3 Days in Amsterdam: How I’d Spend a Perfect Long Weekend
Amsterdam is one of my favourite cities in Europe, and a place I return to time and time again. It’s a great city to simply mooch around, with a perfect blend of beautiful canal-lined streets, independent shops, interesting museums, and a genuinely great food and coffeeshop scene.
After visiting Amsterdam four times, I think three days is the perfect amount of time for your first trip, and this is the exact 3-day itinerary I’d recommend to first-timers.
It gives you enough time to see the highlights, from the Anne Frank House to the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, without feeling like you’re rushing from place to place.
This itinerary is based on my own trips to Amsterdam and is designed to help you see the best of the city at a realistic pace, with plenty of time built in for wandering (which is honestly one of the best things to do here).
If you’re planning 3 days in Amsterdam, this guide will walk you through exactly how I’d spend it – including what’s worth prioritising, what to skip if you’re short on time, and how to avoid trying to cram too much into your days.
This itinerary is ideal if it’s your first time in Amsterdam and you want to see the highlights without overpacking your days.
I Amsterdam kindly provided me with a 72-hour I Amsterdam Card for one of my trips. As always, all opinions are my own.
If you’re planning to visit several of the main attractions, it’s worth considering this card. It includes entry to many museums as well as extras like bike hire and a canal cruise, which can make planning your trip a lot simpler.
3 Days in Amsterdam at a Glance
- Day 1: Classic Amsterdam – Anne Frank House, canals, hidden gems
- Day 2: Museums & culture – Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Foodhallen
- Day 3: Local experiences – markets, brunch, quieter spots
3 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary
Day 1 in Amsterdam
Anne Frank House
Anne Frank House is an absolute must for your Amsterdam itinerary and something I would prioritise on your first trip to the city.
It is an incredibly important museum and tells the remarkable story of Anne Frank and her family as they hid from the Nazis for over 2 years.
You’ll get to walk through the real hidden doorway behind which the Frank’s secret annexe remained hidden for a number of years, then climb the narrow stairs up into their quarters to see the space in which they lived.
It’s a thoroughly harrowing experience to read and hear about Anne Frank’s story and the tragic murder of the Jews during WWII, but it’s such an important museum.
Whilst the furniture has long been removed, the original wallpaper and any marks on the wall remain, so it still feels very real.
The free audio guide is excellent and adds a lot of context as you walk through each room, including snippets from Anne Frank’s diary.
If you can, I’d highly recommend reading A Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank’s diary, before you visit, so you can really picture daily life in this loft as you walk around.
A couple of important tips:
- Book tickets in advance – they sell out quickly and are released in time slots
- Try to visit earlier or later in the day for a slightly quieter experience
- Photography isn’t allowed inside, and this is strictly enforced
Find out more and book your tickets to Anne Frank House here.
The Oude Kerk
The Oude Kerk (or Old Church) is Amsterdam’s first and oldest church and also a centre for contemporary art and heritage.
Different contemporary artists ‘perform’ site-specific pieces in the church space three times a year so you’ll never get the same experience twice here as a visitor.
In addition, there’s a permanent exhibit in Oude Kerk on its history and that of Amsterdam as well.
The juxtaposition between old and new is unique, and it’s a fantastic way to honour this historic space.
If you need a little pick-me-up, there’s also a cute coffee shop on site that you can visit.
Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder
Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder, otherwise known as the Our Lord in the Attic Museum is definitely one of the top quirky things to do in Amsterdam – and one of my favourite things to recommend to people because it’s so unusual.
From the outside, it looks like your typical 17th-century canal house that is oh so common in Amsterdam. The inside tells quite a different story.
During the 17th century, Catholics and dissenters from the Dutch Reformed Church were unable to worship in public. So they got creative. The inside of this house was converted into a beautiful church where Catholics could secretly worship.
It’s genuinely unlike anything I’ve seen anywhere else in the world, and definitely worth doing if you want something a little different from the main museums. It’s also much quieter than the bigger attractions, which makes it a great one to slot into a spare hour in your itinerary when you want a break from the crowds.
A visit to Our Lord in the Attic Museum involves a self-guided audio tour offering detailed explanations as to what each part of the room once signified. Don’t miss the hidden pulpit, which, amazingly, could be stored away in the bluish pillar just to the left of the centrepiece.
Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder is actually one of the oldest museums in Amsterdam, second only after the Rijksmuseum itself!
Website: https://www.opsolder.nl/en/
Wander Amsterdam’s Canals
Amsterdam is known for its beautiful canals so make sure you leave yourself some time to amble aimlessly through the streets of central Amsterdam.
This is actually my all-time favourite thing to do in Amsterdam now I’ve visited a few times. The best part is that every time I go back, there are always new little independent shops to discover, so I never get bored of this.
Amsterdam is a walking city and the public transport is not as useful in the canal area, so you’ve no excuse not to take your time on foot through this area.
I’d really recommend leaving yourself a proper chunk of time to just wander without an agenda as some of the best finds are completely unplanned.
You’ll come across little coffeeshops, restaurants, unique bookshops and other indie spots tucked away along the canals, alongside the beautiful bridges and tall canal-side houses that are so iconic in Amsterdam.
The intricate structure of crisscrossing paths and canals means that you need to look out for the bikes. There are crossings every few minutes, and if you’re not careful, you’ll get yourself run over. Always check both ways and definitely look before stepping out into the road!
Enjoy a Slice of Dutch Apple Pie
A slice of Dutch apple pie is a must on any trip to Amsterdam. Whilst I’m sure you’re already familiar with this tart and sweet dessert, in the Netherlands, apple pie is made in a deep dish, sprinkled with a healthy dose of cinnamon and accompanied by a big dollop of whipped cream.
Divine!
A large number of restaurants will have this classic on their dessert menu, but I’d recommend that you head to Latei, curiously nestled in Amsterdam’s Chinatown.
It’s a cosy cafe/restaurant that’s equal parts quirky and charming with its retro decor. Grab a table on the upper mezzanine level for the best seats.
When ordering your dessert, definitely ask for a helping of whipped cream on the side – it’s so sweet and delicious. Also, it’s a very generous portion!
Alternatively, I’d also recommend the apple pie at the Papeneiland, which is a historic cafe that opened way back in 1642! The interiors are amazing with dark wood panelled walls covered in Dutch plates and other trinkets. It definitely feels like you’ve stepped back in time here and it’s worth visiting for the atmosphere alone.
There’s not too much space here however, so it would be better to avoid peak hours here if you want to guarantee seating.
Another popular apple pie establishment that I’ve yet to try is at Winkel 43.
Bloemenmarkt (Amsterdam Flower Market)
The Netherlands are often associated with colourful tulips, including the famous fields at Keukenhof, which is an easy day trip from Amsterdam that I’d highly recommend if you have the time.
However, if you’re not able to squeeze a day trip in, a quick visit to Bloemenmarkt (or Amsterdam Flower Market) is worth a stop.
It is the world’s only floating flower market and is nestled in the city’s beautiful canal paths.
If you enjoy the simple pleasure of walking into your local florist’s and seeing vibrant flowers, green plants and sweet scents, then you’re going to love Bloemenmarkt because it’s an entire street lined with outdoor flower stalls.
What’s great is that it’s open every day of the year, rain or shine (except public holidays), and it is one of the best free things to do in Amsterdam.
You can buy a huge number of different plants here (stock depends on the season) or pick up a real-looking fake plant if you are not the nurturing kind. There are loads of flower bulbs and seeds on sale here too, which could make for an easy souvenir to bring home as the packets are so small!
If you’re a cheese lover, then keep your eyes peeled for a number of cheese shops on the other side of the road (often with tasters!). You could take home a small wheel of Dutch Edam cheese in a colourful rind, infused with unique flavours.
It’s worth visiting in the colder months too, as in the winter you’ll find Christmas trees and decorations here!
Day 2 in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Book Market (Spui Book Market)
Spui Book Market is a small market, but there are over 20 stands of new and second-hand books. These are predominantly Dutch and English books, but there are editions from countries like France and Germany too.
Rather than general fiction, they tend to stock classics and books about history, art, science and more.
This is one of my favourite spots to recommend if you’re a book lover visiting Amsterdam. It feels much more local and low-key than some of the bigger attractions, and you can easily spend a slow morning browsing happily here.
In addition to books, there are other vintage items such as maps and prints and these gems make for great souvenirs and gifts. It’s well worth working this small market into your Amsterdam itinerary if you enjoy a slower morning, and there are often some real bargains to be found and the local stallholders are all very friendly.
For more bookshops in Amsterdam, The American Book Centre and Athenae Bookshop are right by Amsterdam Book Market.
A couple of important things to note:
- The market is only open on Fridays
- It works best earlier in the day, before it gets too busy
If you are not in Amsterdam on a Friday, then skip this step and head straight to the Van Gogh Museum for an early viewing slot!
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is one of my all-time favourite museums. It’s an absolutely enormous space with several floors dedicated to the works of Van Gogh.
His works are laid out chronologically so you can see how his style progressed through the years and through the turmoil that punctuated his life.
He was a troubled man, and this museum gives you the chance to learn all about his life, backstory and family as well as his art.
It can get very, very busy with masses of people crowding around the most popular pieces (e.g. Sunflowers) so it’s definitely worth booking one of the morning slots.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam Book Market first I suggest going for the 10:45 or 11am slot. If you’re not so keen on books then the earlier the better!
NB. You’ll need to check your bags and coats into the cloakroom before entering the main museum. However, the great thing about museums in Amsterdam is that these cloakrooms are free!
There will likely be a queue, though so head straight for the cloakroom once you’ve had your ticket checked. It moves pretty quickly so you’ll be in the museum in no time.
Website: https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/
Foodhallen
Amsterdam boasts so many incredible restaurants and cafes that it can be hard to know which to pick. If you want to find some of the best establishments all under one food then Foodhallen (Amsterdam food hall) is a great shout.
From bao buns to pitas to burgers, there’s a huge range of food options here for every kind of craving. I opted for a bowl of noodles from the Vietnamese street food stall, vietview, and it was so delicious.
I’d recommend Foodhallen to every kind of traveller on any kind of trip to Amsterdam – young or old, solo or in a group, during the day or at night, on a budget or not.
The range of food, drink and activities on here means it’s a versatile space where there truly is something for everyone.
If you’re stopping by for dinner, then you can take advantage of the many drink stands, and there is sometimes live music for entertainment, too!
Website: https://foodhallen.nl/en
Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum is the museum of the Netherlands and the largest museum in Amsterdam. The museum is mostly full of art dating from the Middle Ages to the 20th century and includes famous works such as The Night Watch by Rembrandt.
The museum is simply enormous so if your visit is short, pick an area that interests you most and explore that wing. You could definitely spend an entire day in here so if you’re an art lover, you may want to set aside more of your day for this activity.
Not only are the exhibits and paintings really impressive, but the building itself is magnificent (even more so after recent renovations!).
However, my favourite part about visiting the museum isn’t the art… it’s the magnificent library hidden inside.
If you’re a book lover like me, then you need to pay a visit to the Rijksmuseum Library.
It spans over a whopping four floors, which are connected by intricate iron staircases and light filters through large windows above.
You can view it from below, where there are tables for people studying, or you can go up to the viewing deck for these amazing views.
Website: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/
Hire a Bike
If it’s your first visit to Amsterdam, it will become clear to you in short order that everyone in this city rides a bike.
So do as the Dutch do… and rent a bike. With the I Amsterdam card, a number of bike rental places in Amsterdam will offer you one day for free.
There are a few of these located near Museumplein, so I’d recommend heading to one of these when you’ve finished exploring the museums.
From there, you can bike around Vondelpark (below) and then head towards the canals to cycle through these iconic Dutch streets.
Bikes are the most common way to get around Amsterdam, so it’s quite safe on the roads as everyone knows how to look out for them.
In fact, it’s estimated that there are over 881,000 bikes in Amsterdam alone!
Just be aware of your surroundings in the same way you would on any road.
Vondelpark
Vondelpark is the largest park in Amsterdam and the most famous park in the Netherlands. It’s popular with both tourists and locals alike for a bit of fresh air and exercise in the city.
I always end up here at some point on every trip. It’s the perfect place to slow things down a bit after ticking off museums or wandering the canals, especially if the weather’s good.
It’s right by the main museum district, so it’s very easy to slot into your itinerary, particularly in the summer months when the whole park feels really lively.
It’s also bigger than you might expect (it takes around 20–25 minutes to walk from one end to the other), so if you fancy doing it properly, hiring a bike is a great shout (and very on brand for Amsterdam).
Inside the park, there are lots of water, bridges, playgrounds, pavilions, statues, fountains, wildlife and even an open-air theatre!
If you’re feeling hungry and thirsty after cycling or walking all around here (and you probably will), there’s a restaurant where you can get refreshments which has a glorious terrace during the summer.
Red Light District
Amsterdam is famous for many reasons and one of them is undoubtedly the Red Light District. Whilst walking around the Red Light District can be a rather strange experience, it isn’t anywhere near as seedy as it may first sound.
Like anywhere busy, you will have to watch out for pickpockets, but it’s generally a safe area to explore.
I’d recommend visiting in the evening when the red lights are on, as this is when you’ll get the full experience. You’ll see sex workers behind glass doors, which is a distinctive part of the area.
Just be aware that photography is strictly forbidden here, and it’s not worth trying.
There are also lots of “coffeeshops” in this area where you can legally buy a joint or maybe a slice of space cake.
If you want something a bit more lighthearted, there’s also the Condommerie, which is exactly what it sounds like, and surprisingly popular. It’s a fun, slightly quirky stop, and you can pick up an unusual souvenir.
Condom with an elephant on the tip, anyone?
Day 3 in Amsterdam
Dignita Hoftuin
Dignita is a brilliant brunch establishment in Amsterdam that I’d recommend for any meal of the day.
The menu is extensive and varied, but the best thing about it is the all-day brunch menu (pictured). Who doesn’t love all-day brunch?
The Hoftuin branch is a bright, airy space based just behind the Hermitage Museum and lots of greenery just outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The interiors are all wooden with plants and exposed lightbulbs hanging from the ceiling so it is millennial paradise.
As well as the beautiful, simple decor, the food at Dignita is freshly made, with the best, locally sourced ingredients. The menu is seasonal though, so it may well be different each time you visit.
I ordered an eggs benedict on a crispy potato hash (“Benny Boy”) whilst my friend ordered the open avocado sandwich. Both delicious.
To top it off, their motto is eat well, do good, which is a reference to their participation in the Not For Sale social enterprise model.
Their cafes work to support vulnerable individuals and help them become reintegrated into the workplace and society.
Rembrandt House Museum (RembranDthuis)
Rembrandt was one of the most famous artists of the 17th century, and you can visit his house in the centre of Amsterdam. He lived and painted in this beautiful house for a number of years until he went bankrupt in 1656.
He’s one of my favourite painters, so I loved being able to see where he lived and worked, which was more special than just seeing his paintings in a gallery.
The house has been carefully reconstructed to look how it would have when Rembrandt lived here, and you’ll find lots of his artwork as well as his atelier, where he taught other budding young artists.
Whilst his biggest and most famous piece, The Night Watch, is housed in the Rijksmuseum, this house museum displays some of his less prominent works as well as sketches and his etching collection.
There’s a room full of props and personal possessions with an eclectic mix of items from a dried puffa fish to Greek statues, which gives a really interesting insight into his life and inspirations.
The atelier is the coolest part of the museum, and there are museum staff to explain Rembrandt’s artistic and teaching processes.
In addition to the permanent collections, they often have unique temporary exhibitions that are well worth visiting. You can find out the latest news on the Rembrandthuis website.
Hortus Botanicus Garden
Amsterdam’s botanical garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and one of the most beautiful and extensive.
There are several different rooms and areas, boasting over a whopping 6,000 different indigenous and non-native trees and plants.
Each space feels completely different – whilst one will be full of enormous leafy greens, another will be filled with sand and dry cacti and another with butterflies emerging from their cocoons.
Wandering through the botanical gardens, enormous greenhouses and outdoor spaces is incredibly calming and a lovely way to round off a busy few days in Amsterdam.
It’s based just outside of the canals, but it feels like you’re miles away from any city centre whilst in here.
It’s also one of the best things to do in Amsterdam when it rains (which I learnt the hard way on one of my trips).
Website: https://www.dehortus.nl/en/
Albert Cuyp Market
Now it’s time for fresh stroopwafel and baby Dutch pancakes!
Albert Cuyp Market is the largest and most popular outdoor market in Amsterdam, with a whopping 260 stands.
You could swing by and just check out a few stalls and move on. Or you could come here and wander the entire length of the market, trying all the different delicacies as you go.
I’d definitely recommend the latter.
I tried literally every type of food on offer on this street, from chicken sandwiches to Turkish wraps, macaroons and, of course, the Dutch classics: stroopwafel and baby pancakes.
I knew I loved stroopwafel and often pick it up from the supermarkets as my sweet treat of choice.
But obviously, that pales in comparison to fresh, giant stroopwafel, straight from the grill and still hot.
Buy the I Amsterdam Card
If you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time and plan on visiting lots of the top tourist attractions during your stay, then I would highly recommend investing in the I Amsterdam card.
The card grants you free access to most of the top attractions in Amsterdam as well as discounts at restaurants, free public transport, free bike hire, a free canal tour and more.
The Amsterdam press office kindly gave me a 72-hour I Amsterdam card during my stay and I maximised its use during its time to do the above activities (and more!). There’s also a 24 hour and 48 hour option available.
It’s unbelievably convenient knowing that you don’t need to faff around with buying public transport tickets or queue for entrance tickets. You can use this card to book a slot in advance and then head straight in to most attractions.
The I Amsterdam card is a must for first timers in Amsterdam or visitors planning to go to the above top attractions in Amsterdam!
Find out more about the I Amsterdam card here now!
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Having been to Amsterdam four times, I’ve stayed in a few different hotels and areas of the city, and these are my personal recommendations for where to stay (and I’ve genuinely stayed at each of them!).
Hotel Library (3 Star Hotel in Amsterdam)
Hotel Library is located very close to Amsterdam Centraal Station, which is where you’ll likely be coming into Amsterdam, whether you arrived at the airport originally or came in by train. This is a simple hotel with basic amenities including a bed, TV and desk.
But book lovers will love the lobby, where there are floor-to-ceiling shelves and a spiral staircase leading up to a mezzanine level where there are even more books.
It’s a good place to stay if you’re planning to do lots in the canal area, as it’s right at the top of them, so you’ll be able to walk or bike wherever you want to go.
Check availability and find the best deals for Hotel Library here.
Ambassade Hotel (4 Star Hotel in Amsterdam)
Ambassade Hotel is a stunning luxury literary hotel located in the heart of Amsterdam’s canals. The hotel is a favourite for authors staying in Amsterdam, and they boast signed editions of some of the best fiction published in recent years in their library bar.
It’s a struggle staying here because the location is so perfect for exploring Amsterdam, but you won’t want to leave these gorgeous rooms and the hotel’s relaxation areas!
Check out my full review of Ambassade Hotel in Amsterdam here.
Check availability and find the best deals for Hotel Ambassade here.
INK Hotel Amsterdam (4 Star Hotel in Amsterdam)
I stayed at INK Hotel Amsterdam on a work trip, and it’s such a beautiful, characterful place to base yourself in the city.
The hotel is set in a former newspaper printing house, and it feels really unique – they’ve paid homage to that history with thoughtful details like newspaper clipping wallpaper, which I loved.
The rooms are gorgeous and very thoughtfully designed. The sink is actually in the main room rather than the bathroom, which sounds unusual but looks incredibly aesthetic and works really well in the space.
The staff were also really attentive throughout my stay, which always makes a difference. Breakfast is a classic continental spread, but everything was fresh and really good quality.
Location-wise, it’s also ideal – it’s just a short walk from Amsterdam Centraal, which makes getting in and out of the city super easy.
Check availability and find the best deals for INK Hotel Amsterdam here.
Hotel Mercier Amsterdam (4 Star Hotel)
I stayed at Hotel Mercier with a friend, and it’s honestly one of the most aesthetic hotels I’ve ever stayed in. It’s beautifully styled throughout and basically what I wish my future home would look like!
One of the highlights is the bar area downstairs, which is absolutely stunning and a great spot for cocktails in the evening.
It’s also where breakfast is served, which makes for a really lovely start to the day in such a gorgeous setting.
Check availability and find the best deals for Hotel Mercier here.
For more posts to help you plan your trip to Amsterdam, check out these guides:
A Guide to Bookstores in Amsterdam
The Fault in Our Stars Filming Locations in Amsterdam
Ambassade Hotel in Amsterdam Review
9 Hidden Gems in Europe
