Amsterdam 3-Day Itinerary for First-Timers

Last Updated on September 20, 2025 by Lauren Allen

Searching for your ideal Amsterdam 3-day itinerary? Then you’re in luck! As a frequent visitor, I’ll share insider tips to help you make the most of your time. 

Planning can be overwhelming if you’re yet to visit the Dutch capital. As a first-time visitor, there’s a lot to see – world-class museums, charming canals, vibrant neighbourhoods and much more. But what’s really worth seeing and what should you skip? 

These days, I visit Amsterdam 4-5 times a year. This means I’m fully clued up on must-see attractions, hidden gems and cultural events. And while three days is nowhere near enough time, you’d be surprised by how much you can see. 

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, foodie or history lover, you’ll have a fab time exploring this iconic European destination. Let’s jump right in!

Note: I originally wrote this guide in early 2023 after my second trip to the city. I now know much more about Amsterdam so this post has received a complete overhaul with additional tips and recommendations. 

Day 1: Tourist hotspots in Amsterdam 

Day one is all about getting to know the city, trying local foods and visiting top attractions. You can also follow this itinerary if you only have a day in Amsterdam. 

Admire views of the Damrak 

As you’re only in Amsterdam for three days, I recommend waking up early. Not only will this allow you to see as much as possible in a short space of time, but you’ll also see the city with much fewer crowds. Amsterdam suffers from over-tourism so hitting the streets before everyone else is a lovely way to start your morning. 

Just a stone’s throw away from Central Station, the Damrak dancing houses are one of the most picturesque spots in the Dutch capital. 

Have pancakes for breakfast 

Trying the local cuisines while travelling is a must and Amsterdam is no different! There are countless dishes to try in the Netherlands, but pancakes should be your food of choice when it comes to breakfast. Dutch pancakes come with a range of toppings such as fruit, chocolate, cream, bacon and whipped cream. 

Some of the most highly rated pancake restaurants in Amsterdam are: 

• MOAK Pancakes
• Pancakehouse Upstairs
• The Happy Pig Pancake Shop

Join a walking tour 

One of the best ways to start a trip to a new destination is to join a walking tour. They help you get to know the area, discover hidden gems and decide which spots you’d like to return to. 

New Europe runs free walking tours all over the continent, including Amsterdam. Starting in Dam Square, you’ll see places like the Jewish Quarter and Begijnhof courtyard. By the end of the two-hour tour, you’ll feel like an expert on the city.

The tour runs three times a day (in both English and Spanish), but I recommend joining the 10.30am tour for the purpose of this itinerary. 

I’ve joined many tours with New Europe in the past (in the likes of Prague, Paris and Copenhagen) and I couldn’t recommend them enough! Just remember that although they’re free, your tour guide is paid in tips. Please tip them if you liked the tour. 

Free (tip-based) tours are great for budget travellers, but paid tours are also worth considering, especially if you have an interest in a specific topic.

For example, you may want to join a tour of coffee shops and the Red Light District or hear spooky stories on a haunted history tour. 

Grab some Dutch fries on the go 

Three days in Amsterdam is barely enough time to see the main hotspots, but grabbing food on the go gives you more time to explore. Dutch fries are typically served in a paper cone and come with your choice of toppings. 

With almost 30 topping options, Vleminckx de Sausmeester is a must-try. Their fries are so good that I go almost every time I’m in the city. You could also try Manneken Pis on the Damrak, but the queues are usually quite large. 

Spend the afternoon at the Rijksmuseum  

After fuelling up on delicious fries, make your way to the Rijksmuseum. Located in the heart of Museumplein, you could easily spend a whole day there. You won’t have time for that on a three-day getaway, but you can still cover a lot of ground in a few hours. 

In addition to renowned artworks from the likes of Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Vermeer, you can also find photography, Chinese Porcelain, drawings and much more. If you like, you can also book a guided tour of the museum to see its main highlights. 

For something a little different, head to the Cuypers Library. Dating back to 1885, it boasts an impressive interior, a large collection of historical books and old museum photos.  

Checking out the Cuypers Library is one of the most unique things to do in Amsterdam. 

Jump on a canal tour

No Amsterdam itinerary is complete without a canal cruise. If you don’t fancy the classic tours where you’ll discover interesting facts about Amsterdam and see the city from a new perspective, you can join a specialised canal cruise instead. Some options include:

• A cheese and wine cruise 
• A booze cruise
• A pizza cruise with drinks
• An evening canal cruise

You’ll pay a premium for food or booze-related cruises (for obvious reasons), but you are on holiday after all… Treat yourself! 

Stromma has a ticket office across the road from the Rijksmuseum so you can go straight there once you’re done admiring the work of Dutch Masters. 

Top tip: If you buy an Iamsterdam City Card, you can join one standard canal cruise (in both Amsterdam and Haarlem) free of charge. Take advantage of that!

Dine at The Pantry 

The Pantry is less than 10 minutes away from the Rijksmuseum on foot making it a good spot for dinner on night one. Not only are the staff super friendly, but they serve tasty (and affordable) food in a cosy setting.

It’s the perfect place to try authentic dishes like Stamppot and Dutch stew. I’ve dined at The Pantry about 3-4 times now and it never lets me down. 

Visit Anne Frank House

End your first day with one of the city’s most moving experiences – the Anne Frank House. It’s open daily until 10pm which means you can easily go at night once most other attractions have closed for the day. This is ideal if you’re trying to cram in as much as possible. 

You’ll see the exact rooms that Anne and her family hid in during World War Two. Despite being a relatively small museum, it leaves a lasting impact on most visitors due to its emotional nature. 

Tickets for Anne Frank House go on sale six weeks in advance from their official website. You should book in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during peak season. 

Afterwards, consider going on a nighttime walk along the Prinsengracht or do something uplifting to boost your mood (like trying one of Amsterdam’s top cocktail bars). 

Only visiting the top attractions is a big mistake that tourists make in the Netherlands. Make sure you check out hidden gems, too!

Day 2: Day trip to Zaanse Schans and Zaandam

On day two, it’s time to explore more of the Netherlands on an informative day trip. 

Eat breakfast at Omelegg

Start day two with an early breakfast at Omelegg. Just a short walk from Central Station, it’s a great spot to fuel up. I recommend getting there at opening (7am or 8am at weekends) to make the most of your day.

Unsurprisingly, they specialise in omelettes offering more classic options and eggciting (haha) toppings. For example, their Spicy Mariachi omelette comes with jalapenos, mushrooms, peppers, onion, tomato and coriander – yum!

While I haven’t personally eaten at Omelegg yet, I’ve walked past countless times and there’s always a queue (which tells me it’s particularly good). I plan on grabbing breakfast there next time I’m in the city, especially after reading their positive reviews. 

Plus, it’s only a five-minute walk from the train station which is where you’re heading next…

Catch the train to Zaandam 

After breakfast, make your way to Amsterdam Central and jump on a train to Zaandam. The journey takes about 10-15 minutes and costs €4.10. 

You can pay using contactless methods when getting around Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. Or, buy an Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket for unlimited transport within the wider metropolitan area including Zaandam, Zaanse Schans and Haarlem. 

Check out the Inntel Hotel 

When you get to Zaandam, you’ll be greeted by one of the country’s most distinct buildings – the Inntel Hotel. This picture-perfect hotel is painted in shades of green and blue and reminds me of stacked Lego blocks. It’s one of the most Instagrammable locations in the Netherlands and a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.

Make your way to Zaanse Schans 

Next, travel towards Zaanse Schans. There are two ways to get there, but both take a similar amount of time (about 20-25 minutes) so opt for whichever one aligns with your schedule. The options are: 

• Take the train from Zaandam to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans and then walk for 20 minutes until you arrive at the open-air museum.
• Hop on a direct bus service and disembark near the Zaans Museum. 

Discover the local attractions 

There are many cool attractions in Zaanse Schans, most of which only need a quick 15-30-minute visit. Some are free including Catharina Hoeve Farm and the Albert Heijn Museum. The Clog Workshop is also free and shares an excellent insight into how Dutch clogs are made.

However, you’ll need tickets to see places like the Time Museum and the Weavers House. If you’re interested in making a real day of it, you should consider buying an Iamsterdam City Card or Zaanse Schans card. Both grant you free entry into all museums in the area. You can also visit participating museums for free with your Netherlands Museum Card.

Stop for lunch 

After a busy morning of sightseeing, you’ve likely worked up an appetite. Unfortunately, options are a bit limited in Zaanse Schans but you can fuel up at one of the following restaurants:

• Restaurant De Hoop op d’Swarte Walvis: A charming restaurant with an outdoor terrace that boasts scenic views. 
• De Kraai: A cosy establishment serving pancakes with various toppings. 
• Zaans Museum Cafe: Enjoy a slice of cake or tasty savoury snacks as you sip a warm tea. 

And, don’t forget to treat yourself to an ice cream as you admire your surroundings. Especially on a warm day. 

Tour a working windmill 

You can’t leave Zaanse Schans without visiting at least one of their historic windmills. If you don’t have a Zaanse Schans card, tickets are usually around €7.50 each.

The windmills are still functional and grind materials like spices, paint pigments and wood. My favourite is Molen De Kat –a windmill producing vibrant paint pigments, oils and chalk that dates back to 1664. As an artist myself, I found learning about the process really interesting! 

Visit the Zaans Museum and Verkade Experience

The Zaans Museum is a fab place to delve deep into Dutch culture. During your visit, you’ll gain an appreciation for this unique part of the Netherlands through a mix of local art, historical artefacts and interactive exhibits. 

The Verkade Experience (which is located within the Zaans Museum) is a must-see for chocolate and biscuit lovers. It shares the history of this renowned Dutch confectionery brand that was founded in 1886. You’ll find original machinery, vintage packaging and much more. 

Ultimately, this museum gives you a fantastic insight into the country’s rich past and industrial heritage. 

Enjoy a delicious meal 

After another stroll around Zaanse Schans, return to the capital for dinner. Unsurprisingly, many great restaurants in Amsterdam serve a range of cuisines. After countless trips to the city, here are my must-try spots:

• Restaurant ‘t Zwaantje – Dutch 
• Moeders – Dutch 
• Miry Mary – Indian 
• Namche – Nepalese/Indian
• Prins & Aap – International 

Depending on the restaurant, you may want to book your table in advance. Especially if you’re there at a popular time of year. You can do this over the phone or via their websites (which are linked above for ease). 

Experience the nightlife in Amsterdam 

Amsterdam is known for its bustling nightlife. You can dance the night away at a lively club, sing your heart out at a karaoke bar or relax at a sophisticated cocktail bar. Alternatively, check out a traditional brown bar to enjoy a slice of Dutch culture as you wind down after a busy day. 

Day 3: Go museum hopping 

Day three involves a mix of visiting Amsterdam’s top attractions and funky museums. 

Eat breakfast at Bakers & Roasters

Bakers & Roasters is easily one of the nicest brunch spots in Amsterdam and they have the queues to prove it! Typically, you’ll need to join a virtual queue and return when it’s your turn.

There are two in the city – one in the centre and one in De Pijp. I dined at the De Pijp restaurant with my friend once and although there was a wait, it wasn’t particularly long considering we didn’t book in advance. 

They offer both sweet and savoury dishes while catering to multiple dietary needs. I personally went for the Vege Brekkie and it was delicious! 

If you ever find yourself strolling through De Pijp, it’s a fab place to go vintage shopping in Amsterdam. 

Admire art at the Van Gogh Museum

Van Gogh was an influential Dutch painter who is still widely celebrated in the art world. The museum holds the largest collection of his works including famed pieces like The Starry Night, Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters and several self-portraits. 

Despite being a tourist hotspot, it’s one of the best art galleries in Amsterdam. I truly believe that everyone should visit at least once, especially art lovers like me!

If you’re heading there for the first time, here are my top tips: 

• Book your tickets in advance
• Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours there
• Pay a little extra for the audioguide 
• Consider joining a guided tour
• Don’t take large bags and use their on-site lockers

Book your tickets to the Van Gogh Museum here.

Have lunch at NEXT NDSM  

After admiring art all morning, hop on the tram to Central Station, catch the free ferry to NDSM and take a short stroll to NEXT Restaurant. Although it’s a 45-minute journey on public transport, it’s well worth it.

Not only is it a great restaurant, but it’s also located in one of Amsterdam’s coolest neighbourhoods (and my personal fave). You’ll be spending the afternoon at nearby attractions, so it’s pretty convenient, too. 

NEXT is a well-designed restaurant boasting excellent service, incredible food and highly-rated cocktails. It’s relatively new to the food scene in Amsterdam but was opened by the creators of nearby Pllek. The owners bring people together through networking events and fun activities. 

I’m quite a foodie and I’m not easily pleased when it comes to eating out, but this place really is amazing. It’s also relatively quiet during the day (or at least it was in December) so you should be able to bag a table easily. 

Check out the Straat Museum

Just around the corner, the Straat Museum holds a collection of large-scale (and very colourful) art murals. Located inside a former shipyard, it’s worlds apart from the likes of the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. They display work by established creatives and emerging talent giving everyone the chance to get their work out there. 

While you can visit the museum at your own pace, they offer guided tours that share more about their most prominent and thought-provoking works. They also run regular workshops on graffiti, collage and stencil art that are well worth doing if you’re into arts and crafts. 

I’ve been to the Straat Museum a few times now and their ever-changing collection means there’s always something new to see. It’s also my favourite attraction in Amsterdam (and trust me, I’ve been to a lot). 

Walk around NDSM Wharf 

NDSM Wharf is also full of vibrant street art that you can see free of charge. Once you’ve been to the Straat Museum, spend some time walking around outside. The area is bursting at the brim with graffiti and quirky vibes making it a fab backdrop for photos. 

You can also wander around NDSM Loods – another old shipyard full of artist studios, exhibitions and distinct finds. 

Visit the NXT Museum 

20 minutes away on foot, the NXT Museum is one of Amsterdam’s most unusual attractions. With a focus on digital art, the creators use cutting-edge technology to produce large-scale immersive works.

Not only is it a unique museum, but it’s also open at night. This makes it easy to fit into your Amsterdam itinerary. 

Dine at Cafe Restaurant Metro

Cafe Restaurant Metro is the on-site cafe at the NXT Museum making it a convenient choice for dinner. In addition to a wide selection of wines, you can enjoy a three-course meal from €38.50 per person. 

Although I haven’t dined here (yet), I have spent several hours devouring wine and catching up with a friend. I loved the cosy atmosphere and the service was excellent. The bartender kept filling up our glasses… 

It’s also across the road from Yotel which is one of Amsterdam’s best hotels (in my opinion). 

Go on a tour of the Red Light District

This tour of the Red Light District shares insightful information about the area, the history of Amsterdam and the famous coffee shops. It may be one of the most controversial neighbourhoods, but you’ll learn a lot on this two-hour guided tour. 

While you can easily visit alone and save some cash, joining a tour will give you a greater understanding. You’ll also see places like Dam Square, Oude Kerk and Chinatown.

FAQs

Final thoughts 

After countless trips, I’d recommend spending at least one week in the Dutch capital. However, this isn’t always possible. In just three days, you can visit Amsterdam’s highlights, discover hidden gems and learn more about local culture in the Netherlands.

If your days feel a little rushed, feel free to slow down. You don’t have to see every single thing in one trip. Amsterdam isn’t going anywhere! 

No matter what, your time will fly by. That means one thing: you’ll have the perfect excuse to come back… 

If you have even less time to explore, my guide shares four ways to spend a day in Amsterdam based on a range of interests.