5 Days in Amsterdam: From Prinsengracht Canal Cruise to Cube Houses

Arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). Take a direct train to Amsterdam Centraal Station (~15-20 min, ~$5-8 USD). From there, connect to a tram or short taxi to your hotel area. Expect 1.5-2 hours from landing to hotel check-in/bag drop.

"Amsterdam Schiphol is one of my favorite airports to travel through. It’s impressively efficient, with clear and intuitive signage that makes navigating the terminals easy—even during busy travel times. Everything feels well organized and thoughtfully laid out, which takes a lot of the stress out of flying. The abundance of food options is another big plus, with something for every taste whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a proper sit-down meal. On top of that, the airport is beautifully designed, with a clean, modern aesthetic that makes spending time there genuinely pleasant. Overall, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol strikes the perfect balance between functionality and atmosphere. It’s an airport that consistently makes travel feel smoother and more enjoyable."— Frank Garcia

Immerse yourself in the works of Vincent van Gogh, exploring his masterpieces and learning about his life through an extensive collection of paintings, drawings, and letters. This world-class museum offers a moving journey through his artistic development.

"This is without a doubt one of the best museum experiences I've ever had in all my years of travel. It's expensive, around €50 for 2 tickets, but I really felt that it was totally worth it. It took us about 90 minutes to make our way through the museum and it was such a wonderful use of time. I've always been really intrigued by Van Gogh but to see his work up close, it was overwhelming. My advice is to pay the extra €3.75 for the audio tour. It's so completely worth the money. Amazingly well done and immersive and just ties everything you're seeing together with interesting information. Lockers are provided free of charge which is a nice touch. It had been raining the morning we went and it was nice to be able to leave our coats and bags in a locker and be comfortable walking around. There are bathrooms in two locations that I seen and they were clean. The gift shop was also really reasonably priced, which was a surprise because they can be quite expensive!"— Chyrelle McAlister

Experience Amsterdam from its iconic waterways on a relaxing canal cruise. Glide past historic canal houses, charming bridges, and picturesque street scenes, gaining a unique perspective on the city's architecture and heritage.

"This cruise will get you around Amsterdam City. The boat captain will give you a glimpse of Amsterdam buildings and histories. It's a smooth sailing along the canal and open bay. Great ride."— Jun Herrera

Unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Vondelpark, Amsterdam's most famous urban park. Stroll along its paths, observe local life, or find a spot to relax amidst lush greenery and serene ponds.

"We stumbled upon this park during an early morning walk and it was the highlight of our visit. We grabbed a coffee and stepped inside to find an incredibly calm and peaceful atmosphere. We ended up staying for two hours just soaking in the quiet. It’s a beautiful spot to relax, listen to the birds, and watch the ducks. If you need a break from the noise, this is the place to be."— Ziad Lel

Immerse yourself in Dutch art and history, including masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer, within this grand national museum. The collection takes you on a journey through the country's rich past.

"The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is an outstanding museum and an absolute must-visit. The collection is beautifully curated and takes you on a fascinating journey through Dutch art and history. Seeing masterpieces like Rembrandt’s The Night Watch in person is truly unforgettable. The building itself is stunning, spacious, and well organized, making the visit enjoyable even when it’s busy. The staff is professional and helpful, and all facilities are well managed. I highly recommend booking the museum’s guided tour (costing €7.50). It lasts about one hour and offers an excellent overview of the main masterpieces, providing deeper insight and context that truly enhances the experience. It’s definitely worth the small additional fee. Plan to spend at least a few hours here to fully appreciate everything. A highlight of any trip to Amsterdam!"— Vania Venuti

Gain poignant insights into the life of Anne Frank and the Jewish community during WWII by visiting the secret annex where she and her family hid. Book tickets well in advance.

"Buy tickets way in advance. Tourist prime time purchase months prior, in off season weeks prior. They sell out everyday. When you walk in they have free coat check. You get a listening device and get to walk through with a self guided tour. This is not handicap accessible. (Narrow stairs). Very limited chances to sit. All standing and takes a little over an hour. Overall very unique museum experience. No cameras allowed. Very friendly staff. Nice gift shop. This is a must see when visiting Amsterdam. I would not do it again. It's a one and done experience."— Melissa Witt

Discover the tranquil Begijnhof, a historic courtyard and former beguinage dating back to the Middle Ages, offering a serene escape amidst the bustling city center. It houses the city's oldest wooden house and a hidden church.

"Really interesting place with free entry. It is an historical place of the town. People still live in this place and there is a church with really interesting paintings. It is a sacred place and silence is mandatory. Inside there church musical events take place."— emanuele boscari

Take the free ferry across the IJ river to this iconic tower for panoramic views of Amsterdam. For an extra thrill, try 'Over The Edge', Europe's highest swing.

"We had a fantastic day at Adams Lookout and Swing! From the top, the views are just wow—big green hills, blue sky, and far-away places. It's perfect for taking lots of photos to share with friends.The swing is the best part. You sit in it, they push you out over the edge, and whoosh—you fly! It feels scary but exciting, like a big adventure. Don't worry, it's very safe with strong ropes and harnesses.Good things about it: stunning scenery that makes you happy, a quick but thrilling ride that lasts about a minute, and prices that are fair—not too expensive. You get great value for the fun.The staff were super friendly. They smiled, joked a bit to make us relax, and explained everything clearly. One guy even took our photos for free!Best time to visit is early morning when it's quiet and cool, or sunset. Sunset is awesome—the sky turns pink, orange, and purple. The whole place looks magical, and the swing at that time is extra special. Just go early or late to skip big crowds.We went with friends and can't wait to go back. Totally recommend for anyone who likes adventure and pretty views!"— YOUSUF ALI

Start your day by exploring the historic ARTIS Zoo, home to a diverse collection of animals, an aquarium, a planetarium, and an arboretum, offering a blend of natural history and modern conservation efforts. It's an immersive experience for all ages.

"The zoo is very beautiful. It was incredible to walk through the zoo while canals surrounded it everywhere; it felt like being on an island. The surroundings with all the plants are very well designed. The animal enclosures are also very species-appropriate. The hall with the butterflies and the sea lions was my highlight. The aquarium building was still under construction, but that will probably be worth visiting as well. We were very surprised by how many animals there were. The only thing is that the restaurant, which only serves vegetarian food, should be labeled more clearly. We didn’t realize it was vegetarian until we tried the food, although that wasn’t a problem at all. There are playgrounds, children’s paths, seating areas, plenty of toilets, etc. There really is something for everyone, from students to families or couples. We could walk there directly from the city center. The prices were also affordable."— Thomas

Delve into the rich maritime history of the Netherlands at the National Maritime Museum. Housed in a beautifully restored former naval storehouse, it features impressive ship models, historic artifacts, and interactive exhibitions.

"Very entertaining museum. We arrived a little bit too late, since we didn't expect so much content inside the museum. You can see a replica of XVIII century ship "amsterdam". Plenty of interactive elements inside and a lot of interesting information on board. The museum itself (building) is also very interesting and you can see a lot of paintings, sea equipment, and get a lot of information about Dutch maritime history. Please remember to arrive at least 2 hours before closing!"— Jakub Reszke

Experience Amsterdam's vibrant nightlife and enjoy stunning panoramic city views from LuminAir, a stylish rooftop bar near Central Station. Perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

"This place has a nice view over Amsterdam , being at the top gives you a beautiful panoramic experience that truly makes the visit special. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the city from above or be on date. They have a wide selection of drinks, snacks, and sushi. The menu is diverse enough whether you just want a cocktail, a light bite, or a proper sushi platter to share. The atmosphere is very nice and elegant, with a fancy vibe. The music adds to the experience without being too loud, making it enjoyable whether you’re there with friends, on a date, or just visiting the city. The prices are a bit on the expensive side, but honestly, you’re paying for the full experience."— Julien Issa

Wander through one of the world's oldest botanical gardens, featuring diverse plant collections, greenhouses, and historical significance. A serene escape in the city.

"I visited here on a Saturday afternoon. Student price was 7€. The lady at the gate was friendly, and I had most of the garden to myself. The herb garden, and the greenhouses were great. I especially appreciated the building with the palm trees. I later went to the orangerie and got a very nice coffee for a reasonable price. Closing was a bit early, it seemed. A very nice break from the hustle and bustle of the city of Amsterdam."— Garret Girmus

Explore the iconic, tilt-designed Cube Houses of Rotterdam, a prime example of innovative modern architecture. Visit the show-house to experience life inside these unique structures.

"We visited the famous cube houses and went inside the show house. It’s a small museum demonstrating how someone could actually live inside these tilted cube structures. Entry was €2.5 per person. (Typical ticket prices for the show cube are around €3 for adults, with reduced prices for students.)"— Ozge Ustundag

Immerse yourself in Rotterdam's vibrant Markthal, a unique horseshoe-shaped building housing a lively indoor market, diverse food stalls, and stunning contemporary art on its ceiling.

Ascend the Euromast, Rotterdam's tallest observation tower, for breathtaking panoramic views of the city's modern skyline, the Erasmus Bridge, and the bustling port.

"Temporarily Closed！！ From 5 January to early April 2026 The Euromast will undergo a large-scale renovation. In the final phase of our multi-year transformation, the exterior of the crow’s nest will be refurbished, and the restaurant will be completely renovated. This way, we’re preparing for the future, inside and out."— Shao Yu

Begin your day with a walk across the iconic Erasmus Bridge, nicknamed 'De Zwaan' (The Swan), admiring its sleek design and the panoramic views of the Maas River and Rotterdam's skyline. This symbol of modern Rotterdam offers great photo opportunities.

"🤩This is the a must see in Rotterdam. ‼️To cross the bridge be aware that there’s a side for pedestrians (black) and another for bicyclists (red). 🌅 Good spot to see the sunset. ♿️ accesible for wheelchairs and strollers."— Priscila Jiménez

Dive into the Netherlands' rich maritime heritage at the Maritime Museum. Explore interactive exhibits, historic ships, and a vast collection of artifacts that tell the story of Rotterdam as a major port city and its seafaring traditions.

"We went to the museum because of the extra Christmas activities. We could dissemble old devices and make some Christmas decorations. We also had a lunch at the restaurant, food ok, prices a bit on the higher end. Toilets and restaurant were clean. Note that the theater is not a show, figural speaking the kids can roam around and do some interactive games and activities such as creating your own ship."— Irene H

Explore Delfshaven, one of the few areas of Rotterdam that miraculously survived the WWII bombings. Wander along its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and quaint harbor, offering a glimpse into old Dutch charm amidst modern Rotterdam.

"Historisch Delfshaven is a breath of fresh air for anyone looking to see a different side of Rotterdam. After taking a short bus ride from the city center, you are transported into a beautifully preserved historical district filled with traditional houses, scenic canals, and even a classic windmill. The architecture here offers a stunning and stark contrast to the modern, futuristic cityscape that Rotterdam is usually known for. It is a wonderful place to take a relaxed stroll and soak in the atmosphere. The area is dotted with a great selection of bars, cafes, galleries, and eateries, making it easy to find a spot to sit and enjoy the view. Beyond the sights, the local community is incredibly welcoming and friendly, which adds a warm, personal touch to the experience. If you want to see the "old soul" of the city, this area is well worth the visit."— Tommy Chen

Travel from Rotterdam to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) for your international flight back to New York, allowing ample time for transfer, check-in, and security procedures.

"Amsterdam Schiphol is one of my favorite airports to travel through. It’s impressively efficient, with clear and intuitive signage that makes navigating the terminals easy—even during busy travel times. Everything feels well organized and thoughtfully laid out, which takes a lot of the stress out of flying. The abundance of food options is another big plus, with something for every taste whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a proper sit-down meal. On top of that, the airport is beautifully designed, with a clean, modern aesthetic that makes spending time there genuinely pleasant. Overall, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol strikes the perfect balance between functionality and atmosphere. It’s an airport that consistently makes travel feel smoother and more enjoyable."— Frank Garcia