Amsterdam Travel Guide: 3 Days of Canals, Museums, & Windmills
Welcome to Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands! Known for its picturesque canals, vibrant scene, and historic architecture, this city should be on everyone’s European bucket list. While there is loads to do in Amsterdam, we’ve distilled this itinerary to include 12 must-sees over the course of three days. Enjoy this fast-paced walkable Amsterdam travel guide.
Day 1
(1) Bloemenmarkt
Let’s start the day slowly by taking your time walking through the relaxing Bloemenmarkt, the world’s only floating flower market. This colorful destination showcases vibrant flowers, plants, and more. While you may not be able to purchase a bouquet during your short stay in the city, the Bloemenmarkt has a couple of wooden souvenirs as well.
(2) Anne Frank House
After enjoying a slow morning, walk over to the Anne Frank House. This museum was the actual hiding place for Anne Frank and her family during World War II. The story told in this museum is somber but necessary to gain insight into Anne’s life, the Holocaust, and the Netherlands during wartime. The museum does a fantastic job guiding visitors through an informative experience with preserved rooms and the original diary. Make sure to purchase tickets way ahead of time.
(3) Jordaan District
Take some time to ponder your experience at the Anne Frank House by wandering the Jordaan District. This charming neighborhood has narrow canals and plenty of cozy cafes. Admire the beautiful houses and canals that feel like a movie set.
(4) Red Lights District
Next, head to the Red Lights District. The Red Lights District is a controversial but well-known area in Amsterdam that is famous for its legalized sex industry. All along this district are red-lit windows where sex workers advertise services. This neighborhood is also known for bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Day 2
(5) Pancakes for Breakfast
There’s no better way to start the day than with pancakes. Poffertjes are tiny and fluffy pancakes that craft the best possible morning. We went to Mama Pancake and had a perfect breakfast. These pancakes can be topped with bananas, strawberries, and more.
(6) Bike to Zaanse Schans
Wondering where all the windmills are in The Netherlands? Now that you’re fueled up after breakfast, it’s time to rent bikes and head to Zaanse Schans, a town with historic windmills and wooden houses built to resemble an 18th-century Dutch village. This 21km ride (42km round-trip) takes about 1 hour to complete and includes a fun ferry ride as well. It’s a flat ride that welcomes cyclists of all skill levels.
However, it’s very important to note: Biking in central Amsterdam can be very overwhelming. There are more cyclists than pedestrians, so make sure to rent a bike you feel comfortable operating. I got a bike without hand brakes and certainly got into situations with cars and trucks I wasn’t happy about (let’s pretend my friends didn’t crash into each other). Once you leave the central area, the crowds become a lot more manageable.
(7) Visit a Coffee Shop
After a whole day spent biking, what’s a better way to relax than a coffee shop? Unlike coffee shops in most other places in the world, these particular ones don’t sell coffee. Amsterdam’s infamous coffee shops are legal establishments that are great places to buy and ingest weed! Even if smoking or doing edibles isn’t up your alley, peeking your head into one of these shops is a must-do for everyone’s Amsterdam travel guide. They quite literally have the vibe of a relaxing café and are popular spots for locals to catch up with their friends over a joint.
(8) Canal Cruise
End your second day with a sunset cruise along one of Amsterdam’s many canals. These thin boats take you through the UNESCO world heritage canals, iconic bridges, and waterfront houses. While I unfortunately can’t remember the name of the tour company we used back in 2018, we loved it because it was a BYOB open-air boat for small groups. Not to mention, they are priced affordably at around 20 euros per person. Watching the sun set over the calm water a perfect way to end the day.
Day 3
(9) Van Gogh Museum
We’re hitting a few museums on our last day in Amsterdam. Start off with the Van Gogh Museum, a fitting memorialization for the Dutch artist. This museum has the largest collection of Van Gogh artworks, including Sunflowers and Starry Night. Tickets to the Van Gogh Museum are 20 euros, so if you’re a backpacker on a budget or not the biggest fan of this artist, feel free to head to the next stop instead.
(10) Rijksmuseum
Our second museum is Amsterdam’s National Museum, the Rijksmuseum. This extensive collection of modern and ancient art attracts enthusiasts from all around the world. You could lose yourself in the halls and gardens of the Rijksmuseum. Highlights include the sculpture garden, the doll houses, and the Cuypers Library.
(11) Heineken Experience
I’ve heard from a lot of friends who were disappointed by the Heineken Experience, stating it as a lame destination. I thought that for the price, it was a great way to learn about the process of brewing one of the world’s most famous beers, and most importantly, getting free beer at the end! While it does pale in comparison to Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse, the light show and immersive feel of the museum make it a necessary destination.
(12) Vondelpark
End your stay in Amsterdam by relaxing in Vondelpark, the city’s urban park that stretches across 47 hectares. It’s a perfect stop for a picnic, a bike ride, or if you’re feeling up to it, a jog. It has winding paths, scenic ponds, and fantastic greenery. It’s a peaceful oasis amongst a bustling metropolitan city.
That’s all for this Amsterdam travel guide and an unforgettable 3-day adventure! Enjoy the museums, canal walks, and eating pancakes. While you can spend countless days in Amsterdam, these highlights are perfect for a short amount of time in the city.
Looking for more weekend destination ideas in Europe? Check out our European guides.
Happy sampling!