what to do when you have three days in amsterdam

  • Amsterdam travel guide, activity recommendations, and curated itinerary from What to When.
  • Amsterdam travel guide, activity recommendations, and curated itinerary from What to When.
  • Amsterdam travel guide, activity recommendations, and curated itinerary from What to When.
  • Amsterdam travel guide, activity recommendations, and curated itinerary from What to When.
  • Amsterdam travel guide, activity recommendations, and curated itinerary from What to When.
  • Amsterdam travel guide, activity recommendations, and curated itinerary from What to When.
  • Amsterdam travel guide, activity recommendations, and curated itinerary from What to When.
  • Amsterdam travel guide, activity recommendations, and curated itinerary from What to When.
  • Amsterdam travel guide, activity recommendations, and curated itinerary from What to When.
  • Amsterdam travel guide, activity recommendations, and curated itinerary from What to When.

Amsterdam is one of those cities best explored on foot or by boat (or on bikes if you’re fearless)—full of canals, historic houses, antiques, and incredible food. This 3-day itinerary blends culture, shopping, and dining into a trip that balances must-see highlights with local gems.

Stay: Pulitzer – central location, boutique feel, well-designed rooms, great food, and good service. Other options: Hotel de L’Europe or Waldorf Astoria.

Day 1

  • Morning stroll through De 9 Straatjes and Grachtengordel. Visit Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). We also passed through the flower market (mostly just buds, so not a must-do).

  • You could also walk through the Red Light District if you want to see it, and check out the Old Church (Oude Kerk), which often has rotating art exhibitions.

  • Lunch at Gartine (cozy, seasonal) or The Seafood Bar.

  • Head to Pancakes Amsterdam —the butter + sugar crepe is a must.

  • Book a canal boat ride (I booked through Pulitzer). This is my #1 rec and absolute must-do. It is the best way to see the city (churches, architecture, houseboats) and get the history while you orient yourself.

  • Dinner at Bussia, which I highly recommend. Get the lobster pasta, though everything is excellent.

Day 2

  • Morning shopping:

    • Tertius Collection – beautiful, interesting homeware.

    • Nieuwe Spiegelstraat for antiques: Fine Prints & Maps Hoogkamp, M.C. Gasseling Antiquary (don’t miss the Delft tiles).

    • Antiekcentrum – very large, less of a Dutch feel, but fun for a quick wander.

  • Lunch at De Kas — favorite meal of the trip. Everything is grown at the restaurant or at a local farm. Beautiful greenhouse setting; creative, fresh, and delicious food.

  • Walk home through De Pijp (not my fave, but some charming side streets). Stop at The Mercer Brand and Aurelien (amazing men’s shoes).

  • Stop by Noorderkerk (historic church).

  • Drinks at Café ’t Smalle, a cozy canal-side brown café.

  • Dinner at Rijsel — warehouse vibe, felt very local. Get the chicken and the ice cream sundae for dessert.

  • Walk home from dinner. There are so many cool houseboats and great architecture along the way, and you can walk over the Skinny Bridge.

Day 3

  • Visit the Rijksmuseum (arrive early to skip the lines).

  • See Zuiderkerk (historic church).

  • Shop & stroll: Madame Blue Delftware, Galleria D’Arte Rinascimento, Like Stationary, The Otherist, Kalverstraat + Nieuwendijk  

  • Lunch: Buffet Van Odette or Restaurant Rijks.  

  • Apple pie at Winkel 43

If you have more time:

  • Visit the Van Gogh Museum and/or Anne Frank House.

  • Take a bike tour in the countryside.

  • Explore Noordermarkt flea market — fun to see, definitely not a must-do.