Amsterdam is one of my favorite European city breaks, a place I was fortunate to explore on a recent long weekend. Its beautiful brick buildings, majestic canals, and relaxed, easy-going attitude make it a truly special destination.
While my personal trip was a wonderful experience, from the slightly hairy plane landing to discovering fantastic local restaurants, I realised that what travelers need is a practical plan.
So, I’ve transformed my travelogue into this comprehensive 3-day itinerary. It’s designed to help you get the most out of your weekend, blending the city’s must-see cultural highlights with the authentic charm I discovered along the way.
This is your blueprint for the perfect long weekend in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Weekend at a Glance
Amsterdam Essentials: Things to Know Before You Go
A little preparation goes a long way in Amsterdam. Here are the essential tips to ensure your trip is smooth and stress-free.
Best Time to Visit
Amsterdam is a wonderful year-round destination, but the absolute best time to visit is in the spring when the city is in full bloom.
Autumn is also a great choice, offering pleasant weather and slightly smaller crowds.
Getting from Schiphol Airport to the City
The quickest and most affordable way to get from Schiphol Airport to the city center is by train.
The journey to Amsterdam Centraal Station takes less than 20 minutes and costs around €5-6. Taxis and Ubers are available but are significantly more expensive.
Getting Around the City
Amsterdam is an incredibly compact and walkable city. You can reach most major sights on foot.
For longer distances, the GVB tram system is efficient and easy to use.
Consider purchasing an I amsterdam City Card, which includes unlimited public transport and access to over 70 museums and attractions.
CRUCIAL TIP: Book Top Attractions WEEKS In Advance!
This is the single most important piece of advice.
Tickets for the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum sell out weeks, sometimes months, in advance. Do not wait until you arrive in Amsterdam to book. You must book online directly through their official websites to avoid disappointment.
The Perfect 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary
This itinerary is designed to be manageable on foot, giving you a perfect mix of world-class art, historic canals, and local neighborhood charm.
Day 1: Canals, History, and the Jordaan
Morning: Start your trip by getting lost in the Jordaan, one of Amsterdam’s most charming neighborhoods.
Wander through De 9 Straatjes (The 9 Streets), a picturesque area filled with vintage shops, unique boutiques, and cozy cafes.
It’s the perfect introduction to the city’s iconic canal belt, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Afternoon: Visit the Anne Frank House. This deeply moving experience offers a poignant look into the life of Anne Frank and her family during World War II. Remember to book your timed-entry tickets online well in advance.
Evening: See the city from its best angle with a canal cruise.
Drifting along the waterways as the city lights begin to twinkle is a magical experience. Opt for a smaller, open-air boat tour for a more intimate and informative journey.
You’ll get a unique perspective on the city’s architecture and history, passing landmarks like the Westerkerk and even getting a glimpse of the Anne Frank House from the water.
Author’s Tip: A Memorable Meal For dinner, I highly recommend Van Kerwijk. It’s a bustling Dutch restaurant with incredibly accommodating staff and delicious, homemade food. I had the cauliflower soup and veal, and it was the perfect, reasonably priced meal to end our first day. It gets packed, so it’s a good sign of its quality!
Day 2: Museum Quarter Masterpieces
Morning: Dedicate your morning to the Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands.
It houses an incredible collection of Dutch art and history, including Rembrandt’s masterpiece, “The Night Watch”. The building itself is a stunning work of art. Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours here.
Afternoon: After immersing yourself in art, take a relaxing break at Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest and most famous city park.
It’s a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike to walk, bike, or simply relax on the grass. Afterwards, head to the nearby Van Gogh Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of his works.
Evening: Explore the vibrant De Pijp neighborhood, known for its bohemian atmosphere and diverse culinary scene.
It’s the perfect place to find a great restaurant for dinner. For a unique cultural experience, try an Indonesian Rijsttafel (rice table), a feast of many small, flavorful dishes.
Day 3: Beer, Markets, and Local Life
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Heineken Experience, located in the brewery’s original building. It’s an interactive and entertaining tour that covers the history of one of the world’s most famous beers.
Author’s Tip: More Than Just a Brewery I found the Heineken Experience to be a surprisingly fun and engaging tour, much more than just a brewery visit. The interactive exhibits are great, and the two free drinks included at the end are a nice bonus!
Afternoon: Experience local life at the bustling Albert Cuyp Market in the De Pijp neighborhood. It’s the largest daily market in Europe, where you can find everything from fresh stroopwafels and Dutch cheese to clothing and souvenirs.
Evening: For your final evening, consider climbing the A’DAM Lookout for a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. For thrill-seekers, it’s also home to “Over the Edge,” Europe’s highest swing. It’s a memorable way to say goodbye to this incredible city.
Have More Time? Other Attractions & Day Trips
If you have an extra day or want to swap an activity, these are fantastic options that showcase more of what the Netherlands has to offer.
National Maritime Museum: Dive into the Netherlands’ rich seafaring past at the National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum). Housed in a former naval arsenal from 1656, the museum showcases the country’s Golden Age of exploration with incredible ship models, maps, and a full-size replica of an 18th-century ship docked outside.
- For a deeper look, see our full guide to the treasures of the Maritime Museum.
Day Trip to Zaanse Schans: Just a short trip from the city, Zaanse Schans offers a living history lesson with its iconic windmills, traditional wooden houses, and artisan workshops. It’s the perfect escape to experience the classic Dutch countryside.
- Plan your visit with our detailed guide to Zaanse Schans.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Choosing the right neighborhood is key to a great trip. The Jordaan and the central Canal Belt are ideal for first-time visitors.
Luxury & Design Hotels:
- Pulitzer Amsterdam: A stunning hotel spread across 25 restored 17th and 18th-century canal houses. The ultimate canal-front luxury.
- The Hoxton: A stylish and popular boutique hotel located right on the Herengracht canal, known for its vibrant lobby and chic rooms.
Boutique & Mid-Range Hotels:
- Hotel Rokin: This was our base for the weekend. It’s a fantastic mid-range option with a homely feel, friendly staff, and an unbeatable central location near Dam Square. It can be a bit noisy, but the convenience is well worth it.
- Mr. Jordaan: A highly-rated boutique hotel known for its charming decor and excellent location in the heart of the Jordaan neighborhood.
Best-Value & Budget Stays:
- The Flying Pig Downtown: A legendary and social hostel that’s perfect for solo travelers or those on a tight budget looking to meet people.
Amsterdam Weekend FAQ
Further Reading: Learn more about how the Tulip came to the Netherlands.
We go to Amsterdam regularly. We stay in AirBnB’s in the Oude West district near to De Hallen. This is the old tram works that have been converted into niche shops with a big food hall. Go to The Butcher in their for a great burger!
As you get out of the touristy centre there’s hundreds of things to discover, lovely parks and there’s a local baker on every other corners selling fabulous sandwiches, cakes and coffee!
Apparently, a huge percentage of Amsterdam visitors never venture beyond the Rijksmuseum. They really don’t know what they’re missing!