Planning a trip to Amsterdam may seem simple, but when you’re faced with dozens of attractions, you run the risk of wasting precious time or returning home feeling like you’ve seen only a small part of the city. Compared to our previous itinerary, in this one we’ll help you make the most of not just a weekend, but a full 4 days. If you’re planning a vacation, this itinerary is the ideal way to discover the main wonders of the Dutch capital without any stress.
Day 1
The Anne Frank Museum
Start your journey in the historic center, the perfect place to immediately soak up the city’s atmosphere. Begin at Dam Square, the heart of the city, home to the Royal Palace and the National Monument. Continue strolling through the downtown streets to the Jordaan neighborhood. Here you can lose yourself among picturesque canals and independent boutiques. Spend part of the afternoon visiting the Anne Frank House, one of Amsterdam’s most significant attractions.
A reminder for you: spots at the Anne Frank Museum are limited and released on a weekly basis, so be sure to check the website regularly so you don’t miss out on your visit!
A Cultural Heritage: Tulips
If you visit Amsterdam in the spring, you can’t miss the spectacular sight of tulips in bloom. Between March and May, the fields surrounding the city are transformed into vast, colorful expanses. To make the most of this experience, you can plan a visit to the famous gardens of Keukenhof, considered among the most beautiful in Europe. Be sure to explore the city’s flower markets as well, where you can buy bulbs and admire hundreds of different varieties.
Day 2
The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum
The second day is dedicated to the city’s extraordinary cultural offerings. Head to Museumplein, the square that is home to some of Europe’s most important museums. For logistical reasons, we recommend this itinerary. In the morning, visit the Rijksmuseum, which houses masterpieces of Dutch painting, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Afterward, head to the Van Gogh Museum, which chronicles the life and art of the famous painter through a collection that’s one of a kind. They’re right next to each other, and it’ll take you about 3 hours to visit both museums.
Delicious French fries
After a lunch break near the square—where you’ll often find stands selling the famous cone of French fries—you can choose to visit the Moco Museum, known for its exhibitions of contemporary art and street art.
Day 3
Albert Cuyp and De Pijp
Now it’s time to experience the most authentic side of Amsterdam. Start your day at the Albert Cuyp Market, the largest open-air market in the Netherlands. Here you can sample local specialties such as freshly made stroopwafels and traditional herring.
Continue on to the De Pijp neighborhood, known for its multicultural and creative atmosphere. In the afternoon, we also recommend visiting the NDSM district, located in the northern part of the city and accessible via a free ferry. This area, once an industrial zone, is now a cultural hub filled with murals, art spaces, and alternative venues.
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A boat ride
Don’t miss the sunset boat tour. There are plenty of companies that offer affordable boat tours, where you’ll be treated to food, drinks, and stories about the history of Amsterdam’s neighborhoods.
Day 4
Traditional Windmills
On the last day, we recommend one of the most popular destinations: Zaanse Schans, where you can admire traditional Dutch windmills and discover ancient crafts still practiced today, such as the making of the famous wooden clogs. If you’d rather stay in the city, take advantage of your last few hours to go shopping in the Negen Straatjes, the famous “Nine Little Streets,” or take a relaxing stroll along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canals.
