Planning out the perfect 4 to 5-day itinerary for Amsterdam is a highlight of mapping out a trip to Western or Northern Europe. As one of the most visited cities in Europe, it’s no surprise why – from its picturesque canals to some of the world’s best museums, restaurants, a vibrant history, and a laid-back, open-minded attitude.
Amsterdam is truly a city where classic and modern combine to make such an atmospheric city and where wandering the streets and passing the many bicycles of the city while catching scents of stroopwafel is a joy.
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How Many Days in Amsterdam?
While many people just visit Amsterdam for a weekend getaway, I think that it’s a disservice to the city as there’s an abundance of things to explore and places to visit beyond a 2-day trip.
Even just extending your trip to 3 days in Amsterdam, you’ll have the opportunity to go a bit beyond the typical tourist path and route, giving a more holistic experience of this spirited Dutch city.
A 4-day Amsterdam itinerary is even more ideal as you’ll have more time to do the city justice, exploring further into local culture and getting to know the city off the beaten path.
Finally, if you have the opportunity and time to spend 5 days, you’re in for a treat. With 5 whole days, you’ll have the time to visit a neighboring city such as Utrecht or Rotterdam by just a short train journey, giving a full taste of the country.
And if you’re wondering the best time to visit Amsterdam, keep in mind that it is a thriving city that attracts visitors year-round. For the best weather (and the most crowds) the summer months can be ideal. However, if you want to see the city decked out for the holidays, visiting in the winter can be a great choice, as well.
Getting To & Around Amsterdam
As one of the largest airports globally, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport receives flights from both European and international destinations, serving as the point of arrival for air travel.
From the airport to the city center, Schiphol Airport is just 17 km away from Amsterdam Centraal Train Station and can be easily reached by direct train transport in just around 15 minutes with frequent train services. There are also shuttle buses from the airport.
If you’re planning on visiting other destinations in the country, Amsterdam Centraal Train Station has frequent connections to most cities as well as train services to other European destinations, with high-speed rail such as Eurostar. You can find trains to Amsterdam from cities like Paris, London, Brussels and more. You can view schedules here.
Another option if you’re looking to save money and pass on train transportation, is to take a bus, as there are convenient and affordable bus transportation options throughout the Netherlands along with bus transport to other nearby countries.
Flixbus is the best option, as prices are low and buses are comfortable and on time, journeys can be booked here.
As for getting around the city, the center is quite walkable and a pleasure to explore by foot, getting lost in the nooks and crannies.
For a local mode of transport, Amsterdam is the bike capital of the world, and wandering the city by bike is the perfect way to experience the city like a local, albeit with a touch of courage!
If you prefer public transportation or are keen to explore outside of the city center, there is comprehensive and efficient public transportation consisting of buses, trams, metro, and ferries.
Single tickets for public transportation can be purchased from ticket vending machines in the city, but to save money, I suggest getting an OV-chipkaart card, which is a rechargeable card that can be used on all modes of public transportation.
You can also purchase an Amsterdam City Card that includes entry to many attractions and public transport if you plan on visiting a number of sights in the city and can keep your costs down in Amsterdam.
4 to 5-Day Amsterdam Itinerary
This route will bring you through the main sights of the city center and into the city’s art, culture, and delicious food scene.
There is much more than its infamous Red Light District and this itinerary will highlight that.
Day 1 – Amsterdam Main Sightseeing
The first day of this itinerary focuses on some of the main attractions in central Amsterdam. You can take a walking tour to learn more about the history of the city with a tour guide.
Dam Square
There’s no better place to start your day than in Dam Square. Quite literally in the center of the city, Dam Square positions you in the ideal spot to begin exploring.
Dam Square is a historical and cultural landmark of Amsterdam that has been an important gathering place for locals and visitors for centuries, with important monuments encircling the square such as the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church).
Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis)
Of all the monuments surrounding Dam Square, the monument most worth visiting is the Royal Palace of Amsterdam.
The palace was built in the 17th century as a city hall, later becoming a royal palace in the early 19th century, and now serves as a venue for state visits, official receptions, and is open for visitors to witness this impressive example of Dutch classical architecture and its rich history and culture.
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam regularly hosts exhibitions, showcasing a variety of art, history, and culture. These exhibitions provide a unique perspective on different aspects of Dutch history and society, making it a great starting point for your time in Amsterdam.
The Royal Palace is open to visitors almost every day of the year, except for some holidays and official events. The opening hours can vary depending on the season, so it’s important to check the opening hours beforehand. You can book tickets here.
Wander Amsterdam Canals
The picturesque waterways, lined with charming buildings and quaint bridges offer a unique perspective on the city’s history and culture and why it’s such a popular and timeless destination.
A great spot to begin is The Singel Canal, which is one of the oldest canals that make up the network of canals in Amsterdam. Afterwards, make your way to The Brouwersgracht (Brewers’ Canal) to enjoy one of Amsterdam’s most scenic and picturesque places.
This is also the perfect time of day to sit at one of the quaint cafes lining the canalled streets to watch local life go by and enjoy a coffee or a local Dutch beer.
De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets District) & Stroopwafel
The Nine Streets District of Amsterdam is a charming neighborhood located in the heart of the city’s historic canal belt.
The district is named after the nine narrow streets that run through it, which are lined with a diverse range of shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as historic buildings and picturesque canals.
The Nine Streets District is an ideal part of the city to take in local life, enjoy stunning surroundings, and enjoy the classic Dutch treat, stroopwafel, at the oldest bakery in the city, Hans Egstorf.
Day 2 – Canal Boat, Amsterdam Museums and Culture
Canal Boat Tour
Day 2 will begin with a different perspective of the city than day 1, by heading out on a canal cruise.
By taking a canal boat tour of the city, you’ll be treated to a unique perspective on the city’s history and architecture, as well as the chance to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks from a different angle.
During a canal tour, you can expect to see some of Amsterdam’s most iconic sights as well as the charming canal houses that line the waterways and enjoy some unique views of the city.
You’ll also pass under historic bridges and through picturesque neighborhoods, providing a unique glimpse into the city’s culture and daily life. Some options include this 1-hour cruise or this luxury option.
Albert Cuyp Market
After seeing the city by boat, make your way to the vibrant De Pijp neighborhood to one of the most popular open-air street markets in Amsterdam, Albert Cuypmarkt.
Since the 19th century, Albert Cuypmarkt has been the go-to spot for locals and tourists searching for a wide variety of goods for sale, including fresh produce, clothing, and souvenirs. It also operates as a beautiful flower market where you can purchase iconic tulips in season.
The Albert Cuypmarkt is the perfect spot to enjoy the lively local atmosphere of the city, taste some classic Dutch food, and pick up a souvenir from your time in Amsterdam.
Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam is a city steeped in history, art, and culture and the best way to learn more about this part of Amsterdam and Dutch history/art is to spend time at one of the most popular museums in the city.
Because of the density the top museums in the city, I suggest dedicating a large portion of your day to time at the museum(s) of your choice.
The most visited museum in the Netherlands, The Rijksmuseum, is the largest museum of art and history in the country.
Its extensive collection includes over one million objects, spanning over 800 years of Dutch art and history, and is known for its famous works of art from the Dutch Golden Age, including Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s Milkmaid. You can book tickets in advance here or organise a guided tour here.
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is another wonderful option for a museum visit in Amsterdam. The Van Gogh Museum is a museum dedicated to the life and works of the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh.
The museum features the largest collection of his paintings and drawings in the world, as well as a deeper look into the life of Vincent Van Gogh. You can book tickets in advance here or organise a guided tour here.
And if you want an experience away from the art museums, then consider spending sometime relaxing in the vast Museumplein Park near both the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum or heading over to the nearby Heineken Brewery.
In the latter spot, you can book the Heineken Experience where you can learn all about the history of this popular beer and how it’s brewed.
Day 3 – Dutch Food, Bike Tour & Green Amsterdam
Vondelpark & Dutch Pancakes
There are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam in 3 days so you certainly won’t be wanting for activities.
A great way to begin day 3 is by enjoying a breakfast made up of poffertjes, which are small and delicious traditional pancakes served with various tasty toppings. A great location is The Pancake Club, a local restaurant near Vondelpark, the next stop on your itinerary.
Vondelpark is a beautiful public park located in the heart of the city, named after the famous poet Joost van den Vondel. The park covers over 47 hectares and is easily one of the most popular outdoor spots in all of Amsterdam.
Known for its beautiful gardens, ponds, and winding paths, Vondelpark is also a popular spot for picnics, concerts, and outdoor festivals during the summer months.
Bike Tour or Food Tour
The next stop will either be exploring the city by bicycle tour, or diving deeper into the taste of the local cuisine with a food tour.
Bike tours are a popular way to explore Amsterdam and experience the city like a local. The city is renowned for its bike-friendly infrastructure, with over 800,000 bicycles in the city, and numerous dedicated bike lanes and paths.
There are many different bike tour operators, offering a range of tours to suit your interests.
Some tours focus on the city’s famous landmarks and attractions, while others explore lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems. Tours often also include stops at local markets, cafes, and other points of interest. Some of the best options include this 3-hour bike tour or this half-day tour.
Food tours are a great way to explore the city’s culinary scene and sample its diverse range of cuisines. The city is home to a vibrant food culture, with a mix of traditional Dutch dishes and international flavors creating a unique cuisine of Amsterdam.
You’ll find different food tour operators, offering a variety of experiences to suit your interests. Some tours focus on street food, while others visit local markets and food halls.
Tours often also include stops at speciality shops and restaurants giving an insight into Dutch history, and somewhere visitors can sample traditional dishes, such as stroopwafels, herring, and bitterballen. Some of the best-rated options include this food walking tour and this 3-hour tour.
Anne Frank House
In the Jordaan neighborhood, you’ll find one of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam and the Netherlands, the Anne Frank House, a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Anne Frank, the famous young Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis during World War II.
During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the museum with exhibits on Anne’s life and legacy, as well as an immersive experience through the secret annex where Anne and her family lived for over two years, which offers a comprehensive look into the harrowing experiences of the Frank family and other victims of the Holocaust.
The Anne Frank House Museum is open every day of the year, except for Yom Kippur and King’s Day, with opening hours varying depending on the season. You can also take a Jewish history walking tour before visiting the Anne Frank House.
Day 4 – Keukenhof Park or Zaanse Schans
If you’re spending 4 days in Amsterdam, the is is the ideal point to head out of the city to an area near the capital to explore further into the country and Dutch culture.
Keukenhof Park
Few things are more synonymous with the Netherlands than the humble yet colorful tulip flower, and there’s no better place to witness these than at Keukenhof Park.
Also known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof Park is a world-famous flower garden located in Lisse, about 40 minutes outside of Amsterdam. The park is home to over 7 million tulips, daffodils, and other flowers, making it one of the largest flower gardens in the world.
During a visit, you can wander through the colorful gardens, admire the floral displays, and learn about the history and cultivation of tulips, the Netherlands’ number one export.
The most convenient way to reach Keukenhof Park is by direct shuttle transport from various points in the city with different bus companies depending on your location in the city. You can book transfers here.
Ticket costs for Keukenhof Park can vary depending on how you arrive, and it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance here.
Unfortunately, tulip season is quite short in the Netherlands, alas Keukenhof Park is only open for a short period each year, typically from late March to mid-May, when the flowers are in bloom.
Zaanse Schans
If you’re visiting out of tulip season, another spot worth visiting outside of the city is Zaanse Schans. Zaanse Schans is a historic neighborhood located in the town of Zaandam, just outside the city.
The neighborhood is known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings, including classic wooden houses, windmills, and workshops.
During a visit to Zaanse Schans, you will have the opportunity to explore the neighborhood and learn about traditional crafts such as cheese-making, clog-making, and chocolate-making.
In the area you’ll also find plenty of tulips if you visit in season, making it a great day trip option if you’re keen to see the tulips during your trip but prefer to bypass the high admission cost to Keukenhof Park.
To reach Zaanse Schans, take a 20-minute train from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Koog-Zaandijk Station. From there, you can walk or take the bus to Zaanse Schans for around another 10 minutes. There are also organised day tours available.
Day 5 – Utrecht
I suggest spending the 5th and final day of your itinerary in the nearby town of Utrecht. Alternatively, you could also easily do a day trip to a place like nearby Haarlem or Gouda if it suits.
Utrecht
Once the most important city in the Netherlands, Utrecht is an important historic city, located approximately 30 minutes south of Amsterdam, known for its beautiful canals, charming tree-lined streets, and rich cultural heritage.
Like Amsterdam, Utrecht is full of canals but without the hordes of tourists stuffing in to catch a picture. This makes Utrecht the perfect day trip from Amsterdam, offering the chance to experience such an idyllic, medieval university city that gives the feeling that you’ve fallen back in time into a fairytale.
Full of green parks, friendly locals, and delicious food and drink finds, Utrecht will only make you wish that you had more time to spend in this welcoming and warm alternative to Amsterdam.
While in Utrecht, make sure to visit the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, the Rietveld Schröder House (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and wander around the enchanting medieval city center while indulging in the most deliciously fresh Dutch fries from Frietwinkel, a local Utrecht staple.
Reaching Utrecht from Amsterdam is extremely quick and convenient. Trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Utrecht Centraal (The Netherlands’ largest train station) just about every 10 minutes, with a journey time of 20-30 minutes depending on the train. You can book trains here.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
‘t Hotel – This 3-star hotel is situated in a traditional canal house is a perfect place to stay for mid-range visitors to Amsterdam. They have a number of lovely rooms to choose from and an excellent location for exploring all the city has to offer.
Hotel Estheréa – If you’re looking for a luxury stay in Amsterdam, then this hotel is a great option. They have a range of beautiful and plush rooms on offer, a location only 300 meters from Dam Square and plenty of excellent amenities for guests to enjoy.
Amsterdam Jewel Canal Apartments – For those who’d like their own apartment while visiting the Dutch capital, these fully furnished flats are an excellent choice. There are a number of different apartments available and they have a wonderful location for exploring all the city has to offer.
Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark – Budget visitors to Amsterdam will love this highly-rated hostel located in the center of the city. They offer both traditional dorms and private rooms, have great common areas for meeting other travelers and there is also breakfast available in the morning.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Amsterdam hotels!
Amsterdam is one of the most beloved cities in Europe, and whether you’ve found yourself stuck into stroopwafel or enchanted by the tulips at Keukenhof Park, there’s no denying that the city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and charm that continues to draw visitors from all over the world.
Are you planning a trip to Amsterdam? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!
