Get the most out of Europe’s quirky capital in just 72hrs. Of course, you can spend longer here, but if you are only on a short break and want to ensure you get all the good stuff in, follow this 3-day Amsterdam Itinerary to maximise your trip.
Amsterdam is known for its canals, architecture, museums, art, lively nightlife, cafes, and adult entertainment. So lets dive in to find out what you can get up-to.
DAY 1
Amsterdam Itinerary
Explore The City
Spend the day getting to know the city and get a feel of the Dutch culture. The city is full of alleyways, side streets, and canals.
Spend time exploring the Jordaan district and the Red Light District. Jordaan has narrow canals, indie boutiques, pubs, and trendy restaurants. Whereas the Red-Light District is filled with the famous authentic coffee shops where you can participate in the full Amsterdam experience.
Cruise Through Canals on a Boat Trip
There are many different boat options, from site seeing boats, relaxing boat rides, and adult party boat rides where you can enjoy drinks and smoke if desired.
Stop Off for Beer and Deep Fried Hapjes
No Amsterdam Itinerary is complete without beer and borrelhapje with friends. To fit in like a local, have deep fried hapjes and beer. These are hot greasy deep fried meatballs, cheese sticks, and nuts that accompany your beer.
Enjoy Some Evening Entertainment
Amsterdam comes alive at night with its many bars, restaurants, and nightlife. However, if you fancy doing something a little different, check out the three options below.
Mezrab
Head to Oostelijke Eilanden. It is an area in the Eastern Docklands of Amsterdam known for spoken word, improv, and comedy. The I Amsterdam website suggests Mezrab is a hidden gem here. At Mezrab, you will listen to tall tales and real-life stories by professional storytellers while relaxing on cosy floor cushions.
Tapas Theatre
This establishment offers a variety of short 20-minute performances from cabaret to spoken word or drama while serving small bites in their food bar between shows. On your visit, you will have the opportunity to see 2-3 shows.
Explore The Red Light District
Red Light District
Prostitution is illegal in most other countries, but in Amsterdam, it is totally legal, so don’t be alarmed by what you will see here. The Red Light District brings in thousands of curious tourists every year and, the area becomes the city’s heart at night with sex shops, strip clubs, adult theatres, and entertainment.
The area is fascinating to see; however, please note you cannot take photos in parts of the district and be respectful of the sex workers.
DAY 2
Amsterdam Itinerary
Rent a Bike and Cycle Around The City
Rent a bike and cycle to the Oost Neighbourhood. The Oost Neighbourhood has spacious streets, 19th-century buildings, and rich green areas. The area is best known for its busy markets and vibrant food scene. Cycling is a fun way to get around the city. You can go further out while enjoying the fresh air and scenery along the way. Be sure to stop and take some photos while you pass the beautiful bridges and canals.
Self Guided Food Tour In Dappermarkt
After all that cycling, you are probably ready for lunch. Head to the Dappermarkt and take yourself on a food tour to feast on some culinary delights. Try some local Dutch street snacks from the food trucks. Local favourites are kibbeling (battered cod bites served with herby mayo), thick Dutch fries, croquettes, Dutch waffles, and oliebollen (a sweet fried dumpling containing fruit).
As well as selling hot and cold street snacks. The Market sells clothes, flowers, vegetables, diary produce and spices so make sure to walk around. Oosterpark is close by if you prefer, you can sit and have a picnic rather than walking and eating.
Feeling full? Relax and enjoy a glass of wine or a beer at one of the many wine and beer bars before heading back to the central area.
Visit the Museum of Prostitution
The museum of prostitution is the world’s first and only prostitution museum. The museum itself is small, but it’s very informative on the history and culture and the sex worker secrets of prostitution in the country.
Visit the Sex Museum
The sex museum is filled with a collection of objects about human sexuality, along with photographs and body parts.
Swing Your Way Into The View at the A'DAM Lookout
Swing into the view at the A’DAM lookout. The LOOKOUT Is an observation deck with panoramic views of Amsterdam. If you are an adrenaline junkie like me, you can swing your way into the view with Europe’s highest swing. This was an experience I will definitely will not forget on my Amsterdam trip and something you should add to your bucket list.
For those of you who are not feeling brave, you can still enjoy the panoramic views on the 360 Sky deck and then enjoy dinner or drinks served with a view. Note breakfast and lunch is available too if you prefer.
Opening Hours Operate 10.00-22.00 Every day. The last admission is at 21.00
Ticket Prices
LOOKOUT & SWING Adult 20.50 Euro online ticket or 22.50 Euro at entrance
Purchase Tickets HERE
Have a Beverage on The Rocks at the Ice-bar
Cool down from all the adrenaline and, have a night cap at the ICEBAR, where everything from the walls to the glasses is made out of ice.
DAY 3
Amsterdam Itinerary
Visit The Anne Frank House In The Jewish Quarter
If you fancy a break from the adrenaline-pumped fun, take a break for a more educational experience at the Anne Frank House. It is a writer’s house and biographical museum. Go back in history and see where Anne Frank wrote her diary.
Visit The Van Gogh Museum
If you are a lover of art, you could also visit the famous Van Gogh Museum close by. The Amsterdam Museum houses the largest collection of his work in the world so if you are into art and a fan of his work, be sure to make a stop here.
Souvenir Shopping
Spend some time looking around the shops and buying some souvenirs to bring home. You can find all sorts to take home, ranging from your typical magnets, mugs, and ashtrays to sweet and savoury treats like stoopwafels, gin mayonnaise, and cheese. Cheese is actually very popular in the Netherlands. Look out for establishments offering free cheese tastings. While on one of my walks, I found this shop selling wine and cheeses. They had a huge spread where customers could try the cheeses, chutneys, and breadsticks for free. I did end up purchasing some cheese and chutneys, as they tasted so good, but you’re not obligated to.
Get Tipsy at The Heineken Experience
The Heineken experience was one of the highlights of my trip to Amsterdam. It’s an interactive and educational experience from start to finish. You will learn all there is to know about the Heineken heritage, the brewing process, and more. At the end of the tour, you also get two beers in the “Dam Bar” included in your ticket price.
3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary Recap
DAY 1
- Explore the city
- Jordaan District
- Visit a coffee shop
- Enjoy a boat ride of your choice
- Beer and Deep-Fried Hapjes
- Enjoy some evening entertainment
- Tour around The Red Light District at night
DAY 2
- Rent a bike and cycle to the Oost neighbourhood
- Street food Tour at Dappermarkt
- Museum of Prostitution
- Sex Museum
- The LOOKOUT observation deck and A’DAM Swing
- ICEBAR
- The Anne Frank House
- The Van Gogh Museum
- Souvenir Shopping
- The Heineken Experience
Conclusion
Amsterdam is a vibrant, quirky city with lots on offer. It has many museums, beautiful architecture, a rich food culture, adult entertainment, and vivacious nightlife. There is something for everyone in this city. So what are you waiting for!
Leave a comment if there is anything you think I have missed as a must-see or do if you are only in the city for 3 days or leave a comment if this has made you want to visit.
Language: Dutch
Currency: Euro
Country Entry Requirements: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/netherlands/entry-requirements
How To Get There
Train
Flight
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