3-Day Visit To Amsterdam
What to do in Amsterdam in 3 days
With 3 days in Amsterdam, you’ll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in a city rich with history, culture, and cuisine. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve curated the best of the best museums, tours, and eats from the capital city.
This Amsterdam 3 day itinerary is designed to give you the flexibility to plan your trip how you like. For museum fans who want to spend their time soaking in the art to history buffs who want to explore the outskirts of the city, there are plenty of ways to think about what to do in 3 days in Amsterdam.
Read on for our take on what to see in Amsterdam in 3 days.
3 days in Amsterdam: Costs
Amsterdam is also a super versatile city in three days, where you can visit some of the best museums in the world, take a relaxing boat trip or learn more about the wonderful culture of the Dutch.
We have compiled a small overview of what budget you should travel to the capital and with what you can really save!
3 days in Amsterdam: summary
In our opinion, is 3 days in Amsterdam the perfect amount of time for a short trip to the canalcity! Even though there is so much to see, you will have a blast exploring the city and also relax a bit. If you’re looking for a culinary diverse and fun itinerary for 3 days in Amsterdam, you’ve come to the right place!
3 days in Amsterdam: Details
Read on for an ideal 3-day Amsterdam itinerary with three great restaurants and cafés per day that you must visit.
Itinerary for Amsterdam: Day 1
Your 3 days in Amsterdam have finally arrived, and you can’t wait to explore the great city. You arrive at the hotel and are ready to explore Amsterdam? Then let us show you what your 3 days in Amsterdam could look like!
Itinerary for Amsterdam: Day 1
- The Pancake Bakery
- Barneys
- Hap-Hmm
- Singel Canal / Floating Flower Market
- Hop-on-Hop-off Bus
- Body Worlds Amsterdam
- Red-Light District Walkingtour
- A’DAM Lookout
What to eat on your first day in Amsterdam?
-
01
The Pancake Bakery
Restaurant in Amsterdam Canal Belt
The Pancake Bakery is a historical heritage of Amsterdam, which has existed since 1973. Here, you will find the best-stuffed pancakes in town—much more than just the traditional pancakes in Amsterdam. The highlight here is undoubtedly the savory pancakes that are complete meals with salads.
-
02
Barney's Amsterdam
Café in Amsterdam Canal BeltIf you want to stop by a traditional café while in Amsterdam, you should pay a visit to Barney’s Amsterdam. The small family of cafés and smoke stores includes a coffee shop and two smoker-friendly bars, Barney’s Farm (Haarlemmerstraat 98) and Barney’s Uptown (Haarlemmerstraat 105).The Barney’s Uptown is located in a 500-year-old pharmacy-style building and is an absolute secret tip.
-
03
Hap-Hmm
Restaurant in Amsterdam Oud-WestWe are keeping your traditional culinary tour of Amsterdam going strong by ending your day at Hap-Hmm.
At a restaurant that’s been cooking up Dutch cuisine since 1935, you can try such typical ditches as the butter-soft beef steak, schnitzel and meatballs, Amsterdam beer chicken, and the super pork chop. This is an affordable option and a popular one – so be sure to come on the earlier side.
What to do on your first day?
-
01
Bloemenmarkt
Market in Amsterdam Canal Belt
The Bloemenmarkt in Amsterdam, founded in 1862, is the only floating flower market in the world. The unique market is on the Singel Canal, Koningsplein, and Muntplein. It consists of a series of greenhouses on houseboats.
But the market traders know they can jack up the prices quite a bit, so many tourists come here during the day, so just be sure to not get ripped off there.
That being said, the Bloemenmarkt is a fantastic Amsterdam must-see. The floating flower markets of Amsterdam are just a magnificent sight!
Our tip: Taking a few photos from the other side of the river can be enough! The floating gardens in front of the beautiful house facade offer an excellent photo motif!
-
02
Amsterdam Hop on Hop off Bustour
Hop on Hop off in Amsterdam
A Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is a flexible way to explore a new city. In Amsterdam, you can do this on land or on water. The Hop-On Hop-Off Tour can take a bus or a boat along the canals. The operation is the same with both forms of transport: You get on, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. You can get off in front of the chosen tourist attraction to explore. You can hop on and off as many times as you like, and you are flexible in choosing how much time to spend in a museum or in a part of the city, for example.Regarding Amsterdam, I can say that both Hop-On Hop-Off tours (bus and boat) are great tour ideas. So, sit back and take in the sights of the city. As always, the Hop-On Hop-Off Tour routes are specially designed to facilitate sightseeing. Both Hop-On Hop-Off Tour routes by bus or boat pass close to the city’s main attractions. They’re an easy, convenient, and relaxing way to explore Amsterdam.If you want to choose only the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, you can include a traditional Amsterdam Canal Tour, but in this case, the tour lasts one hour and has no stops.
-
03
Body Worlds Amsterdam
Museum in Amsterdam Old City
One of the more unique museums in a city full of stand-out showcases to history, science, and art, Body Worlds Amsterdam is a tribute to the human body. Equal parts fun and informative, you’ll enjoy a visit through the human body, with over 200 real human bodies on display.
The current theme right now is the Happiness Project, with expositions dedicated to showing the effects of happiness on our physical well-being, how our mood affects our health, and how our health affects our mood. This is a fascinating stop for visitors of all ages.
-
04
Red Light District Walking Tour
Neighborhood in De Wallen
I can’t stress enough what a big fan I am of walking tours! For me, walking tours are one of the best ways to discover a city. That’s exactly why a guided tour is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam. One interesting tour I’ve been on in Amsterdam is the 90-minute tour of Amsterdam’s Red-Light District.
The tour starts at Dam Square and takes you through the entire scenic district, „De Wallen“. During the tour, you’ll learn everything from the brothels‘ storefronts that have become famous, to quirky shows, to the significance of the Old Church, which is located in the middle of the red-light district.
-
05
A'DAM Lookout
Building in Buiksloterham
Every city trip includes a bird’s eye view. I love looking at a city from above and getting an overall view. The best lookout in Amsterdam is the A’DAM Lookout. It gives you 360-degree panoramic views of Amsterdam.
To get the most out of your ticket, I recommend visiting at sunset. If you arrive before sunset, you will see the city by day and changing to night. Be sure to check the exact time of sunset for the day beforehand. If you don’t want to miss this magical moment, you should be there 1-2 before sunset, depending on the crowd, to be on the safe side!
By the way, admission is included for free in some Amsterdam Cards!
For those looking for a real thrill, I have great news! Europe’s tallest swing „Over the Edge“ is located at Adam Lookout. For just an extra 5 euros, it’s an incredibly cool experience. For me, the A’DAM lookout and swing is one of the most memorable Amsterdam activities!
Itinerary for Amsterdam: Day 2
After a successful first day in Amsterdam, we start the second day after a restful night. Today we have some historical attractions on the schedule, but first we get a delicious breakfast!
Itinerary for Amsterdam: Day 2
- Pancake!
- La Tertulia
- Zwijnen / Wild Boar
- Anne Frank House
- Vondelpark
- Amsterdam Muiderslot Castle
- Haarlem
What to eat on your second Day?
-
01
Pancakes Amsterdam
Restaurant in Jordaan
A day of Dutch sightseeing should start with a delicious breakfast. At Pancakes Amsterdam, you can feast on an Amsterdam classic. You can try traditional Dutch pancakes, French clafoutis, American pancakes, and more with your choice of fillings and toppings. Best of all, they come in a variety of flavors. As a plus, Pancakes has vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options!
-
02
La Tertulia
Café in Jordaan
For an afternoon visit to a sunny, canalside café, swing by La Tertulia. Operating since 1983 and helping to usher in the coffee shop culture in Amsterdam, this cozy café has coffees, toasted sandwiches (toasties!), and milkshakes. For the cannabis-inclined, they have natural buds along with bongs, vaporizers, and pipes.
-
03
Wilde Zwijnen
Restaurant in AmsterdamAfter a day of classic Dutch cuisine, it’s time to enjoy a modern twist at Wild Boar. This popular spot has an always-changing menu.
You’ll select three or four courses (paired with wine, if you’d like), and the kitchen will deliver fresh, seasonally-inspired dishes. For a lighter meal, try their next-door bar, Eetbar for smaller plates.
What to do on your second Day?
-
01
Anne Frank House
Museum in Jordaan
The touching Anne Frank House is located in more than just any building. Instead, it’s a building of refuge: The former hiding place of the Frank family during WWII. This is where she wrote her diaries, now known worldwide, and the pieces of information that allowed readers to learn about her life and fate during the Nazi era. During the Anne Frank House tour, visitors can explore the house alone. They’ll see the house was divided into three sections by Otto Frank, Anne’s father. The tour of the Anne Frank House begins with the entrance and the goods shipping area, followed by the spice mill room, and then the warehouse where the goods were packed for distribution on the first floor in the back. A staircase leads to the second floor where Otto and his employees worked. Photos from the time, testimonies, and selections from the book fill the empty rooms. Otto Frank left these elements intentionally so that all who pass by there share the same pain, feelings, and experiences they had in the house. During the visit to Anne Frank’s house, the small door leads to the hidden annex, a 46 m2 space divided into two rooms with a kitchen, toilet, and attic, inhabited by two families, eight people in total. There is silence in the rooms as if guests relive the daily life of the house’s inhabitants. The tension, anxiety, concern about not making noise during the day, and the fear of being discovered are in the air. Here, life occurs behind the dark windows so as not to arouse suspicion. In the room where Anne slept with her sister Margot, newspaper and magazine clippings reveal the dreamy, childlike side of the girl who wanted to be a journalist. After visiting the other areas of the Anne Frank House, photos and video statements add to the story. They tell how the families received help from colleagues, what happened after the Nazis invaded the hiding place, and how Otto obtained his daughter’s diary. The elements also share how he made it not only one of the world’s best-selling and most-translated books but also an icon of one of humanity’s saddest times. Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam is visited by 1.3 million people every year. If you want to visit the house at a less crowded time, you should book your visit starting at 6 p.m. Tickets to visit the Anne Frank House can only be purchased through the official website and are not included in the Amsterdam Sightseeing Passes. 100% of tickets go on sale 6 weeks in advance and sell out quickly. There is no option to buy tickets at the museum door. Every Tuesday at 10 a.m., all tickets for the next six weeks will be available for purchase. You can choose between visiting the Anne Frank Museum on your own or with an introductory program. You will not have access to the museum on any of the Anne Frank-themed walking tours. The guided tours walk you through the city, explaining in detail the story of Anne Frank and about the events that occurred, especially those in the area. However, we have participated in a few Anne Frank walking tours and can say that it is a great way to connect with the story and learn more about the political decisions that led to this little girl becoming a worldwide symbol.
-
02
Vondelpark
Park in Amsterdam Oud-WestOur highlight
The most famous park in Amsterdam is undoubtedly Vondelpark. More than 10 million visitors walk through Vondelpark every year, picnicking on the lush green grass or take a stroll along the many ponds.
Whether Amsterdamers or visitors, everyone who can use some relaxation from the hustle and bustle comes here. Numerous green spaces invite you for a picnic, a beautiful rose garden is perfect for a relaxing walk, and several cafes and restaurants offer delicious refreshments. But even those longing for more than a pause will find what they seek. Vondelpark is a venue for sporting and cultural events during the summer months. Summer concerts on the open-air stage are quite popular among locals and tourists alike.
By the way, the green oasis was named after Joost van den Vondel, one of the most important Dutch poets of the Golden Age. In his honor, you will find a monument in the eastern part of the park.
This is a particularly beautiful park, making a walk through the Vondelpark a shoo-in on the ‘things to do in Amsterdam’ best list. -
03
Muiderslot Castle
Historic Building in Muiden EN
Take a break from the winding streets and canals of Amsterdam and head 15 km south to Muiderslot Castle. This castle dates back to the 13th century, making it an enchanting medieval that’s a short ride away from the city. Restored most recently in the 1950s, Muiderslot is now a national museum.
It showcases its Middle Age architecture, gardens, idyllic setting, water shield, and historical exhibits to tourists looking for a unique attraction to add to their Amsterdam 3 day itinerary.
-
04
Haarlem
City in Netherlands
Just a 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam, a trip to Haarlem is a quick way to see a side of the city that most tourists never get to see.
In the medieval city of Haarlem, you can walk through cobblestone streets that lead to old buildings interspersed with picturesque waterways.
Haarlem is considered the city of flowers in the Netherlands, as it is the center of tulip bulb production. Haarlem hosts numerous festivals, fairs, concerts, and even amusement parks.
Here, you’ll get to see a beloved windmill of Holland while strolling the canals.
The city can be explored on foot and is a good option for a trip from Amsterdam or along a Dutch itinerary.
Itinerary for Amsterdam: Day 3
How sad that our trip comes to an end, but we got some time before heading towards home. So let us enjoy the last hours in this magnificent city!
Itinerary for Amsterdam: Day 3
- Pannenkoekenhuis
- Bulldog the First
- De Plantage
- Rijksmuseum
- Van Gogh Musuem
- Canal Cruise
- Heineken Experience
- 9 Streets
What to eat on your third Day?
-
01
Pannenkoekenhuis
Restaurant in Red light DistrictFor a city known for what happens at night in the Red-Light District, the Pannenkoekenhuis will give you a delicious reason to visit in the morning.
Set inside a 16th-century house, this quirky restaurant serves only pancakes: From the Dutch variety (sometimes sweet, sometimes savory), to the Indonesian-influenced “Bali” pancake topped with bananas, coconut, cream, and Pisang Ambon Dutch liqueur, you’re sure to find a pancake for your palate.
-
02
Bulldog the First
Café in Red light District
For our cannabis-forward visitors, Bulldog The First is actually the longest-running coffee shop of its type in the city.
It was founded in 1974 – before cannabis was legal – and has been built up as a shrine to Amsterdam weed culture. Due to its location in the Red-Light District, it is often quite busy on the weekends.
-
03
De Plantage
Restaurant in PlantageWith a spacious terrace and a bright and stylish vibe, this is a classy location to stop off for dinner and celebrate your 3 days in Amsterdam. With a focus on Dutch and Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll savor the food, the friendly service, and the fantastic views.
What to do on your third Day?
-
01
Rijksmuseum
Museum in Museumplein
The Rijksmuseum is visited by 2.2 million people annually, making it the most visited museum in the Netherlands. Located in the museum district “Museumsplein,” Rijksmuseum was designed by the Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers. The building alone is imposing and worth seeing. The Rijksmuseum is dedicated to the Netherlands’ arts, crafts, and history and contains over 8,000 objects. The focus of the museum is the Netherlands’ Golden Age. Here, you will find works by world-renowned artists, such as Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Johannes Vermeer, Jacob Isaakszoon van Ruisdael, Jan Steen, and more. Among the great artistic highlights of the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is “The Night Watch.” This painting portrays a militia group in Amsterdam and is Rembrandt’s largest and most complex work. Even today, it is considered his most famous painting. This a unique opportunity for you to admire works up close that are among the most important in the world. Another great attraction of the Rijksmuseum is the Cuypers Library. It is considered the largest public research library on art history in Holland. It is surprising not only for its extraordinary number of books, journals, and research papers but also for its architecture. My highlight of the Rijksmuseum is the corridor that connects the various internal galleries. The atrium consists of two rooms connected by a tunnel under the passage, with an entrance in the passage. The original brick walls of the route have been replaced by large glass surfaces through which visitors can admire the internal courtyards. Finally, directly across from the Rijksmuseum, you’ll find another view of Amsterdam: The red and white sculpture “I AM STERDAM,” with which you should take a souvenir photo. Tickets for the Rijksmuseum are only sold online, not in person. Another important piece of information is that you can only visit the Rijksmuseum with a reserved time slot. Whether you bought your ticket individually or chose one of the Amsterdam Tour Pass options, you must choose your time slot to visit the Rijksmuseum.
-
02
Van Gogh Museum
Museum in Museumplein
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is one of the most visited art museums in the world. It hosts the largest Dutch painter Van Gogh collection, totaling over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and hundreds of documents. My personal highlights of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam are the paintings “Vincent’s Bedroom in Arles” and “Self Portrait.” Unlike other art museums in Amsterdam, Van Gogh Museum is smaller and more intimate. Here, you will find not only his works of art but also a lot of information about the painter’s life, who also influenced art history. Known worldwide as the painter who cut off his ear and who later killed himself, Van Gogh’s life traces back to a man who suffered greatly from depression and sold few works during his lifetime. Ironically, his works are now the most expensive in the world. Tickets for the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam are sold only online, not in person at the museum. The Amsterdam Digital Pass offers tickets to the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and a boat ride on the canals. With this option, you can save much more than buying each ticket separately. To find out how much you can save and which pass is best for your trip, use our Amsterdam Pass Advisor: Simple, Free, and Online. When purchasing tickets online, you only need to select a time slot for your visit to the Van Gogh Museum. This requirement applies to single tickets and the Amsterdam Digital Pass. It is possible to combine the Van Gogh Museum ticket with other attractions in Amsterdam, for example, the Van Gogh Museum ticket and a canal cruise. With this combination ticket, you can save money on your trip. The Van Gogh Museum is in Amsterdam’s museum district, “Museumsplein,” where you can also find other famous museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Diamond Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. The Van Gogh Museum welcomes around 1.6 million visitors every year. No wonder a visit to the museum belongs to the list of the best Amsterdam things to do!
-
03
Highlights Canal Cruise in Amsterdam
Boat tour in Amsterdam
This low-cost canal cruise in Amsterdam is similar to the 60-minute round-trip option. Both take place during the day and show you the city’s highlights. The difference is that this boat tour is about 15 minutes long, a little more budget-friendly, and you have a live guide on board. The English-speaking guide tells you all sorts of interesting facts and is also available for questions, but many visitors from other countries feel more comfortable with an audio guide in your native language: Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian. On board a beautiful boat in Amsterdam nothing stands in your way to enjoy a canal tour!
Tip: This Amsterdam Canal Cruise option is included in both Go City Pass options: Amsterdam All-Inclusive & Amsterdam Explorer Pass
-
04
Heineken Experience
Brewery in De Pijp
One of the most popular Amsterdam things to do is the Amsterdam Heineken Experience.
As the name suggests, this is more than just a museum. The Heineken Experience offers a chance to learn about the history, brewing process, innovations, and sponsorship of the most famous beer in the country.
The Heineken Experience brewery in Amsterdam is divided into different areas, allowing you to enjoy this experience in different ways:
• Guided tour
• Guided tour + canal boat ride
• VIP guided tour
• Guided tour + rooftop bar
• Heineken shopFor almost all entertainment activities in Amsterdam, you need a ticket for the Heineken Experience. You can choose between one-way tickets or in combination with an Amsterdam Tourist Pass. The only “free” attraction at the Heineken Experience is a visit to the Heineken Shop, which is open to everyone.
Since the Heineken Experience is one of the most popular activities in Amsterdam, it is highly recommended that you book your time slot in advance.
-
05
De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets in Amsterdam)
Neighborhood in Amsterdam-Centrum
To make sure you get the most out of your Amsterdam 3 day travel, stop by the historic 9 Streets area (De 9 Straatjes). With nine Instagram-worthy shopping alleys filled with art galleries, gardens, bars, and restaurants, you’ll find plenty of great reasons to stop, chat, snack, and take a photo.
Plus, you can pick up a souvenir for yourself or your loved ones: There are chic stores with vintage clothing, shoes, bags, antiques, housewares and much more. And with over 400 years of history reflected in the architecture alone, just walking through the neighborhood is the perfect way to discover Amsterdam.
3 days in Amsterdam: Tips
- Amsterdam is arguably the bike city and is designed to be explored entirely by bike. There are rental bikes everywhere, or you can join a bike tour with a local!
- Be sure to try the gravy on classic fries at De Foodhallen – you won’t regret it!
- Look for a hotel in the center, so you have the must-see sights right on your doorstep!
- Book your tickets in advance, because Amsterdam is one of the most popular cities in Europe and you can expect long queues during peak hours. Especially the Van Gogh Museum is booked up superfast.
Is it worth spending 3 days in Amsterdam
Absolutely! 3 Days in Amsterdam is a well spend time to discover all the beautiful places and spots in and around Amsterdam. You will have so much fun wandering the streets, eating alooot of pancakes and relaxing on a canal cruise!
FAQ
What to do in Amsterdam in 3 days?
If you are in Amsterdam for three days, then you should definitely see the Rijksmuseum, the Red-Light District, the Anne Frank House. You are an art lover? Then an inspiring visit to the Van Gogh Museum is infallible, but of course a relaxing canal cruise and a picknick in the Vondelpark is not to be missed!
How much money is needed for 3 days in Amsterdam?
With a budget of 500€ per person, you get along very well for 3 days in Amsterdam. This includes hotel costs, daily breakfast and dinner, and the I Amsterdam City Card. But it is quite possible to stay even cheaper for 3 days in Amsterdam: There are some great hostels that offer cheap but comfortable private rooms!
What to see in 3 days in Amsterdam in the winter?
Of course spring, summer or late summer is an inviting time for Amsterdam, but winter is great too! You can go to the Christmas markets, go ice skating and warm up in one of the interesting museums. Especially if you want to visit the canal city a bit cheaper, the low season is great for a visit.
Where to stay in Amsterdam for 3 days?
If you are visiting Amsterdam for three days, you should definitely stay in a hotel that is located in the immediate center. Our personal favorite places in Amsterdam are Hotel Frank, Single Hotel Amsterdam and Banks Mansion. There you have the best sights of the city right at your doorstep.
You could also like
