Europe · Netherlands
Amsterdam
Canals, gables, and 880,000 bicycles
A 17th-century merchant city built on water, where art museums, brown cafés and houseboats line a UNESCO-listed canal belt.
Apr – Jun · Sep
EUR €
Dutch · English
9.2M
Explore the City
Find attractions, hotels, and transport hubs across the city.
Getting around
Transit & arrivals
Trams and metro thread the city centre, but renting a bike is how locals actually move.
Airport → City
AMS → Centraal Station on Sprinter/IC train (~15 min, €5.90)
Day pass
GVB 24-hour pass €9
Network size
4 primary modes
14 lines
Modern GVB trams every 5–10 min in the centre
Lines 50, 51, 52, 53, 54
North-South line crosses the IJ under the harbour
GVB ferries
Free behind Centraal — to Noord and NDSM
GVB night buses
Replace trams 00:30 – 7:00
Trams & metro 6:00 – 00:30; night buses every 30 min after
GVB app · OVpay contactless (bank card or phone)
TCA & Uber — beware unmetered touts at Centraal
All metro and most trams are step-free; bus fleet fully low-floor
- OVpay caps at the day rate automatically — no pass purchase needed
- Free GVB ferries behind Centraal run 24/7 to Noord and NDSM
- Rent a bike: Macbike or Black Bikes start at €11/day, cheaper than 3 day passes
Amsterdam Itineraries
Plan Your Perfect Amsterdam Trip
Professionally curated day-by-day itineraries that combine Amsterdam's iconic landmarks, local favourites, practical travel tips, realistic budgets, and efficient routes—helping you experience more while spending less time planning.
Amsterdam · Suggested itinerary
3-Day Amsterdam
Canals, crowns and Dutch masters — the essential first-timer's loop.
Your trip at a glance
3 days
Moderate
Budget traveller
€170–€240
Mid-range traveller
€360–€500
Luxury traveller
€820+
- Day1
Theme
Historic Amsterdam & Canals
Start in the medieval heart of the city, then glide through the UNESCO canal belt.
- Morning9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Dam Square & Royal Palace
- Dam Square — the historic civic heart of Amsterdam
- Royal Palace — optional audio tour of the 17th-century city hall
Royal Palace≈ €14 - Lunch12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Canalside lunch
- Dutch pancakes, herring or a bruin café sandwich near the Singel or Spui
TryThe Pancake Bakery (Prinsengracht)Café de Reiger (Jordaan)Frens Haringhandel - Afternoon2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Canal Cruise & Jordaan District
- One-hour guided canal cruise from Damrak or Prinsengracht
- Wander the Jordaan — gabled houses, indie boutiques and quiet canals
Canal cruise≈ €16–20 - Evening6:00 PM onwards
Jordaan dinner & canal lights
- Dinner in a converted brown café or along the Brouwersgracht
- Evening walk to see the bridges lit over the canals
TryCafé de ReigerDe BelhamelRestaurant Gartine
HighlightsDam SquareRoyal Palace interiorsCanal cruiseJordaan canal views- Walking
- ≈ 4 km · 1 hr walking
Comfortable walking shoes — the historic centre is flat but cobbled in places.
- Sightseeing
- ≈ 8 hours sightseeing
- Family
- Couples
Transport tipsCentraal Station
Tram 4, 9, 16, 24
5-min walk to Dam Square.
Dam
Tram 4, 9, 16, 24
Direct stop at Dam Square.
Jordaan
Walkable
Everything today is within 20 minutes on foot.
Estimated daily budgetBudget traveller
€55–€80
Mid-range
€120–€170
Luxury
€280+
Travel tipBook the Royal Palace and canal cruise online in advance to skip the queues.
Money saverA GVB day pass or OVpay contactless cap is cheaper than single tickets if you use trams twice.
Best photo spotThe corner of Brouwersgracht and Herengracht at dusk, with the bridge lights reflected in the canal.
Best time to visitStart at Dam Square at 9:00 AM before the tour groups arrive.
Book aheadRoyal Palace + canal cruise combo saves a few euros.
Transport tipTram 4 connects Dam Square to the Jordaan and Museumplein areas.
Food recommendationThe Pancake Bakery opens early and fills up fast — go for lunch before 12:30.
Rainy day alternativeSwap the canal cruise for the Amsterdam Museum or a longer Royal Palace visit.
Alternative optionInstead of the canal cruise: Rent a small electric boat and pilot your own route through the canal belt.
Packing tips- Refillable water bottle
- Light rain jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Portable phone charger
Accessibility- Dam Square and Royal Palace have step-free routes
- Canal cruise boats are wheelchair accessible
- Jordaan bridges have gentle ramps in many places
Today's highlights- 4 major attractions visited
- ≈ 8 hours sightseeing
- ≈ 4 km on foot
- Mid-range budget ≈ €120–€170
- Evening around Jordaan
End the day around JordaanView on Google Maps - Day2
Theme
Museums & Culture
The Dutch Golden Age, Van Gogh's brushstrokes, a park pause and a brewery finale.
- Morning9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Rijksmuseum
- Rembrandt's Night Watch and Vermeer's Milkmaid
- The Gallery of Honour and the museum's soaring atrium
Rijksmuseum≈ €22.50 - Lunch12:45 PM – 2:00 PM
Museumplein
- Sandwiches, coffee or bitterballen on the iconic museum square
TryRijksmuseum CaféCafé LoetjeMuseumsquare food stands - Afternoon2:15 PM – 5:30 PM
Van Gogh Museum & Vondelpark
- Van Gogh Museum — the world's largest collection of his works
- Vondelpark — stroll, people-watch or catch a free open-air concert in summer
Van Gogh Museum≈ €22 - Evening6:00 PM onwards
Heineken Experience & De Pijp
- Interactive brewery tour and beer tasting at the original Heineken brewery
- Dinner in the lively De Pijp neighbourhood
Heineken Experience≈ €21TryBazar AmsterdamCannibale RoyaleTeds Place
HighlightsNight WatchVan Gogh SunflowersVondelparkHeineken brewery tasting- Walking
- ≈ 5 km · 1 hr 15 min walking
Comfortable shoes — museum floors are hard and the park paths are gravel.
- Sightseeing
- ≈ 9 hours sightseeing
- Family
- Couples
Transport tipsMuseumplein
Tram 2, 5, 12
Stops directly at the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.
Vondelpark
Tram 1, 2, 5
Multiple entrances along the park edge.
Heineken Experience
Tram 7, 10, 16, 24
Short walk from Weteringcircuit stop.
Estimated daily budgetBudget traveller
€70–€100
Mid-range
€150–€210
Luxury
€320+
Travel tipRijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum tickets sell out days ahead — book a morning slot first.
Money saverThe Museumplein 'I amsterdam' letters are gone, but the square is still free and great for photos.
Best photo spotThe Rijksmuseum passageway from the Museumplein — the building frames the square perfectly.
Best time to visitVan Gogh Museum is quietest in the first morning slot at 9:00 AM.
Book aheadRijksmuseum + Van Gogh Museum timed entry; Heineken Experience book-ahead slot.
Transport tipTram 2 and 5 connect the museums to Centraal Station and De Pijp.
Food recommendationCafé Loetje is famous for its steak and fries — arrive before 12:45 to avoid queues.
Rainy day alternativeBoth museums are fully indoors; extend the Rijksmuseum visit if the weather turns.
Alternative optionInstead of the Heineken Experience: Visit the House of Bols for a cocktail-making experience, or tour the modern STRAAT street-art museum in NDSM.
Packing tips- Refillable water bottle
- Umbrella or light rain jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Portable charger
Accessibility- Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are fully step-free
- Vondelpark has paved, level paths
- Heineken Experience has lift access and seated tasting areas
Today's highlights- 4 major attractions visited
- ≈ 9 hours sightseeing
- ≈ 5 km on foot
- Mid-range budget ≈ €150–€210
- Evening around De Pijp
End the day around De PijpView on Google Maps - Day3
Theme
History & Local Life
Anne Frank's story, market browsing and a family-friendly afternoon.
- Morning9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Anne Frank House
- The secret annex and the family's personal story
- Audio guide and the restored rooms in the canal house
Anne Frank House≈ €16 - Lunch12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Nine Streets or Albert Cuyp Market
- Dutch street snacks, stroopwafels and fresh sandwiches in a local market or boutique lanes
TryVan Stapele Koekmakerij (cookies)Albert Cuyp Market stallsFoodhallen Amsterdam - Afternoon2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
ARTIS Zoo or Ripley's Believe It or Not!
- ARTIS — historic zoo, aquarium, planetarium and gardens
- OR Ripley's — oddities, illusions and interactive exhibits
ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo≈ €28Ripley's Amsterdam≈ €22 - Evening6:00 PM onwards
Leidseplein & Rembrandtplein
- Dinner and drinks in two of Amsterdam's busiest squares
- Live music, street performers and late-night cafés
TryCafé de Jaren (canal terrace)Kantjil & de Tijger (Indonesian)Bierfabriek
HighlightsAnne Frank HouseAlbert Cuyp MarketARTIS ZooRipley's oddities- Walking
- ≈ 5 km · 1 hr 15 min walking
Comfortable walking shoes — flat city centre with some cobbles near the Westerkerk.
- Sightseeing
- ≈ 8 hours sightseeing
- Family
- Couples
Transport tipsAnne Frank House
Tram 13, 17, 19
Westermarkt stop is a 2-min walk.
Albert Cuyp Market
Tram 16, 24
Stops along Ferdinand Bolstraat.
ARTIS / Ripley's
Tram 7, 10, 14
Both are within 10 min of the city centre.
Estimated daily budgetBudget traveller
€50–€80
Mid-range
€110–€160
Luxury
€260+
Travel tipAnne Frank House tickets release six weeks ahead and sell out almost instantly — book first.
Money saverThe Albert Cuyp Market is one of the cheapest places to eat on the go; try a fresh stroopwafel.
Best photo spotThe Westerkerk tower rising above Prinsengracht, seen from near the Anne Frank House.
Best time to visitAnne Frank House first thing at 9:00 AM is the most moving and least crowded.
Book aheadAnne Frank House timed entry + same-day ARTIS or Ripley's ticket.
Transport tipTram 14 connects the Anne Frank House area to ARTIS in about 15 minutes.
Food recommendationFoodhallen is indoors and ideal if the weather turns — try the Dutch bitterballen.
Rainy day alternativeBoth ARTIS and Ripley's are mostly indoor; Foodhallen is the perfect wet-weather lunch.
Alternative optionInstead of ARTIS or Ripley's: Visit the NEMO Science Museum — hands-on, great for families and topped with a free rooftop view.
Packing tips- Refillable water bottle
- Light rain jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Small umbrella
Accessibility- Anne Frank House has a steep original staircase — a virtual tour is available for limited mobility
- ARTIS is largely step-free with paved paths
- Ripley's has lift access to all floors
Today's highlights- 4 major attractions visited
- ≈ 8 hours sightseeing
- ≈ 5 km on foot
- Mid-range budget ≈ €110–€160
- Evening around Leidseplein / Rembrandtplein
End the day around Leidseplein / RembrandtpleinView on Google Maps
Tours & experiences
Tours & Experiences
Curated cruises, day trips, walking tours and iconic experiences worth building a day around in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam
🛥️Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Glide through Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed canal ring past gabled 17th-century townhouses, arched bridges and houseboats. A relaxed, glass-topped boat tour is the classic way to see the city from the water.
About 1 hour
First-time visitors, couples and families
Central Station, Damrak or Rijksmuseum jetties
Highlights
- Cruise the UNESCO canal ring
- Views of the Golden Bend and Skinny Bridge
- Live or audio commentary in multiple languages
- Covered boats — great in any weather
Amsterdam
📖Anne Frank House Experience
Walk through the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid for over two years during WWII. A profoundly moving museum built around the original 17th-century canal house at Prinsengracht 263.
About 1 – 1.5 hours
History-minded travellers and older children
Prinsengracht 263-267, Amsterdam
Highlights
- The original secret annex and moving bookcase
- Anne's diary and personal belongings
- Immersive audio-guided route through the house
- Powerful WWII and Holocaust context
Amsterdam
🖼️Rijksmuseum Guided Tour
The Netherlands' national museum houses 800 years of Dutch art and history, including Rembrandt's Night Watch and masterpieces by Vermeer. A guided tour brings the highlights to life in under two hours.
About 1.5 – 2 hours
Art lovers and first-time visitors
Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam
Highlights
- Rembrandt's Night Watch
- Vermeer's Milkmaid and other Dutch Masters
- Grand Gallery of Honour
- 800 years of Dutch history under one roof
Amsterdam
🌻Van Gogh Museum Experience
The world's largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings, drawings and letters, traced chronologically through his short but extraordinary life. Includes Sunflowers, The Bedroom and Almond Blossom.
1.5 – 2 hours
Art lovers and curious travellers
Museumplein 6, Amsterdam
Highlights
- Sunflowers, The Bedroom and Almond Blossom
- Over 200 paintings and 500 drawings
- Personal letters between Vincent and Theo
- Chronological journey through his career
Amsterdam
🍺Heineken Experience
An interactive tour through Heineken's original 1867 brewery. Walk through the brewing halls, meet the brewery horses, and finish with two freshly poured pints in the rooftop bar.
About 1.5 – 2 hours
Adults, groups and beer fans
Stadhouderskade 78, Amsterdam
Highlights
- Historic 1867 brewery building
- Interactive brewing exhibits
- Two freshly poured Heinekens included
- Rooftop bar with city views
Amsterdam
🚶Jordaan Walking Tour
Explore Amsterdam's most charming neighbourhood on foot. A local guide leads you through narrow lanes, hidden hofjes (courtyards), independent boutiques and canalside cafés in the Jordaan district.
About 2 hours
First-time visitors and neighbourhood lovers
Westerkerk, near the Anne Frank House
Highlights
- Hidden hofjes (historic courtyards)
- Westerkerk and its 85m bell tower
- Independent shops and brown cafés
- Stories of Rembrandt's final years
Amsterdam
🌾Zaanse Schans Windmills Day Trip
Step into a picture-perfect Dutch village of working windmills, green wooden houses, cheese farms and a clog workshop — just 30 minutes from central Amsterdam.
Half day (3 – 5 hours)
Families, photographers and first-time visitors
Amsterdam Centraal or organised tour pick-up
Highlights
- Working 18th-century windmills
- Traditional cheese farm with tastings
- Live wooden clog (klomp) demonstration
- Riverside village straight from a postcard
Amsterdam
🌷Keukenhof Gardens Day Trip
One of the world's largest flower gardens, with over seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths in bloom. Open for just eight weeks each spring — a bucket-list Dutch experience.
Half to full day
Flower and garden lovers, photographers, families
Lisse (shuttle from Schiphol or organised tour from Amsterdam)
Highlights
- Over 7 million spring bulbs in bloom
- Themed pavilions and flower shows
- Windmill viewpoint over the bulb fields
- Iconic Dutch springtime experience
Amsterdam
🎡A'DAM Lookout Experience
Ride Europe's highest swing 100 metres above the IJ river at the top of the A'DAM Tower. A 360° observation deck delivers the best panoramic view of Amsterdam.
About 1 hour
Thrill seekers, couples and photographers
Overhoeksplein 5, Amsterdam Noord
Highlights
- 'Over the Edge' swing, 100m above ground
- 360° indoor and outdoor observation deck
- Panoramic views of central Amsterdam and the IJ
- Immersive multimedia experience on the way up
Amsterdam
🚲Amsterdam Bike Tour
See Amsterdam the way locals do — from a bike saddle. A guided cycling tour weaves through the canal ring, Vondelpark and Jordaan, covering ground you'd never reach on foot.
About 2.5 – 3 hours
Active travellers and confident cyclists
Most tours meet near Dam Square or Vondelpark
Highlights
- Ride the canal ring like a local
- Loop through Vondelpark and the Museum Quarter
- Quiet lanes of the Jordaan district
- Bike, helmet and local guide included
Beyond Amsterdam
More to See, Just a Journey Away
Zaanse Schans
Windmills & Dutch Traditions
Approximately 20–30 minutes
Step into a classic Dutch landscape filled with historic windmills, wooden houses and traditional crafts.
Highlights
- Historic Windmills
- Traditional Dutch Houses
- Cheese & Clog Making
Haarlem
Historic Streets & Local Charm
Approximately 15–20 minutes by train
Discover a beautiful Dutch city with cobbled streets, historic architecture, museums and a lively central square.
Highlights
- Grote Markt
- Grote Kerk
- Frans Hals Museum
Utrecht
Canals With a Different View
Approximately 25–30 minutes by train
Explore one of the Netherlands' most charming cities, known for its unique wharf-level canals and historic centre.
Highlights
- Oudegracht Canal
- Dom Tower
- Historic Centre
The Hague
Art, Royalty & the North Sea
Approximately 50 minutes by train
Discover the Netherlands' political heart, world-class art, royal landmarks and easy access to the seaside.
Highlights
- Mauritshuis
- Binnenhof
- Scheveningen Beach
Delft
Blue Pottery & Golden Age Charm
Approximately 1 hour by train
Wander through a picturesque canal city famous for Delftware, historic churches and connections to Johannes Vermeer.
Highlights
- Markt Square
- Royal Delft
- Nieuwe Kerk
Leiden
Canals, Culture & Hidden Courtyards
Approximately 35–40 minutes by train
Explore a beautiful university city filled with canals, museums, historic buildings and peaceful hidden courtyards.
Highlights
- Historic Canals
- De Valk Windmill
- Museum Quarter
Rotterdam
Bold Architecture & Modern Holland
Approximately 40–45 minutes by train
Experience a completely different side of the Netherlands with striking architecture, an impressive waterfront and vibrant food scene.
Highlights
- Cube Houses
- Markthal
- Erasmus Bridge
Keukenhof
A Spectacular Spring Escape
Approximately 45–60 minutes with onward bus/transfer
Discover one of the world's most famous flower gardens, filled with millions of tulips and spectacular seasonal displays.
Highlights
- Tulip Gardens
- Flower Displays
- Dutch Spring Scenery
Where to sleep
Hotels & stays
From palace hotels to design hostels — picks across four budgets.
Luxury
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Herengracht
from
€760
/ night
Six restored canal palaces with a Michelin-starred dining room.
Boutique
Pulitzer Amsterdam
Nine Streets
from
€380
/ night
25 canal houses stitched together around hidden gardens.
Mid-range
Hotel V Nesplein
Centrum
from
€180
/ night
Walkable to everything, with a leafy courtyard bar.
Budget
ClinkNOORD
Amsterdam Noord
from
€42
/ night
Design hostel in a former lab, 5 min on the free ferry from Centraal.
Where to eat
Best places to eat
Local classics, budget wins, cafés and vegetarian gems — plus the iconic dishes you shouldn't leave without trying.
Moeders
Dutch home cooking
Jordaan
price
€€
Wall-to-wall photos of customers' mothers and traditional stamppot on every table.
The most sincere Dutch dinner in the city — Mother's Day every night.
Vleminckx Sausmeesters
Frites
Spui
price
€
Belgian-style frites cone with 28 sauces since 1957.
The city's most beloved chips window — expect a small queue.
Winkel 43
Café / Apple pie
Jordaan
price
€
Jordaan corner café famous for its towering Dutch appeltaart.
The apple pie every Amsterdammer will send you to.
Foodhallen
Food hall
Oud-West
price
€€
Converted tram depot with 20+ stalls — bitterballen, dim sum, sourdough pizza.
A crowd-pleaser for indecisive groups; buzzing atmosphere.
Meatless District
Vegan
Oud-West
price
€€
West-side favourite for creative plant-based tasting menus and natural wine.
Amsterdam's smartest fully-vegan kitchen.
De Kas
Modern Dutch
Frankendael
price
€€€
Seasonal farm-to-table dining inside a beautiful greenhouse, with many ingredients harvested daily from the restaurant's own gardens.
One of Amsterdam's most iconic dining experiences, offering exceptional seasonal cuisine in a stunning greenhouse setting.
What to try
Iconic dishes of Amsterdam
Stroopwafel
Two thin waffles glued with warm caramel — buy them fresh from a market stand.
Bitterballen
Deep-fried crunchy balls of beef ragout served with mustard, alongside a beer.
Herring (Hollandse Nieuwe)
Raw new-season herring with onions and pickles, eaten by the tail.
Poffertjes
Fluffy mini pancakes dusted with icing sugar and topped with butter.
Stamppot
Mashed potato with kale, sauerkraut or endive, and a smoked sausage on top.
Dutch apple pie
Tall, cinnamon-heavy appeltaart with a thick crust and raisins.
Getting here
Airport information
Which airport to fly into for Amsterdam and how to reach the city centre.
International airport
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
One of Europe's busiest hubs, with a single vast terminal and a train station directly underneath.
Distance to centre
~17 km southwest of central Amsterdam
Travel time
15–30 min
Best for
All international & European flights
Getting to the city
Train
NS Intercity / Sprinter
Trains run directly beneath the terminal to Centraal, Zuid and beyond.
Bus
Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397
Direct bus to Leidseplein and the museum quarter.
Taxi
Taxi / rideshare
Metered taxis and Uber from the official rank.
Airport services
Travel times and prices are approximate. Please check the official airport and transport websites for the latest schedules and fares before travelling.
