Famous for its winding canals, fabulous architecture, and vibrant nightlife, Amsterdam is an ideal destination to visit this summer. This three-day itinerary takes you through some of Amsterdam’s most beautiful neighborhoods and allows you to explore the city’s finest sites including world-class museums, picturesque parks, and food markets from a unique point of view.
Day 1
Amsterdam Canal Cruise
A canal boat tour is one of the best ways to experience Amsterdam from a different perspective. The city’s canals are incredibly beautiful and admiring the city from a boat can be an unforgettable adventure, especially for first-time visitors. The good news is there are many canal tours to choose from. Whether you wish to take the romantic candle-lit evening cruise or enjoy a family-friendly boat tour, there is something for every traveler. My favorite tour is the open-air boat tour which lasts for about an hour and is more intimate than those big canal excursions you see around the city.
Van Gogh Museum
There is no shortage of excellent attractions in Amsterdam and the Van Gogh Museum is one of them. With around 200 paintings from the artists, 700 letters, and 500 drawings, this fabulous museum is one of the most popular attractions in the city. The museum also boasts paintings by other artists such as Matisse and Monet and artworks by Van Gogh’s colleagues like Vallotton and Malevich. To beat large crowds of tourists, I recommend visiting the Van Gogh Museum late in the afternoon.
Vondelpark
After the canal cruise and a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, it’s time to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the largest park in Amsterdam. Welcome to Vondelpark, one of the oldest parks in the country and a place which sees about 10 million guests every year. It’s a great place to play sports, cycle, or just go for a walk and admire the park’s ponds. The park is also home to a couple of restaurants and cafes such as Café Vertigo and Groot Melkhuis where visitors can sit down for a cup of coffee or tea. In summer, the park’s open-air theatre hosts shows and outdoor concerts.
Day 2
The Jordaan Neighborhood
A visit to the Jordan neighborhood is a great way to kick off the second day of your Amsterdam travel itinerary. Once a working-class area, Jordaan is nowadays a bohemian neighborhood packed with independent art galleries, flea markets, small museums, and young creative spirits. The district’s charming narrow streets and small canals are extremely beautiful and worth exploring. Although Jordaan is located close to the city center, this area is not overcrowded with tourists and you can explore its hidden courtyards, art studios, and small markets at your own pace. You can also sign up for a food tour and sample 12 traditional Dutch dishes while walking through the best parts of the neighborhood.
Albert Cuypstraat Market
The next destination on our list is the famous Albert Cuypstraat Market. With around 300 stalls, this is the largest day market in the city and an ideal place to mingle with the locals. Expect to find everything from souvenirs, flowers, jewelry, and fabrics to fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and harings. While you are wandering through the market, make sure to try the local stroopwafels (Dutch dessert). They are delicious! The only downside of this place is that it gets very crowded on the weekends, so try to visit as early as possible.
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The Red Light District
No visit to Amsterdam is complete without checking out the infamous Red Light District. Located in one of the oldest parts of the city, this area is packed with coffee houses and sex shops with colorful windows. Taking pictures of sex workers is not allowed here and being respectful when visiting is recommended. Besides sex entertainment, De Wallen is also home to a few historical attractions like the Gothic-style Oude Kerk church. If you don’t mind the crowds and wish to experience the Red Light District when it’s full of fellow tourists, make sure to visit after 10 pm when all the fun starts. You can even book a guided tour of this vibrant area.
Day 3
Dutch Pancakes
Having Dutch pancakes for breakfast when visiting Amsterdam is simply a must. Everyone eats these carb-rich delicacies which come in different size and shape here in the capital of the Netherlands. Some of the Dutch pancakes are sweet and served with bananas or pineapples, while others are savory and come with cheese and bacon. There are many great breakfast and brunch eateries in the city where travelers can try Dutch pancakes. My favorite spot is probably Pancakes Amsterdam where you can choose from thick American pancakes and flat Dutch pancakes which are usually topped with cheese and ham that practically melts in your mouth. Mr Stacks is also a great pancake joint where both tourists and locals like going to.
Rijksmuseum
Visitors who wish to learn more about the city’s history and art should head out to the famous Rijksmuseum. It is located close to the Van Gogh Museum and houses a wide variety of masterpieces from some of the greatest artists in the world including Vermeer, Frans, and Rembrandt. Here, you will find the famous Night Watch painting by Rembrandt, as well as over one million works of historical objects and craftworks. The museum’s newly renovated gardens are a perfect place to unwind and admire the beauty of the sculptures.
Begijnhof
The last destination on this 3-day itinerary in Amsterdam is the lovely Begijnhof. Dating back to the 14th century, this enclosed garden is home to dozens of picturesque historic buildings which were originally intended for a Catholic sisterhood called Begijntjes. Nowadays, the attractions like the Civic Guards Gallery and the Begijnhof Chapel are some of the most photographed buildings in the area. Begijnhof is also home to the 15th-century HoutenHuys, one of the oldest houses in the city.
Although it’s impossible to see and explore all of Amsterdam in 3 days, the itinerary we’ve created above will help you experience the best of the best and ensure your holiday in Amsterdam is unforgettable. If you have visited and explore Amsterdam before, we’ll be happy to hear about your experience in our comment section below. Happy travels!
All photos sourced from Bootuitjes.nl
