This post shows you: Is 3 Days Enough in Amsterdam? What to See & Do
How many days do you need in Amsterdam?
For most visitors, three days is just right—enough to see the classics, discover some quieter corners, and still take time to breathe it all in.
This isn’t a strict itinerary.
It’s a flexible list of things to do, inspired by long walks, local cafés, canal views, and places I’ve come back to again and again.
Pick what fits your travel style, skip what doesn’t—three days in Amsterdam can be just the beginning of something more profound.
Is 3 Days Enough in Amsterdam? What to See & Do
1. Take a Canal Cruise in Amsterdam (and Make It Memorable)
You can’t visit Amsterdam without getting on the water.
A canal cruise is the perfect way to take in the city’s rhythm—and I recommend choosing a small, open boat over the big tourist barges.
I booked mine with Flagship Amsterdam and loved the experience.
It felt relaxed and personal, and it came with fun commentary and chilled prosecco. One of my favorite moments. and
Duration: ~1 hour
Tickets start at €23.95
Tip: Book in advance for golden hour—late afternoon light on the canals is magical.
2. Wander Through Jordaan’s Cafés and Quiet Streets
Jordaan is often described as one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful neighborhoods, and while it didn’t blow me away, it’s a lovely place for a slow morning.
I started with coffee at Toki (absolutely worth it—one of my favorite café stops), then wandered along peaceful canals and little side streets.
The Otherist shop was unfortunately closed, but it’s known for unique prints and curiosities.
If you’re in town on a Monday or Saturday, check out Noordermarkt—a local favorite for second-hand clothes and interesting items.
Time needed: ~1.5 hours
Tip: It’s also walking distance from the Anne Frank House, yet it feels calm and residential.
3. Start Your Day at the Rijksmuseum (Before the Crowds)
If you love Dutch art and history, the Rijksmuseum is a must.
Go right when it opens at 9:00 a.m.—you’ll get peaceful galleries, better photos, and a much more relaxed experience.
By 11:00, it’s already busy, especially around The Night Watch.
Time needed: At least 2 hours
Tip: Book your ticket online to skip the lines and lock in your entry time.
4. Try a Fresh Stroopwafel at Albert Cuyp Market
Trying a warm stroopwafel is a must in Amsterdam, and the Albert Cuyp Market is one of the best places to do it.
You’ll know you’re close when the smell of caramel and hot waffles fills the air.
They make them on the spot — thin, gooey, and completely addictive.
Tip: Ask for it warm and eat it right there.
It’s messy but worth it.
To take home, buy a packaged version at a nearby stall.
I visited the market years ago and recently returned, but it has changed.
It’s now cleaner, more organized, and much more enjoyable to walk through.
Food stalls, small cafés, and local snacks are beyond the waffles.
It’s a great place to sample Dutch street food.
You can also combine your visit with a stroll around De Pijp, one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods.
Time needed: 1 hour.
5. Relax in Amsterdam’s Parks
If you’re looking for relaxing things in Amsterdam, head to Vondelpark — the city’s most famous green space.
It’s a favorite among both tourists and locals.
Grab something to eat and enjoy a quiet moment under the trees.
I love picking up a falafel, couscous, and salad box from Albert Heijn — it’s delicious, filling, and only €3.99.
You don’t need a big budget to enjoy Amsterdam.
A simple lunch in the park is all you need.
Want something even more peaceful?
Oosterpark is a great alternative — more expansive spaces, fewer tourists, and more locals, especially on weekends.
Time needed: 1 hour.
6. Alternative Amsterdam: Where to Find the Best Street Art
Looking for something cool to do in Amsterdam—without the tourist crowds?
Dive into the city’s vibrant street art scene, starting in the center and moving north.
Then, take the free ferry behind Centraal Station to NDSM Wharf, a former shipyard turned creative playground.
You’ll find giant murals, recycled art spaces, and one of my favorites: the STRAAT Museum, an indoor temple to urban art inside a vast warehouse.
Tip: The ferry ride to NDSM is quick, free, and offers fantastic skyline views.
Time needed: At least 2 hours.
7. Walk Through Amsterdam’s Jewish History
Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter holds centuries of stories—some beautiful, others heartbreaking.
On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll explore hidden courtyards, memorials, and key historic sites that help you understand how deeply Jewish life shaped the city.
The route starts at the Nieuwmarkt metro and ends near Artis, with stops including synagogues, monuments, and even traces of resistance during WWII.
It’s not a typical tourist route—and that’s the point.
Time needed: 2 hours, excluding museum visits.
Why go: To slow down, learn, and connect with an often overlooked side of Amsterdam.
Follow my full Jewish Amsterdam walking tour here
8. Discover Dutch Golden Age Homes on a Canal Walk in Amsterdam
One of the best ways to experience Amsterdam’s character is to walk the canal belt, especially along Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht.
These elegant waterways are lined with Golden Age canal houses, many with detailed façades: statues, animal carvings, and ornate gables.
I loved this area so much that I wrote a complete guide to Amsterdam’s canals and canal house museums.
If you’re into history, visit one of the preserved homes once owned by 17th-century merchants.
But even if you skip the museums, this Amsterdam canal walk is still peaceful, grand, and full of quiet stories.
Time needed: 2 hours, excluding museum visits.
9. Hunt for Treasures at Antiekcentrum Amsterdam
I love bringing home something unique from each trip —
Something that makes my house feel full of memories.
At Antiekcentrum Amsterdam, that’s possible.
From the outside, it looks small. But once inside, it keeps going and going!
You’ll find everything from vintage lamps and gilded mirror frames
to old wooden sculptures, vases, and furniture.
I once spotted a Rietveld-style chair — not original, but so well made I had to stop and admire it.
If your luggage is small, don’t worry. There are lots of tiny treasures too — perfect to take home.
Before buying, I took a break at the cozy little café inside.
It’s a lovely spot to sit, think, and decide what will fit your suitcase.
Time needed: 1 hour.
10. Visit the Van Gogh Museum Only If You Book Ahead
When I went, I didn’t realize you have to reserve online.
I have the Museumkaart, so I’m used to just walking in.
But there was a long line at the door, and they told me:
No entry without a time slot.
So, choose your date in advance and book your tickets early.
Even with a museum pass, a reservation is required.
Once inside, if you have a large bag or want to leave your coat,
there are lockers before you start your visit.
The museum is big — four floors!
Van Gogh painted hundreds of works in his short life,
and many are gathered right here.
At the end of our visit, we found a beautiful Monet exhibition on the lower level.
Seeing both Van Gogh and Monet in one place? Truly unforgettable.
Time needed: At least 2 hours
11. Take a Long Walk Along the Amstel River (For Nature Lovers)
If you’re craving a longer walk and a bit of nature, this one’s for you.
I started at the H’ART Museum and followed the Amstel River trail south, passing parks, open fields, and scenes far from the city, even though I was still in it.
This route features houseboats with vintage cars on the roof, old drawbridges, quiet locals on bikes, and even spots where Rembrandt once painted.
It’s a peaceful, scenic escape—perfect for anyone who enjoys urban hikes with real nature and a touch of history.
Time needed: 3–4 hours (full walk, depending on pace)
Start: Near H’ART Museum
More info: Amstel River Walk – Best Amsterdam Hiking Route + Map
12. Make Time to See Amsterdam at Night (and Grab a Drink)
After walking, visiting museums, and visiting canals, don’t forget to experience Amsterdam at night.
When the lights reflect on the water, the streets get quieter (except in the Red Light District).
Recently, I had the unique experience of stepping into In’t Aepjen, one of the city’s oldest pubs, nestled just off the Zeedijk. The building, with its roots dating back to 1519, is adorned with monkey carvings and tales from the city’s maritime history.
Stepping into In’t Aepjen, I was immediately enveloped in a warm, relaxed atmosphere that contrasted with the bustling district outside.
The bartender’s excellent service made me feel right at home, and the overall vibe was perfect.
Try: Jenever or local beer.
Location: Zeedijk 1, near Centraal Station
Final Thoughts on Visiting Amsterdam
Three days won’t let you see everything in Amsterdam, but this city is different. It’s not about ticking off a checklist; it’s about immersing yourself in its unique charm.
Amsterdam is a city of contrasts, with its bustling city center, serene canals, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Understanding the layout can help you plan your days more effectively.
The city is best when you slow down and mix the must-sees with moments that aren’t on any list: a quiet canal, a local café, a walk with no destination.
I hope these ideas help you shape a trip that feels like yours, whether you’re here for art, food, nature, or just the vibe.
This post shows you: Is 3 Days Enough in Amsterdam? What to See & Do
Other articles about planning a visit to the Netherlands
Jewish Quarter Amsterdam Walking Tour: History & Sights
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
Best Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train or Bus
