Are you looking for the ultimate Amsterdam 3 day itinerary for your trip?
You are absolutely in the right place!
With its stunning canals and endless things to do, Amsterdam is one of the most popular destinations in the world.
But what is the best way to spend 3 days in Amsterdam?
I live in The Netherlands and have visited Amsterdam many times so know the best activities to make your trip incredible!
Let’s jump in and take a look at the perfect itinerary for Amsterdam for any time of year!
What Should I Not Miss In Amsterdam?
If you can only do ONE THING in Amsterdam, Book yourself onto the best canal cruise tour!
✔️2 Hours
✔️Tour led by native Amsterdammers
✔️ Snacks & Drinks included
What month is best to visit Amsterdam?
It really doesn’t matter what month you choose – there’s always something to do in this vibrant city!
If you’re looking for fewer crowds, springtime is the best time, especially in April. The temperature is mild and the city blooms with fresh flowers.
Plus, you can take part in some of Amsterdam’s most famous festivals like King’s Day on April 27th – so don’t forget to plan your trip for this time!
Some people might prefer to visit during winter as it offers a very different atmosphere.
The Christmas activities are a great draw, and the canals become illuminated with beautiful lights. Just be sure to bring your warmest coat as you may even experience snow!
Lastly, summer is also a great time to visit Amsterdam.
There will be more tourists, but you won’t have to worry about the cold weather. However, keep in mind that it can get quite hot so make sure to plan accordingly.
Is 3 days enough to see Amsterdam?
If you’re wondering if three days in Amsterdam is enough time to explore the city and all it has to offer, the answer is yes!
With three full days in Amsterdam, you can get an impressive overview of the city, but not necessarily a deep dive into its culture or attractions.
If you want to enjoy Amsterdam’s vibrant nightlife, explore its charming canals and cobbled streets, sample some of its delicious food, and learn about the city’s history, then three days is plenty.
But if you’re hoping to expand your trip to explore more of the Netherlands, booking your getaway for 5-7 days is better.
Amsterdam 3 day itinerary:
No matter how long you spend in Amsterdam, you will find plenty of great things to do. And for a more enjoyable trip, make sure you have the Europe travel essentials with you!
But if you only have a few days to explore, take a look at this 3 day Amsterdam itinerary:
Amsterdam itinerary day 1
1 Day in Amsterdam Itinerary includes:
📍The Anne Frank House
📍Canal Cruise
📍Dutch Brown Bar
📍Red Light District
Spending 3 days in Amsterdam offers you a good amount of time to see the best landmarks and places across the Dutch Capital!
But for the best 72 hours in Amsterdam, you are going to want to add these stops to your itinerary:
The Anne Frank House Museum
On your first day, you should visit Anne Frank’s House.
It is one of the most popular sites in Amsterdam and it is a great introduction to learning more about this time in history.
But as it is one of the most popular museums in Amsterdam, it is a good idea to book your tickets in advance!
If your 3 days in Netherlands are during the summer, I would book your tickets to the Anne Frank House Museum a month in advance as this holocaust site gets really busy.
I do recommend booking a tour but you can walk along the canal and take a look at the building from outside for free.
However, in the peak of European summer (August) there will be floods of tourists outside so plan your visit for early morning or late evening.
Amsterdam Canal Tour
Next, head to one of the many canals for a relaxing canal cruise.
Amsterdam is known for its picturesque canals, so a great way to explore them is by booking a canal tour.
Each tour will take you past some of Amsterdam’s most iconic landmarks so make sure you have your camera ready!
However, some tours are a lot better than others. I have done a few canal cruises and the one that outshines the rest is Sebi Boat Tours.
This tour includes dutch snacks, beverages and is less touristy than the other tour options.
✅ Check Prices & Availability For Your Canal Cruise With Sebi Boat Tours Now!
Dutch Brown Bar
To experience Dutch bar culture, stop at a Brown Bar (bruin café).
These small bars are a great way to step back from the busy streets and be surrounded by welcoming locals.
You will find many of these Dutch bars throughout the city but I always love visiting Café ‘t Sluisje.
It has some of the best views in the city and is a great place to sample typical dutch borrel dishes like Bitterballen!
The Red Light District
To end your first of 3 nights in Amsterdam, take a stroll through the Red Light District.
It may sound unconventional but all locals suggest doing this activity because this part of the city looks great at night.
Although it is best to explore at night, plenty of tour guides can provide an informative and safe experience for those who want to learn more about this unique part of Amsterdam.
There are some strict rules about taking pictures in the red light district. So keep in mind that you will run into problems if you are seen taking pictures of anything other than the canal in this area.
This is where a guided tour comes in handy, a local guide helps you navigate this popular attraction and answer any questions you may have.
✅ Check Prices & Availability For The Best Red Light District Tour Here!
Amsterdam itinerary day 2
2 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary includes:
📍Rijksmuseum
📍The Van Gogh Museum
📍Dam Square and the Royal Palace
📍The Heineken experience
Rijksmuseum
Start your day with a visit to Rijksmuseum – one of the most famous museums in the city and home to some incredible works of art from Dutch Masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer.
It is located right in the city centre so is super easy to get to and explore other places on the way!
Even if you are not a lover of art, a visit to Rijksmuseum is still really enjoyable.
The Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is another spot you cannot miss when visiting Amsterdam.
Van Gogh is a world-known artist and his work can be found in many famous art galleries.
But did you know he was Dutch?
So there is no better way to see his work than in the amazing Van Gogh Museum. With multiple exhibitions and plenty to see, this is a great few hours for all!
It is considered one of the top activities to do in Amsterdam so you’ll want to buy your tickets in advance.
🎨 Check Prices & Availability For The Van Gogh Museum Here!
Dam Square and the Royal Palace
After visiting all these amazing museums, it’s time to explore the city!
Make sure you don’t miss Dam Square and the Royal Palace – both guaranteed to be a highlight of your trip.
Here, you can admire the beautiful architecture and watch the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city.
In this area you will find great shops, cafes and bars to relax at. But I do find them a bit overpriced so if you are on a budget, try somewhere away from the main tourist spots.
The Heineken experience
If you want to experience a true highlight of any Amsterdam Itinerary then you need to do the Heineken experience!
This self-guided and interactive experience is a fantastic way to spend a few hours. You will get to learn about the history of the company, beer making process and taste a sample or two!
But again like most activities in Amsterdam, booking in advance is always recommended!
Amsterdam itinerary day 3
On the last day of your 72 hour itinerary, Amsterdam still offers you a lot of great things to see and do!
And if you have some time to spare, I highly recommend leaving the city for a few hours and exploring some of the other amazing places close by.
3 Days Itinerary in Amsterdam includes:
📍Jordaan district
📍The Grand Dutch Food Tour
📍Bloemenmarkt
📍Zaanse Schans
Jordaan district
Make sure you check out the Jordaan district – it’s a must-see during any long weekend!
This adorable neighbourhood is full of beautiful houses, charming boutiques, and plenty of cultural attractions.
Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or a spot to explore, the Jordaan has something for everyone.
The Jordaan is full of delicious restaurants with outdoor seating so is a really popular brunch location.
If your trip falls on a Saturday, explore the Lindengracht market. This vibrant outdoor market has everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and vintage finds.
It’s a great way to soak up some of the local culture while finding unique souvenirs to take home.
Go On A Dutch Food Tour
Sampling the very best food in the Netherlands is a must for anyone visiting.
And I cannot recommend The Grand Dutch Food Tour enough!
This 4-hour tour will allow you to Sample a range of Dutch classics like stroopwafels and bitterballen. You will even get complimentary craft beers and wine and some spots!
If you want a 5 star rated off-the-beaten-path food tour through Amsterdam, this is the one for you.
It even provides you with a local guide so you can avoid all the tourist traps!
😍 Check Prices & Availability For The Grand Dutch Food Tour Here!
Bloemenmarkt
If you’re looking to experience something unique, then the Bloemenmarkt is an absolute must-visit.
This world-famous floating flower market offers an amazing array of fresh flowers every Monday to Saturday, as well as bulbs and plants. You’ll also find other Dutch specialities like cheese available, so you can pick up a tasty treat too.
Exploring the Bloemenmarkt won’t take long but it’s definitely worth a visit. Wander around and soak in the atmosphere as you admire all the incredible displays of colourful blooms.
There are plenty of stalls selling souvenirs like postcards and magnets, so you can take home a little reminder of your time there.
Every great itinerary Amsterdam offers has this spot, so make sure you stop by!
Zaanse Schans
planning a trip to Amsterdam, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit an iconic Dutch destination – Zaanse Schans!
This stunning place is only 20 minutes away from Amsterdam and it has plenty of windmills and wooden houses that will fill your Instagram with some incredible photos.
For the most incredible Netherlands experience, book a Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Windmills Day Trip from Amsterdam!
These are both the most stunning places you can visit easily from Amsterdam and are worth leaving the city for a few hours!
🇳🇱 Check Out The Best Zaanse Schane Day Trip From Amsterdam Here!
Frequently asked questions
To help you have the best trip to Amsterdam, here are the most frequently asked questions and answers:
You can easily walk around all the sites in Amsterdam during your trip. It’s a good idea to wear comfy shoes because of the cobbled streets and the distances you will be walking.
However, if you are wanting to explore the outskirts of the city, using public transport is a good idea.
This Dutch city is full of incredible things to do but for the ultimate trip, these are the things you should not miss:
1. Anne Frank’s House
2. The Van Gogh Museum
3. Dam Square
4. Sampling Fresh Bitterballen
5. Getting Frites With Mayo From Friethoes
6. Visiting A Brown Bar
You will find some amazing dutch dishes to try during your trip. The most famous food you should try in Amsterdam is Kibbeling, Bitterballen, Old Amsterdam Cheese, Frikandelbroodje and Stroopwafels.
Amsterdam is best seen by foot or canal. This is a great way to take in all the sites around the city. You can also book a bus tour which is great in bad weather.
However, if you are feeling confident then renting a bike will get you around Amsterdam faster.
Both are great cities to visit and live in. But if you want somewhere that has friendlier locals, incredible English language skills and endless views, Amsterdam is for you.
Paris is considered the most romantic place on earth and will also offer you a great getaway with amazing food!
Amsterdam 3 day itinerary final thoughts
No matter how many days you decide to spend in the Dutch capital city, you are guaranteed the most epic trip!
From great food to historical tours, you will find that you can quickly fill up your days exploring the City.
But if you are like most visitors and only have a few days to spare, this guide will help you experience the very best of Amsterdam in 3 days.
But if you can only do one thing during your trip, I cannot recommend booking a canal tour enough!
✅ Book Your Canal Cruise In Amsterdam Now!
I hope you found this article useful! For the ultimate trip to Europe, here are some relevant posts:
✔️ Best Day Bags To Take To Europe
✔️The Perfect Luggage To Use On Ryanair
✔️ The Ultimate 3 week European Road Trip Itinerary
✔️How To Travel To Europe From India
Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
