Perfect 3-Day Itinerary in Amsterdam

How much time is enough to see Amsterdam? That is one of the most popular questions about Amsterdam I get! The simple answer is at least 3 days! A simple layover or one night in Amsterdam is just enough to be a Dutch teaser and you’ll have to come back. This blog shares the perfect 3-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Amsterdam. Three days only allows you to see the highlights and doesn’t allow you much time to get outside the city. Get ready for a fast and fabulous 3-day itinerary in Amsterdam.  

Transportation from the Airport

Almost everyone arrives in Amsterdam from Central Station, by train either from the airport or another European city. Follow the signs to the train station, buy a 1-way ticket (or with return if you will be flying out soon) and you’ll be in the city in about 15 minutes. Technically it is cheaper to take a bus, but by the time you leave the station, fight past the illegal taxi drivers and find the right bus, I think it will take longer than the train. 

 When arriving from the airport, there is an official taxi line, so don’t get taken by the drivers haggle for a better price. If you would prefer to have an airport pickup arranged ahead of time, use the app Welcome. You can price out a ride with the number of passengers, bags and even arrange car seats. We typically pay about €80-90 for a taxi from the airport and Welcome is only €60 for the same ride. This is why everyone suggests the train, it’s so much more affordable and quicker too. When you arrive for the first time leave, follow signs for trams and metro (not ferries, buses or taxis) to exit into the beautiful heart of Amsterdam. Now you are ready to get your 3-day itinerary in Amsterdam started!  

Getting Around Amsterdam

Unless you truly embrace the cycling culture, walking and public transportation will be your go to for getting around Amsterdam. The maps are easy to read, take a picture of the metro map and ask the operators any questions. They are friendly, knowledgeable and speak English (and many other languages). Tram lines connect the city above ground and are the easiest to hop on and off quickly. 

The RER trains run underground and connect main hubs in the city underground. The bus system is most often used by locals, but visitors should not feel intimidated to use the buses. They often get you closest to your destination and run frequently day and night. The Dutch intercity trains and ICE trains will quickly transport you to additional cities in the Netherlands or destinations like Paris or Brussels. 

Your hotel or restaurant can order you a reliable taxi as well. We’ve found using the uber app is less expensive and very reliable. My biggest suggestion is to plan your itinerary by grouping attractions in one area at a time and plan meals in that area too. Walk and take the trams as much as possible to see the beauty of this city! Bike only if you dare and plan a specific biking tour in the city, like Those Dam Boat Guys tour. If you’re worried about biking in the city, choose a bike tour in Zannsan Schans or Keukenhof Garden outside of the city, where the traffic is more relaxed. 

Hotels in Amsterdam

European hotel rooms are smaller than in the U.S. and have strict occupancy rules, in general. Most of these are for safety and building codes, but know that most rooms only allow 2-3 max. If you have a larger family, look for rooms early, book a 2-3 bedroom apartment or consider using points and miles to offset hotel costs. Factor in if your hotel includes breakfast or kitchen facilities to make breakfast. Many hotels have an excellent breakfast that will save you during at least one meal a day, plus a fruit or snack for later. Hotels come in budget, mid-level and luxury styles with great options in each category.

Not all hotels in Amsterdam have elevators, Many hotels in the Canal Ring are housed in transformed canal houses that are too narrow for elevators. Double check if you require an elevator or have accessibility concerns. If you are traveling in summer, know your hotel’s air conditioning situation ahead of time! Above all, when reading a hotel’s description, cooling and air conditioning are not the same thing. Cooling can mean just a fan. Even if you have an air conditioned hotel, adjust your expectations. European AC runs on less electricity and will not cool rooms like people expect in America. It will take the edge off in a heat wave, but you will not have a cold room. I’ve learned the hard way that some thermostats are just for decoration! 

Hostels are popular in Europe and also vary from budget to luxury.  There are even hostels with private and family rooms, so don’t discount them if you’re traveling in a group. Renting apartments, canal houses or houseboats is a great option for larger families traveling together and can provide the best value. 

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

For a 3-day itinerary to Amsterdam, I suggest you stay in one of three popular areas to make the most of your short time in Amsterdam. When you first arrive in Amsterdam go to your hotel to check-in or drop off luggage. Many red-eye flights arrive in Amsterdam early in the morning, before your room is ready. Do not plan to get into your room early, but if you leave your phone number at the desk they will often call or text you if it is ready sooner. The best spots in Amsterdam to book your hotel: Central Station, the Jordaan or Museumplein/Vondelpark area by the museums.. 

Stay near Central Station

Central Station is the hub of Amsterdam and has the most options for public transportation. This is a great area to book your hotel, so that you don’t need to drag your bags around the city. Try one of these great hotels: 

• Victoria Park Plaza
• Doubletree by Hilton 
• Hotel Sint Nicolaas
• Kimpton de Witt
• Singel Hotel Amsterdam

Stay in the Jordaan

Our favorite neighborhood is in the Jordaan, Haarlemmerstraat, which is in the most northern part of the Jordaan area. North of the western canal belt where most of the tourists are attracted to the Anne Frank house, restaurants and boutique shopping. Haarlemmerstraat is the main road, traveling west from the city center and has lots of restaurants, shops, bakeries, coffeeshops and my favorite fry stand in all of Amsterdam. And you’ll never have to wait for more than 3 people in line! There is no better location for a 3-day itinerary in Amsterdam. If you want to find a hotel in or near the Jordaan, I recommend the following: 

• The Bank Hotel  
• Sebastian’s Hotel
• Max Brown Canal
• The Times Hotel
• Andaz Princingrat
• Canal House 

Stay in Museumplein/Vondelpark Area

Amsterdam has a lot of great museums to visit, with the biggest art museums all located in Museumplein, just South of the Canal Ring. The Rijksmuseum is my favorite of the three, but there is also the popular Van Gogh Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. If you are planning to see most of the museums, it might be good to stay down in the Museumplein area. Try staying at:

• Max Brown Hotel Museum Square
• Park Plaza Vondelpark
• Yays Amsterdam Vondelpark 
• Conscious Hotel Amsterdam City 

Arrival Day

Once you’ve dropped your luggage off at the hotel, walk around the streets of the hotel. Enjoy some breakfast or lunch at a cafe and acclimate to the new neighborhood. If you need any shops or specific supplies ask the front desk for recommendations or find an Etos or Albert Heijn. Since you are only here for a 3-day itinerary in Amsterdam you won’t need much, but there is always something forgotten.

Once your room is ready you have the big decision to nap or not to nap! The best way to combat jet lag is to power through the first day, have a few coffees as needed and make it to bedtime in the new time zone. This will ensure you start to wake during morning hours and acclimate quickly. Alternatively, take a 2-hour nap then force yourself to get up, do an activity and have dinner on your first night in Amsterdam. Don’t make any big plans on your first night in Amsterdam, but a canal cruise is a great way to see Amsterdam from the water. 

Evening Canal Cruises

Hit the ground running on your 3-day itinerary in Amsterdam with a canal cruise to see the city from the best view… the water. There are many options and you don’t need a reservation for many canal cruise tours. If you’re looking for a specific time, consider booking ahead on an app like Get Your Guide or Viator. In Amsterdam, a canal cruise is a must, during any time of year or weather. I often suggest two cruises on a trip, one during the day and one in the evening. You get two totally different perspectives and can cruise different parts of the city to maximize how much of the city you can see in one trip. These are some of my favorites companies to book night time canal cruises: 

• Flagship
• Pure Boats
• Captain Jack (16+ for humor)
• Those Dam Boat Guys (16+ for humor)
• Smoke Boat (18+, marijuana friendly) 
• Buddha Boat (18+, marijuana friendly) 

There are three main areas where most of the canal cruise boats are docked: Central Station, Anne Frank House & Museumplain. Whatever your style, a canal cruise in Amsterdam is a must do and should be scheduled early in your trip to help gain your bearings and efficiently see the sites of Amsterdam.   

Neighborhood Dinner Reservations

Having dinner in the neighborhood of your hotel on the first night allows you to acclimate to your neighborhood and be close to the room if exhaustion hits and you have to go straight to bed after dinner. There is a great steak restaurant called Cannibal Royal with 5 locations in the city and Seafood Bar is a popular seafood restaurant with 4 locations in the city to try. 

Central Station Restaurants

• Il Pacioccone & Pizzeria (next door)
• Mr. Porter
• Nam Kee
• A-fusion

Jordaan Restaurants

• Mr. Meat- steakhouse 
• San Pedro steakhouse- no reservations needed
• La Perla- pizza
• Miss B’s at La Grotte (18+ bar & food) 

Museumplein/Vondelpark Restaurants

• The Pantry- Dutch
• Kop von Jut- Dutch
• Secret Garden
• Fat Phill’s Dinner

Having dinner in the neighborhood of your hotel will also allow you to get to bed early, if you manage to stay up the whole day to avoid jet lag. If you only have a 3-day itinerary in Amsterdam, you can’t be sleeping in too late tomorrow!   

Day 1 of a 3-day itinerary in Amsterdam

Eat breakfast at your hotel if it is included or try a favorite spot near your hotel. These are some of the favorite breakfast & brunch spots located all over Amsterdam. Brunch is a big part of Amsterdam culture and many spots serve boozy brunch menus all day. Try:  

1. Bagels & Beans (located all over the city)
2. Greenwood Singel & Keizergracht
3. Omelegg

Dam Square

Walking south on Damrak from Central Station will eventually open up to Dam Square. Stop at Dam Square for pictures of the Koninklijk Paleis and De Nieuwe Kerk. Video tourists interacting with the pigeons, in the center of the square, it’s a thing. There are two stores, H&M and Peek & Cloppenburg in Dam Square that have fantastic views of the square from the top floor. I suggest getting fries at Manneken Pis Nieuwendijk, it is found down the small street on the left of H&M. This spot is less crowded than the original shop on Damrak, even though it is only a few blocks away.

Koninklijk Paleis

Koninklijk Paleis, the Royal palace, is located in the middle of the city of Amsterdam and is the official reception palace of King Willem-Alexander. The palace can be visited when the royals are not hosting any visitors for royal receptions. Check the website for dates the Palace is open to the public. The palace was originally the City Hall of Amsterdam and one of the most important monuments from the 17th century. King Louis Napoleon started its use as a palace and has remained one ever since. 

The former City Hall reflects the power and wealth of Amsterdam during its Golden Age and is unlike any palace I’ve toured in Europe. The main hall is filled with sculptures and paintings that tell the story of Amsterdam as the center of the universe. My favorite part of the Palace is the impressive globes on the floor of the great hall, depicting maps of the world and the night sky. These are the largest maps in the world and surprisingly accurate for the 17th century depiction. 

De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam

De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam is known as the New Church, but no longer used for services. Instead, you can attend organ concerts in this historic building. To celebrate the current 750th anniversary of Amsterdam, the roof of the city ticket allows access to a unique view of Amsterdam. Climb the 216 steps to the platform for once in a lifetime pictures and views until November 2nd 2025.  

Flower market

Continue to walk down Rokin to the floating flower market called Stins flowermarket. This is in all the tourist guides, but honestly it makes for a good picture or video, but it’s a tourist trap of bulbs for sale and expensive souvenirs. If you want to buy flowers, bulbs or souvenirs get them at one of the neighborhood open-air markets like Albert Cuyp Market. After a short stay, walk up the Singel canal toward Spui Square.   

Begijnhof

Head north to the American Book Center in Spui with two amazing stores to check out, especially on a Friday when the book market is open. If you are in need of a new book or just want to browse the titles and remember some of your favorite books. Inside the bookstore you will see a beautiful tree growing in the middle. Follow the stairs to the top of the tree for a treehouse feeling in the middle of the busiest part of Amsterdam. 

The Begijnhof is also in this same square, just follow a map or GPS because it is easy to miss, being a hidden courtyard. This is the best known of the hofjes in Amsterdam and once you find the entrance it gets busy. These almshouses are private buildings and a church around a hidden grassy area that is public gardens. Historically, nuns, widows and young mothers live in these buildings as a part of government housing. When you enter, there will be a docent asking you not to step on the grass and to be quiet, there are people living and attending services in these buildings. The Begijnhof dates from the 14th century and is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Amsterdam. 

Cafe Hoppe

After the Begijnhof, head to Cafe Hoppe which has been in this same location on the Spui since 1670. Distillery, turned brown bar, with dark wood furniture, tobacco stained walls and coziness found in many Dutch bars. Originally a jenever distillery, they still serve the liquor today, along with many Dutch beers. Jenever is a traditional juniper-flavored spirit considered to be the predecessor of gin. Stop in during your trip to see one of the oldest traditional Dutch “bruin cafe” and have a bite to eat or even breakfast. When you leave, turn down Heisteeg and head into the Jordaan, passing by Strain Hunters Coffeeshop if you are so inclined. 

The 9 Streets

De Negen Straatjes, also known as the nine streets, is a boutique shopping area in the southern area of the neighborhood. 5 horizontal streets intersect with the 4 canal streets to make the rectangular area of stores and restaurants. Known for specialty stores, vintage boutiques, art galleries and the instagram famous Van Wonderen Stroopwafels. Snap a picture of the beautiful Stroopwafel window and crazy long line, but skip it yourself. Stroopwafels are €10+ with fancy toppings, but traditional stroopwafels sold at outdoor markets are authentically Dutch and only €3.  

You’ll find hand-crafted leather and snake skinned goods, Korean skin care, as well as home decor and accessories. Winkel is the word for store in Dutch and you’ll see it often. De Wijnwinkel is a wine store, plus a few chocolate shops and my favorite cheese store De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam. Traditional Dutch cheeses for non-touristy selection in a convenient location. This is a must try location in the 9 Streets for any cheese lover! There are even stores for natural history and board games, plus vintage clothing stores for women. Enjoy one of the following places for lunch or brunch: 

• Ted’s Brunch
• Box Sociaal Jordaan 
• Restaurant Smelt- fondue
• Cafe Sonneveld 

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is the one museum that you need to plan to get tickets ahead of time. The tickets go on sale on the first Tuesday of the month, so if you want tickets, stay up late the Monday night before to get them. Plan to get your ticket around 3:00 pm and spend about 90 minutes inside. There is an option to buy the ticket with or without the intro video, but I highly encourage you to include it. It sets the tone of what Amsterdam was like in the years leading up to the Nazi occupation and Anne’s back story. Unless you are well studied in European WWII history, it’s worth it. 

The museum is described as a museum with a story. Visitors experience quotes, photos, videos and original items in the quiet environment that screams reverence. The experience takes visitors through the main house, Otto Frank’s business that he was forced to give up when the Nazi’s occupied Amsterdam. Then you walk through the bookshelf that pulls away to reveal stairs to the annex where 8 people were hidden with the help of Miep Gies until the Nazi’s raided the annex. After the war in 1945, Otto Frank was the only survivor! Miep had found and saved Anne’s Diary which eventually became a bestseller. The museum opened in 1960, originally without access to the annex at Otto’s request. 

Today, visitors get to walk through the annex and see photos and some original furniture. In this part of the tour it’s impressed on the visitors how small the space truly felt. Once you leave the cramped quarters, spend some time in the library or beautiful cafe. A great place to enjoy a coffee and cake in sunny or rainy weather. 

Houseboat Museum

If the Anne Frank House is not for you, pop into the House Boat Museum just a few blocks away. Have a first-hand look at what it is like living on the canals in a houseboat. The “Hendrika Maria” is a former cargo ship built in 1914, turned houseboat preserved in time to tour and get all your questions answered. 

Some travelers would make a reservation for dinner at this point and call it an early night after a whole day of walking in Amsterdam. This area of the Jordaan has a great selection of restaurants to choose from, some of my favorites are listed in the first section of this blog. Hubby and I don’t get enough date nights when we are home, so we like to make up for that when in Amsterdam. We typically take a late afternoon nap so we can go out later into the evening. 

Dinner in the Red Light District

The Red Light District is not typically the area that people recommend restaurants because it is the most touristy of the eateries. However, there are a few hidden gems that are very affordable to eat in the Red Light District. The RLD backs up to Amsterdam’s Chinatown, so if you like Asian cuisine this is the neighborhood to book dinner reservations… if you can.  

• Amsterdamsche Vishandel Anno 1938- fish shop 
• Molly Malone’s Irish Pub
• Oriental City- Cantonese 
• Thai Bird Snackbar
• Little Saigon- Vietnamese 

After-hours in the Red Light District

The Red Light District seems to bring up some interesting questions and expectations when visiting. The part that people think of the RLD is really just 2 canals in the larger neighborhood of de Wallen, a very typical Dutch neighborhood. After dark, the red lights turn on and the ladies are ready for business since prostitution is legal. Walking tours are no longer allowed in the RLD, to help with crowd control, there are still tours where you can learn more about how the oldest profession works in Amsterdam. Tours will take you to the edge of the neighborhood and then release you to explore on your own. 

Visiting the Red Light Secrets museum to learn the history of legal prostitution in Amsterdam and the ins and outs of how to behave. The most important rule, don’t take pictures of the girls in the windows! This is strictly enforced by both security and the girls. Be aware that every corner of the RLD has cameras and police pop out of nowhere when needed. There is a maze of small streets lined with bars, coffeeshops, sex stores and the infamous red lights. The windows with red lights are showing the girls who are ready for work and if a curtain is drawn, then they are currently with a client. There are also blue lights, although far less, these are signifying trans working girls. Dutch attitudes are very open, this really is an area where you can find anything you could ever imagine and things you’ve never thought of too.  

Who is the Red Light District for?

There are many other sex inspired activities in the Red Light District, such as cinema shows and a 5D porn experience that attract single men, couples, groups, bachelor/bachelorette parties all to get wild on the two small canal streets. The Red Light District is a fun night out to have, but be ready for some seedy sights and pickpockets are popular in this part of town.

Popular with couples in the RLD, there are two main sex shows you can visit, Moulin Rouge and Casa Rosso. Both have tickets that include drinks, and are sure to ignite a fun date night with your partner, but ultimately are quite cheesy. Get into your silly side and have fun exploring the shops, they are often an education in themselves or a fun place to pick up a souvenir. After you’ve had your fun, head back to your hotel for a deep sleep.     

A word to the wise, if you are looking at the Red Light District through a lens of judgment or moral superiority, skip this neighborhood and enjoy a night in one of the many other squares or canals in Amsterdam. Dutch culture is being open-minded and unbothered by most choices between consenting adults. Go into the RLD with an open-mind and your sense of humor, stop at a coffeeshop beforehand if needed!   

Day 2 of a 3-day itinerary in Amsterdam

Hopefully jet lag didn’t wake you up at 4:00 am! Eat breakfast at your hotel if it is included or try a favorite spot near Museumplein before you head to the museum. Breakfast spots I like are: 

1. Eggs Benaddicted 
2. The Pancake Club 
3. Toastable 

Museumplein

If your hotel is not in the Museumplein area, take a tram and pick your favorite museum to enjoy. Plan to spend around 3 hours at the museum you choose. These museums are not in small canal houses, they are massive buildings and have good cafes with drinks and snacks if needed. In the winter, be sure to take advantage of the coat check or lockers for bags and backpacks. You will enjoy the experience in the museum more with the least amount of bags to hold.  

• The Rijksmuseum is one of the most famous museums in the world. It takes visitors through 800 years of Dutch art and history with over 7,000 works on display. Some highlights include The Night Watch, the Gallery of Honour, Cuypers Library and the Asian Pavilion.  
• The Van Gogh Museum is a Dutch art museum dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries in the arts. Highlights of the collection include Sunflowers, self-portrait, Tulip Fields near the Hague and many others. 
• The Stedelijk Museum is just called Stedelijk to locals and is a Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. 
• The Moco Museum is an independent museum with sister museums in Barcelona and London. This museum is dedicated to exhibiting modern and contemporary art with the goal of making art accessible to the public. 

Vondelpark

After spending time inside, if the weather is nice, or even tolerable, take a walk through Vondelpark. If it is a nice day, grab some lunch from a shop or bakery and have a picnic lunch. This is both what the locals do as well as a great way to save money on a meal. Vondelpark is a large park that gives the Dutch green space inside the city of Amsterdam. There are 6 play areas and a large playground with five sculptures throughout the park. The park is located just south of Leidseplein, a big shopping area during the day and night life spot after dark. There are some good audio guides of Vondelpark and its neighboring section of Amsterdam called Oud West, where the famed Foodhallen is located and where you are headed next. 

Foodhallen

Oud West draws people out to the formerly residential area with the Foodhallen, since it is a well known food court style area to eat. There are tons of local eateries, ethnic cuisines, delicious snacks and bakeries to choose from and bars in the middle for drinks. There is seating all over the middle that is first come, first serve. If you have a large group try to come at off hours to move tables and seats. Enjoy lunch in the Foodhallen, some of our favorites are: 

• Santiago- tapas
• De la Crepe
• Toko Bumbu- Indonesian street food
• Petit Gateau- Bakery 
• Dim Sum Thing
• Be Ballenbar
• Mer du Nord- seafood 

De Hallen itself is a trendy, industrial retail center with shops, artisans, a maker-space and a movie theater. There is even a hotel in de Hallen, if you would like to stay locally.  

Oud West is also known to be a big shopping area for Amsterdam residents. Between the daily outdoor market called Tens Market and Kinkerstraat’s department store shopping you can find anything in this area. The Tens Market is open 6 days a week and can serve as a place to enjoy lunch as well as shop for produce, cheese, meats, bakery items and so much more. Decide if you are going to have dinner on the way back to your hotel room or if you are going to hit the town in Leidseplein tonight.

Dinner in Leidseplein

Now that you have a power nap and a new outfit, let’s hit the town near Leidseplein. Make reservations at one of these restaurants to get your night started. 

• Seafood bar
• Cannibal Royal
• The Pantry- Dutch 
• Pasta e Basta 2.0- Italian singing waitstaff 

Nightlife in Leidseplein

Bars, pubs and coffeeshops are everywhere in Leidseplein, as well as cinemas and theaters. This popular venue for nightlife in Amsterdam is really what attracts the crowds, depending on the night of the week. Melkweg and Paradiso are two of the most popular clubs, along with Bourbon Street and Club Up. Techno Tuesday at Melkweg is a free event bringing residents and visitors together in their love of dance music. On Saturday night, Melkweg hosts Encore for lovers of R&B and hip hop music. Paradiso and their sister club in Noord called Parallel have a diverse music selection, depending on the night. From house and hip hop, Latin, Afro and reggae both clubs host club concepts. See the schedule on the Club Paradiso site for nightly information. 

Day 3 of a 3-day itinerary in Amsterdam

Eat breakfast at your hotel if it is included or try a favorite spot near Central Station before you head out on the train. Breakfast spots like:

1. Omelegg Centrum
2. Loetje Amsterdam 
3. Pancakes

Take the Train to See Windmills

There are two great locations in Holland to see and visit lots of windmills, Zaanse Schans and Kinderdijk. Kinderdijk is a great place to visit, however it is in the south of the country and needs to be visited by car or tour. Zannse Schans is a short train ride from Amsterdam, but takes you back in time to a rural landscape. Take the train from Central Station to Zaandijk-Zaanse Schans Station, only a 17 minutes ride from Amsterdam. Then walk from the station for about 15 minutes to the Historic village sitting on the River Zaan. Zaanse Schans is a traditional town in Holland, where some of its wooden houses and mills date back to 1578.

It is free to visit Zannse Schans to see the windmills and most of the attractions are free as well. The windmills, 2 craft centers and 3 of the museums have a nominal charge, but the rest are all free and no ticket is needed to get on the property. There are 3 free museums, 7 craft centers, 3 restaurants and 11 shops that are all free to visit and you are encouraged to eat and shop in this cute village in addition to learning all about windmills and traditional Dutch work. Plan to spend 2-3 hours in Zaanse Schans and longer if you are going to get lunch while you are visiting. Return to Central Station and walk out the front to switch to the #4, 12 or 24 tram down to de Pijp just outside the canal ring.  

If your 3-day itinerary in Amsterdam falls during tulip season, Mid-March through Mid-May it is advisable to omit this activity to Zane Sachans for a trip to Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse to see the tulips. Read more on a perfect day during tulip season in my blog series of 1-day Itineraries in Amsterdam series.

De Pijp

De Pijp is a neighborhood in Amsterdam Zuid, with lots of Middle Eastern restaurants, pubs and sidewalk cafes all trying to attract attention away from the famous market. Known as the Latin Quarter, de Pijp has beautiful 19th century architecture. This residential neighborhood is one of the most lively in Amsterdam today with artisans, entrepreneurs and the famous Albert Cuyp Market.

Albert Cuypmarkt

Knowing that I am headed to the Albert Cuyp Market I would save my appetite for this amazing market! The market started in 1905 and is enjoyed by tourists, residents and students alike. Today, there are 260 stalls open per day, making it the largest market in Europe! They are open 6 days a week with produce, cheese, prepared foods, clothes, accessories, flowers and souvenirs. An eat-through lunch might not sound as exciting as it really can be in this part of Amsterdam. Enjoy traditional stroopwafels, made to order and warm and gooey inside. This is the pace to get them, not in a shop after an hour-long wait. Try Dutch specialities like herring or eel, raw with lots of onions or opt for the incredible fried chicken… literally the best I’ve ever tasted! 

This is only a must for those who love Heineken, it’s a waste if you’re not a beer drinker. In the former brewery, the multimedia Heineken Experience explains the history of beer making and what makes this historical beverage what it really is… not all that popular with the Dutch today! The tasting seems to be the best part of this tour and not the size of the free sample. Alternatively, check out Sarphatipark for a green space in the city with ponds and English gardens to enjoy during any season.    

Diner in the Jordaan

Yes, back to the Jordaan, but it’s time for a great dinner and some apple pie! Plus the tourists all leave this neighborhood at night… which is the real hidden gem of Amsterdam nightlife. Make reservations at one of these great locations and plan to walk around the canals after dinner. This is the perfect way to end a of a 3-day itinerary in Amsterdam, so we have to make it great!  

• Black & Blue steakhouse
• Cannibal Royal
• Salmaura- Latin American 
• Pesca- theater of fish 
• La Olive- Spanish 

Walk the Canals on Brouwersgratcht

On Brouwersgracht, walk the short distance of the four main canals from Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht to Prinsengracht. In the evening, the moonlight lights up the canals and couples sit on the benches. This area is particularly popular for photos with canals in the background. Many visitors have heard of a famous location for apple pie called Winkel 43. I disagree with their apple pie being “the best” in the area, but if you are determined to try it yourself, late night is the time to go. Have a drink and a piece of pie. If you’d fancy a better piece and more local surroundings, try one of these favorite spots right around the corner from Winkel.  

• The Papeneiland Café- better apple pie
• Cafe Tgijssen- best apple pie

Amsterdam 3-day Itinerary, Next Up

Now that you have spent 3 glorious days in Amsterdam, I hope you are planning to continue on to see more of the other Dutch cities and villages that aren’t as popular, but hidden gems for the European travelers. Additionally, try adding a trip to London, Belgium city or Paris; they are all just a train ride away from Amsterdam. 

Next week join me for Coffeeshop Culture in Amsterdam, as a way to celebrate 4/20 here in the States. Learn how the culture is similar and different between the two cannabis loving countries.

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!