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3 Days in Amsterdam
There is so much to see in Amsterdam – but you really do need to plan carefully to fit it all in. Of course, you can just go a soak up the atmosphere and not worry about seeing all the sites, but this was my first trip and I didn’t want to miss out on any of the “must dos”. All in all, Amsterdam is a perfect destination for a week-end city break. I hope my itinerary suggestions help you to plan your own perfect trip there.
Best time to visit Amsterdam
We visited in June and it was warm and sunny. Spring and Autumn are also good times to go, with fewer crowds, but booking ahead is still advisable to avoid disappointment.
Where I Stayed
We based ourselves at the Pulitzer, which turned out to be a great choice. The central location meant that everything we wanted to see was within easy walking distance, including the restaurants we chose for our evening meals. Highly recommended.
Detailed Itinerary for a 3 day trip to Amsterdam
It took me a long time to research this trip, plotting out all the distances on google maps to make sure we could get to where we needed to go on time. Pre booking tickets was definitely essential – this is not a turn up and hope for the best sort of trip! I hope my itinerary and links will both inspire you and save you some planning time.
Find the links to all the “must dos” attractions and restaurants by clicking on the images/buttons on the right. Enjoy!
- Arrival – mid-day
- Afternoon – Explore Prinengracht,de Negen Straatjes and Bloemenmarkt
- 5pm – Red Light District Tour
- Dinner – Restaurant de Struisvogel
Day 2
- 8.45 – Pre booked tour Anne Frank’s House
- 11.30 – Pre booked tour Van Gough Museum
- pm – Stroll through Vondelpark
- 6.30 – Dinner – Restaurant Bussia – Tasting Menu
- 9pm – Evening Canal Cruise
Day 3
- Can House Het Grahtehuis
- Albert Cuypmarkt
- 5pm – Pre booked canal cruise – Those Dam Boat Guys
- Dinner – Bistro Bijons
Day 4
- am stroll through Rembrandtplein
- Midday flight home
Wish I'd Seen:
Three days is a reasonable amount of time for a trip to Amsterdam, but we could really have done with an extra day. We didn’t get time to see The Rijksmuseum – or Petronella’s doll’s house, which was a shame.
Packing Tips
Umbrella
Waterproof coat
Good walking shoes
Power pack for your mobile ‘phone – we used the sat nav a lot!
Foodie Firsts
- Stroopwafels
- Hutspot (3 dishes of mashed potato with different ingredients/flavours
- Jordaan likeur
- Great choice of beer!
Learning the Lingo
Gezellig – Snug, friendly, cosy, informal, companionable and convivial
Fascinating Facts
Read my full trip to Amsterdam
3 Days in Amsterdam Day 1
I am travelling with my daughter on this trip and we have three days to get to know Amsterdam and appreciate the best it has to offer. I am looking forward to sharing the journey with her and seeing a new city through her eyes as much as my own. We have based ourselves at the Pulitzer Hotel right in the centre of Amsterdam so we don’t waste too much time getting from A to B (see accommodation review for more detail). We have 3 days in Amsterdam – how best to fit everything in?
Amsterdam Day 2 – Think Once, Think Twice, Think Bike!
Amsterdam Day 2: Anne Frank’s House, Van Gough Museum, Vondelpark and – after dinner – an Evening Canal Cruise
Amsterdam Day 3 – Stroopwafels and Those Dam Boat Guys
Amsterdam Day 3 – Museum Het Grachtenhuis, Albert Cuypmarkt Stroopwafels and a Canal Cruise with Those Dam Boat Guys.
Amsterdam Day 4 – Left wanting more …
3 days in Amsterdam is a challenge. There is a lot to see in this city – although we saw most of the major sites and walked through every part of the city – we were both left wanting more.
Accommodation Review – The Pulitzer Hotel Amsterdam
The Pulitzer was a perfect choice of hotel for our short break in Amsterdam. The Pulitzer is a comfortable hotel and ideally located right in the centre of the city. Everywhere you want to visit is within easy walking distance. The rooms are nicely decorated with a modern feel and every effort is made to provide you with everything you need for your stay including a shopping bag, a brolly and even a bike repair kit!
10 surprising facts about Amsterdam
A city full of surprises – here are 10 surprising facts about Amsterdam you might not know …