Though small in size, with its distinctive canals, iconic narrow houses, and artistic legacy, Amsterdam is far richer in culture than literally any other city in the world. It is no wonder first-time visitors find it overwhelming with the myriad of options to choose from be it with museums, food places, markets, and even transportation! If you’re feeling a little out of your depth, we’ve got you covered — with this handy guide, we’ll take you through the city so that you’ll make the absolute best of your 3 days here.
Day 1
Morning
Kick-start your trip with an indulgent breakfast at The Pancake Bakery. Sweet to savoury, and everything in-between, there are almost a hundred pancake options with every topping you could possibly imagine. Not to mention, the (huge) pots of syrup at your table that you’re more than welcome to help yourself to.
Just a short walk away sits the Anne Frank House — the original house where Anne Frank lived in hiding with her family during World War II. Though transformed into a biographical museum, it still preserves the aura of that period in some of its rooms with relics left behind by those in hiding, including Anne's original diary. Grab an audio guide and listen along to the stories and struggles of the war.
Following that sobering experience, be sure to step out and join in on the Free Walking Tours with a friendly local guide who will show you the ins and outs of the city. Find out where the main iconic spots are, learn some local phrases, and explore new meanings to historical sites. The best part — it's free.
Afternoon
You might quite possibly still be reeling from your morning meal, so for a quick lunch, stop over at PIQNIQ. As the name suggests, lunch here is quite literally a picnic with a variety of gourmet sandwiches, snackables, and a rustic, homestyle ambience — the ideal spot for a chill afternoon with people-watching, if you will. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available.
As soon as you’re done, hop on the Keukenhof Express Bus to the Keukenhof Gardens to witness the tulips blooming in all their vibrant glory. Set against a backdrop of colourful windmills, the sight of these tulips in every hue of purple, pink, yellow, and red, is something straight out of a fairytale. If you’re up for an adventure, rent a bike and ride off into the neighbouring flower fields to get away from the crowds and bask in quiet serenity.
Evening
As you head back to the city, you’ll probably be wondering about dinner options but not to worry, we have it sorted out for you. For your first night in the city, head on over to Hap Hmm Restaurant, a humble family establishment with authentic Dutch cuisine served with heart and soul. There’s nothing better than quality comfort food that starts at just €7.50 to end a perfect day.
If you’re still up for a drink or two after, pop over to one of the many bars lined up along Leidseplein and enjoy a pilsner on the outdoor terrace in true Dutch style.
Day 2
Morning
To make up for yesterday’s over-the-top experience, start your day with a light breakfast at Bocca Coffee. Bite into freshly-baked croissants whilst sipping on some high-quality coffee, specially sourced and meticulously roasted just for you. Why not take-away onto a quiet stroll along the canal before the buzz of the early afternoon crowds?
Walk along until you see the Rijksmuseum — if you only wish to visit one museum in Amsterdam, this is it. As one of the world’s most well-renowned art museums, it houses 8,000 objects across 80 galleries that tell the story of 800 years of Dutch art and history through the different eras — all under one roof. Not only the artworks, but also the museum is a masterpiece in its own right with stunning architecture and an exquisite interior.
Lounge for a moment at the adjacent Museumplein, a huge open lawn space, or take part in one of the many public activities available throughout the day. If you’re out here on a Wednesday, you might even want to attend a free lunch concert over at the nearby Concertgebouw — first-come, first-serve! Or else, simply lay back and soak in the sun.
Afternoon
If you fancy a good bargain, here’s the perfect deal for you. Skip out on a sit-in meal and embark on a makeshift food-tasting tour of local delicacies at the Albert Cuyp Markt. Here are the top 4 things to try: Dutch cheese, pickled herring, poffertjes, and fresh stroopwafels. If you're a first-timer, it’s certainly an acquired taste but sampling the raw herring is a must-try!
Browse through the 260 stands selling everything from second-hand shoes to records to fresh produce, and groove to the free music in the back whilst snacking and munching — it’s a win-win!
Once you’re done, it’s time to put away your Google Maps. You haven’t lived the true Amsterdam experience until you’ve shut off your phone and hopped on a bicycle. Escape the bustle of the city centre and explore Jordaan, an up-and-coming ‘hip’ district, only letting your instinct take you places. Traverse through the ‘nine little streets’, immersing in the sounds of quotidian mundane life in the most symbolic Dutch way. Derived from the French word for garden, jardin, you can understand why with its leafy streets and quaint vintage stores that boast the charm of old Amsterdam.
Now that you’ve done some walking and cycling, the last thing left on the list is: the boat cruise. Forget the overpriced canal boat tours. Opt for an open-air boat instead and sit back as your captain guides you through an entirely new outlook of the city, cruising along lesser-known canals, with indefinite knowledge and stories to tell. What’s better? The boat is electric-run and sustainable? Count us in. Prices start at €20.50.
Evening
Before heading out to dinner, stop over at Dam Square for some classic tourist shots and if you’re lucky you might even catch some incredible buskers and other street performers.
Just two minutes away, be careful not to miss the understated van Kerkwijk, a quirky little restaurant with small wooden tables, serving traditional Dutch cuisine with a fusion twist. No reservations, no menus — witness the quintessential Dutch humour and wit as waiters recite the ever-changing menu options for you. (If you’re feeling a little intimidated, we recommend looking, or rather, listening out for their signature steak with goat’s cheese and strawberry sauce!)
If you hadn’t previously noticed the nearby De Wallen, or Red Light District, you would definitely now. Just about any other part of the city in the day, the street will be transformed by the time you’re done with dinner; lit up with red lights and sex signs everywhere. Take a brief stroll through the area and observe the commotion, but be wary not to take any photos to respect the privacy of the workers.
Day 3
Morning
Start your day early with a trip out of the city to the Dutch town of Zaandam, home to De Zaanse Schans. Rewind back in time and experience an 18th-century village with historic windmills, as well as characteristic wooden houses, barns, and workshops.
Try out some locally-produced samples at the cheese factory, walk past the bakery museum and savour the smell of cookies fresh out of the oven, and even take part in artisan workshops as you observe rare craftwork including barrel making and pewter casting.
If you’re feeling a little hungry, have a light brunch at the Restaurant De Hoop Op’d Swarte Walvis before heading back out to explore the town.
Afternoon
No trip is complete without a shopping spree. Once you’re back in the city, head towards Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat, the two main shopping streets of Amsterdam. If you prefer your classic major fashion chains in the likes of H&M and ZARA, head on over to Kalverstraat. If you're more into low-key boutique-style stores, Leidsestraat is your choice. Or if you’re just looking to do some window-shopping, check out both!
If you have some time on your hands before dinner, wind down at Vondelpark after the busy day you’ve had. With art installations scattered everywhere, lake areas and open grass fields flocked by tourists and locals alike, and the famous open-air theatre that hosts free cabaret, theatre, live music and comedy, this is the ultimate destination that wholly encapsulates the Dutch experience.
Evening
Finally, for your last meal here, head down to De Kas, a chic, spacious greenhouse-cum-restaurant serving food prepared with the freshest herbs and vegetables - grown organically on-site! Coupled with locally-produced meats and seafood, the flavour profile you’ll experience with these novel creations is nothing short of sublime. And what better way to end your trip than to dine right under the stars.
