3 days in Amsterdam is just enough time to see the main sights with ample time for aimless wandering and relaxation too. It’s one of Europe’s most picturesque and chilled-out cities and not the kind of place you want to be tearing from attraction to attraction. This is the first time visit edition, if you have already visited Amsterdam once, check the next post!
3 DAYS IN AMSTERDAM
Typically, 3 to 4 days is quite enough to enjoy the beauty of the “city of canals.” There are a lot of things to do in Amsterdam. In this Amsterdam 3 day itinerary, you read the best things you can do in Amsterdam. Some quick tips for your first visit :
- No need to take any transport, Amsterdam is a small city, if you need them you can buy tkt on the bus/metro/tram
- Be careful with the bikes, are the real owner of the streets, if you want to rent one try to be an expert on that.
- Try to book the museum entrance in advance (especially the Van Gogh one)
- Tulips season is from April to May
DAY 1 CITY CENTER
It is nice to walk through the small streets and along the canals with the beautiful mansions by your side. Starting with the Oude Kerk, the special thing about this church is that it is a typical example of a Catholic cathedral that you can find in Europe.
Continue to the Dam of Amsterdam. On the way to it, you will see the Beurs van Berlage on the left. Exhibitions can often be seen in this historic building. If you walk a little further you will arrive at the Dam of Amsterdam. The Royal Palace and the Gothic New Church are located on Dam Square.
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From Dam Square, walk into Kalverstraat, Amsterdam’s main shopping street. Keep following it until you arrive at Begijnhof, this is perhaps one of the most special places in Amsterdam. Here you will find a medieval courtyard where women of the Catholic sisterhood live. Go through the shopping street to the Munttoren, where the rivers Amstel and Singel meet. Then go to the Bloemenmarkt, where you will find many typical Dutch flowers.
DAY 2 MUSEUMS
- Van Gogh Museum: All entrance tickets include admission to the permanent collection and the current temporary exhibitions. From Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:30, €19 per person, book entrance is mandatory.
- The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. They tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 to now. In addition, they organize several exhibitions per year from our own collection and with (inter) national loans. Open daily 9 to 17h, €20 per person.
- Heineken experience: This ticket will allow you to visit the brewery once used by Heineken, one of the most famous Dutch beer brands. The tour lasts an hour and a half, and during the visit, you’ll get to know the brewing processes and the evolution of this acclaimed company since its founding in the 19th century. Do you want try a good dutch beer? Visit the Brouwerij ‘t IJ windmill.
- The Anne Frank House is a museum with a story. As a visitor, you experience this story through quotes, photos, videos, and original items. can only be visited with a ticket bought online for a specific time slot. Open daily 9 to 18h, €14 per person.
DAY 3
De Wallen is the oldest part of Amsterdam and is one of the busiest and most popular places to visit at night. This is due to the Red light district. You will also find many cafes, clubs, eateries, and shops in this area. Prostitution has been legal in Amsterdam since 1811. You aren’t allowed to take pictures of the women and to drink in public.
A visit to Amsterdam is not complete without enjoying a cruise along its scenic canals. Discover the city’s most iconic landmarks from the water on a one-hour sightseeing cruise. Cruising along the canals of Amsterdam is one of the must-do activities on any trip to the Dutch capital, whose waterways stretch over 60 miles (100 km) around the city centre. The best way to capture the essence of the Netherlands!
OTHER ACTIVITIES
- Walk along the Amstel river.
- Eating Dutch Pancakes in the Royal Zoo.
- Have a blast at NEMO Science Museum.
- Jump into the OBA to enjoy the view.
- Hop on a free ferry over Het Ij.
- Moco museum
