Amsterdam is such an interesting city. It’s filled with history, arts, and culture, but also known for modern day phenomenons like the Red Light District and the various “coffeeshops”. Make time to simply wander the streets and admire all of the canals in between sight-seeing. Renting bikes is also a very popular option.
Amsterdam was the first stop on a European back-packing trip with my boyfriend. Three days was the perfect amount of time to spend in the city. I hope that this itinerary helps you for your future trips to Amsterdam!
DAY 1
Rembrandt House Museum
Historic house and art museum where painter Rembrandt lived and worked between 1639 and 1656.
More info on touring the museum: https://www.rembrandthuis.nl/?lang=en
Zuiderkerk
Amsterdam’s first Protestant church where three of Rembrandt’s children are buried. The church was also the subject of a painting by Monet. You can climb the church’s tower for views of the city.
Nieuwmarkt
A square in the centre of the city with a daily market and several cafes and “coffeeshops.” At the centre of the square is the Waag, an interesting building that served as the gate in the Medieval city walls.
De Oude Kerk
Amsterdam’s oldest building and oldest parish church. The roof is the largest medieval wooden vault in Europe and it remains in its original state since Rembrandt walked the halls.
Red Light District
A true Amsterdam landmark.
DAY 2
Anne Frank House
During World War II, the Jewish Frank family hid from Nazi persecution in concealed rooms hidden by a bookcase in the canal house where the father, Otto Frank, worked. Anne Frank, the youngest daughter, kept a diary from 1942 to 1944 about her experiences in the Secret Annex where they hid. Tragically, the family was discovered after about 2 years of hiding and they were sent to Auschwitz concentration camp, Otto Frank was the only member who survived. He published Anne’s diary in 1947, and it has now been published in more than 60 languages.
I recommend reading The Diary of a Young Girl before visiting and trust me, the wait time to visit the house is worth it. A very eye-opening and humbling experience.
More info on touring the Anne Frank House: https://www.annefrank.org/en/
Westerkerk
A beautiful church with tower views of the city and the Anne Frank House.
Nieuwe Kerk
A 15th century church that was built because the Oude Kerk grew too small for the expanding population in Amsterdam.
Royal Palace
The palace was built as a city hall during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. The building then became the royal palace of King Louis I of Holland (Napoleon Bonaparte’s younger brother). A tour of the inside of the palace is available.
More info on touring the Royal Palace: https://www.paleisamsterdam.nl/en/
Ons Lieve Heer Op Solder Museum
A preserved 17th century house with a secret Catholic church in the attic from the days when Catholicism was banned in the Netherlands. I really enjoyed this unique museum!
More info on touring the museum: https://www.opsolder.nl/en
The Bulldog
The first “coffeeshop” in Amsterdam. Lots of fun!
DAY 3
Rijksmuseum
One of the most visited museum in the Netherlands, dedicated to the arts and history of Amsterdam.
More info on touring the museum: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en
Van Gogh Museum
Another one of the most visited museums in the country, dedicated to works by Vincent Van Gogh.
More info on touring the museum: https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en
Vondelpark
A lovely park with an open-air theatre. Warning: it is legal to have sex in Vondelpark!
Heineken Experience
A historic brewery with a popular interactive tour.
I hope you enjoyed this 3-day itinerary for Amsterdam!
