Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands, is one in all Europe’s nice cities. Well-known for its many canals and much more plentiful bicycles, Amsterdam is an unmissable cease on any European tour and makes for a implausible weekend journey for any vacationers who’re already in Europe.
Full of lovely structure, picturesque cobblestone streets, unbelievable paintings, and filled with historical past, Amsterdam has one thing for everybody. While you might have heard of Amsterdam’s nightlife scene together with its well-known Purple-Gentle District, the town is a lot greater than a spot for group boozy holidays.
I lately spent 3 days in Amsterdam and was blown away by how stunningly lovely the town is. Combined with the fascinating historical past and the pleasant locals, I’m already planning my subsequent go to. I can not wait to return. Maintain studying for all my prime suggestions for 3 days within the Dutch capital.
Is 3 Days Sufficient In Amsterdam?
You is likely to be asking if 3 days in Amsterdam is sufficient. Completely it’s! 3 to 4 days is often a great period of time to spend in any metropolis on a primary go to. It’s the excellent period of time to settle into the town’s vibe and never really feel too rushed when exploring the town.
Amsterdam is a smaller capital metropolis than London or Paris however greater than cities like Barcelona and Milan, so it’s a walkable metropolis. That stated, Amsterdam has loads of points of interest and issues to do, and you’d discover it a rush to see every thing in 3 days. I at all times desire to take issues at a extra relaxed and versatile tempo. By not packing an itinerary totally, it lets you nonetheless have the time to discover the bits you want additional.
3 days in Amsterdam provides you with the right introduction and nonetheless depart you with some sights to see once you inevitably return!
Amsterdam: Day One
Discover the Jordaan neighborhood
Begin your day by exploring the attractive neighborhood of The Jordaan. This district was initially a working-class space however is now one of many trendiest within the metropolis. It’s identified for its picturesque canals, quaint streets, and vibrant ambiance.
The world is a part of Amsterdam’s Canal Belt, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, and is the right place to begin your exploration of the town. Head to the realm early to seek out abandoned streets, excellent for taking these iconic photographs of the town.
Head to Moods Espresso Nook for breakfast. The café gives a great vary of breakfast objects with fast and pleasant service. The meals is scrumptious, and you’ll even sit exterior on a sunny day, having fun with views of the canal.
The Jordaan can also be identified for its boutique outlets, artwork galleries, and classic shops, making it the right space to do some buying. The Noordermarkt hosts a well-liked weekly market the place you’ll find all method of issues.
One of the best factor in regards to the Jordaan neighborhood is the prospect to discover Amsterdam with out as many crowds, marveling on the lovely properties and canals. Head to Het Brillenpaleis to see one of many prettiest buildings within the neighborhood. This eyewear store is roofed with ivy and in summer season and fall comes alive with greenery, excellent for some beautiful photographs.
Amsterdam Tulip Museum
After exploring the Jordaan neighborhood, proceed your day on the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, situated throughout the identical space. You may not come to Amsterdam with out studying about one in all its hottest merchandise.
The Amsterdam Tulip Museum is a small store and museum devoted to the tulip. Positioned on Prinsengracht throughout the canal from the Anne Frank Home, it is a good spot for studying in regards to the origins of the tulip, the completely different varieties, and the way it got here to be a serious export of The Netherlands.
Entry to the museum prices €5 and you’ll solely want half an hour to discover however it’s a nice expertise for studying in regards to the tulip. Inside the shop, there are many tulip-related souvenirs to buy. Think about ornamental objects, pens, tote luggage, ornaments, and paintings.
There are additionally tulip bulbs on the market however please examine your nation of origin’s restrictions on bringing in agricultural merchandise. The museum store sells bulbs that meet US and Canadian rules however not UK rules so examine these fastidiously.
Anne Frank Home
Certainly one of Amsterdam’s most well-known and saddest vacationer points of interest is the Anne Frank Home. This museum home is open to the general public and is the positioning the place Anne Frank and her household hid from the Nazis in a secret annex throughout World Warfare II.
Anne Frank is greatest identified for her diary, ‘The Diary of a Younger Lady,’ which was written while she was in hiding. The diary particulars their every day life and her experiences, ideas, and feelings in the course of the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam. It is among the most generally learn books on the earth.
The museum options a wide range of reveals detailing Anne’s life, the historical past of the Holocaust, and the influence of discrimination and persecution. Guests can see the key annex the place Anne and her household lived alongside unique artifacts and images, providing a poignant expertise.
The museum is open from 9 AM to 10 PM every single day. Tickets value €16 for adults, €7 for 10-17-year-olds and €1 for youngsters underneath 10.
Professional-Tip: As one of the vital in style vacationer points of interest within the metropolis, the Anne Frank Home is extraordinarily in style. Tickets are launched each Tuesday at 10 AM CET for a go to six weeks later. You might want to purchase tickets upfront as these promote out shortly.
If you’re planning a last-minute journey to Amsterdam and may’t get tickets, I extremely suggest the Anne Frank Tour by Free Strolling Excursions Amsterdam. This two-hour tour provides you the historical past of Amsterdam underneath the Nazi occupation and explains the brave acts of assorted folks in lots of places across the metropolis, together with the story of the Franks.
Canal Boat Tour
Amsterdam is the town of canals and with so many within the metropolis, one of the simplest ways to discover it’s by taking a canal boat tour. Providing a singular perspective, you’ll get to see the town from the water.
One of the crucial placing issues about Amsterdam is the fantastic thing about its canal homes and picturesque bridges. Most canal excursions will couple these panoramic views with informative audio commentary, explaining the historical past, structure, and tradition of the town.
There are such a lot of completely different choices for a canal boat tour. Many supply hop-on-hop-off excursions, supplying you with nice flexibility as to the place you board. There are additionally night cruises and themed excursions additional giving a singular perspective. I even noticed a bottomless brunch pink-themed boat cruise if that’s your factor!
With one thing for each choice, a canal boat tour is the right stress-free expertise on a day in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam: Day Two
Westerkerk
Certainly one of Amsterdam’s imaginatively named church buildings, Westerkerk or Western Church in English is one in all Amsterdam’s most well-known landmarks. It was consecrated in 1631 and is intricately linked with the Dutch artist Rembrandt who’s buried close by.
The tower is the tallest church tower in Amsterdam, standing at 85 meters tall. The inside of the church has a spacious nave with elegant columns and enormous home windows letting in numerous pure gentle.
Guided excursions of the church can be found, and guests can climb the tower for panoramic views of the town. It’s a nice vantage level to look out over the town and begin your second day.
Dam Sq.
Dam Sq. is the center of Amsterdam. Positioned within the heart of the town, the sq. is a pure assembly place for folks and supplies easy accessibility to a variety of sights.
A few of Amsterdam’s most essential buildings are situated within the sq.. Within the heart, you’ve the Nationwide Monument.
This white stone obelisk was erected in 1956 to commemorate the victims of World Warfare II and is a focus for nationwide occasions in addition to a gathering level for locals.
On the other aspect of the sq., you will notice the Royal Palace. This constructing dates to the 17th century and was initially a metropolis corridor earlier than being redesigned because the Royal Palace. In the present day it’s a ceremonial residence of the Dutch royal household and is open for guided excursions.
Lastly, there’s the Nieuwe Kerk or New Church in English. It is a Gothic-style church relationship again to the 15th century. It’s now not used as a church however hosts exhibitions, concert events, and cultural occasions all year long.
Strolling Tour
Certainly one of my favourite issues to do in any new metropolis is to go on a strolling tour. This fashion you be taught in regards to the historical past of the town and see the town by means of the eyes of an area. You usually choose up some nice suggestions and locations to see which might be off the overwhelmed observe.
Most strolling excursions begin at Dam Sq.. If you’re on a last-minute journey to Amsterdam, chances are high you may not have been fortunate sufficient to get a ticket to the Anne Frank Home. There are lots of strolling excursions that can clarify the historical past of the town throughout World Warfare II which might be a great substitute.
I went on three while I used to be in Amsterdam and completely loved every one. Whether or not you might be keen on structure, historical past and even meals, there’s a tour suited to your pursuits.
Van Gogh Museum
Certainly one of The Netherlands’ most well-known painters, Van Gogh has a museum devoted solely to his works. Positioned within the Museumplein Park on the other aspect of the park to the Rijksmuseum, the museum is among the hottest within the metropolis.
The museum is dwelling to the most important assortment of artwork by Vincent Van Gogh on the earth and homes tons of of work, drawings, and letters. Lots of Van Gogh’s most well-known works are within the museum together with the Sunflowers, The Bed room, and lots of of his iconic self-portraits.
Much like the Anne Frank Home, that is a particularly in style museum, so you will need to e book tickets upfront to not be upset. Tickets are €22 for adults and free for underneath 18s.
Purple Gentle District
The Netherlands and Amsterdam are identified for his or her liberal attitudes. Nowhere is that this extra evident than within the metropolis’s Purple Gentle District. Certainly one of Amsterdam’s most well-known and distinctive neighborhoods, it’s identified for its legalized prostitution and vibrant nightlife. While chances are you’ll now be in Amsterdam for the occasion, it’s nonetheless a spot to expertise.
The Purple Gentle District is legendary for its slim streets, canals, and iconic, red-lit home windows. Prostitution is authorized in The Netherlands and the realm is closely regulated by the federal government, making certain the well being and security of the employees.
In addition to exploring the streets of the district, there are quite a few espresso outlets and bars; it is among the hottest nighttime spots within the metropolis. There are additionally historic websites such because the Oude Kerk (Previous Church) and the Amsterdam Museum so there’s a lot to see within the space in addition to its well-known home windows.
Amsterdam: Day Three
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is The Netherlands’ reply to Paris’s Louvre or Madrid’s Prado Museum, being a celebration of Dutch artwork. Positioned subsequent to Museumplein Park, the realm is a hub for a few of the metropolis’s greatest artwork museums (the Van Gogh Museum is situated in the identical space!) and an amazing place to begin your third day.
The museum homes an in depth assortment of Dutch Golden Age work together with well-known items by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals. There are additionally quite a few historic artifacts, ornamental arts, and an unlimited quantity of Asian artwork. You would want a whole morning to see every thing within the museum!
Essentially the most well-known piece of paintings within the museum is The Evening Watch by Rembrandt. This enormous portray depicts a bunch of metropolis guardsmen and is understood for its use of sunshine and dynamic composition. It sits on the twond ground of the museum and is a outstanding sight.
The constructing itself can also be very spectacular. There’s a beautiful library throughout the museum and a grand central corridor. Upstairs there are spectacular stained-glass home windows in majestic halls including to the grandeur of the place.
The museum is open from 9 AM to five PM every day and it is strongly recommended that you simply e book tickets upfront as it will probably refill.
Nieuwmarkt
Nieuwmarkt interprets as New Market in English and at this time is a bustling sq. with historic buildings, outlets, and eating places. It’s a in style gathering level for locals and vacationers.
The Nieuwmarkt was constructed within the 17th century and was initially a market for items. These days it’s a good spot to seize some lunch, folks watch, and browse the market stalls which might be within the sq.. Heading there on Saturday, you can be greeted by an natural meals market and the prospect to attempt numerous completely different merchandise.
Close by you even have Amsterdam’s Chinatown. Residence to varied eating places and outlets, if you’re in search of Asian meals for lunch, you can see precisely what you might be in search of right here.
Tony’s Chocolonely Tremendous Retailer
A fast pitstop for the chocolate lovers! Tony’s Chocolonely is a Dutch chocolate model identified all through the world for its moral manufacturing and dedication to honest commerce. Fortunate for the chocolate lovers, they’re primarily based in Amsterdam and have a Willy Wonka-esque retailer.
Tony’s Chocolonely Tremendous Retailer is free to enter (however chances are you’ll must queue!). Inside you can see details about the model and its mission to create a slave-free chocolate business. There’s a enormous wall of chocolate bars in all completely different varieties, and you’ll pull the lever to seize your personal.
There’s a multitude of various chocolate varieties, so you might be assured to seek out one thing you want. Additionally, there’s numerous merchandise, together with totes, mugs, and clothes.
You’ll solely want quarter-hour to go to Tony’s, however it’s a enjoyable expertise and an amazing excuse to purchase some scrumptious moral chocolate!
Centraal Station
After Tony’s, head north to the Centraal Station. Positioned on the banks of the River Ij, one in all Amsterdam’s major rivers, that is the largest railway station in Amsterdam. Chances are high you should have arrived right here in your preliminary journey into Amsterdam from the airport as it’s a main transport hub.
The station itself is gorgeous in the same solution to Valencia’s Estació del Nord and is price a go to. It was opened in 1889 and has a mix of Gothic and Renaissance Revival kinds. There’s a grand façade, ornate decorations, and a particular clock tower.
Inside you can see spacious halls, intricate tile work, and delightful stained glass home windows. It’s also the right departure level for the subsequent cease in your checklist, no matter what you select!
Johan Cryuff Area (Elective)
One for the soccer followers! If soccer just isn’t your factor, you would possibly need to keep within the metropolis heart and discover some extra. You may even head to Amsterdam-Noord on the free ferry to discover the lovable villages discovered throughout the River Ij. Nonetheless, if you’re into soccer head to the Johan Cruyff Area.
Previously often called the Amsterdam Area, the stadium has since been renamed in honor of the Dutch legend, Johan Cryuff. The stadium is dwelling to AFC Ajax, The Netherlands’ most profitable membership, the Dutch Nationwide Workforce, and is used for varied music occasions. It’s the largest stadium in The Netherlands.
The stadium could be simply accessed from Centraal Station through the Metro and gives guests the prospect to see all elements of the stadium. You’ll be able to both e book a traditional tour or a guided tour for extra info. I did the guided tour, and it was wonderful worth for cash.
The tour takes in each dressing rooms, the tunnel, the press room, the pitch, trophy room and also you get the prospect to take a seat within the supervisor’s chair as should you had been the supervisor of Ajax your self. There’s additionally a crew store for all of your souvenirs and a restaurant should you get hungry.
FAQs
How Many Days Is OK for Amsterdam?
3 to 4 days is the right period of time for a visit to Amsterdam. The town has loads of points of interest to maintain you busy and three to 4 days will probably be sufficient days to see the foremost sights and begin to delve a little bit deeper into Amsterdam life.
After all, if you’re staying longer, it is possible for you to to see extra of Amsterdam away from the foremost vacationer points of interest. Most of the main sights are situated south of the River Ij which is the place loads of vacationers will spend their time. Venturing over the river to Amsterdam Noord, will take you off the overwhelmed observe and provide the likelihood to discover cute villages and inexperienced areas, exhibiting a distinct aspect of the town.
Likewise, by staying longer, you should have the prospect to enterprise out of the town and see extra of this unbelievable nation.
Is Paris Higher Than Amsterdam?
How do you start to check two of Europe’s most well-known cities?! Each Paris and Amsterdam have so many issues to see and do this the query of which is healthier is solely down to non-public choice.
Paris has a wealthy historical past, unbelievable museums such because the Louvre, and lots of iconic landmarks such because the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Recognized for its romantic ambiance, the town additionally boasts an unbelievable meals scene, is dwelling to a few of the most well-known vogue manufacturers on the earth, and has a vibrant cultural life.
Amsterdam has a extra picturesque vibe on account of its cobbled streets and winding canals which might be prevalent throughout the town. It’s extra laid-back than Paris and boasts some distinctive, historic structure within the type of its canal homes. It additionally has distinctive sights such because the Anne Frank Home and world-class artwork museums such because the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.
Having visited each, Amsterdam suited my fashion greater than Paris. Being keen on trendy historical past, Amsterdam’s story fascinated me. Tulips are additionally my favourite flowers so getting in April added an additional particular reminiscence for the journey.
Is Amsterdam The Most Lovely Metropolis In Europe?
Deciding essentially the most lovely metropolis in Europe is an unimaginable job! How do you determine which metropolis is essentially the most lovely on a continent that has cities comparable to Paris, Rome, Vienna and so many extra? By selecting one, I might threat the wrath of the residents of so many European cities who would rightfully declare that their metropolis is essentially the most lovely.
What I can say is that Amsterdam is a beautiful metropolis. The canal homes and canals give Amsterdam a particular character. So intrinsically linked with the town in the same solution to Gaudí’s architectural affiliation with Barcelona, Amsterdam has its personal character and appeal that make you need to discover each avenue and marvel at its magnificence.
Having visited 15 of Europe’s capitals and lots of extra of its cities, I can safely say that Amsterdam greater than holds its personal and has a great declare at being Europe’s most lovely metropolis.
What Is The Greatest Half Of Amsterdam To Keep In?
One of the best a part of a metropolis to remain in will at all times depend upon the main focus of your journey. Each traveler has their very own preferences about the place they need to keep. If you’re heading to Amsterdam for its nightlife, you might be inevitably going to need to be nearer to the middle and its Purple-Gentle District, the place loads of the motion occurs.
Nonetheless, my prime suggestion is to remain within the Jordaan district of the town. I spent two of my three nights in a lodge right here and it was beautiful. The Jordaan is a historic neighborhood near the town heart. It was initially a working-class space however is now one of many trendiest neighborhoods within the metropolis.
The Jordaan is legendary for its artwork heritage with Rembrandt as soon as dwelling within the space. The neighborhood was additionally dwelling to Anne Frank and her home is situated throughout the district, making it an exquisite place to remain. The world additionally hosts weekly markets comparable to Noordermarkt and the Lindengrachtmarkt, each of that are nice to discover.
Certainly one of my favourite recollections from the journey was getting up early and wandering the attractive streets of the Jordaan, taking photographs, and exploring the attractive streets with out goal. This makes it my prime choose for the perfect place to remain in Amsterdam.
Remaining Ideas
Amsterdam is hands-down one in all Europe’s best cities. The enduring capital of The Netherlands is the right selection for a 3-day break and can shock you each step of the way in which. While identified for its nightlife, it’s a stunningly lovely metropolis with a plethora of actions.
Whether or not you might be into artwork, nature, meals, historical past, or partying, Amsterdam has one thing for everybody. 3 days in Amsterdam provides you with an amazing overview of the town however depart with the thirst to return again for extra to maintain peeling again the layers of this unbelievable place. I extremely suggest a keep within the metropolis and hope this information has helped persuade you to e book these flights to Amsterdam!
Liam Mulligan runs Travels Round Spain
Maintain planning your go to with these 10 Amsterdam day journeys:
