Make The Most Of: 3 day Itinerary In Amsterdam

How to spend 3 days in Amsterdam (according to me)

I decided to share my 3 day Itinerary In Amsterdam from my recent trip there because I had such a great time! It was my first time visiting Amsterdam (in the Netherlands), which had been on my bucket list for a very long time. Amsterdam is famous for Pinterest-worthy canals, amazing cafes, and exceptional art and culture. I had a huge list of things I wanted to experience but I also enjoy just getting lost down small streets and not putting too much pressure on myself to see everything.

What you will find here

This post will tell you all about how I spent 3 days in Amsterdam. These are places that I have personally visited and can attest to being worth your valuable time – especially if you only have 3 days in Amsterdam like I did! If you’re also looking for vegan options in Amsterdam, I have a guide for that.

Anne Frank House

I was really umming-and-ahhing about visiting The Anne Frank House as many reviews said that it was a tourist trap. But I’m so glad that I went. The Anne Frank House is a must visit for anyone who has read Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl and was moved by her story. You will need to buy a ticket in advance and you will get a time slot to visit. You are not allowed to take photos at the Anne Frank House.

I have to give a disclaimer that this museum is very busy, with very small spaces (she was in hiding, remember!), and you won’t be able to skip over parts as there is usually a line of people in front and behind you the whole way. However, I think the museum has created an experience that works. 

If you haven’t read her diary or you aren’t really into the story, you will probably be a little bored in parts as there is a lot of reading/listening as you move through the spaces she once occupied. I saw a couple of people who looked like they regretted their choice but I also saw people who were moved to tears. 

Dam Square

Dam Square is a very popular square in Amsterdam with a long and varied history. Here you can see some of the most important buildings in the area such as the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. There are also some very luxurious shopping to be done, which I recommend visiting even if you don’t want to shop as it is really pretty!

Make sure you visit:

• The National Monument

• Royal Palace Amsterdam
• Magna Plaza (just behind the palace)
• de Bijenkorf Amsterdam (beautiful department store)
• The New Church (De Nieuwe Kerk)

Day 2:

Rijksmuseum

Honestly, this was my whole reason for visiting Amsterdam. The Rijksmuseum is one of the most important art museums in Europe and includes some of the most important Dutch artworks by some of the most prominent artists of all time. We arrived at opening time which I recommend as it is a little less busier. Make sure you dedicate at least half a day to this location – especially if you are an art lover!

Make sure you visit:

• All the Johannes Vermeer & Rembrandt paintings
• The Cuypers Library 
• Singelgracht canal (right before Rijksmuseum)
• Rijksmuseumtuinen (Rijksmuseum Garden)

Vondelpark

Inbetween museum visits we headed to Vondelpark to enjoy a bit of sunshine. This area of Amsterdam is some of the greenest you’ll see in the city, and if you’re into nature and need a bit of quiet then Vondelpark is a great option!

Van Gogh Museum

In the afternoon we headed to Van Gogh Museum to spend the rest of the day wandering through the iconic Van Gogh Museum. The whole museum is dedicated to Van Gogh, so you can see hundreds of his works and learn all about his life and inspiration.

Make sure you visit:

• Van Gogh’s Sunflowers
• Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait With Grey Felt Hat
• Van Gogh’s Almond Blossom
• Museumplein (Museum Park right outside)

Day 3:

Amsterdam Centraal

If you didn’t arrive in Amsterdam via train, make sure you take a moment out of your trip to visit Amsterdam Centraal. It is such an interesting place to visit as you can see how a city should function – it is public transport and biking heaven. There is even an underwater bike parking lot that can house thousands of bicycles. It really is the future.

Kalverstraat Shopping Street

Kalverstraat is the main shopping street in Amsterdam and it takes about 15 minutes to stroll from one end to the other so it is a great place to stroll and take in the sights. Don’t miss Damrak, which is super popular for its uniquely Dutch architecture and traditional houses line the streets. 

Make sure you visit:

• Damrak
• Queens Stroopwafels (vegan options!)

De Wallen

This is optional in my opinion, but if you want to visit the famous red light district of Amsterdam, De Wallen is where you will find it.