Netherlands
Amsterdam: itinerary & travel tips
Amsterdam is compact: the old town with its ring of canals is easy to explore on foot, and the main museums are only a few minutes apart. That makes the city a great fit for a short trip of two to four days, without losing much time getting around.
The city combines world-class art from Rembrandt to van Gogh with a relaxed café and market culture. From Germany, Austria and Switzerland you can get there quickly by plane or train, and bicycles are part of the street scene everywhere.
Ready-made itineraries
3 days · 24 stops
Amsterdam in 3 days
Three relaxed days in Amsterdam with a fixed base in the Canal Belt: arrival with a stroll through the Jordaan, a day for history and museums, and to finish, architecture, markets and Oost.
- Day 1Arrival and Jordaan stroll
- Day 2Golden Age and history
- Day 3Architecture, markets and departure
Weekend like a local · 14 stops
Amsterdam: weekend like a local
Two relaxed days in Amsterdam: Saturday arrival and a leisurely introduction to Oud-West and De Pijp, Sunday art and coffee in the east and in neighbourhoods near Noord before the journey home.
- Day 1Arrival, markets and coffee
- Day 2Art, coffee and farewell
What to see
Rijksmuseum
The national museum shows Dutch masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer, including The Night Watch.
Van Gogh Museum
It holds the largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh in the world.
Anne Frank House
The secret annex on the Prinsengracht, where Anne Frank hid, is a moving place of history; you should book tickets online well in advance.
Canal Ring (Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht)
The 17th-century canals are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are most beautiful on a walk or a canal cruise.
Jordaan
The neighbourhood with small lanes, galleries, cafés and the Noordermarkt is great for strolling.
Vondelpark
The largest city park is ideal for a break between museums or a bike ride.
Where to stay
Jordaan
For anyone who wants to stay somewhere quiet and charming, with lots of cafés and restaurants within walking distance of the sights.
Museumkwartier
For art fans who want the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Vondelpark right on their doorstep.
De Pijp
For young travellers and foodies, with the Albert Cuyp Market, plenty of bars and international cuisine.
Amsterdam-Centrum (Oude Zijde)
For last-minute travellers who want short distances to the central station, with the downside of more bustle and noise.
Best time to visit
The most pleasant times are April to June and September, when it is mild and the city looks green. In late March to April the tulip bloom in the surrounding area is a bonus, but Easter and King's Day (27 April) are very crowded and expensive. July and August are very touristy and hotel prices rise. From November to February it is cool, wet and gets dark early, but you can usually find cheaper rooms.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr ✓
- May ✓
- Jun ✓
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep ✓
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Getting there
Schiphol Airport is about 15 km south-west of the city, with direct flights from many German, Austrian and Swiss cities. From the airport the train takes about 15 to 20 minutes to Amsterdam Centraal station and usually costs under 6 euros. Alternatively, you can take a long-distance train, for example from Cologne in around 3 to 3.5 hours, or from Frankfurt in about 4 hours. Prices vary a lot; saver fares booked early are much cheaper.
Getting around
The best way to explore the old town is on foot; for longer distances there are trams, buses and the metro. You pay contactless with a bank card or phone, or alternatively there are day tickets for public transport (GVB). When walking, watch out for cyclists and keep the cycle paths clear.
Daily budget
budget
€55
mid-range
€110
per person, without accommodation. Accommodation and museum admission are comparatively expensive; supermarkets, snacks such as chips and stroopwafels, and walking are cheap.
Local tips
- Book tickets for the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum online early with a time slot, otherwise they are often sold out.
- Plan visits to popular places early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when fewer groups are around.
- Only rent a bike if you are a confident cyclist, and always lock it with two locks; otherwise public transport is more relaxing.
- The Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp is an inexpensive spot for lunch, for example with fresh stroopwafels or herring.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Amsterdam?
Two to three days are enough for the highlights, museums and canals. With four days you have time for trips to places like Haarlem or Zaandam and a more relaxed pace.
Which neighbourhood is best to stay in?
For most visitors, Jordaan and the Museumkwartier are the best choice because they are central and pleasant. De Pijp suits you if you like heading out to bars and restaurants in the evening.
Is Amsterdam expensive?
Yes, hotels in particular are pricey compared with many other European cities. With supermarkets, markets and lots of walking, though, you can keep your budget in check.
How do I get from Schiphol Airport to the city centre?
The train is fastest, taking about 15 to 20 minutes to the central station. You can get tickets from a machine or use a bank card at the turnstile.
Is Amsterdam safe, and do you tip?
Amsterdam is considered safe, but pickpockets are active in crowds and at the station. Tipping is not mandatory, but in restaurants about 5 to 10 per cent or rounding up is common.
Plan your own trip to Amsterdam
Your dates, your pace, your wishes – Qurayo plans every day with real places and routes.