch at Moeders
Family-friendly restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and diverse menu. They are known for their Dutch cuisine and international dishes. They have high chairs available.
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- 🚶From Moeders, walk or take a tram to Dam Square.FREE
2:00 PM - Dam Square
Visit Dam Square, the historical heart of Amsterdam. See the Royal Palace and the National Monument. There's often street performers, which can entertain the kids. Keep a close eye on children in crowded areas.
Book on Klook - 🚶From Dam Square, take a tram or walk to Vondelpark.FREE
3:30 PM - Rest and Relax at Vondelpark
Take a break at Vondelpark, Amsterdam's largest park. Enjoy the playgrounds, open spaces, and cafes. Perfect for a picnic or a quick snack. Stroller accessible.
Jordaan
Charming canals, trendy boutiques, and close to many attractions.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Amsterdam is during spring (April-May) for the iconic tulip season and King's Day celebrations, or early autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful fall foliage. Summer (June-August) offers warm temperatures and vibrant events but sees the highest tourist numbers and prices. Winter (November-March) is colder but charming, with festive markets and the Amsterdam Light Festival.
Summer in Amsterdam is generally mild with pleasant temperatures. Expect occasional rain showers, but mostly sunny days perfect for exploring the city.
Summer in Amsterdam is characterized by warm weather and numerous outdoor events, attracting a large number of tourists.
King's Day (April 27th) is a major national holiday with city-wide celebrations.
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 (depending on origin)Accommodation
$400-600Food
$200-300Activities
$50-100Opt 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.
- Master Public Transport: Utilize Amsterdam's excellent tram, bus, and metro system; consider an OV-chipkaart or GVB day ticket for convenience.
- Be Aware of Cyclists: Amsterdam is a cycling city. Cyclists have priority and can be very fast, so always look both ways and stay out of bike lanes.
- Book Popular Attractions in Advance: Timed entry is common for sites like the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum; tickets often sell out weeks ahead.
- Cash vs. Card: While card payments (especially contactless) are widely accepted, carry some euros for smaller shops, markets, or in case of card reader issues.
- Respect Local Customs: Understand that 'coffeeshops' sell cannabis products, while 'cafes' or 'koffiehuizen' serve coffee and food. Be mindful of noise levels in residential areas.
- Mind Your Belongings: Like any major tourist city, be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially on public transport and popular squares.
- Don't Walk on Bike Paths: It's dangerous and often frowned upon. Stick to pedestrian sidewalks.
- Learn Basic Dutch Phrases: While English is widely spoken, a simple 'Dank u wel' (thank you) or 'Alstublieft' (please) is always appreciated.
- 1Layers of Clothing: Amsterdam's weather can be unpredictable, so pack versatile layers for varying temperatures.
- 2Waterproof Jacket & Umbrella: Rain is common year-round, making these essential for staying dry.
- 3Comfortable Walking Shoes: You'll do a lot of walking on cobblestone streets and across bridges.
- 4Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste; tap water is safe to drink.
- 5Universal Travel Adapter (Type F): For European two-pin outlets.
- 6Portable Charger/Power Bank: For keeping your phone charged while navigating and taking photos.
- 7Small Daypack or Crossbody Bag: For daily essentials, keeping your hands free and belongings secure.
- 8Scarf or Shawl: For warmth, style, and adapting to varying indoor temperatures.
- 9Swimsuit (seasonal): If visiting during warmer months, for canal swimming (designated areas) or nearby beaches.
- 10Smart Casual Outfit: For evenings out or dining at nicer restaurants.
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, but be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
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?
The best time to visit Amsterdam is during spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is also popular but more crowded and expensive.
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