All Articles 7 perfect days in Amsterdam

7 perfect days in Amsterdam

Maria Kirsten Adelmann
By Maria Kirsten Adelmann14 Jul 2023 16 minutes read
Bicycles and flower baskets on a bridge in Prinsengracht canal, Amsterdam
Bikes by an Amsterdam canal
Image: Getty

Amsterdam is said to have two sides. There’s the charming side: quaint cobblestone streets that lead to picture-perfect canals lined with adorable gabled houses. And there’s the rowdy side: the lively Red Light District where you’ll find strip clubs and “coffee shops” selling cannabis. But there’s so much more to the city—like its many colorful outdoor markets, the street art in the once-abandoned shipyards of Amsterdam-Noord, and the bright tulip fields just beyond the capital. And with seven days, you’ll have the time to explore it all.

We created this itinerary using Tripadvisor ratings and reviews to find the attractions, tours, and hidden gems that travelers really love. Then we scoured even more reviews to find standout restaurants and bars where travelers like to rest their feet and sightsee with their taste buds. Finally, we organized the itinerary to flow easily from one spot to the next, so you spend your time getting to know the city, not tramming your way back and forth across it.

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DAY ONE

City square with lots of people and horse-drawn carriages, and surrounded by historic buildings
Dam Square
Image: Tripadvisor

MORNING: Wander medieval streets

Start your day off in the Centrum at De Koffieschenkerij, a sweet courtyard cafe on the grounds of Oude Kerk (Old Church), Amsterdam’s oldest building. Tripadvisor users rave about this cozy garden spot and its apple cake. This church is also the anchor point for the city’s Red Light District. If you’re curious, a good time to explore the neighborhood is post-coffee. You’ll see erotic gift shops, bars, “coffee shops” that sell cannabis, and sex workers in storefront windows (no photos allowed).

While you’re in the area, consider stopping by the Museum Our Lord in the Attic, a 17th-century townhouse with a Catholic church tucked up on the top floor. This bizarre-yet-beloved hidden gem won’t take more than an hour to explore.

Travelers say: “This museum is inherently interesting and a relic of hidden Catholic Amsterdam, but it has been so carefully and thoughtfully curated that it becomes as much about the history of the space over time, the history of domestic life in Amsterdam, and the history of tolerance too. The tour is self-guided with an easy-to-use audio guide. We loved it.” —@MieageMB

AFTERNOON: A busy Dam Square and a very quiet courtyard

Continue south to Dam Square, grabbing lunch at Haring & Zo, a street-food kiosk selling a local staple: herring sandwich. (Don’t worry—even herring first-timers enjoy the cold snack.) If you have an hour to spare, the self-guided tour inside the massive Royal Palace lets you marvel at its opulent rooms stuffed with chandeliers and statues. The palace is still in use by the royal family, so it won’t hurt to check ahead to see if it’s open.

Make your way south on the pedestrian-only Kalverstraat. If the popular shopping street causes sensory overload, you’re in luck: Begijnhof, a quaint and peaceful medieval courtyard—one of the oldest in the city—offers a break from the retail bustle.

Cross over to Canal Ring and hit the Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt), which has been selling tulips and other blooms since the mid-1800s. Plus, it’s a hot spot for inexpensive souvenirs. (wooden tulip, anyone?).

AMSTERDAM CITY CENTER TOUR OPTIONS

  • If aimless wandering stresses you out or you just can’t deal with maps, this 2.5-hour walking tour is a genuinely great intro to the medieval city center, giving background on major attractions and lesser-known sites.
  • This colorful four-hour walking tour, led by a local, introduces you to Amsterdammers, from a sex worker to a coffee shop owner. You’ll weave through the Red Light District and beyond, with stops in a coffee shop (the cannabis kind), microbrewery, and a brown cafe for a slice of Dutch apple pie.
  • Fact: You can cover a lot more terrain on wheels, as this three-hour Bike Tour of Amsterdam’s Highlights and Hidden Gems proves. It takes you pretty much everywhere, from the Canal Ring all the way to Vondelpark, with a stop in Begijnhof in the city center.

EVENING: Rijsttafeland live music

Now that you’ve pre-gamed with dessert, have dinner at Sampurna, a long-running Indonesian restaurant in the historic center. This is your chance to try a city staple—“​​rijsttafel,” a Dutch take on an Indonesian specialty. The slew of small seafood, meat, and veggie dishes is meant for sharing and balanced by a big plate of rice.

If you still have gas in the tank, it’s just a 10-minute walk or quick tram ride to lively Leidseplein. There are lots of after-hours options here, like The Waterhole Live Music Bar, which has all the good vibes necessary for a night out. Plus, Dutch drinks are flowing, including local beer brands like Bavaria and “jenever,” gin with a hint of juniper.

Worthy detours along the way

DAY TWO

Museum reflected in pool of water flanked by trees
Rijksmuseum
Image: Tripadvisor

MORNING: A world-renowned Golden Age gallery

Begin your day at the palatial Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands. Aim to get there right at 9 a.m. when it opens to head off the crowds. (You may want to pre-book a timed ticket online, especially in the summer.) The Gallery of Honour gets downright mobbed, so go here first to admire the famed 17th-century Golden Age paintings from the likes of Vermeer and Rembrandt; don’t miss Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch,” which has its own gallery. Once you’ve taken care of the highlights, keep exploring—even after three hours, there’s no end in sight.

Travelers say: “Outside, the sheer majesty of the building is impressive. Inside, be prepared to be blown away by gallery after gallery, floor after floor of art, culture, and history. Jaw dropping.” —@String W

RIJKSMUSEUM TOUR OPTIONS

  • Pre-download the free Rijksmuseum app to your phone. It’s an excellent tool with a bunch of free audio tours, including one of the museum’s highlights and another for the Gallery of Honour specifically. BYOH (headphones, that is)—but if you forget, you can buy a cheap pair near the entrance.
  • Does looking at paintings make you go huh? This two-hour guided tour of the Rijks makes masterpieces accessible, giving the backstory to the museum’s peak pieces.
  • If a day of museums overwhelms you, the 5.5-hour Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum Guided Tour takes care of everything, including entry into both museums and a guided tour of their most important works.

AFTERNOON: A picnic in the park

Grab lunch at one of the food trucks on Museumplein or stop in the Albert Heijn supermarket on the corner of Museumplein, then take the five-minute walk to Vondelpark with food in tow. Spread out on the green grass with the locals and chow down. Afterwards, you can spend hours walking the tree-lined lanes, strolling past waterways, outdoor cafes, playgrounds, sunbathers, and an open-air theater.

EVENING: An acoustic experience

Cut out of the park for dinner at De Wijnkaart, which serves classy yet hearty meals paired with Eastern European wines. Bonus: it’s just a five-minute to walk your next stop, The Royal Concertgebouw—said to have some of the best acoustics in the world. (Maybe that’s why Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, and Igor Stravinsky have graced its grand Main Hall.) Orchestral performances, cello concertos and other events are going on here pretty much every night of the week, generally at 8:15 p.m. Book tickets ahead.

Worthy detours along the way

DAY THREE

People wandering room with black-and-white checkerboard tile floors, antique wooden furniture, and several Rembrandt pieces of various sizes hanging on the walls
Museum Het Rembrandthuis
Image: Tripadvisor

MORNING: A quintessential canal stroll

Spend your morning exploring yet another 17th-century Dutch masterpiece: the UNESCO-listed Canal Ring. Stroll through the iconic Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) where boutique shops line narrow streets that open onto those endlessly photo-worthy Amsterdam canals.

CANAL RING TOUR OPTIONS

  • A ton of boat tours leave from outside of Centraal Station, offering a different view of the city via its historic canals (plus a great chance to rest your feet). Tours depart throughout the day; most are an hour long with audio or guide commentary.
  • The Canal Cruise by Captain Jack is a traveler favorite and a definite step up from your typical Centraal Station boat tour. Guides are personable and enthusiastic, and boats glide past a near- ridiculous number of sights in just 90 minutes. An added perk? You can chill out on a cushioned seat, snack on cheese, and sip a beer (all included).

AFTERNOON: Rembrandt’s studio

For lunch, stop at the unassuming De Struisvogel, which sits in a canal house cellar and offers a well-priced fixed menu of Dutch dishes. From here, it’s a pleasant 15-minute walk to the Rembrandt House Museum, where you’ll explore the famous artist’s one-time home and studio on a 60- to 90-minute self-guided tour. After, make your way toward Rembrandtplein, passing through Waterlooplein flea market in Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter on your way.

Travelers say: “Rembrandt's house, built in the 1500s, is mind-bogglingly luxurious for its time …Rembrandt really enjoyed the finest things in life. The self-guided audio tour is excellent and easy to operate. Be prepared to climb narrow spiral staircases to get to the top. There is also a fine display of etchings, some by Rembrandt but most inspired by him.” —@638janisc

EVENING: Michelin-star dining

Rembrandtplein is bursting with dinner options, but if you’re game to splurge, we’d recommend Spectrum, a classy two-star Michelin restaurant with creative takes on Dutch and international dishes. Let’s just say the tasting menu is sublime. If you need a nightcap, the speakeasy-style Door74 has the kind of glam vibes that pair well with a Michelin meal.

Worthy detours along the way

DAY FOUR

Street lined with vendors at open-air market
Albert Cuyp Market
Image: Tripadvisor

MORNING: Van Gogh’s masterpieces

Start your morning back on Museumplein at the Van Gogh Museum, which holds the largest collection of the famed artist’s work. The museum is well laid out, walking you chronologically through van Gogh’s life and art. (Spring the few extra euros for an audio guide.) Special exhibits downstairs are also worth a look. Tickets sell out for this one, even in the off-season, so be sure to book your timed entry in advance.

AFTERNOON: Surinamese cuisine and street-food sweets

Once you’ve been thoroughly impressed by Post-Impressionism, take the 10-minute walk or tram ride to the De Pijp neighborhood, known in part for its cheap and delicious Surinamese cuisine. Try the roti at Spang Makandra (if Anthony Bourdain recommended it, we’re in). The eatery is mostly takeout, so if you can’t find a seat inside, no worries—make a little picnic of it in nearby Sarphatipark.

Save room for dessert because De Pijp’s Albert Cuyp Market is next. In a city known for its street markets, it’s saying something that this is the largest. Try poffertjes (Dutch pancakes) and definitely treat yourself to a warm stroopwafel from Rudi’s. We’d argue that this caramel-filled waffle cookie is second only to tulips as a symbol of the city.

Travelers Say: “The family made, super fresh, top ingredient Stroopwafels are head and shoulders above all of the others I have ever tried. We were with a top local private guide who took us here. After eating these it will be hard to ever eat a packaged Stroopwafel again!” —@Jeff H

Beer lovers should cut short their market shop and spend the afternoon on a Heineken Experience at the original Heineken brewery. Though some travelers are wary of its big-business bent, others enjoy the self-guided tour’s interactive elements—especially the beer at the end.

AMSTERDAM BEER TOUR OPTIONS

  • The Heineken Experience may feel a tad impersonal, but the VIP Tour is anything but. The 2.5-hour guided tour is the best way to see the brewery, giving you access to special areas and finishing with a private beer tasting.
  • If one brewery isn’t enough, the Brew Bus is an excellent option that stops at three craft breweries around the city, with three beer tastings at each.

EVENING: Panoramic city views

Head back to Centraal Station and hop on the free F3 ferry for a short ride across the water to A’dam Lookout. Take the elevator ride—complete with a light show—to the top of the tower for a panoramic city view and, if you’re bold, a little trip over the edge on Europe’s highest swing. The swing ride is surprisingly affordable, but the lines can be long, so consider reserving a ticket before if it’s a priority. Then hop down for dinner at the revolving restaurant MOON for a multicourse set menu with spectacular views. If you want to extend the night, there’s also a rooftop bar.

Worthy detours along the way

DAY FIVE

A man standing infront of wall text about Anne Frank and listening to an audio guide
The Anne Frank House
Image: Tripadvisor

MORNING: The story of Anne Frank

Start your day at the Anne Frank House with a tour of the Secret Annex where Anne Frank and her family hid for two years during World War II. Brace yourself—this is an emotional experience but well worth it according to some 60,000-plus Tripadvisor reviewers. This is one of the city's most visited sights, so you'll want to book timed tickets way in advance, as slots can fill up a month ahead.

Travelers say: “As a teacher I have taught about Anne Frank for many years, but nothing can prepare you for this experience. It is moving and such an important part of our history that we must keep alive. Everyone could feel the power of the history we were exploring. The mood was somber but also powerful as her message is still going strong.” —@LilLondon

AFTERNOON: Lunch at a brown cafe and a stroll through Jordaan

Unwind after an intense visit to the Anne Frank House at Café Smalle, a classic, cozy, canal-side brown cafe. Mosey into the more residential (but just as charming) Jordaan neighborhood. Don’t bother looking at your map—just wander from one impossibly cute block to the next.

ANNE FRANK / JORDAAN TOUR OPTIONS

  • If tickets to the Anne Frank House are sold out, the Anne Frank walking tour is a good backup plan with excellent guides that walk you through the Jewish Quarter and explain the history of Amsterdam during World War II. It also makes a nice companion to the house tour, as it covers different information.
  • You’ll get a true taste of the city—from Gouda to licorice—with the Jordaan District Small-Group Food Walking Tour. On the 3.5-hour guided walk, you’ll sample national favorites and learn about their place in Dutch history and culture.

EVENING: Essential Dutch dining (and drinking)

For dinner, Winkel 43 is a Jordaan staple serving local favorites in a charming gabled house. Try “bitterballen” (breaded meatballs) as an appetizer and don’t miss the homemade apple pie with whipped cream for dessert. Afterwards, take the six-minute walk to Proeflokaal Arendsnest, a bar that’s equal parts charming and chill, with an astounding 50 Dutch craft beers on tap.

Worthy detours along the way

DAY SIX

Garden filled with rows of tulips, water feature, people walking on sidewalks, and lots of trees
Keukenhof
Image: Tripadvisor

MORNING: Tulips, tulips, and more tulips

In the spring, there may be no more beautiful place in the Netherlands than Keukenhof, one of the world’s largest flower gardens with more than 7 million—million!—bulbs planted every year. If you’re traveling to Amsterdam in March, April, or May when the park is open, it’s well worth leaving the city to see the genuinely stunning display. You can even check online beforehand to make sure the tulips are in bloom.

It’s not too difficult to get to Keukenhof from the city. When you buy your timed tickets online, get a combi-ticket, which includes transfer to the gardens from the city. Transit runs like a well-oiled machine and should take about an hour. Book an early ticket to head off the crowds.

Travelers say: “This should be on everyone's bucket list! There are 7 million tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other flowers set in a landscape of lakes, trees, pavilions, and water features. You can go inside a windmill and take a boat trip around the bulb fields. When we were there the fields were planted with hyacinths—what an amazing smell. You will see tulips that you have never seen before. It was impossible to pick a favorite as there were so many.” —@Jane N

AFTERNOON: And even more tulips

Time flies at Keukenhof. It’s easy to spend three or four hours here wandering through display after spectacular display of flowers. We recommend grabbing something to eat at the park or bringing a packed lunch so you can spend as long as possible soaking it all in.

Once you’ve had your fill, explore the surrounding tulip fields. Bikes are available to rent near the main entrance or you can schedule a 45-minute boat ride that passes by the fields.

DAY TRIP TOURS, INCLUDING KEUKENHOF ALTERNATIVES

  • If it feels overwhelming to organize your own day trip to Keukenhof, we feel you. This tour takes care of everything, including a bus ride from Centraal Station and entry into the park.
  • Not tulip season? This well-organized and informative bus tour takes you to sites in three cities (Rotterdam, Delft, and The Hague) in one day.
  • Not for the bus-adverse, this day trip to Bruges, Belgium involves six hours transit time (three hours each way), though the ride is comfy and the tour guide offers interesting info while you’re on the road. Once you get to Bruges, you can opt for a one-hour city tour or spend the entire five hours exploring it on your own.

EVENING: An evening at the opera

Back in the city, refuel from your tulip tromp at Restaurant Olijfje, a modern Turkish/Mediterranean place that’s just a few minutes’ walk from your next destination:

The Dutch National Opera & Ballet, a beautiful venue with nightly performances. No worries if you haven’t picked up any Dutch—operas are subtitled in English. Get tickets in advance.

DAY SEVEN

Interior view of modern art museum from
STRAAT / International street art museum
Image: Tripadvisor

MORNING: Shipyard street art

Start your morning with a free 15-minute river cruise on the F4 ferry that runs every 15 minutes from behind Centraal Station to NDSM Wharf. Once an abandoned shipyard, the wharf has become a hangout for artists but still has that gritty, industrial feel. The area is full of cool street art, some of which you’ll find in STRAAT (the International Street Art Museum), a giant warehouse containing massive works.

Travelers say: “[The wharf] is absolutely fabulous for any fan of street art or imagination. This place is the real deal and you can enjoy both works on the actual street and the over 150 works by 130 plus artists from around the globe at the STRAAT. The works are all stunning, thought provoking, and lovingly displayed. After visiting the museum, you can explore the rest of area, which includes street art everywhere, and a massive collection of artist workshops in a neighboring warehouse.” —@metrochica

AFTERNOON: Warehouse lunch and Maritime Museum

Hungry? Walk across the street to the Art City building, a former warehouse filled with artist studios. Tucked in the corner is the industrial-chic IJver. In the summer, the huge outdoor terrace is packed with people sipping beer or enjoying a sandwich or burger.

After lunch, ferry back to Central Staation. Now that you’ve had a taste of that Dutch seafaring life, head to The National Maritime Museum (aka Het Scheepvaartmuseum), less than 10 minutes by bus from Centraal Station. The building itself is impressive, with a massive, skylit atrium—the full-size ship replica floating in the harbor is pretty cool, too.

EVENING: Wooden windmill with a side of beer

Stay on theme with fresh seafood from the museum-side food truck, open Wednesday through Saturday. Try the kibbeling—chunks of fish fried in batter—as a side. If you need a longer break, sit down for pizza at the nearby Restaurant Verena.

From here, it’s a 15-minute walk or quick bus ride to Brouwerij 't IJ (say that five times fast), a brewery that sits right next to the tallest wooden windmill in the country. Personally, we think sipping craft beer and snacking on cheese and sausage while admiring a massive wooden windmill is basically the most Amsterdam way to say farewell to the city.

WOODEN WINDMILL DAY TRIPS

Worthy detours along the way

Know Before You Go


With long days, sunny skies, and moderate temperatures, Amsterdam is excellent in the summer (June–August), though packed with people. You’ll find the city busy in April and May, too, as the rain lets up and the tulips bloom. If you can swing the off-season vacay time, September sees fewer tourists and cheaper hotel rates, yet the weather is still nice. Winter tends to be cold, wet, and gray, though in December, Christmas markets and ice-skating rinks all around the city brighten the mood.



Since Amsterdam is a major tourist destination, most of its attractions, shops, and restaurants are open seven days a week, though shops are occasionally closed on Sunday or may have shorter hours on Saturday, Sunday, and/or Monday.



Amsterdam has a healthy nightlife with clubs open until 3 or 4 a.m. and bars and (non-coffee) coffee shops open until 1 a.m., with later hours on weekends. Cafes tend to open around 8 or 9 a.m., while shops open between 10 a.m. and noon and close around 6 p.m., though chains in the city center are often open later.



Canal Ring: The Canal Ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means when you stay here, you aren’t just near major attractions, you’re inside one. The Ambassade Hotel, split across multiple 17th-century canal houses in the Nine Streets, is loved by travelers thanks to its bright, boutique-style rooms and an almost ridiculously good location. The Toren, ever so slightly farther from the action in the Jordaan neighborhood, gets high ratings for its quiet, canal-side location and romantic decor.

Museum Quarter: Slightly outside the historic city center but right next to the major museums and Vondelpark, the Museum Quarter offers ritzy hotels and a quieter stay. The Conservatorium Hotel is a high-end option that’s historic on the outside, sleek and modern on the inside. Multiple food and drink options and a massive spa mean you don’t ever need to leave, though you’ll probably want to roll out of bed to see those van Goghs across the street.

Amsterdam-Oost: Amsterdam-Oost and other areas in the outer districts offer a range of hotels for a cheaper price—sometimes half the rate! While you won’t be within walking distance of major attractions, a hotel next to public transit is the next best thing. If saving money is key, The Social Hub Amsterdam City offers basic rooms, modern common areas, and a friendly vibe. While it’s geared toward younger travelers, it’s also a serious step up from your standard hostel. Plus, it’s just a three-minute walk from the metro, which takes you to Centraal Station in less than five minutes.



Public transportation: Amsterdam has an excellent public transit run by GVB with trams, metros, and buses throughout the city. Trams are particularly easy to navigate and stop at pretty much every major attraction. Just remember to check in and out as you enter and exit. If you plan to use public transit a lot, multi-day tickets quickly save you money (though everything is so close, you may just end up walking). The most frustrating thing about Amsterdam’s public transit system is that most of it shuts down after midnight, and the night bus system isn’t a good substitute.

By bike: Flat and compact, Amsterdam is easy to navigate by bike, which is exactly how most locals get around. That said, the bike lanes are busy, which can be intimidating to those not used to city cycling. Less confident riders might consider a city biking tour or a breezy ride around Vondelpark. Bike rentals are available throughout the city, including from most hotels.

By taxi: Taxis are expensive and slow in the city center—luckily, you probably won’t need them. The one time you might spring for it is after midnight when a lot of public transit lines stop running. Taxis are available at taxi stands or can be called ahead. Uber runs in Amsterdam and tends to be cheaper than standard taxi rates.

Airport transfers: The cheapest, easiest, and fastest way to get to the city center from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is to take the Intercity Direct train, which departs every 15 minutes during the day from the airport, arriving at Amsterdam Centraal in less than 15 minutes. Note that Dutch Railways (NS) runs the Intercity Direct train and you’ll need a different kind of ticket (GVB) to travel within the city. Special one-, two-, or three-day Amsterdam Travel Tickets include both kinds of transit. Another airport transfer option is the Amsterdam Airport Express bus 397, which departs every 10 minutes throughout the day. It’s more convenient if you are staying in or around Museumplein or Leidseplein.


Maria Kirsten Adelmann
Maria Kirsten Adelmann has lived in the US and Europe and once traveled around the world on a ship, visiting ports in Asia, Africa, and beyond. She has written hundreds of reviews of hotels, cruise ships, and travel products.