Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam

Canals, gabled houses and some of Europe's best museums.

  • All year
  • 2 nights
Explore on the map
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Things to do

3 days in Amsterdam

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit the Rijksmuseum for Rembrandt's Night Watch, or the Van Gogh Museum; book ahead.
  2. AfternoonWalk the canal belt and the Jordaan, with its small bridges and hidden courtyards like the Begijnhof.
  3. EveningHave dinner in De Pijp, or take an evening canal boat when the bridges are lit.

Day 2

Visit the Anne Frank House, booked weeks ahead, or take the free ferry to Amsterdam-Noord.

Day 3

Cycle through the Vondelpark, explore the Plantage and the Hortus Botanicus, and end with dinner along the Amstel or in Amsterdam-Oost.

What to eat

Raw herring with onions, bitterballen and a warm stroopwafel.

Local tips

Make the most of Amsterdam

Beat the crowds

The big museums are busiest midday; book ahead. The canal belt is calmer in the morning.

Best photo spot

The Reguliersgracht with seven bridges in a row, and the view from the top floor of the public library near the station.

Getting there

Trains from Schiphol take about 15 minutes. Trams and walking are best in the centre.

Don't miss nearby

Haarlem and Zaanse Schans are both under 30 minutes away.

Good to know

Don't walk on the bike lanes: cyclists are fast. Anne Frank House tickets are released online weeks ahead and sell out quickly.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Amsterdam

Our most hidden places around Amsterdam: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Amsterdam to take with you.

19 km away
46 km away
69 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Amsterdam

Getting there

  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)12 km away
  • Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM)55 km away
  • Haarlem18 km away
  • Utrecht35 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay2 nights
CountryNetherlands

Questions

Amsterdam: good to know

Is Amsterdam worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and food. Canals, gabled houses and some of Europe's best museums.

How many days do you need in Amsterdam?

Plan 2 nights. Our free 3-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

You can visit all year. The big museums are busiest midday; book ahead. The canal belt is calmer in the morning.

How do you get to Amsterdam?

The nearest airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), about 12 km away. Trains from Schiphol take about 15 minutes. Trams and walking are best in the centre.

What is there to see near Amsterdam?

Nearby hidden places include Zaanse Schans (13 km), Haarlem (18 km) and Edam & Volendam (19 km).

Day trips from Amsterdam: 18 hidden places nearby
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