Is three days really enough to see Amsterdam? Only enough to see the most central and touristy items. A 1-week itinerary is going to allow you to really feel like you’ve seen the city. Arguably, I could spend a year in Amsterdam and it still wouldn’t be enough for me. However, a week-long trip to Amsterdam and the Netherlands is the perfect amount of time; to really get to see Amsterdam’s most popular attractions and some hidden gems.
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Where to Stay in Amsterdam
If you are planning a 1-week itinerary to Amsterdam, I would still suggest one of the three popular neighborhoods. Centrum, the Jordaan or Muesumplein are recommended in the 3-Day Itinerary in Amsterdam and best with a healthy budget. However, consider staying in two neighborhoods for different perspectives or an apartment rental, especially with children. Consider staying in the Jordaan for 4 nights and Oost for 3 more nights. If you want to split your stay between a splurge and budget stay, book a few nights in Noord. Prices are lower and the commute is just a 5 minute free ferry ride.
- Hyatt Amsterdam (Oost)
- The Delphi – Amsterdam Townhouse (de Pijp)
- Yays Amsterdam North by Numa (Noord)
Start with the 3-day Itinerary
Start your 1-week itinerary with The 3-Day Itinerary in Amsterdam, then this blog builds days 4-7 to complete the week. This 1-Week Itinerary allows some time to explore outside of the city and see the beautiful Netherlands and rural communities. To summarize, these are the locations the 3-Day Itinerary focused on:
Day 1
- Dam Square
- Canal Ring & Begijnhof
- 9 Streets shopping area
- Anne Frank House/Houseboat Museum
- Dinner in the Red Light District
Day 2
- Museumplein- pick your favorite museum
- Vondelpark
- Oud West & Foodhallen
- Dinner and night out in Leidseplein
Day 3
- Zaanse Schans/Zaandam
- De Pijp neighborhood & Albert Cuypmarkt
- Heineken Experience
- Dinner in the Jordaan & Brouwersgracht canals
Day 4 Shopping & Exploring Amsterdam Noord
Continuing to a 1-week itinerary, enjoy your breakfast at the hotel or check out Toastable, one of our favorite spots near Rokin. If you are able to pick a Friday to do this part of the itinerary, you will be able to enjoy the Book Market. It is held on the street near the American Book Center and all the book lovers come out to browse. Even if it isn’t a Friday, go inside the store to see the amazing tree the store. It has grown around the store over the years.
Shopping on Kaalverstraat
After spending some time in Rokin, you can work your way to Central Station by shopping the whole way north. Start on Kaalverstraat where the biggest attraction is the Lego store. That might sound American, but this Lego Store shows off its location with legos of Dutch Master artwork such as The Girl in the Pearl Earring and Van Gogh’s Self Portrait. The front window typically has a life-sized windmill display that is quite impressive! This store is a great place for kids and adults alike and even has a personalized lego station. Design your own mini kit as a souvenir or present for your kids.
Kids also like all the candy stores on this street. The original Dutch candy store Jamin is located throughout the city. Plus there are barrels of treats in Candy Pirates and the individually owned Candy Lab kids will love checking out. This street is filled with souvenir shops, as well as shoe and lingerie stores lining the street.
Dam Square Shopping
Once in Dam Square, there are more expensive shopping or browsing options like Gassan Diamonds and de Bijenkorf department store. De Bijenkorf is the biggest department store in the Netherlands with 5 levels. If your budget doesn’t allow for high-end shopping, at least go to the top floor to enjoy a coffee & view at the rooftop cafe. There are also some budget friendly stores on Dam Square like H&M and Peek & Choppenburg.
The original Gassan Diamond location is in Dam Square too, with its rich history in Amsterdam. There is another Gassan location about 10 minutes East, with a diamond experience tour to teach you all about cut, carat, color and clarity. If you’re interested in creating your own diamond souvenir, Gassan has additional special arrangements for customers at their diamond factory and rolex boutique.
If you are looking for a yummy treat, Van Stapele Koekmakerij cookies is in Dam Square. This place is popular and there is typically a long line, but it moves fast. If you are looking for a sit down place for a meal or coffee, try the Majestic. This place looks touristy, but it has a great selection of drinks and desserts. Breakfast, lunch and dinner meal options that are all well prepared. There is a ton of seating, both inside and out. Remember this great spot to escape the rain if needed during your trip.
Shopping on Nieuwendijk
Continuing north from Dam Square, take the pedestrian street, just west of H&M called Nieuwendijk. This is where the better Manneken Pis fry location is, just a block from the super popular location where the line can easily be double the size. Continuing up this street is the most busy shopping area, watch your pockets and purses. Including the popular European stores of Zara, Hema, TK Maxx (the European version of TJ Maxx) and Primark for budget- minded shoppers. Shop all the way to Central Station. If you have lots of bags, a tip is to get a locker to store them before you jump on the ferry. If you are not a shopper, try going to a market during this part of the 1-week itinerary. Markets have more of a cultural feeling and also a great way to taste foods and buy souvenirs.
Amsterdam Noord
Taking the free ferry to Amsterdam Noord is quick and easy, you don’t even need a ticket. Go to the back of the station, near the IJ River until you see four ferry terminals. The Buiksloterweg ferry runs 24/7 and is the most popular with tourists. The A’dam Tower, This is Holland and Film Eye are all located just steps off the ferry. The ferry line NDSM is the other popular route with visitors, especially those with creative and alternative interestests. The IJplein and Ponsteiger ferry lines are typically used by residents and do not have many tourist attractions.
Buiksloterweg
The most popular part of Amsterdam Noord is Buiksloterweg for the A’dam tower and Moon restaurant. This is Holland and the Film eye attractions are also popular. This is Holland is an immersive attraction that takes you through learning about the country and geography of the Netherlands. Then the final part of the attraction is a 5 minute soaring bird-like ride over the country. This area is also used for tour buses, to the Keukenhof Garden to keep buses out of the old town.
When you get off the ferry, there is a building with many cafe areas. Or walk behind the This is Holland building to visit Bagels & Beans. The large, modern, white building on the waterfront is the Eye Filmmuseum. A large collection dedicated to making films, movie technology and other collectors items like film posters. The steps outside of the Eye are popular on sunny days to soak up the sun and enjoy a picnic or coffee.
The A’dam tower has a great view of Amsterdam, along with photo opportunities and a swing for adrenaline junkies. A’dam tower has a 5 star restaurant called Moon and a sky bar where sunset views have the perfect vantage point. Combo tickets can be purchased with tickets to the This is Holland attraction. It is an educational attraction that ends with an amazing simulated flight over the country, to see its other cities, beaches and farms. Don’t sleep on This is Holland, this was our children’s favorite activity in all of Amsterdam!
NDSM
NDSM Wharf is a former shipping yard, that is now a hip and creative area with a little more space than the city center. Greenpeace has their headquarters here, there is often a Greenpeace ship moored in the river. In addition to many other interesting boats and ships.
The Straat Museum is a large warehouse, turned into a street art museum. The large space allows for massive pieces to be displayed and includes over 160 works of art. The other large warehouse building houses small studio spaces, rental space for performances or exhibitions and restaurants, cafes and bars.
Ij Hallen is the biggest flea market in Europe and a two-day event, typically one weekend a month (check the calendar). 750 stands take over the wharf and shoppers go from 9:00-4:30 and even pay a small entrance fee. While tons of things are sold at the market, it is best known for finding unique furniture and clothing.
Eating in NDSM
Pllek is a great place to eat and drink, especially in the summer months when it’s warm and the view of the IJ river is the best. This restaurant has a sustainable menu and an urban beach and party atmosphere. On the weekends, DJ’s are pumping out the hits. Another interesting place to check out is Blast Galaxy, an arcade with a bar and snacks. This place is for adults and open late on Thursday and Friday evenings, but kids enjoy it too.
This area in Amsterdam Noord isn’t just for the creative, check out the nightlife too. Tons of bars, clubs and music festivals are all held in this area with a bit more space than Amsterdam Central has to offer. Try some of these restaurants for dinner, before a night on the town:
- Cannibal Royal du Nord
- Noorderlicht
- Loeje Amsterdam
- Restaurant Brooklyn
- De IJ-Kantine
Don’t let having to take a ferry to Noord prevent you from exploring this side of Amsterdam. The ferry rides are free and only take 5-10 minutes, with frequent departures.
Day 5 Sights Outside of Amsterdam
Breakfast at Hotel or in the neighborhood before heading out to your day trip option. Take some time to get out of the city of Amsterdam and get a change of scenery. Pick one of the day trip options below.
How to Get to Haarlem
Haarlem is located just West of Amsterdam and often referred to as Amsterdam’s sister city. Haarlem is located so close to Amsterdam, just a 20 minute train ride. Some visitors who want to save money on hotel accommodations will even stay in Haarlem and ride into Amsterdam daily. There are over 153 direct trains a day from Amsterdam’s Central Station and 730 trains daily! An uber ride is only about 30 minutes from Amsterdam.
Attractions in Haarlem
Haarlem is considered Amsterdam’s sister city and many of the best attractions are also offered in Haarlem. A quintessential canal cruise is just as fantastic a way to see the sights in this smaller city. Other great attractions to see and do in Haarlem:
- Grote Market
- Grote Kerk tour
- Guided tour of Molen de Adriaan & canal cruise
- Teylers Museum
- Lutherse Hofje
- Shopping in de Gouden Straatjes
Corrie Ten Boom House tour
The best hidden secret attraction is the Corrie Ten Boom House, Haarlem’s version of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. The Dutch famously resisted the Nazi take over of their country and Anne Frank was far from the only story of hiding. Corrie ten Boom and her family saved over 800 Jews, using their home as a safe place, to smuggle people out of the city during the Holocaust. Like the Anne Frank House, tickets for tours must be reserved in advance. Tours in English are only offered a few times from Tuesday to Saturday.
Places to Eat in Haarlem
Just like a mini Amsterdam, there are some Dutch restaurants with a location in Haarlem. Lots of great brunch locations for eating during the day, including Ted’s Haarlem, Bagels & Beans and Toast restaurants. Often these locations can be busy during popular times in Amsterdam, yet much easier to get reservations or walk-in tables in Haarlem. For a distinctly Haarlem breakfast spot, try Crepe Affair for the best savory and sweet crepes. Also, try Brownies & Downies, a breakfast spot with a heart. The restaurant franchise with a few Dutch locations and a Belgium location provide jobs for those with learning disabilities.
Harlem has a surprising number of Michelin Star restaurants to try including Ratatouille Food & Wine, Mano Restaurant & Restaurant Moustique. If you like good food, but not the fancy environment, there are lots of European cuisine and steak restaurants like:
- Loetje Haarlem- Steakhouse
- Casa de Papi- Italian
- La Piccoletta- Italian
- Kus van de Cactus- Mexican
For budget restaurants try one of the many tapas bars and ethnic snack shops in Haarlem.
Like a mini-Amsterdam are some coffeeshops for takeaway and relaxing. Try some of the sister shops like Coffeeshop Haarlem, Maximilian Coffeeshop and Coffeeshop High Times. If you are a Star Wars fan, make sure you don’t miss Empire Strikes Back Coffeeshop for a great patio in the warm weather.
Tulip Attractions & Tulip Fields
From March 20th through mid-May, tulips and flowers take over the Netherlands. Flower pots and arrangements will be displayed all over the city and by most of the big attractions. But the best flowers and fields are all found outside of Amsterdam, in the town of Lisse.
Keukenhof Gardens is called the Garden of Europe and the world’s largest flower garden, an absolute must see! There are al other tulip attractions like The Tulip Barn and The Tulip Experience Amsterdam that let you get closer to the flowers. In an attempt to keep tourists out of the fields, these experiences have been created to get pictures and videos. There are even opportunities to pick flowers.
Getting to Lisse to See the Flowers
Visitors can get to Keukenhof Gardens in a few ways. Tour bus is the easiest way to get to the Garden in about 45 minutes, especially for those with trouble walking long distances.
Tour buses are located outside of the This is Holland attraction in Amsterdam Noord. Take the free ferry located behind Central Station and walk the short 5 minutes to the check-in location.
Public transportation is also an option from Amsterdam in a few ways. One way is to take the metro or tram to the RAI station at Europlein, then take bus 852 known as the tulip express. Alternatively, travelers from Amsterdam can take the train to Haarlem first, then get bus 850. A bike can be taken the whole distance, the Dutch choice. But most tourists rent bikes at the garden or bus stop.
Taxi and uber can be arranged for a cost, typically over €100. For larger groups or families, it might be less expensive than the high prices of tulip bus or tour per person. If you are planning to spend a night or two in Lisse or see the tulip fields, renting a car could be a great option, but not to drive or park in Amsterdam.
Keukenhof Garden
Keukenhof Gardens have annual tulip displays as well as English and Japanese landscape gardens. A historic garden, a garden maze and several inspiration gardens also change annually. In 1949, a group of 20 bulb growers came up with a plan to exhibit spring flowers on the Keukenhof castle estate (built in 1641). 75 years later, people are still traveling to Keukenhof each spring to enjoy the best bulbs of the year.
A boat ride is offered to get closer to the tulip fields near Keukenhof Garden. Most people are disappointed in how low the boat is compared to the height of the flowers. This can make photos difficult at best, but still beautiful. I recommend renting a bike from the parking lot and riding around to the fields for the most authentic experience.
How to Get to Utrecht
Another easy train ride from Amsterdam is just 30 minutes by train to Utrect. Utrecht is another smaller town vibe with similar canals and architecture to Amsterdam. Utrecht is home to the largest Dutch University. Despite the age of the architecture, its residents give it a youthful feeling. The cleanliness and beauty of the city rival Amsterdam and have just as many bikes per capita. There are many local cafes and restaurants in Utrecht and even coffeeshops for relaxing vibes.
Attractions in Utrecht
Like many Dutch cities, you can take a canal cruise in Utrecht. A canal cruise is a great way to see the sights and architecture from the Oudegracht canal. Some other attractions to enjoy in Utrecht include:
- Climbing the Dom Tower
- Shopping on Oudkerkhof Street
- Oude Hortus & Utrecht Botanic Gardens
- The Railway Museum
- Museum Speelklok
- Nijntje Museum (children’s museum)
- Molen de Ster
Castle de Haar
Visiting Kasteel de Haar is the largest castle in the Netherlands. It has a gorgeous mote and grounds, located close to Utecht. Kasteelpark de Haar is a living museum and a green oasis. There is a castle treasure hunt for kids and a puzzle tour for adults, in addition to the typical audio tours. There is a restaurant called Laverie for lunch or snacks or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds.
This castle can be difficult to get to, since it is still about 30 minutes by car outside of Utecht. There are tours from Utecht and Amsterdam that offer door to door service. Using public transportation, take Bus 111 (only weekends) or Bus 127 from Vleuten Station. Biking or driving by car are also both accommodated with a car park.
Places to Eat in Utrecht
Similar restaurants and cuisines are available in Utrecht as in most Dutch cities. Brunch restaurants and cafes are popular in addition to steakhouses and European cuisine. If you didn’t get to try Seafood Bar in Amsterdam, there is another location in Utrecht. Or try some of these restaurants:
- O’ Panuozzo Napoli
- Bunk Restaurant Utrecht
- Champañeria Los Amigos Utrecht
- Ruby Rose
There are coffeeshops in Utrecht too, with one of the most unique one called Culture Boat. This houseboat has been transformed into a cannabis store and lounge. The store is in the cabin of the boat and a lounge in the front or back of the boat. It is a fun way to relax on the canals. The coffeeshops The Grass, the Weed Stick and Anderson Coffeeshop are all highly rated places in the city center of Utrect as well.
Why Visit Giethoorn
Giethoorn is a Dutch village with a very different feel from the busy Amsterdam streets. There are few roads in this pedestrian village, where boats and bikes are their preferred method of transportation. There are many canals and over 180 bridges in this village, where the houses have thatched roofs. Giethoorn has been made a popular spot from social media, with a fairytale setting.
How to Get to Giethoorn
Giethoorn is not the easiest place to get to, it is about 1.5 hours away by car, without easy public transportation as an option. Renting a car to make Giethoorn a true spot on your itinerary or taking a day trip from Amsterdam are probably the best options. These are great day trips:
Unfortunately for day trippers, you will be there during the busiest time of the day and when the canals are most crowded with boats. If you are determined to do the trip by public transportation, it’s best to plan to stay the night. The trip will take you 2-3 hours, by train (including a change) and bus to get to your final destination.
Attractions in Giethoorn
The most quintessential activity to do in Giethoorn is renting a whisper boat to take around the canals. Many of the day trip experiences include this in their ticket . You can rent boats from your hotel or directly on the canal. Try some of these other attractions while in Giethoorn:
- Museum ‘t Olde Maat Uus- living History museum
- Do Oude Aarde- museum of gemstones, fossils, jewelry and minerals
- Weerribben- Wieden National Park
Tourists are shocked at how crowded this ‘off-the beaten path’ location gets in the summer. Giethoorn is often called “little Venice” and it is just as crowded with boats and people as the Italian city! It seems like the best time to visit Giethoorn is during the shoulder season. Stay overnight for some quiet in the morning and evening after the tour buses head out. If you are on one of those tour buses, you’ll be eating dinner back in Amsterdam.
Leave dinner open or make a reservation in the area you are visiting. From Keukenhof, if you take a tour bus, you’ll return to Central Station by 7:00 pm. Stop in a bar like Vic’s in the Park Victoria Hotel or Luminair, the rooftop bar at the Doubletree hotel.
Day 6 Sights in Amsterdam Oost
Start out your day with breakfast at your hotel or give Bakers & Roasters in Amsterdam Oost a try. Today’s itinerary is focused on the East side (Oost) of Amsterdam. The busy de Wallen neighborhood with the Red Light District, Chinatown and Nieuwmarkt, quickly transitioned to the quiet, residential streets of Amsterdam Oost. This side of the neighborhood is known for its wide streets with 19th century buildings and large green spaces.
Jewish Neighborhood
There is a great walking audio tour on the app Voicemap called Old Amsterdam: A Walking Tour through the East Side and Jewish District that I highly recommend for this morning’s section. This part of Amsterdam is known as the Jewish Quarter, despite it not being located near the Anne Frank House. All of the buildings for Jewish history and religious significance are in this part of town.
The Voicemap tour shares stories of Amsterdam’s Jewish population before the occupation and its near decimation after liberation. Taking you past many important sights, where you can enter all or some along the way, including:
- National Holocaust Names Monument
- Holocaust Memorial & Dutch Theater
- Jewish Museum
- The Portuguese Synagogue
- Monument to Jewish Resistance
There are two other Holocaust sights of great importance on the Oost side of town. The Memorial to Auschwitz victims and the Deaf Memorial in memory of deaf Jewish victims of the Nazi’s is located in Wertheimpark. The Resistance Museum is the next best ticket if you can’t get Anne Frank House tickets during your visit. This museum tells the stories of the Nazi occupation during WWII, especially good for those interested in military history.
Oost’s Best Parks, Attractions & Restaurants
In addition to the many historical Jewish locations on the East side, there is another historical time period that shaped the East, the Dutch exploration. The Dutch East India Company was the epicenter of global trade in the 1600’s and Dutch trade with Asia connected the two continents for centuries. Today, you can visit the Botanical Gardens in Amsterdam to see the oldest Botanical Gardens in the world. It boosts 4,000 individual species and over 6,000 plants in total.
If you prefer animals to plants (or are visiting with kids) head up the street from the Botanical Gardens to Artis park where the zoo, aquarium and arboretum can be found. In addition to this clean zoo’s animal and plant species, there is a planetarium, a microbe museum called Micropia and the Groote Museum that displays interconnectedness of all living things.
Lunch in the Plange area can be on the go, at the grand cafe at the Artispark or for a real treat Dignita. A reservation is a must, because it is busy all the time. In the afternoon pick between
Nemo is the Science Center that is popular with families, but also a great place for adults who are interested in science. The Amsterdam sunsets are amazing, on a clear night, and the rooftop of the sloped Nemo building has a great vantage point to enjoy them. Alternatively, visit the Het Scheepvaartmuseum (Maritime Museum) near Nemo on the northern part of Oost.
Dinner and Dancing in Leidseplein
Make a reservation for a traditional Dutch dinner at Kop van Jut or the Pantry in the Leidseplein area of the canal ring. Dutch food is not something to strive for eating each night, but trying it at one of these well appointed locations. Then hit the town for nightlife, this is where many famous night clubs are located. Often, you can get on the list for free in places like Melkweg if you want to experience it for a night. For those interested in really exploring the nightlife, the Amsterdam nightlife ticket is available for 1-7 nights for only €10 per night.
Day 7 Sights in Amsterdam
Breakfast at Hotel or try one of the Greenwoods locations in the city, that are walkin only. This morning my suggestion is to book a short tour of your choice and then spend the afternoon visiting Muiderslot Castle.
Bike Tours
Many people dream about enjoining the biking culture of Amsterdam and I suggest a tour for anyone not used to Dutch bike riding. When on the tour, they take you to places that are more easily accessible by bike and less crowded with bike commuters. Try one of these great tour options, some with combo tickets to save a few euros:
History Tours
For the history buffs, booking a historical tour is a great way to learn more of Amsterdam’s past in depth. World War II and Holocaust history certainly reigns in this area of the world, but the Dutch have such an interesting historical past. A great guide can share the back stories and
Point out details in the city to make it come alive. These history tours are a great place to start:
Food Tours
Food tours have become more popular with tourists throughout major European cities. They want more than just a stroopwafel and some cheese samples. They want to go to local and hidden spots for some of the best Amsterdam has to offer. The Jordan, has so many spots tucked away down small canal streets. Head over to the Jordaan and join one of these delicious tours:
Morning Canal Cruise
For exhausted travelers, book a tour with less walking and biking and opt to ride along on another canal cruise. I always suggest that people visiting Amsterdam take both a day and night cruise on the canals, to see the city in a whole different light. Morning cruises in Amsterdam are my favorite thing to do because the canals are still quiet and enjoying it with a mimosa is better than brunch! Unless you want one with brunch included, then Try Miss B’s Brunch Boat. Give one of these tours a try for a morning cruise:
Muiderslot Castle & Gardens
In the afternoon, head out to Muiderslot Castle. You can get to Muiderslot a few ways. Take the train from Central Station to Weesp and then walk 10 minutes to the castle. In the summer, there is a ferry from the IJburg behind Central Station (with advanced reservations). Cars and uber can drop off at the castle entrance, but there is no parking onsite. Parking is free, but a 15 & 30 minutes walk. You can also arrive by bike and the museum offers two scenic bike routes with a map to arrive and return to Amsterdam. Be sure to leave time to stop, get photos and enjoy the sites along the way. Check out these tours:
Muiderslot is surrounded by water and gardens and is over 700 years old. It is from 1285, but still well preserved for visitors to imagine what life was like so long ago. The castle can be toured by audio guide or organized tour of the castle. This is not a small castle, give yourself some time to walk around and enjoy the outside too.
The castle gardens are beautiful and can be enjoyed all the way around the castle property. The flower gardens and arched green tunnel called the berceau (to provide shade) are located in the front of the castle. Walk around the back of the castle on the garden path by the inlet. The vegetable garden called the Warmoeshof is back there along with the water shield. This hidden spot has an animated movie and presentation to learn all about the water surrounding Castle Muiderslot.
Last Dinner in Amsterdam
A week in Amsterdam always flies by and tonight you get to decide where you want to spend your last night in Amsterdam. If there is any restaurant you couldn’t get a reservation for earlier in the trip, make it up and build a night in the area with bars, cafes and coffeeshops in the neighborhood.
Centrum for Your Last Night
To have an experience of stepping back in time, try Restaurant 1e Klas in Central Station. This restaurant is an experience of elegance any time of day with a mix of tourists, commuters and locals. Once this tucked away location is found, it is a hidden gem you’ll want to visit each trip to Central Station. Try a 3-course tasting menu as a tour to save some time and money or fully enjoy the breakfast, lunch or dinner menu or book a tea service or croquette & bitterbal tasting.
Rokin for dinner at popular restaurants like Seafood Bar or Cannibal Royal and then bar and coffeeshop hop up Spuistraat. Cafe Hoppe is a great place to start, when it’s not too crowded. Alternatively, get a reservation for Secret Garden with their unique menu and incredibly beautiful foliage interior. Then head back to another dance club or check out the Casino in Leidseplein.
De Pijp for Your Last Night
Go to De Pijp area for a neighborhood feel and dinner at Kaasbar Amsterdam. This bar takes cheese to a whole new level, with a conveyor belt transporting small cheese plates around the guests. Have a look at the variety of cheeses that pass you and try anyone that you fancy. For those who prefer an Italian restaurant, both Linguini de Pijp and Casa Nostra are excellent choices. For wine lovers, finish the night at a wine bar called Glouglou.
Once you experience your first cozy night in the Jordaan you always want to come back! Book a restaurant in the Jordaan you want to try for your last dinner. Then stop by a cafe like The Papeneiland Cafe or Cafe Tgijssen for a drink and late night apple pie. Then stroll back through the quiet canals of the Jordaan after hours.
If you are looking for the opposite of a relaxing evening, try Chinatown for dinner at Afusion or Nam Kee and one more night in the Red Light District. Chinatown is a small street located just east of the Red Light District so it is easy to find some fun after dinner. Check out one of the sex shows you were too nervous to go into earlier in the week. Just remember not to stay out too late if you have to be at the airport early the next morning!
Departure Day
On your last day in Amsterdam plan your breakfast or brunch or have one final coffeeshop smoke before you head out. Some travelers may be returning home from a busy week of sightseeing via Schiphol, but don’t leave souvenirs to pick up at the airport. They are much more expensive! The best places to get souvenirs are the open air-markets, the 9 Streets for specialties like cheese and chocolates and typical European beauty retailers like Etos and pharmacies for cosmetics.
1-Week Itinerary, Next Up
It is easy to see that a two or three day trip to Amsterdam is not enough. Even this week-long itinerary, while it is a good start, still leaves lots of hidden gems and other Dutch cities and countryside out. You will just have to plan to come back for a future trip to Amsterdam… one is never enough!
Now that you have a good idea of everything you want to see in Amsterdam and have a list of non-negotiable attractions, let’s book the flights! The next step for budget travelers is to decide what to save and splurge on and how to make small adjustments for big savings. In a city like Amsterdam, that may not seem possible, since so many northern European cities are perceived as expensive tourist destinations. However, I have spent so much time in Amsterdam it feels like my second home that I’m happy to share my tips on budget traveling. Knowing where to go and how to get outside of the most touristy areas is most of the battle. Come back next week for a blog on How to Plan a Budget Trip to Amsterdam.
What is Wanderlust in Amsterdam?
Check out my website at LauraMarieMyers.com/wanderlust to read additional Amsterdam blogs, see all my best Amsterdam recommendations and download my free Amsterdam Bucket List. Newsletters are coming soon to get inspiration for your own travels and adventures. Join my email list so you never miss a blog. As an Amsterdam travel consultant, let me help you make the most of your time and budget in Amsterdam, no matter how much time you have to spend!
