3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary

Vanessa Korovina

Updated: 14 August 2025 ·

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Amsterdam is one of those destinations that you must visit at least once in your lifetime, a place suitable for everyone due to its multifaceted spirit. From the great art museums to brewery tours, from family-friendly activities to the vibrant nightlife in the red-light district, everyone will find their little space in the Dutch capital. And with a weekend at your disposal, you will surely have the chance to get to know it well and, why not, even plan a trip to nearby areas.Here are all our tips for organizing a 3-day itinerary in Amsterdam.

Consider purchasing a card: to save on the cost of individual attractions, we recommend buying the I Amsterdam City Card, while for transportation savings, we recommend purchasing the GVB public transport pass.

Day 1

  • Distance traveled 4.6 km
  • Places visited Dam Square and Royal Palace, Oude Kerk, Jordaan and Anne Frank House, Begijnhof, Red-Light District
  • Where to eat Lunch at Bagels & Beans (Get directions), Dinner at Bierfabriek Amsterdam (Get directions)

First time in Amsterdam? Let yourself be guided: and discover the Dutch capital by joining a guided walking tour with a local guide or enjoying a ride on the tourist bus and a canal cruise.

1 - Dam Square

dam square

Start your day at Dam Square, one of the most beloved squares by both locals and tourists and an ideal starting point to explore the Dutch capital (Get directions).This is also the starting point for several city tours, such as the guided walking tour of the historic center with a local guide, ideal for a first approach.Visit duration: 30 min

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2 - Royal Palace

royal palace

To reach this stop: 1 min walk (Get directions).In Dam Square, you will also find the Royal Palace, in Dutch Koninklijk Paleis, the first stop of this day (we recommend purchasing the ticket with audio guide).It is still used as a residence by the royal family and state ceremonies are also held here (on such occasions, the palace is closed). However, part of it is open to the public, with a museum showcasing the history of the city and the Netherlands.Visit duration: 2 hours See also: Visit to the Royal Palace: hours, prices, and tips

3 - Oude Kerk (The Old Church)

old church

To reach this stop: 5 min walk (Get directions).Finally, the last stop of the morning is the nearby Oude Kerk, or Old Church, the oldest in the city and among the most important monuments in the country.Gothic masterpiece, its interiors are truly stunning, with large stained glass windows, artworks, and a wooden ceiling.Visit duration: 1 hour

If you're traveling with children: consider visiting the Madame Tussauds in Amsterdam, the famous wax museum. It is still located in Dam Square and is an alternative to the Royal Palace. Again, we recommend purchasing the entrance ticket in advance; the museum is also included in the I Amsterdam City Card.

4 - Jordaan Neighborhood

jordaan neighborhood

To reach this stop: 5 min walk (Get directions).In the early afternoon, dedicate yourself to exploring the Jordaan neighborhood, the artist neighborhood of Amsterdam. It borders the historic center, so you can mainly move around on foot, crossing bridges and canals.Enjoy a walk through its streets and don't miss De 9 Straatjes, a canal-encircled area full of small shops and cozy cafes, one of the most beautiful views in the neighborhood.Visit duration: 1 hour

5 - Anne Frank House

anne frank house

To reach this stop: 10 min walk (Get directions).But the Jordaan neighborhood is famous mainly for one reason: it hosts one of the most visited attractions in Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House.This is the apartment where the young girl hid with her entire family during World War II. The house retraces the life of Anna and her family and offers a very moving experience.Visit duration: 2 hours See also: Visit to the Anne Frank House: hours, prices, and tips

Consider a guided tour: if you're a history lover, especially of this historical period, don't miss a walking tour on Anne Frank and World War II with a local guide.

6 - Begijnhof

begijnhof

To reach this stop: 15 min walk (Get directions).After visiting the Anne Frank House and discovering De 9 Straatjes, walk to Begijnhof, one of Amsterdam's hidden treasures! Once you pass through the entrance gate, it will feel like you are far from the city: here, once lived the Begijntjes, women belonging to a Catholic sisterhood. It is a quiet place, with a wonderful garden and a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere.Then continue your walk along the canals until you reach the Bloemenmarkt, the only floating flower market in the world, open since 1862. This is one of the most charming and picturesque areas of Amsterdam, truly Instagrammable. Enjoy a stroll through the stalls and among the many colorful flowers in search of the perfect souvenir.Visit duration: 1 hour

Enjoy a sweet break: just a few steps from Begijnhof, you can find Van Stapele Koekmakerij, a cookie shop specialized in van stapele cookies, one of the must-try treats in Amsterdam!

7 - Red-Light District

red light district

To reach this stop: 10 min walk (Get directions).Finally, in the late afternoon, head back to De Wallen, the historic center, to immerse yourself in Amsterdam's nightlife. In this case, you can easily walk from Bloemenmarkt, it will take a little more than 10 minutes.Amsterdam is one of the most progressive places in Europe and, right here, you will find the famous red-light district, known as de Wallen. Here, the fun knows no limits.Visit duration: 2 hours See also: Nightlife in Amsterdam

Spend the evening here: you can explore the area by passing in front of numerous windows, sex shops, strip clubs, and coffee shops through a guided tour of the Red-Light District, or enjoy the evening on your own. In this area, there are really many places, such as the Red Light Bar, Excalibur Café, or the unique Café Hill Street Blues.

Day 2

  • Distance traveled 4.5 km
  • Places visited Museumplein and Rijksmuseum (book your ticket in advance) or (museum ticket + cruise) or Van Gogh Museum (book your ticket in advance), Vondelpark, Heineken Experience and canal cruise (book the combined ticket), Leidesplein
  • Where to eat Lunch at Proeflokaal 't Blauwe Theehuis (Get directions), Dinner at Bar-B Burgers 'N' Beers (Get directions)

1 - Rijksmuseum

rijksmuseum

Start this second day at Museumplein, the museum district. Here you will find some of the most important museums in the country.We recommend visiting the Rijksmuseum (Get directions). It is one of the most famous museums in Amsterdam, housed in a magnificent Gothic-Renaissance building. Here, more than 8,000 works are displayed across 4 floors and 80 galleries. Buy the entrance ticket in advance to enter right at opening and enjoy the museum at a calmer pace. Alternatively, buy the combined ticket for museum entry + canal cruise.Visit duration: 2.5 hours

All museums in one city card: Museumplein hosts numerous museums and all are included in the I Amsterdam City Card, the city card that includes free entries.

Alternatively: Van Gogh Museum

van gogh museum

Alternatively, instead of the Rijksmuseum, you can visit the Van Gogh Museum, also located in the museum district (Get directions). It is the largest collection of works by the Dutch painter Van Gogh. In addition to over 500 works by the painter, you will also see some works by his younger brother Theo and other renowned French artists.Again, the best solution is to purchase the entrance ticket to save valuable time at the ticket offices and ensure a spot at your chosen time.Visit duration: 2.5 hours

2 - Vondelpark

vondelpark

To reach this stop: 15 min walk (Get directions).For lunch, enjoy some nature and relaxation in the beautiful Vondelpark. You can comfortably walk to it, as it is only 15 min from Museumplein.Vondelpark is the green lung of Amsterdam, a meeting and leisure place for the Dutch, who come here to exercise, relax under the trees or spend some time with family. The park covers over 48 hectares, opened in 1865, and today is rich in children's play areas, numerous cafes surrounded by greenery, jogging paths, small bridges, and monuments.Visit duration: 1 hour

A brewery in the heart of nature: in the heart of the park, you can find the brewery Proeflokaal 't Blauwe Theehuis, with a beautiful terrace overlooking the lake. Stop here for lunch and try their delicious craft beers.

3 - Heineken Experience

heineken experience

To reach this stop: 10 min by tram (Get directions).Dedicate the afternoon to one of the most requested activities in the city, the combined Heineken Experience + canal cruise, which includes some must-see attractions in Amsterdam.The Heineken Experience is a true interactive experience in the world of Heineken! The guided tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, allowing you to discover the history of the brewery and the production process of the famous beer. Finally, you can enjoy tastings at the Best 'Dam Bar, the museum's bar.After the visit, it's time to take the canal cruise, another must-do in Amsterdam, which will allow you to admire the city from a different perspective and get lost in the beauty of its canals. The entire experience (guided tour + cruise) lasts 3 hours, so it will take up your whole afternoon. We recommend booking online well in advance.Visit duration: 3 hours See also: Heineken Experience: hours, prices, and tips for visiting the museum-factory

Spend the evening at Leidesplein: a neighborhood not far from the Heineken Experience, where you will also find Holland Casino, the city's casino. There are numerous venues here, such as Mikkeller at Morebeer, Aran Irish Pub, or Jazz Café Alto for a different kind of night out. Near the casino, you'll also find the iconic Hard Rock Café Amsterdam.

Day 3

  • Distance traveled 4.6 km
  • Places visited Amsterdam Arena (it's recommended to book the tour) or Amsterdam Royal Zoo (book the ticket in advance), NEMO Museum (book the ticket in advance), A'Dam Lookout
  • Where to eat Lunch at Brouwerij 't IJ (Get directions), Dinner at THE BUTCHER Social Club (Get directions)

1 - Amsterdam Royal Zoo

artis royal zoo

Last day in Amsterdam. You can spend it either in the city or organize a trip to nearby areas. There are still many things to see in the city, so we give you both options.Dedicate the morning to Amsterdam Royal Zoo (purchase the entrance ticket online - Get directions). Also known as ARTIS, the zoo is located in the heart of the city and spans approximately 14 hectares, housing around 8,200 animals of 800 different species. Here you'll also find a unique museum in the world, Micropia, entirely dedicated to microbes and microorganisms (separate entrance ticket).Visit duration: 3 hours See also: Visit to Amsterdam Royal Zoo

Alternatively: Amsterdam Arena

amsterdam arena

If you are not interested in visiting the zoo but are a big soccer fan, then you cannot miss the visit to the Amsterdam Arena (Get directions).The city's stadium is the home of Ajax and the Dutch national team and, during the guided tour, you will get to visit various areas of the stadium, including the benches and locker rooms. You can choose between the Classic Tour and the VIP Tour.Visit duration: 2 hours

2 - NEMO Museum

nemo museum

To reach this stop: 15 min walk (Get directions).For the afternoon, we recommend visiting the NEMO Museum, the largest science center in the Netherlands (purchase the entrance ticket online). From ARTIS, it takes about 15 min to walk there.Ideal to visit with children, the museum spans 5 floors and explores all aspects of science. On the first floor, you will find the exhibit titled Phenomena, showcasing natural phenomena, while on the second floor is Technium, focusing on technology. Moving to the third floor, Elementa, you can discover the cosmos, and then reach the fourth floor called Humania dedicated to humans and anatomy. Finally, on the last floor, you'll find the exhibit Energetica, which focuses on energy.Visit duration: 2 hours See also: Visit to the NEMO Museum: hours, prices, and tips

Head up to the observation deck: once you reach the last floor, keep going and head up to the wonderful rooftop observation deck. Get ready, because the view from here is truly unique! And to save valuable time, purchase the museum ticket in advance.

3 - A'DAM Lookout

a dam lookout

To reach this stop: 20 min by ferry (Get directions).Conclude this wonderful weekend in Amsterdam by admiring the city from above! You can do this from the A'DAM Lookout, the observation deck located in Amsterdam-Noord. From the NEMO Museum, you will first need to reach the Amsterdam Centraal station (15 min walk) and reach the ferry terminal, then take the ferry line F3 to arrive on the opposite bank, getting off at Buiksloterweg (5 min).At an elevation of about 100 m, this terrace offers the most spectacular view of Amsterdam and sunset is surely the best time to visit it. But that's not all: here you will find one of the most thrilling activities to do in the city. Since 2016, giant swings have been installed that will make you swing over the void with the city below your feet (activity requires payment with an additional ticket, platform entrance + swing ticket combined €28.50).Visit duration: 1.5 hours

Spend your last evening in De Wallen: return to the historic center for your last evening in Amsterdam. Again, you can enjoy a few hours among the numerous venues, such as Cafe Bar The Pint or Bar The Tailor, or participate in a wonderful evening cruise to admire all the illuminated canals.

Day alternative: excursion to the surroundings of Amsterdam

tulip garden

Alternatively, you can dedicate this third and final day to exploring the surroundings of Amsterdam, among splendid tulip fields, windmills, and charming villages.If you visit Amsterdam between mid-March and mid-May, the tulip bloom season, you absolutely cannot miss the Keukenhof, the stunning gardens that represent one of the most visited attractions in the whole country. We recommend purchasing, well in advance, the priority entrance ticket with transfer from Amsterdam to ensure a spot, as they are very popular (Get directions)!Alternatively, you can enjoy a day discovering the famous windmills and the villages of Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken with a tour from Amsterdam (Get directions). You will have the chance to explore the picturesque locality of Zaanse Schans, famous for its windmills, the fishing village of Volendam, and the beautiful Marken, where you can take a real step back in time.Visit duration: 8 hours See also: Excursions from Amsterdam

What does a weekend in Amsterdam cost

canals

Unfortunately, Amsterdam is a decidedly expensive destination, due to its high cost of living. With some attention, it is possible to find some low-cost solutions starting from the flight: there are numerous low-cost airlines connecting Italy to the Dutch capital every day (compare flights).As for accommodation, the area depends on the type of trip you want to experience: if you're looking for nightlife, choose Binnenstadt (with the red-light district), Leidesplein, and Jordaan; if you're traveling with children, the Museumkwartier and Plantage neighborhoods are better. To save, we recommend De Pijp, Plantage, and Amsterdam Noord. In any case, you will mainly move on foot, especially in the historic center. For a first approach to the city and to acquire some landmarks, consider taking a ride on the tourist bus. Finally, eating out is also costly: to save, we recommend lunching at places serving street food or in small organic shops, which offer healthy and fast options like sandwiches and salads.Let's take a detailed look at the costs of a weekend in Amsterdam:

  • Food costs approximately $50.00 per day per person (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Costs for museums and attractions average price $55.00 per day per person following the suggested itinerary. We recommend purchasing the I Amsterdam City Card
  • Transport average price $5.00 per day per person
  • Hotels, accommodations, and b&b from $50.00 per room - view offers
  • Leisure from $30.00 per day per person (including snacks, coffee, aperitifs, drinks, ...)
  • Total cost of a weekend in Amsterdam from $470.00 per person (excluding flights and/or transfers)

Before you go: useful tips

  • Choose the most suitable time for you Amsterdam is beautiful in every season. In summer for events and sunny days, in winter for the magic of Christmas, in spring for the blooming of tulips - find out more here;
  • Always carry an umbrella unfortunately, in Amsterdam the weather changes quickly and even in summer, sudden rain showers and cool days can occur. Don't be caught unprepared;
  • Where to stay for nightlife Binnenstadt (with the red-light district), Leidesplein and Jordaan. For tranquility, Museumkwartier and Plantage. To save money, De Pijp, Plantage, and Amsterdam Noord - map of neighborhoods here;
  • Get around on foot or by public transport in most cases you can move on foot. Consider purchasing the GVB public transport pass for days when more travel is expected - find out more here;
  • Don't miss the canal tour one of the most beautiful experiences to have in Amsterdam. Enjoy a city canal cruise or an evening cruise, with a wonderful atmosphere;
  • Book entries and tours in advance if you intend to visit the main museums, purchase entries in advance to avoid wasting precious time in line;
  • Dive into the nightlife Amsterdam is a truly avant-garde city and you will find fun of all kinds. Here's everything you need to know about the nightlife in Amsterdam;
  • Pay attention to meal times in Amsterdam, like in the Netherlands and many countries in Northern Europe, dinner is eaten early, around 6:30 PM. Keep this time in mind when planning your days.