Netherlands · 3 days · 15 stops
3 days in Amsterdam – a ready-made itinerary
Amsterdam is small but dense. The plan first takes you through the canal ring and the old town, then to the museums on Museumplein, and on the third day across the IJ to Noord on the free ferries.
In short
- Length
- 3 days, 15 stops
- Highlights
- Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Eye Filmmuseum, Westerkerk, The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
- Where to stay
- Canal ring and Jordaan, De Pijp
- Getting around
- You can get everywhere on foot and by tram.
- Best time to go
- April and May with the tulips, and September, are lovely but popular.
Free, sign in with an email code. In the app you only pick your start date and adjust the plan.
Plan created with AI support – please check opening hours, prices and routes before you go. YesTrip editorial team · Updated: .
Day 1
Canals, Jordaan and the old town
Anne Frank House
The hiding place in the secret annex. Tickets are sold online only, often weeks ahead.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Anne Frank Houseright next door
Westerkerk
The church with the tallest tower in the city, right next to the Anne Frank House.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Westerkerkabout 10 min on foot
The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
Nine small streets between the canals with shops and cafés. From here you walk into the Jordaan.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)about 5 min on foot
Begijnhof
A quiet courtyard with the oldest wooden house in the city. Please keep your voice down – people live here.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Begijnhofabout 5 min on foot
Royal Palace
The old town hall on Dam Square, now the King's palace. You can visit when there is no state event.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Royal Palaceabout 10 min on foot
Nieuwmarkt
A square with De Waag, an old city gate. Bars all around for the evening.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Nieuwmarkt
Day 2
Museumplein and De Pijp
Rijksmuseum
Rembrandt's Night Watch and Vermeer. Start with the Gallery of Honour while it is quiet.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Rijksmuseumabout 15 min on foot
Albert Cuyp Market
The big street market in De Pijp. Try fresh stroopwafels. Closed on Sundays.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Albert Cuyp Marketabout 15 min on foot
Van Gogh Museum
The world's largest Van Gogh collection. Timed tickets only.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Van Gogh Museumabout 15 min on foot
Vondelpark
The city park for an evening walk. In summer there are concerts at the open-air theatre.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Vondelpark
Day 3
Ferries to Noord and the Eastern Docklands
The ferries across the IJ behind Central Station (Centraal) are free for pedestrians and cyclists.
Eye Filmmuseum
Film museum in a white building on the water, with a café and terrace.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Eye Filmmuseumright next door
A'DAM Lookout
Viewing deck with a swing over the edge of the roof, right next to Eye.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): A'DAM Lookoutabout 2.1 km as the crow flies – by bus, train or taxi
NDSM Wharf
A former shipyard with street art, flea markets and waterside restaurants.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): NDSM WharfFerry back to Central Station (about 15 min), then about a 15-min walk
NEMO
A science museum shaped like a ship's hull. The roof terrace is free to visit.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): NEMOabout 20 min on foot
Brouwerij 't IJ (De Gooyer windmill)
A brewery with a terrace right below the De Gooyer windmill in the east of the city.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Brouwerij 't IJ (De Gooyer windmill)
Good to know
Best time to go
April and May with the tulips, and September, are lovely but popular. Summer is mild but crowded. Autumn and winter are often wet and windy – but the museums are quieter. Always pack a rain jacket.
Getting around
You can get everywhere on foot and by tram. Pay contactless when you get on and off – always check out when you leave. If you want to cycle, rent a bike and mind the cycle lanes: pedestrians don't belong there.
Where to stay
Canal ring and Jordaan
Right in the old town along the canals. Beautiful, but expensive and often with steep stairs.
De Pijp
Lively district with a market, cafés and restaurants, close to Museumplein. A metro line runs to Central Station.
Your plan
Start with this plan.
Copy it into YesTrip, pick your dates and make it yours: move stops, drop them or let the AI add more. On the road the app shows you the next stop and how to get there.
Amsterdam: frequently asked questions
How do I get tickets for the Anne Frank House?
Only online on the official website. Sales open a few weeks in advance and the time slots go quickly. There are no tickets at the door.
Are 3 days enough for Amsterdam?
Yes, for the old town, the museums and Noord. With more time, Haarlem, Zaanse Schans or a bike ride through the villages to the north are worth it.
Is a canal cruise worth it?
Yes, the city looks different from the water. Small open boats are nicer than the big glass-topped ones. Late afternoon is best.
Do I need to rent a bike?
No. The plan works on foot, by tram and by ferry. If you are a confident cyclist, a bike is faster though.
More plans for Amsterdam
- One dayOne day in Amsterdam – walking routeFrom the Rijksmuseum through the old centre to the Jordaan – with the Anne Frank House in the afternoon and dinner by a canal.
- WeekendA weekend in Amsterdam: Friday to SundayFriday the canals in the evening light, Saturday the Jordaan and Rijksmuseum, Sunday the ferry across the IJ.
- 5 days5 days in Amsterdam with Haarlem and Zaanse SchansThree city days with the old town, museums and eastern docks – plus Haarlem and the Zaanse Schans windmills by train.
- With kidsAmsterdam with kids: 2 easy daysExperiments at NEMO, a tall ship to explore, animals at Artis – and on day two, playgrounds and ship models.
- On a budgetAmsterdam on a budget: 2 days, mostly freeCourtyards, bridges, parks and ferries that cost nothing – plus a street market, a library view and a rooftop.
Plan created with AI support – please check opening hours, prices and routes before you go. Coordinates checked with Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap (Photon). Photo: Kaz Alting, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. More in Sources & licences. YesTrip is a trip planner, not a travel agency – nothing is booked.
More trip plans
Belgium · 3 daysBrussels
Photo: Celuici, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
United Kingdom · 3 daysLondon
Photo: Fuzzypiggy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Germany · 3 daysHamburg
Photo: Evgenii Salganik, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
