Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands, is one in all Europe’s nice cities. Well-known for its many canals and much more ample 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 gorgeous structure, picturesque cobblestone streets, unbelievable art work, 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 Crimson-Mild District, town is a lot greater than a spot for group boozy holidays.
I just lately spent 3 days in Amsterdam and was blown away by how stunningly lovely town is. Blended with the fascinating historical past and the pleasant locals, I’m already planning my subsequent go to. I can’t wait to return. Preserve studying for all my prime ideas for 3 days within the Dutch capital.
Is 3 Days Sufficient In Amsterdam?
You is perhaps asking if 3 days in Amsterdam is sufficient. Completely it’s! 3 to 4 days is normally a great period of time to spend in any metropolis on a primary go to. It’s the good period of time to settle into town’s vibe and never really feel too rushed when exploring 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 mentioned, Amsterdam has quite a lot of sights and issues to do, and you’d discover it a rush to see all the things 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 means that you can nonetheless have the time to discover the bits you want additional.
3 days in Amsterdam offers you the proper introduction and nonetheless depart you with some sights to see if you inevitably return!
Amsterdam: Day One
Discover the Jordaan neighborhood
Begin your day by exploring the gorgeous neighborhood of The Jordaan. This district was initially a working-class space however is now one of many trendiest within the metropolis. It’s recognized for its picturesque canals, quaint streets, and vibrant ambiance.
The realm is a part of Amsterdam’s Canal Belt, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, and is the proper place to start out your exploration of town. Head to the realm early to seek out abandoned streets, good for taking these iconic pictures of town.
Head to Moods Espresso Nook for breakfast. The café presents a great vary of breakfast gadgets 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 recognized for its boutique outlets, artwork galleries, and classic shops, making it the proper space to do some procuring. The Noordermarkt hosts a preferred weekly market the place you could find all method of issues.
The perfect 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, good for some gorgeous pictures.
Amsterdam Tulip Museum
After exploring the Jordaan neighborhood, proceed your day on the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, situated throughout the similar space. You can 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, this can be 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 significant 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 gadgets, pens, tote luggage, ornaments, and art work.
There are additionally tulip bulbs on the market however please test 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 test these rigorously.
Anne Frank Home
One in every of Amsterdam’s most well-known and saddest vacationer sights is the Anne Frank Home. This museum home is open to the general public and is the location the place Anne Frank and her household hid from the Nazis in a secret annex throughout World Warfare II.
Anne Frank is finest recognized for her diary, ‘The Diary of a Younger Woman,’ which was written while she was in hiding. The diary particulars their day by day life and her experiences, ideas, and feelings throughout the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam. It is among the most generally learn books on the earth.
The museum options quite a lot 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 each day. Tickets price €16 for adults, €7 for 10-17-year-olds and €1 for kids beneath 10.
Professional-Tip: As one of the crucial fashionable vacationer sights within the metropolis, the Anne Frank Home is extraordinarily fashionable. Tickets are launched each Tuesday at 10 AM CET for a go to six weeks later. It is advisable to purchase tickets prematurely as these promote out rapidly.
If you’re planning a last-minute journey to Amsterdam and may’t get tickets, I extremely advocate the Anne Frank Tour by Free Strolling Excursions Amsterdam. This two-hour tour offers you the historical past of Amsterdam beneath the Nazi occupation and explains the brave acts of varied individuals in lots of areas across the metropolis, together with the story of the Franks.
Canal Boat Tour
Amsterdam is town of canals and with so many within the metropolis, the easiest way to discover it’s by taking a canal boat tour. Providing a singular perspective, you’ll get to see town from the water.
One of the vital hanging issues about Amsterdam is the great 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 town.
There are such a lot of completely different choices for a canal boat tour. Many supply hop-on-hop-off excursions, providing 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 proper stress-free expertise on a day in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam: Day Two
Westerkerk
One in every 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 huge home windows letting in plenty of pure mild.
Guided excursions of the church can be found, and guests can climb the tower for panoramic views of town. It’s a nice vantage level to look out over town and begin your second day.
Dam Sq.
Dam Sq. is the center of Amsterdam. Positioned within the middle of town, the sq. is a pure assembly place for individuals and supplies quick access to a spread of sights.
A few of Amsterdam’s most vital buildings are situated within the sq.. Within the middle, you could have 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 alternative 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. Right this moment it’s a ceremonial residence of the Dutch royal household and is open for guided excursions.
Lastly, there may be the Nieuwe Kerk or New Church in English. It is a Gothic-style church relationship again to the 15th century. It’s not used as a church however hosts exhibitions, live shows, and cultural occasions all year long.
Strolling Tour
One in every 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 town and see town by means of the eyes of an area. You usually decide up some nice suggestions and locations to see which are off the overwhelmed monitor.
Most strolling excursions begin at Dam Sq.. If you’re on a last-minute journey to Amsterdam, chances are high you won’t have been fortunate sufficient to get a ticket to the Anne Frank Home. There are a lot of strolling excursions that can clarify the historical past of town throughout World Warfare II which are a great substitute.
I went on three while I used to be in Amsterdam and totally loved every one. Whether or not you’re involved in structure, historical past and even meals, there’s a tour suited to your pursuits.
Van Gogh Museum
One in every of The Netherlands’ most well-known painters, Van Gogh has a museum devoted completely to his works. Positioned within the Museumplein Park on the alternative aspect of the park to the Rijksmuseum, the museum is among the hottest within the metropolis.
The museum is residence 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 plenty of of his iconic self-portraits.
Just like the Anne Frank Home, that is a particularly fashionable museum, so you will need to e book tickets prematurely to not be dissatisfied. Tickets are €22 for adults and free for beneath 18s.
Crimson Mild District
The Netherlands and Amsterdam are recognized for his or her liberal attitudes. Nowhere is that this extra evident than within the metropolis’s Crimson Mild District. One in every of Amsterdam’s most well-known and distinctive neighborhoods, it’s recognized for its legalized prostitution and vibrant nightlife. While it’s possible you’ll now be in Amsterdam for the occasion, it’s nonetheless a spot to expertise.
The Crimson Mild District is known 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, guaranteeing 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 (Outdated Church) and the Amsterdam Museum so there may be lots 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 among the metropolis’s finest artwork museums (the Van Gogh Museum is situated in the identical space!) and an important place to start out 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 wish a complete morning to see all the things within the museum!
Probably the most well-known piece of art work within the museum is The Evening Watch by Rembrandt. This enormous portray depicts a gaggle of metropolis guardsmen and is thought for its use of sunshine and dynamic composition. It sits on the twond flooring of the museum and is a outstanding sight.
The constructing itself can also be very spectacular. There’s a gorgeous 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 day by day and it is strongly recommended that you simply e book tickets prematurely as it could possibly refill.
Nieuwmarkt
Nieuwmarkt interprets as New Market in English and as we speak is a bustling sq. with historic buildings, outlets, and eating places. It’s a fashionable 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, individuals watch, and browse the market stalls which are within the sq.. Heading there on Saturday, you’ll be greeted by an natural meals market and the prospect to strive plenty of completely different merchandise.
Close by you even have Amsterdam’s Chinatown. Residence to varied eating places and outlets, in case you are on the lookout for Asian meals for lunch, you’ll find precisely what you’re on the lookout for right here.
Tony’s Chocolonely Tremendous Retailer
A fast pitstop for the chocolate lovers! Tony’s Chocolonely is a Dutch chocolate model recognized all through the world for its moral manufacturing and dedication to truthful 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 it’s possible you’ll must queue!). Inside you’ll find 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 individual.
There’s a multitude of various chocolate varieties, so you’re assured to seek out one thing you want. Additionally, there may be plenty of 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 important 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 principal rivers, that is the largest railway station in Amsterdam. Likelihood is 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 method to Valencia’s Estació del Nord and is value 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’ll find spacious halls, intricate tile work, and delightful stained glass home windows. It’s also the proper departure level for the following cease in your listing, no matter what you select!
Johan Cryuff Enviornment (Non-compulsory)
One for the soccer followers! If soccer just isn’t your factor, you would possibly need to keep within the metropolis middle and discover some extra. You can even head to Amsterdam-Noord on the free ferry to discover the lovable villages discovered throughout the River Ij. Nevertheless, in case you are into soccer head to the Johan Cruyff Enviornment.
Previously often called the Amsterdam Enviornment, the stadium has since been renamed in honor of the Dutch legend, Johan Cryuff. The stadium is residence to AFC Ajax, The Netherlands’ most profitable membership, the Dutch Nationwide Crew, and is used for varied music occasions. It’s the largest stadium in The Netherlands.
The stadium may be simply accessed from Centraal Station by way of the Metro and presents guests the prospect to see all features of the stadium. You’ll be able to both e book a basic tour or a guided tour for extra info. I did the guided tour, and it was glorious 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 sit down within the supervisor’s chair as should you had been the supervisor of Ajax your self. There’s additionally a workforce 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 proper period of time for a visit to Amsterdam. Town has loads of sights to maintain you busy and three to 4 days can be sufficient days to see the most important sights and begin to delve somewhat deeper into Amsterdam life.
After all, in case you are staying longer, it is possible for you to to see extra of Amsterdam away from the most important vacationer sights. Lots of the main sights are situated south of the River Ij which is the place quite a lot of vacationers will spend their time. Venturing over the river to Amsterdam Noord, will take you off the overwhelmed monitor and provide the probability to discover cute villages and inexperienced areas, exhibiting a special aspect of town.
Likewise, by staying longer, you should have the prospect to enterprise out of 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 best is completely down to private choice.
Paris has a wealthy historical past, unbelievable museums such because the Louvre, and plenty of iconic landmarks such because the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Identified for its romantic ambiance, town additionally boasts an unbelievable meals scene, is residence to among the most well-known trend manufacturers on the earth, and has a vibrant cultural life.
Amsterdam has a extra picturesque vibe attributable to its cobbled streets and winding canals which are prevalent throughout 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 type greater than Paris. Being involved in trendy historical past, Amsterdam’s story fascinated me. Tulips are additionally my favourite flowers so moving into April added an additional particular reminiscence for the journey.
Is Amsterdam The Most Lovely Metropolis In Europe?
Deciding probably the most lovely metropolis in Europe is an inconceivable job! How do you resolve which metropolis is probably the most lovely on a continent that has cities similar to Paris, Rome, Vienna and so many extra? By selecting one, I’d danger the wrath of the residents of so many European cities who would rightfully declare that their metropolis is probably the most lovely.
What I can say is that Amsterdam is a gorgeous metropolis. The canal homes and canals give Amsterdam a particular character. So intrinsically linked with town in the same method to Gaudí’s architectural affiliation with Barcelona, Amsterdam has its personal character and allure that make you need to discover each road and marvel at its magnificence.
Having visited 15 of Europe’s capitals and plenty 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 Finest Half Of Amsterdam To Keep In?
The perfect a part of a metropolis to remain in will at all times rely on 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’re inevitably going to need to be nearer to the middle and its Crimson-Mild District, the place quite a lot of the motion occurs.
Nevertheless, my prime suggestion is to remain within the Jordaan district of town. I spent two of my three nights in a lodge right here and it was gorgeous. The Jordaan is a historic neighborhood near town middle. It was initially a working-class space however is now one of many trendiest neighborhoods within the metropolis.
The Jordaan is known for its artwork heritage with Rembrandt as soon as dwelling within the space. The neighborhood was additionally residence to Anne Frank and her home is situated throughout the district, making it a beautiful place to remain. The realm additionally hosts weekly markets similar to Noordermarkt and the Lindengrachtmarkt, each of that are nice to discover.
One in every of my favourite reminiscences from the journey was getting up early and wandering the gorgeous streets of the Jordaan, taking pictures, and exploring the gorgeous streets with out purpose. This makes it my prime decide for one of the best place to remain in Amsterdam.
Remaining Ideas
Amsterdam is hands-down one in all Europe’s best cities. The long-lasting capital of The Netherlands is the proper selection for a 3-day break and can shock you each step of the way in which. While recognized for its nightlife, it’s a stunningly lovely metropolis with a plethora of actions.
Whether or not you’re into artwork, nature, meals, historical past, or partying, Amsterdam has one thing for everybody. 3 days in Amsterdam offers you an important overview of town however depart with the thirst to come back again for extra to maintain peeling again the layers of this unbelievable place. I extremely advocate 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
Preserve planning your go to with these 10 Amsterdam day journeys:
