3 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary ( What to Do )

If you are planning your trip to Amsterdam and thinking about spending two to 3 days in Amsterdam then I will guide you with all the things which you can do in the city.

I will try to break down the budget for per day based on how I spent when I was in the city. So you can plan accordingly.

So Stay tunes and learn in detail about 3 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary.

Let us dive in.

What can you expect from this 3 days Amsterdam Travel Guide?

Well, we will try to give you the list of the details about all the places which you can cover during your stay in Amsterdam. Along with the preloaded Google maps for all these top attractions in Amsterdam which you can save in your phone and it will come handy during your visit.

But before that, Do you know the fact about How Amsterdam got its name?

Amstelredamme, indicative of the city’s origin which was a dam on the river Amstel. In the late 12th century, this city got set up as a small fishing village. Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age, as a result of its developments in trade.

Fun Facts about the City.

The important thing to know about Amsterdam Travel is that the Coffee houses. In Amsterdam drugs are legal so there is a fair chance that you may be served Marijuana. Cakes and Coffee’s have drugs in it so be sure about what you are eating.

That also makes this city fascinating to people who have an instil wish to try drugs. That makes Amsterdam as a go-to destination for them.

Knock Knock! Don’t forget to walk on the pathways because if you are walking on the Cycle Lane, You may get hurt. Yes, it is interesting to see a separate lane for bicycle all across the city of Amsterdam. As per statistics, Amsterdam together owned 847.000 bicycles. Thus, watch when you walk.

That is enough about History and facts of Amsterdam. Let us dig into the best things which you can do in Amsterdam on Vacation.

Have you booked your accommodation in Amsterdam? If you have questions like Where to Stay in Amsterdam, Which is the best area to Stay in Amsterdam then we have covered everything in our other post, Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam on Budget.

Explore the Amsterdam Canals on Foot

Moving forward, it goes unsaid that this is one of the top priority in Amsterdam Travel. You got to have a picture next to the canal. Amsterdam is the city of canals so you basically find canal every 20 steps but there are three canals which you shouldn’t miss to see: Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht. In Dutch Golden Era, all the canals have been dug and were surrounded by cute Dutch houses.

Don’t forget to take a Canal Cruise

We missed this activity because of the continuous rainfall during our visit to Amsterdam. However, this is one of the top things to do in Amsterdam Travel. No matter how much your stroll along the alleys of the city looking at the city from the canals gives you a completely different perspective.

There are countless options to take the Canal Cruise in Amsterdam and it becomes overwhelming for you if you planning for that then and there. So, it is always recommended to get these bookings done beforehand in order to avoid the last-minute rush or keeping the plan crystal clear.

Recommendations –

Hotel Victoria

When arriving from the train station to Amsterdam, the first structure we see is the Victoria Hotel. The hotel was opened by German architect J.F Henkenhaf in 1890. Although, it is one of the oldest and most iconic hotels in the Netherlands, it was the first hotel in the country to have electric lighting.

Dam Square and National Monument

Dam square is located at the heart of the city in the historical part of Amsterdam. In contrast to its turbulent history, the square is a peaceful place and is home of hundreds of tourist resting their tired feet.

On the square, you will find 22 metres high National Monument, which was built as a memorial to World War II. Queen Juliana of the Netherlands unveiled this statue in 1956. This is another memorable thing to do in your Amsterdam Travel.

Nieuwe Kerk – New Church

Later, the New Church was built in the 14th century after the “Old Church” became too small for the town’s population. However, the church got damaged by the city fires of 1421 and 1452 and burned down almost entirely in 1645, after which it was rebuilt again in Gothic Style. But, in 1578 the building became a Dutch Reformed church and now the Nieuwe Kerk is a burial site for Dutch naval heroes.

Koninklijk Paleis – Royal Palace

Koninklijk Paleis was built as a city hall during the Dutch Golden Age in the seventeenth century. The building became the Royal Palace of King Louis Napoleon and later of the Dutch Royal House.

It is next to the Nieuwe Kerk and west side of Dam square. The admission fee inside the palace is roughly around 10 Euro. It’s one of the memorable things to do in your Amsterdam Travel.

Madame Tussaud’s Museum

I don’t this needs an explanation because you must be already aware off. In 1971, the world-famous was figure museum, Madame Tussaud’s opened an establishment in Amsterdam, the first branch outside of the United Kingdom. Over here you can come face to face with your favourite celebrities like Ariana Grande, Adele or world leaders like Angela Merkel and Dalai Lama! Admission fee to Madame Tussaud’s Museum is roughly around 22 Euro.

It always wise to book the ticket beforehand in order to avoid the last-minute rush and unavailability of tickets.

Recommendations – We have tried to compare the prices for these tickets offered by the top ticketing website so as to offer you the cheapest ticket available for Madame Tussauds Amsterdam.

Magna Plaza

Most important is the elegant 19th-century building is the former Main Post office of Amsterdam, and now one of the few shopping malls in Amsterdam. Mostly, this is the place to shop for designer clothing and fashion accessories. You can sometimes listen to live music during the weekends or holidays.

Well personal experience for us the options present here were too costly to afford so it was just eye candy all in all.

Anne Frank House

” Diary of a Young Girl – Anne Frank ” If you like reading, this is the book you should read before visiting Amsterdam – Anne Frank House.

Who is Anne Frank?

Obviously, your Amsterdam trip is incomplete if you have not visited Anne Frank House. Particularly, Anne Frank (Jew) hid from Nazi persecution with her family and four other people in hidden rooms at the rear of the 17th-century canal house. She wrote a diary while she was hiding and later her diary was founded and published as ‘ Diary of Young Girl’. Therefore, the house became famous after the diary of Anne Frank was discovered there. Earlier, in March 1945, the Frank sisters died of typhus at Bergen-Belsen and their bodies were thrown into a mass grave.

If you are planning to visit the museum and the house then be sure that you have booked the ticket for this well in advance because the tickets get sold out for the day and they are limited. It happened with us during our visit.

Recommendations – We have tried to compare the prices for these tickets offered by the top ticketing website so as to offer you the cheapest ticket available for Anne Frank House.

Westerkerk – Western Church

Western Church is the biggest and most important Protestant church in Amsterdam build between 1619-1631. From April to October, you may also climb the Westerkerk Tower and enjoy a truly unique view of Amsterdam from its balcony. To conclude, visiting of the Westerkerk is free and the admission fee to climb the Westerkerk Tower is around 7 Euro.

Bloemenmarkt – Flower Market

Moreover, this is the only floating flower market in the world, and one of the most fragrant places of interest in Amsterdam. Indeed, the flower stalls stand on the houseboats. The Flower Market is like a bazaar, so if one places charges you too much- just find another seller. In conclusion, the flower market is the cheapest place to buy souvenirs, seeds and flowers. So, you now know where you need to hop for your souvenirs shopping in Amsterdam in budget.

Leidseplein & Vondelpark

Indeed, Leidseplein is a busy square at the southern end of Amsterdam’s central canal ring, almost facing the popular Vondelpark. Because, it serves as a centre for restaurants, cafes, nightlife and shopping.

Also, Vondelpark is the largest city park in Amsterdam and the most famous in the Netherlands. Thus, it was opened in 1865 and named after the 17th-century playwright and poet Joost van den Vondel.

Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum

Rijksmuseum was opened in 1885. It possesses the largest and most important collection of classical Dutch art of nearly one million objects. Meanwhile, the admission fee is around 19 Euro for this museum. In addition, Van Gogh Museum opened its door to the visitor in 1973. Indeed, it is home of Van Gogh’s works, and the collection of the paintings is arranged by his brother Theo. Hence, the admission fee is around 20 Euro.

Recommendations – We have tried to compare the prices for these tickets offered by the top ticketing website so as to offer you the cheapest ticket available for Rijksmuseum.

Recommendations – We have tried to compare the prices for these tickets offered by the top ticketing website so as to offer you the cheapest ticket available for Van Gogh Museum.

Stedelijk Museum and Concertgebouw

Stedelijk Museum is the largest Modern Art Museum of Netherland next to the Van Gogh Museum. The collection consists of artwork from Piet Mondrian, Karel Appel, Kazimir Malevich admission is around €18 concert hall and is considered as one of the finest in the world due to its highly regarded acoustics it was opened in 1888.

Recommendations – We have tried to compare the prices for these tickets offered by the top ticketing website so as to offer you the cheapest ticket available for Stedelijk Museum.

Heineken Experience

Also, another amusing experience is the Heineken brewery was established in Amsterdam in 1864 and today it is one of the three largest producers and is a multinational company. Earlier, in 1988 Heineken closed Old Brewery and started tours for the fans of beer. For example, on the tour you will get to know about Heineken from 1988, brooding vs, and you will have a self-guided tour and two beers for around €20.

Recommendations – We have tried to compare the prices for these tickets offered by the top ticketing website so as to offer you the cheapest ticket available for Heinekin Experience in Amsterdam.

Albert Cuyp Market

Indeed, there is no place like the Albert Cuypstraat to find the typical Amsterdam sense of humour and laid back atmosphere, stalls sell everything you could imagine. Because the prices are among the cheapest in Amsterdam. The market gets very crowded especially on Saturdays and sunny days.

Dutch National Opera & Ballet

Altogether, it was officially opened in 1986 and has a modern architectural style. Thus, it is the largest cultural institution in the Netherlands. There you can find not only Opera and Ballet shows but even workshops and craftsmanship.

Red Light District

Well, you heard it right, prostitution is legal in Amsterdam. To sum up, Sex-workers here have their own union, plenty of police protection, and information centre for the tourist as well. Further, they have frequent monitoring and it is forbidden to take pictures of the women, and this is strictly enforced. Although there is 24-hour video recording be aware of pickpockets in this area. It is a normal residential area in the morning and when it gets dark it becomes the red light district.

To conclude, it is always recommended to avoid talking to a strangers here.

Oude Kerk- Old Church

Oude Kerk is the oldest structure of the city, but also the newest art institution in the city. In short, it was founded around 1213 and consecrated in 1306. Although, it survived a lot of floods and fires, it is still a wonderful place to visit in Amsterdam. In addition, the Old Church is right next to the red light district and its admission fee is around 7.50 Euro. Thus, you can visit daily at 10 am – 6 PM and Sundays 1 PM – 5:30 PM.

Drugs and Coffee shops

Earlier, as I informed in the opening paragraph you can find dozens of coffee shops in Amsterdam. So, consuming drugs and Marijuana is dangerous and the responsibility is yours. Here is a tip when you are getting high on drugs and you feel bad drink cola quickly! It is not going to help you recover at once, but it will help you to recover sooner.

However, avoid mixing drugs and consuming Marijuana cakes/brownies on the same day. Because, if you get drunk, make sure to keep an eye on your belongings.

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If you have more questions about Amsterdam then don’t hesitate to ask us in Comments below.