Amsterdam in 3 days: a day-by-day itinerary

Three days are perfect for Amsterdam: one day for the big museums and De Pijp, one for the Anne Frank House and the Jordaan canals, and a third for the historic centre and Amsterdam Noord. The city is small and easy to explore on foot, by bike or by tram.

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Day 1. Museums and De Pijp

  1. Rijksmuseum

    Rembrandt, Vermeer and The Night Watch. Buy tickets online and allow at least three hours.

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  2. Van Gogh Museum

    The world's largest Van Gogh collection. Tickets are sold online only, with a time slot.

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  3. Vondelpark

    The city's best-loved park, five minutes from the museums. Perfect for a break.

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  4. Albert Cuypmarkt (De Pijp)

    The largest street market in the Netherlands, in De Pijp. Try a freshly made stroopwafel. Closed on Sundays.

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💡 If you're visiting several museums, check whether the I amsterdam City Card pays off: it includes public transport and a canal cruise.

Day 2. Anne Frank and the canals

  1. Anne Frank Huis

    The house where Anne Frank wrote her diary. Tickets are sold online only, released a few weeks ahead, and sell out fast.

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  2. Jordaan

    The prettiest canal neighbourhood: narrow houses, bridges and traditional brown cafés.

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  3. De 9 Straatjes

    Nine little streets between the canals full of small shops, vintage stores and cafés.

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💡 Take a canal cruise at sunset: it's the best way to see the old merchants' houses.

Day 3. Historic centre and Noord

  1. Dam & Koninklijk Paleis

    The main square, with the Royal Palace. It sometimes closes for official events.

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  2. Begijnhof

    A hidden courtyard with houses from the 14th to 17th centuries. People live here: keep quiet.

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  3. Nieuwmarkt & De Waag

    A square with a medieval weigh house and plenty of terraces, next to the Red Light District and Chinatown.

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  4. A'DAM Lookout

    Take the free ferry from behind Central Station to Noord and go up the tower for a view over the city.

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Practical tips

  • Watch out for bike lanes (painted red): bikes have priority and go fast. Don't walk in them.
  • Many places accept cards only, not cash.
  • Trams and the metro accept contactless cards; 1- to 7-day tickets are also available.
  • Book the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum in advance.

Frequently asked questions

Are 3 days enough for Amsterdam?

Yes: there's time for the big museums, the canals, the Anne Frank House and the centre at a relaxed pace. With more days, visit the Zaanse Schans windmills, Haarlem or Utrecht.

How do I get Anne Frank House tickets?

They're sold only on the official website, with a time slot, and are released a few weeks ahead. They sell out quickly, so buy them as soon as you know your dates.

How do I get around Amsterdam?

The centre is walkable. For longer distances, take the tram or rent a bike, always keeping to the bike lanes' rules.

Make it yours

Plannit builds an itinerary around your interests and dates, with a map, photos and transport between stops.

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Opening hours and rules can change: check the official websites before you go.