Amsterdam Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in 3 Days
Every March, my girlfriends and I take a much-needed trip between our kids’ busy winter and spring sports seasons. (Check out last year’s Epic 4-Day Road Trip in Iceland.) While I enjoy family travel, going without them helps me reconnect with myself and bond with my friends. These trips give us a break from the seemingly endless carpools and care tasks, allowing us to relax, laugh, share experiences, make memories, and strengthen invaluable friendships. For me, these journeys have become not just a luxury, but a necessity!
Even so, Amsterdam is still a wonderful place to bring your family! Aside from our coffeeshop experiences, I would highly recommend everything listed for your family trip. Here’s what to know before visiting Amsterdam, along with a sample three-day itinerary.
Things to Know Before Visiting Amsterdam
Book tours in advance. Popular tours and renowned museums often sell out quickly, particularly iconic locations such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House, so be sure to book your tickets ahead of time. We made the mistake of waiting until we arrived to reserve our tickets for the Van Gogh Museum, and by that point, it had already sold out for every day we were there. Additionally, tickets for the Anne Frank House go on sale a full six weeks in advance, so it’s wise to mark your calendar and plan accordingly to avoid disappointment.
Don’t rent a car. Between all the cyclists and the narrow, winding streets, driving around Amsterdam does not look easy! That’s because the city is designed for walking, biking, and public transport options and has actually been named one of the world’s most walkable cities. So, if you’re feeling brave and adventurous, consider renting a bike to explore the area, or you can simply choose to walk and/or hop on the metro for a more relaxed experience.
Visit during spring. If tulips are part of your vision, spring is an ideal time to visit Amsterdam. Keukenhof Garden opens late March to early May, during which you can enjoy the most beautiful spring park in the world. (Plan your visit in advance to ensure you secure tickets.) We visited late March and the mild weather was perfect for biking the lush countryside and exploring canals and historic neighborhoods. It’s also less crowded than the summer months, so you can hop on a last-minute canal cruise or grab a canalside table for a drink.
Forget the stereotypes. Amsterdam is so much more than coffeeshops and the infamous Red Light District — it’s a beautifully diverse city rich in history, remarkable art, and dynamic culture. From world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum to its charming canals, stunning historic architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods, Amsterdam offers an array of experiences that go far beyond the XXX.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Location. Amsterdam’s Centrum District, or city centre, is the heart of Amsterdam and encompasses the most historic parts of the city and the majority of the city's landmarks. This centuries-old area buzzes with the most popular tourist attractions, including iconic museums, churches, market squares, and luxury boutiques. You can wander along the cobbled streets on foot or explore the city from the water on an unmissable canal cruise.
Accomodations. For a truly unique experience, stay on a houseboat. We stayed aboard Houseboat Jupiter on the Amstel River, which is conveniently located in the city centre and a seemingly 25-minute walk to all the attractions. The newly renovated houseboat floats directly against the famous “Skinny Bridge,” which is beautifully illuminated at night, and has two floors with two king bedrooms, a luxurious bathroom with a jacuzzi tub and rain shower, and a separate toilet. What’s more, staying on a charming houseboat was significantly more budget-friendly than booking a traditional hotel room. Our houseboat cost us a total of $350 each for a three-night stay.
What to Do in Amsterdam in Three Days
This three-day itinerary provides a mix of art, history, local culture, and adventure for a memorable Amsterdam experience. (Click here for a printable version.)
Day 1: History and Canals
Begin your journey by exploring the historic Jordaan district, known for its charming streets and boutiques. Visit the nearby Anne Frank House to gain insight into the city's history (reserve your tickets 6 weeks in advance). Afterwards, hop on a scenic canal cruise with Flagship Amsterdam, located directly outside the Anne Frank House, to see Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal belt while gliding through the water. End the day at a charming brown café and savor a drink and Dutch snacks, such as Ossenworst (a raw beef sausage) amid a cozy, vintage ambiance.
Day 2: Countryside and Neighborhoods
For an authentic Dutch adventure, begin the day exploring the Dutch countryside with Mike’s Bikes Tours Amsterdam and experience the Netherland’s famous cycling infrastructure. The roughly 4.5 hour, 25-mile tour explored scenic rural landscapes, dairy and cheese farms, historic towns, a classic windmill, and serene waterways. If you’re not a biker, fear not, they offers e-bikes that can do all the work for you. We took the ferry to Amsterdam-Noord (North Amsterdam), then cycled along a safe, flat, and car-free route. While cycling, we caught a glimpse into traditional Dutch life while exploring the small towns of Broek in Waterland (known as Amsterdam’s wet garden) and Monnickendam. Stop for Dutch snacks at the cozy De Waegh Monnickendam, then visit Irene Hoeve, a local cheese and clog farm.
After biking, wander over to the De Pijp district, famous for its diverse culinary scene and the vibrant Albert Cuypmarkt where you can try an authentic Dutch delicacy at Rudi’s Original Stroopwafles.
Day 3: Culture and Tulips
Dedicate your final day to exploring the rich cultural offerings of Amsterdam. Depending on the season, visit the Keukenhof Gardens in Holland to admire tulips. Shuttles depart every 30 minutes from the city centre. Once you’re back in the city, stop at Brouwerij ‘t IJ for a unique craft brew and traditional Dutch snacks, like bitterballen (Dutch meatballs). Next, spend the afternoon at the Van Gogh Museum (book tickets in advance!) or iconic Rijksmuseum, where masterpieces by Rembrandt and Van Gogh await. After indulging in art, stroll through the De Wallen neighborhood, consider visiting a coffeeshop, and stop at the Tobacco Theater for some live entertainment. As the day winds down, head to the swiss Café Bern for steak and cheese fondue, followed by an evening stroll along the canals to take in the city's illuminated beauty.
This is just a sampling of what Amsterdam has to offer! Amsterdam, for me, is so much more than its XXX stereotypes, and it exceeds the allure presented in most travel guides. With its picturesque canals weaving through the city, reminiscent of Venice, it creates an enchanting atmosphere that feels almost magical. The vibrant art and culinary scenes, along with its rich history, showcase a depth of diverse culture. Each neighborhood offers a unique charm, from the trendy shops of the Jordaan to the historic streets of the Jewish Quarter. I highly suggest you add it to your travel bucket list.
