This post shows you the perfect Amsterdam 3-day itinerary to explore the city like a local!
Amsterdam is one of those cities that grabs you the second you arrive — charming canals, buzzing bikes, and beautiful corners everywhere. But with so much to see, three days can feel overwhelming.
This 3-day Amsterdam itinerary keeps it simple. It includes a mix of must-sees, personal tips, and hidden gems I’ve visited—all packed into a fun, no-stress plan.
Amsterdam 3-Day Itinerary
1. Cruise the Canals at Sunset
There’s nothing quite like floating through Amsterdam’s historic canals as the sun sets and the city lights begin to glow. It’s an experience that instantly makes you fall in love with the place.
I always recommend booking a small boat tour rather than the big touristy ones — it feels more personal, and you get to sip wine while gliding under the bridges (yes, really). If you’re lucky, your captain might share some local stories along the way.
2. Explore Jordaan’s Cafés and Boutiques
Jordaan is one of the city’s real hidden gems in Amsterdam — peaceful canals, art-filled windows, and boutique cafés tucked away from the crowds.
If you’re wondering about the best places to visit in Amsterdam beyond the typical tourist stops, this neighborhood should be on your list. I love starting the day with a cappuccino at a cozy café, then strolling into small design stores, vintage shops, or art galleries — it’s slow travel at its finest.
Tip: Skip the main shopping streets and get lost in the side alleys for a truly local vibe. That’s where you’ll find the quietest spots, unique souvenirs, and some of the best photo ops in the city.
3. Visit the Rijksmuseum When It Opens
The Rijksmuseum is one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam, especially if you’re into classic Dutch art or want to see The Night Watch in person.
But trust me — it fills up fast. That’s why I always recommend arriving at 9:00 a.m. when it opens. You’ll avoid the big crowds and be able to enjoy the galleries in peace (and maybe even snap a photo without someone’s backpack in the frame).
Tip: Book your ticket online the day before — it’s one of those things to do in Amsterdam that’s way better with some planning.
4. Eat a Stroopwafel at Albert Cuyp Market
Trying a fresh stroopwafel is a must-do in Amsterdam, and the Albert Cuyp Market is one of the best places to get one.
You’ll know you’ve found the right stand when the smell of caramel and warm waffles hits you before you see it. They make them on the spot — thin, crispy, gooey in the middle, and honestly addictive.
Tip: Ask for it warm and eat it right there. It’s messy but 100% worth it. If you want to bring some home, grab a wrapped pack from one of the stalls nearby—they travel well!
5. Have a Local Picnic at Vondelpark
If you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Amsterdam, grab some local snacks and head to Vondelpark — the city’s most famous green space and a favorite for tourists and locals.
Pick up cheese, bread, and fresh juice at a nearby Albert Heijn or street vendor, and find a quiet spot under the trees. It’s chill, budget-friendly, and a great way to enjoy the city without spending much — perfect if you’re exploring Amsterdam on a budget.
Do you prefer something less crowded? Try Oosterpark, especially on weekends. It’s more local, with expansive open spaces and fewer bikes zipping past your blanket.
6. Street Art Stops for Your Amsterdam 3-Day Itinerary
Are you looking for hidden gems in Amsterdam that aren’t packed with tourists? The city has a surprisingly vibrant street art scene, and three of my favorite spots to experience it are Spuistraat, NDSM Wharf, and the STRAAT Museum.
Spuistraat, right in the city center, is covered with colorful murals and graffiti that change constantly — it feels raw, urban, and alive. For something even more off the beaten path, take the free ferry behind Centraal Station to NDSM, an old shipyard turned creative district, full of huge murals, cafés, and repurposed shipping containers.
While at NDSM, don’t miss the STRAAT Museum — an indoor street art and graffiti museum in a massive warehouse. The scale and variety of the artworks are incredible, and it’s perfect for a rainy day in the city.
Tip: Go in the late morning or early afternoon when the lighting’s perfect for photos — this is one of those things to do in Amsterdam that’s made for your camera roll.
7. Watch the Flamingos at Artis (For Free!)
This one feels like a secret: yes, there are flamingos in Amsterdam, and no, you don’t need a zoo ticket to see them.
The Artis Zoo backs onto a public garden area near Hortus Botanicus, and if you follow the path just right, you can spot a group of bright pink flamingos relaxing near the water. It’s one of those hidden gems in Amsterdam that makes you stop and smile.
There are a few little café tables, and it’s a lovely place to sit and enjoy a drink if the weather’s nice. But you don’t have to order anything — there’s also plenty of open space to sit for free and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Tip: It’s best to go during the day when the zoo is open—you’ll have a clear view from outside the fence. It’s a sweet moment of calm, and perfect if you’re exploring Amsterdam on a budget.
8. Walk the Canal Belt and Learn How the City Got Rich
Amsterdam’s Canal Belt (Grachtengordel) isn’t just beautiful—it was also a big part of how the city became one of the richest in the world during the Dutch Golden Age.
Walking through this area feels like stepping into a postcard: leaning canal houses, stone bridges, and bikes everywhere. But if you slow down and look, you’ll notice little details — old trade symbols on façades, former warehouses turned into homes, and plaques that tell stories from the 1600s.
Tip: For the most elegant architecture, head toward Herengracht and Keizersgracht. It’s one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam and free—a perfect activity if you’re into things to do in Amsterdam that feel like time travel.
9. Hunt for Treasures at Antiekcentrum Amsterdam
If you love vintage finds, quirky objects, or browsing beautiful old things, the Antiekcentrum Amsterdam is a dream.
This place is packed with stalls offering everything from antique maps and silverware to retro postcards, glassware, and old Dutch tiles. It’s a total hidden gem in Amsterdam, and one of those spots that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something special.
And here’s a bonus: there’s a cozy little café right inside, perfect for a break when you’ve spent too long admiring everything (which happens, trust me). Whether you buy something or not, it’s a peaceful and inspiring way to spend an hour or two.
Tip: It’s especially fun on a rainy day, and much less crowded than the prominent museums.
10. Visit the Van Gogh Museum Only If You Book Ahead
Let’s be real — the Van Gogh Museum is impressive. But it’s also one of the most popular attractions in the city, and you won’t get in without a timed ticket booked days (sometimes weeks) in advance.
If you’re a fan of Van Gogh’s work, it’s worth it — you’ll see everything from The Bedroom to his early sketches. The museum is well-organized, beautifully designed, and one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam if you plan ahead.
Tip: Don’t just show up. Book online before your trip, or choose a less crowded time slot (early morning or just before closing). And if you didn’t get tickets? No stress — grab a coffee nearby and enjoy the view of Museumplein instead.
Bonus: The Stedelijk Museum, right next door, is a fantastic modern art museum that’s often overlooked. You don’t need to book in advance to visit it, making it the perfect spontaneous alternative if you’re in the mood for art without the hassle.
11. If You Have Time: Bike or Walk Along the Amstel River
If you want to see a different side of Amsterdam — peaceful, green, and far from the tourist buzz — head out of the city along the Amstel River.
You can bike or walk south along the water, passing windmills, farms, houseboats, and beautiful riverside homes. It’s one of those experiences that makes you feel like you’ve left the city without going far. And the best part? It’s free.
Tip: I wrote a whole post about this route with maps and photo spots—check it out here if you’re up for some adventure.
Concluding this Amsterdam 3-day itinerary
I hope this 3-day Amsterdam itinerary helps you plan a trip that goes beyond the usual tourist checklist and lets you experience the city in a more relaxed, local way.
Whether you’re into museums, canals, street art, or just wandering without a plan, Amsterdam has something for every mood and season.
Which of these ideas is your favorite? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear what you’re planning for your Amsterdam adventure!
This post provided the 11 best ideas for your Amsterdam 3-day itinerary, from hidden gems to classic highlights.
Looking for more adventures in the Netherlands?
→ Hiking in the Netherlands – Discover Nijmegen’s Scenic Trails
→ Amstel River Walk – A Scenic Hike Along Amsterdam’s Iconic Waterway
→ Amsterdam Self-Guided Walking Tour – Explore the Canals