All Articles 5 perfect days in Amsterdam

5 perfect days in Amsterdam

By Maria Kirsten Adelmann9 May 2023 11 minutes read
Bicycles on a bridge in Amsterdam
Bikes along the canal.
Image: Unsplash/Gaurav Jain

The Netherlands isn’t all tulips, windmills, and weed shops. With five days in Amsterdam you’ll go beyond the basics and see some of this capital city’s hidden delights. Yes, of course you’ll wander those iconic canals, stroll through street markets, and marvel at van Goghs, but you’ll also see street art in an abandoned shipyard and a tiny Catholic Church in the eaves of a 17th-century canal house.

To keep your energy up, we’ve built in downtime that does double duty as sightseeing (think: a beer break beside a classic wooden windmill). We’ve also organized days based on location, so you don’t have to trek back and forth across the city. Plus, we’ve consulted Tripadvisor reviews throughout, only featuring the stops that other travelers love.

Save all the things you love

Tap the heart on any place mentioned below to save all your travel ideas in one place and build a custom itinerary. Learn more.

Top attractions in Amsterdam


DAY ONE

City square with lots of people and horse-drawn carriages, and surrounded by historic buildings
Dam Square
Image: Tripadvisor

MORNING: Wander medieval streets

Start your day off in the Centrum at De Koffieschenkerij, a sweet courtyard cafe on the grounds of Oude Kerk (Old Church), Amsterdam’s oldest building. Tripadvisor users rave about this cozy garden spot and its apple cake. This church is also the anchor point for the city’s Red Light District. If you’re curious, a good time to explore the neighborhood is post-coffee. You’ll see erotic gift shops, bars, “coffee shops” that sell cannabis, and sex workers in storefront windows (no photos allowed).

While you’re in the area, consider stopping by the Museum Our Lord in the Attic, a 17th-century townhouse with a Catholic church tucked up on the top floor. This bizarre-yet-beloved hidden gem won’t take more than an hour to explore.

Travelers say: “This museum is inherently interesting and a relic of hidden Catholic Amsterdam, but it has been so carefully and thoughtfully curated that it becomes as much about the history of the space over time, the history of domestic life in Amsterdam, and the history of tolerance too. The tour is self-guided with an easy-to-use audio guide. We loved it.” —@MieageMB

AFTERNOON: A busy Dam Square and a very quiet courtyard

Continue south to Dam Square, grabbing lunch at Haring & Zo, a street-food kiosk selling a local staple: herring sandwich. (Don’t worry—even herring first-timers enjoy the cold snack.) If you have an hour to spare, the self-guided tour inside the massive Royal Palace lets you marvel at its opulent rooms stuffed with chandeliers and statues. The palace is still in use by the royal family, so it won’t hurt to check ahead to see if it’s open.

Make your way south on the pedestrian-only Kalverstraat. If the popular shopping street causes sensory overload, you’re in luck: Begijnhof, a quaint and peaceful medieval courtyard—one of the oldest in the city—offers a break from the retail bustle.

Cross over to Canal Ring and hit the Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt), which has been selling tulips and other blooms since the mid-1800s. Plus, it’s a hot spot for inexpensive souvenirs. (wooden tulip, anyone?).

City tours in Amsterdam

EVENING: Rijsttafeland live music

Now that you’ve pre-gamed with dessert, have dinner at Sampurna, a long-running Indonesian restaurant in the historic center. This is your chance to try a city staple—“​​rijsttafel,” a Dutch take on an Indonesian specialty. The slew of small seafood, meat, and veggie dishes is meant for sharing and balanced by a big plate of rice.

If you still have gas in the tank, it’s just a 10-minute walk or quick tram ride to lively Leidseplein. There are lots of after-hours options here, like The Waterhole Live Music Bar, which has all the good vibes necessary for a night out. Plus, Dutch drinks are flowing, including local beer brands like Bavaria and “jenever,” gin with a hint of juniper.

DAY TWO

Museum reflected in pool of water flanked by trees
Rijksmuseum
Image: Tripadvisor

MORNING: A world-renowned Golden Age gallery

Kick off your day at the palatial Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands. Aim to get there right at 9 a.m. when it opens to head off the crowds. (You may want to pre-book a timed ticket online, especially in the summer.) The Gallery of Honour gets downright mobbed, so go here first to admire the famed 17th-century Golden Age paintings from the likes of Vermeer and Rembrandt; don’t miss Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch,” which has its own gallery. Once you’ve taken care of the highlights, keep exploring—even after three hours, there’s no end in sight.

Travelers say: “Outside, the sheer majesty of the building is impressive. Inside, be prepared to be blown away by gallery after gallery, floor after floor of art, culture, and history. Jaw dropping.” —@String W

Make the most of your trip

AFTERNOON: Van Gogh’s masterpieces

Grab lunch at one of the food trucks on Museumplein or, if you want to rest your feet a little longer, The Burger Room, an emerald-accented, Wizard of Oz-themed restaurant around the corner. (This eatery even has its own mini-museum downstairs complete with ruby-slipper replicas.)

Refueled and ready for more, cross the street to the Van Gogh Museum, which holds the largest collection of the famed artist’s work. The museum is well laid out, walking you chronologically through van Gogh’s life and art. (Spring the few extra euros for an audio guide.) Special exhibits downstairs are also worth a look. Tickets sell out for this one, so be sure to book your timed entry in advance.

EVENING: A walk in the park and an acoustic experience

Once you’ve been thoroughly impressed by Post-Impressionism, take the five-minute jaunt to Vondelpark, the city’s largest park. Walk (or bike) the tree-lined lanes, passing waterways, outdoor cafes, playgrounds, sunbathers, and an open-air theater.

Cut out of the park for dinner at De Wijnkaart, which serves classy yet hearty meals paired with Eastern European wines. Bonus: it’s just a five-minute to walk your next stop, The Royal Concertgebouw, said to have some of the best acoustics in the world. (Maybe that’s why Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, and Igor Stravinsky have graced its grand Main Hall.) Orchestral performances, cello concertos and other events are going on here pretty much every night of the week, generally at 8:15 p.m. Book tickets ahead.

DAY THREE

A man standing infront of wall text about Anne Frank and listening to an audio guide
The Anne Frank House
Image: Tripadvisor

MORNING: A quintessential canal stroll

Spend your morning exploring yet another 17th-century Dutch masterpiece: the UNESCO-listed Canal Ring. Stroll through the iconic Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) where boutique shops line narrow streets that open onto those endlessly photo-worthy Amsterdam canals. Then mosey into the more residential (but just as charming) Jordaan neighborhood. Don’t bother looking at your map—just wander from one impossibly cute block to the next.

Explore the canals

AFTERNOON: The story of Anne Frank

For lunch, stop at the unassuming De Struisvogel, which sits in a canal house cellar and offers a well-priced fixed menu of Dutch dishes. After working your way through three delicious courses, head to the Anne Frank House to tour the Secret Annex where Anne Frank and her family hid for two years during World War II. Brace yourself—this is an emotional experience but well worth it according to some 60,000-plus Tripadvisor reviewers. This is one of the city's most visited sights, so you'll want to book timed tickets way in advance, as slots can fill up a month ahead. If you missed the chance to get tickets, the Anne Frank walking tour is a good backup plan, or just take a look at the house from the outside and continue exploring the endlessly wander-worthy Canal Ring.

Travelers say: “As a teacher I have taught about Anne Frank for many years, but nothing can prepare you for this experience. It is moving and such an important part of our history that we must keep alive. Everyone could feel the power of the history we were exploring. The mood was somber but also powerful as her message is still going strong.” —@LilLondon

EVENING: Essential Dutch dining (and drinking)

Unwind after an intense visit to the Anne Frank House at Café Smalle, a classic, cozy, canal-side "brown cafe," a nickname that comes from the wall-to-wall wood paneling. For dinner, Winkel 43 is just a few minutes’ walk and serves up local favorites in an adorable gabled house. Try “bitterballen” (breaded meatballs) as an appetizer and don’t miss the homemade apple pie with whipped cream for dessert. Afterward, take the five-minute walk to Proeflokaal Arendsnest, a bar that’s equal parts charming and chill, with an astounding 50 Dutch craft beers on tap.

DAY FOUR

Street lined with vendors at open-air market
Albert Cuyp Market
Image: Tripadvisor

MORNING: Delicious treats at an outdoor market

Amsterdam’s known for its outdoor markets. tart the day exploring its largest, Albert Cuyp Market. Located in the diverse De Pijp neighborhood, the market is packed with food stalls and souvenir shops. For breakfast, try poffertjes (Dutch pancakes) and definitely treat yourself to a warm stroopwafel from Rudi’s. We’d argue that this caramel-filled waffle cookie is second only to tulips as a symbol of the city. Bonus: the cylindrical cookie tins make for a nice souvenir.

Beer lovers should cut short their market shop and spend the morning on a Heineken Experience at the original Heineken brewery nearby. Though some travelers are wary of its big-business bent, most enjoy the self-guided tour— especially the beer at the end.

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area

AFTERNOON: Surinamese cuisine and Rembrandt’s studio

Whether you’ve spent the morning consuming sugar or beer, you’re probably ready for some more solid sustenance. Luckily for you, De Pijp is known for its cheap and delicious Surinamese cuisine. Try the roti at Spang Makandra (if Anthony Bourdain recommended it, we’re in). The eatery is mostly takeout, so if you can’t find a seat inside, no worries—make a little picnic of it in nearby Sarphatipark.

After lunch, hop on the metro or tram to the Rembrandt House Museum, where you’ll explore the famous artist’s one-time home and studio on a 60- to 90-minute self-guided tour. After, make your way toward Rembrandtplein (10-minute walk), one of Amsterdam’s liveliest squares. On the way, check out the flea market of Waterlooplein, where you can find everything from vintage clothing to records to bikes.

Travelers Say: “Rembrandt's house, built in the 1500's, is mind-bogglingly luxurious for its time…Rembrandt really enjoyed the finest things in life. The self-guided audio tour is excellent and easy to operate. Be prepared to climb narrow spiral staircases to get to the top. There is also a fine display of etchings, some by Rembrandt but most inspired by him.” —@638janisc

EVENING: Michelin-star dining

Rembrandtplein’s bursting with dinner options, but if you’re game to splurge, we’d recommend Spectrum, a classy two-star Michelin restaurant with creative takes on Dutch and international dishes. Let’s just say the tasting menu is sublime. If you need a nightcap, the speakeasy-style Door74 has the kind of glam vibes that pair well with a Michelin meal.

DAY FIVE

Interior view of modern art museum from
STRAAT / International street art museum; Photo: Tripadvisor

MORNING: Shipyard street art

Start your morning with a free 15-minute river cruise on the F4 ferry that runs every 15 minutes from behind Centraal Station to NDSM Wharf. Once an abandoned shipyard, the wharf has become a hangout for artists but still has that gritty, industrial feel. The area is full of cool street art, some of which you’ll find in STRAAT (the International Street Art Museum), a giant warehouse containing massive works.

Travelers say: “[The wharf] is absolutely fabulous for any fan of street art or imagination. This place is the real deal and you can enjoy both works on the actual street and the over 150 works by 130 plus artists from around the globe at the STRAAT. The works are all stunning, thought provoking, and lovingly displayed. After visiting the museum, you can explore the rest of area, which includes street art everywhere, and a massive collection of artist workshops in a neighboring warehouse.” —@metrochica

AFTERNOON: Warehouse lunch and Maritime Museum

Hungry? Walk across the street to the Art City building, a former warehouse filled with artist studios. Tucked in the corner is the industrial-chic IJver. In the summer, the huge outdoor terrace is packed with people sipping beer or enjoying a sandwich or burger.

After lunch, ferry back to Central Staation. Now that you’ve had a taste of that Dutch seafaring life, head to The National Maritime Museum (aka Het Scheepvaartmuseum), less than 10 minutes by bus from Centraal Station. The building itself is impressive, with a massive, skylit atrium. And the full-size ship replica floating in the harbor is pretty cool, too.

EVENING: Wooden windmill with a side of beer

Stay on theme with fresh seafood from the museum-side food truck, open Wednesday through Saturday. Try the kibbeling—chunks of fish fried in batter—as a side. If you need a longer break, sit down for pizza at the nearby Restaurant Verena.

You can’t leave the Netherlands without seeing a windmill, can you? The brewery Brouwerij 't IJ (say that five times fast) is a 13-minute walk or quick bus ride away, and right next to the tallest wooden windmill in the country. Personally, we think sipping craft beer and snacking on cheese and sausage while admiring a massive wooden windmill is basically the most Amsterdam way to say farewell to the city.

Take a day tour

Know Before You Go


With long days, sunny skies, and moderate temperatures, Amsterdam is excellent in the summer (June–August), though packed with people. You’ll find the city busy in April and May, too, as the rain lets up and the tulips bloom. If you can swing the off-season vacay time, September sees fewer tourists and cheaper hotel rates, yet the weather is still nice. Winter tends to be cold, wet, and gray, though in December, Christmas markets and ice-skating rinks all around the city brighten the mood.



Since Amsterdam is a major tourist destination, most of its attractions, shops, and restaurants are open seven days a week, though shops are occasionally closed on Sunday or may have shorter hours on Saturday, Sunday, and/or Monday.



Amsterdam has a healthy nightlife with clubs open until 3 or 4 a.m. and bars and (non-coffee) coffee shops open until 1 a.m., with later hours on weekends. Cafes tend to open around 8 or 9 a.m., while shops open between 10 a.m. and noon and close around 6 p.m., though chains in the city center are often open later.



Canal Ring: The Canal Ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means when you stay here, you aren’t just near major attractions, you’re inside one. The Ambassade Hotel, split across multiple 17th-century canal houses in the Nine Streets, is loved by travelers thanks to its bright, boutique-style rooms and an almost ridiculously good location. The Toren, ever so slightly farther from the action in the Jordaan neighborhood, gets high ratings for its quiet, canal-side location and romantic decor.

Museum Quarter: Slightly outside the historic city center but right next to the major museums and Vondelpark, the Museum Quarter offers ritzy hotels and a quieter stay. The Conservatorium Hotel is a high-end option that’s historic on the outside, sleek and modern on the inside. Multiple food and drink options and a massive spa mean you don’t ever need to leave, though you’ll probably want to roll out of bed to see those van Goghs across the street.

Amsterdam-Oost: Amsterdam-Oost and other areas in the outer districts offer a range of hotels for a cheaper price—sometimes half the rate! While you won’t be within walking distance of major attractions, a hotel next to public transit is the next best thing. If saving money is key, The Social Hub Amsterdam City offers basic rooms, modern common areas, and a friendly vibe. While it’s geared toward younger travelers, it’s also a serious step up from your standard hostel. Plus, it’s just a three-minute walk from the metro, which takes you to Centraal Station in less than five minutes.



Public transportation: Amsterdam has an excellent public transit run by GVB with trams, metros, and buses throughout the city. Trams are particularly easy to navigate and stop at pretty much every major attraction. Just remember to check in and out as you enter and exit. If you plan to use public transit a lot, multi-day tickets quickly save you money (though everything is so close, you may just end up walking). The most frustrating thing about Amsterdam’s public transit system is that most of it shuts down after midnight, and the night bus system isn’t a good substitute.

By bike: Flat and compact, Amsterdam is easy to navigate by bike, which is exactly how most locals get around. That said, the bike lanes are busy, which can be intimidating to those not used to city cycling. Less confident riders might consider a city biking tour or a breezy ride around Vondelpark. Bike rentals are available throughout the city, including from most hotels.

By taxi: Taxis are expensive and slow in the city center—luckily, you probably won’t need them. The one time you might spring for it is after midnight when a lot of public transit lines stop running. Taxis are available at taxi stands or can be called ahead. Uber runs in Amsterdam and tends to be cheaper than standard taxi rates.

Airport transfers: The cheapest, easiest, and fastest way to get to the city center from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is to take the Intercity Direct train, which departs every 15 minutes during the day from the airport, arriving at Amsterdam Centraal in less than 15 minutes. Note that Dutch Railways (NS) runs the Intercity Direct train and you’ll need a different kind of ticket (GVB) to travel within the city. Special one-, two-, or three-day Amsterdam Travel Tickets include both kinds of transit. Another airport transfer option is the Amsterdam Airport Express bus 397, which departs every 10 minutes throughout the day. It’s more convenient if you are staying in or around Museumplein or Leidseplein.


See more Amsterdam itineraries:

Maria Kirsten Adelmann
Maria Kirsten Adelmann has lived in the US and Europe and once traveled around the world on a ship, visiting ports in Asia, Africa, and beyond. She has written hundreds of reviews of hotels, cruise ships, and travel products.